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new product information

AVR300 Home Cinema Receiver
7x 100 watts per channel continuous power output (all channels driven) Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, DTS 24/96 & Dolby Pro logic IIx decoding HDTV compatible component / RGB switching Composite and S-video up conversion to component or RGB Second zone output with audio and video Two way RS232 control port RDS tuner on board Audiophile sound quality for movies and music
AVR300 new addition to the DiVA range
The Arcam DiVA series AVR300 is a high performance 7.1 channel home cinema and music receiver. It was designed using the experience gained from the FMJ AV8 processor to offer audio performance far beyond that of mass-market offerings and which will thrill even the most discerning listeners. All this audio performance is matched by a feature set that meets the requirements of todays most demanding AV enthusiasts. The unit includes decoding for Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, DTS24/96 and the very latest Dolby Pro Logic IIx algorithms. The video switching supports both HDTV compatible component and RGB-C video, and includes up-conversion from composite or s-video to component or RGB video in order to help minimize the number of cable runs to a display. An audio lip-sync delay of up to 220ms is also included to align the audio with video delayed by modern digital displays. Both the stereo and multi-channel performance of the AVR300 are exceptional, made possible with a huge toroidal power transformer and thorough audiophile design philosophy. Seven ultralow distortion power amplifiers drive speakers to an output power of 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (all seven channels driven) or 120wpc (two channels driven). A direct signal path for both stereo signals and the 7.1 multi-channel input is included and preamplifier outputs are available for use with external power amplifiers. For second rooms, zone 2 outputs feed stereo line level audio and composite video independently from the main room. Two-way RS232 and IR control are built in as standard allowing future system software updates.

E & OE April 2004

Arcam, Pembroke Avenue, Denny Industrial Centre, Waterbeach, Cambridge CB5 9QR, UK. www.arcam.co.uk Preliminary information only; as Arcams policy is one of continuous improvement, we reserve the right to change any features without notice. Arcam is a registered trademark of A&R Cambridge Ltd. Dolby, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Surround & Pro Logic II are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. DTS is a trademark of DTS Corporation. HDCD & WMA are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Analogue Audio

key features of the AVR300

Digital Audio

Meets rated 100 WPC continuous power output into both 4 and 8 ohms loads, with all 7 channels driven simultaneously at 1kHz Stereo output power over 120 WPC into 4 or 8 ohms, 20Hz 20 kHz Huge toroidal power transformer and 48,000 microfarads of reservoir capacitors ensure ample power reserves when playing even the most demanding programme material In 5.1 surround systems the 6th and 7th channels are assignable to the front left and right for biamplifying suitable loudspeakers, or to zone 2 Audiophile quality components for best sound quality, including 1% metal film resistors, polypropylene film capacitors, OSCON electrolytic capacitors & double sided, through-plated fibreglass circuit boards Pre amp outputs for all 7 channels and subwoofer Multi-channel 7.1 analogue input for DVD-A or SACD sources Stereo direct switch bypasses and disables all digital processing for 2 channel analogue sources 7 stereo analogue inputs (plus tuner); 3 tape outputs (one a tape loop) Zone 2 stereo audio, from stereo analogue inputs or internal tuner. Source and volume control independent from main outputs Built in FM/AM RDS stereo tuner with 30 FM and 16 AM presets State of the art Crystal Semiconductors CS49400 DSP, with 24-bit fixed point double precision Dolby Digital and DTS decoding and 32-bit fixed point double precision bass management. 4 layer PCBs Wolfson Microelectronics 24-bit 192kHz DACs, stereo ADC and precision electronic volume controls Decodes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx (including full music mode support), DTS 96/24, DTS-ES Discrete and Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo Arcam-optimised surround effects modes for 2 channel sources Adjustable crossover switching from Hz in 10 Hz steps Separate sub woofer level settings for film and stereo listening Bass and treble equalisers, both global and for each of 7 main channels 6 fully assignable digital inputs, 3 co-axial, 3 optical; 1 coaxial & 1 optical output Assignable global audio delay, adjustable from milliseconds, to compensate for video processing delays in digital displays or DVD players

Custom Install features

5 composite and 5 S-video inputs; 3 fully buffered outputs of each type (monitor output and 2 tapes) 3 100MHz bandwidth component video inputs and 1 monitor output (these may alternatively be configured to support RGB, with sync on composite video, for use in European TV systems; no other AV receiver does this to the best of our knowledge) On screen display for all menus; may be configured as full page or as pop ups. Works on all types of interlaced video output Video up conversion composite to S-video and vice versa via the monitor outputs; composite and Svideo to interlaced component video Video up conversion to RGB with sync on composite (SCART compatible) for European TV displays. 12V triggers support S-video, RGB and widescreen switching for SCART equipped TVs. To the best of our knowledge this extraordinarily useful feature set is unique to Arcam Composite and S-video inputs assignable to non video audio inputs such as DVD-A / SAT (for tuner) or CD; high quality (component / RGB) inputs each assignable to any audio input Zone 2 composite video output, from composite video inputs

