POWERED MULTIMEDIA SPEAKERS

YST-MS55D

OWNERS MANUAL MODE DEMPLOI

POWERED

MULTIMEDIA SPEAKERS YST-MS55D

MULTIMEDIA

SPEAKERS

VOLUME

Explanation of Graphical Symbols

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
IMPORTANT! Please record the serial number of this unit in the space below. Model: Serial No.: The serial number is located on the rear of the unit. Retain this Owners Manual in a safe place for future reference.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read Instructions All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the unit is operated. Retain Instructions The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. Heed Warnings All warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. Follow Instructions All operating and other instructions should be followed. Water and Moisture The unit should not be used near water for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc. Carts and Stands The unit should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the unit and cart combination to overturn.
10 Power Sources The unit should be connected to
a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the unit.
11 Power-Cord Protection Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit.
12 Cleaning The unit should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
13 Nonuse Periods The power cord of the unit
should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
14 Object and Liquid Entry Care should be taken so
that objects do not fall into and liquids are not spilled into the inside of unit.
6A An unit and cart combination
15 Damage Requiring Service The unit should be
serviced by qualied service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been

damaged; or

B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled

into the unit; or

Wall or Ceiling Mounting The unit should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. Ventilation The unit should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the unit should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface, that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the ow of air through the ventilation openings. Heat The unit should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
C. The unit has been exposed to rain; or D. The unit does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The unit has been dropped, or the enclosure

damaged.

16 Servicing The user should not attempt service
the unit beyond those means described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualied service personnel.
17 Power Lines An outdoor antenna should be
located away from power lines.
18 Grounding or Polarization Precautions should be
taken so that the grounding or polarization is not defeated.
COMPLIANCE INFORMATION STATEMENT
(DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY PROCEDURE) Responsible Party: Address: Telephone: FAX: Type of Equipment: Model Name: Yamaha Corporation of America 6600 Orangethorpe Ave. Buena Park, CA90622 714-522-9011 714-527-5782 Powered Multimedia Speaker YST-MS55D
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: 1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. See user manual instructions if interference to radio reception is suspected.

FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A)

1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modications not expressly approved by Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product. 2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to comply with the requirements listed in FCC Regulations, Part 15 for Class B digital devices. Compliance with these requirements provides a reasonable level of assurance that your use of this product in a residential environment will not result in harmful interference with other electronic devices. This equipment generates/uses radio frequencies and, if not installed and used according to the instructions found in the users manual, may cause interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If this product is found to be the source of interference, which can be determined by turning the product OFF and ON, please try to eliminate the problem by using one of the following measures: Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by the interference. Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line lter/s. In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to coaxial type cable. If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, please contact the local retailer authorized to distribute this type of product. If you can not locate the appropriate retailer, please contact Yamaha Corporation of America 6600 Orangethorpe Ave. Buena Park, CA90622, U.S.A.

FOR CANADIAN CUSTOMERS

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT AND FULLY INSERT. THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN ICES-003.
POUR LES CONSOMMATEURS CANADIENS
POUR VITER LES CHOCS LECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQUAU FOND. CET APPAREIL NUMRIQUE DE LA CLASSE B EST CONFORME LA NORME NMB-003 DU CANADA.
We Want You Listening For A Lifetime
YAMAHA and the Electronic Industries Associations Consumer Electronics Group want you to get the most out of your equipment by playing it at a safe level. One that lets the sound come through loud and clear without annoying blaring or distortion and, most importantly, without affecting your sensitive hearing. Since hearing damage from loud sounds is often undetectable until it is too late, YAMAHA and the Electronic Industries Associations Consumer Electronics Group recommend you to avoid prolonged exposure from excessive volume levels.

