USING THE MAIN CONTROLS continued

11

 

 

 

Changing Your Listening and Viewing Source

The C 1 Controller can accept up to four audio and six audio/video sources. There are several ways to select a new source for listening or viewing.

•If you press the SOURCE button at the lower right of the C 1 front panel, its halo will glow a brighter blue and the front-panel knob temporarily changes its function from volume control to input source selector. As you turn the knob, information for each input will appear in the front-panel dis- play screen. If the display was already showing a video program, input information will now appear. It will either be superimposed on the program or it will appear on a blank background in place of the program, depending on the choices you made in Display Setup (page 34). Five seconds after you stop turning the knob, it resumes its volume-control function and the display reverts to whatever video program it was showing originally.

•The Master remote control supplied with the C 1 can be used to select any source directly. Source selection is made from Page 2 of the C1/C2 screen, by pressing the small key next to the name of the source you want. To get to that page, press the remote’s MAIN button, press the small key next to “C1/C2” on the screen, then press the PAGE button until Page 2 comes up on the screen. If your remote has been custom-programmed by your dealer or installer, the screen will show the names of the source equipment in your system, rather than the factory- loaded, generic names shown on the preceding page.

•Page 1 of the C1/C2 screen gives access to the tape monitor input (which is available only from the Master remote) and the 7.1-channel analog input. Neither the tape monitor nor the 7.1-channel analog input is associated with any specific video inputs; to use either while watching a video source, select that source first, then select tape monitor or 7.1-channel input for the sound.

•If you don’t want to accidentally select inactive inputs, you can use Autosearch. Press the cen- ter of the Master remote’s round thumbpad, and the C 1 will shift to the next active input – that is, the next one receiving either a video or digital audio signal. Autosearch automatically skips any inputs that are unused or whose source components are stopped (rather than in play/pause) or turned off. (It will also skip any inputs receiving only component video and analog audio.) The name of the currently selected source will appear on the C 1 display if it is in status mode or if it is in video preview mode and “superimpose” has been selected in Display Setup (page 34).

•With the Master remote’s display showing any of the three C1/C2 control pages, rocking the remote’s round thumbpad to the right or left will cycle through the C 1’s ten inputs.

•As delivered from the factory, the SideKick remote’s CH up and down buttons cycle through the C 1’s ten inputs. It’s common, however, for dealers, installers, and owners to reprogram these buttons to change channels on your TV, cable, or satellite receiver.

You can customize or change the input names that appear on the C 1, using the Master remote (see

“Source Setup” in “Adjustments, Menus, and Setup”). To change the names that appear on the screen of the remote itself, you will need a PC and the Halo version of the MX-Editor software; this software and its instructions can be downloaded from www.parasound.com/halo. A separate user manual is supplied with the remotes, and additional copies can be downloaded from the same Web site.

Using Audio Recorders

The C 1 has two types of recorder connection, each with its own advantages.

The Tape Monitor connections enable you to listen to the output from an audio recorder while a recording is being made. If you have an analog recorder with separate recording and playback heads, you can use the monitor feature to hear exactly how your recording sounds, by listening to the output from its playback head. If you are recording through the analog inputs of a digital recorder, this feature also alerts you to distortion caused by excessive signal levels, without your having to keep watching a meter or other level indicator. The Rec/Out jack in the Tape Monitor section carries whatever analog signal you select for the main listening zone, with the excep- tions of balanced inputs in Bypass mode and the 7.1-channel analog input.

The Record outputs in the Video, S-Video, and Analog Audio output sections of the rear panel also carry the video and analog audio signals playing in the main zone. Avoid setting the source selector to an audio or video deck while it’s recording from the Record outputs, or you’ll get

Page 10 Page 12
Page 11
Image 11
Parasound Halo C1 Controller manual Changing Your Listening and Viewing Source, Using Audio Recorders
Page 10 Page 12

Halo C1 Controller specifications

The Parasound Halo C1 Controller emerges as a premium choice for audio enthusiasts seeking high-performance home theater solutions. This exceptional product combines innovative technology with user-friendly features, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience for both music and movie lovers.

At its core, the Halo C1 Controller serves as a powerful preamplifier and processor, designed to manage and control audio and video signals effectively. It is equipped with a balanced XLR input and multiple RCA inputs, allowing seamless integration with various audio sources. With support for high-resolution audio formats, including PCM and DSD, the Halo C1 delivers pristine sound quality that enhances the listening experience.

One of the defining characteristics of the Halo C1 is its advanced digital processing capabilities. The unit features Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, along with several proprietary audio technologies that elevate its performance. Its ability to upmix stereo signals into multi-channel formats contributes to an immersive surround sound experience, making it an ideal companion for both music playback and movie watching.

The Halo C1 also boasts an intuitive user interface, complete with an easy-to-navigate on-screen display. This feature simplifies the setup and configuration process, allowing users to personalize their audio experience to suit their preferences. For added convenience, the C1 supports remote control operation, enabling users to adjust settings without leaving their seats.

In terms of connectivity, the Halo C1 provides an impressive array of options. It includes HDMI inputs and outputs, ensuring compatibility with modern AV equipment and facilitating the transmission of high-definition video alongside high-fidelity audio. Additionally, it features variable and fixed outputs, making it adaptable for different system configurations.

Another standout feature of the Halo C1 is its robust power supply. The unit employs a toroidal transformer, ensuring clean and stable power delivery that translates into superior sound performance. This design choice minimizes power supply noise, which can adversely affect audio quality.

In conclusion, the Parasound Halo C1 Controller is a sophisticated and versatile audio solution that caters to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. With its exceptional performance, advanced technology, and user-friendly features, the Halo C1 stands out as a key component for creating a high-quality audio and video experience in any home entertainment system. Its ability to adapt and enhance the listening experience makes it a worthy investment for anyone serious about sound quality.
Top Page Image Contents