Niles ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver The Niles ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver is the centerpiece of a six-source, six-zone distributed home entertainment system. Up to six stereo audio sources, including the built-in AM/FM tuner, can be connected, distributed, and controlled throughout the home. The ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver features plug-and-play iPod integration, with full metadata supported.
System Wiring Diagrams ° Stand-Alone ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver ° Including Distributed Video with a Niles VS-6 High Definition Component Video Switcher ° Expanding to 18 Zones with Additional ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver(s) ° ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver Integrated with a Home Theater System °...
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° From the Solo-6 IR Keypad ° From the Solo-6 MD Keypad ° From the R-8L Learning Remote Control Troubleshooting Specifications RS-232 Control Protocols Appendix A: Device Source Screen Library IR Programming Worksheets NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
— The included learning remote control “learns” the commands to operate the ZR-6’s source audio components and comes pre-loaded with IR codes for today's most popular brands of equipment. In addition, the remote also has the ability to build IR sequences.
2) MAIN POWER SWITCH — Push-button, latching switch turns the main power to the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver ON and OFF. 3) BAND, SET, –, AND + PUSH BUTTONS — Used to operate the AM/FM tuner, set favorite preset stations into memory, and perform system confi...
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IR commands from Library 2 into sequences to control source devices. 14) ARCHIVE/UPDATE PORT — Used to connect a computer for archiving and restoring previously saved ZR-6 confi gurations and or updating the fi rmware of the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver and connected keypads.
— Determines on/off status of connected video device by detecting presence of a video signal. 20) RS-232 PORT — A 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack is used to provide RS-232 serial communication so the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver can be monitored and controlled by an external control system.
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27) ZONE FOUR, FIVE, AND SIX 12V TRIGGER OUTPUTS — Three 3.5 mm mini-jacks are used to provide a 12V DC trigger to automate the power turn-on and turn-off of zone-specifi c connected devices such as Niles System Integration Amplifi ers. 28) GLOBAL IR INPUT —...
– – 10) SYSTEM PORT — A RJ-45 jack is used to connect the keypad to the Keypad Port of CLASS 2 CLASS 2 12V Trig 12V Trigger 50mA 50mA the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
— A 12V control output that activates when the keypad is on. 8) SYSTEM PORT — A RJ-45 jack is used to connect the keypad to the Keypad Port of the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
— Required by some devices to enter channel numbers or for direct access. 8) KEYPAD PORT - A RJ-45 jack is used to connect the Accessory Keypad to the Solo-6 IR. Rear Panel of Numeric-6P NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
AM radio band; the blue button selects the FM radio band. 16) DIRECT ACCESS AND ENTER BUTTONS – Directly enter channels (for example: 09 or 31). Press the Enter button to send channel number entry on certain TV models. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
STAND-ALONE ZR-6 MULTIZONE RECEIVER OVERVIEW This diagram depicts a single Niles ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver installed to provide sound in six listening zones. Each zone includes a pair of loudspeakers (sold separately) and a Solo-6 IR or Solo-6 MD Master Keypad (also sold separately).
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Loudspeakers Loudspeakers Loudspeakers ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4 ZONE 5 ZONE 6 Solo-6 IR Solo-6 IR Solo-6 IR Solo-6 MD Solo-6 MD Solo-6 MD Figure 3. Stand-Alone ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
SOURCE DEVICES The audio outputs from the source devices are routed to the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver and the video outputs to the VS-6 High Defi nition Component Video Switcher. When source selection sequences are stored in the ZR-6, video source selection is programmed using the VS-6 codes which are stored in the ZR-6’s Library 2.
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SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS INCLUDING DISTRIBUTED VIDEO WITH A NILES VS-6 HIGH DEFINITION COMPONENT VIDEO SWITCHER Satellite Receiver VS-6 Cable Switched Outlet Player Control In AC-3 ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 Plasma/ C5-HDDAWM C5-HDDAWM Plasma/ Plasma/ Cable Solo-6IR Loudspeakers Solo-6IR...
