Meridian America Speaker System G68 User Manual

G68 Digital Surround Controller

Installation Guide

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i i i

C o n t e n t s

Contents

Introduction

Provides information about the digital surround controller

models, a description of each product, and technical

specifications.

Calibrating the system

Describes how to fine-tune the digital surround controller

to achieve the optimum performance from your sources and

speaker layout.

Digital surround controller models

Specifications

Introduction

Calibration tests

Speaker size

Installing the digital surround controller 5

Describes how to install the digital surround controller and

connect it to the other equipment in the system.

Using the Sine/Sub/Sens controls

DSP presets

Gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and

describes how to modify them.

DSP presets

Unpacking

Audio inputs

Audio outputs

Video connections

Tuner and communications connections

Defining your own presets

Troubleshooting

Configuring the digital surround

controller

Explains how to configure the digital surround controller

using the front-panel controls.

Provides suggested solutions to problems while installing,

configuring, or operating the product.

Maintenance

Service and guarantee

Configuration Wizard

Stage 1: Resetting the product

Stage 2: Configuring speakers

Stage 3: Configuring sources

Stage 4: Configuring other settings

Index

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i v

P r e f a c e

Sales and service in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Stonehill

Sales and service in the USA

Meridian America Inc

3800 Camp Creek Parkway

Building 2400

Stukeley Meadows

Cambridgeshire

PE29 6EX

Suite 122

Atlanta GA 30331

USA

England

Tel +44 (0)1480 445678

Fax +44 (0)1480 445686

Tel +1 (404) 344 7111

Fax +1 (404) 346 7111

http://www.meridian-audio.com/

Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, Meridian, and Meridian Digital Theatre

are registered trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.

This guide was produced by Human-Computer Interface Ltd,

http://www.interface.co.uk/

Designed and manufactured in the UK by Meridian Audio

Ltd. Meridian Audio reserves the right to make changes and

improvements to any of the products described in this document

without prior notice.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories, Lucasfilm Ltd.

(US patents 5,043,970;5,189,703;5,222,059. European patent

0323830), Trifield Productions Ltd, and Nimbus Records Ltd.

THX and Ultra 2 are trademarks or registered trademarks of THX

Ltd. Surround EX is a jointly developed technology of THX and

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories,

Surround EX and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby

Laboratories Licensing Corporation. DTS is a registered trademark

of Digital Theatre Systems Inc. MPEG is a registered trademark of

the MPEG organisation. Ambisonic is a registered trademark of

Nimbus Records Ltd. Trifield is a trademark of Trifield Productions

Ltd. LaserDisc is a trademark of Pioneer Electric Corp.

MHR: This product incorporates copyright protection technology

covered by certain patent applications and intellectual property

of Meridian Audio Ltd. This technology is provided for the express

purpose of securely containing copyright audio within the

Meridian System only. Reverse engineering or circumvention of this

protection is strictly prohibited.

Part no: GSC/1

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I n t r o d u c t i o n

Introduction

This guide provides full information about unpacking the digital surround controller,

connecting it to the other equipment in the system, and configuring it using the front panel.

Once you have connected and configured the product, refer to the G Series System Guide for

information about operating it.

Digital surround controller

models

The G68 Digital Surround Controller is available in four different

versions depending on the combination of unbalanced (A),

balanced (X), and digital (D) outputs, and video (V) switching it

provides. The main differences between each of these versions are

given in the following table:

Product

G68D

Analogue outputs

2 unbalanced

Digital outputs

10 digital

None

Video switching

G68ADV

G68AXV

G68XXV

8 unbalanced

Yes

4 balanced, 6 unbalanced

8 balanced

None

All versions of the G68 Digital Surround Controller include an integral FM/AM tuner and room correction.

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I n t r o d u c t i o n

Formats supported

G68 Digital Surround Controller

The G68 combines controller and surround processor functions,

meeting the latest THX specifications and including MPEG, DTS,

Dolby, Trifield, and Ambisonic decoding. In many cases the decoders

incorporate our own code, giving them superior integration with

the Meridian design philosophy, as well as superior performance.

As a result, the G68 can decode surround signals from all PCM

optical discs. The G68 is thus an ideal complement to a G Series

optical disc player like the G98.

The G68 is a powerful, flexible surround controller with a built-in

AM/FM tuner, and represents the centrepiece of the G Series range,

with multiple variants available to suit a wide range of applications.

At the heart of the G68 is a powerful DSP engine consisting of five

Motorola 56367s running at 150MHz – delivering an incredible

750MIPS (million instructions per second) capability. Processing

is performed at high sample rates and with 48-bit precision

throughout, ensuring that all filtering, processing, and other

operations are carried out beyond the limits of human hearing. The

G68 is thus a perfect processor for the very latest in digital audio,

such as DVD-Audio and DVD-Video.

Smart Source feature

The G68’s ’Smart Source’ feature continually monitors the digital

inputs and automatically loads the correct decoding software for

the format, speaker layout, and encoding of the incoming signal.

This capability is enhanced by MHR SmartLink, which provides a

digital link between a Meridian optical disc player and processor,

carrying explicit information about the nature of the datastream as

well as encrypted high-resolution digital signals from DVD-Audio

– the first system of its kind to be approved. Virtually all other

manufacturers oblige you to go through an analogue connection,

losing quality in the process.

Analogue signals are converted via a 24-bit Delta-Sigma converter

to high-sample-rate digital on input to the processor, while all

digital signals are reclocked to minimise jitter and maintain total

data integrity. All versions of the G68 include two six-channel

S/PDIF digital inputs (coax), up to five stereo TOSlink optical inputs,

and six more stereo coax digital inputs. In addition, there’s a six-

channel analogue input, and five stereo analogue inputs.

You can also store separate parameters for each source (such

as DVD) depending on whether the incoming signal is stereo or

surround, so that any source material is played with the decoder of

your choice.

Video switching

The G68ADV, AXV, and XXV are not only audio processors; they

also provides broadcast-quality video switching and signal handling

for the highest quality picture you have ever seen. There are four

S-video inputs and two outputs; four composite inputs and two

outputs; and three component inputs with one output.

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I n t r o d u c t i o n

Meridian Room Correction

The G68 includes Meridian Room Correction, accessed via the

Meridian Configuration program. This unique feature automatically

measures room resonances using a simple microphone, employing

powerful DSP technology to build up to 60 high-quality digital

filters that limit the reverberation time at resonant frequencies to

a value similar to the overall reverberation time of the room. The

filters can be examined graphically and numerically, and edited if

required. Room correction can have a dramatic effect on the sound,

removing muddiness and improving stereo and surround imaging.

Multi-zone capabilities

Multi-zone/recording features include two sets of S-video and

composite video with conversion from S to composite (ADV,

AXV, and XXV only) and stereo digital and analogue outputs

providing independent sources to two additional zones. Meridian

communications (DIN and BNC) are also included along with

RS232 and USB serial ports for maintenance and control, infra-red

sensor input, and up to three 12V triggers.

Integral tuner

The tuner provides AM (LW/MW) and FM (VHF stereo Band II)

reception and is fitted with its own A/D stage. Digital signal

processing provides a sophisticated FM stereo blend/width control

which allows the user to minimise noise on a received signal. There

is also a DSP-based low-pass filter and a whistle filter for improved

AM reception.

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I n t r o d u c t i o n

Specifications

G68D

G68ADV

G68AXV

G68XXV

Digital inputs

6 coax digital inputs,

4 optical digital inputs,

2 6-channel coax inputs,

all MHR.

6 coax digital inputs, 5 optical digital inputs, 2 6-channel coax inputs, all MHR.

Analogue inputs

Digital outputs

5 stereo unbalanced inputs; 1 6-channel unbalanced input.

Main, Centre/Sub, Sides, Rears, A/B*.

†

None.

Unbalanced

outputs

LZ, RZ .

Main L/R, Centre/Sub,

Side, Rears, A/B*.

†

Rears, LZ, RZ .

Balanced outputs

Zone/Tape

Video

None.

Main L/R, Centre/Sub.

Main L/R, Centre/Sub,

Sides/Subs, Rears.

2 analogue ouputs,

2 digital outputs.

2 analogue ouputs, 2 digital outputs, 2 S-video outputs, 2 composite outputs.

None.

2 S-video outputs, 4 S-video inputs; 2 composite outputs, 4 composite inputs;

1 component video output, 3 component video inputs.

Trigger output

Comms

12VDC/100mA configurable by source.

2 5-pin 240º DIN sockets, BNC socket, USB, RS232 interface.

Conversion

Formats

Up to 192kHz, 24-bit Sigma-Delta conversion on all analogue inputs and outputs.

Include Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG Surround, THX, and THX Surround EX.

DSP modes

Direct, Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super, Stereo, MusicLogic, Mono, TV Logic, PLIIx Music, PLIIx Movie, PLIIx THX,

Discrete, Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, PLIIx Mus6, THX, THX Surround EX, THX Ultra2 Cinema, THX Music.

Power

Universal supply 100-240V, 50-60Hz, 40W.

Processing

Dimensions

Weight

5 Motorola 56367s running at 150MHz to give a total of approximately 750MIPS. 48-bit arithmetic throughout.

440mm x 132mm x 350mm (17.32" x 5.20" x 13.78") WHD.

10kg (22lb) approx.

Controls

Front-panel soft keys include control of Source, Copy, Zone, Preset, etc. Standby and display buttons, volume

control, mute. Full remote control of all features via MSR+.

Display

Multi-character dot-matrix Vacuum Fluorescent Display.

Standby button lit when off.

Indicators

*A/B: Subs if two or three subs are used. Optional ceiling speakers with future software update.

†LZ/RZ: May be chosen to be any pair from: Main L/R, Centre/Sub, Sides, Rears, Subs.

Note: Current software supports a maximum of eight outputs. Future software will support up to 12.

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Installing the

digital surround

controller

Installing the digital surround controller

This chapter explains how to install the digital surround controller. It describes what you

should find when you unpack the product, and how you should connect it to the other

equipment in the system.

You should not make any connections to the product or to any other component in the

system while the AC power supply is connected and switched on.

Unpacking

The G68 Digital Surround Controller is supplied with the following

accessories:

• MSR+ remote control with batteries, manual, and spare key caps.

• Meridian Comms lead.

• AM antenna.

• FM antenna.

• FM antenna (Belling-Lee) adaptors.

• Power cord.

• This manual.

• Meridian G Series System Guide.

• Meridian Configuration Program Guide.

If any of these items are missing please contact your dealer.

Note: You should retain the packaging in case you need to

transport the unit.

