Source setup, Assigning video sources | Cambridge Audio 340Razur

4. Source setup

The next step is to select each source input in turn on the 340R and tell the unit the type of audio connection you want to use for that source (Analog or Digital input).

The 340R remembers this setting individually for every source input and automatically recalls it as and when you change source input.

Select the ‘Input Setup’ menu. Highlight each source in turn and select either analog or digital input types (use the Left and Right arrows):

Input Setup Menu

DVD : Digital

Video1 : Analog

Video2 : Analog

Video3 : Analog

Tuner : Analog

Tape : Analog

CD/Aux : Analog

5.1 Direct : Analog

Return To Menu

: [OSD]

Analog inputs will require a stereo phono/RCA to phono/RCA cable connection to the 340R. Digital inputs will require either a 75ohm digital type phono/RCA to phono/RCA co-axial cable (SPDIF) or an optical fibre cable (TOSLINK). The 340R will automatically use whichever is connected. Do not make connections to both the Optical and Co-axial inputs for a source.

Note: Video 3, Tuner, Tape and 5.1 Direct only have analog connections and so are not selectable in this menu.

Once you have set the audio types exit the OSD to save.

This setting can also be changed at any time without using the OSD by pressing the Input Mode button on the front panel (or Audio Type button on the remote). This will then cycle between analog or digital input types for the currently selected source; as usual they will then be remembered the next time you return to that source.

5. Assigning video sources

All of the 340R’s rear panel video inputs (S-Video/Composite, Component and HDMI) are freely assignable to the DVD, Video 1, Video 2, Tape/MD, CD/Aux and 5.1 Direct sources for maximum flexibility.

Select the ‘Input Assign’ menu. Highlight each Video input in turn and select a source to assign it to:

Input Assign Menu

S/Comp 1	: 5.1Direct
S/Comp 2	: DVD
Component1	: DVD
Component2	: Video1
HDMI1	: DVD
HDMI2	: Video1
Return To Menu		: [OSD]

Note: The 340R prevents you from setting two sources to the same video input, as this would cause problems, but doesn’t prevent you from setting the same source to different video inputs.

The 340R has two HMDI (High Definition Multi-Media Interface) inputs and one HDMI output. HDMI is a fully digital audio/video system that passes the picture and audio to the screen in digital format for best possible picture quality. DVI (Digital Video Interface) is a subset of HDMI that uses different connectors and only passes digital video to the TV/Monitor (no audio). The 340R is fully compatible with DVI in that simple passive DVI-HDMI adaptors are available which allow the conversion of the DVI connector to an HDMI format connector (and back again if required) for routing via the 340R. The 340R can switch both types of signal.

The 340R performs HDMI switching, not processing, it routes the HDMI signals from the source equipment to the TV/Monitor without any processing, so as far as the 340R is concerned there is no setup involved other than to assign the three inputs to a desired source. The 340R does not receive audio or video over the HDMI, so for surround- sound decoding etc, an audio connection must also be made from your HDMI source to the 340R. As with other sources this can be analog or digital audio. A digital audio SPDIF/Toslink connection is preferred and will be required if it is desired to decode surround-sound for the HDMI sources.

Press the OSD button to exit the menu.

HDMI Pre-Emphasis

The HDMI interface is generally specified for transmission over cable lengths up to 5m. Longer cable runs can sometimes be accommodated if very high quality HDMI cables are used. The 340R is able to apply some pre-emphasis to the HDMI signals to allow for cable losses in such situations. For cable runs less than 5m HDMI Pre Emphasis should generally be ‘Off’. For runs greater than 5m HDMI Pre Emphasis should be ‘On’.

Note: The maximum cable length possible depends on cable quality and to some extent on the resolution of the video being transmitted (i.e. higher bit rate signals are harder to transmit over long distances). Use only good quality HDMI cables. Poor quality cables can have problems with HDMI at only 5m and only very high quality cables will work at distances over 5m.

Select the ‘Output Setup’ menu, highlight ‘HDMI PRE’ and select either ‘Off’ or ‘On’:

Output Setup Menu

HDMI PRE

: On