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Meridian 800 User Manual

Reference dvd/cd player
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  • Page 2 Meridian 800 Reference DVD/CD Player User Guide Drive A Repeat Drive B Meridian 800...
  • Page 3 It has been type-tested and patent applications and intellectual property of complies with the limits set out in Subpart J, Meridian Audio Ltd. This technology is provided Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing for the express purpose of securely containing device.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction The 800 Reference DVD/CD Player Overview Typical specification Using the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player Front panel keys Meridian System Remote keys Switching on and off Playing a disc Playing DVD-Audio discs Locating a specific title, chapter, or track...
  • Page 5 Configuring the DVD/CD player without a computer Choosing a standard setting Setting up sources Configuring the DVD/CD player using a computer The Meridian Configuration program Installing the Meridian Configuration program Creating a new settings file Setting up outputs Setting up sources...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome to the Meridian 800 Reference DVD/CD Player! This User Guide provides full information about using the DVD/CD player in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it. Drive A Repeat Drive B...

  • Page 7: The 800 Reference Dvd/Cd Player

    DVD/ CD player that delivers reference quality signals whatever the media. The 800 Reference DVD/CD Player uses a precision DVD-ROM drive with the audio and video data read asynchronously and then triple buffered to isolate output timing from the mechanics of the drive.

  • Page 8: Audio Cds

    In designing the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player no compromises have been permitted in reproducing conventional audio CDs. The 800 uses triple buffering and a FIFO to remove the timing variations that typically occur with reading data from an audio CD, resulting in an extremely clear and authoritative sound.

  • Page 9: Overview

    The auxiliary output can be used either as a supplement to the surround decoder, or to feed a second zone. Alternatively the 800 can be used as a stand-alone DVD/CD player and controller using the discrete multi-channel digital outputs to connect directly to up to six Meridian DSP loudspeakers.
  • Page 10 The video outputs and conversion system are very high quality and feature very low noise and jitter. In addition to providing high-quality video outputs, the 800 has the ability to give help and system control feedback information in an on-screen display.

  • Page 11: Typical Specification

    • Either 2 or 6 analogue outputs, balanced or unbalanced. In addition the 800 can be fitted with a variety of 800 Series cards to provide additional connections, including: • Up to 11 2-channel digital inputs. Re-nameable legends. 32 to 96kHz sampling and up to 24-bit precision.
  • Page 12 INTRODUCTION Hinged control panel provides additional switches for: • Open, Function, Source, Copy, Store, and Setup. • Top Menu, Parameter menus, Return, and Enter. • Display, Mute, Gain+, and Gain-. Display • 20-character dot-matrix display with adjustable brightness and contrast. •...
  • Page 13 INTRODUCTION...

  • Page 14: Using The 800 Reference Dvd/Cd Player

    Using the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the DVD/CD player, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.

  • Page 15: Front Panel Keys

    USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD PLAYER Front panel keys Menu keys Allow you to Setup Source Copy Repeat select and change Displays the Selects the Controls copy Repeat indicator source source parameters Setup menu Store Multi Top Menu Stores the...

  • Page 16: Meridian System Remote Keys

    USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD PLAYER Meridian System Remote keys Fast forward Scans forward Slow Fast reverse Scans Plays in slow Repeat motion Repeats a backwards [ Page Page ] chapter/track Browse previous Stop Browse next Pause DVD-A page Repeats a section...

  • Page 17: Switching On And Off

    DVD/CD player operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. After switching on the 800 runs an initialising cycle which takes a few seconds. Do not press any keys until the standby display appears. If you are not going to use the DVD/CD player for several days you should switch the unit off completely at the rear panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.

  • Page 18: Playing A Disc

    USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD Playing a disc PLAYER Most DVDs start playing automatically when you close the tray. Some DVDs are double-sided, and need to be turned over during play. DVD-Audio discs usually behave differently depending on whether you start them by closing the tray, or pressing >.

  • Page 19: Playing Dvd-Audio Discs

    USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD Playing DVD-Audio discs PLAYER The Meridian 800 DVD/CD Player allows you to take full advantage of all the benefits provided by DVD-Audio discs, including one or more of the following features: • Higher-quality audio up to 24 bit, 192kHz.
  • Page 20 USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD To locate a group by number PLAYER • Press # (Function Top Menu on the remote). The on-screen display prompts you to enter the group number: • Enter the group number using the number keys (remote).