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Installing the

digital surround

controller

Audio inputs

Digital coax inputs

Optical inputs 3&4

Multichannel digital coax inputs

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

SAME TYPE FUSE

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER

MAINTENANCE

RS232

DIGITAL OUT

S-VIDEO COMPOSITE

COPY

DIG OUT

COMMS

ANALOGUE OUT

T1.6AL 250V for 100 240V

+12V 100mA

USB

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

MAIN L/R CENTRE/

SUB

SIDES

REARS

A/B

OFF

ZONE

IR IN

ZONE

OPTICAL IN

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

MULTI DIGITAL IN

DVD

MD1

MD2

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN REAR

CAB

SAT

DVD

VCRI

MAIN

REAR

CENTRE

SUB

DIGITAL IN

AUX

S-VIDEO IN

VCR2

GAME

D12

D10

D8 DISC

SURR

C/LFE

L/R

MAIN OUT

OPTICAL IN

MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

OPT IN

TRIG

MIC

ANTENNA

MA1

AUX

SURR

CENTRE

LFE

LEFT

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND

BY MERIDIAN AUDIO LTD

GND

A7VCR1 A6 CABLE

ANALOGUE IN

A5TV

A4TAPE

SURR

RIGHT

Pr/R

Y/G

Pb/B

Pr/R

Y2 CABLE

Y/G

TRIG

+12V 100mA

^PbC^/BOMPONENT OUT

O1 SAT

O2 GAME

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

Optical inputs 1&2

Optical input 5 (V versions only)

Multichannel analogue input

Analogue inputs

Use this connector

To connect to this

MULTI DIG IN 1 (DVD) or D1-D3,

MULTI DIG IN 2 or D4-D6

The multichannel digital output of a source such as the G98DH DVD Audio Transport, or

three digital sources.

DIG IN D7 (CD), D8 (DISC), D9 (VCR2),

D10-D12

The digital output of a source such as a G08 24-bit Upsampling CD Player or DAB tuner.

MULTI AN IN (AUX) or A1-A3

A multichannel analogue source such as an SACD player.

ANALOGUE IN A4 (TAPE), A5 (TV),

A6 (CABLE), A7 (VCR1)

The unbalanced analogue output of a source such as a tape recorder, TV tuner, cable box,

or VCR.

OPTICAL IN O1 (SAT), O2 (GAME), O3-O5

The optical output of a source such as a satellite receiver or computer game console (05

only available with V versions).

ANALOGUE IN MIC (A8-L)

An SPL meter for use in room correction configuration.

The default assignment of the sources to each input is shown in brackets after the input name in the above table. RADIO is normally

assigned to the internal tuner. To assign a different input to a source see Configuring sources, page 30.

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Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect to a digital source (eg G07 24-bit CD Player)

G07 24-bit CD Player

G68 Digital Surround Controller

COMMS

DIG IN

D7 CD

DIGITAL OUT COMMS

COMMS LEAD

DIGITAL LEAD

You can connect up to 12 digital coax sources to the G68 Digital

Surround Controller.

If the source is a Meridian product connect together the COMMS

sockets using the Comms lead provided.

• Connect the digital source to one of the digital input sockets of

the digital surround controller, using a 75Ω screened coax phono

lead.

To connect to an analogue source (eg TV tuner)

TV tuner

G68 Digital Surround Controller

ANALOGUE IN

A5 TV

OUTPUT

PHONO LEADS

You can connect up to eight analogue sources to the G68 Digital

Surround Controller.

• Connect the analogue source to one of the analogue input

sockets of the digital surround controller, using screened coax

phono leads.

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Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect to a DVD-Audio player with digital multichannel outputs (eg G98DH DVD Audio Transport)

G98DH DVD Audio Transport

G68 Digital Surround Controller

COMMS

MULTI DIG IN 1

(DVD)

MAIN DIGITAL OUT

COMMS LEAD

3 x DIGITAL LEADS

The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides 12 digital coax

inputs, six of which can be used as two multichannel inputs from

a source with a suitable digital multichannel output, such as the

G98DH DVD Player.

• Connect the MAIN DIGITAL OUT on the G98DH to the MULTI DIG

IN 1 on the G68, using three 75Ω screened coax phono leads.

• Connect together the COMMS sockets using the Comms lead

provided.

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Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect to a source with analogue multichannel outputs (eg SACD or DVD-A player)

SACD/DVD-A player

G68 Digital Surround Controller

S-VIDEO

OUT IN

DIG IN D8 DISC

MULTICHANNEL

MULTI AN IN

OUTPUT

DIGITAL S-VIDEO

OUTPUT OUTPUT

S-VIDEO LEAD

6 x PHONO LEADS

DIGITAL LEADS

The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides eight analogue

inputs, three of which can be used as a multichannel input from a

source with a suitable analogue multichannel output, such as an

SACD player.

Note: Multichannel analogue sources may have subwoofer level

outputs that vary by up to 10dB, so it may be necessary to reduce

the LFE level to give correct bass integration; see DSP presets, page

43.

• Connect the ANALOGUE OUT sockets from the source to the

analogue multichannel inputs on the digital surround controller

using six phono leads.

• Connect the S-video output from the SACD/DVD-A player to

video input S4 (AUX) on the G68, and configure the DISC source

to use this video input; see Configuring sources, page 30.

• Optionally connect a digital output from the source to digital

input D8 (DISC) on the digital surround controller, using a digital

phono lead.

You can then select the source corresponding to the multichannel

input (AUX) for playing surround material, and the source

corresponding to the digital input (DISC) to decode other formats.

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1 0

Installing the

digital surround

controller

Audio outputs

The G68 hardware architecture is designed to process up to 12

completely independent output channels. Currently the software

limits the number of outputs to a total of eight: Main L/R, Centre,

Sub, Rears, and either Sides or two more additional subwoofers.

these outputs to be used in addition to side speakers for either

extra subwoofers or height channels.

The G68ADV and G68D feature a pair of analogue outputs, LZ/RZ,

which can be used for any pair of outputs. For example on the

G68D a Meridian Digital Theatre may be complemented with

an analogue subwoofer or a pair of analogue rear speakers. In

conjunction with the other outputs this will in the future allow the

G68ADV and G68D to drive up to 12 independent outputs.

All versions of the G68 provide analogue and/or digital output

sockets for these eight speakers. The G68D, G68AXV, and G68ADV

provide an additional stereo output (A/B) which may currently be

used for a pair of subwoofers. Future software updates will allow

Digital version (G68D)

Digital outputs

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Analogue outputs

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER

MAINTENANCE

RS232

DIGITAL OUT

MAIN L/R CENTRE/ SIDES

AN OUT

DIG OUT

COMMS

ANALOGUE OUT

SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100

240V

+12V 100mA

USB

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

REARS

A/B

COPY

ZONE

SUB

OFF

IR IN

ZONE

OPTICAL IN

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

MULTI DIGITAL IN

DVD

MD1

MD2

DIGITAL IN

D12

D10

D8 DISC

SURR

C/LFE

L/R

MIC

OPTICAL IN

ANTENNA

MA1

AUX

SURR

CENTRE

LFE

LEFT

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND

BY MERIDIAN AUDIO LTD

GND

A7VCR1 A6 CABLE

ANALOGUE IN

A5TV

A4TAPE

SURR

RIGHT

O1 SAT

O2 GAME

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

Use this output

To connect to this

Digital loudspeakers, using digital coax cables.

DIGITAL OUT MAIN L/R, CENTRE/SUB, SIDES,

REARS, A/B

AN OUT LZ, RZ

A pair of analogue active speakers, the unbalanced inputs of a power amplifier, or up

to two subwoofers.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 ANALOGUE OUT

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 DIG OUT

The unbalanced analogue input of a tape recorder, VCR, or second and third-room

systems.

The digital input of a digital recorder, or second and third-room systems.

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1 1

Installing the

digital surround

controller

Digital and analogue version (G68ADV)

Digital outputs

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Analogue outputs

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

SAME TYPE FUSE

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER

MAINTENANCE

RS232

DIGITAL OUT

MAIN L/R CENTRE/ SIDES

S-VIDEO COMPOSITE

DIG OUT

COMMS

ANALOGUE OUT

T1.6AL 250V for 100 240V

+12V 100mA

USB

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

REARS

A/B

COPY

ZONE

SUB

OFF

IR IN

ZONE

OPTICAL IN

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

MULTI DIGITAL IN

DVD

MD1

MD2

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN REAR

CAB

SAT

DVD

VCRI

MAIN

REAR

CENTRE

SUB

DIGITAL IN

AUX

S-VIDEO IN

VCR2

GAME

D12

D10

D8 DISC

SURR

C/LFE

L/R

MAIN OUT

OPTICAL IN

MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

OPT IN

TRIG

MIC

ANTENNA

MA1

AUX

SURR

CENTRE

LFE

LEFT

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND

BY MERIDIAN AUDIO LTD

GND

A7VCR1 A6 CABLE

ANALOGUE IN

A5TV

A4TAPE

SURR

RIGHT

Pr/R

Y/G

Pb/B

Pr/R

Y2 CABLE

Y/G

TRIG

+12V 100mA

^PbC^/BOMPONENT OUT

O1 SAT

O2 GAME

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

Analogue outputs

Use this output

To connect to this

Digital loudspeakers, using digital coax cables.

DIGITAL OUT MAIN L/R, CENTRE/SUB, SIDES,

REARS, A/B

AN OUT LEFT, RIGHT, REAR L, REAR R, CENTRE,

SUB, LZ, RZ

The unbalanced analogue input of a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, using

screened coax phono leads.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 ANALOGUE OUT

The unbalanced analogue input of a tape recorder, VCR, or second and third-room

systems.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 DIG OUT

The digital input of a digital recorder, or second and third-room systems.

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1 2

Installing the

digital surround

controller

Analogue version (G68AXV)

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Unbalanced analogue outputs

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

SAME TYPE FUSE

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER

MAINTENANCE

RS232

ANALOGUE OUT

REAR REAR

S-VIDEO COMPOSITE

DIG OUT

COMMS

ANALOGUE OUT

T1.6AL 250V for 100 240V

+12V 100mA

USB

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

SIDE

A/B

COPY

ZONE

OFF

IR IN

ZONE

OPTICAL IN

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

MULTI DIGITAL IN

DVD

MD1

MD2

MAIN

CENTRE

SUB

CAB

SAT

DVD

VCRI

DIGITAL IN

AUX

S-VIDEO IN

VCR2

GAME

D12

D10

D8 DISC

SURR

C/LFE

L/R

MAIN OUT

OPTICAL IN

MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

OPT IN

TRIG

MIC

ANTENNA

MA1

AUX

SURR

CENTRE

LFE

LEFT

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND

BY MERIDIAN AUDIO LTD

GND

A7VCR1 A6 CABLE

ANALOGUE IN

A5TV

A4TAPE

SURR

RIGHT

Pr/R

Y/G

Pb/B

Pr/R

Y2 CABLE

Y/G

+12V 100mA

O1 SAT

O2 GAME

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

^PbC^/BOMPONENT OUT

Balanced analogue outputs

Use this output

To connect to this

ANALOGUE OUT LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE, SUB

The balanced analogue input of a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, using XLR

connections.

