Using listening mode

The TX-DS696’s surround sound enables you to enjoy the presence of a movie theater or concert hall in your room.

The configuration of the speakers are very important for the surround sound. Refer to “Connecting speakers” on page 17.

Before using a listening mode, make sure the Speaker Setup parameters have been set (refer to page 22-24). Once the parameters have been set, it is not necessary to set them again.

Listening modes

Stereo

This mode has all input sounds output from the left and right front speakers.

Direct

This mode delivers pure sound with minimum sound quality adjustment and filtration. The sound recorded for the right and left front channels is output to the right and left front speakers only and not output to the subwoofer.

Surround modes

With this mode, decoding is performed automatically to match the input signal. This original mode adds no sound processing to the input signal.

Dolby D (Dolby Digital)

Digital data with AC-3 compression and a maximum of 5.1- channel* surround sound. This source signal comes from DVDs

and LDs that have the mark and therefore recorded for 5.1- channel output. This source also comes from digital satellite broadcasts that support dolby Digital.

DTS

DTS (Digital Theater System) is compressed digital data with a maximum 5.1-channel* surround output that allows for an extremely high-quality sound. This source signal requires a

DVD player that supports DTS output and comes from compact discs, DVDs, and LDs that have the mark.

Notes on DTS:

If you play a CD or LD that supports DTS when the “Analog” setting is selected on the TX-DS696, the DTS encoded signal will not be decoded and noise will be output. This noise could damage the amplifier and speakers. Therefore, be sure to selected “Auto” and use the digital input jacks (OPTICAL or COAXIAL) to connect the DTS source.

The DTS indicator on the TX-DS696 lights while a DTS source is played. When playback finishes and the DTS signal transmission stops, the TX-DS696 remains in DTS mode and the DTS indicator remains lit. This prevents noise when you operate the pause or skip button on the player. Therefore, if the source is immediately switched from DTS to PCM, the PCM signal may not be played. In this case, stop the playback of the source on the player for about three seconds and then resume playback.

If you press the pause or skip button on the player while playing a DTS source, on rare occasions a short noise may be heard. This is not a malfunction.

You may not be able to play some DTS source signals from certain CD players and LD players even if you connect the player to the TX-DS696 digitally. This is because the digital signal has been processed (such as the output level, sampling frequency, or frequency response) and the TX-DS696 cannot recognize the signal as DTS data. Therefore you may hear noise when you play a DTS source while processing the signal.

The outputs for the VIDEO 1 OUT, VIDEO 2 OUT, TAPE OUT, output analog audio signals. Do not record from CDs or LDs that support DTS using these outputs. If you do, the DTS-encoded signal will be recorded as noise.

* The 5.1-channel digital surround format has a variety of versions including Dolby Digital and DTS. The 5.1- channel digital surround format enables you to individually record and play five full-range (20 Hz to 20 kHz) channels (left and right front, center, and two surround channels) plus an LFE channel (Low Frequency Effect) for the low-range effect sound. It will create a realistic sound that can be heard in the theaters and concert halls.

DOLBY PRO LOGIC II Surround

This mode is a new generation 5-channel surround system that provides performance between the 4-channel (left front, right front, center, and monaural surround) Pro Logic Surround and the 5.1-channel Dolby Digital Surround. This mode can be set to the Movie mode designed for playing movies and the Music mode designed for listening to music. The Movie mode is monaural except for a stereo narrow band for the surround channels. The result is movie viewing with a realistic feel of movement. The Music mode uses the surround channels to provide a natural sound space that cannot be provided with normal stereo output.

This mode can be used with VHS and DVD videos with the

mark and certain television programs. The Music mode can be used with music compact discs and other stereo sources.

You can press the SURR button on the remote controller to switch between MOVIE and MUSIC. The initial setting is MOVIE. This setting can be made for each input source.

If no surround speakers are connected, then the surround sound is divided and output from the front left and right channels (3 stereo).

Orchestra

This mode is appropriate for classical and opera music. The center channel is cut and the surround channels are emphasized to widen the stereo image. It will simulate the natural reverberation that is created in large halls.

TV Logic

This mode gives realistic acoustics to TV programs that are aired from TV studios. It enhances the entire surround sound and clarity of the conversation.

Unplugged

This mode is suitable for acoustical instrumental sounds, vocals, and jazz music. By emphasizing the front stereo image, it will simulate the acoustics that you would experience in front of the stage.

Studio-Mix

This mode is for rock and popular music. The lively sounds are enhanced for a powerful acoustic image that simulates the feeling of being in a club or rock concert.

All Ch Stereo

This mode is designed for playing background music. The front, surround, and surround back channels create a stereo image that encompasses the entire area.

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Onkyo TX-DS696 appendix Using listening mode, Listening modes

TX-DS696 specifications

The Onkyo TX-DS696 is a powerful and versatile home theater receiver that has left a significant mark in the world of audio and video entertainment. Launched to cater to audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts, this receiver is known for its robust performance, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly features, making it a popular choice among consumers.

At the heart of the TX-DS696 is its impressive multichannel processing capabilities. Supporting Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats, it delivers immersive audio experiences that enhance the enjoyment of movies, music, and games. The 5.1 channel configuration allows for exceptional sound staging, giving users a truly cinematic experience right in their living rooms.

One of the standout features of the TX-DS696 is its advanced room calibration technology. The receiver analyzes the acoustic characteristics of the room and adjusts the speaker settings accordingly, optimizing sound quality for any space. This ensures that listeners can enjoy a balanced audio performance regardless of their room’s layout or size.

Connection options are plentiful, with multiple audio and video inputs that facilitate direct connections to various devices. The receiver includes several composite and S-Video inputs, along with digital optical and coaxial inputs, allowing users to connect DVD players, gaming consoles, and other multimedia devices easily. The support for component video ensures high-quality image transfer, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy high-definition video.

In terms of power, the TX-DS696 boasts a robust amplifier section capable of delivering rich and dynamic sound across all channels. The built-in high-current amplification technology ensures that even demanding speakers are driven effortlessly, resulting in clean and distortion-free audio at all volume levels.

The user interface is intuitive, with an easy-to-read LCD display and a well-laid-out remote control that provides convenient access to all the receiver’s functions. Additionally, the Onkyo TX-DS696 is compatible with various external devices, allowing for custom configurations that cater to personal preferences.

Overall, the Onkyo TX-DS696 stands out as an exemplary home theater receiver that combines advanced technology, user-friendly features, and powerful performance. Whether you’re a dedicated home theater enthusiast or a casual listener, this receiver offers a rich audio experience that is hard to match. Its blend of performance, versatility, and value makes it a lasting favorite in the realm of home audio systems.