JBL Synthesis Sdp-5 Manual

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JBL Synthesis
5-28LISTENING MODE MENU OPTION & PARAMETER
DESCRIPTIONS
5 SPKR ENHANCE
ON, OFF
Simulates 7-channel playback in 5-channel speaker configurations.
When set to ON, the SDP-5 provides an increased sense of
spaciousness and envelopment through the surround speakers.
This enhancement is most noticeable when the surround speakers
are positioned to the side of the primary listening position, or when
the primary listening position is located against the rear wall. The
effectiveness of this parameter varies within the listening space. For
best results, it is recommended to position the surround speakers
to the left and right sides of the primary listening position.
ACADEMY FILTER
ON, OFF
When set to ON, restores the proper tonal balance of older mono
film sources that have much narrower frequency responses than
more recent mono film sources.
AUTO AZIMUTH
ON, OFF
Maximizes matrix steering accuracy. When set to ON, the SDP-5
continually monitors the 2-channel input signal and automatically
adjusts the relative level and time offset of the input channels to
ensure that signals are sent to the appropriate channels with
maximum separation. When set to OFF, the accuracy of the
selected listening mode varies among sources. It is recommended
to set this parameter to ON for film and broadcast sources and to
OFF for music sources.
BASS CONTENT
BINAURL, MONO, STEREO
Adjusts the bass content of binaural, mono, and stereo recordings.
When set to BINAURL, the SDP-5 activates low-frequency
compensation. Select this setting for true binaural sources recorded
with dummy head microphones. Select the MONO setting for
sources recorded with mono bass. Select the STEREO setting for
sources recorded with stereo bass.
BASS ENHANCE
ON, OFF
Enhances stereo bass, which results in low-frequency reproduction
that is less localizable and more realistic in the listening space. The
effectiveness of the BASS ENHANCE parameter varies depending
on room acoustics and the ability of the surround speakers to
reproduce low frequencies. It is recommended to use front, side, or
rear speakers that are capable of reproducing frequencies of 40Hz
or lower.
Note:When the BASS ENHANCE parameter is set to ON,
most listening spaces have a 2 to 3dB reduction in
low-frequency energy. It is recommended to use the
AUDIO CONTROLS menu BASS parameter tocompensate for this reduction.
When set to ON, the BASS ENHANCE parameter might
damage speakers that are not capable of producing low
frequencies below 80Hz.
CAUTION 
						

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SDP-5
5-29BASS RT
5ms to 48.6s
Works with the MID RT and SIZE parameters to adjust the amount
of time required for low-frequency information to decay below
60dB in level. The BASS RT parameter setting should match the
MID RT parameter setting for more natural effects in smaller
listening spaces.
CALIBRATIONOpens the PANORAMA listening mode CALIBRATION menu, which
can be used to calibrate the PANORAMA listening mode. Refer to
page 5-11 for more information.CENTER
OFF, -30 to +12dB
Controls the output level of the Main Zone audio output
connector labeled Center.
CENTER DEPTH
0 to 18
Adjusts the amount of processing applied to the center channel,
changing the perceived distance of the center speaker. Higher
settings increase and lower settings decrease the perceived
distance of the center speaker from the listening position.
CENTER MIX
-25 to +5dB
Indicates the relative center channel level for downmixing. It is
recommended to set this parameter to +0dB for film sources and
-5dB for music sources.
CENTER

OUTPUT LEVELS

(Listening Mode)