ANALOGUE OUT SIDE L, SIDE R, REAR L,

REAR R, L A/B, R A/B

The unbalanced analogue input of a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, using

screened coax phono leads.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 ANALOGUE OUT

The unbalanced analogue input of a tape recorder, VCR, or second and third-room

systems.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 DIG OUT

The digital input of a digital recorder, or second and third-room systems.

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1 3

Installing the

digital surround

controller

Balanced analogue version (G68XXV)

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Balanced analogue outputs

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

SAME TYPE FUSE

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER

MAINTENANCE

RS232

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN R CENTRE

S-VIDEO COMPOSITE

DIG OUT

COMMS

ANALOGUE OUT

T1.6AL 250V for 100 240V

+12V 100mA

USB

MAIN

REAR

SUB

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

COPY

ZONE

OFF

IR IN

ZONE

OPTICAL IN

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

MULTI DIGITAL IN

DVD

MD1

MD2

DVD

REAR

SIDE

CAB

SAT

VCRI

DIGITAL IN

AUX

VCR2

GAME

D12

D10

D8 DISC

SURR

C/LFE

L/R

MAIN OUT

OPTICAL IN

S-VIDEO IN

MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

OPT IN

TRIG

MIC

ANTENNA

MA1

AUX

SURR

CENTRE

LFE

LEFT

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND

BY MERIDIAN AUDIO LTD

GND

^PbC^/BOMPONENT OUT

A7VCR1 A6 CABLE

ANALOGUE IN

A5TV

A4TAPE

SURR

RIGHT

Pr/R

Y/G

Pb/B

Pr/R

Y2 CABLE

Y/G

+12V 100mA

O1 SAT

O2 GAME

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

Use this output

To connect to this

ANALOGUE OUT LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE, SUB,

REAR L, REAR R, SIDE L, SIDE R

The balanced analogue input of a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, using XLR

connections.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 ANALOGUE OUT

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 DIG OUT

The unbalanced analogue input of a tape recorder, or second and third-room systems.

The digital input of a digital recorder, or second and third-room systems.

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1 4

Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect the G68D or G68ADV to Meridian DSP loudspeakers

DSP5000C

G68D/ADV Digital Surround Controller

COMMS

DIG OUT

INPUT

COMMS

OUTPUT

M5 LEAD

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

INPUTS

511 S-patch box

S5 LEAD

S5 LEAD (digital unused)

DSP5000 – MAIN R

DSP5000 – MAIN L

DIGITAL INPUTS DIGITAL

OUTPUT

COMMS

OUTPUT

OUTPUT INPUT

S5 LEAD

• Use the Comms part of an M5 lead to connect one of the

COMMS sockets on the G68 to the digital speaker you have

chosen as the master (typically the centre speaker).

• Link each pair of speakers together with an S5 lead, out of

the first speaker and into the second speaker, as shown in the

diagram for the main L&R.

• Use the audio part of the M5 lead to connect the digital speaker

to the appropriate digital output socket.

• Connect the inputs to the first speaker of each additional pair to

the 511 (Comms) and the appropriate output of the G68 (audio),

using an S5 lead.

If the system includes more than two Meridian DSP loudspeakers

you will need a 511 S-patch box (available separately) to link

together the S5 leads from each speaker.

The speakers should then be configured appropriately as master

and slaves, and Left, Right, Centre, Surround; see Meridian DSP

Loudspeaker User Guide for more details.

• Connect the COMMS output from the master digital speaker to

one socket on the 511 using an S5 lead.

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1 5

Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect the G68ADV or G68AXV to active unbalanced loudspeakers (eg Meridian M33s)

M33 M33

G68ADV/AXV Digital Surround Controller

AN OUT

PHONO LEAD

• Connect the appropriate analogue out sockets from the digital

surround controller to the speaker inputs, using phono leads.

To connect the G68ADV, G68AXV, or G68XXV to a stereo power amplifier (eg Meridian G56 or G57)

G68ADV/AXV/XXV G56/G57 Two-Channel Power Amplifier

AN OUT

INPUT

PHONO LEADS

• Connect the appropriate analogue output sockets from the digital The G56 and G57 Two-channel Power Amplifiers provide balanced

surround controller to the stereo power amplifier inputs, using

phono leads.

inputs, so you have the option of connecting to them using the

balanced outputs of the G68AXV or G68XXV.

• Connect the speaker outputs from the stereo power amplifier to

suitable speakers.

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1 6

Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect an active subwoofer (eg Meridian M1500 or M2500)

Subwoofer

G68 Digital Surround Controller

SUB

DIRECT

INPUT

CROSSOVER

INPUT

PHONO LEAD

• Connect the SUB analogue output socket from the G68 Digital

Surround Controller to the subwoofer’s line-level input using a

phono lead.

On the G68D use the RZ output (or RZ and LZ if you have two

subwoofers).

The digital surround controller provides a very high-quality

crossover for the subwoofer, and for best results you should use

this instead of the subwoofer’s crossover. To do this remove any

crossover in the subwoofer or set it to its highest setting (eg

200Hz). The subwoofer crossover can be set from the front panel of

the G68; see Subwoofer crossover frequency, page 40.

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1 7

Installing the

digital surround

controller

Video connections

They also provide independent S-video and composite video

switching of video to COPY ZONE 2 and ZONE 3 outputs, for

recording or control of up to two additional rooms.

G68ADV, G68AXV, and G68XXV Digital

Surround Controllers

The Meridian G68ADV, G68AXV, and G68XXV include video

switching, to allow you to switch component, S-video, and

composite video sources to the main video outputs.

Main composite outputs

Composite inputs

Zone 2 & 3 video outputs

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER

MAINTENANCE

RS232

DIGITAL OUT

MAIN L/R CENTRE/ SIDES

S-VIDEO COMPOSITE

DIG OUT

COMMS

ANALOGUE OUT

SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100

240V

+12V 100mA

USB

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

REARS

A/B

COPY

ZONE

SUB

OFF

IR IN

ZONE

OPTICAL IN

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

MULTI DIGITAL IN

DVD

MD1

MD2

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN REAR

CAB

SAT

DVD

VCRI

MAIN

REAR

CENTRE

SUB

DIGITAL IN

AUX

S-VIDEO IN

VCR2

GAME

D12

D10

D8 DISC

SURR

C/LFE

L/R

MAIN OUT

OPTICAL IN

MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

OPT IN

TRIG

MIC

ANTENNA

MA1

AUX

SURR

CENTRE

LFE

LEFT

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND

BY MERIDIAN AUDIO LTD

GND

A7VCR1 A6 CABLE

ANALOGUE IN

A5TV

A4TAPE

SURR

RIGHT

Pr/R

Y/G

Pb/B

Pr/R

Y2 CABLE

Y/G

TRIG

+12V 100mA

^PbC^/BOMPONENT OUT

O1 SAT

O2 GAME

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

Component inputs

Component outputs

S-video outputs

S-video inputs

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1 8

Installing the

digital surround

controller

Video outputs

The following table gives details of the video outputs (G68ADV, AXV, and XXV only):

Use this output

To connect to this

MAIN OUT

The composite video input of a TV or monitor, using a 75Ω coax cable with phono

connectors.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 COMPOSITE OUTPUTS

The composite video input of a video recorder or second zone inputs, using a 75Ω coax

cable with phono connectors.

MAIN S-VIDEO OUTPUT

The S-video input of a TV or monitor, using an S-video cable.

The S-video input of a video recorder, using an S-video cable.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 S-VIDEO OUTPUTS

COMPONENT OUT

The component video input of a TV or monitor, using a 75Ω coax cable with phono

connectors.

Video inputs

The following table gives details of the video inputs:

Use this input

To connect to this

V1 (VCR), V2 (TV), V3 (CAB), V4 (GAME)

The composite video output of a video source, using a 75Ω coax cable with phono

connectors.

S1 (DVD), S2 (VCR), S3 (SAT), S4 (AUX)

Y1 (DVD), Y2 (CABLE), Y3 (SAT)

The S-video output of a video source, using an S-video cable.

The component video output of a video source (interlaced or HD), using a 75Ω coax

cable with phono connectors.

The default assignment of sources to each input is shown in brackets after the input name in the above table. To assign a different input to

a source see Configuring sources, page 30.

There is no format conversion for the main outputs. However, there

is conversion from S-video to composite for the ZONE 2 and 3

composite outputs.

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1 9

Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect the G68ADV, G68AXV, or G68XXV for video switching

DVD player G68ADV/AXV/XXV

Television/monitor

S-VIDEO COMPOSITE

OUT IN OUT IN

COMPOSITE S-VIDEO COMPOSITE

S-VIDEO OUT

S-VIDEO LEAD

TUNER OUT

VIDEO LEAD

S-VIDEO LEAD

VIDEO LEAD

VCR

COMPOSITE OUT

VIDEO LEAD

• Connect up to four S-video sources to the S-video inputs S1 to S4

on the G68.

• Connect up to four composite video sources to the composite

video inputs V1 to V4 on the G68.

• Connect the composite MAIN OUT and S-video MAIN OUT

from the G68 to the corresponding inputs on your television or

monitor.

Unless you have used the default assignment of inputs to sources,

as shown on the back panel, configure the sources appropriately as

described in Configuring sources, page 30.

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2 0

Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect to a G98DH DVD Audio Transport with video switching in the G68 and scaling in the G98

Game

G68ADV/AXV/XXV

Satellite receiver

COMP V1

COMMS

OUT OUT

A7 A6 DIG IN

COMPONENT

OPTICAL VIDEO

O1 O2

VIDEO LEAD

OPTICAL LEAD

VIDEO LEADS

OPTICAL LEAD

VCR

Cable

AUDIO

COMPONENT

VIDEO

VIDEO LEAD

PHONO LEADS

VIDEO LEADS

PHONO LEADS

G98DH DVD Audio Transport

S-VIDEO COMP

HDMI

COMMS

DIGITAL OUT

VIDEO LEADS

PHONO LEADS

If you are using the G68ADV, AXV, or XXV Digital Surround

Controller in conjunction with a G98DH DVD Audio Transport, you

can perform video switching in the G68 but take advantage of the

video format conversion and scaling in the G98 to drive the display

device.

• Connect the video sources to the COMPOSITE IN, S-VIDEO IN,

and COMPONENT IN sockets on the G68.

• Connect the appropriate output from the G98 to your display

device.

• Connect together the COMMS sockets of the G98 and G68 using

the Comms lead provided.

• Connect the composite, S-video, and component outputs from the

G68 to the V1, S1, and Y1 inputs on the G98.

• Configure the G98 to Type 4; see the G Series DVD Player

Installation Guide.

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2 1

Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect the G68ADV, G68AXV, or G68XXV to an audio/video recorder or second zone

G68ADV/AXV/XXV Video recorder

G51 Receiver Zone 3

COMMS ANALOGUE

COMP

OUT

ANALOGUE IN

ZONE 2

ZONE 3

ANALOGUE IN

TAPE OUT

S-VIDEO IN

COMMS

PHONO LEADS

COMMS LEAD

PHONO LEADS

PHONO LEAD

S-VIDEO LEAD

MONITOR IN ZONE 3

The G68 can copy the currently selected audio and video inputs

to two different outputs, called COPY ZONE 2 and ZONE 3, for

recording, or for controlling one or two other rooms. For example, a

G51 Receiver could be used in a second room to listen to a source

connected to the G68.

