CAUTION To reduce the risk of electrical shocks, fire, etc.: 1. Do not remove screws, covers or cabinet. 2. Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
button! (XV-THV70) Caution Disconnect the mains plug to shut the power off completely (the goes off). The button in any position does not disconnect the mains line. When the system is on standby, the lights red. When the system is turned on, the operation lamps light red. THIS DIGITAL APPARATUS DOES NOT EXCEED THE CLASS B LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE EMISSIONS FROM DIGITAL APPARATUS AS SET OUT IN THE INTERFERENCE-CAUSING EQUIPMENT STANDARD ENTITLED DIGITAL APPARATUS, ICES-003 OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS. CET APPAREIL NUMERIQUE RESPECTE LES LIMITES DE BRUITS RADIOELECTRIQUES APPLICABLES AUX APPAREILS NUMIRIQUES DE CLASSE B PRESCRITES DANS LA NORME SUR LE MATERIEL BROUILLEUR: APPAREILS NUMERIQUES, NMB-003 EDICTEE PAR LE MINISTRE DES COMMUNICATIONS.
safety_TH-V70[J]B 1 02.3.13, 9:15 PM

Table of Contents

Introduction.. 2
Notes on handling... 2 Checking the supplied accessories.. 2

Advanced operations.. 37

Using the on-screen bar.. 37 Showing the on-screen bar... 37 Basic operation through the on-screen bar.. 38 Changing the time information... 38 Locating a desired scene from the disc menu. 39 Locating a desired scene from the DVD menu. 39 Locating a desired scene from the Video CD/SVCD menu with PBC... 39 Selecting a view angle of DVD.. 40 Selecting a view angle... 40 Showing all view angles on the TV.. 41 Changing the subtitle languages and audio languages.. 41 Selecting the subtitle language.. 41 Selecting the audio language.. 42 Selecting the audio channel.. 43 Playing from a specified position on a disc. 44 Locating a desired chapter from the on-screen bar. 44 Locating a desired position by specifying the time.. 45 Locating a desired scene from the digest display. 45 Special picture playback.. 46 Frame-by-frame playback.. 46 Showing continuous still pictures.. 46 Playing back in slow-motion.. 47 Zooming in/out... 47 Changing the VFP setting.. 48 Changing the track order.. 49 Playing back in the desired order. 49 Playing back tracks in random order. 49 Repeat playback... 50 Repeating a current title, chapter, or all tracks. 50 Repeating a desired part.. 50

NOTES: Although the satellite speakers and the powered subwoofer are magnetically shielded, the TV screen may be mottled. In this case, keep the distance from them to the TV by over 10 cm. For safety reasons, always ensure that there is a sufficient space behind the subwoofer. When you place the satellite speakers on the relatively high position, such as the top of your bookshelf, place them on a flat and level surface.
EN1-20TH-V70[J]B 12 02.3.13, 9:16 PM
7 Connecting the satellite (front, center, rear) speakers
Connect the satellite speakers to the powered subwoofer using the supplied speaker cords. Connect the white cord to the red (+) terminal and the black cord to the black () terminal. CAUTION:
When you do not connect the supplied speakers but connect other (larger) speakers, use the speakers with the SPEAKER IMPEDANCE indicated by the speaker terminals on the rear panel of the subwoofer. DO NOT connect more than one speaker to one speaker terminal.
Before connecting the speaker cord
Connecting the speaker cord to the satellite speakers
* The terminal of SP-XSV70
If the speaker cord is covered with vinyl, remove the vinyl by twisting it as shown above.
Fold the end of each speaker cord to avoid short-circuit. Press and hold the terminal clamp.
Front speakers* (SP-XSV70) Insert the speaker cord.
Release the finger from the terminal clamp.
Center speaker (SP-XCV70)
Rear speakers* (SP-XSV70)
Connecting the speaker cord to the powered subwoofer

Groove

Connect the speaker cords.
Let the cables pass through the groove.

Open the terminal clamp.