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Setting the BASS RT, MID RT, and SIZE parameters to a high
value may produce undesirable or damaging audio.
CAUTION
CNTR DLY SAMPLES
-127 to +127
Controls the relative time offset of the center channel. It is
recommended to set this parameter to +0 unless the center channel
is not properly timed and the value of the error is known.
COMPRESSION
AUTO, ON, OFF
Reduces wide volume level changes and increases dialog
intelligibility at lower listening levels for Dolby Digital input
sources. When set to ON, full compression is applied regardless of
volume level. When set to OFF, compression is not applied. It is
recommended to set this parameter to AUTO or ON for Dolby
Digital input sources that are listened to at lower volume levels,
especially for night time viewing to avoid disturbing others.
CTR WIDTH
MIN, 1 to 6, MAX
Adjusts the center image. When set to MIN, the center image is
heard from just the center speaker. When set to MAX, the center
image is heard from just the front left and right speakers as a
“phantom” center image. When set on the 1 to 6 scale, the center
image is heard in various combinations of the front and center
speakers.
CUSTOMOpens the CUSTOM menu, which can be used to compare custom
and factory-default versions of the selected listening mode and to
restore the factory default version of the selected listening mode.
. . . Listening Mode Menu Option & Parameter Descriptions continues on page 5-30
CUSTOM

(Listening Mode)

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JBL Synthesis
5-30Listening Mode Menu Option & Parameter Descriptions(continued from page 5-29)CUSTOM VS PRESETAllows comparison listening to the custom and factory-default
versions of the selected listening mode. When PRESET is selected,
the listening mode is heard in its factory-default condition – as if all
parameters had been restored to their factory-default settings. No
parameter settings are affected when this option is selected. The
listening mode will revert to its modified condition when the
CUSTOM VS PRESET option is closed.
When CUSTOM is selected, the listening mode is heard in its
custom condition – with all of its current parameter settings. The
CUSTOM option is available even when no parameter settings have
been adjusted. However, the PRESET and CUSTOM options will
sound identical until adjustments are made.
To toggle between the factory-default and modified versions of
the selected listening mode:
1. Follow the CUSTOM VS PRESET menu path to open the
CUSTOM VS PRESET drop-down menu.
2. When the CUSTOM VS PRESET drop-down menu opens, press
the Menu 
 and arrows to toggle between the PRESET
(factory-default) and CUSTOM (customized) versions of the
selected listening mode.
3. When finished, press the Menu arrow to close the CUSTOM
VS PRESET menu. 
4. Press the Menu arrow to close the CUSTOM menu and
return to the listening mode menu.
CUSTOM VS PRESET

CUSTOM

(Listening Mode)

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DIMENSION
FRONT, NEUTRAL, REAR
Controls the relative balance of the sound field, which can be
useful with certain recordings to achieve a more suitable balance
among all speakers. When set to FRONT, the sound field is balanced
toward the front of the listening space. When set to NEUTRAL, the
sound field is balanced at the center of the listening space. When
set to REAR, the sound field is balanced toward the rear of the
listening space.
EFFECT LVL
-12 to +6dB
Adjusts the amount of effect applied to the listening mode.
ES DECODING
AUTO, ON, OFF
Controls the dts-ES decoding feature, which can be used to extract
a rear channel from dts sources. 
•When set to ON, dts-ES decoding is engaged for all dts(-ES)
sources. 
•When set to OFF, dts-ES decoding is not engaged for all dts(-ES)
sources. 
•When set to AUTO, dts-ES decoding is engaged when a
5.1-channel matrix-encoded or 6.1-channel discrete-encoded
dts-ES source is detected. dts-ES decoding is not engaged
when a 5.1-channel dts source is detected.
dts-ES listening modes are available when dts-ES decoding is
engaged. dts listening modes are available when dts-ES decoding
is not engaged. dts-ES decoding cannot be engaged unless both
side and rear speakers are present. Refer to page 5-22 for more
information. 
						

