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Meridian 861 User Manual

Reference digital surround controller
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Summary of Contents for Meridian 861

  • Page 2 Meridian 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller User Guide Reference Digital Surround Controller 861 Source Mute...
  • Page 3 Meridian Audio Ltd. This technology is our instructions may cause interference to provided for the express purpose of securely...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 2 DSP presets Overview Typical specification Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 11 Front panel keys Meridian System Remote keys Switching on and off Selecting a source Adjusting the volume Changing the DSP preset...
  • Page 5 Calibrating the system Calibration tests Setting up sources Sinewave sweep test Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer The Meridian Configuration program Installing the Meridian Configuration program Creating a new settings file Setting up speakers Setting up sources Configuring presets...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome to the Meridian 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller! This User Guide provides full information about using the surround controller in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it. Reference Digital Surround Controller 861...

  • Page 7: The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller

    DVD, LaserDisc or digital broadcasting, are already in digital format and do not need to be converted. The signals are then retained in digital form throughout the 861 until they are converted back to analogue form at the analogue outputs, to drive power amplifiers.

  • Page 8: Dsp Presets

    Four alternatives are currently in use: Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG Surround, and MLP. However, the 861 has been designed so that it can be upgraded by downloading a software update, to cater for new formats as they are introduced.
  • Page 9 2-channel analogue signal so that they can be reproduced by a conventional stereo system, or decoded with special equipment for multi-channel reproduction. The 861 provides decoding of the two most important of these, Ambisonic and Dolby Surround. Although the channel separation cannot be as good as with the digital multi-channel formats, the 861 produces excellent results with these formats.
  • Page 10 Music Music uses a special technique developed by Meridian to divide the sound between the left, right, and centre speakers and give a wide, spacious sound. We recommend this option for large-scale music, such as orchestral...
  • Page 11 INTRODUCTION Trifield Trifield uses a different processing technique to give a stable, three- dimensional image, with the ability to adjust the width of the image. Because of its precision we recommend this option for solo, chamber, or vocal music. Super Stereo Super Stereo provides a form of Ambisonic decoding suitable for material that is not specially encoded.

  • Page 12: Overview

    Dolby Digital, DTS or MPEG from sources like DVD, Satellite and LaserDisc (via an RF00 LaserDisc Demodulator Card). Processing The Meridian 861 routes all signals – if necessary via a 24-bit A/D converter – into the digital domain for processing in the highly developed Meridian 24-bit DSP cards.
  • Page 13 Logic, and a variety of award-winning music programs including Trifield and Ambisonic. Outputs The 8+ outputs can be provided as digital signals to feed Meridian DSP Loudspeakers, or as variable analogue outputs using a proprietary on-board 24-bit resolution conversion method.

  • Page 14: Typical Specification

    Optional 5.1-channel analogue input. Control signals • 3 trigger outputs, programmable by source. • Meridian Comms and RS232 for control and setup. Signal processing The 861 uses Meridian’s proprietary DSP software to provide the following powerful Modes: • Direct • Music •...
  • Page 15 INTRODUCTION Controls, etc. Front-panel facia controls for: • Source, DSP, Mute, Volume and Off. Hinged control panel provides additional switches for: • Display • Copy • Store and Assign • Parameter menus • Setup Display • 20-character dot-matrix display: adjustable brightness and contrast. •...

  • Page 16: Using The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller

    Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the digital surround controller, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.

  • Page 17: Front Panel Keys

    Display Copy Store Assign Calibrate Configure Reference Digital Surround Controller 861 Source Mute Source Mute Volume Selects the Changes the Mutes or down/up Switches to source DSP preset restores the...

  • Page 18: Meridian System Remote Keys

    USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL SURROUND CONTROLLER Meridian System Remote keys Control keys Store/Clear For controlling a For programming Source keys CD Player, DVD DSP presets Select a source Player, or Tuner RADIO TAPE 1 TAPE 2 CABLE VCR 1...

  • Page 19: Switching On And Off

    • Press Source (front panel), or select a source by pressing the appropriate source key on the remote; eg CD. If the digital surround controller is part of a Meridian system it will automatically switch on any other unit in the system, such as the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player and Meridian DSP Loudspeakers.