SOURCE DEVICES The audio outputs of the source devices must be routed to each ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver (Master and Slaves). This is best accomplished using Niles AVDA-3 Source Level Stereo Audio/Video Distribution Amplifi ers (FG00814). When an iPod is connected to the Master chassis, the Source 2 RCA jacks become cascade audio outputs.
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SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS EXPANDING TO 18 ZONES WITH ADDITIONAL ZR-6 MULTIZONE RECEIVER(S) Figures 5a, 5b, 5c Solo-6 IR Solo-6 IR Solo-6 IR Solo-6 IR Solo-6 IR Solo-6 IR ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4 ZONE 5 ZONE 6...
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SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS EXPANDING TO 18 ZONES WITH ADDITIONAL ZR-6 MULTIZONE RECEIVER(S) Figures 5a, 5b, 5c TO MASTER ZR-6 FROM SLAVE 2 ZR-6 Expansion – IN Expansion – OUT Continued From Previous Page FROM AVDA-3 (1) AVDA-3 – Output 2 (iPod) (2) AVDA-3 –...
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SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS EXPANDING TO 18 ZONES WITH ADDITIONAL ZR-6 MULTIZONE RECEIVER(S) Figures 5a, 5b, 5c TO SLAVE 1 ZR-6 FROM AVDA-3 Expansion – IN (1) AVDA-3 – Output 3 (iPod) (2) AVDA-3 – Output 3 (SAT) (3) AVDA-3 – Output 3...
HOME THEATER SYNC Connects from the HT Sync input to a 12V output on the Niles HT-MSU Home Theater Main System Unit to let the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver know when the home theater receiver is active. The ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver will not go into standby or turn off any source devices until all of the zones are off and this voltage is eliminated.
RS-232 PORT A 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack is used to provide RS-232 serial communication so the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver can be monitored and controlled by an external control system. Please refer to the Appendix for the RS-232 integration control protocols.
SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS ADDING ADDITIONAL KEYPADS TO A ZONE OVERVIEW Any zone of the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver can be expanded to contain up to three keypads. This is ideal for large rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor applications. NILES ZR-KE KEYPAD EXPANDER The optional Niles ZR-KE Keypad Expander (FG01494) enables the use of up to three keypads per zone.
Zones 4, 5, and 6 have preamplifi er outputs used to connect an external power amplifi er. If an area is particularly large or requires a high volume level, it is advised to assign it to zone 4, 5, or 6 and then connect an external amplifi er such as a Niles Systems Integration Amplifi er to provide additional power to the loudspeakers.
ADDING SYSTEM PAGING FROM EXTERNAL TELEPHONE SYSTEM, INTERCOM SYSTEM AND/OR DOORBELL TO THE ZR-6 MULTIZONE RECEIVER OVERVIEW The ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver’s paging input provides an audio connection for voice paging and/or doorbell sounds to be played through the system loudspeakers. SYSTEM PAGING The paging input senses the audio input level.
PLACEMENT OF THE ZR-6 MULTIZONE RECEIVER Place the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver on a fl at, level surface such as a table or shelf, with its weight equally distributed on each of its four feet. Placing the weight of the receiver on the rear or front panel for even an instant may result in damage to the receiver’s connectors and controls.
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A Niles IRB-1 High Output Flasher (FG1023) is used to control multiple devices. The mini-plug end of the IRB-1 connects the "High Output Flasher" output on the ZR-6 (the ZR-6 is shipped with a red plastic plug blocking this jack to prevent accidental connection of a MicroFlasher.
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A common use would be to turn on a 12V trigger-equipped Niles Systems Integration Amplifi er connected to the pre-amplifi er outputs. The 12V outputs can also be used to trigger a Niles AC-3 Voltage-Triggered AC Power Strip (FG00242) to automate power turn-on and turn-off of connected sources.
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HT (home theater) sync. A voltage signal from the home theater receiver allows the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver to know that the home theater receiver is on and may be utilizing connected sources. The ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver will not go into standby, even if all of its zones are shut off, until this voltage signal is no longer present.