General

Independent Zone 2 (audio + video), with fixed/variable volume & parental access control to sources Duplex RS-232 control; also suitable for system software updates RC-5 remote input jacks for both zones IR pass through for source components Full suite of discrete IR RC-5 codes, including separate on / off etc 12 Volt triggers, on/off for zones 1 and 2 and either SCART control (video in RGB mode) or on / off and video signal sensing (component video mode) Supplied with back-lit CR80 learning remote control with support for up to 7 other components Large, clear 12 character dimmable VFD front panel display Ground lift switch ; User switchable between 120 and 230 Volt mains supplies Size 430mm wide, 433mm deep, 145mm high Weight 16.2 kg nett, 21.4 kg packed The DiVA range is available in silver or black E & O E April 2004

H A N DBOOK/MANUEL/HANDBUCH / H A N D L E I D I N G

AVR300

Arcam AVR300 surround sound receiver Ampli-tuner audiovido Arcam AVR300 Arcam AVR300 Surround-Sound-Empfnger Arcam AVR300 surroundsound-ontvanger

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Safety guidelines

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
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. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user 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. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product. CAUTION: In Canada and the USA, to prevent electric shock, match the wide blade of the plug to the wide slot in the socket and insert the plug fully into the socket.
Important safety instructions
This product is designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. However, you should be aware of the following installation and operation precautions: 1. Take heed of warnings and instructions You should read all the safety and operating instructions before operating this appliance. Retain this handbook for future reference and adhere to all warnings in the handbook or on the appliance. 2. Water and moisture The presence of electricity near water can be dangerous. Do not use the appliance near water for example next to a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc. 3. Object or liquid entry Take care that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through any openings. Liquid filled objects such as vases should not be placed on the equipment. 4. Ventilation Do not place the equipment on a bed, sofa, rug or similar soft surface, or in an enclosed bookcase or cabinet, since ventilation may be impeded. We recommend a minimum distance of 50mm (2 inches) around the sides and top of the appliance to provide adequate ventilation. 5. Heat Locate the appliance away from naked flames or heat producing equipment such as radiators, stoves or other appliances (including other amplifiers) that produce heat. 6. Climate The appliance has been designed for use in moderate climates. 7. Racks and stands Only use a rack or stand that is recommended for use with audio equipment. If the equipment is on a portable rack it should be moved with great care, to avoid overturning the combination. 8. Cleaning Unplug the unit from the mains supply before cleaning. The case should normally only require a wipe with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth. Do not use paint thinners or other chemical solvents for cleaning. We do not advise the use of furniture cleaning sprays or polishes as they can cause indelible white marks if the unit is subsequently wiped with a damp cloth. 9. Power sources Only connect the appliance to a power supply of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance. 10. 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 and plugs, and the point where they exit from the appliance. 11. Grounding Ensure that the grounding means of the appliance is not defeated. 12. Power lines Locate any outdoor antenna/aerial away from power lines. 13. Non-use periods If the unit has a stand-by function, a small amount of current will continue to flow into the equipment in this mode. Unplug the power cord of the appliance from the outlet if left unused for a long period of time. 14. Abnormal smell If an abnormal smell or smoke is detected from the appliance, turn the power off immediately and unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Contact your dealer immediately. 15. Servicing You should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in this handbook. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. 16. Damage requiring service The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. the power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged, or B. objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the appliance, or C. the appliance has been exposed to rain, or D. the appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance, or E. the appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

Analogue pre-amplifier outputs
The pre-amplifier outputs are used to send signals to external power amplifiers. This may be either for bi-amping speakers or for use with a more powerful external amplifier (such as the Arcam P7 seven-channel amplifier). Note that if you wish to bi-amplify speakers, you must use an amplifier with the same gain as the AVR300 (31dB), otherwise the bass and the treble will become unbalanced. Please contact your dealer if you require more information on bi-amping your speakers. All these analogue outputs are buffered and are at line level.
co RIGHT, cp LEFT, dk CENTRE. Connect these to the equivalent front channel inputs of your power

amplifier.

dl cq L SURR. Surround left output. Connect this output to the surround left power amplifier input. cr R SURR. Surround right output. Connect this output to the surround right power amplifier input. cs LS BACK, ct RS BACK Surround back left and right outputs (only used in 7.1 channel systems).
SUB. Subwoofer output. Connect this to the input of your active subwoofer, if you have one.

