Parasound Halo C1 Controller manual Online Sources for Further Information

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USING THE MAIN CONTROLS continued

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wraps the sound of the front left and right speakers around the listening area, and Dimension, which moves the surround field toward the back or front of the room. These adjustments are made through the Dolby/DTS setup page of the Audio Setup menu (see page 24).

•Dolby Digital EX: An enhancement of the original Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround system, it adds back- of-the-room surround information to the information coming from the surround speakers at the room’s sides. It can be used with a 6.1-channel speaker setup having one surround back speaker, or with a 7.1- channel setup having two surround back speakers. If the program includes an EX “flag” signal, and if “EX Enable” is set to “Auto” (page 35), the C 1 will select this mode automatically. The Dolby EX mode can be selected manually for the many EX DVDs that lack the flag. A list of Surround EX films can be found at www.dolby.com/movies/films_previous.html.

•Dolby 2/0: Two channel stereo recordings using the Dolby Digital signal format. Processing modes avail- able are mostly the same as those for stereo CDs.

•THX: In modes where it is available, THX processing is controlled by the THX key on the Master remote’s first C1/C2 page, not by the remote’s Mode keys or the SURROUND button on the C 1. The varieties of THX processing are described below:

•THX Cinema: This is the basic THX processing mode. (To save space, it is shown only as “THX” on the C 1’s front-panel display.) When activated from mono or stereo mode (or Direct mode, with Dolby 2/0 sig- nals), this processing includes only re-equalization (to compensate for differences between home and the- ater acoustics, which would otherwise make movie soundtracks sound too bright) and timbre matching (to maintain frequency balance between front and surround channels); see page 60. THX processing is also unavailable if no surround speakers are selected in “Speaker setup/Size”, except in mono and stereo modes.

•THX Surround EX: A THX-enhanced version of Dolby EX for movie soundtracks; it is available only in sys- tems with one or more surround back speakers in addition to L and R surround speakers. To select it,

press the THX key once or twice (depending on Setup entries and the input signal) while in Direct mode.

•THX Ultra2 Cinema: A version of THX Surround EX for systems having two surround back speakers in addition

to L and R surround speakers. It is engaged by pressing the THX key again while in THX Surround EX mode.

•THX MusicMode: Similar to THX Ultra2 Cinema, but for 7.1-channel listening with 5.1-channel music record- ings, which are mixed differently than movie soundtracks. With a full 7.1-channel speaker setup, it provides a wide, stable rear soundstage, placing surround sounds to best suit music playback. It is reached by pressing the THX key yet again while in THX Ultra2 Cinema mode.

•DTS-ES: An enhancement of the DTS 5.1-channel surround system which adds back-of-the-room surround infor- mation. In DTS-ES Discrete soundtracks, this is carried on a discrete, or independent, channel. In DTS-ES Matrix soundtracks, it is encoded as a matrix that is carried by the left and right surround channels. In Setup you can elect to play Surround-back information through one (6.1-channel) or two (7.1-channel) surround-back speakers.

•DTS 96/24: A DVD encoding system that delivers up to 5.1 channels of 24-bit audio, with potential for fre- quency response up to 48 kHz. DTS 96/24 signals are contained in a conventional bitstream that is available from any DVD player's 48-kHz digital output jack; the C 1 decodes these signals at this same sampling rate to reduce potential noise resulting from multiple DSP clock rates, then treats them like normal DTS 5.1 signals.

•DTS Neo:6 Cinema: For 6.1-channel decoding of movies with surround-encoded, two-channel soundtracks; adds a single rear channel (which can be fed to two surround back speakers); not available in systems with no surround back speakers.

•DTS Neo:6 Music: Similar to Neo:6 Cinema, but for music. It feeds stereo signals directly to the front channels, bypassing the decoder, while feeding the center, surround side, and surround back channels with ambient information derived from the recording, to add spaciousness.

•DTS Neo:6: Extracts rear surround information from DTS 3/2.1 tracks, Not available for other signals.

•DTS Neo:6 / Matrix: Extracts rear surround information from DTS-ES Matrix signals. Not available for other signals, including DTS-ES Discrete signals, which carry discrete rear-channel information.

•DTS 2/0: Two channel stereo recordings using the DTS signal format. Processing modes available are mostly the same as those for stereo CDs.

•Music Modes: Spatial effects, available only with two-channel signals. Natural generates 5.1-channel sur- round from stereo signals without adding reverberation. Club and Concert extract ambient information from the signal and add reverberation, to make the music sound as if performed in a small to medium or large space, respectively. The amount of reverberation can be adjusted through Audio Setup (page 25). Party feeds duplicated front-channel stereo signals to the surround (but not surround back) speakers; this spreads the sound more uniformly throughout the room.