To record audio and video

• Connect the appropriate COPY/ZONE video and audio outputs to

the video and audio inputs of the VCR.

• Connect the video and audio outputs from the VCR to

appropriate inputs on the G68.

To control a second room

• Connect the ZONE 3 outputs to ANALOGUE IN 4 on the G51.

• Connect the composite ZONE 3 outputs to the TV or monitor in

ZONE 3.

• Configure the G51 for a second zone.

For more information see the Meridian Three Room Plus guide at

www.meridian-audio.com.

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2 2

Installing the

digital surround

controller

Tuner and communications connections

Trigger output 1

Meridian DIN Comms connection

Meridian BNC Comms connection

Infra-red repeater input

USB connection

RS232 connection

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

SAME TYPE FUSE

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER

MAINTENANCE

DIGITAL OUT

SIDES

S-VIDEO COMPOSITE

DIG OUT

COMMS

ANALOGUE OUT

T1.6AL 250V for 100 240V

+12V 100mA

USB

RS232

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

MAIN L/R CENTRE/

SUB

REARS

A/B

COPY

ZONE

OFF

IR IN

ZONE

OPTICAL IN

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

MULTI DIGITAL IN

DVD

MD1

MD2

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN REAR

CAB

SAT

DVD

VCRI

MAIN

REAR

CENTRE

SUB

DIGITAL IN

AUX

S-VIDEO IN

VCR2

GAME

D12

D10

D8 DISC

SURR

C/LFE

L/R

MAIN OUT

OPTICAL IN

MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

OPT IN

TRIG

MIC

ANTENNA

MA1

AUX

SURR

CENTRE

LFE

LEFT

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND

BY MERIDIAN AUDIO LTD

GND

A7VCR1 A6 CABLE

ANALOGUE IN

A5TV

A4TAPE

SURR

RIGHT

Pr/R

Y/G

Pb/B

Pr/R

Y2 CABLE

Y/G

TRIG

+12V 100mA

^PbC^/BOMPONENT OUT

O1 SAT

O2 GAME

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

FM tuner aerial

AM tuner aerial

Power & fuse

Trigger outputs 2 & 3 (not G68D)

Use this connection

DIN COMMS

To connect to this

Other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment, or Meridian DSP loudspeakers.

Future Meridian components.

BNC COMMS

RS232 connection

USB connection

IR IN

A computer, for configuring the digital surround controller.

A computer, in future applications.

A G12 IR Receiver, or approved alternative infra-red repeater. Contact your dealer for details.

AM and FM antennae.

TUNER AM, FM

TRIG 1, TRIG 2, TRIG 3

Other equipment, via mono 3.5mm jack plug outputs (centre pin hot) providing 12VDC. They are always

low in standby. By default they are high for all sources, so can be used to bring a G56 or G57 Power

Amplifier out of standby. Alternatively you can program them to be high for specific sources; eg to control a

projection screen.

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2 3

Installing the

digital surround

controller

To connect to other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment

G68 Digital Surround Controller

G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series unit

COMMS

COMMS LEAD

In a system of Meridian products, one of the products acts as

the controller for the system, receiving infra-red commands from

the MSR+, and then, if appropriate, relaying them to the other

products via the Comms link.

One unit will then be designated as the controller, and display:

Con.

The following procedure should be used to set up the Comms

correctly between several products:

All the other units will be configured as non-controllers, and

display:

• Connect one of the DIN COMMS sockets on the back panel of

the digital surround controller to one of the COMMS sockets

on another G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series unit, using the

Comms leads provided with the products.

Not Con.

The system is now ready for use.

The sequence in which you connect the units is not important.

If the automatic setup does not work, first make sure you are

operating the MSR+ from a position where all the units can receive

the infra-red, and try again. Then:

• Switch all the units to standby.

• Press Clear (MSR+).

• Check that none of the units have been configured to be IR

Controller; see Configuring other settings, page 32. Either all

products should be set to Auto, or one should be configured as

Controller and the others as Not Controller.

Each unit will display:

Auto

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2 4

Installing the

digital surround

controller

Note: Do not, under any circumstances, connect any equipment

other than Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series to any

socket marked COMMS on the back of the product.

To connect FM and AM antennae

G68 Digital Surround Controller

FM AM

• Connect an FM antenna or split-flex dipole to the FM Coax

connector, if necessary using the adaptor provided.

The product is supplied with an indoor loop antenna. This is

directional, and for best results you will need to orient it, and this

may be station dependent.

In the UK use a female Belling-Lee (VCR) connector.

• Place the antenna as far away from other electrical equipment

and as high as possible.

Although the FM tuner is very sensitive, the FM antenna is supplied

for basic installation only, and for best performance and lowest

noise use a high-quality antenna placed as high as possible and

oriented towards the transmitter.

For best AM results use an external AM antenna.

Note: For AM you must fit a good ground as well as an antenna.

Note: For all outdoor antennae we strongly recommend you use a

qualified installer who will comply with local safety regulations.

The tuner can be used with most proprietary indoor AM, FM,

or combi (AM/FM) antennae. It is possible in some cases to use

a trigger output (+12V) from the G68 to power such devices.

For more details, look at the Library/Applications sections of the

Meridian web site at www.meridian-audio.com/lib-apps.htm.

• Connect an AM antenna to the AM connector by pressing

the tabs and inserting a bare wire into each hole. The ground

connection (black on the supplied AM antenna) should be

connected to the socket marked GND.

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2 5

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Configuring the digital surround controller

This chapter explains how to configure the digital surround controller using the Configuration Wizard.

Alternatively, for complete control over all aspects of the product’s configuration you can set up the unit

from a computer using the Meridian Configuration Program. For full information refer to the Meridian

Configuration Program Guide available separately.

The displays then shows:

Configuration Wizard

The Configuration Wizard leads you through the correct

sequence to configure your digital surround controller. Alternatively,

Version

Wizard Calib Lock

you can skip between the configuration stages, which allow you to

reset the configuration, or configure the sources or other settings

of the digital surround controller.

• Press Wizard.

Follow the sequence of configuration stages described in the

To run the Configuration Wizard

• If necessary press On/Off to put the digital surround controller

into standby.

following pages, pressing Next to proceed after each stage.

To go back to an earlier configuration option

• Press More.

• Press Back.

If the product is locked the display shows:

To return to the title screen for each stage

• Press Home.

To exit from the Configuration menus

Version

Unlock

• Press On/Off.

• Press Unlock to unlock it, then press More.

To get help at any stage

• Press More.

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2 6

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Stage 1: Resetting the product

The digital surround controller provides several alternative standard

settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the product

into the most commonly needed configurations.

• Press A or V to step through the available Types.

A description of the speakers for each type is shown on the top

line of the display. As you select each Type the digital surround

controller is reset to that Type.

Choosing one of the Types overrides any other configuration you

may have performed, and so can be used to reset the configuration

of the unit.

When you have selected the Type you want:

To reset the configuration

Either:

• Press Wizard.

• Press Next to proceed to configuring speakers, as described in

the next section.

The display shows the title screen for stage 1:

Or:

Press More for help

• Press On/Off to return to standby.

1: Reset settings

Back

Enter

Skip

• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go stage 2.

If you pressed Enter the display shows:

Reset all settings?

Back Yes

• Press Yes to proceed or Back to exit.

The display shows the current Type:

7.1, All An, Mono/THX Sub

Type 1

Back Next

óòô

öõú

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2 7

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Types

The following table lists the available Types:

Type

Speakers

Music Sub

LFE

Logic Sub

Centre

Mono

5.1 Movie Sub

All analogue.

LFE

All analogue.

Mono

LFE

Mono

LFE

All digital.

Centre

None

All digital, large centre.

Digital left, right, and centre.

Digital left and right.

None

LFE

None

LFE

Centre

LFE

Music Sub refers to a subwoofer used for all Music DSP presets, Logic Sub to a subwoofer used for all Logic DSP presets, and 5.1 Movie

Sub to a subwoofer used for all 5.1 Movie DSP presets; see Speaker layouts, page 43.

LFE subwoofer is only active in multichannel presets. Mono and Centre Subwoofers are active in all presets.

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2 8

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Stage 2: Configuring speakers

The Speakers configuration stage allows you to set up the digital

surround controller for the particular arrangement of loudspeakers

in your system.

The options are summarised in the table on the next page.

To change an option

• Press A or V to step between the alternative values for the

To configure the speakers

option.

Either:

When you have stepped through all the speaker options the display

shows:

• Press Next after resetting the product; see page 26.

Or:

Speaker choice finished.

Back Next

• Press Wizard; see page 25.

• Press Skip to skip past the Reset settings menu.

Either:

The display shows the title screen for stage 2:

• Press Next on the last option of the last speaker to proceed to

Press More for help

configuring sources, as described in the next section.

2: Select speakers

Back

Enter

Skip

Or:

• Press On/Off to return to standby.

• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to stage 3.

If you press On/Off before completing the configuration a warning

is displayed, giving you the option of continuing or abandoning the

configuration.

The display shows the first speaker configuration option:

Number of Subwoofers:

one

Back Next

óòô

öõú

• Press Next or Back to step between options.

A description of each option is shown on the top line of the

display, and its current value is shown below this to the right.

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2 9

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Speaker options

The following table summarises the speaker options:

Option

Values

Description

Number of Subwoofers:

none, one, two, three

How many subwoofers.

The main L&R speakers are: small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The types of the main left and right speakers. If you have no

analogue, large DSP

subwoofers, you cannot specify small main speakers.

When the centre speaker is to be used.

The Centre is used:

always, never, for music, for movies

The Centre speaker is a:

small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The type of the centre speaker.*

analogue, large DSP

Number of Surrounds:

The Side speakers are:

none, two, four

The number of rear or side surround speakers.

small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The types of the side speakers.*

analogue, large DSP

The Rear speakers are:

The Subs are used:

The Sub handles:

small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The types of the rear speakers.*

analogue, large DSP

for movies only, always

all the bass, only the LFE

neutral, heavy

When the subwoofers are used. If you have small main speakers,

the subwoofer must always be used.

Whether to use the subwoofer for all bass or just the LFE channel.

Only available if there is only one subwoofer.

The bass balance is:

Whether the bass is distributed to all the large speakers and

subwoofer (heavy) or just the subwoofer (neutral – recommended).

Only available if there is only one subwoofer, and it handles all the

bass not just the LFE.

The 2 Subs are used for:

The sub is:

Left and Right, Front and Surround

analogue, digital

If there are two subwoofers, their position. Only available if there

are two subwoofers.

The type of subwoofer.

*If you have small main speakers, you cannot specify small centre or surrounds.

