EXTERNAL REM. IN 
This 3.5 mm mini-jack (labeled EXT REM IN) receives command codes from an industry-stan- dard infrared receivers (Xantech, etc.) located in the main listening room. This feature is useful when the unit is installed in a cabinet and the front-panel sensor is blocked. Consult your au- thorized Rotel dealer for information on ex- ternal receivers and the proper wiring of a jack to fit the mini-jack receptacle.
NOTE: The IR signals from the EXTERNAL RE- MOTE IN jack (as well as those from the ZONE REMOTE IN jack) can be relayed to source components using external IR emitters or hardwired connections from the IR OUT jacks. See the ZONE 2 section of this manual for additional information.
Computer I/O 
The RSP-976 can be operated from a personal computer running audio system control soft- ware from third-party developers. This control is accomplished by sending the operating codes normally sent by the RR-969 remote control over a hard-wired network connection from the computer.
The COMPUTER I/O input provides the nec- essary connection on the back panel. It ac- cepts standard RJ-45 8-pin modular plugs, such as those commonly used in 10-BaseT UTP Ethernet cabling.
For additional information on the connections, software, and operating codes for computer control of the RSP-976, contact your authorized Rotel dealer.
Zone 2 Connection and Operation
The RSP-976 provides Zone 2 multi-room capability, allowing you to enjoy music and operate the system from a second room. From the remote location, you can select a source component (even if different from the source playing in the main listening room), adjust the volume level in the remote zone, and oper- ate the source components.
To use the Zone 2 capability, you need addi- tional components: a pair of speakers installed in the remote zone, an amplifier to drive them, and a third-party IR repeater system.
Zone 2 can be controlled from the main room using RSP-976’s front-panel ZONE button. Op- eration from the remote zone requires the in- stallation of an infrared repeater system (Xantech, Niles, etc.) which relays infrared remote control commands from Zone 2 to the ZONE REMOTE IN input on the back of the RSP-976. Using external IR emitters or hard- wired IR connections, you can also operate source components by remote control from Zone 2.
Several points to keep in mind about the Zone
2 function:
•An infrared repeater system (Xantech, Niles, et al) is required for operation from the remote zone.
•There are two options for the Zone 2 out- put level, selectable from the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu system. VARIABLE output gives you full adjustment of the volume level, remembering last previous setting when- ever Zone 2 is activated. FIXED output disables the Zone 2 volume control with the output permanently set to a specified level. This might be useful for sending a line level signal to a preamp or integrated amp with its own volume control or to a distribution amplifier with multiple autoformer-type volume controls.
•The RR-969 remote control supplied with the RSP-976 will operate Zone 2 if used with a repeater system from the remote zone. It can also be programmed to op- erate Rotel source components via the RSP-976's IR OUT jack.
•Any source component connected to the RSP-976's analog inputs (except the 5.1 CH input) can be sent to the Zone 2 out- puts. ZONE 2 operates independently of the main room. You can select a different source or adjust Zone 2 volume without affecting the MAIN outputs in any way.
•Avoid sending the same infrared command to the RSP-976 front panel sensor and a Zone 2 repeater at the same time. This means that Zone 2 must be in a different room from the RSP-976.
Zone 2 Power On/Off
Operation
The RSP-976 provides totally independent power on/off operation for both zones. Press- ing the STANDBY button on the front panel or from the remote in the main room activates or deactivates the RSP-976 in the main room only and has no effect on Zone 2. Conversely, activating or deactivating Zone 2 has no ef- fect on the main listening room.
NOTE: For proper power on and off opera- tion with Zone 2, the RSP-976’s power mode should be set to the factory default DIRECT setting or to the STANDBY setting using the OTHER OPTIONS menu from the ON-
SCREEN DISPLAY.
Controlling Zone 2 from the Main Room ZONE Button 
When the RSP-976 is powered on in the main room, you can control Zone 2 from the front panel of the RSP-976 – activate or deactivate Zone 2, change input sources, and adjust the volume. Controlling Zone 2 from the front panel is accomplished by pressing the ZONE but- ton, which temporarily puts the RSP-976 in Zone 2 control mode.
NOTE: Zone 2 cannot be controlled from the remote in the main room.
To turn Zone 2 on or off:
1.Press the front panel ZONE button. The status of Zone 2 appears in the display. If Zone 2 is in standby, “ZONE OFF” ap- pears. If Zone 2 is active, “ZONE xxxxx” showing the current input source appears.
2.If Zone 2 is ON, pressing the ZONE but- ton a second time within 10 seconds turns it OFF. If Zone 2 is OFF, the second press of the ZONE button turns it ON with the last used input source and volume setting.
3.Following 10 seconds with no commands, the RSP-976 reverts to normal operation.