Insert the speaker cord.
Close the terminal clamp.
EN1-20TH-V70[J]B 13 02.3.13, 9:16 PM
Connecting to an analog component
You can enjoy the sound of an analog component such as a VCR, TV, or Cassette recorder through this system. Connect an analog component using the cord with RCA pin plugs (not supplied). Connect the white plug to AUX IN L (the left audio jack), the red to AUX IN R (the right audio jack).
RCA pin plug cord To audio output To audio output To audio output

Cassette recorder

EN1-20TH-V70[J]B 18 02.3.13, 9:16 PM
Getting Started Using the remote control
The remote control makes it easy to use many of the functions of the system at a distance of up to 7 m (23 feet) away. You can also operate other components from the remote control supplied with this system. To operate your TV, see page 20. To operate your VCR, CATV convertor, or DBS tuner, see page 69.
Putting batteries in the remote control
Before using the remote control, put two supplied batteries first.
1 On the back of the remote control, remove the battery cover. 2 Insert batteries.
Make sure to match the polarity: (+) to (+) and () to ().

3 Replace the cover. 3

If the range or effectiveness of the remote control decreases, replace the batteries. Use two R6P (SUM-3)/AA (15F) type drycell batteries. CAUTION:
Follow these precautions to avoid leaking or cracking batteries: Place batteries in the remote control so they match the polarity: (+) to (+) and () to (). Use the correct type of batteries. Batteries that look similar may differ in voltage. Always replace both batteries at the same time. Do not expose batteries to heat or flame.
Operating the system from the remote control
Aim the remote control directly at the remote sensor on the center unit. To control other components, aim the remote control directly at the remote sensor on each component. Refer also to their instruction manuals. To operate the remote control properly, do not hide the remote sensor by placing any obstruction.

Remote sensor

SOURCE VOL
When the center unit is placed horizontally
When the center unit is placed vertically
When the moving panel is open, the remote sensor looks up, so the remote control may not work. You can use the remote control while the moving panel is shut.
EN1-20TH-V70[J]B 19 02.3.13, 9:16 PM
Using the remote control for TV operations
You can operate your TV using the remote control supplied with this system. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.
7 Setting the remote control signal for operating your TV.

Left front speaker

Right front speaker
Center speaker Left rear speaker
Subwoofer Right rear speaker
* Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
** Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. US Pat. No. 5,451,942 and other world-wide patents issued and pending. DTS and DTS Digital Surround are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Copyright 1996 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
EN33-36TH-V70[J]B 33 02.3.13, 9:14 PM
7 DAP (Digital Acoustic Processor) modes
DAP modes have been designed to create important acoustic surround elements. The sound heard in a live club, dance club, hall or pavilion consists of direct sound and indirect soundearly reflections and reflections from behind. Direct sounds reach the listener directly without any reflection. On the other hand, indirect sounds are delayed by the distances of the ceiling and walls (see the diagram below). These indirect sounds are important elements of the acoustic surround effects. The DAP mode can reproduce a realistic sound field by adding these indirect sounds. The following DAP modes are provided with this system. LIVE CLUB: Gives the feeling of a live music club with a low ceiling. DANCE CLUB: Gives a throbbing bass beat. HALL: PAVILION: Gives clear vocal and the feeling of a concert hall. Gives the spacious feeling of a pavilion with a high ceiling.

7 All Channel Stereo

All Channel Stereo (ALL CH ST.) mode can reproduce a larger stereo sound field using all the connected (and activated) speakers. All Channel Stereo can be used while reproducing 2 channel stereo software, either analog or Linear PCM. When All Channel Stereo is selected, the DSP indicator lights up on the display.
All Channel Stereo reproduction
All channel stereo Normal stereo sound
These DAP modes can be used to add the acoustic surround effects while reproducing 2 channel stereo software, either analog or Linear PCM, and can give you a real being there feeling. When one of the DAP modes is selected, the DSP indicator lights up on the display window.
7 The signal indicators on the display window Light up to indicate the incoming signals.

C R LFE LS S RS L

Creating sound field
Reflections from behind Early reflections L: C: R: LFE: LS: RS: S:
Lights up when the left channel signal comes in. Lights up when the center channel signal comes in. Lights up when the right channel signal comes in. Lights up when the LFE channel signal comes in. Lights up when the left surround channel signal comes in. Lights up when the right surround channel signal comes in. Lights up when the monaural rear channel signal or 2 channel Dolby Surround signal comes in.