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3 0

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Stage 3: Configuring sources

The digital surround controller provides up to 12 sources

corresponding to the 12 source keys on the MSR+:

The display shows the first source and the first configuration option

for that source, whether it is in use:

This source is:

CD, RADIO, DVD, AUX, DISC, TAPE, TV, CABLE, SAT, VCR1, VCR2,

GAME.

Radio

in use

Source Back Next

óòô

öõú

For each source the Configure sources stage allows you to

configure a series of options, including:

• Press Next or Back to step between options.

The top line of the display shows a description of each option, and

its current value is shown to the right of the source name.

• Whether it is in use.

• The label used for it on the front-panel display.

• The audio input it selects.

When changing the source name, Next and Back step between

• The TRIGGER output level it selects.

character positions.

The procedure for doing this is as follows.

The options are summarised in the table on the next page.

To configure a source

To change an option

Either:

• Press A or V to step through the alternative values for the

• Press Next after configuring speakers; see page 28.

option.

Or:

To move to the next source

• Press Source.

• Press Wizard; see page 25.

• Press Skip to skip past the Reset settings and Select

When you have finished configuring sources:

speakers menus.

Either:

The display shows the title screen for stage 3:

• Press Next on the last option of the last source (Game) to

Press More for help

proceed to configuring settings, as described in the next section.

3: Configure sources

Back

Enter

Skip

Or:

• Press On/Off to return to standby.

• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to stage 4.

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3 1

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Source options

The following table summarises the source options:

Option

Values

Description

The source is:

Audio input:

in use, not in use

Whether the source is enabled.

D1-D12, MD1-MD2, O1-O5, Tuner,

A1-A8, MA1, Last Valid*

The audio input used for the source; digital, multichannel

digital, optical, tuner, analogue, or multichannel analogue.

†

Composite input:

V1-V4, Last Valid*

Composite video input used for the source.

S-video input used for the source.

†

S input:

S1-S4, Last Valid*

†

Component Input:

Source name:

Y1-Y3, Last Valid*, Blank

Component video input used for the source.

Any name of up to five characters.

Copy/Zone use main inputs: yes, no

If no, provides options for feeding separate inputs to the

Copy/Zone outputs.

Copy/Zone 2 audio input:

D1-D12, MD1-MD2, O1-O5, Tuner,

The audio input used for Copy/Zone 2.

A1-A8, MA1, Last Valid*

V1-V4, S1-S4, Last Valid*

Copy/Zone 2 video input:

Zone 3 audio input:

The video input used for Copy/Zone 2.

The audio input used for Zone 3.

D1-D12, MD1-MD2, O1-O5, Tuner,

A1-A8, MA1, Last Valid*

Zone 3 video input:

Trigger #1:

V1-V4, S1-S4, Last Valid*

High, Low

The video input used for Zone 3.

Trigger outputs for the source.

†

Trigger #2:

High, Low

Trigger outputs for the source.

†

Trigger #3:

High, Low

Trigger outputs for the source.

Comms Type:

CD 1C, Tuner 2C, DVD 3C, 4C-8C,

No Comms NC

Set to NC unless the source is a Meridian product.

Comms Address:

1A-8A

Allows you to have up to eight of each source type.

*Last Valid leaves the input set to the last input you selected.

†

Not available on G68D.

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3 2

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Stage 4: Configuring other settings

The next stage allows you to configure other aspects of the

product’s operation.

To change a setting

• Press A or V to step through the alternative values for the

setting.

To configure other settings

Either:

When you have finished configuring the settings:

• Press Next after configuring the sources; see page 30.

Either:

Or:

• Press Next to proceed to calibrating the system, as described in

the next chapter.

• Press Wizard; see page 25.

• Press Skip to skip past the stages 1 to 3.

Or:

• Press On/Off to return to standby.

The display shows the title screen for stage 4:

Press More for help

4: Other settings

Back

Enter

Skip

• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to the calibration

procedure.

The first setting is displayed:

Tuner region:

Europe/elsewhere

Back Next

óòô

öõú

A description of each setting is shown on the top line of the

display, and its current value is shown to the right of the display.

The settings are summarised in the table on the next page.

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3 3

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

Settings

The following table summarises the product settings:

Option

Values

Description

Tuner region:

Europe/elsewhere, Japan, USA

Band selection (MW/LW or AM), tuning steps, and FM

deemphasis standard. For all countries except the USA or

Japan use the Europe setting.

The fan is:

used as necessary, never used

feet/inches, metres

Specifies how the temperature controlled fan operates.

Units for displaying and entering distances.

Subwoofer frequency response.

Distance measurement:

Do your subs play to 20Hz?

No, THX Ultra2/yes

Boundary Gain Compensation: off, on

Reduces the bass to compensate for listening positions close

to a wall.

Rear speaker separation

Copy/Zone 2 analogue out:

Zone 3 analogue out:

<12"/0.3m, 12-48"/0.3-1.2m,

Separation between rear speakers.

>48"/1.2m

fixed, variable

Whether the Copy/Zone 2 analogue output is controlled by

the volume control.

fixed, variable

Whether the Zone 3 analogue output is controlled by the

volume control.

Timeout to Home buttons:

Diagnostic displays:

Is the G68 IR Controller?

Main System Address

Copy System Address

Zone System Address

Product Address

on, off

Whether the soft keys revert to the home keys after a delay.

Whether diagnostic displays are shown.

Whether the product is the infra-red controller for the system.

Advanced setting (normally 1).

on, off

Auto, Controller, Not Controller

1-8

Advanced setting (normally 2).

Advanced setting (normally 3).

Advanced setting (normally 1).

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3 4

Configuring the

digital surround

controller

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3 5

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

Calibrating the system

To help you to set up the installation to give the best possible sound with any particular

combination of associated equipment, the G68 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.

You should use the calibration procedure the first time you set up the system, and whenever

you want to check the calibration, such as after changing the layout of the room.

Using a Sound Pressure Level meter

Introduction

Although you can perform the calibration procedure by ear, it is

recommended that you perform the tests using a Sound Pressure

Level meter. These are available fairly cheaply from Tandy/Radio

Shack, or your Meridian dealer may be able to lend you one.

We recommend that you perform the calibration procedure using

the MSR+ and from the listening position.

As you run the calibration procedure the name of each calibration

test is shown on the front-panel display, followed by the

parameters adjusted in the test.

Set the Sound Pressure Level meter to C weighted, and Slow. Take

readings with the meter at the listening position, pointing vertically.

You should hold the meter with an outstretched arm to minimise

reflections from your body.

Each calibration test uses a test signal designed to give the best

results.

You can choose to display and enter distances in either feet and

inches or metres.

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3 6

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

To start the calibration procedure

For more detailed information about this and the other calibration

tests see the following sections.

Either:

• Press Next on the last option of configuring settings; see page

To exit from the calibration procedure

32.

You can exit from the calibration procedure at any time, and any

parameters you have set will be retained:

Or:

• Press On/Off to put the digital surround controller into standby.

• Press On/Off.

• Press More.

To complete the calibration procedure

When you reach the end of the calibration procedure the following

display confirms that you have completed the calibration of the

system:

If the product is locked the display shows:

Version

Unlock

Calibration complete.

• Press Unlock.

The display shows:

Back

Restart

• Press Restart to restart the calibration procedure, or Next to

complete the wizard.

The display shows:

Version

Wizard Calib Lock

Press More for help

• Press Calib.

Wizard complete

Back

Exit

Restart

The displays shows Please wait….

Either:

After a few seconds the display shows the first calibration test:

• Press Exit to return to standby.

Press More for help

Or:

Left Level +0.0dB

ìî

ïñ

óòô

öõú

• Press Restart to return to stage 1; see page 26.

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3 7

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

Calibration tests

• When you have completed the Levels section press > to proceed

Levels

to the next test.

These tests allow you to adjust the output level to each speaker

individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby

Laboratories and THX.

Distance

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.

In each test the display shows the speaker being tested, and the

current relative level. For example:

Press More for help

Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to measure the

distance to each speaker from the listening position:

Left Level +0.0dB

ìî

ïñ

óòô

öõú

Sub

Centre

Left

Right

• Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the

layout in the sequence: Left, Centre, Right, Side R, Rear R, Rear L,

Side L, and subwoofers.

• Use A and V to adjust the level of the speaker. Ignore any tonal

difference.

For correct THX reproduction you should adjust each speaker to

75dB SPL using an SPL meter. Even if the speakers are not THX

approved this setting is recommended.

Left

Side

Right

Side

If you have Meridian DSP loudspeakers they cannot be set above

+0dB.

Left Rear

Surround Sub

Right Rear

Note: You cannot set the level of a subwoofer by ear, because

low-frequency noises sound quieter. To set the subwoofer correctly

either use an SPL meter, or set it by ear and then reduce the

subwoofer gain by 15dB to correct for human hearing.

Measure from ear height at the listening position to the tweeter

on each speaker (where applicable), in the distance units you have

chosen; see Settings, page 33.

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3 8

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

The next display shows the distance for the same speaker. For

example:

• Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the

layout.

Press More for help

The display shows the speaker being tested, and the distance:

Left Distance 18'0

ìî

ïñ

óòô

öõú

Press More for help

Left Distance 18'0

Units ìî

ïñ

óòô

öõú

• Choose the correct setting as follows:

Setting

What it sounds like

• Use A and V to change the distance.

Correct

The sound between the speakers is very even, and

does not change radically as you move your head.

• You can press Units to change between feet/inches and metres.

Repeat this for each of the speakers in your layout.

• Press > to proceed to the next calibration stage.

Incorrect

The sound appears diffused, and changes in timbre

and apparent location as you move your head.

Pay particular attention to the centre channel, as this can have a

dramatic effect on the overall sound.

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.

• Press > to proceed to the next calibration stage.

• Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the

layout.

The first display allows you to adjust the phase. For example:

Press More for help

Left Phase

ìî

ïñ

óòô

öõú

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3 9

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

Speaker size

These tests allow you to determine the bass handling capability

of large analogue speakers and subwoofers. Once set, the digital

surround controller will limit the bass level to protect the speakers

from potential damage.

In each test the display shows the speaker being tested and the

level of the test signal, followed by the limit value set for the

speaker.

For example:

Press More for help

Left Size

5/28

ìî

ïñ

óòô

öõú

• Press > or < to move between each of the speakers under test.

• Press A or V to adjust the limit value for the speaker.

As you increase the limit value, the test signal will gradually get

louder up to the limit value. Reducing the limit value will cause the

test signal level to drop immediately.

• Adjust the limit value until the speaker is just beginning to

produce distortion, indicating that it is reaching its bass handling

limit.

This is the last test in the calibration procedure; see To complete

the calibration procedure, page 36.

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4 0

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

Using the Sine/Sub/Sens controls

This section explains how to use the Sine/Sub/Sens controls

to check for room resonances, adjust the subwoofer crossover

frequency, or adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sources.

• Press Xovr- or Xovr+ to decrease or increase the crossover

frequency.

