Parasound Halo C1 Controller manual Connecting Audio and Video Sources and Recorders

38CONNECTING AUDIO AND VIDEO SOURCES AND RECORDERS continued

against hum and other noises, especially if your equipment rack is crowded with other components or your cables are more than 10 feet (3 meters) long. (For more information, refer to the “Balanced and Unbalanced Lines” section in the “Technically Speaking” section toward the end of this manual.) Balanced and unbalanced input signals normally appear at both the balanced and unbalanced outputs (including the recording outputs). However, in Bypass mode (see the chapter on “Adjustments, Menus, and Setup”), when the balanced input is selected its signal passes straight to the front left and front right balanced outputs, and unbalanced signals go only to the unbalanced outputs. Signals from balanced or unbalanced analog sources do not appear at the digital outputs of the C 1.

For best playback performance from digital sources (such as CD, DVD, and DAT players or recorders), connect them to the digital inputs of the C 1. It usually makes little difference whether you use coaxial connections (black RCA jacks on the C 1) or optical connections (small square Toslink connectors); however, if the cables must make sharp bends, optical cables should not be used. Signals from the digital inputs also pass through the 24-bit digital-to-analog converters in the C 1 to appear at its main analog outputs. When Toslink jacks are not in use, they should be protect- ed from dust with the small black plastic plugs supplied.

General Rules When Connecting Sources to the C 1:

•To avoid sudden blasts of noise (which can harm your speakers), make sure the power cord of the C 1 is disconnected, or that its rear-panelpower switch is turned off (the “0” position).

•Make sure all your cables are long enough so that they are not strained or stretched when you pull the C 1 out to make or change connections.

•Don’t use excessively long cables; they cost more money, get in your way, and can reduce signal quality.

Note: Although analog audio cables have the same plugs as coaxial digital cables, they do not have the proper characteristics to transfer digital signals properly. However, composite-video cables (which usually have yellow plugs) can be used.

The following table summarizes the relationships between the different types of input and output in the C 1:

AUDIO	MAIN	BALANCED	RECORD 1 &	TAPE	DIGITAL	ZONE
INPUTS/OUTPUTS	OUTPUTS	OUTPUTS	RECORD 2	MONITOR	OUTPUTS	OUTPUT
			OUTPUTS	REC/OUT
		Available From
Unbalanced Analog In	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Balanced In – Normal	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Balanced In – Bypass	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
Tape Monitor Play/In	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Digital Inputs	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
7.1-Channel
Analog Inputs	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

VIDEO	COMPOSITE	S-VIDEO	COMPONENT	COMPOSITE	S-VIDEO	ZONE
INPUTS/OUTPUTS	VIDEO	OUTPUTS	VIDEO	VIDEO	REC/OUT	OUTPUT
	OUTPUTS		OUTPUT	REC/OUT
		Available From
Composite Video In	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
S-video In	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Component Video In	No	No	Yes	No	No	No

Note: Programmable Outputs can access the same sources as the Main Outputs.