Direct sounds Available Surround modes for each input signal Mode Signals Dolby Digital (Multichannel) Dolby Digital (2 channel) DTS Digital Surround (Multichannel) DTS Digital Surround (2 channel) Analog (AUX/FM/AM) or Linear PCM SURROUND DOLBY DTS PLII OFF (stereo) DIGITAL SURROUND MOVIE PLII MUSIC LIVE CLUB DANCE CLUB : Possible / : Impossible HALL PAVILION ALL CH ST.
EN33-36TH-V70[J]B 34 02.3.13, 9:14 PM
Using Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround
Once you have adjusted the sound, the adjustment is memorized for each source.
Selecting the surround mode
The system is so set up in its initial state that it automatically selects the optimal surround mode for each input signal (AUTO SURROUND MODE). Only when you want to change a surround mode selected automatically, perform the following procedure. After having changed the surround mode, turning off the power or changing sources resumes the auto surround mode.
From the remote control ONLY

Sound setting buttons

SOUND button TEST button
TV RETURN ON SCREEN FM MODE 100+

SURROUND MODE button

1 Start playing back software.
SURROUND MODE button When playing a conponent connected to the AUX IN or the DIGITAL IN jack, change the source to AUX or AUX DIGITAL. (See page 22.)

Press SURROUND MODE.

The current surround mode is called up and appears on the display window. Each time you press the button, the surround mode changes as follows. ] PL II MOVIE ] PL II MUSIC ] LIVE CLUB ] DANCE CLUB ] HALL ] PAVILION ] ALL CH ST. ] STEREO (surround off) ] (back to the beginning)
NOTES: When you have set the rear speakers to NONE, you cannot use the DAP modes and All Channel Stereo. (See pages 60 and 66.) When the digital multichannel software such as Dolby Digital or DTS Digital Surround is played back, the appropriate multichannel Surround mode is automatically activated (DOLBY D or DTS SURR), and you can only turn on or off (STEREO) the surround mode. For Dolby Digital 2 channel software, you can select PLII MUSIC, PLII MOVIE, or off (STEREO) by pressing SURROUND MODE.
2 Press SURROUND MODE to activate Surround mode.
Each time you press the button, Surround mode turns on and off (stereo) alternately. If you are playing back software encoded with Dolby Digital multichannel, DOLBY D is selected. If you are playing back software encoded with DTS Digital Surround, DTS SURR is selected. If you are playing back any software other than the above, you can select PL II MUSIC or PL II MOVIE according to the source by pressing SURROUND MODE.

] TIME 0:25:58 ] REM 0:18:14 ] TOTAL 1:25:58 ] T.REM 0:45:41 ] (back to the beginning)
While playing a Video CD, SVCD, or Audio CD, the indication of the hour digit does not appear.

4 Press ENTER.

The setting changes and the pop-up window goes off.
To turn off the on-screen bar Press ON SCREEN.
NOTE: See the corresponding pages for the detail of each function.
EN37-50TH-V70[J]B 38 02.3.13, 9:17 PM
Advanced operations Locating a desired scene from the disc menu
Using the disc menu, you can start playing a title, chapter, or track you specify.
Locating a desired scene from the Video CD/SVCD menu with PBC

VIDEO SUPER

Locating a desired scene from the DVD menu
DVD discs generally have their own menus which show the disc contents. These menus contain various items such as titles of movies, names of songs, or artist information, and display them on the TV screen. You can locate a desired scene by using these menus.
A Video CD or SVCD disc recorded with PBC has its own menus such as a list of the songs. You can locate the specific scene by using the menu. (See also page 7.)

RETURN DIGEST ZOOM VFP

RETURN button
TOP MENU button MENU button

CHOICE

4/REW button Cursor and ENTER buttons

FF/ button

7 When the menu appears on the TV during playback with PBC
7 Whenever a DVD disc is loaded
Press Number buttons (1-10, +10) to select the number of the desired item.
The system starts playback from the selected item.
1 Press TOP MENU or MENU.
The menu appears on the TV.

Example:

To select the number Example: To select 3, press 3. To select 11, press +10, then 1.
Normally, a DVD disc which contains more than one title may have a title menu which lists the titles. Press TOP MENU to show the title menu. Some DVD discs may also have a different menu which is shown by pressing the MENU button. See the instructions of each DVD disc for its particular menu.
To return to the menu Press RETURN. When NEXT or PREVIOUS is shown on the TV screen: To go to the next page, press FF/. To return to the previous page, press 4/REW.
NOTES: If you want to play a PBC-compatible Video CD/SVCD without using the PBC function, perform any of the following: Start playback by pressing Number buttons when playback is stopped. Start playback by pressing PLAY (or 3 on the center unit) when playback is stopped and the track number appears on the display window instead of PBC. To activate the PBC function when playing a PBC-compatible Video CD/SVCD without using the PBC function, perform any of the following: Press TOP MENU or MENU. Press STOP (or 7 on the center unit) to stop playback, then press PLAY (or 3 on the center unit).