The display shows the current crossover frequency:

To display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls

• If necessary, unlock the digital surround controller as described in

Configuration Wizard, page 25.

Xover 85Hz

-Xover+

Sine

-Sens.+

• Press More until the bottom line of the display shows:

For THX loudspeaker systems you should not adjust these settings;

they should be left at 80Hz. 80Hz is also the recommended setting

for all movie listening. You may prefer, however, to lower the

crossover frequency for music if the main speakers have good bass

handling down to, say, 50Hz.

Radio Trifield

Sine/Sub/Sens. StoreClear

• Press Sine/Sub/Sens.

The bottom line of the display shows the Sine/Sub/Sens controls:

Sinewave sweep test

The G68 includes a sinewave signal test, to help you set the

subwoofer crossover frequencies, or check for room resonances.

Radio Trifield

Sine

-Xover+

-Sens.+

Warning: This test is very loud. Very loud low-frequency

signals may damage the speakers.

Subwoofer crossover frequency

The G68 Digital Surround Controller allows the crossover frequency

for any subwoofers which you have to be adjusted between 30 and

150Hz. The crossover can be set independently for Music, Logic,

and 5.1 Movie layouts. The default is the THX standard of 80Hz.

To use the sinewave sweep test

• Select a source, then display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls as

described above.

• Press Sine to turn on the sinewave signal.

To adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency

• Select a source, then display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls as

described above.

The display shows:

Sine

80.0Hz

öõú Sound Exit

Chan óòô

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4 1

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

An 80Hz sinewave will be played through all channels.

To change the input

• Press Sound.

You can change the test signal using the menu keys, as described

in the following sections.

You can select between the following inputs:

Option

Input

Sine

Description

The current input.

A sinewave.

To select the channel

• Press Chan.

You can select any individual channel, or All Channels.

Noise

Pink noise, band bass 500Hz to 2kHz for main

channel.

To change the sweep rate

Silent

Silence.

• Press A or V to change the sweep rate and direction, as

follows:

Alternatively you can switch between inputs using the menu keys

on the MSR+.

Display

Description

Fast sweep up.

>> 88.5Hz

öõú Sound Exit

Chan óòô

Slow sweep up.

Paused.

> 81.5Hz

öõú Sound Exit

Chan óòô

Pause 80.0Hz

öõú Sound Exit

Chan óòô

Slow sweep down.

Fast sweep down.

< 78.5Hz

öõú Sound Exit

Chan óòô

<< 70.5Hz

öõú Sound Exit

Chan óòô

To change the volume

• Use the volume keys in the usual way.

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4 2

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

The display shows, for example:

Setting up sources

This section explains how to use the Sine/Sub/Sens controls to

2.0V Clip -0

-Xover+

adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sources.

Sine

-Sens.+

To adjust the sensitivity of a source

In this case reduce the sensitivity by selecting a higher number.

To obtain the best signal-to-noise ratio for each analogue source

you can adjust its sensitivity to give the highest level that does not

produce clipping.

If you have selected a digital source you cannot adjust the

sensitivity and the display shows, for example:

• Select the source you want to adjust, with loud source material

playing.

DVD Not Analogue

Sine

• Display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls as described above.

-Xover+

-Sens.+

• Press Sens- or Sens+ to decrease or increase the sensitivity.

The display shows the current sensitivity and the peak level; for

example:

1.4V Peak -3

-Xover+

Sine

-Sens.+

You can adjust the sensitivity between 0.7, 1.0, 1.4, 2.0, and 2.8V

(least sensitive).

If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest

passages, and the peak will be 0dB.

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4 3

D S P p r e s e t s

DSP presets

This chapter gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and describes how to

modify them.

Layout

Description

DSP presets

Music

For music presets: two-channel (eg Trifield) and

multichannel (eg Discrete).

The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides two types of DSP

preset. One set is available if the input is two-channel; eg from a

traditional stereo source or a two-channel DVD-A. The other set is

available if the input is 5.1 or 6 channels of discrete audio; eg from

a Dolby Digital DVD-V or a music DVD-A. The DSP presets available

in each set are described in the following pages.

Logic

For two-channel movie presets: eg PLIIx Movie.

For multichannel movie presets: eg Cinema.

5.1 Movie

Speaker layouts

The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides great flexibility in

the way in which you use the loudspeakers in your system. For

example, the speaker step of the Configuration Wizard allows

you to use the subwoofers and centre speaker only for movie

material see Configuring speakers, page 28. With the Meridian

Configuration Program you can specify three different speaker

layouts, each with a different use of subwoofers and centre

speaker:

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4 4

D S P p r e s e t s

Standard parameters

All DSP presets (except Mono and Direct) provide the following

standard parameters.

Individual DSP presets provide additional parameters, to allow you

to adjust specific features provided by that preset. For full details

refer to information about each preset later in this chapter.

Parameter

Treble*

Range

Default

+0dB

What it changes

-10dB to +10dB

-5dB to +5dB

+ or -

The slope of the frequency response.

The bass response.

Bass*

Phase*

The phase of all loudspeakers.

The vertical balance.

Axis†

-2 to +3

-1

Balance

HS Output?*

<10 to 10>

Y or N

<0>

The L-R balance.

Select Y for high-rate audio, upsampled if necessary.

Select N for standard-rate audio, downsampled if

necessary.

Centre

Depth

Rear

-3.0dB to +3.0dB

-2.5ms to +5.0ms

-30dB to +10dB

0ms to 30ms

+0.0dB

+0.0ms

+0dB

The level of the centre.

The delay of the centre.

The level of the rears.

The level of the sides.

The delay of the rears.

The delay of the sides.

The sync. delay.

Sides

+0dB

R Delay

S Delay

LipSync

Varies

0ms

0ms to 30ms

As defined

Bypassed

The Room Correction profile, or Bypassed for no room

correction.

*These parameters apply to all DSP presets.

†Axis is only available with Meridian DSP loudspeakers.

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4 5

D S P p r e s e t s

for the fact that the frequency response of human hearing changes

with direction.

DSP presets for two-channel material

The G68 provides several signal processing options for two-channel

material. The Music DSP presets are designed for use with music

from sources such as CD, radio, or two channel DVD-A:

The Music DSP preset is recommended for recordings made with

spaced omnidirectional microphones, or using a mono-surround

technique.

• Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super Stereo, Music Logic, PLIIx Music,

Stereo, and Direct.

Trifield

As for the Music DSP preset, the Trifield preset extracts the mono

and surround components of the original recording. It then

calculates the signals for the front, left, centre, and right speakers,

using the phase and amplitude differences between the three front

channels, to redistribute the sounds on a frequency-dependent basis.

The Logic DSP presets are designed for use with film soundtracks

or TV programmes:

• PLIIx Movie, PLIIx THX, TV Logic, and Mono.

The Music and Logic DSP presets use the Music and Logic speaker

layout respectively; see Speaker layouts, page 43.

This gives a significant improvement over traditional stereo, which

converts the differences between the microphone signals into

amplitude differences in the speaker signals. This version of the

Trifield algorithm is virtually impossible to implement without

digital signal processing.

Music

The Music DSP preset extracts the mono and surround components

of the original recording. These components provide an alternative

representation of the original sound, and this is sometimes used

for recording systems or in broadcasts such as FM radio. The mono

element is equalised using a proprietary Meridian technique to

match the tone colour of the centre speaker, and to compensate

Trifield is recommended for well-made recordings and stereo

television broadcasts that are not Dolby Surround encoded. An

advantage over the Music DSP preset is that the front stereo image

is more focused, and the width of the image can be adjusted.

Music and Trifield DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Centre

Options

What it changes

Flat, EQ1-3

The timbre of the centre loudspeaker.

Width†

0-1.5

The width of the image.

Surr. Rear

R Filter

Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All

Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz

Switches the surround signal between the side and rear speakers.

The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.

The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surrounds.

S Filter

†Trifield only.

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4 6

D S P p r e s e t s

Ambisonics

The fundamental difference between Ambisonics surround sound

and conventional stereo is that the signals from all the speakers

combine to produce a coherent soundfield at the listening position,

giving the illusion that you are sitting inside the recording space

whether you are at the exact central seat or well off to one side.

The Ambisonics DSP preset can decode UHJ format, the two-

channel stereo-compatible encoding found on Ambisonically-

recorded discs and broadcasts. This material is specifically encoded

for surround reproduction and can give breathtakingly realistic

sound when replayed using the digital surround controller.

Of all the signal-processing options, Ambisonics is the one that

requires the greatest attention to speaker choice and positioning.

Ambisonics surround sound is quite unlike conventional stereo. A

special microphone technique picks up the sound of the original

performance in all three dimensions, allowing an archive to be

made which describes the soundfield exactly at that position. The

microphone signals are then encoded using a phase-amplitude

matrix to allow the effect to be conveyed on two-channel carriers

(like FM radio, LP, or CD).

Super

Super 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:

The digital surround controller uses accurately matched, frequency-

dependent, phase-amplitude matrices to decode the signal and

construct the signals for each speaker feed.

• Those using true coincident microphone techniques.

• Multi-tracked or multi-miked recordings.

Ambisonics and Super DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Width*

Row†

Options

What it changes

0 to 1

The width of the image.

A, C, E, G, I, K, M

7, 6, 5, 4

The seating position; the letters are like rows in a hall.

The number of speakers.

Channels

R Filter

Off, 3kHz, 7kHz, 9kHz

The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.

The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surrounds.

S Filter

*Super only.

†Ambisonics only.

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4 7

D S P p r e s e t s

MusicLogic

MusicLogic is a music DSP preset based on Pro Logic II with

the addition of user-adjustable steering, designed to provide an

exciting experience with many types of studio-produced music.

MusicLogic DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Roll

Options

What it changes

Off, Low, Med, Max

The degree of left-right steering.

Yaw

Off, Low, Med, Max

The degree of front-rear steering.

Steered All

Steered Rear, Steered Side, Steered All

Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.

PLIIx Music

The PLIIx Music preset is designed to use the Pro Logic IIx DSP

processing mode to decode music sources. It provides additional

Width, Dimension, and Panorama preset parameters to allow

you to adjust the soundfield.

PLIIx Music DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Steered All

Width

Options

What it changes

Steered Rear, Steered Side, Steered All

Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.

0 to 7

The centre spread, where 0 is full centre and 7 is full left and right.

Dimension

-3 to +3

The spatial soundfield, where -3 puts the balance to the rear of the room

and +3 puts it to the front.

Panorama

No, Yes

Extends the front stereo image to include the surround speakers,

providing a wrap-around effect new to Pro Logic.

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4 8

D S P p r e s e t s

Stereo and Direct

stability compared with the original Pro Logic decoding. Meridian’s

implementation of Pro Logic IIx uses proprietary code based on 48-

bit precision to give outstanding clarity.

The Stereo preset passes the left and right input signals directly to

the left and right main speakers. Any mono or front left and right

subwoofers continue to be used.