  • Page 20: Selecting A Source

    USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Selecting a source SURROUND CONTROLLER The sound processor provides the following 12 sources: CD, Radio, DVD-A, TV, Tape 1, Tape 2, CDR, Cable, DVD, VCR1, VCR2, LDisc. Your installer may have The input and DSP preset associated with each source...

  • Page 21: Adjusting The Volume

    REFERENCE DIGITAL Adjusting the volume SURROUND CONTROLLER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller adjusts the volume in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The current volume setting is displayed in dB on the front-panel display, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99dB.

  • Page 22: Changing The Dsp Preset

    USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the DSP preset SURROUND CONTROLLER Each source has a set of DSP presets associated with it, one for each of the alternative audio formats: 2-channel (PCM), Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG, and Multi-channel PCM. When you choose a source an appropriate DSP preset is selected for the incoming audio format.

  • Page 23: Changing The Display

    REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the display SURROUND CONTROLLER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller displays information about the current settings on the 20-character front-panel display. In addition, it can display the same information superimposed on a video image. You can adjust the contrast and brightness of the front-panel display for optimum viewing, and choose what information is displayed.
  • Page 24 You can choose the position of the on-screen display for each DSP preset; see To change the position of the on-screen display, page 31. If the Diagnostic display option has been selected additional diagnostic displays are included; refer to the Meridian Web site at http://www.meridian-audio.com for details.
  • Page 25 In addition, the following symbols on the front-panel display indicate SURROUND CONTROLLER which of the DSP processing modes are operating, or what the original format was if received via the Meridian multi-channel link: Symbol What it means Dolby processing is operating.

  • Page 26: Recording A Source

    REFERENCE DIGITAL Recording a source SURROUND CONTROLLER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller allows you to copy any of the standard sources to the tape outputs, independently of the source you are listening to. If you are using the digital surround controller in a two-room system, you copy a source to the tape output to make it available to the second room.
  • Page 27 USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL SURROUND CONTROLLER...

  • Page 28: Reference Digital Surround Controller

    Surround Controller In addition to being able to change the source, volume, and DSP preset, the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller provides a sophisticated range of more advanced adjustments for each DSP preset, to allow you to tailor the sound.

  • Page 29: Locking And Unlocking The Menus

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Locking and unlocking the menus SURROUND CONTROLLER To simplify the normal operation of the digital surround controller, and to protect the settings from accidental changes, you can lock the menus so that the DSP parameters cannot be accessed.

  • Page 30: Changing The Dsp Parameters

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the DSP parameters SURROUND CONTROLLER Each DSP preset provides a series of parameters that you can vary to customise the behaviour of the preset to your specific requirements. For example, most presets provide Balance and Depth parameters to allow you to alter the characteristics of the sound.
  • Page 31 CUSTOMISING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Standard parameters SURROUND CONTROLLER All DSP presets (except Mono, Stereo, and Direct) provide the following parameters: Parameter Range Default What it changes Treble -10dB to +10dB +0.0dB The slope of the frequency response. Bass -5dB to +5dB +0.0dB...

  • Page 32: Changing Treble, Bass, Or Phase

    The controls are more subtle than conventional tone controls, and take advantage of digital signal processing techniques to provide a more natural adjustment of the frequency response. If you have a Meridian DSP Loudspeaker the Treble and You can also change the absolute phase of the signal, to Bass settings apply to all DSP compensate for recordings which are out of phase.

  • Page 33: Changing The Listening Position

    SURROUND CONTROLLER A conventional stereo system provides a single balance control, which changes the relative loudness of the two speakers. The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller provides a more sophisticated adjustment which corresponds to moving the listening position to the left or right.

  • Page 34: Changing The Integration Of The Centre

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the integration of the SURROUND CONTROLLER centre If you have a centre loudspeaker you can adjust its relative loudness, to provide the best integration of the centre with the main left and right speakers.

  • Page 35: Changing The Spaciousness Of The Sound

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the spaciousness of the SURROUND CONTROLLER sound You can adjust the spaciousness of the sound by altering the delay on the rear and side channels. Note: These adjustments are not available for the Direct, Stereo, or Mono presets.