2 Use Cursor 2/3/5/ to select a desired item, then press ENTER.
The system starts playback of the selected item. With some discs, you can also select items by entering the corresponding number using Number buttons.
EN37-50TH-V70[J]B 39 02.3.13, 9:17 PM
Selecting a view angle of DVD
While playing back a DVD containing multi-view angles, you can enjoy the same scene at different angles.

Using the on-screen bar:

Selecting a view angle

7 During playback

Using the direct button:

ANGLE button

2 Press Cursor 3/2 to move to the on-screen bar, then press ENTER.
The following pop-up window appears under the onscreen bar. Example: The first view angle is selected out of 3 view angles recorded.

1 Press ANGLE.

The following pop-up window appears on the TV. Example: The first view angle is selected out of 3 view angles recorded.
3 Press Cursor /5 repeatedly to select the desired view angle.
Each time you press the button, the angle of the scene changes.
The pop-up window goes off. To turn off the on-screen bar Press ON SCREEN.
2 Press ANGLE repeatedly to select the desired view angle.
Each time you press the button, the angle of the scene changes. Example: ] 1/3 ] 2/3 ] 3/3 ] (back to the beginning)

1/1/3 2

The pop-up window goes off if no operation is done for about 5 seconds.
EN37-50TH-V70[J]B 40 02.3.13, 9:17 PM
Showing all view angles on the TV
Changing the subtitle languages and audio languages
While playing back a DVD (or SVCD) containing subtitles in different languages, you can select the subtitle language to be displayed on the TV. When a DVD contains audio languages (soundtrack), you can select the language (sound track) to listen to. You can also select the audio channel(s) of a Video CD/ SVCD disc.
Selecting the subtitle language

SUBTITLE button

1 Press and hold ANGLE for more than 1 second.
Up to 9 pictures of the different camera angles recorded on a disc appear on the TV screen. Example: when 3 view angles are recorded.

1 Press SUBTITLE.

Angle list The following pop-up window appears on the TV. Example (DVD): ENGLISH is selected out of 3 subtitle languages recorded. The selected picture

1/3 ENGLISH

NOTE: You can perform the above operation using 8 on the center unit.
Showing continuous still pictures
To display the next page, press Cursor 2/3/5/ to select the right bottom scene, then press Cursor 3.

STROBE (PAUSE) button

3 Press ENTER.
The system starts playback from the selected scene.
NOTE: With some discs, depending on the contents, it may take some time before all the scenes appear on the TV screen.
1 Press STROBE (PAUSE) at the point you want to view as continuous pictures.

Playback pauses.

2 Press and hold STROBE (PAUSE) for more than 1 second.
The same 9 frames (still pictures) appear on the TV screen. You can advance the frames one by one in the following step.
3 Press STROBE (PAUSE) once.
The picture in the middle on the top row shows an advanced frame from the one on the left.
Advanced frame Each press of STROBE (PAUSE) advances the frame one by one. Pressing PLAY instead of STROBE (PAUSE) advances each frame in normal playback speed with a time delay over the whole 9 frames. (The sound is muted.) TO BE CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
EN37-50TH-V70[J]B 46 02.3.13, 9:17 PM
To return to the normal screen Press and hold STROBE (PAUSE) for more than 1 second.
NOTES: If you press and hold STROBE (PAUSE) for more than 1 second during playback, 9 still pictures also appear but they advance in normal playback speed with a time delay. (The sound is muted.) You can perform the above operation using 8 on the center unit.
AUX FM/AM AUDIO ANGLE DIGEST

Zooming in/out

Playing back in slow-motion

1 button

RETURN

CONTROL

ZOOM +/ buttons

SUBWOOFER +

7 During playback or while paused

button

1 Press ZOOM + or.
To zooms in, press ZOOM +. Each time you press ZOOM +, the magnification changes as follows. x 2 ] x 4 ] x 8 ] x 16 ] x 32 ] x 64 ] x 128 ] x 256 ] x 512 ] x 1024 To zooms out, press ZOOM. Each time you press ZOOM , the magnification changes as follows. x 1/2 ] x 1/4 ] x 1/8 Example: when x4 zoom is selected.
1 Press PAUSE at the point where you want to start playback in slow-motion.
The system pauses playback.