RS OUTPUTS

Connect these outputs to the inputs of your LS back and RS back amplifiers.

AVR300 E-7

Take care to place the audio cables as far from any power supply cabling as is practically possible to reduce hum and other noise problems.

Video connections

The AVR300 allows for conversion between different video formats. This means that the AVR300 can convert between composite, S-video and component, if required. For example, if you are watching a composite input from a VCR, you may view it from the S-video or Component/RGB video outputs of the AVR300. This allows you to use a single (typically high-quality Component/RGB) connection between the AVR300 and your display device. The record loops do not work from the video converter. This means that to record a S-video or composite signal, a S-video or composite signal (respectively) must be supplied. The following video conversions are possible: To: From: Composite S-video Component/ RGB Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Composite S-video Component/ RGB Yes Yes Yes
Note that conversion between RGB and Component video (or vice-versa) is not supported by the AVR300.
Composite/S-video video connections

dm dn MONITOR OUT.

Two video output connectors are provided, one for S-Video and one for composite video. The outputs carry the same information at all times (and both may be used simultaneously, if required). Connect one of these outputs to the video input of your display device.

MON OUT ZONE2 VIDEO OUT

dq VCR IN, ds PVR IN, dt AV, ek SAT, el DVD.
Connect the composite video outputs of your source equipment to these inputs. The choice of connection to use (S-video or composite) depends on where the signal is to be routed to: if the signal is to be used in Zone 2, then a composite connection is required; if the signal is to be used for recording (routed to a VCR, for example), then the connection type must match the connection to the recording device (i.e., if the recording device requires a S-video signal, then a S-video connection from the source equipment must be used). If both connections are made, the signal from the S-video input will be used for the main zone if no Component/RGB signal is supplied.

SPEAKER IMPEDANCE

Zone 2 connections
The AVR300 allows independent routing and control of analogue audio and composite video to a second room such as a kitchen, bedroom or lounge. This second room is known as Zone 2. For Zone 2, the AVR300 outputs a line-level audio signal taken from the stereo analogue audio, and a composite video signal taken from the composite video input (for a given source). The analogue inputs are required because there is no analogue-to-digital, DSP processing or digital-to-analogue conversion available for Zone 2 signals. As the AVR300 does not convert video formats for Zone 2, a composite video signal must also be connected from the source. For these reasons, we recommend that source devices that have a digital connection are also connected via the analogue inputs. High quality YUV/RGB and S-video sources should also have their composite video outputs connected to the AVR300 for use in Zone 2. NOTE: As a composite input is required for Zone 2, it may not be possible to run your DVD player in progressive scan mode and to use Zone 2 at the same time, unless your DVD player can output both progressive scan and composite signals simutaneously.
ZONE 2 MON OUT ZONE2 VIDEO OUT
12V TRIGGER (Z1 & Z2) OUT
REMOTE IN ZONE 2 IN LOCAL
Zone 2 remote controller connection. A receiver compatible with this connector fk is available from Xantech (part no. 291-10). Please contact a Xantech registered dealer for this part, as ARCAM does not stock them. See www.xantech.com for more information. The 3.5mm jack plug for this connector is wired as follows: 3.5mm stereo jack Tip Ring Sleeve Function Signal 0V 12V, 30mA current-limited

ZONE 2 OUT.

This is the audio output for Zone 2. Connect these to a line level input on your Zone 2 amplifier.
do ZONE 2 VIDEO OUT (Composite video connection).
This is the video output for Zone 2. Connect to your Zone 2 video display using 75 low loss coaxial cable.

fk IN ZONE 2.

This allows the AVR300 to be controlled remotely from Zone 2 via infrared remote control. See the panel for connection information.
This follows the Xantech standard for IR transmission over wire.

AVR300 E-9

Connecting the AM and FM antennas

FM antenna

An FM antenna is required to receive VHF radio signals. Although a FM ribbon antenna is supplied as an accessory to the AVR300, for optimal FM radio reception a roof- or loft-mounted aerial is advised as this will give superior reception. (It is recommended that any roof-top antenna is fitted by an experienced contractor as a contractor will be able to align your antenna to the nearest FM transmitter.) In some areas cable radio may be available or, in an apartment building, a distributed antenna system may be installed. In either of these cases you should have sockets in your home marked FM or VHF (do not use those marked TV), which should be connected to the FM in socket fr of the AVR300. If you wish to use the supplied FM ribbon cable, mount this as high up as possible on a wall with the Telements positioned horizontally. Try each usable wall of the room to see which gives best reception and use tacks or adhesive tape to secure the aerial in a T shape (note that no tacks should come into contact with the internal wire of the aerial). When assembled (see box, right), the plug on the ribbon cable should be connected to the FM in socket fr of the AVR300.