  • Page 36: Changing The Lip Sync And On-Screen Display

    SURROUND CONTROLLER display To adjust the lip sync The LipSync parameter is a unique Meridian feature which allows you to adjust the delay between the sound and the video image by up to one video frame. Most movies are mixed for a viewing distance of 30 feet, and when viewed from 12 feet or less the sound arrives too early, giving a disconcerting effect.

  • Page 37: Changing The Dsp Preset For A Source

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the DSP preset for a SURROUND CONTROLLER source Each source has an appropriate DSP preset associated with it for each music format. For example, for a standard stereo (PCM) signal the CD source uses Trifield and the TV source uses TV Logic.

  • Page 38: Defining Your Own Presets

    Defining your own presets SURROUND CONTROLLER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller allows you to modify one of the built-in presets, and save it for future use. You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you can create up to 10 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so you can use them alongside the built-in presets.
  • Page 39 CUSTOMISING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL If you have an on-screen display it shows: SURROUND CONTROLLER • Press > or < to select the character position you want to edit. • Press A or V to change the character. Each press steps through the sequence A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, full stop, and blank.

  • Page 40: Dsp Presets

    DSP presets This chapter gives technical information about each of the DSP presets built in to the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller. It explains the processing performed by each DSP preset, and gives details of the types of material you should use with each preset.

  • Page 41: Logic Dsp Presets

    Pro Logic decoding. Meridian’s implementation of Pro Logic II was the first in the world to receive Dolby approval, and uses proprietary code based on 48-bit precision to give outstanding clarity.

  • Page 42: Pro Logic

    Since Dolby Surround material is encoded with this in mind the noise-reduction is permanently operating in this mode. The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller follows the Meridian philosophy of performing all the signal processing digitally, and the Pro Logic decoding operates purely in a digital mode. This gives it a far higher performance and a better subjective sound than other analogue-based decoders.

  • Page 43: Thx Cinema

    DSP PRESETS THX Cinema The THX Cinema preset provides Pro Logic decoding, followed by the THX refinements, as for PLII THX; see PLII THX, page 36. Pro Logic and THX Cinema DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Mono Rear Steered Rear, Steered Side, Which of the surround channels are Steered All, Mono All,...
  • Page 44 DSP PRESETS Mono DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Input Auto L+R, Input L, The channel selected. Input R, Input L+R Academy Off or On Select On to include an equalisation (recommended by Lucasfilm Ltd) to correct for a high-frequency balance in some old mono films.

  • Page 45: Music Dsp Presets

    FM radio. The mono element is equalised using a proprietary Meridian technique to match the tone colour of the centre speaker, and to compensate for the fact that the frequency response of human hearing changes with direction.
  • Page 46 Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, The cutoff of high frequencies from the side 7kHz surrounds. * Only available with compatible hardware; contact your Meridian dealer. † Trifield only. Ambisonics The Ambisonics DSP preset can decode UHJ format, the 2-channel stereo- compatible encoding found on Ambisonically-recorded discs and broadcasts.

  • Page 47: Music Logic

    DSP PRESETS Super Stereo Super Stereo synthesises a signal from a conventional stereo recording or broadcast so that it can be decoded using the Ambisonic decoder. The result is especially effective for two particular types of recordings: • Those using true coincident microphone techniques. •...

  • Page 48: Dts Music

    Stereo and Direct DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes HS Out?* Y or N Select Y for high-rate audio, upsampled if necessary. Select N for standard-rate audio, downsampled if necessary. * Only available with compatible hardware; contact your Meridian dealer.

  • Page 49: Movie Dsp Presets

    The Dolby Digital preset provided in the 861 is capable of decoding the range of different options provided by Dolby Digital. In addition, it provides bass power management to protect systems from the potentially high bass levels that Dolby Digital can produce.
  • Page 50 DSP PRESETS 5.1 Movie DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Surr. Rear Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Switches the surround signal between the Surr. All side and rear speakers. 0 to -30dB The relative level of the LFE bass channel. Max SPL* 105 to 120dB SPL The peak-level limit for an LFE subwoofer.
  • Page 51 Meridian have used their experience in developing algorithms for multiple surround speakers to create a proprietary DSP processing mode, called Meridian EZ. This is designed to give an exciting spacious surround enhancement for non-THX enhanced 5.1 sources, such as Dolby Digital and...
  • Page 52 EZ post-processing is available with the following DSP presets: Digital, DTS, DTS Music, MPEG, and MPEG Music. Parameter Options What it changes Off, On, Auto* Switches Meridian EZ post-processing on or off. * Auto is only available for Dolby Digital sources.