2 Press or 1.

To play back in forward slow-motion, press. To play back in reverse slow-motion, press 1. Each time you press the button, the playback speed changes as follows. Forward:

Slide-show

You can see the still pictures one after another automatically in the slide-show playback.

Insert a JPEG disc.

The slide-show starts. Each file (still picture) is shown on the TV for about 3 seconds, then changed to the next file one after another. When all files in a group have been played, the system play files in the next group. You can perform the following operations during the slideshow playback.

7 What is JPEG?

A still-picture data compression system proposed by the Joint Photographic Expert Group, which features small decrease in image quality in spite of its high compression ratio.
On a JPEG disc, each still picture (material) is recorded as a file. Files are usually grouped into a folder. Folders can also include other folders, creating hierarchical folder layers. Up to 99 groups
Group 1 File 1 File 2 Group 3

Up to 150 files

This system simplifies the hierarchical construction of a disc and manages folders by groups. This system can recognize up to 150 files per group, and up to 99 groups per disc (up to 14,850 files). The system ignores those exceeding the maximum numbers and cannot play them. If there is any type of files other than JPEG files in a folder, those files are also counted in the total number of 150.

7 NOTES for JPEG disc

JPEG discs (either CD-R or CD-RW) require a longer readout time. (It differs due to the complexity of the directory/file configuration.) When making a JPEG disc, select ISO 9660 Level 1 or Level 2 as the disc format. This system supports multi-session discs (up to 5 sessions). This system cannot play packet write discs. The system can play JPEG files only with the following file extensions:.jpg,.jpeg,.JPG,.JPEG and any uppercase and lowercase combination (such as.Jpg). We recommend to record a file at 640 x 480 resolution. (If a file has been recorded at a resolution of more than 640 x 480, it will take a longer time to be shown.) If both JPEG files and MP3 files are recorded on a disc, set the MP3/JPEG setting in the PICTURE menu to JPEG. (See page 58.) This system can play only baseline JPEG files*. Progressive JPEG files* or lossless JPEG files* cannot be played. Some JPEG discs may not be played back because of their disc characteristics or recording conditions.

ON SCREEN LANGUAGE ENGLISH
SELECT ENTER USE TO SELECT, USE ENTER TO CONFIRM. TO EXIT, PRESS CHOICE.

SELECT ENTER

USE TO SELECT, USE ENTER TO CONFIRM. TO EXIT, PRESS CHOICE.
: AUDIO menu (see page 59) You can adjust the sound settings of this system through this menu.
AUDIO L/R BALANCE BASS TREBLE LFE ATT. CENTER OFF
: SPK. SETTING menu (see page 60) You can make the speaker settings according to the size and layout of your speakers. You can also adjust the output level of the subwoofer, center speaker, and rear speakers.
SPK. SETTING SIZE LEVEL DISTANCE CROSS OVER RETURN TO INITIAL 200 Hz

D. RANGE COMPRESSION MID

OTHERS menu (see page 62) You can change the settings for some of the functions. To set AV COMPU LINK mode and Parental Lock, also use this menu.
OTHERS RESUME ON SCREEN GUIDE AUTO STANDBY AV COMPULINK MODE PARENTAL LOCK ON ON OFF DVD1
EN55-66TH-V70[J]B 55 02.3.13, 9:18 PM
Basic procedure through the choice menus
The pop-up window, listing the selectable options, appears on the choice menu.
PICTURE MONITOR TYPE PROGRESSIVE MODE 4:3LB AUTO ON MP3

VIDEO FILM AUTO

SCREEN SAVER MP3 / JPEG

CHOICE button

SELECT ENTER USE TO SELECT. USE ENTER TO CONFIRM. TO EXIT, PRESS CHOICE.

1 Press CHOICE.

The LANGUAGE menu appears on the TV.
5 Press Cursor 5/ repeatedly to select the desired option.
Example: When FILM is selected.
USE TO SELECT. USE ENTER TO CONFIRM. TO EXIT, PRESS CHOICE.
2 Press Cursor 3/2 repeatedly to display one of the choice menusLANGUAGE, PICTURE, AUDIO, SPK. SETTING, or OTHERS.
Each time you press the button, the choice menus change. Example: When the PICTURE menu is selected.