Cautions

Please read the following operating precautions before use: When you disconnect the AC power cable from an AC outlet, hold the plug, not the cord. If the YST-MS55Ds are not going to be used for a while, disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet. Always disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet before making any connections. The YST-MS55Ds do not contain any user serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to your Yamaha dealer. Never open the cabinet. If a foreign object drops into the set, contact your dealer, and do not use the YST-MS55Ds. Otherwise, you may cause a re. Do not expose the YST-MS55Ds to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, excessive dust, humidity, or vibration. Position the YST-MS55Ds on a level, stable surface. Do not drop the YST-MS55Ds, apply excessive force to their controls, or put heavy items on top of them. Since this unit has a built-in power amplier, heat will radiate from the rear panel. Therefore, place the unit apart from the walls, allowing a space of at least 20 cm (7-7/8") above, behind and on the both sides of the unit. Also, do not position with the rear panel facing down on the oor or other surface. (Subwoofer only) Do not obstruct the port with your hand or a foreign object. To protect the YST-MS55D speakers, avoid microphone feedback, continuous and excessive output from electronic musical instruments, and excessive signal distortion. If the YST-MS55Ds are located close to uorescent or neon lights, a slight hum may be heard. In this case, relocate the YST-MS55Ds away from the light. Although the YST-MS55D speakers are magnetically shielded, keep oppy disks and tapes away from them. The YST-MS55Ds may cause picture distortion when located close to a television or computer monitor. In this case, move them away a short distance. Avoid sources of hum (transformers, motors). To prevent re or electrical shock, do not expose to rain and water. Do not use force on switches, knobs, or cables. When you move the YST-MS55D, rst turn off the power to the speakers, then disconnect the power cable from the AC outlet and the cables from the connected devices. Always turn the volume control counterclockwise to the minimum before starting to play the audio source: increase the volume gradually to an appropriate level after the playback has started. Do not turn off the POWER switch on the subwoofer while the (standby/on) button on the front panel of the right satellite speaker is on (while the standby/on indicator is lit). Otherwise, the speakers may be damaged. Voltage Selector (General Model only) The voltage selector on the rear panel of this unit must be set for your local main voltage before plugging into the AC main supply. Though this speaker is a magnetically shielded type, there may be some inuence on the monitor picture depending on the type of monitor or the placement of the speaker. In such a case, place the speaker further apart from the monitor until there is no inuence on the monitor picture.

Table of Contents

Introducing the YST-MS55D Speaker System. 1 Controls & Connectors.. 2 Installing USB driver.. 3 Microsoft Windows 98/98SE or Windows Me. 4 Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional. 6 Macintosh computer.. 8 Connecting to a non-USB system.. 8 Enjoying your YST-MS55D Speaker System. 8 Adjusting the Volume, Bass, and Treble. 8 Troubleshooting... 9 Non skid pad... 10 Specifications... 10

E-Cautions

Introducing the YST-MS55D Speaker System
Thank you for purchasing the Yamaha YST-MS55D Powered Multimedia Speakers. The YST-MS55D Multimedia Speakers utilize Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology, which offers exceptionally high performance, allowing these compact speakers to produce a rich bass sound. They also employ USB technology to create a computer-based listening environment that is far superior to conventional multimedia speakers. They reproduce a clearer sound, with less noise and distortion, and never require a soundcard! The YST-MS55D includes three speaker components: a left satellite speaker, a right satellite speaker, and a subwoofer. Note: Do not connect the PC using the USB cable before installing the USB driver. Please inspect the package contents thoroughly for damage. If any item is missing or damaged, please contact the dealer from whom you purchased the YST-MS55D.

English

3.5 mm stereo mini plug cable (sold separately)

USB IN USE ONLY

INPUT 1

INPUT 2

TO SUB Wo.

USB Cable

USB INPUT

OUTPUT

TO RIGHT SPEAKER

TO LEFT SPEAKER

SUBWOOFER
POWERED MULTIMEDIA SPEAKERS YST-MS55D

LEFT SATELLITE SPEAKER

RIGHT SATELLITE SPEAKER
Face this marking upward to connect the USB cable to the port.
AC power cord (To AC outlet)
3.5 mm stereo mini plug cable 1 (Accessory) 8 pin plug cable 1 (Accessory) RCA pin plug cable 1 (Accessory) USB cable 1 (Accessory)
The package also contains eight non-skid pads to attach to the bottom of the satellite speakers.

Controls & Connectors

USB IN USE ONLY OUTPUT

OFF ON
USB INPUT TO RIGHT SPEAKER
TO RIGHT TO LEFT SPEAKER SPEAKER

(Subwoofer) Front Rear

(Right satellite speaker)

(Left satellite speaker)