  • Page 21: Locating A Specific Title, Chapter, Or Track

    USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD Locating a specific title, chapter, or PLAYER track Normally, DVD-Video discs are divided into one or more titles, and the titles are subdivided into Chapters. Audio CDs are divided into tracks. The DVD/CD player allows you to play an entire disc, or start playing from any chapter or track number.
  • Page 22 USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD To locate a title by number PLAYER • Press # (Function Top Menu on the remote). The on-screen display prompts you to enter the title number: • Enter the title number using the number keys (remote).

  • Page 23: Stopping, Pausing, And Resuming Play

    USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD Stopping, pausing, and resuming PLAYER play You can stop or pause a disc, and then resume play at the same position. To stop play • Press * (front panel or remote). The on-screen display shows This Stop/Pause icon indicates that you can resume from the current position.

  • Page 24: Changing The Front-Panel Display

    REFERENCE DVD/CD Changing the front-panel display PLAYER The 800 Reference DVD/CD Player displays information about the current disc and settings on the 20-character front-panel display. You can adjust the contrast and brightness of the front-panel display for optimum viewing, and choose what information is displayed.

  • Page 25: Displaying Disc Information On Screen

    USING THE 800 REFERENCE DVD/CD Displaying disc information on PLAYER screen You can display information about the current DVD or CD on the on-screen display. To display disc information on screen • Press OSD (Function ] on the remote) or Function Display (under the front panel).

  • Page 26: Advanced Features

    DVD-Video discs or audio CDs, but they allow you to take full advantage of the range of options available with the DVD format. Note that many of the advanced features depend on the content of the particular disc you are playing. Drive A Repeat Drive B Meridian 800...

  • Page 27: Selecting Options From A Menu

    ADVANCED FEATURES Selecting options from a menu DVDs generally provide a Top Menu, which provides access to the content on the disc. Many DVD-Video discs also provide a disc menu, which allows you to select additional sections or special options. You can operate the menus either using the remote or using the keys under the front panel.

  • Page 28: Fast And Slow-Motion Play

    ADVANCED FEATURES Fast and slow-motion play You can play back DVD-Video discs faster than normal, at between twice and eight times normal speed, or in slow motion, at between one-half and one-sixteenth of normal speed. You can also play back audio CDs faster than normal. Note: The sound is muted when playing back DVD-Video discs faster or slower than normal.

  • Page 29: Playing Repeatedly

    ADVANCED FEATURES Playing repeatedly You can play back a specified title, chapter, track, or section of a disc repeatedly. To repeat a title, chapter, or track • Select the title, chapter, or track you want to repeat. • Press Repeat (remote) to switch between Ch. (chapter Repeat is not available for DVD-Audio discs.

  • Page 30: Selecting An Audio Soundtrack

    To switch between stereo and multi-channel (DVD-Audio) Some DVD-Audio discs allow you to switch between stereo and multi- channel. If this feature is available: • Press Audio (Function > on the remote). The 800 will switch to the alternate format and restart the current track.

  • Page 31: Displaying Subtitles

    ADVANCED FEATURES Displaying subtitles Many DVD-Video discs include subtitles in up to 32 different languages. While you are playing a disc you can turn the subtitles on or off, and select the subtitle language from those provided on the DVD-Video disc. To display the current subtitle setting •...

  • Page 32: Selecting The Camera Angle

    ADVANCED FEATURES Selecting the camera angle Some DVD-Video discs include scenes recorded from up to nine different camera angles, and you can select the camera angle while you are playing the disc. To display the camera angle • Press OSD (Function ] on the remote) or Function Display (under the front panel) to display the first on-screen display bar.

  • Page 33: Setting The Parental Lock

    ADVANCED FEATURES Setting the parental lock Some DVD-Video discs are provided with a parental lock function to allow you to restrict playback of scenes whose content exceeds a specified rating unless a password is entered. You can operate the menus either using the remote or using the keys under the front panel.
  • Page 34 ADVANCED FEATURES The following screen prompts you to enter the password: • Enter your four-digit password using the number keys (remote), and press Enter. Initially the password is set to 7890, but you can change it to any password you choose as described in To change the password, page 30. The following screen then allows you to set the rating level: •...

