B&K Reference 50 Owner's Manual page 56

Why do I need all these audio modes?
With the wide variety of audio source material available today, i.e. single channel mono, 2 channel mono, 2
channel stereo, 2 channel surround and multi-channel encoded audio, we believe that the reproduction of this
material is best handled in audio categories. We have decided to define five "audio modes" which are actually
different Plug and Play modes of operating our audio processor. MONO is best used for listening to the FM tuner
with weak RF signal strengths. It is also useful in the case of a large listening group when it is difficult to put
everyone near the optimum listening position. STEREO is best used for a purist (STEREO 2) listening or for
expanding the stereo image to additional speakers. SURROUND and THX are best used for most home theater
applications where the intent is to allow a surround decoder to determine automatically the routing and image of
the audio information. DVD AUDIO is intended for use with an analog 5.1 channel source component.
Why do I need all these surround decoders?
For use with the SURROUND or THX audio modes, surround decoders types allow another dimension in how the
audio image is reproduced in a home theater. In general, many people will be happy simply leaving their
processor in the SURROUND or THX audio mode at all times. Only Dolby Surround encoded 2-channel material
has true surround speaker information encoded into the audio material. For use with this audio material, a
standard Dolby Pro Logic surround decoder might suffice. However, for use with audio information from a 2
channel stereo source or even 2 channel surround encoded information in a home theater environment, an option
for different surround decoders allows for an optimized reproduction of the material from a movie or music
perspective.
Why do I need all these speaker selections?
In general, many people will be happy simply leaving their processor in the default SURROUND or THX audio
mode for use with seven speakers. However, occasionally it maybe desired to select the MONO or STEREO
"audio mode" for use with 2, 4 side, 4 back, 5 side or 5 back speakers because it may sound more natural with
the current music or movie content.
Selecting Audio Mode, THX 7
D V D A C 3 2 . 0 4 8 K B o t h V i d e o
P L I I + T H X M o v 7
From Remote
1 B&K
2 THX
3 7
Selecting Audio Mode, Stereo 4B
D V D A C 3 2 . 0 4 8 K B o t h V i d e o
P L I I M o v 4 B
From Remote
1 B&K
2 ST
3 4
4 4 (again)
V a r i a b l e
From Front Panel
(MODE)
(UP) or (DOWN)
V a r i a b l e
From Front Panel
(MODE)
(UP) or (DOWN)
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D V D T H X P L 2
Action
make sure remote is in B&K mode
step to desired mode
step to desired speakers
D V D P L 2 M O V
Action
make sure remote is in B&K mode
step to desired mode
Step to desired speakers
select 4B speakers (F, R, Sbl, Sbr)
7
4 B