TX-SR304_En.book Page 46 Tuesday, January 24, 2006 10:01 AM

Using the Listening Modes—Continued

About the Listening Modes

With its built-in surround-sound decoders and DSP pro- grams, the AV receiver can transform your home listen- ing room into a movie theater or concert hall.

This illustration shows which speakers are active in each listening mode.

Front left

Center

Front right

 

 

 

 

Subwoofer

 

 

 

 

Surround

 

Surround

 

left

 

right

Direct

The selected input source is output directly with minimal processing for a pure sound.

Stereo

The selected input source is processed as a stereo signal and output by the front left and right speakers and the subwoofer.

Mono

Use this mode when watching an old movie with a mono soundtrack, or to select multilingual soundtracks recorded in the left and right channels of some movies. It can also be used when playing a DVD or other source with multiplexed audio, such as a karaoke DVD.

Dolby Pro Logic II Movie

Use this mode with DVDs and vid- eos that bear the Dolby Surround

logo or TV shows that feature Dolby Surround. You can also use this mode with stereo movies or TV shows and the AV receiver will create a 5.1 surround mix from the 2-channel stereo.

Dolby Pro Logic II Music

Use this mode to add 5.1 surround to stereo sources such as music CDs and DVDs.

Dolby Pro Logic II Game

Use this mode when playing game discs.

Dolby Digital

With this format you can experience the same superb sound that you get at a movie theater or concert hall. Use this mode with DVDs that bear the Dolby Digital logo.

DTS

This digital surround format offers a sur- round sound experience with exceptional fidelity. It uses compressed digital audio data, with six discrete channels (5.1), and the

ability to handle large amounts of audio data while remaining faithful to the original. DTS provides very high-quality sound. You’ll need a DTS compatible DVD

player in order to enjoy DTS material. Use this mode with DVDs and CDs that bear the DTS logo.

Neo:6

This mode provides 5.1-channel playback from 2-chan- nel sources. It offers five full-bandwidth channels with excellent separation. There are two modes of operation: Cinema mode for movies, and Music mode for listening to music.

Cinema mode simulates the realistic sense of movement that you get with 5.1-channel surround sound sources. Use this mode with videos, DVDs, and TV shows that feature stereo sound.

Music mode uses the surround channels to simulate a natural sound field that cannot be produced with conven- tional stereo. Use this mode with stereo material such as music CDs.

Onkyo Original DSP Modes

Mono Movie

This mode is suitable for use with old movies and other mono sound sources. The center speaker outputs the sound as it is, while reverb is applied to the sound output by the other speakers, giving presence to even mono material.

Orchestra

Suitable for classical or operatic music. The surround channels are emphasized in order to widen the stereo image. In addition, it simulates the natural reverberation of a large hall.

Unplugged

Suitable for acoustic instrument sounds, vocals, and jazz music. By emphasizing the front stereo image, it simu- lates the stage-front experience.

Studio-Mix

Suitable for rock and pop music. Listening to music in this mode creates a lively sound field with a powerful acoustic image, like being at a club or rock concert.

TV Logic

Adds realistic acoustics to TV shows produced in a TV studio. In addition, it adds surround effects to the entire sound and adds clarity to voices.

All Ch Stereo

Ideal for background music. The front, surround, and surround back channels create a stereo image that fills the entire listening area.

Full Mono

In this mode, all speakers output mono audio, so the music sounds the same regardless of where you are.

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Onkyo TX-SR404, TX-SR8440, TX-SR304E Using the Listening Modes, About the Listening Modes, Onkyo Original DSP Modes, Dts

TX-SR304E, TX-SR404, TX-SR8440 specifications

Onkyo has established itself as a noteworthy name in the world of home theater receivers, offering a range of models suited for various audio needs. Among these, the TX-SR304E, TX-SR404, and TX-SR8440 stand out with their distinctive features and technologies, catering to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The TX-SR304E is an entry-level receiver that packs a punch in terms of performance and functionality. This 5.1-channel receiver boasts 75 watts per channel, ensuring it can deliver a robust audio experience for movies and music. It features Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, making it a great option for those who wish to enjoy surround sound. The straightforward user interface makes it easy to set up and operate, and it supports a variety of audio formats, including WMA, MP3, and PCM. Its multiple input options, including optical and coaxial connections, provide flexibility to connect various audio sources.

Moving up the line, the TX-SR404 offers enhanced capabilities with its more powerful output and additional features. With 100 watts per channel, it adds not only volume but also clarity across a wider range of audio frequencies. This 7.1-channel receiver supports advanced sound processing technologies, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, ensuring an immersive cinematic experience. The inclusion of Onkyo’s proprietary AccuEQ makes room calibration a breeze, delivering tailored audio settings based on the acoustics of your space. HDMI connectivity allows for high-definition audio and video through a single cable, making installation simpler and cleaner.

At the top of the range, the TX-SR8440 presents a premium option for serious home theater enthusiasts. It features a robust 130 watts per channel output and supports 7.2 channels, allowing for a more expansive surround sound setup. With advanced technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the TX-SR8440 takes home cinema to new heights, offering a three-dimensional audio experience. The receiver also includes extensive connectivity options, including multiple HDMI inputs, USB inputs, and network capabilities for streaming high-resolution audio directly from music services. Additionally, the built-in Bluetooth technology facilitates wireless audio streaming from smart devices, enhancing convenience.

Each of these Onkyo models reflects the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality and versatility, making them ideal choices for home audio systems, regardless of the user's experience level. Whether for casual listening or immersive home theater experiences, the TX-SR304E, TX-SR404, and TX-SR8440 have features that cater to diverse needs and preferences, standing as testament to Onkyo's engineering excellence in audio technology.