  • Page 35: To Change The Password

    • Enter the four-digit password you want to use and press Enter to select it. The password cannot start with a zero. Take care not to forget your password, or you will need to contact your Meridian dealer to reset it for you.

  • Page 36: Using The Dvd/Cd Player Preamplifier Features

    Using the DVD/CD player preamplifier features In addition to playing DVD discs and audio CDs, the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player can act as a controller for up to 11 other sources. This chapter explains how to use these features from either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.

  • Page 37: Selecting A Source

    PLAYER PREAMPLIFIER Selecting a source FEATURES If you are using the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player as a controller you can connect up to 11 other sources to it, and select them from the front panel or remote. The DVD/CD player provides the following 12 sources: CD, Radio, LP, TV, Tape 1, Tape 2, CDR, Cable, DVD, VCR1, VCR2, LDisc.

  • Page 38: Adjusting The System Volume

    Adjusting the system volume FEATURES The 800 Reference DVD/CD Player can be used as the controller in a system with Meridian DSP loudspeakers, in which case you can adjust the volume using the front panel or remote. The volume changes in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness.

  • Page 39: Changing The Balance Or Phase

    USING THE DVD/CD PLAYER PREAMPLIFIER Changing the balance or phase FEATURES To change the balance • Press Function < or > (remote or under the front panel) until the display shows the current balance. Balance <0> For example: • Press Function A or V (remote or under the front panel) to move the listening position.

  • Page 40: Configuring Disc Options

    This chapter explains how use the options on the Setup menu to configure the operation of the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player. You can operate the menus either using the remote or using the keys under the front panel.

  • Page 41: Setting Default Options

    CONFIGURING DISC OPTIONS Setting default options The default options are divided into the following three menus of settings: Menu Description Playback options The audio, subtitle, and menu languages, parental rating, and screensaver. Video setup The display settings. Audio setup The audio settings. Information The region code and engineering information.
  • Page 42 CONFIGURING DISC OPTIONS To return to the previous menu • Press Return. To exit from the setup menus • Press Setup.

  • Page 43: Selecting The Playback Options

    CONFIGURING DISC OPTIONS Selecting the playback options The Playback options menu lets you change the default language for the audio soundtrack, subtitles, and on-screen menus, the parental rating, and the screensaver: To select the default soundtrack language Most DVD-Video discs include a selection of soundtrack languages. English is usually the default soundtrack language, but you can use the Audio language menu to set a different default language if you prefer.
  • Page 44 To select the disc menu language The 800 DVD/CD Player allows you to choose the language for the disc menus. • Highlight Menu in the Playback options menu and press Enter.

  • Page 45: Selecting The Display Settings

    OPTIONS Selecting the display settings The Video setup menu lets you change the video and operational settings of the 800 DVD/CD Player: To specify your display format You should set the Display aspect option to the format that your display can accommodate.
  • Page 46 CONFIGURING DISC OPTIONS To select the video output format This option should be set according to which of the S-video or COMPONENT video outputs you are using. • Highlight Video output in the Video setup menu, and press Enter. The option you select will not affect the composite output, which is always The Video output menu is displayed: available.
  • Page 47 CONFIGURING DISC OPTIONS If you use the 800 to play both NTSC and PAL material the recommended setting is 0 IRE. To select closed caption subtitles Some DVD-Videos include closed caption subtitles, which provide a description of sound effects for the hard of hearing; for example “door creaks”.
  • Page 48 These options allow you to ensure that a static image does not remain on the display; this can damage certain types of display. The Stop timeout automatically fades the screen to black if the 800 DVD/CD Player is left in stop mode and no key is pressed for the specified time.
  • Page 49 CONFIGURING DISC OPTIONS • Highlight Stop timeout or Pause timeout in the Screensaver options menu, and press Enter. The appropriate menu is displayed: • Press V or A to select the timeout delay, and press Enter. You can also adjust the intensity of the logo screen. •...