GUIDELINES The ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver requires at least one Master Keypad (Solo-6 IR or Solo-6 MD) in each active listening zone. Up to three keypads can be installed in each zone using the optional ZR-KE Keypad Expander (FG01494). The Numeric-6P Accessory Keypad can be combined with the Solo-6 IR keypad to provide even more functionality.
4. Push the outside bezel into place, pressing snugly against the wall. When removing the bezel, slide a card (business card, driver's license, etc.) in between the bezel and the faceplate to disengage the ratcheting hold-downs. The bezel will then lift off easily without damage. Solo-6 MD Installation NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
3. Test the button action and adjust as necessary for consistent operation. CONNECT THE CAT-5 CABLE TO THE KEYPAD Each keypad directly connects to the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver by a “home run” of CAT-5 cable with RJ-45 connectors utilizing the T-568A wiring convention ( FIGURE 14 ).
Master ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver only. to the on position. It is illuminated with LEDs to indicate that it is on To continue to the fi rst confi guration step on the Master ZR-6 and ready to operate. MultiZone Receiver, Zone Linking, press the Set button once.
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Repeat these steps until all of the desired zones have been linked. To save the settings and exit the confi guration mode, simultaneously hold down the Band and Set buttons. After the ZR-6 saves the information, [RELEASE BUTTONS TO CONTINUE] appears on the...
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ZR-6 saves the information, [RELEASE BUTTONS TO CONTINUE] 1 2 3 4 5 6 P A R T Y appears on the display. The ZR-6 will return to the normal operating Y Y Y M A S T E R mode.
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To save the settings and exit the confi guration mode, simultaneously (controlled by the ZR-6 volume control). hold down the Band and Set buttons. After the ZR-6 saves the information, [RELEASE BUTTONS TO CONTINUE] appears on the display. The ZR-6 will return to the normal operating mode.
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D E F A U L T R E S T O R E D Press + to erase all 20 tuner presets stored into the ZR-6. The Press the – button (at either screen) to exit and move to the next display will show [PRESETS ERASED].
R-8L remote control. Play LIBRARY 1 AND VS-6/LIBRARY 2 Pause In addition to the fi ve source device IR storage pages, the ZR-6 Stop MultiZone Receiver provides two additional areas to store IR Fast Forward command codes: Library 1 or the VS-6/Library 2.
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Page Down command information be recorded on the forms provided in Live the Appendix. Random Group The command list is looped so that pressing Previous with “Power ON” in the display moves to “Group”. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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“Enter IR” LED is illuminated). If a Niles VS-6 is not being installed with the ZR-6, new command codes can be learned over the stored VS-6 command codes. 5. Press the Next button to proceed to the next command: [LEARN Restoring the ZR-6 to factory default condition restores all of the SOURCE 3 POWER OFF].
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TO BUILD A SEQUENCE FOR A SOURCE DEVICE desired source device memory page is displayed. 1. Press each Function button on the Niles R-8L remote that corresponds to each command of the start-up sequence L E A R N S O U R C E 3 for the Tuner, in the order the commands will occur.
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All commands and sequences that were previous step without erasing the sequence. previously stored in the ZR-6 are now erased. 3. Press – button to exit erase mode and return to the ERASING ALL IR COMMAND AND SEQUENCE PRO-...
From time to time, new fi rmware revisions may be made available to add features or update operation. Also, confi guration data stored in the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver can be saved to the computer. This data can then be used to restore all the data in a ZR-6 in case of a loss, or to "clone"...
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60. preset. Press the + or – button to overwrite any previously saved However, each keypad can only operate the tuner in the ZR-6 preset. MultiZone Receiver to which it is connected, so each zone has access to 20 presets.
Mute key and the 5. Repeat these steps for the remaining zone keypads. Master key 5 (bottom left) for fi ve seconds. The system will return to the normal operating mode. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
2 LED will start blinking. different. The Solo-6 MD has three soft keys located just below the LCD screen. Except the middle key, which has the Niles logo, the soft 2. Press the Vol + key to turn the IR sensor on. Press the keys are unlabeled.
