Harman-Kardon AVR65 manual Digital Audio Playback, Dolby Digital

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Digital Audio Playback

Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital (also known as AC-3) is a digital audio system that delivers up to five full-range surround channels (left, center, right, left surround and right surround) plus a special dedicated Low- Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. This represents a major advancement over traditional analog surround in that each surround channel is fully discrete and capable of full bandwidth reproduction. Dolby Digital is available on DVD and LV discs, and is a part of the new high- definition television (HDTV) system and digital TV.

DTS

DTS is another digital audio system that is also capable of delivering up to five full-range audio channels (left front, center, right front, right surround and left surround) along with a special low- frequency channel. Although both DTS and Dolby Digital are digital, they use different methods of encoding the signals on a disc, and thus it requires different decoding circuits than Dolby Digital to convert the signals back to analog.

DTS encoded soundtracks are available on select DVD and LD discs, as well as on special audio-only DTS discs. You may use any LD or CD player equipped with a digital output to play DTS encoded discs with the AVR65. All that is required is to connect the player’s output to either the Coaxial or Optical input on the rear panel ¡á.

In order to listen to DVDs encoded with DTS sound track, the DVD player must be compatible with the DTS signal, as indi- cated by a DTS log on the player’s front panel. Note that early DVD players may not be able to play DTS encoded DVDs.

This does not indicate a problem with the AVR65, as some players cannot pass the DTS signal through to the digital out- puts. If you are in doubt as to the ability of your DVD player to handle DTS discs, consult the player’s owner’s manual.

To utilize the digital modes you must have a digital source properly connected to the AVR65. Connect the Digital datas- tream outputs from DVD players, HDTV receivers and CD players to the Coaxial or Optical inputs on the rear panel ¡ á. Note that an optional, external RF demodulator is required to use the AVR65 to listen to the Dolby Digital soundtracks available on laser discs. Connect the RF output of the LD player to the demodula- tor, and then connect the digital output of the demodulator to the the Coaxial or Optical inputs ¡á of the AVR65. No demodulator is required for use with DTS encoded laser discs. In order to provide a backup signal and a source for recording, the analog outputs provided on digital source equipment should also be con- nected to their appropriate inputs on the AVR65 rear panel (e.g., connect the analog stereo audio output from a DVD to the DVD inputs ¦ on the rear panel when you connect the digital outputs.)

When playing back a digital source, first select the input using the remote or front panel controls as outlined above. Next select the digital source by pressing the appropriate Digital Input button w

öand then using the Ú/ Û buttons g on the remote or the Selector buttons üon the front panel to choose either

COAXIALor OPTICAL, as it appears in the Main Information Display U or on-screen display. Press the Set button i÷ to enter the desired choice. When the digital source is playing, the AVR65 will automatically

detect if it is a multichannel Dolby Digital or DTS source or a conventional PCM signal, which is the standard output from CD players. An indicator will light in the Information Display to confirm the digi- tal signal is AC-3 H or PCM I and if the source is OPTICAL E or COAX G.

When a digital source is playing, the AVR65 will automatically switch to the proper surround mode. It is important to note, however, that not all Dolby Digital or DTS sources are encoded with the full complement of five channels plus LFE. When a digital source is playing, the Main Information Display U or on-screen display will change to show the input source and digital type (OPTICAL or COAX). When a source with digital encoding is playing, the input source name will appear in the Information Display or on-screen display, followed by a numeric key to the type and number of channels being decoded as follows:

3/2.1: This message appears when a full complement of Dolby Digital signals is present: 3 front channels (left, center and right), 2 surround channels (surround left and surround right) and “1” channel, which is the dedicated Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel.

3/1: This message indicates the system is decoding a standard Dolby Pro Logic signal with left, center and right front channels and a signal mono surround channel.

2/0: This message indicates that the system is decoding a traditional two-channel stereo signal and that no center, surround or LFE signals are present.

AVR65 120 volt Rev (C) 10/6/98