1 BASS control: Use this control to adjust the volume of the subwoofer. We recommend that you set the control between twelve oclock and one oclock. Turn it clockwise to increase the volume; counterclockwise to decrease it. 2 Main POWER switch: Normally, leave this switch in the ON position. When you will not use this unit for a long period of time, set this switch to the OFF position. 3 USB INPUT: Connect this port to the computers USB port using the included USB cable. 4 OUTPUT TO RIGHT SPEAKER: Connect this jack to an input jack on the right satellite speaker using the included 3.5 mm stereo mini plug cable. 5 TO RIGHT SPEAKER: Using the 8 pin plug cable, connect this jack to the TO SUB Wo. jack on the right satellite speaker. 6 TO LEFT SPEAKER: Using the RCA pin plug cable, connect this jack to the TO SUB Wo. jack on the left satellite speaker. 7 (standby/on) button and indicator: Press the (standby/on) button to turn on the YSTMS55Ds; the standby/on indicator lights up. Press again to turn off. Turn down the VOLUME control before turning on and off the YST-MS55Ds. A small amount of power is always consumed even while the YST-MS55Ds are on standby.
(Headphone): A pair of stereo headphones can be connected here for private listening. The YSTMS55D speakers do not produce sound when headphones are connected to this jack. 9 VOLUME control: Use this control to adjust the volume of the left and right speakers. Turn it clockwise to increase the volume; counterclockwise to decrease it. 0 INPUT 1 and 2: These 3.5 mm stereo mini jacks are used to input signals independently to the YSTMS55D. You can, for example, connect a CD player and personal computer to these jacks. The signals from these jacks are mixed together.
You may use either INPUT 1 or 2 if the USB connection is being used.
A TO SUB Wo. (on the right): Using the 8 pin plug cable, connect this jack to the TO RIGHT SPEAKER on the subwoofer. B TO SUB Wo. (on the left): Using the RCA pin plug cable, connect this jack to the TO LEFT SPEAKER jack on the subwoofer.

Installing USB driver

When connecting this unit and your computer with the USB cable and controlling this unit from the computer, you must install the following software on your computer. USB driver software: Necessary for this unit to communicate with your computer.. Use the software originally supplied with the OS (Operating System) running on your computer This section explains how to install the software. The installation method differs from the OS running on your computer. Refer to the instructions suitable for your OS below. * This manual uses terms utilized by the English operating system as shown on the computer monitor. If the operating system you are using is in another language, please replace the English terms with the terms used in your computers operating system.

Preparations before installation
Make sure that the USB cable is not connected to this unit and that your computer is not activated. Make sure that your computer meets the system requirements listed below. If your computer does not meet the system requirements, you can use the computer as an input source by connecting it to the analog or digital input(s) of this unit. In that case, however, the supplied Application Software cannot be used. You may be requested to insert your OSs CDROM during the installation, so please have it ready before commencing. The installing method may differ from the instructions below depending on the operating environment of your computer. In such a case, follow the instructions shown on the monitor. If you still have any question, inquire at the manufacturer of your computer or a computer dealer.

System requirements

Your computer must meet the following system requirements to use the supplied Application Software.
Microsoft Windows 98/98SE, Windows Me or Windows 2000 Professional
Operating System Microsoft Windows 98/98SE, Windows Me or Windows 2000 Professional Computer A computer with a USB port as a standard equipment and preinstalled with the above OS.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Macintosh

Operating System Mac OS 9.0.4 or greater (USB Driver 1.4 or greater) Computer Macintosh computer with a USB port as a standard equipment
Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Installing the software

Microsoft Windows 98/98SE or Windows Me s Installing and checking the USB driver
1. Turn on your computer and, if its not running already, start Windows 98/98SE or Windows Me. 2. Connect the power cord to a suitable AC outlet. This unit can be on or in standby mode when installing the driver. 3. Connect this unit to a USB port on the computer using the supplied USB cable. Windows automatically detects this unit and installs the necessary driver software. Make operations as indicated in the dialog box. You may be requested to insert your Windows OS CD-ROM. * The installation may take a longer time depending on the system environment. After the installation dialog box disappears, wait several minutes. * The screen image is for Windows 98SE. Check that the USB driver has been installed successfully by following the procedure below. 4. Click the Windows Start button and select Settings, and then Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. 5. Double-click the System icon. The System Properties window appears. 6. Click the Device Manager tab. The Device Manager window appears. 7. Click the View devices by type option button. 8. Click the + symbol next to Sound, video and game controllers, and make sure that USB Audio Device appears in the list, as shown. * The screen image is for Windows 98SE. Note: The device list on your computer may differ to that shown here. If ! or ? is shown at the head of the device name, check the followings: * The screen image is for Windows 98SE. * When using Windows Me, ? may be shown at the head of USB Copmposite Device in green. This means the USB driver has been installed with the Generic ID supplied with the operating system. (This is not an error message.)