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Press the Default soft key to reset the highlighted tone control to 5. The Niles key selects the last played source when the its center, neutral setting. backlight is off and the zone is off. If the backlight never turns off, the feature is disabled.
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Confi guration menu. The Source Level menu will appear. The Back soft key returns to the previous menu. The Exit soft key exits all menus and returns to the Now Playing screen. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
If the code is valid, the LED blinks 8. Repeat steps 1-5 to search for other device codes. twice. If the button does not blink twice, repeats steps 2-4 and try entering the code again. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Setup • Do not use any of the Source buttons or the Setup button until the Source key LED blinks twice to save all data button to learn. learned. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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A button can return to its original programming for a selected TECH TIP device. A button can also be taught a new function using the Any button on the Niles R-8L Hand-Held Learning “Programming A Learned Key” procedure in the prior section. Remote Control (except the Setup button) can be Please note that if more than ten seconds pass between button programmed with a sequence.
12V output on the keypad becomes active, and, if zone 4, 1. When selected, the iPod begins playing the last-played song 5, or 6 is selected, the respective 12V output on the ZR-6 with the repeat mode active. The Master key will blink fast MultiZone Receiver becomes active.
(overheating, speaker short, etc.) all Source keys will blink. The zone may or may not continue to play music, depending on the type of fault detected. The front display on the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver will provide more detailed information (see the “Troubleshooting” section).
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FM bands. SELECTING A SOURCE 5. Press the FAV soft key to display the list of preset stations 1. With the keypad backlight on, press the Niles logo soft key stored in the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver (labeled “Source” in the •...
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TO CHANGE THEM, THEY MUST BE CHANGED IN THE iPod and have the same functionality as the iPod’s internal ITSELF. SEE YOUR iPod MANUAL FOR INSTRUCTIONS. menus. At any time, press the < key to return to the previous menu. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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3. If the selected source input play music, depending on the type of fault detected. The has not been confi gured front display on the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver will provide for a source (see Naming more detailed information (see the Troubleshooting Sources), the “Source Not...
Zones 4, 5, or 6, the respective 12V the back panel becomes inactive after 5 seconds. The output on the rear panel of the ZR-6 will also become active. global 12V output on the rear panel becomes inactive after 5 seconds if all other zones are off.
• Check to make sure there is adequate space above on the front of the ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver. the ventilation holes on the top of the ZR-6 MultiZone • Check for shorts and repair/ replace the speaker wire. Receiver. A Niles FM-1 (FG01215) or FM-1R (FG01214) System Cooling Module may be necessary in •...
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• If the original remote control required you to press Enter SOLUTION: to change channels, press Enter on this remote after • Check the system confi guration settings for PAGING entering the channel number. NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Speaker Shorted; Check Wiring ZONE # RSPKR OK Speaker Wired Correctly in a Zone with an Incorrect Speaker ZONE # LSPKR PVDD Internal Amplifier Error; Reboot System ZONE # LSPKR SHRT Speaker Shorted; Check Wiring NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
RS-232 CONTROL PROTOCOLS CONTROL COMMAND STRINGS The ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver supports full two-way RS-232 control the number of the current active zone communications. This greatly expands potential applications, [cr] carriage return allowing complete integration with third-party control systems. 2) Request zone status – provides status of all active zone...
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[cr] is a carriage return 6) Ready Command – sent by the ZR-6 after the power up NOTE: THE GLOBAL CONTROL (OR HOLD) FUNCTION ONLY WORKS WITH boot sequence to indicate proper operation, satisfactory SOURCE SELECTION AND OFF TO TURN ALL PARTY MODE ENABLED completion of the diagnostic routines, and readiness to accept ZONES ON;...
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= system command 8) Erase EEPROM – erases all confi guration input and tuner = zone specific command presets, restoring the ZR-6 to the factory default condition. [com #], the number of the failed command (see table) syc,3,[cr]...