AM STEP (USA) 10K (EU) 9K

AM antenna

An AM antenna is required to receive AM/medium wave radio signals. An AM loop antenna is supplied as an accessory with the AVR300. This should be attached to the AM antenna inputs fq with one end connected to AM and the other to Ground (it does not matter which way round this antenna is fitted). Rotate the antenna to discover which position gives the best reception. In areas of weak reception, or when the AVR300 is in use inside a steel framed building (such as an apartment building), you can use a wire between 3 and 5 metres long to strengthen reception. Mount this high up outside the building (if possible) and connect one end of this wire to the AM antenna input in addition to the loop aerial supplied (do not disconnect the AM loop antenna).
Connecting the plug to the FM ribbon cable: 1) loosen the two screws on the plug; 2) insert the spade connectors of the ribbon cable under the screws; 3) re-tighten the screws onto the connectors.
AM STEP SIZE The AM tuning step size needs to be set according to your location. This is done using the switch on the rear panel fs: set it to 10kHz if you are in North America or 9kHz anywhere else. Note that this should be set correctly even if you do not intend to use AM reception as it also alters some FM tuner settings for use in North America.
Control connections es (REMOTE) OUT. This outputs any remote control signal that is received by either the front panel or
from one of the remote control connections. It allows remote control of source components; control is possible by either connecting this output to the devices to be controlled via the 3.5mm IR jack socket (Arcam units only) or by using an IR emitter stuck to the centre of the IR sensor window on the source component (such as a Xantech 283MW mini emitter).
1/RGB 2/S-VID REMOTE IN ZONE 2 12V TRIGGER (Z1 & Z2) OUT IN LOCAL
et IN LOCAL. Use with a local IR receiver when the AVR300 front panel IR receiver is obstructed. fk IN ZONE 2. This allows the AVR300 to be controlled remotely from Zone 2 via infrared remote
control (see section Zone 2 connections above for further details).
Voltage On = 12V, 30mA Off = 0V On = 12V, 30mA Off = 0V 0V
fn RS232 CONTROL Use with control devices having an RS232 serial port (for example, Crestron and
AMX touch screen controllers). This connection is also used for upgrading control software. See the sections at the end of this manual for control and programming information.

Trigger outputs

There are three trigger output sockets on the AVR300, each of which is a 3.5mm stereo jack with two contacts, tip and ring. See the tables for technical information on the trigger outputs.
Connection Tip Ring Sleeve
Function Main zone on Zone 2 on Ground

MANUAL: The AVR300 will not select Surround EX automatically. It can however be selected manually by pressing the MODE button.
Use Channels 6+7 for Choose one from:
DOLBY SURR EX: Dolby Surround EX provides two additional rear channels from 5.1 channel
EX-encoded material. This is intended to give better effects steering. In this mode, amplifier channels 6 and 7 are used to drive the EX speakers.
ZONE 2: In this mode, amplifier channels 6 and 7 are used to provide speaker level output for

use in Zone 2.

BIAMP L+R: The amplifier channel 6 and 7 are used to provide a second amplified output of the
left and right channels. This allows you to bi-amplify your front speakers, which should give an improvement in the sound quality of these channels. If you would like to do this, please refer to page 26 for further information.
Note: Changing this setting will require you to change the configuration of the cables connected your speakers.

AVR300 E-15

The Advanced Set-up Menus

ADV 1 Speaker Eq.

This allows fine adjustment of bass and treble in 1dB steps (up to 6dB) for each of the speakers in the system. Use these adjustments sparingly to compensate for speaker response problems caused by positioning, adjacent surface textures, or mixed brands of loudspeakers. Work with one speaker on at a time and, as an example, use the bass control to reduce boom problems for speakers placed in corners, and the treble control for speakers placed near reflective surfaces. We recommend trying to obtain a good speaker response by speaker placement first, then apply speaker equalisation last. The tone control nominal corner frequencies are at 100Hz and 8kHz, shelf type. Auto Stereo Tone Bypass: Set this item to YES if, when a stereo input signal is detected (analogue or digital), the tone adjustments set on this page are to be bypassed. (Note that this does not switch the AVR300 into Direct mode, it simply sets the tone controls to zero.)