The PLIIx THX DSP preset uses the same PLIIx processing as PLIIx

Movie, but adds THX Cinema processing. THX is a set of standards

and technologies developed by Lucasfilm Ltd. with the aim of

making your experience of the film soundtrack as faithful as

possible to what the director intended.

With the Direct preset only the left and right main speakers are

used, bypassing any spatial processing and bass management.

There are no additional DSP preset parameters for Stereo and

Direct.

Re-equalistion is used to restore the correct tonal balance for

watching a film soundtrack in a small home environment.

PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX

PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX use the Dolby Pro Logic IIx DSP

processing mode, and are the recommended choice for Dolby

Surround encoded material. They also give excellent results with

two-channel sources not specifically encoded for Dolby Surround,

including two-channel Dolby Digital sources.

Timbre matching filters the information going to the surround

speakers so that they more closely match the tonal characteristics

of the sound coming from the front speakers. This ensures seamless

panning between the front and surround speakers.

Pro Logic IIx re-creates 7.1-channel movie surround from the two-

channel source, using improved decoding techniques that preserve

the directness of the soundfield, resulting in enhanced image

THX can also be used with the 5.1 Movie DSP presets; see THX,

page 51.

PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Surrounds

Pro Logic

Options

Rear, Side, All

Off, On

What it changes

Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.

On selects an emulation of the original Pro Logic decoding.

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4 9

D S P p r e s e t s

TV Logic

TV Logic is a Logic preset based on Pro Logic IIx with the addition

of user-adjustable steering, designed to give higher intelligibility

and a more appropriate spatial presentation for studio-based TV

material.

TV Logic DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Roll

Options

What it changes

Off, Low, Med, Max

Rear, Side, All

The degree of left-right steering.

Yaw

The degree of front-rear steering.

Which of the surround channels are generated by steering.

Surrounds

Mono

If Party? is set to No, the combined or selected signal is played

only through the centre speaker, or the left and right speakers if

there is no centre, to centrally localise high-frequency hiss and

clicks.

In the Mono DSP preset you can choose to listen to:

• Only one of two input channels, such as when different

languages or material are carried on each channel.

• A combined version of the two input channels, such as if the

material was originally mono and has been conveyed on a two-

channel carrier.

Note: If Party? is set to Yes, full range bass is played through any

speakers that are not supplemented by a subwoofer, and this may

damage small speakers at high volume levels.

Mono DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Input

Options

What it changes

Auto L+R, Input L, Input R, Input L+R

Off or On

The channel selected.

Academy

Select On to include an equalisation (recommended by Lucasfilm Ltd) to

correct for a high-frequency balance in some old mono films.

Party?

No or Yes

Select Yes to play the mono signal through all speakers, including subwoofers.

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5 0

D S P p r e s e t s

There are five multichannel Movie presets:

DSP presets for multichannel material

Multichannel audio signals can come from either encoded data

streams (such as Dolby Digital) or as discrete channels from a DVD

player. If you are using Meridian SmartLink then all formats will

reach the G68 as discrete channels. With suitable loudspeakers the

G68 can upsample these to provide a more enjoyable surround

experience.

• Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, THX, THX Surround EX, and THX Ultra2

Cinema.

The multichannel Music presets all use the Music speaker layout

and the multichannel Movie presets all use the 5.1 Movie speaker

layout; see Speaker layouts, page 43.

The G68 Digital Surround Controller will automatically select the

right decoder algorithm and present the same set of preset choices

for all streams. Note: Some presets are only available if there are

four surround speakers in the system.

Cinema

The Cinema preset is recommended for listening to multichannel

movie soundtracks when no further processing is required.

Discrete

There are four multichannel Music presets:

The Discrete preset is similar to Cinema, except that it uses the

Music speaker layout and sets the LFE level to -10dB.

• Discrete, PLIIx Mus6, THX Music, and Ambisonics B format

(discrete inputs only).

Discrete and Cinema DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Options

What it changes

2+2+2*

Off, 5.1, Side, 7.1

Allows you to specify how DVD Audio channels 3+4 should be interpreted: Off ignores

them, 5.1 and 7.1 use them for centre and LFE, Side uses them for the side speakers, 7.1

adds side speakers to 5.1.

Surround†

Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All

Allows you to specify which speakers the surround channels should be sent to in a system

with four surrounds.

R Filter

S Filter

LFE

Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz

-28dB to 0dB

The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.

The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surround.

The relative level of the LFE bass channel.

*Discrete only.

†Cinema only.

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5 1

D S P p r e s e t s

THX

As with the PLIIx THX DSP preset, THX re-equalises the signals to

suit domestic listening conditions, and applies frequency-response

correction and decorrelation to the surround channels to make the

surround sound more realistic. It can be used whether or not your

other equipment is THX approved.

THX DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Options

What it changes

Surround

Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All

Switches the surround signal between the side and rear speakers.

PLIIx Mov6, THX Surround EX, PLIIx Mus6, THX Ultra2

Cinema, and THX Music

THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX Music use a THX proprietary process

called advanced speaker array to provide a mix of ambient and

These presets are available if you have four surround speakers. They directional surround sounds using four surround speakers. Optimum

use Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Surround EX, and THX Ultra2 Cinema performance of THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX Music is produced

processing to generate multiple signals for larger home theatres.

when the two rear speakers are placed close together behind the

listening position. THX Ultra2 Cinema is recommended for movie

soundtracks that are not Dolby Surround EX encoded, and THX

Music is recommended for listening to multichannel music.

PLIIx Mov6 uses extended PLII technology from Dolby to generate

four surround signals from traditional multichannel source material

like Dolby Digital 5.1. It is intended for use with movie soundtracks.

PLIIx Mus6 also creates four surround signals; it is intended for

multichannel music playback from sources such as DVD-A or SACD

music discs.

EX, THX Surround EX, EZ, THX Ultra2 Cinema, and THX Music DSP preset parameters

Parameter

Options

What it changes

LFE

-28dB to 0dB

The relative level of the LFE bass channel.

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5 2

D S P p r e s e t s

Ambisonics

The Ambisonics preset allows you to decode multi-channel sources

which have been encoded in Ambisonics B format.

Ambisonics B format contains four independent channels of

information to give a three-axis representation of the sound at the

recording position. The signals are: mono sound pressure, left-right

velocity component, front-back velocity component, and up-down

velocity component.

Using dynamic range control

If the input format is Dolby Digital, the 5.1 Movie DSP presets

provide an additional Compress parameter to allow you to take

advantage of the dynamic range information provided in the

Dolby Digital format to provide dynamic range control without the

distortion involved in analogue methods.

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5 3

D S P p r e s e t s

Defining your own presets

The G68 Digital Surround Controller allows you to modify any of

the built-in presets, and save them for future use.

Alternatively press V to choose the built-in preset you started

with. For example:

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.

Pick Preset

Trifield

to overwrite

Store

óòô

öõú

• Press Store.

To save the preset settings

• Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To run the Configuration

Wizard, page 25.

The settings have been stored in the new or existing preset you

selected.

• Press DSP to select the preset you want to modify.

• Change the preset parameters to the values you want to store.

• Press More then Store, or Function + Store on the MSR+.

If you are defining a user preset you can now edit the name of the

preset if you wish.

A flashing cursor shows the letter you are editing:

The display shows the next available user-defined preset. For

example:

Write label

User 1

for preset

Pick Preset

User 1

ìî

ïñ

óòô

öõú Store

to overwrite

Store

óòô

öõú

• Press > or < to select the character position you want to edit.

• If you want to overwrite an existing user-defined preset press A

• Press A or V to change the character.

to select the preset you want to overwrite.

Each press steps through the sequence A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, full

stop, and blank. You can also select a blank directly by pressing

Clear on the MSR+.

For example:

Pick Preset

Classical

to overwrite

Store

óòô

öõú

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5 4

D S P p r e s e t s

For example, you could change the name to:

Write label

for preset

Concert

ìî ïñ

óòô

öõú Store

• When you have entered the name you want to use press Store.

The display shows:

Stored

ìî

ïñ

óòô

öõú Assign

To make the new preset the default for the current source and

audio format:

• Press Assign.

To clear a user-defined preset

• Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To run the Configuration

Wizard, page 25.

• Press DSP to select the preset you want to clear.

• Press More then Clear, or Function + Clear on the MSR+.

The display shows Preset Clear.

If you clear a preset that was saved over a built-in preset, the

original settings are restored.

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5 5

Trouble shooting

Troubleshooting

We expect you to achieve superb results with your digital surround controller. If, however, you

encounter any problems, either when installing and configuring it, or during operation, please

check the following pages for suggested solutions.

If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact your Meridian dealer for further

assistance.

Erratic or unexpected system behaviour

General operating problems

Standby light not lit

Redo the Auto Configure process as follows:

• Check that the AC power supply is connected correctly.

• Check that the ON OFF switch on the back panel is in the ON

position.

• Put the whole system into standby.

• Make sure you are operating the MSR+ from a position where all

the units can receive the infra-red.

• Press Clear on the MSR+.

If the light still does not illuminate, check any fuses in your power

supply and the fuse in the inlet of the G68. If these are all intact,

contact your dealer.

• Observe all units responding correctly.

In extreme cases, the memory of the G68 may have been

corrupted. If this is suspected perform a full reset; see Resetting the

product, page 26.

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5 6

Trouble shooting

Remote not working

Audio problems

Hum on analogue input

Check the following:

• Check the source equipment. Disconnect each source in turn.

• If the hum originates from a ground loop, an antenna or cable

supply may be the cause. In this case an antenna-lead isolator

should be fitted.

• The battery in the MSR+.

• Remove the Comms connections from the G68 and check

whether it responds now. If so, replace the connections and

perform an Auto Configure procedure; see To connect to other

Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment, page 23.

• See if the G68 has been set up as Not Controller in the

Configuration Menu; see Configuring other settings, page 32.

Note: This may be deliberate by your dealer.

• If the G68 seems to be the cause of hum consult your dealer.

There is radio interference

The G68 is a digital audio and computing device which has been

designed to very high standards of electromagnetic compatibility.

When playing a Dolby Digital DVD, the G68 selects a two-

channel preset

If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from

radio or television reception then the following measures should

be tried:

DVDs include a two-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, which will

use the default two-channel preset.

• Reorient the receiving aerial (or antenna) or route the antenna

cable of the receiver as far as possible from the G68 and its

cabling.

• Select a six-channel soundtrack, if it is available.

Unit is overheating

• Ensure that the receiver uses well-screened antenna cable.

• Relocate the receiver with respect to the G68.

• Connect the receiver and this product to different AC outlets.

• If the problem persists contact your dealer.

Check that there is adequate ventilation around the unit.

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5 7

Trouble shooting

Audible hiss at high volume settings

Sound not clear

The input dynamic range of most current recordings is at maximum

16 bit. The reason for this is that currently CD, DVD, and LaserDisc

use a 16-bit standard, although DVD can support up to 24-bits. The

analogue sources you have cannot achieve this kind of range. For

comparison, analogue sources are likely to be of the order of:

• If speech sounds muffled in a system with a centre speaker,

check that sound is coming from the centre as there may be a

connection problem. In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre

you may have set it up to be right instead of left so that it is

playing a subwoofer signal.