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SDP-5
5-31 The DOLBY DIGITAL EX listening mode is available when Dolby
Digital Surround EX decoding is engaged. The DOLBY DIGITAL
listening mode is available when Dolby Digital Surround EX
decoding is not engaged. Dolby Digital Surround EX decoding
cannot be engaged unless both side and rear speakers are present.
Refer to page 5-18 for more information.
When the Shift command bank is activated, pressing the remote
control DOLBY button while a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital input
source is present activates the DOLBY DIGITAL EX or DOLBY DIGITAL
listening mode. Subsequent presses toggle the EX DECODING
parameter, cycling through the AUTO, ON, and OFF settings.
FRONT STEERING
OFF, MSURR, MUSIC, FILM
Adjusts front steering between the front left, front right, and center
speakers. When set to FILM, maximum front steering is applied to
the center channel. When set to MUSIC, moderate front steering is
applied. When set to MSURR, minimum front steering is applied.
When set to OFF, no front steering is applied. It is recommended to
set this parameter to FILM for film and broadcast sources and to
MUSIC, MSURR, or OFF for music sources.
INPUT BALANCE
L< to  to >R
Controls the balance of the selected stereo analog audio input
connectors, compensating for audio input sources with audible
channel imbalance.
. . . Listening Mode Menu Option & Parameter Descriptions continues on page 5-32
When the Shift command bank is activated, pressing the remote
control dts button while a dts(-ES) input source is present toggles
the ES DECODING parameter, cycling through the AUTO, ON, and
OFF settings.
Note:The dts(-ES) STATUS menu includes the SB level meter
when:
•The ES DECODING parameter is set to ON and a
5.1-channel dts source is present.
•The ES DECODING parameter is set to AUTO and
a 5.1-channel matrix-encoded or 6.1-channel
discrete-encoded dts-ES source is present.
EX DECODING
AUTO, ON, OFF
Controls the Dolby Digital Surround EX decoding feature, which
can be used to extract a rear channel from 5.1-channel Dolby
Digital sources.  
•When set to ON, Dolby Digital Surround EX decoding is
engaged for all 5.1-channel Dolby Digital sources.
•When set to OFF, Dolby Digital Surround EX decoding is not
engaged for all 5.1-channel Dolby Digital sources. 
•When set to AUTO, Dolby Digital Surround EX decoding is
engaged when a flagged 5.1-channel Dolby Digital source
recorded with Surround EX is detected. Dolby Digital Surround
EX decoding is not engaged when a non-flagged 5.1-channel
Dolby Digital source recorded with or without Surround EX is
detected. 
•The SDP-5 cannot automatically detect Dolby Digital Surround
EX encoding in non-flagged 5.1-channel Dolby Digital sources.
A non-flagged source does not include information in the input
signal that identifies Dolby Digital Surround EX encoding. 
						

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JBL Synthesis
5-32Listening Mode Menu Option & Parameter Descriptions(continued from page 5-31)LFE MIX
-20.0 or -10.0 to +0.0dB
Controls the output level of LFE information – the .1 channel in a
5.1- or 6.1-channel input source – that is sent to the Main Zone
audio output labeled Subwoofer. Low frequencies from up to seven
other channels might be combined with the LFE information to
create the subwoofer output signal, which significantly increases
subwooferoutput levels. Careful adjustment of this parameter
allows achievement of proper tonal balance and reduces the risk of
subwoofer overload.  When the speaker setup does not include a
subwoofer, LFE information is mixed into speakers for which the
corresponding CUSTOM SETUP menu parameter is set to FULL or
to the lowest crossover points.
LISTENER POS
-127 to +127
Refer to page 5-12.
LIVENESS
30ms to 20.2s
Depends on the SIZE parameter setting. The LIVENESS parameter
adjusts the amount of effect recirculation. Higher settings mimic
more reflective surfaces and increase decay time.
LOW FREQ WIDTH
-25 to +25dB
Applies low-frequency spatial correction to the input signal. This
correction is applied to un-correlated input signals below 60Hz.
MASTER LEVEL
-5 to +5dB
Adjusts the output level of 2-channel LOGIC7-encoded sources.
MID RT
24ms to 24.3s
Works with the BASS RT and SIZE parameters to adjust the amount
of time required for mid-frequency information to decay below
60dB in level. 
Setting the BASS RT, MID RT, or SIZE parameters to a high
value may produce undesirable or damaging audio.
CAUTIONOUTPUT LEVELSOpens the OUTPUT LEVELS menu, which can be used to adjust
output levels for the Main Zone audio output connectors labeled
Center, Subwoofer, Side L/R, and Rear L/R. The OUTPUT LEVELS
option does not appear on listening mode menus when the
listening mode does not accommodate multi-channel output
signals. Instead, an output-specific parameter appears. For
instance, the Mono listening mode menu includes a SUB LEVEL
parameter.
Option/ Default PossibleParameter Setting SettingsCENTER +0dB OFF, -30 to +12dBSIDE L/R +0dB OFF, -30 to +12dBREAR L/R +0dB OFF, -30 to +12dBSUBWOOFER +0dB OFF, -30 to +12dB
OUTPUT LEVELS