Online Sources for Further Information:

www.dolby.com, www.dtsonline.com, www.thx.com, www.parasound.com/halo

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Contents Controller Congratulations, and Thank You for Choosing Parasound Thank YOUParasound Staff Keeping Records for Future Reference Table of Contents Placement Guidelines Unpacking and Placement Guidelines for the CUnpacking Your C Rack Mounting Your Parasound CMaking Connections a Preview Getting StartedGetting Started AC Connection and PowerN t r o l l e r Controls and OperationGetting Started Main Operations On-Off, Volume, Source Selection Using the Main ControlsOn-Off Volume and Muting Using the Main ControlsChanging Your Listening and Viewing Source Using Audio RecordersSelecting Sound Patterns Listening Modes Online Sources for Further Information DTS Listening Modes and the Signals They Work WithDual-Zone Operation Using the Status and Info Buttons and the DisplaysMaster Remote and the C 1 Controller Using the Master and Sidekick RemotesUsing the Master and Sidekick Remotes 2 of the C1/C2 Menu Using the Master and Sidekick Remotes3 of the C1/C2 Menu Printed Buttons and the CCircular thumbpad on the Master remote changes the C Controlling Other Components In Your System Using the SideKick For Further Information Navigating the Setup Menus ADJUSTMENTS, MENUS, and SetupADJUSTMENTS, MENUS, and Setup Dolby/DTS Setup Audio SetupWoofers sound distorted and could, in very rare cases Preset SetupSpeaker Setup Distance Setup Level SetupAux Programmable Channel Setup Programming Aux Channels 9 Ch 9 or 10 Config Setup brings up this submenuMix Levels Level and Distance Autocalibrate Front-panel knob on the C2. When you have changed Source SetupPlay some music that you know has high peak levels, Ntsc Display SetupTHX Audio Setup Trigger SetupParasound Halo Setup Halo Setup SoftwareConnection Types Connecting Audio and Video Sources and RecordersGeneral Rules When Connecting Sources to the C Connecting Audio and Video Sources and RecordersConnecting a DVD Or Other Video Source Component to the C Connecting a CD or Other Audio Source Component to the CWhat You May Need Component Component Video Inputs and Outputs Connecting a Multichannel Source to the COutput Connecting a Balanced-Output Audio SourceComposite Video Digital Audio Record Out Outputs Connecting RecordersAnalog Recording Via the Tape Monitor Jacks Connecting a Digital Audio Recorder Video Inputs Video Outputs Connecting a Video RecorderMain Audio Outputs Connecting the Audio and Video OutputsAmplifier Alternatives Connecting the Audio and Video OutputsConnecting Video Displays Connecting the Audio and Video OutputsParasound Products, Inc Connecting a Second Entertainment ZoneProgramming New Channels Input/Output Summary RS-232 Control Control ConnectionsIR Inputs Volt Triggers Control ConnectionsTrouble Probable Cause Remedy Troubleshooting GuideHeadphones Troubleshooting GuideRemote control does Servicing Your C Procedure for Returning your C 1 to Parasound for ServiceIf All Else Fails Call Us for Help Important Notice Shipping the CBalanced and Unbalanced Analog Audio Connections Technically SpeakingPreventing or Minimizing Hum and Buzz Technically SpeakingUsing Unmatched Power Amplifiers Helpful Web Addresses Audio and Video Circuit Path Topologies Parasound C 1 Design OverviewParasound C 1 Design Overview Parasound C 1 Specifications Index Index Parasound Products, Inc Battery Street, San Francisco, CA

Halo C1 Controller specifications

The Parasound Halo C1 Controller emerges as a premium choice for audio enthusiasts seeking high-performance home theater solutions. This exceptional product combines innovative technology with user-friendly features, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience for both music and movie lovers.

At its core, the Halo C1 Controller serves as a powerful preamplifier and processor, designed to manage and control audio and video signals effectively. It is equipped with a balanced XLR input and multiple RCA inputs, allowing seamless integration with various audio sources. With support for high-resolution audio formats, including PCM and DSD, the Halo C1 delivers pristine sound quality that enhances the listening experience.

One of the defining characteristics of the Halo C1 is its advanced digital processing capabilities. The unit features Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, along with several proprietary audio technologies that elevate its performance. Its ability to upmix stereo signals into multi-channel formats contributes to an immersive surround sound experience, making it an ideal companion for both music playback and movie watching.

The Halo C1 also boasts an intuitive user interface, complete with an easy-to-navigate on-screen display. This feature simplifies the setup and configuration process, allowing users to personalize their audio experience to suit their preferences. For added convenience, the C1 supports remote control operation, enabling users to adjust settings without leaving their seats.

In terms of connectivity, the Halo C1 provides an impressive array of options. It includes HDMI inputs and outputs, ensuring compatibility with modern AV equipment and facilitating the transmission of high-definition video alongside high-fidelity audio. Additionally, it features variable and fixed outputs, making it adaptable for different system configurations.

Another standout feature of the Halo C1 is its robust power supply. The unit employs a toroidal transformer, ensuring clean and stable power delivery that translates into superior sound performance. This design choice minimizes power supply noise, which can adversely affect audio quality.

In conclusion, the Parasound Halo C1 Controller is a sophisticated and versatile audio solution that caters to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. With its exceptional performance, advanced technology, and user-friendly features, the Halo C1 stands out as a key component for creating a high-quality audio and video experience in any home entertainment system. Its ability to adapt and enhance the listening experience makes it a worthy investment for anyone serious about sound quality.
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