Arcam AVR600 decoding modes, Introduction, Two-channelsource modes, E-40, Mode memory, Stereo

decoding

modes

Introduction

Your AVR600 receiver or AV888 pre-amp provides all the key decoding and processing modes for analogue and digital signals, including the latest high definition audio formats over HDMI.

Modes for digital sources

Digital recordings are usually encoded to include information about their format type. The unit detects automatically the relevant format in a digital signal – such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital, or DTS – and switches in the appropriate decoding.

Modes for analogue sources

Analogue recordings do not contain information about their encoding formats, so the desired mode – such as Dolby Pro Logic – needs to be selected manually.

Mode memory

Dolby Digital or DTS audio (including the high definition formats) can be output in two mix modes, selected using the mode button:

<Surround (e.g., five main channels plus a subwoofer for a 5.1 source)

<Stereo downmix.

Two-channel audio, regardless of whether it is analogue or digital can also be output in two mix modes, selected using the mode button:

<Surround (e.g., Dolby Pro Logic II Movie, Neo:6 Music, etc.)

<Stereo.

The AVR600/AV888 stores the settings for each source (except MCH). Thus the decoding mode for the following groups of source material can be stored independently:

<Dolby Digital (multichannel) and DTS source material

<Two channel Dolby, PCM or Analogue source material

Two-channel source modes

The following decoding and surround modes are available for standard and high definition Dolby Digital 2.0, DTS 2.0, PCM or analogue sources:

Stereo

Pro Logic II Movie

Pro Logic II Music

Pro Logic II Game

Pro Logic IIx Movie

Pro Logic IIx Music

Pro Logic IIx Game

Pro Logic

Neo:6 Cinema

Neo:6 Music

NOTE

Pro Logic IIx modes are only selectable when Surround Back speakers are present.

Stereo

In this mode the unit works as a conventional high quality audio amplifier. Note that if the subwoofer is enabled in stereo mode, then some processing of the signal will be carried out. To achieve ultimate sound quality with analogue sources, select the Stereo Direct function if an analogue connection is present.

Dolby Pro Logic II

Dolby Pro Logic II decoding is designed to produce five- channel output from two-channel source material.

There are three different modes available in Pro Logic II: ‘Movie’, ‘Music’ and ‘Game’ modes, which are intended for use as their names suggest. Due to the different recording methods used for movies, music and video games, it is recommended that the correct decoding mode for your source material is used to obtain best results.

<Movie mode: This is intended for use with ‘cinematic’ material, which is mixed and monitored in a calibrated multichannel environment. Movie mode is a ‘fixed’ mode that is designed to give a similar sound when listening using a home cinema system to that obtained in a cinema.

<Music mode : Stereo music is not designed for surround processing, although good surround effects can be obtained through careful production. As the optimum decoding method varies according

to the recording, Music mode allows the user adjustment of the processing characteristics.

<Game mode: Video games today are extremely sophisticated, with dramatic 5.1 surround audio tracks. Game mode gives augmented bass management to capture the full effect of game sounds panned to the surrounds, ensuring the bass impact from purer surround effects are fully delivered to the subwoofer.

Dolby Pro Logic IIx

Dolby Pro Logic IIx is an extension of the Dolby Pro Logic matrix-decoding method. The decoder allows the processor to derive seven outputs from a two or multichannel (up to 5.1 with EX) source to take better advantage of all amplifiers and speakers in a 7.1 setup. As with Pro Logic, there are three different modes available: Movie, Music and Game. Due to different recording methods used for movies and music, you should select the correct mode for your source material.

Dolby Pro Logic

Dolby Pro Logic is a legacy mode that is designed to produce a five-channel output from two-channel source material. It should be used only when the source material is encoded as Dolby Pro Logic; otherwise, we recommend the use of Dolby Pro Logic II. This is because Pro Logic processing on straight stereo sources can sound muffled and compressed.

DTS Neo:6

DTS Neo:6 provides up to six full-band channels of decoding from stereo material. The AVR600 or AV888 will derive separate channels corresponding to the standard home theatre layout.

<Cinema : A movie mode designed to reproduce a movie theatre environment. Neo:6 technology allows various sound elements within a channel or channels to be steered separately, and in a way which follows the original presentation naturally.

<Music : A music mode designed to produce a lively, high-integrity surround-effect from most two- channel music sources from all available speakers. Neo:6 music mode expands stereo recordings into the five or six-channel layout without diminishing the subtlety and integrity of the original stereo recording.

E-40