  • Page 50: Selecting The Audio Settings

    Dolby Digital, DTS, etc. • Select Yes if you want the 800 DVD/CD Player to convert the audio to 2- channel PCM on the corresponding outputs for connection to an 861 via a Meridian multi-channel link, or for direct connection to Meridian DSP Loudspeakers or a digital preamplifier.
  • Page 51 The following menu is displayed: • Press V or A to choose between 48kHz and 96kHz, and press Enter. Choose the appropriate rate for the decoder or preamplifier your 800 DVD/ CD Player is connected to. When playing audio at higher rates it will be downsampled to the rate you have specified.
  • Page 52 CONFIGURING DISC OPTIONS • If you are connecting either of the outputs to a Meridian product that is MHR compliant, such as the 861, select the option for the corresponding output to take advantage of MHR. • Select Neither if there are no MHR-compliant Meridian products in your system.

  • Page 53: Region Codes

    If you try to play a disc which is assigned to the incorrect region code then either a special screen or the following warning will be displayed: If your 800 Reference DVD/CD Player is not set to your local region, please contact your dealer.

  • Page 54: Configuring The Dvd/Cd Player Without A Computer

    Configuring the DVD/CD player without a computer The 800 Reference DVD/CD Player can be set up for most standard configurations of outputs and sources using just the front-panel controls and Meridian System Remote. This chapter explains how to configure the DVD/CD player without using a computer.

  • Page 55: Choosing A Standard Setting

    COMPUTER The DVD/CD player provides several sets of standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 800 into one of a number of alternative standard configurations. Types 0 to 5 are factory settings, designed to cater for the most commonly needed configurations of associated equipment.
  • Page 56 Warning: this procedure will reset any configuration and calibration changes you have made. • Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the 800 and put any digital speakers into standby. • Put the DVD/CD player into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
  • Page 57 Types; see Choosing a standard setting, page 50. • If you are using the 800 with an 861, the 861 will be designated as Controller and the 800 will be configured as Not Controller.

  • Page 58: Setting Up Sources

    CONFIGURING WITHOUT A Setting up sources COMPUTER This section explains how to use Gain mode to set up the sources connected to the DVD/CD player via an analogue input card. To turn on Gain mode • Put the DVD/CD player into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
  • Page 59 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest passages. COMPUTER Radio 0.5V In Clip The display shows, for example: In this case reduce the sensitivity. If you have selected a digital source you cannot adjust the sensitivity. Not Analogue The display shows, for example:...

  • Page 60: Configuring The Dvd/Cd Player Using A Computer

    Configuring the DVD/CD player using a computer The 800 Reference DVD/CD Player provides a flexible range of customisation options which you can change to suit your own preferences and the other equipment in your system. This chapter explains how to install the Meridian Configuration program, and use it to create your own configurations of the DVD/CD player.

  • Page 61: The Meridian Configuration Program

    The Meridian Configuration program The Meridian Configuration program is a stand-alone Windows-based application that lets you design your own configuration of each 800 Series product to suit your own personal preferences, and the particular configuration of other equipment in your system.

  • Page 62: Installing The Meridian Configuration Program

    If you have an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller If your equipment includes both an 800 Reference DVD/CD Player and an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller configure the DVD/CD player first. Then configure the 861 as described in the corresponding chapter of the...
  • Page 63 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To run the Meridian Configuration program • Click Start , point at Programs , then click Meridian Product Configuration . The Meridian window will be displayed: The toolbar provides a convenient way of accessing the most important...
  • Page 64 The serial cable is symmetrical, and can be connected either way round. • Connect one end to the RS232 connector on the COMPUTER card (not the DVD CONTROLLER card) on the back panel of the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player. • Connect the other end to one of the serial ports on the PC or PC notebook computer.

  • Page 65: Creating A New Settings File

    Configuration program, and how to enter personal information to identify the settings in your product. The first step is to fetch the initial settings from the 800 DVD/CD Player, to use as a starting point for your configuration. • Click the Fetch button in the toolbar:...
  • Page 66 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER The left-hand panel of the Meridian window will change to show the following three icons: Owner lets you enter personal information, for future reference, and choose the message displayed when you first switch the unit on, and Settings is the initial configuration in the settings file.
  • Page 67 Setup , Outputs , Sources , and Cards . The options available in each case are explained in the following sections. At this stage you may find it useful to maximise the Meridian window so you can see all the options on each screen.