9. Click the + symbol next to Human Interface Devices, and make sure that HID-compliant consumer control device and USB Human Interface Device appear in the list, as shown.
10. Click the + symbol next to Universal Serial Bus controllers and make sure that USB Composite Device appears in the list, as shown.
* The USB cable is rmly connected. * The AC power cord of this unit is plugged into an AC outlet. If the driver has not been successfully installed, disconnect the USB cable and connect it again. Then try to install the driver again. If installation still fails, restart Windows and try again.
Make the following settings on your computer after the installation of the driver is nished.
Setting of Audio and Audio CD [Windows 98/98SE only] Terminate all the activated applications. When using Windows 98SE, restart Windows, rst. 1. Click the Windows Start button and select Settings, and then Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Multimedia icon. 3. Click the Audio tab and select USB Audio Device at Preferred device of Playback. * Usually, this setting is automatically made. * If USB Audio Device does not appear, restart Windows. 4. Click the CD Music tab and select the CDROM drive for playing audio CDs. 5. Click the check box of Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device to enter the check mark. * It may happen that the check box cannot be clicked because some CD-ROM drives cannot be used for playing audio CDs. 6. Click OK and close the Multimedia setting panel. 7. Restart Windows. Note: When using two or more drives, you must make
the above setting for each drive.
Checking sound output and adjusting volume [Windows 98/98SE and Windows Me] 1. Make the following operations on the front panel of this unit. a) Press button to turn on this unit. b) Use the volume control to adjust the volume. 2. Adjust the volume on the computer as follows. a) Double-click the speaker icon on the task tray, or select Start, Programs, Accessories, Entertainment in this order and click Volume Control. (The volume adjustment window appears.) b) Adjust the volume by dragging the Volume slider. Set the slider between the center and max. positions. * Do not enter the check mark in the Mute check box. If entered, sound output will stop. 3. Click the Windows Start button and select Settings, and then Control Panel. 4. Double-click the Sounds (or Sounds and Multimedia) icon. 5. Click the Sounds tab. 6. Check that the sound is output normally by outputting Default sound, etc. from Events (or Sound Events). * If no sound is heard, restart Windows and check again.

Checking the Audio setting [Windows Me only] 1. Click the Windows Me Start button and select Settings, and then Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Sounds and Multimedia icon. 3. Click the Audio tab and select USB Audio Device at Preferred device of Sound Playback. * Usually, this setting is automatically made. * If USB Audio Device does not appear, restart Windows.
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional s Installing and checking the USB driver
1. Turn on your computer and, if its not running already, start Windows 2000 Professional, and log in with Administrator. 2. Connect the power cord to a suitable AC outlet. This unit can be on or in the standby mode when installing the driver. 3. Connect this unit to a USB port on the computer using the supplied USB cable. Windows automatically detects this unit and installs the necessary driver software. * The installation may take a longer time depending on the system environment. After the dialog box for installation disappears, wait several minutes. Check that the USB driver has been installed successfully by following the procedure below. 4. Click the Windows Start button and select Settings, and then Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. 5. Double-click the System icon. The System Properties window appears. 6. Select the Hardware tab, and click the Device Manager. The Device Manager window appears. 7. Select the View tab, and click the Devices by type option button. 8. Click the + symbol next to Sound, video and game controllers, and make sure that USB Audio Device appears in the list, as shown. Note: The device list on your computer may differ to that shown here. If ! or ? is shown at the head of the device name, check the followings: * The USB cable is rmly connected. * The AC power cord of this unit is plugged into an AC outlet. If the driver has not been successfully installed, disconnect the USB cable and connect it again. Then try to install the driver again. If installation still fails, restart Windows and try again. 9. Click the + symbol next to Human Interface Devices, and make sure that HID-compliant consumer control device and USB Human Interface Device appear in the list, as shown.
Setting of Audio and Audio CD 1. Click the Windows Start button and select Settings, and then Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Sounds and Multimedia icon. 3. Click the Audio tab and select USB Audio Device at Preferred device of Sound Playback. * Usually, this setting is automatically made. 4. Click the Hardware tab and double-click the item of the DVD or CD-ROM to be used in the Devices. 5. Click the Properties tab, and click the check box of Enable digital CD audio for this CDROM device to enter the check mark. * It may happen that the check box cannot be clicked because some CD-ROM drives cannot be used for playing audio CDs. 6. Restart Windows, and log in with Administrator. Note: When using two or more drives, you must make the above setting for each drive.