• If speech sounds muffled in a system with no centre speaker, you

may have selected a layout that expects one. See Configuring

speakers, page 28.

• VCR, 12 bits.

• FM radio, 13 bits.

• Reel to reel tape, 13 bits.

• Cassette tape, 12 bits.

• LP, 11 bits.

Centre not working

There may be a connection problem.

Note: There may be a difference between the dynamic range of

the source channel when it is operating, and the noise you hear

in standby. For example, LP normally has lower noise when the

stylus is not in the groove; similarly tape will be quieter when it is

stopped. CD may also be quieter when it is stopped, producing so

called ‘digital silence’.

• In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre, you may have set it

up to be right instead of left, and therefore it may be playing a

subwoofer signal.

There is a hiss when starting DTS LaserDiscs or CDs

The DTS audio stream is indistinguishable from a PCM audio

stream; the G68 takes 30ms to identify the encoding, during which

a hiss is heard.

The G68 has a 24-bit capability on its internal analogue-to-digital

converter, which is used for analogue sources. When the volume is

turned up high you may hear its dither as a hiss when the sources

are stopped. This hiss is lower than the background noise of your

recordings and should be of no consequence.

• With non-video DTS sources you can add a 30ms delay to avoid

this.

• With video sources you can create a DTS-only source to avoid any

hiss.

For more information about each of these options see the Meridian

Configuration Program Guide.

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5 8

Trouble shooting

The preset changes unexpectedly with a multichannel

source

Radio tuner problems

FM tuner reception is poor

If you are using a non-Meridian source on the MHR SmartLink

input, proprietary data may cause preset switching.

To obtain high-quality stereo reception on FM a good aerial is

essential. Try positioning the aerial at different points in a room;

generally performance is best high up and near a window.

• Select Force this source to be six-channel for the source. See

the Meridian Configuration Program Guide.

In some areas an external fixed aerial will be necessary. This can be

placed in a loft or mounted externally.

Video problems

Poor picture quality

AM tuner reception is poor

Picture quality may suffer if you do not attend to the following:

Position the antenna to maximise the strength of the station you

want to receive and to reduce interference from other stations on

nearby frequencies.

• Are you using suitable quality cables with good connectors?

• Is there a ground loop created between any of the components

connected to the G68?

Position the antenna away from items that generate electrical

interference, such as fluorescent tubes or televisions.

Remember that reception of broadcast or cable signals can be

significantly deteriorated by cross-modulation in the RF domain. It

is unwise to attempt to cascade and mix several video sources, eg

LaserDisc, VCR, etc, to an antenna system.

RDS station names are not being received

Not all stations transmit the station name in all areas.

If the station name is not available you can define a preset station

with a name; see the G Series System Guide.

The picture is very dark or very bright when using a

composite input

This could be due to a DC offset on the video source.

• Try using inputs V3 or V4, which include DC blocking circuitry for

use with set-top boxes and other sources which typically exhibit

this effect.

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5 9

Trouble shooting

Maintenance

To change the mains fuse

Cleaning

To clean the case, display panel, and keypad

• Remove the mains connector, and pull out the drawer above the

power input to access the fuse.

• Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.

Before replacing a blown fuse, it is best to ascertain the cause of

the failure.

The exterior surfaces of Meridian G Series products are made from

solid anodised aluminium, powder coated steel, thermoplastic

rubber, and glass.

The fuse drawer includes a spare fuse. This should be replaced by a

fuse of the same rating.

They are designed to be easily wiped clean with a dry, lint free

cloth. Greasy marks should be removed by light rubbing with a

slightly damp cloth and a trace of proprietary glass cleaner. Do not

use any other solvent or abrasive based cleaners.

Ensure that no liquid enters the casework and that the product is

completely dry before re-connection.

To clean the audio and video connections

The audio and video sockets on the back of the product are gold

plated and do not need to be cleaned if gold-plated phono plugs

are used. Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and

reconnect the plugs at least once a year. A proprietary contact

cleaner can be used to some advantage.

The electrical digital output should be treated in a similar way.

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6 0

Trouble shooting

Service and guarantee

Service

Guarantee

The Meridian G Series of hi-fi components has been carefully

designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user-

serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form

of maintenance.

The product is guaranteed against defects in material and

workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.

The guarantee is void if the product has been subject to misuse,

accident, or negligence, or has been tampered with or modified

in any way without the written authorisation of Meridian Audio

Limited. Note: Connecting anything other than the correct network

lead to the Comms sockets may cause damage to the product

which will not be covered by this guarantee. Attempted servicing

by unauthorised people may also invalidate this guarantee. Labour

and carriage charges are not covered unless by local agreement.

In the unlikely event that your product fails to function correctly,

it should be returned, in its original packaging, to your Meridian

dealer.

In case of difficulty within the UK or USA please contact the

appropriate sales and service address shown on page iv.

In case of difficulty outside the UK or USA, contact the importing

agent for the territory. A list of Meridian agents outside the UK is

available from Meridian Audio.

Outside the UK, local warranty liability is restricted to equipment

purchased within the territory. Our agents outside the UK are only

under contractual obligation to service under-guarantee equipment

sold through them. They are entitled to make a non-refundable

charge for any service carried out on other equipment.

No responsibility can be accepted for the product whilst in transit

to the factory or an agent, and customers are therefore advised to

insure the unit. When seeking service under guarantee, proof of the This guarantee does not limit your statutory rights within the

date of purchase will be required. country of purchase.

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6 1

Index

I n d e x

Channels (DSP parameter) 46

Cinema (DSP preset) 50

cleaning 59

Academy (DSP parameter) 49

accessories 5

COMMS, connecting 23

communications connections 22

compression 52

active loudspeakers, connecting to 15

active subwoofer, connecting to 16

Ambisonics (DSP preset) 46, 52

analogue source, connecting 7

antennae, connecting 24

audio/video recorder, connecting to 21

audio inputs 6

Compress (DSP parameter) 52

configuration, resetting 26

Configuration Wizard 25

configuring

settings 32

audio outputs 10

sources 30

automatic setup 23

connections 17

Axis (DSP parameter) 44

audio inputs 6

audio outputs 10

cleaning 59

Balance (DSP parameter) 44

Bass (DSP parameter) 44

built-in presets, replacing 53

communications 22

video 18

Controller, setting 23

calibration procedure 35

moving between tests 36

starting 36

Depth (DSP parameter) 44

digital source, connecting 7

Dimension (DSP parameter) 47

Direct (DSP preset) 48

Discrete (DSP preset) 50

Dolby Digital DSP preset, dynamic range control 52

DSP parameters

tests 37

calibration tests 37

distance 37

fine-tuning 38

levels 37

Balance 44

speaker size 39

Centre (DSP parameter) 44, 45

Bass 44

Centre 44

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6 2

I n d e x

DSP parameters (continued)

Depth 44

DSP presets (continued)

THX Surround EX 51

THX Music 51

LipSync 44

Phase 44

THX Ultra2 Cinema 51

Trifield 45

RC 44

Rear 44

two-channel 45

R Delay 44

user-defining 53, 54

DVD-Audio player, connecting to 8, 9

dynamic range control 52

Sides 44

S Delay 44

Treble 44

DSP presets

Ambisonics 46, 52

Cinema 50

EX (DSP preset) 51

EZ (DSP preset) 51

clearing 54

Compress parameter 52

Direct 48

Discrete 50

EX 51

G68ADV 1

audio inputs 6

EZ 51

audio outputs 11

comms connections 22

specifications 4

tuner connections 22

video connections 17

G68AXV 1

Mono 49

multichannel 50

Music 45

MusicLogic 47

PLIIx Movie 48

PLIIx Music 47

PLIIx THX 48

standard parameters 44

Stereo 48

audio inputs 6

audio outputs 12

comms connections 22

specifications 4

tuner connections 22

video connections 17

Super 46

THX 50, 51

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6 3

I n d e x

G68D 1

audio inputs 6

mains fuse, changing 59

Meridian DSP loudspeakers, connecting to 14

models 1

audio outputs 10

comms connections 22

specifications 4

Mono (DSP preset) 49

Mono Rear (DSP parameter) 47, 49

MusicLogic (DSP preset) 47

Music (DSP preset) 45

tuner connections 22

G68XXV 1

audio inputs 6

audio outputs 13

comms connections 22

specifications 4

OSD (DSP parameter) 44

tuner connections 22

video connections 17

G98DH DVD Audio Transport, connecting to 20

guarantee 60

Panorama (DSP parameter) 47

Party? (DSP parameter) 49

Phase (DSP parameter) 44

PLIIx (DSP preset) 48

PLIIx Movie (DSP preset) 48

PLIIx Music (DSP preset) 47

PLIIx THX (DSP preset) 48

presets

HS Out? (DSP parameter) 44

Input (DSP parameter) 49

multichannel 50

standard parameters 44

two-channel 45

layouts

user-defining 53

5.1 Movie 50

Pro Logic (DSP parameter) 48

Music 45

LFE (DSP parameter) 50, 51

LipSync (DSP parameter) 44

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6 4

I n d e x

specifications 4

Steered All (DSP parameter) 47, 48, 49

Stereo (DSP preset) 48

RC (DSP parameter) 44

Rear (DSP parameter) 44

Roll (DSP parameter) 47, 49

Row (DSP parameter) 46

R Delay (DSP parameter) 44, 47

R Filter (DSP parameter) 45, 46, 50

stereo power amplifier, connecting to 15

subwoofers

connecting to 16

crossover frequency 40

subwoofer crossover frequency 40

Super (DSP preset) 46

Surr. Rear (DSP parameter) 45, 50, 51

S Delay (DSP parameter) 44, 47

S Filter (DSP parameter) 45, 46, 50

safety warnings ii

second zone, connecting 21

settings 33

configuring 32

Sides (DSP parameter) 44

Sine/Sub/Sens controls 40

Sine/Sub/ Sens menu

sources 42

THX (DSP preset) 50, 51

THX Surround EX (DSP preset) 51

THX Music (DSP preset) 51

THX Ultra2 Cinema (DSP preset) 51

Treble (DSP parameter) 44

Trifield (DSP preset) 45

troubleshooting 55

sinewave sweep test 40

Sound Pressure Level meter 35

sources

options 31

2+2+2 (DSP parameters) 50

Types 26, 27

sensitivity 42

setting up 42

sources, configuring 30

speakers

configuring 28

UHJ format 46

user-defined presets 53

clearing 54

options 29

setting up 39

speaker layouts 43

editing name 53

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6 5

I n d e x

video connections 17

inputs 18

outputs 18

video switching 19, 20

Width (DSP parameter) 45, 46, 47

Yaw (DSP parameter) 47, 49

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6 6

I n d e x

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