  • Page 68: Setting Up Outputs

    2-channel version available on the 800 DVD/CD Player auxiliary output, depending on how the disc was authored. If your playback system is 2-channel then the 800 should be configured to force a 2-channel output from the main left and right outputs.
  • Page 69 Meridian equipment that is not MHR compliant, set the option for the corresponding output to Never . If you are connecting either of the outputs to a Meridian product that is MHR compliant, such as the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller, set the option for the corresponding output to As needed to take advantage of MHR.

  • Page 70: Setting Up Sources

    DVD/CD player. To set up sources • Click the Sources icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. The right-hand panel shows a list of the 12 sources that are available. For each source you can display three pages of settings by clicking the Options , Audio , or Advanced tabs.
  • Page 71 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER • Click Select this source when product is switched on to specify that this source should be selected when the DVD/CD player is switched on from standby with a key other than a source key. This would usually be chosen as either DVD or CD. To specify the audio connections •...
  • Page 72 1C for a CD player, 2C for an FM tuner, and 3C for a DVD player. Otherwise set it to none . • If you have more than one Meridian source of the same type you can configure them to have different Comms addresses. You can then select the appropriate source by specifying its Comms address in the Comms address field.

  • Page 73: Configuring Cards

    You will normally only need to use this panel if you upgrade the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player by adding a new card. To set up cards •...
  • Page 74 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To change the address for a card If you have fitted two cards of the same type you will need to assign a different address to each card to identify them. • Double-click the card in the Card column. The Card properties dialogue box shows the card’s current setting: •...

  • Page 75: Changing The Setup Options

    To change the setup options • Click the Setup icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. The setup options are provided on three pages that you can display by clicking the Setup , Video , or Advanced tabs.
  • Page 76 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To configure the video options • Click the Video tab: These options are equivalent to the corresponding options on the Playback options and Video setup menus; see Setting default options, page 36. To configure the advanced options •...
  • Page 77 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER The Advanced options are described in the following table: Option What it means Advanced OSD Replaces the repeat mode icon in the OSD with either the bit rate (DVD-Video or DVD-Audio discs), or the number of error corrections made (CDs).

  • Page 78: Creating A User Type

    50. To name the User Type • Click the Settings icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window: • Enter a suitable name in the Type name field to identify your User Type, such as Standard .
  • Page 79 USING A COMPUTER The User Type currently specified as In use is identified by the circle icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window: Initially the new type will be created with the same settings as the type you...
  • Page 80 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER • Highlight the same icon in the User Type you want to copy to. • Choose Paste from the Edit menu, or click the Paste button in the toolbar:...

  • Page 81: Completing The Configuration

    • Choose Save from the File menu or click the Save toolbar button, to save the changes you have made to the settings file to your PC hard disk: To store the settings to the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player • Click the Store button: The settings will then be downloaded Receiving Data...

  • Page 82: Glossary

    Glossary Drive A Repeat Drive B Meridian 800...

  • Page 83: Dolby Digital

    AC-3 An alternative name for the Dolby Digital format. Controller The product in a Meridian system that uses the infra-red signals from the remote to control the system. The controller is normally chosen automatically, but the installer can override this.

  • Page 84: Mpeg Video

    Menus The flexible system for choosing options and configuring settings in Meridian products. On the 800 the menus are controlled by the <, >, A, and V keys on the front panel or the MSR. Meridian High Resolution is a proprietary secure encoding format using...
  • Page 85 CDs. Source An input to the system, such as CD or TV. The Meridian 500 and 800 Series provide 12 named sources, corresponding to the names of the 12 source keys on the MSR. In the 800 you can choose the label displayed for each source, and the input used for it.

  • Page 86: Index

    Meridian Configuration program types installation requirements running Decode bitstreams in player toolbar buttons option 45, 64 Meridian High Resolution (MHR) 4, 64 default languages, selecting specifying disc menu Meridian System Remote keys display front panel on-screen...
  • Page 87 PC 66 parental lock, setting Sources icon 56, 65 pausing play specification PC, using to configure the 800 standard settings, selecting personal details, entering using a standby, switching to stepping forward frame by frame phase, changing...
  • Page 88 tracks locating by number User Types moving to next/previous copying settings between TV standard, selecting creating Types naming Video setup menu 36, 40 volume, adjusting...

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