Checking sound output and adjusting volume 1. Make the following operations on the front panel of this unit. a) Press button to turn on this unit. b) Use the volume control to adjust the volume. 2. Adjust the volume on the computer as follows. a) Double-click the speaker icon on the task tray, or select Start, Programs, Accessories, Entertainment in this order and click Volume Control. (The volume adjustment window appears.) b) Adjust the volume by dragging the Volume slider. Set the slider between the center and max. position. * Do not enter the check mark in the Mute check box. If entered, sound output will stop. 3. Click the Windows Start button and select Settings, and then Control Panel. 4. Double-click the Sounds and Multimedia icon. 5. Click the Sounds tab. 6. Check that the sound is output normally by outputting Default Beep, etc. from Sound Events. * If no sound is heard, restart Windows and check again.
Macintosh computer s Connections and setup
1. Connect the power cord to a suitable AC outlet. 2. Start the Macintosh. 3. Connect this unit to a USB port on the computer using the supplied USB cable. The driver software for USB audio is automatically installed. 4. Press button to turn on this unit. Note: The sound output destination cannot be changed from Choose a device for sound output on the Control Panels. When using the internal speaker of the Macintosh as the sound output destination, disconnect the USB cable connecting this unit and the Macintosh. When using headphones with this unit connected to the USB port on the Macintosh, use the headphone jack on this unit, not the jack on the Macintosh. Since the Macintosh issues a start-up sound at power-on before the sound signal via the USB connection is activated, the start-up sound cannot be issued via the USB connection. To play the startup sound via this unit, you need a separate analog connection between this unit and the Macintosh. (When USB MIX is set to ON from the Setup Panel of the Application Software, you can mix the start-up sound via the analog connection with the same sound via the USB connection without making any change in the input selector settings.)

Checking sound output and adjusting volume 1. Make the following operations on the front panel of this unit. a) Press button to turn on this unit. b) Use the volume control to adjust the volume. 2. Check that the sound is output normally by outputting Alert Sounds, etc. from Sound on the Control Panels on the Macintosh. 3. Adjust the volume by dragging the Sound tab on the Control Panels. Set the tab between the center and max. position.
Connecting to a non-USB system
You can input analog audio signals into Inputs 1 and 2 (3.5 mm stereo mini plug input jacks) on the rear of right satellite speaker and use the YST-MS55D system like conventional multimedia speakers. (For example, you can connect the outputs from a soundcard.) Some games software does not support USB. In this case, instead of using the USB connection, connect Input 1 or 2 on the rear of right satellite speaker to the audio output jack on your computer using a 3.5 mm stereo mini plug cable, and specify your card type. (For move information on setting, consult your computer manual or computer dealer.)
Enjoying your YST-MS55D Speaker System
Adjusting the Volume, Bass, and Treble
First adjust the volume levels, bass, and treble using software controls (such as the Windows 98 Volume Control panel). After adjustment, use the VOLUME control on the right speaker to set the volume level of the speakers.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the chart below if this unit does not function properly. If the problem you are experiencing is not listed below or if the instructions given below do not help, disconnect the power cord and contact your authorized YAMAHA dealer or service center.

PROBLEM

The speakers are recognized as an unknown device by the computer.
The USB cable is not connected securely.

REMEDY

Remove the USB cable from the speaker and computer, then re-connect it securely. Also, turn off and on the power to the speakers. Turn off the power to the speakers, remove the USB cable, then turn on the power to the speaker again. If the USB Driver is still not recognized, re-install it. Insert the AC power cord rmly into the AC outlet. Turn on the POWER switch on the subwoofer, then turn on the (standby/on) button on the right satellite speaker.
You did not complete the USB Driver Install procedure correctly.
No sound comes The AC power cord is not properly plugged from the speakers. into the AC outlet. The (standby/on) button on the front panel of the right satellite speaker or the POWER switch on the subwoofer is turned Off. The volume is set to minimum. The level of the input signal is too low. Connections are faulty or incomplete. You are using a slow-speed USB cable. Playback sound is interrupted. Noise. Noise is heard when the power is turned on.

Turn the speaker VOLUME control to the right to increase the volume. Turn up the volume on the connected device. Make the connections again, rmly, or use a different cable. Make sure you use the USB cable included in the package or an equivalent high-speed USB cable.
Playback is affected by other open applica- Close other open applications. tions. Turn down the volume on the connected device. Make the connections again, rmly, or use a different cable. Connect the power cable to an UNSWITCHED AC OUTLET. Be sure to turn on the main POWER switch on the subwoofer rst, then the (standby/on) switch on the right speaker to turn on the power to the speaker system. When you turn off the power to the system, turn off the (standby/on) switch on the right speaker, then turn off the main POWER switch on the subwoofer. Connections are faulty or incomplete. The power cord of this unit is connected to another units SWITCHED AC OUTLET.
Sound is distorted. The level of the input signal is too high.
Even if the (standby/on) button is turned off, a small amount of sound may be heard from the headphones if the VOLUME control is set to max. This is normal. If the VOLUME control is set to max. while the headphones are connected, you may hear a small amount of sound from the speakers. This is normal. Note 1: USB ports are delicate. Handle them with care. Do not insert USB plugs forcefully or you may damage the port. Note 2: For more information on issues related to OS, consult the your computer manual or your computer dealer.