ADV 2 Video Settings

This menu allows advanced adjustment of the video settings for your AVR300. Zone 1 OSD: Selects whether the main zone OSD is on or off.
When set to ON all user adjustments that are made during the general use of the AVR300 are displayed on the screen. This includes the adjustment of the volume control, the inputs selected and the set-up menus. When set to OFF there will be no display of the general user adjustments only the set-up menus and the main menus are displayed.
It is recommended you keep the OSD turned ON since if you cannot see the front panel of the AVR300 you will have no idea if any adjustments you have made to the processor are correct or to your liking. Video Inputs: Composite and S-video inputs for DVD, Sat, AV, VCR and PVR have their audio and video : assigned to track each other by default. The five Video Input lines for Tape, CD, FM, AM and DVD-A allow assignment of a video source to these normally audio-only sources. If desired, it is possible to allocate the same video source to more than one audio input. This facility allows you to listen to an audio source and view a separate video source at the same time for example, you can listen to radio while watching TV for a sports simulcast. HQ Video DVD, AV and SAT: Allocate the high quality component or RGB video inputs to any source buttons. For example, to assign the Component/RGB video from the HQ Video DVD input to the DVD button, set the HQ Video DVD item in this menu to DVD. If HQ-VIDEO is set to RGB (as described on page 13) and an HQ-video input is assigned to a button, the AVR300 assumes that RGB signals are present for that input if a composite signal is found on the corresponding composite input. If this assignment is made but no RGB signals are supplied, the display will be blank for the assigned source.

Regardless of the mode used to tune your AVR300, when it is accurately tuned to a station TUNED lights up in the display. PRESET MODE When one or more presets have been defined, Preset mode can be used. In Preset mode, use the 3 and4 buttons on the front panel (or P or P+ on the remote control handset) to cycle up and down the preset stations. See below for instructions on storing and deleting presets.

Storing a preset

To store a preset, tune to the radio station you wish to store. Press the STORE button (or DYN on the remote control): the station frequency is shown on the display, followed by a preset number. Select the preset number you wish to assign to the station using the3and4 buttons on the front panel (or P or P+ on the remote control handset), then press the STORE button again. Once the preset is stored, the display reverts to show the station name (if RDS information is transmitted) or its frequency. To quit the memory function without storing a preset, leave the tuner controls untouched for five seconds. It is also possible to overwrite a stored station by saving another in its place. There are thirty presets available for FM use and ten for AM use.

Deleting a preset

Press the STORE button, then select the preset number you want to delete using the3and4 buttons (or P or P+ on the remote control handset), followed by the FM MUTE/MONO button (1/STATUS on the remote control). The display briefly shows DELETE and is shown in place of the preset number. You can reactivate a deleted preset number by storing a station in the normal way.

RDS: Radio Data System

The Arcam AVR300 supports RDS Programme Service and RDS Radio Text on FM broadcasts. When a station carrying RDS information is selected RDS lights up in the display and shortly afterwards the stations RDS name (e.g. BBC R3) is shown. Press the RDS INFO button to view any RDS text information (if a station is not transmitting text information, the display briefly indicates NO TEXT and reverts to show the station name). Press RDS INFO again to display the stations frequency. Pressing RDS INFO a third time returns you to a display of the station name. If the RDS INFO button is pressed while tuned to a non RDS station, the display shows NO NAME for three seconds before reverting to the default display.

AVR300 E-22

FM Mute/Mono
The AVR300s tuner has an auto-muting circuit that, when engaged, mutes any signal that is of insufficient strength for listening. To engage this circuit press the FM MUTE/MONO button on the front panel: FM MUTE is shown in the display. If a signal is muted you will hear no sound through the loudspeakers. Should you wish to listen to a station that is auto muted press the FM MUTE/MONO button again to disengage the muting circuit. The tuner now switches to monoaural reception, cancelling much of the background hiss. FM MUTE is no longer displayed and you are able to continue listening.

n Dimension: allows the user gradually to adjust the soundfield
either towards the front or towards the rear. If a recording is too spacious or strong from the surrounds, it can be adjusted forward to get a better balance. Likewise, if a stereo recording is somewhat too narrow sounding, it can be adjusted toward the rear to get a more enveloping, immersive result. We recommend Dimension is set to 3 for normal use.
n Centre Width: With Pro Logic decoding,
dominant centre signals come only from the centre speaker. If no centre speaker is present, the decoder splits the centre signal equally to the left and right speakers to create a phantom centre image. The Centre Width control allows variable adjustment of the centre image so it may be heard only from the centre speaker; only from the left/right speakers as a phantom image; or from all three front speakers to varying degrees. We recommend Centre Width is set to 3 for normal use.

Display 6 7

Centre spreading effect No centre spreading 20.62 69.8 Phantom centre
n Panorama Mode: Extends the front centre
image to include the surround speakers for an exciting wrap-around effect with side wall imaging.
The Centre Width setting for Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music Mode

MAIN MENU screen 3

This page refers to Zone 2 functions. These are required if your system is installed to send audio and video to a separate Zone 2 room, or you wish to make use of the Zone 2 headphone facility. Vol: Shows present volume being used in Zone 2 and can be adjusted from here. This is also the volume control for the headphones output if it is assigned to Zone 2. Zone 2 Source: Selects which source is sent to Zone 2. The source can be selected specifically, or can be set to Follow Zone 1. Note that pressing the THX button in Zone 2 will cause the input for Zone 2 to be set to Follow zone 1.