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Source 6 Select 06 (h) Favorites Volume up Page Up Volume down Page Down Mute 10(h) Power Enter Cursor Up Cursor Down Cursor Left Cursor Right Select Next Previous Play Pause Stop Fast Forward Rewind NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
APPENDIX A: SOURCE DEVICE SCREEN LIBRARY The Solo-6 MD displays the following screens whenever the corresponding source device is selected. DEVICE NAME: NO SOURCE CONNECTED (N/A) DEVICE NAME: BLU-RAY DEVICE NAME: CABLE DEVICE NAME: CD NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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APPENDIX A: SOURCE DEVICE SCREEN LIBRARY DEVICE NAME: CD CHANGERS DEVICE NAME: DIGITAL MUSIC SERVER (DMS) DEVICE NAME: DVD PLAYER DEVICE NAME: DVD CHANGER NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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APPENDIX A: SOURCE DEVICE SCREEN LIBRARY DEVICE NAME: PC DEVICE NAME: SATELLITE RADIO DEVICE NAME: SATELLITE TV DEVICE NAME: TV DEVICE NAME: MP3 PLAYER NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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APPENDIX A: SOURCE DEVICE SCREEN LIBRARY DEVICE NAME: VIDEO DEVICE NAME: DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER DEVICE NAME: GAME DEVICE NAME: HDTV DEVICE NAME: MUSIC NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
IR PROGRAMMING WORKSHEETS STORED IR SEQUENCE - SOURCE 2 Job Name: _______________ Source Name: _______________ Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Next Guide Cursor Up Cursor Up Exit Cursor Down Cursor Down Cursor Left Cursor Left Green Cursor Right Cursor Right Yellow Select Blue Input Replay Disc Page Up Page Down Live Random Group NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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IR PROGRAMMING WORKSHEETS STORED IR SEQUENCE - SOURCE 3 Job Name: _______________ Source Name: _______________ Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Next Guide Cursor Up Cursor Up Exit Cursor Down Cursor Down Cursor Left Cursor Left Green Cursor Right Cursor Right Yellow Select Blue Input Replay Disc Page Up Page Down Live Random Group NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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IR PROGRAMMING WORKSHEETS STORED IR SEQUENCE - SOURCE 4 Job Name: _______________ Source Name: _______________ Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Next Guide Cursor Up Cursor Up Exit Cursor Down Cursor Down Cursor Left Cursor Left Green Cursor Right Cursor Right Yellow Select Blue Input Replay Disc Page Up Page Down Live Random Group NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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IR PROGRAMMING WORKSHEETS STORED IR SEQUENCE - SOURCE 5 Job Name: _______________ Source Name: _______________ Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Next Guide Cursor Up Cursor Up Exit Cursor Down Cursor Down Cursor Left Cursor Left Green Cursor Right Cursor Right Yellow Select Blue Input Replay Disc Page Up Page Down Live Random Group NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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IR PROGRAMMING WORKSHEETS STORED IR SEQUENCE - SOURCE 6 Job Name: _______________ Source Name: _______________ Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button Step # Source Function Niles Remote Button NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Next Guide Cursor Up Cursor Up Exit Cursor Down Cursor Down Cursor Left Cursor Left Green Cursor Right Cursor Right Yellow Select Blue Input Replay Disc Page Up Page Down Live Random Group NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Channel Down Stop Last Forward List Rewind Menu Previous Info Next Guide Cursor Up Exit Cursor Down Cursor Left Green Cursor Right Yellow Blue Input Replay Disc Page Up Page Down Live Random Group NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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Zone 6 to Source 4 Zone 2 to Source 4 Channel Up Zone 6 to Source 5 Zone 2 to Source 5 Channel Down Zone 6 to Source 6 Disc Zone 2 to Source 6 NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373...
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® L E N D I N G I G H I D E L I T Y R C H I T E C T U R E N i l e s A u d i o C o r p o r a t i o n 1 2 3 3 1 S .