Non skid pad

To prevent the speakers from sliding around, attach the supplied pads to the four points on the bottom of speaker, as shown. Place the speaker on a stable, at surface.

Specications

Type Driver Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology Satellite.. Tweeter : 19 mm (3/4") balanced dome, magnetic shielding Midrange : 8 cm (3") cone, magnetic shielding Subwoofer. 16 cm (6.5") cone, magnetic shielding Satellite.20 W + 20 W (1 kHz, 4 at T.H.D.=10%) Subwoofer..40 W (100 Hz, 5 at T.H.D.=10%) 200 mV (1 kHz, 4 at 20 W) 25 k 32 Hz to 20 kHz (Satellite + Subwoofer) Satellite/Subwoofer 200 Hz 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for audio-signal 2 (USB in use 1) USB digital 1
Output power Input sensitivity Input impedance Frequency response Crossover Frequency Input jack Headphone Output jack Output level Power consumption Power supply
3.5 mm stereo mini jack for audio-signal 1 (USB in use) 0.38 V/30 (200 mV) 65 W U.S.A. and Canada models.AC 120 V, 60 Hz Australia model.AC 240 V, 50 Hz U.K. and Europe models..AC 230 V, 50 Hz General model.AC 110-120/220-240 V, 50/60 Hz Dimensions (W H D) Satellite speakers..97 (3.8") 159 (6.3") 178 (7") mm Subwoofer..350 (13.8") 210 (8.3") 321 (12.6") mm Weight Satellite speakers..0.7 kg (1 lb. 9 oz.) 2 Subwoofer..8.0 kg (17 lbs. 10 oz.) Accessories 3.5 mm stereo mini plug cable 1 (1.8 m) RCA pin plug cable 1 (1.8 m) 8 pin plug cable 1 (1.8 m) USB cable 1 (2 m) 8 pcs of non skid pads 1 set * Specications subject to change without notice. Please contact an authorized Yamaha dealer for more information on this product or connections to your computer.

Printed in China

V770200

040usbmulti.qxd

31.01.2001

16:52 Uhr

Seite 40

ON TEST

USB MULTIMEDIA
Multimedia Devices with USB connection

MULTIMEDIA IN SERIES

CHRISTIAN REISER Philips DSS 330
When you unpack this sub-woofer satellite system, a great big logo boasts: 600 Watt PMPO (Peak Maximum Power Output). On taking a closer look at the introduction it emerges that this leaves just 50 watts: 25 for the sub-woofer and 12.5 for each satellite. This is adequate for almost any normal application, but again shows how much influence marketing people have and how seriously big numbers should be taken. Unlike the Yamaha boxes introduced below, in this case the Line-In input is not adjustable: The incoming signal is thus always turned up to the maximum. Anyone trying to insert a device during operation does in fact risk damaging the loudspeaker. Another unpleasant side effect is that the boxes therefore hiss slightly. But only the owners of whisper-quiet computers will notice this. The only adjustment option on the device is the sub-woofer volume. The cable remote control appears under Linux as a keyboard with just two keys: louder and quieter. The other buttons Power and Surround are hard-wired and function without additional software aids. Under Linux, apart from volume, it is also possible to adjust balance, treble and bass. Multimedia under Linux? A few years ago that would have been unthinkable. The domain of Unix was always the server field, where its enough if the computer has an input/output port: the network connection. But recently a lot has happened, and, mainly as the result of the popularity of Linux in the private domain, a large market has sprung up. This has unfortunately not yet been recognised by all the hardware companies. For precisely this reason, it is still advisable to find out first before buying new hardware if the device you want will also function under Linux, because otherwise you might be in for some nasty surprises, as we found in our test. You can also find out more about the latest USB driver support under Linux at http://www.qbik.ch/usb/devices/ and at http://www.geocrawler.com/lists/3/SourceForge/45 63/0/.
Philips DSS 330: Mini-USB keyboard for remote control is included
Whether its a loudspeaker, radio or MP3 player most USB devices currently available on the market can also be connected with Linux but there are also some black sheep. More about that in this test report.