(Listening Mode)

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SDP-5
5-33PANORAMA
ON, OFF
When set to ON, extends the front stereo image to include 
surround channel signals, which creates a “wraparound” effect
with side wall imaging.
Note:The DOLBY PLII MUSIC listening mode PANORAMA
parameter should not be confused with the separatePANORAMA listening mode (5-11).
PRE-DELAY
OFF, 1 to 100ms
Adjusts delay time between the direct sound and the onset of
reverberation. Higher settings make the simulated space sound
larger. Because some pre-delay is inherent in all source material, it
is recommended to begin with the parameter set to OFF, then
make adjustments accordingly.
RE-EQUALIZER
ON, OFF
Simulates high-frequency rolloffs that occur in movie theaters.
When set to ON, the SDP-5 applies a high-frequency filter. When set
to OFF, the SDP-5 does not apply a high-frequency filter. It is
recommended to set this parameter to ON for film sources, as
many films are mixed for movie theaters and might sound too
bright when played back in home theaters without re-equalization. 
REAR DLY OFFSET
OFF, 1 to 30ms
Increases the perceived depth of the listening space by delaying
the arrival time of rear speaker signals. It is recommended to
increase the setting when using side and rear speakers that are
located close together or when a greater sense of depth is desired
in the listening space.
REAR L/R
OFF, -30 to +12dB
Controls the output level of the Main Zone audio output
connector labeled Rear L/R.
RESET MODERestores the factory-default version of the selected listening mode,
restoring all listening mode menu parameters to their factory-
default settings.
To restore the factory-default version of the selected listening
mode:
1. Follow the RESET MODE menu path. The “PRESS RIGHT VTO
RESTORE MODE” drop-down message.
2. When the drop-down message opens, press the Menu 
arrow to restore the factory-default version of the selected
listening mode and close the message. Press the Menu 
arrow to close the message without restoring the factory-
default version of the selected listening mode.
. . . Listening Mode Menu Option & Parameter Descriptions continues on page 5-34
RESET MODE

CUSTOM

(Listening Mode)

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REAR L/R

OUTPUT LEVELS
(Listening Mode)

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JBL Synthesis
5-34Listening Mode Menu Option & Parameter Descriptions(continued from page 5-33)RESET MODE 
(continued)
3. Press the Menu arrow to close the CUSTOM menu and
return to the listening mode menu.
Note:When the CUSTOM menu RESET MODE option is
selected to restore the factory-default version of the
selected listening mode, the corresponding TRIGGER
SETUP menu listening mode parameter isautomatically set to OFF.
ROLLOFF
500Hz to 20.0kHz, OFF
Simulates the absorption of high frequencies in a real space. It
is recommended to begin with a low setting to simulate
high-frequency absorbative spaces.
SIDE L/R
OFF, -30 to +12dB
Controls the output level of the Main Zone audio output
connector labeled Side L/R.SIDE L/R

OUTPUT LEVELS

(Listening Mode)

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RESET MODE

CUSTOM

(Listening Mode)

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SIZE
4 to 20 or 30m
Adjusts the length of the listening space within a 4 to 20 or 30m
range (depending on the listening mode). Increase the size of the
space to increase the reverb effect.
Setting the BASS RT, MID RT, and SIZE parameters to a high
value may produce undesirable or damaging audio.
CAUTIONSOUND STAGE
FRONT, NEUTRAL, REAR
Dynamically controls the relative balance of the Main Zone audio
output connectors. When set to FRONT, Side L/R and Rear L/R
output levels are attenuated by 6dB, shifting the perceived balance
of the sound field to the front of the listening space. When set to
NEUTRAL, Side L/R and Rear L/R output levels are slightly
attenuated by 3dB, shifting the perceived balance of the sound
field to the center of the listening space. When set to REAR, Side
L/R and Rear L/R output levels are not attenuated, preserving the
intended balance of the sound field.
SOURCE
RIGHT, LEFT & RIGHT, LEFT
Refer to page 5-12.
SPEAKER ANGLE
10 to 90deg
Refer to page 5-12. 
						