6 Press ENTER.

Your choice is stored.
PICTURE MONITOR TYPE PROGRESSIVE MODE SCREEN SAVER MP3 / JPEG 4:3LB FILM ON MP3
To set other items on the same choice menu Repeat steps 3 to 6. To move to another choice menu Press Cursor 2/3 repeatedly to select a CHOICE menu you want to set up. To return to the normal screen Press CHOICE.
NOTE: Some items in the choice menus consist of sub-menus to set up. Selecting them and pressing ENTER makes its sub-menu appear on the TV. You can set them using Cursor 2/3/5/ and ENTER (as explained in this basic procedure).
3 Press Cursor /5 repeatedly to move the item you want to set up.
Example: When PROGRESSIVE MODE is selected.
EN55-66TH-V70[J]B 56 02.3.13, 9:18 PM
Setting DVD preferences LANGUAGE menu
NOTE: You can select MENU LANGUAGE, AUDIO LANGUAGE, and SUBTITLE only while playback is stopped.
MENU LANGUAGE Some DVDs have their own menus in multiple languages. Select the initial language shown in the menus. AUDIO LANGUAGE Some DVDs have multiple audio languages. Select the initial audio language. SUBTITLE Some DVDs have multiple subtitle languages. Select the initial subtitle language. ON SCREEN LANGUAGE Select the language shown on the TV screen while operating this system.

Maintenance

To get the best performance of the system, keep your discs and mechanism clean.

General Notes

In general, you will have the best performance by keeping your discs, and the mechanism clean. Store discs in their cases, and keep them in cabinets or on shelves.

Cleaning the system

Stains on the system Should be wiped off with a soft cloth. If the unit is heavily stained, wipe it with a cloth soaked in water-diluted neutral detergent and wrung well, then wipe clean with a dry cloth. Since the unit may deteriorate in quality, become damaged or get its paint peeled off, be careful about the following. DO NOT wipe it with a hard cloth. DO NOT wipe it strong. DO NOT wipe it with thinner or benzine. DO NOT apply any volatile substance such as insecticides to it. DO NOT allow any rubber or plastic to remain in contact with it for a long time. DO NOT clean the moving panel when it is open.

Handling Discs

Remove the disc from its case by holding it at the edge while pressing the center hole lightly. Do not touch the shiny surface of the disc, or bend the disc. Put the disc back in its case after use to prevent warping.
Be careful not to scratch the surface of the disc when placing it back in its case. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, temperature extremes, and moisture.
To clean the disc Wipe the disc with a soft cloth in a straight line from center to edge.
DO NOT use any solventsuch as conventional record cleaner, spray, thinner, or benzineto clean the disc.
EN67-78TH-V70[J]B 71 02.3.13, 9:18 PM

Troubleshooting

Use this chart to help you solve daily operational problems. If there is any problem you cannot solve, contact your JVC service center.

PROBLEM

Power does not come on. Power is not supplied to the powered subwoofer.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

The power cord is not connected to an AC outlet or the center unit. The power cord of the subwoofer is not connected to an AC outlet.

SOLUTION

Insert the plug into the socket. on the center unit or Press on the remote control to AUDIO turn off the system, insert the plug firmly into an AC outlet, and press on the center unit or AUDIO on the remote control again. Connect the system cable. Come closer to the center unit. (Operate the remote control within 7 m from the center unit.) Avoid any obstacles. (See page 19.) Aim the remote control at the remote sensor on each equipment you want to operate. Set it to the correct position. Replace the batteries. Insert the batteries correctly.

Disc menu

A screen display prepared for allowing selection of images, sounds, subtitles, multiangles, etc. recorded on a DVD.

Playback control (PBC)

Refers to the signal recorded on video CDs or SVCDs for controlling reproduction. By using menu screens recorded on a Video CD or SVCD that supports PBC, you can enjoy interactive-type software as well as software having a search function.

Interlaced scan

In the conventional video system, a picture is shown on the display monitor in two halves. The Interlaced scan system places lines of the second half of the picture in-between lines of the first half of the picture.

Progressive scan

Progressive scan displays all the horizontal lines of a picture at one time, as a single frame. This system can convert the interlaced video from DVD into progressive format for connection to a progressive display. It dramatically increases the vertical resolution.

