Parasound Halo C1 Controller manual Getting Started

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8GETTING STARTED continued

The buttons are surrounded by a blue halo of light when the C 1 is turned on; the halo around every button (except DIM and STATUS) glows brighter when that button is pressed, and remains bright as long as the button’s function is active. The MUTE and MENU buttons stay active and bright until you turn them off. The SOURCE and SURROUND buttons, on the lower row, stay active and illuminated for 5 seconds, or for as long as you keep turning the knob to alter their set- tings. The ZONE button stays active and illuminated for 10 seconds, or for as long as you keep altering control settings. When any of these three buttons is active, the front-panel display will show the name of the control; for SOURCE and SURROUND it will also show a circular arrow (indicating that you can make selections for that button by turning the knob). When you turn the knob, the OSD on your video screen will show the settings for each input as you reach it.

When the front-panel ON-OFF button is switched off, the halo around it glows soft blue and the Parasound logo glows soft red. When the C 1 is turned on, the logo becomes brighter, the halos around the other buttons glow, and the front-panel display turns on. (Always turn the C 1 off with this button, or with one of the remote controls, before turning off the master power switch on the rear panel; this will prevent turn-off thumps being heard through your speakers.

The ZONE button selects whether the front-panel controls will affect the main (local) zone (where the C 1 is) or the second (remote) zone. While the Zone button is active, all front-panel and remote-control commands affect the remote zone in the same way they’d normally affect the main zone. The display clearly shows when the C 1 is in remote zone mode.

The SOURCE button turns the control knob into an input selector that cycles backward and for- ward through the audio and audio-video inputs.

The DISPLAY ZONE and DISPLAY MAIN buttons determine which zone’s video program will appear on the front-panel video display screen.

Pressing DISPLAY MAIN once turns the screen on and displays status information for the main zone. Pressing it a second time selects the video preview mode for the currently selected main- zone video program. Pressing the button a third time turns the display screen off.

Pressing the DISPLAY ZONE button previews the video program currently selected for the remote zone. Pressing the button a second time turns the display off.

The SURROUND button turns the control knob into a selector that cycles backward and forward through the available sound patterns. These patterns include various flavors of real and generated sur- round, stereo, and mono; the selection changes to match whatever input you’ve currently selected.

The two jacks at the far left of the panel are for headphones and for the calibration microphone supplied with the C 1 for automatic surround calibration (see pages 30-31). When you plug headphones in, the C 1 shuts off all main-zone outputs and switches out of surround mode. Recording and remote-zone outputs are not affected. When headphones are plugged in, “PHON” precedes volume readouts on the built-in display or OSD.

To the right of the jacks are the infrared sensor for remote control, the MUTE button (which cuts off the outputs in whichever zone you’re controlling at the time), and DIM (which varies display brightness), Muting is disabled when you raise the volume.

The front-panel display can show you the current status (source, operating modes, etc.) for the main or remote zone, setup menus, and whatever video program is selected for viewing in the main zone. The screen will remain off if neither the DISPLAY ZONE or the DISPLAY MAIN but- ton is pressed. However, each time you adjust volume or select a different input or mode in the main zone, it will turn on automatically to display these changes for a few seconds. You can cus- tomize the colors and other aspects of the information display; see Display Setup on page 34.

Pressing the STATUS button displays the C 1 Controller’s operating status. Pressing the STATUS button also exits any setup menu after saving your most recent selections.

Pressing the MENU button puts the C 1 in its setup mode and is also used to navigate between menus, advancing to the next setup menu with each push.

All these functions can be controlled from the C 1’s Master remote, and some are controllable from the SideKick. Both remotes can also be set up to control other components in your system, if those components are placed where the infrared beams from the remotes can reach them.

In the next three chapters, we’ll cover the C 1’s controls in more detail, including setup adjust- ments you (or your installer) can make to optimize the C 1 for your setup.

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Contents Controller Parasound Staff Keeping Records for Future Reference Thank YOUCongratulations, and Thank You for Choosing Parasound Table of Contents Unpacking and Placement Guidelines for the C Placement GuidelinesUnpacking Your C Rack Mounting Your Parasound CGetting Started Making Connections a PreviewAC Connection and Power Getting StartedControls and Operation N t r o l l e rGetting Started On-Off Using the Main ControlsMain Operations On-Off, Volume, Source Selection Using the Main Controls Volume and MutingUsing Audio Recorders Changing Your Listening and Viewing SourceSelecting Sound Patterns Listening Modes Online Sources for Further Information Listening Modes and the Signals They Work With DTSUsing the Status and Info Buttons and the Displays Dual-Zone OperationUsing the Master and Sidekick Remotes Master Remote and the C 1 ControllerUsing the Master and Sidekick Remotes Using the Master and Sidekick Remotes 2 of the C1/C2 Menu3 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 ADJUSTMENTS, MENUS, and Setup Navigating the Setup MenusADJUSTMENTS, MENUS, and Setup Audio Setup Dolby/DTS SetupPreset Setup Woofers sound distorted and could, in very rare casesSpeaker Setup Level Setup Distance SetupAux Programmable Channel Setup Mix Levels Ch 9 or 10 Config Setup brings up this submenuProgramming Aux Channels 9 Level and Distance Autocalibrate Source Setup Front-panel knob on the C2. When you have changedPlay some music that you know has high peak levels, Display Setup NtscTrigger Setup THX Audio SetupHalo Setup Software Parasound Halo SetupConnecting Audio and Video Sources and Recorders Connection TypesConnecting Audio and Video Sources and Recorders General Rules When Connecting Sources to the CWhat You May Need Connecting a CD or Other Audio Source Component to the CConnecting a DVD Or Other Video Source Component to the C Component Connecting a Multichannel Source to the C Component Video Inputs and OutputsConnecting a Balanced-Output Audio Source OutputConnecting Recorders Composite Video Digital Audio Record Out OutputsAnalog Recording Via the Tape Monitor Jacks Connecting a Digital Audio Recorder Connecting a Video Recorder Video Inputs Video OutputsConnecting the Audio and Video Outputs Main Audio OutputsConnecting the Audio and Video Outputs Amplifier AlternativesConnecting the Audio and Video Outputs Connecting Video DisplaysConnecting a Second Entertainment Zone Parasound Products, IncProgramming New Channels Input/Output Summary IR Inputs Control ConnectionsRS-232 Control Control Connections Volt TriggersTroubleshooting Guide Trouble Probable Cause RemedyTroubleshooting Guide HeadphonesRemote control does Procedure for Returning your C 1 to Parasound for Service Servicing Your CIf All Else Fails Call Us for Help Important Notice Shipping the CTechnically Speaking Balanced and Unbalanced Analog Audio ConnectionsTechnically Speaking Preventing or Minimizing Hum and BuzzUsing Unmatched Power Amplifiers Helpful Web Addresses Parasound C 1 Design Overview Audio and Video Circuit Path TopologiesParasound 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.