Using Zone 2

Zone 2 provides the option for the occupants of the master bedroom, childrens room or kitchen to view or listen to a different source at a different volume level from the main zone. Control of Zone 2 is via an infra-red receiver that sends commands back to the AVR300. See Control Connections on page 8 for further information.

AVR300 E-24

Surround modes
Your AVR300 processor provides all the key decoding and processing modes for analogue and digital signals.
Modes for Digital sources
Digital recordings are usually encoded to include information about their format type. The AVR300 detects automatically the relevant format in a digital signal, such as Dolby Digital or DTS, and switches in the appropriate decoding.

Digital multi-channel sources
Digital multi-channel source material is normally provided as 5.1 audio. The 5.1 channels comprise of: left, centre and right front speakers, two surround speakers and a low frequency effects (LFE) channel. Since the LFE channel is not a full range channel, it is referred to as.1. Surround systems decode and reproduce the 5.1 channels directly. Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES enhanced decoding systems create one extra rear channel from information buried in the two surround signals of the 5.1 source. These EX and ES enhanced systems are sometimes referred to as 6.1 systems. This extra surround back channel is normally reproduced through two separate loudspeakers, creating a 7.1 system.
5.1 Playback on 7.1 speaker systems
When listening to 5.1 channel digital recordings, such as Dolby Digital and DTS on a 7.1 channel speaker system you will have two speakers producing no sound. These two surround back speakers can be assigned the same signal as the surround speakers in the Speaker Sizes page of the Set-up Menu. When both the surround and surround back speakers are selected the volume from both will be reduced by 3 dB to keep the sound levels in balance.

AVR300 E-25

Two-channel source modes
The following decoding and surround modes are available:

n n n n

Mono Stereo Pro Logic II/IIx Movie Pro Logic II/IIx Music
Pro Logic Emulation Neo:6 Cinema Neo:6 Music
These modes are available with two-channel analogue and two-channel PCM digital sources (although a Dolby Digital 2.0 source may only be decoded as Mono, Stereo or Pro Logic IIx Movie). Mono: The AVR300 will combine the left and right audio channels from a stereo signal to produce a mono signal. This can be of benefit when playing older audio recordings or VCR tapes, especially mono LP records. Analogue Stereo: In this mode the AVR300 works as a conventional high quality audio amplifier. Note that if the subwoofer is enabled in stereo mode, then some processing of the signal will be carried out. For ultimate sound quality with analogue sources, therefore, select the Stereo Direct function. Digital Stereo: Decodes two-channel digital signals such as PCM signals from sources such as CDs and some DVDs. Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx: Dolby Pro Logic II decoding is designed to produce a 5-channel output from two channel source material. This is extended by Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoding, which is designed to produce a 5- or 7-channel output from two-channel source material and a 7-channel output from 5-channel material. There are two different modes available in Pro Logic II/IIx: Movie and Music modes, which are intended for use as their names suggest. Due to the different recording methods used for movies and music, it is recommended that the correct decoding mode for your source material is used to obtain the best results.

Movie Mode: This is intended for use with cinematic material, which is mixed and monitored in a calibrated multi-channel environment. Movie mode is a fixed mode that is designed to give a similar sound when listening using a home cinema system to that obtained in a cinema. Music Mode: Stereo music is not designed for surround processing, although good surround effects can be obtained through careful production. As the optimum decoding method varies according to the recording, Music mode allows user adjustment of the processing characteristics. Information about adjusting the Music mode by using Dimension and Centre Width controls can be found in the Main Menu Screen 2 section.
Dolby Pro Logic: Dolby Pro Logic decoding is a legacy mode that is designed to produce a fivechannel output from two-channel source material. It should be used only when the source material is encoded as Dolby Pro Logic; otherwise, we recommend the use of Dolby Pro Logic IIx. This is because Pro Logic processing on straight stereo sources can sound muffled and compressed. DTS NEO:6: DTS Neo:6 provides up to six full-band channels of decoding from stereo material. The AVR300 will derive separate channels corresponding to the standard home theatre speaker layout.
Cinema: A movie mode designed to reproduce a movie theatre environment. Neo:6 technology allows various sound elements within a channel or channels to be steered separately, and in a way which follows the original presentation naturally. Music: A music mode designed to produce a lively, high-integrity surround-effect from most twochannel music sources from all available speakers. Neo:6 music mode expands stereo recordings into the five- or six-channel layout without diminishing the subtlety and integrity of the original stereo recording.
Multi-channel source modes
The following modes are available for multi-channel digital sources. Special modes like DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix and DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete are available only from the correct source material. For Dolby Digital sources: For DTS sources:

n n n n n

Dolby Digital 5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1 Stereo Downmix Dolby Digital 5.1 Mono Downmix Dolby Digital Ex Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIx
DTS 5.1 DTS 5.1 Stereo Downmix DTS 5.1 Mono Downmix DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete
Dolby Digital 5.1: The most commonly used sound format for DVD video, and is also the standard for US digital television. Dolby Digital 5.1 sources deliver surround sound with five discrete fullrange channels; left, centre, right, surround left, and surround right, plus a low frequency effects (LFE) channel. Dolby Digital Ex: This is an extension to Dolby Digital decoding that provides a 6-channel output from a 5-channel input. The extra channel is the centre-surround channel (for which the two surround back speakers are used), and is derived from the left and right surround channel information. This decode mode should be used only when the source material is Surround EX encoded (which is normally indicated on the disc packaging and should be detected automatically by the AVR300), but may be used at other times if desired. Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIx: This is an extension to Dolby Digital decoding that provides a 7channel output from a 5-channel input. The extra channels are the surround back channels, that are derived from the left and right surround channel information. DTS 5.1: Less common than the Dolby Digital format, but generally recognised within the audio industry as being of superior sound quality. DTS 5.1 delivers surround sound with five full range channels plus an LFE channel.

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DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix: This is a 6.1 channel format based on DTS 5.1. It has the sixth channel matrix encoded into the surround left and surround right channels. The sixth channel is a surround centre channel and is directed to the surround back left and surround back right speakers.
DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete: This is a true discrete 6.1 channel sound format (unlike DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix where the sixth (surround centre) channel information is extracted from the two surround channels). DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete mode operates only on sources with DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete audio encoding, such as certain DVD discs.

DSP Effects Modes

The AVR300 has a number of effects modes that can be used to enhance a stereo signal and to make use of the surround loudspeakers. DSP effects modes are only available with stereo source signals. Music: Music surround makes full use of the additional speakers placed at the centre, sides and rear of the room. This effect uses ambiance extraction for the side and rear speakers and offers the most subtle surround processing with no reverberation or reflections. Party: The Party effect allows unprocessed stereo signals to be played over all speakers for background music or for maximum acoustical output of the system. Club: The Club effect generates reflections and short reverberation information to the front, side and rear speakers. It simulates a small club venue, such as a Jazz Club. Concert Hall: The Concert Hall effect generates the ambient information for the simulation of a medium size hall. Reflections and medium length reverberation information are sent to all channels. Sports: Sports stadium effect is ideal for use when watching live sports events which would normally be in stereo. The open ambience of a sports stadium is actively recreated around you, except from the centre channel which is kept clear for commentary. Church: The Church effect uses a reverberation algorithm which emphasises rich, smooth reverberant decay in large spaces. As its name suggests, it works well for simulating a space with long reverberation time relative to its size, such as a large church or cathedral.

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A list of available software titles with DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix and DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete titles can be found at www.dtsonline.com.
Bi-wiring and bi-amping loudspeakers
Bi-wiring improves the sound of your system as it divides the high and low frequency signal currents into separate speaker cables. The performance of your system can be further enhanced over that achieved with bi-wiring by extending the principle one stage further to include separate amplification for the low and high frequency drive units in each loudspeaker enclosure. This is called bi-amping.
Before you start important information!
1) Ensure that the volume control is set to minimum before starting these procedures. 2) Do not make any connections to your AVR300 while it is switched on or connected to the mains supply. 3) After connecting the loudspeakers, but before switching on the AVR300, please check all connections thoroughly, making sure bare wires or cables are not touching the AVR300 in the wrong places (which could cause short circuits) and that you have connected positive (+) to positive and negative () to negative.

GROUND

Bi-wiring your loudspeakers
Bi-wiring avoids signal distortions arising from the high and low frequency currents interacting with one another within a single cable, as occurs in conventionally wired systems. You will need: Speakers with four input terminals each: the terminals will be marked HF (High Frequency + and ) and LF (Low Frequency + and ). Loudspeaker cables two pairs of cables per loudspeaker.
How to bi-wire loudspeakers
1. Remove the terminal links on the rear of your loudspeakers. NOTE: If you do not remove the shorting links from the speaker terminals, the speakers will still be single-wired! 2. Connect the cables as shown in the diagram, ensuring correct polarity at all times.