  • Page 53: Multi-Channel Presets

    SACD discs. The DVD-Audio format caters for a wide range of options in terms of number of channels, sampling rate, and resolution. Two multi- channel inputs can be provided on the 861 using the IE42 Multi-channel Digital Input Card. This allows six digital encrypted (MHR) channels to be connected directly from a Meridian 800 Reference DVD/CD Player, for reproducing up to six channels from DVD-Audio discs.
  • Page 54 Cinema The Cinema preset is a user preset which is provided when you reset the 861 to a standard Type; see Choosing a standard setting, page 52. It is based on the built-in Discrete preset, but with settings more appropriate for movie soundtracks.
  • Page 55 DSP PRESETS...

  • Page 56: Surround Controller Without A Computer

    Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer The 861 Digital Surround Controller can be set up for most standard configurations of loudspeakers and sources using just the front-panel controls and Meridian System Remote. This chapter explains how to configure the digital surround controller without using a computer, and then how to calibrate the loudspeakers and sources for your particular system.

  • Page 57: Choosing A Standard Setting

    Choosing a standard setting COMPUTER The digital surround controller provides six standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 861 into the most commonly needed configurations. In addition, any User Types you create using the Meridian Configuration program are also available.
  • Page 58 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A • Hold down the A key on the front COMPUTER Type in... 3 panel until the display shows: • Keep holding down the A key for a further three seconds. Type- please wait. The display will show: If you have an on-screen display it shows: Then after a short delay the display shows the current Type.
  • Page 59 • Switch on again to use the standard settings you have selected. Setting up the digital surround controller with other Meridian equipment If you are using the 861 with other Meridian equipment, such as the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player, you should set up the Comms with the following automatic setup procedure: •...

  • Page 60: Calibrating The System

    COMPUTER To help you to set up your installation to give the best possible sound with any particular combination of associated equipment, the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller includes a built-in calibration procedure. This calibration procedure uses test signals to present a series of sounds, which you use to adjust certain aspects of the system to their optimum settings.
  • Page 61 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A Calibration The display shows: COMPUTER If you have an on-screen display it shows: After a few seconds the Left Level +0.0dB display shows: For more detailed information about this and the other calibration tests see the following sections. To move between the calibration tests •...

  • Page 62: Calibration Tests

    For correct THX reproduction you should adjust each speaker to 75dB SPL using an SPL meter. Even if your speakers are not THX approved this setting is recommended. If you have Meridian DSP loudspeakers they cannot be set above +0dB.
  • Page 63 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A Distance COMPUTER These tests allow you to adjust the delay of each of the speakers in the layout to time-align the system so that sounds are coincident when they arrive at the listening position. Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to measure the distance, in feet and inches, to each speaker from the listening position: Centre Left...

  • Page 64: Fine Tuning

    CONFIGURING WITHOUT A Repeat this for each of the speakers in your layout. COMPUTER • Press > or Store to proceed to the next calibration stage. Fine tuning These tests allow you to fine-tune the phase and delay of each speaker when used in conjunction with other speakers on the layout.
  • Page 65 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A Choose the correct setting as follows: COMPUTER Setting What it sounds like Correct The sound between the speakers is very even, and does not change radically as you move your head. Incorrect The sound appears diffused, and changes in timbre and apparent location as you move your head.

  • Page 66: Setting Up Sources

    CONFIGURING WITHOUT A Setting up sources COMPUTER This section explains how to use Gain/Sub mode to set up the sources connected to the digital surround controller, and configure them to suit your other equipment. You can also adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency to suit the subwoofers in your system.
  • Page 67 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A You can select between sensitivities of 0.5V (most sensitive), 1.0V, 2.0V, or COMPUTER 2.5V (least sensitive). If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest passages. Radio 0.5V In Clip The display shows, for example: In this case reduce the sensitivity.