Region code

A system for allowing discs to be played back only in the regions designated beforehand. All the countries in the world are divided into six regions, each region being identified by a specified region code (or region number). If the region code given to a disc includes a numeral which matches one in the region code of a player, the player can play back the disc.
Linear PCM (PCM: Pulse Code Modulation)
A system for converting analog sound signal to digital signal for later processing, with no data compression used in conversion.

Letter box

A method of displaying wide images like movies in the center of a 4:3 TV screen with no part of the image deleted, by placing black bands on the top and bottom of the screen. This name has resulted from the screen form looking literally like a letter box.

Surround

A system for creating three-dimensional sound fields full of realism by arranging multiple speakers around the listener.

Sampling frequency

Frequency of sampling data when analog data is converted to digital data. Sampling frequency numerically represents how many times the original analog signal is sampled per second.
A file format with a sound data compression system. MP3 is the abbreviation of Motion Picture Experts Group 1 (or MPEG-1) Audio Layer 3. By using MP3 format, one CD-R or CD-RW can contain about 10 times as much data volume as a regular CD can.

0307wv16 JVC home systf

16/5/2003

2:29 pm

Page 96

JVC QP-ES7

DVD home cinema system

Almost famous
Hand over 1,000 to JVC and you can take home the delectable-looking QP-ES7 system. Marco Bilello finds out whether its money well spent
You have to hand it to JVC. Its home cinema systems seem to get more delectable with each new generation and it has delivered the goods once again with the QP-ES7. This gorgeous all-in-one spearheads a triumvirate of systems branded under the Adagio banner. All are driven by the XV-N55SL DVD player and RX-ES1SL digital amplifier, but feature different speaker packages. The QP-ES7 is the only one to boast JVCs swanky Direct-Drive Pole-Design satellites, designed to deliver a wide and natural soundstage by reducing harmonic distortion to less than 1 per cent. At 1,000 the QP-ES7 is double the price of most systems, so can it prove its worth? conventional design, so it can be perched atop a TV. Bass is delivered by a wood-effect-finished sub. Unlike many systems, the DVD player sports an RGB-capable Scart. You also get S-video and composite video, but the omission of component video is a let-down at this price. Digital audio is piped to the RX-ES1SL using either optical or electrical cables. Connections are prodigious on the rear panel of the receiver. A real boon is the inclusion of four Scart sockets, three of which accept RGB. This is extremely useful for people lacking RGB-equipped Scarts on the back of their TV who can use the amplifier as an audio and video switcher. The remaining Scart also delivers RGB from the unit. Speakers are connected to springclip terminals on the rear of the receiver, while unusually for a home cinema system, the subwoofer is hooked up using a phono lead. Two digital audio devices can be connected to the system at the same time as the DVD player through the one electrical and two optical inputs. Unfortunately, the analogue 5.1-channel inputs are not actually intended for piping DVD-Audio into the receiver. These are purely for those wishing to make use of an external DVD decks built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoders.

OPERATION

The brightly coloured operating system is sensibly laid-out, although its content is rather basic and virtually all of the features and settings can be accessed through the bulky handset. This cumbersome brute sits uncomfortably in the hand. A large selection of small buttons are located under a flap in the lower portion, but are difficult to get at. Conversely, while key functions in the upper half are easy to access, some are poorly labelled, making simple tasks such as accessing the menu (bizarrely achieved by hitting the Choice button) trickier than they should be. It can be tricky to configure speakers, but JVC aims to ease the pain with Smart Surround Setup. In response to a percussive sound, such as a clap, this sets delays and levels. Tweaks can be made to the resulting settings, while extensive manual adjustments enable the crossover frequency and LFE to be adjusted. The digital amplifier delivers 5 x 100W and features built-in Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro-Logic II decoders. The sats handle up to 100W of power and have a frequency response of 120Hz-20kHz. The sub carries much of the midrange punch with a range of 200Hz-30kHz.
Difficult to hold and crammed with poorly labelled buttons
The slimline DVD and amp pair up beautifully

DESCRIPTION

Hats off to the JVC design team for creating a stunning piece of kit. Both the DVD player and receiver are of svelte proportions and complement each other perfectly. The killer touch is a sumptuous blue neon dash on both units that can be dimmed to avoid distraction at low light levels. But the lanky Direct-Drive Pole-Design satellites are the real stars. They seamlessly blend into any living environment and provide tidy cable management, hiding unsightly cable spaghetti. The diminutive centre is a more