Bi-amping your system

Notes: 1) In order to bi-amplify your speakers, your speakers will need to be bi-wirable (have positive and negative terminals for both high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) information). If your speakers are bi-wirable, ensure that the links between the HF and LF terminals are removed. WARNING: This step is essential or damage to your AVR300 may result which is not covered under warranty. 2) If you wish to bi-amplify speakers using external power amplifiers, you must use amplifiers with the same gain as the AVR300 (31dB), otherwise the bass and the treble will become unbalanced. Please contact your dealer if you require more information on bi-amping your speakers.
Bi-wiring using the AVR300 (only one speaker is shown, for clarity)
SAT HIGH QUALITY VIDEO IN 230

AUDIO IN

VOLTAGE SELECT

REMOTE IN

POWER INLET

+ R/CH1

+ L/CH2

Bi-amping using the AVR300 and a P90 (only the front left and right channels are shown, for clarity)

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Troubleshooting
There are no lights on the unit: Check that: No sound is produced: Check that:
the power cord is plugged into the AVR300 and the mains socket outlet it is plugged into is switched on. the power button is pressed in. the mains fuse in the plug (if applicable) has not blown. The AVR300 requires a 6-amp fuse, or greater.
the correct input has been selected. the source equipment is on, is operating normally, and is in play mode if appropriate. the volume is turned up to a reasonable level and MUTE is not displayed on the front panel display. your power amplifier(s) (if any) are turned on and working correctly. you have assigned the digital input to the correct source button. the AVR300 is not in Stereo Direct mode with with only a digital signal supplied.
If a red LED is present, the AVR300 is in stand-by mode. Press any source button on the front panel or on the remote control. The unit responds erratically or not at all to the remote control: Check that:
there are fresh batteries in the remote control. the Remote IR receiver is visible (this is located in the middle of the front-panel display) and that you are pointing the remote control towards it.
The sound is poor or distorted: Check that:
The front panel display is blank: Check that:
the cables to that source and to the power amplifier are making a good connection. If necessary withdraw the cable from the connector and plug it back in again. (Turn the power off before doing this) you have not excessively reduced the input sensitivity on the Input Trims page in the Set-up Menu if an analogue input has been selected. Check that the input is not clipping by using the Analogue Settings page. you have selected the correct size of speakers to suit your system on the Speaker Sizes page in the Set-up Menu.
the display hasnt been turned off. Press the DIS button on the remote control.
No picture is produced: Check that:
your viewing device is turned on and switched to display your AVR300. Test by pressing the MENU button on the AVR300 or AVR300 remote and look for the AVR300 Main Menu Screen 1 displayed on your device. the correct video input is selected on the AVR300 the video source is on, is operating normally, and is in play mode if appropriate.

Volume is always too loud when I turn the system on for the main zone or Zone 2: Check:
the Max On Volume line of General Settings or Zone 2 Settings pages in the Set-up Menu. They will need adjusting to a lower level.
You cant select a particular input in Zone 2: Check that:
you have not blocked that particular input using the Access line of Zone 2 Settings in the Set-up Menu.
When Zone 2 is put into stand-by, the main zone is also turned off: Check that:
the Zone 2 Stand-by line of Zone 2 Settings in the Set-up Menu is set to Local Only.
Unstable OSD on screen display: The AVR300 defaults to the NTSC video standard for US units and PAL for European units. If your display device is unable to display the default video standard, attach a source component the generates the video standard you wish to use; the AVR300 will switch automatically to the supplied video standard when the source is selected. No Zone 2 audio when playing DTS film: Most two-channel DVD players cannot output a stereo decoded version of the DTS signal the analogue outputs are muted when playing back DTS films. If you want to watch a DVD in both the Main zone and Zone 2, please use the Dolby Digital sound track. No centre image (vocal) in Zone 2 when using the multi-channel input: Most DVD/SACD players are unable to provide a two-channel down-mix of source material at the same time as decoding a multi-channel audio stream. Therefore, only the front left and right channels from the multi-channel mix will be available in Zone 2. To overcome this, play the stereo mix from the DVD-audio disc instead.

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all cables are making a good connection. If necessary withdraw the cable from the connector and plug it fully in again. (Turn the power off before doing this.)

IR Remote Codes

The following information is supplied for owners of advanced programmable remote controls, such as the Philips Pronto and similar devices, where it is possible to program remote codes directly into the device. The coding system for the AVR300 is based on the Philips RC-5 standard. The main system control uses RC-5 system codes 16, with the tuner section using system code 17 (this is to provide compatability with existing ARCAM tuners). So, for example, to program in a Stand-by command, use the command 16-124. Zone 2 also uses RC-5 system code 16 as standard, as Zone 2 is normally operated in a separate room using a standard (system code 16) remote control. Main system control code, system code 16. Items shown in THIS STYLE indicate the equivalent remote control button of the supplied CR-80 remote control. Command Stand-by On Power toggle Display (DIS) Menu (MENU) Info Command code Command