  • Page 68: Sinewave Sweep Test

    WITHOUT A Sinewave sweep test COMPUTER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller includes a sinewave signal test, to help you set the subwoofer crossover frequencies, or check for room resonances. • Select a PCM source; eg an analogue source or CD.
  • Page 69 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A To select other test signals COMPUTER • Press < or > (remote or under the front panel) until the display shows the current signal. Sine For example: • Press A or V to choose between the following test signals: Display Description A sinewave.

  • Page 70: Surround Controller Using A Computer

    Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 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 digital surround controller.

  • Page 71: The Meridian Configuration Program

    USING A COMPUTER 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 72: Installing The Meridian Configuration Program

    If you have an 800 Reference DVD/CD Player If your equipment includes both an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller and an 800 Reference DVD/CD Player configure the DVD/CD Player first as described in the corresponding chapter of...
  • Page 73 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To run the Meridian Configuration program • Click Start, point at Programs, then click Meridian Configuration. The Meridian window will be displayed: The toolbar provides a convenient way of accessing the most important menu options: Button...
  • Page 74 • Connect one end to the RS232 connector on the COMPUTER card on the back panel of the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller. • Connect the other end to one of the serial ports on the PC or PC notebook computer.

  • Page 75: Creating A New Settings File

    CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Creating a new settings file This section explains how to create a new settings file, using the Meridian 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 digital surround controller, to use as a starting point for your configuration.
  • Page 76 • Click the Owner icon in the left-hand panel. • Enter any text you like in the Dealer, Owner, and Description fields. You can enter up to 20 characters in each field, the size of the 861 front- panel display:...
  • Page 77 Setup, Speakers, Presets, 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 78: Setting Up Speakers

    The first stage in setting up the speakers is to specify the number of speakers in the layout, and the type and size of each speaker. The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller can support up to 10 loudspeakers. To specify the speaker layout •...
  • Page 79 • Choose analogue, DSP, or 96.24 DSP according to the type of each speaker. The following table gives recommended settings for Meridian loudspeakers: Loudspeaker Recommended setting DSP8000, DSP5500HC Large 96.24 DSP...
  • Page 80 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Centre Use the Centre drop-down menus to specify which presets use the centre speaker, and its size and type. • From the first drop-down menu choose one of the following options: Option Description None If you do not have a centre speaker. Movies only If you want to use the centre speaker for Logic and 5.1 Movie DSP presets only.
  • Page 81 A setting of Max corresponds to no protection, and 0 corresponds to full protection. By default any Meridian DSP loudspeakers in your system are set to Max, as these include built-in protection.
  • Page 82 If your loudspeaker layout contains no subwoofer the parameter is named Bass limit, and it sets the peak-level limit of the bass signal added to the main loudspeakers. For loudspeaker layouts using Meridian DSP loudspeakers as the main left and right, or centre speakers, the Bass limit...
  • Page 83 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To complete the speaker setup You have now completed the first stage of setting up the digital surround controller, and you should save the changes you have made by choosing Save from the File menu. You can ignore the Distances, Crossovers, Precision, Phase/Gain, and Connection pages of settings for the moment;...

  • Page 84: Setting Up Sources

    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 four pages of settings by clicking on the Options, Audio, Video, or Advanced tabs.
  • Page 85 The name can consist of up to five letters, digits, or the characters space, full-stop, and minus. The name you specify is shown in the list of sources, followed by the Meridian System Remote key used to select the source in brackets.
  • Page 86 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Note: These options are only available if the source is assigned to a multi- channel input, and is specified as the enhanced source. To specify the audio connections • Click the Audio tab to show the connections for the audio inputs. •...
  • Page 87 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER If you have chosen an analogue input for the main audio input: • Specify the sensitivity of the input by choosing an appropriate option from the Sensitivity drop-down menu. Note: You can also adjust the sensitivity of any analogue source interactively, using Gain/Sub mode.
  • Page 88 • Click the Advanced tab to show the Advanced page of settings. • If the source is a Meridian product set Comms type to 1C for a CD player, 2C for an FM tuner, and 3C for a DVD player. Otherwise set it to none.
  • Page 89 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER The following additional options are available. You should only change these with advice from your dealer: Option Description Delay for audio sources to avoid Avoids the noise caused by switching to a DTS DTS noise (DTS delay) source.