Teac PowerMax Traveller

This product advertised with the USB logo cheered up the tester enormously: There is certainly a USB cable, leading from the computer to the end device, but on the end of it the connector finishes in a twopin plug for 5-volt power supply. So this means these loudspeakers are simply misusing the USB connection as a replacement for a (certainly too expensive) plug-in power supply unit the sound has to be conducted via a conventional sound card and appropriate analogue audio cable to the boxes. When plugging in to the USB connector, accordingly, no new device is found, as expected. But the USB controller monitors power consumption and switches off if appropriate. The USB logo on the packaging is accordingly slightly misleading. It is only apparent from the product

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description printed on the side that these boxes are not USB devices in any real sense. Obviously the speakers functioned with Linux and appropriate sound card with no problems.

D-Link DRU-R100

For anyone who does not yet have a radio, this external device is perfect. For anyone else, its a nice toy, or a nice ornament for your desk. The device does its duty happily under Linux too. But unfortunately only with a kernel of version series 2.4, since the necessary driver is not included in the backport. Tuning is done via the video4linux interface. For this reason the videodev module must be loaded. Now only the module dsbr100 itself has to be loaded thats it. There are a large number of programs under Linux to control it. And for KDE and GNOME there are special versions, which all in all can only alter the frequency, since the control for the volume sadly did not work in any of the programs tested. The most astonishing thing about this device: the sound is not transported via USB. There is a 3.5mm jack for this, which has to be

Yamaha YST-M45D

These boxes are in a classic design go with any monitor. With respect to the racket. er, music output, they are perfectly adequate as computer boxes but dont plan to use them as a substitute for a stereo system. Apart from music transmission via USB you can also feed in two analogue signals with a pair of 3.5mm jacks. All connectors and settings are combined on the right-hand loudspeaker. From there, there is only a little cable to the left-hand box. The loudspeakers do not have an internal power supply, so a transformer unit has always to be left lying around. Under Linux the tested product behaved in exemplary fashion after loading the driver module (see box) you can get started straight away. In terms of adjustment options the mixer offers, apart from the volume control, bass and treble amplification all working well. These parameters can also be controlled directly on the device. This is very practical, as physical access is usually quicker.

Teac PowerMax Traveller: Despite the USB logo on the carton, these are not USB loudspeakers the connection to the computer is used only for power supply

Yamaha MS35D

The smallest sub-woofer satellite system in our test uses exactly the same external power supply as the YST-M45D: and again there are two analogue 3.5mm jack inputs. But when it comes to the type of construction, this is the only external similarity between the two systems. Treble and bass controllers were left out on the small one, but instead there is a controller with which one can set the amplification of the bass box. The power switch and the volume control are, practically, placed on the right-hand satellite. The whole thing is slightly reminiscent of Bose systems. In technical terms both systems are pretty similar: This three-part system with adjustable feet functions just as reliably and offers under Linux exactly the same adjustment options as in its big brother system presented above: treble, bass and volume control.
USB loudspeakers under Linux
There is a kernel module under Linux, which is responsible for the integration of USB loudspeakers (audio.o). The USB sound output slips seamlessly into the existing collection of sound card drivers. Which is why the module soundcore is also needed (which is loaded automatically by modprobe). The advantage of this driver solution is that the application programs normally have nothing else to worry about. All mixers, play programs and other speaker functions operate immediately after loading the module. This is also included in the USB backport patch for Kernel 2.2 and runs stably there so in all mainstream distributions (such as the SuSE 7.0 used in the test) a modprobe audio should suffice to be able to use the loudspeaker without restriction. For this to happen automatically if required, you will still need to add the following lines in the file /etc/modules.conf: alias alias alias alias char-major-14 soundcore char-major-116 snd sound-slot-0 snd-card-0 snd-card-0 audio

Yamaha YST-MS55D

Unlike its smaller brothers, the Yamaha top model declined to co-operate at all. Not even the standard initialisation could be completed (no inputs in /proc/bus/usb/devices). The only way to coax a sound from the device, was with a sound card with analogue connection cable. But then the powerful bass really makes itself felt: an 80 watt amplifier makes for good pitch, and the two-way satellites show off their quality too. But none of this is any help. At present there is sadly no USB support for these boxes.
Make sure char-major-14 is not in any other line. Uncomment this as necessary by simply putting # before it.

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behold: there is now a driver to support some of the functions of this camera. It has been completely created as the result of time-consuming reengineering, as Logitech itself will not issue any specifications. For this reason, the driver is not yet one hundred per cent stable at this time. For those who have already added this model, though, its certainly worth a test.
Exemplary: All functions of the Yamaha YST-M45D boxes worked straight off and without any problems.