RGB Scart? Oui. Component video? Non, monsieur
J U LY s W H AT V I D E O W I D E S C R E E N E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Page 97

Specifications
FEATURES DVD/CD/MP3/VCD/SVCD/CD-R/CD-RW/ DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+RW/DVD-RW (Video mode) playback; Video Fine Processor; two dynamic range compression modes; five DSP modes; display brightness adjustment; 4-speed slow/program/resume/random/ repeat/resume playback; 6-step zoom; three 3D Phonic modes; multiple angles; multiple languages; subtitles; sleep timer; parental lock; multibrand remote control Receiver: 5 x 100W output; DD/DTS/DPL II; FM/AM RDS tuner with 30 FM presets & 15 AM presets; Manual/Quick/Smart Surround Setup; LFE adjustment; bass boost SOCKETS DVD: 1 RGB Scart; S-video out; composite video out; electrical digital audio out; optical digital audio out; stereo audio out; AV Compu Link Receiver: headphone minijack; springclip speaker terminals; sub output jack; electrical digital audio in; 2 optical digital audio inputs; analogue 5.1-channel in; 4 Scarts (three RGB in/1 RGB out); FM coaxial; AM loop TEST DATA Video jitter: 3ns (very good) Signal-to-noise ratio: -80.6dB (excellent) Chroma AM/PM: -73.6dB/-70.7dB (exc/exc) Chroma crosstalk: -59.7dB (very good) Frequency response (S-video) at 5.8MHz: -7.83dB (very good) composite video at 5.8MHz: -7.85dB (v gd) DIMENSIONS DVD: 435(w) x 45(h) x 270.5(d)mm Receiver: 435(w) x 69.5(h) x 330.5(d)mm CONTACT JVC 5002 www.jvc.co.uk
Features are abundant. The receiver provides a wealth of DSP modes, while a bass boost setting provides meatier output from the subwoofer. Elsewhere there are three dynamic range compression settings and an FM/AM radio tuner, replete with 30 FM and 15 AM station presets. The DVD player is also well stocked with features including Express Play Start, which displays an image 4sec after a disc is inserted. This doesnt take you straight to the menu screen though, as you still have to wait for the usual security warnings to finish. The deck is also equipped with Rolling Pick-up, which enables playback of a vast range of formats including CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and JPEG stills, plus MP3 and WMA files recorded on CD-R/RW discs. The Video Fine Processor enables adjustments to the gamma, brightness, contrast, saturation, tint, sharpness and Y delay levels. Trickplay includes four-speed slow play and search, a six-step zoom and three 3D Phonic virtual surround modes.

PERFORMANCE

The QP-ES7 is a competent performer, but falls just short of the heady standards set by JVCs TH-V70 (October 02 issue). Colour rendition is stunning through the RGB Scart, while the dynamic contrast level is superb.
theres much to admire but it just falls short of greatness
Blacks are fulsome and provide a platform for brighter colours to appear fully saturated, yet completely natural. The Oscorp Unity Day scene in Spider-Man is beautifully presented, the garishly coloured inflatables strikingly offset against the bright blue sky. While theres no grain or MPEG artefacts on display, traces of noise are visible, particularly on backgrounds. The wall which Peter Parker rams into when testing out his newfound super-powers is slightly blocky and not as smooth as it can be.
The audio also falls just shy of perfection. The tall satellites lack a little power and presence, relying too heavily on the subwoofer to provide low-midrange response. With effects emanating from all speakers, vocals from the centre channel occasionally lack clarity. In Moulin Rouge, its almost impossible to detect Harold Zidlers voice during his opening of the club. The crescendo of sound from the other speakers completely drowns him out. Two-channel playback also lacks presence, but does exhibit sensational detail.

Verdict

WHATS GOOD Looks; features; connections; colour rendition WHATS BAD Weak satellites; picture noise; price OVERALL Looks great and is packed with features, but doesnt quite justify the price PICTURE. SOUND. FEATURES. EASE OF USE VALUE. OVERALL.77777.77777.77777.77777.77777.77777

CONCLUSION

Theres much to admire about the QP-ES7, but it just falls short of greatness. Picture noise and thin audio performance detract from an otherwise superb performance. A user-friendly remote would also greatly improve matters. More positively, breathtaking aesthetics are accompanied by a generous helping of features. For a home cinema system, connections are also plentiful. It delivers better quality than many modestly priced systems, but for 1,000 you have a right to expect more s