  • Page 90: Configuring Presets

    To set up presets • Click the Presets icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. The right-hand panel shows a list of the 24 built-in presets, and the 10 unused user-defined presets.
  • Page 91 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Note: The treble and bass settings will not be available if your system includes DSP loudspeakers, because in this case the DSP speakers handle the treble and bass adjustments. For more information about the DSP parameters available for each DSP preset see DSP presets, page 35.
  • Page 92 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Initially the name is set to be the same as the built-in DSP preset it was based on, but you can chose any name of up to 8 letters, digits, or the characters space, full-stop, or minus; eg Football. To delete a user-defined preset •...

  • Page 93: Configuring Cards

    You will normally only need to use this panel if you upgrade the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller by adding a new card. To set up cards •...
  • Page 94 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 95: Changing The Setup Options

    The final stage in editing the settings is to configure the general Setup options. To change the setup options • Click the Setup icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. • If necessary click the Setup tab to display the Setup page of options: The Setup options will be displayed:...
  • Page 96 System and Copy address For multi-room setups. Meridian High Resolution If the 861 is Meridian High Resolution compatible, and the left, right, and centre speakers are 96.24 DSP types, specifies whether the digital output uses Meridian High Resolution for all sources, or only when necessary.

  • Page 97: Calibrating The Settings With Your System

    Once you have edited the settings to suit the configuration of your system, the next step is to store the settings to the digital surround controller and use the calibration listening tests built into the 861 to calibrate it for optimum performance.
  • Page 98 To fetch the calibrated settings Finally fetch the calibrated settings back from the digital surround controller as follows: • Make sure your settings file is loaded into the Meridian Configuration program. • Click the Fetch button in the toolbar: The Progress dialogue box will show you the progress as the settings are...

  • Page 99: Creating A User Type

    52. 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 100 USING A COMPUTER The new User Type will be specified as In use, as 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 101 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 102: Completing The Configuration

    CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Completing the configuration The final stage in creating a settings file is to save it, and then store it to the digital surround controller. To save the current settings • 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 digital surround controller...
  • Page 103 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER...

  • Page 104: Glossary

    Glossary Reference Digital Surround Controller 861 Source Mute...

  • Page 105: Dolby Digital

    A DSP parameter providing dynamic range control for Dolby Digital sources. 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 106 A DSP parameter that sets the peak-level limit for the LFE channel. Menus The flexible system for choosing options and configuring settings in < , > , A, Meridian products. On the 861 the menus are controlled by the and V keys under the front panel or on the MSR.
  • Page 107 Picture Expert Group. Like Dolby Digital it provides five full-frequency range channels and an additional Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. Meridian Settings File, a file containing settings and User Types for one or more Meridian products. The Meridian System Remote, or handset.
  • Page 108 Defining your own presets, page 33. 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 861 you can choose the logo displayed for each source, and the input used for it.
  • Page 109 GLOSSARY...

  • Page 110: Index

    Index configuration resetting AC-3 using a computer Academy (DSP parameter) 6, 39 without a computer accessories, Tape card Contrast (DSP parameter) Ambisonics (DSP preset) contrast, display Ambisonics B format preset Copy options Ambisonics DSP preset 5, 41 copying a source analogue sources, adjusting copying settings between sensitivity...
  • Page 111 PC 85, 88 HS Out? (DSP parameter) 41, 43, 49 defining Direct Discrete Input (DSP parameter) Dolby Digital installing the Meridian Configuration Dolby Digital THX program DTS Music DTS THX Levels (calibration test) editing name LFE (DSP parameter) 45, 49...
  • Page 112 Meridian System Remote keys presets (continued) Mix level DTS THX Mono preset 6, 38 Meridian EZ Mono Rear (DSP parameter) 38, 42 Mono 6, 38 moving the listening position MPEG MPEG DSP preset MPEG Music MPEG Music DSP preset MPEG THX...
  • Page 113 DSP preset Ambisonic configuring options using a PC Ambisonics B default DSP preset Dolby Surround recording Meridian EZ selecting Pro Logic setting advanced options using a PC Pro Logic II setting up THX Surround EX setting up using a PC...

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