Philips

We had high hopes for the Webcams from Philips, because this is the only manufacturer who will reveal any information. Of the Webcams requested, however, only the new ToUcam Pro reached our offices shame, because this is precisely the device which is not yet supported by Linux. Obviously none of the USB developers was prepared to sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement, in order to get the specification from Philips necessary to create a Linux driver. So far only Nemosoft Unv. (Pseudonym) has agreed to do so and is programming drivers for the models PCA645VC, PCA646VC, PCVC675K (Vesta), PCVC680K (Vesta Pro), and PCVC690K (Vesta Scanner). They are in fact only available as readycompiled modules (http://www.smcc.demon.nl/webcam), but according to reports on the USB mailing list they do work without any problems. Apparently there is still work to be done with the ToUcam (PCVC 740K): Nemosoft has announced that it will be meeting representatives of Philips about this matter.

plugged into the Line-In input of the sound card or on the boxes.

WinTV USB

With this device, apart from listening to the radio, it should also be possible to watch television. Unfortunately here again there is no Linux driver available yet. But there is some hope for all those who have already added on WinTV. There was a report in the USB mailing list recently about a driver at the development stage. Anyone interested can contact (jig@satec.es or Jorg (heckenbach@fgan.de).
Nor did we have any luck with Dlink. Instead of the requested Webcam DSB-C300 we got the DRU350, which, however, youve guessed it, was not supported by Linux.

Webcams under Linux

Everything went wrong with the Webcams in this test. Of the four test samples which reached the test lab, not a single one worked at first. Georg Acher, one of the USB kernel developers, accepted, after an interview (see Linux Magazine November 2000 page 49) the Logitech Quickcam Express, and lo and
Small but wow: in the Yamaha YSTMS35D its not just the sound thats as smooth as silk

Personal JukeBox PJB100

The Personal Jukebox, an MP3 player, was originally developed by Compaq and is now being produced under licence by a firm specially founded by them. In the interior of this box there is a 6-GB hard disk, which can provide for about four days of uninterrupted listening pleasure (manufacturers specification: 100 hours at 128 Kbps), with the hard disk being replaced by an even larger model if required. Theoretically any commercial 2.5 disk should fit. The player obtains its songs exclusively via the PC. There is neither an analogue nor a digital sound input. The headphones supplied fit very well, due to their sophisticated construction, and yet do not press too hard on the ears. They can be folded up for transport. Only thing missing: the player sadly has no cable remote control, but on the other hand the rest of the accessories are worth a mention: plug-in power supply, a cigarette-lighter adapter and a cassette adapter.

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Not even powerful basses can help here: with USB the Yamaha YST-MS55D boxes wont make a sound
With the D-Link DRU-R100 Radio only the frequency can be adjusted by USB. The sound has to be tapped by analogue means
Only worked with extra help from a USB developer: Logitech-Webcam

Data swap

Transfer of digital audio data is of course done via the USB bus. The appropriate kernel module has to be downloaded from http://phobos.fs.tum.de/pjbox/ or http://crl.research.compaq.com/downloads/register.cgi ?download=Linux+Jukebox and it only works under 2.3 or 2.4 kernels. As a front-end there is either the command line program supplied, pjb or alternatively for GNOME pjbmanager (http://mews.org.uk/pjb) or for KDE the Jukebox Manager (http://sourceforge.net/projects/jukeboxmgr). Unfortunately not one of these programs can read back the files. The JukeBox is operated via six keys: Start, Stop and four cursor keys. With the On/Off keys it is possible to navigate in the menu; with right/left the settings selected are changed. The user can toggle between various playback modes (Album/Interpret, Genre). But there are also the normal functions, such as random selection and repeat. The run time is stated as 10 hours. If the sample rate deviates from 128 kbps, this is shown in the display.

blindly purchasing such a product is still a game of chance. Only when it becomes normal for the hardware manufacturers to develop, in addition to Windows drivers, also the corresponding Linux drivers (and this is then also made clear on the product packaging) will the purchase of such devices become much simpler for the average Linux user. In the next issue we will be concentrating on USB printers and scanners.
At about 100 hours the Personal JukeBox PJB100 MP3 player leaves very little to be desired not even in connection with Linux

Rock steady

The hard disk, by the way, could not be ruffled even by vigorous shaking. The player should thus be suitable for jogging. Also, the disk does not run constantly anyway: it only runs up briefly, loads the song into the RAM and switches the motor off again immediately. This process has just one small drawback: if you select a new song during playback, it takes three to four seconds before anything happens. At the end of the song this pause does not occur, as the hard disk starts again before the end of the playing time.

Conclusion

Although there now exist a considerable number of Linux drives for USB multimedia devices,

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