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SDP-5
5-35SPEECH DETECT
ON, OFF
Distinguishes monaural speech from other input sources. When set
to ON, effects are lowered to minimize interference and unnatural
echo in monaural speech. When stereo input sources are
present, the front left and right channels are independently used as
inputs for ambience synthesis. When strong monaural speech is
present in the input source, the monaural component of the
ambience effect is reduced and the stereo component of the effect
is increased. When set to OFF, the amount of ambience synthesis is
dynamically controlled.
SUB LEVEL
OFF, -30 to +12dB
Controls the output level of the Main Zone audio output
connector labeled Subwoofer. The SUB LEVEL parameter appears
on listening mode menus when the listening mode does not
accommodate multi-channel output signals.
SUBWOOFER
OFF, -30 to +12dB
Controls the output level of the Main Zone audio output
connector labeled Subwoofer.
SURR ROLLOFF
500Hz to 20.0kHz, OFF
Applies high-frequency attenuation control to the Main Zone audio
output connectors labeled Side L/R and Rear L/R. This filter is only
applied to output signals generated by the SDP-5.
SUBWOOFER

OUTPUT LEVELS

(Listening Mode)

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SURROUND DLY
0 to 15ms
Increases the perceived depth of the listening space by delaying
the arrival time of signals from the side and rear speakers. It is
recommended to increase the setting when a greater sense of
depth is desired in the listening space.
SURROUND EX
AUTO, ON, OFF
Controls the THX Surround EX decoding feature, which can be
used to extract a rear channel from 5.1-channel Dolby Digital
sources.  
•When set to ON, THX Surround EX decoding is engaged for all
5.1-channel Dolby Digital sources. 
•When set to OFF, THX Surround EX decoding is not engaged
for all 5.1-channel Dolby Digital sources. 
•When set to AUTO, THX Surround EX decoding is engaged
when a flagged 5.1-channel Dolby Digital source with THX
Surround EX encoding is detected. THX Surround EX decoding
is not engaged when a non-flagged 5.1-channel Dolby Digital
source with or without THX Surround EX encoding is detected. 
•The SDP-5 cannot automatically detect THX Surround EX
encoding in non-flagged 5.1-channel Dolby Digital sources. A
non-flagged source does not include information in the input
signal that identifies THX Surround EX encoding.
The 5.1 THX SurEX listening mode is available when THX Surround
EX decoding is engaged. The 5.1 THX and 5.1 THX ULTRA2
listening modes are available when THX Surround EX decoding is
not engaged. THX Surround EX decoding cannot be engaged
unless both side and rear speakers are present. Refer to page 5-16
for more information.
. . . Listening Mode Menu Option & Parameter Descriptions continues on page 5-36 
						

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JBL Synthesis
5-36Listening Mode Menu Option & Parameter Descriptions(continued from page 5-35)SURROUND EX 
(continued)
When the Shift command bank is activated, pressing the remote
control THX button while a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital input source
is present activates the 5.1 THX, 5.1 THX ULTRA2, or 5.1 THX
SurEX listening mode.
Note:Toggling the SURROUND EX parameter settingproduces low-level clicks in the front speakers.
SURROUND MIX
-5 to +5dB
Controls the relative level of surround channel information sent to
the Main Zone audio output connectors labeled Front L/R. It is
recommended to set this parameter to +2 or +3dB for all input
sources.
VOCAL ENHANCE
+6.0dB, +3.0dB, +0.0dB
Controls the level of dialog boost in the Main Zone audio output
connector labeled Center. Increase this setting to improve dialog
intelligibility, particularly at lower volume levels. 
						

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Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Restoring Factory-Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4