JBL Synthesis Sdp3 Manual

							JBL SynthesisAC-3 Effects and Parameters
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MASTER LEVEL adjusts the output level of the two-channel downmix.
This control should be set to +5dB unless the LFE is very heavy, in which
case the level should be reduced.
RE-EQUALIZER equalizes the left, center, and right channel outputs to
match the overall frequency balance of the original recording. Without
this re-equalization, many films and some television programs will
sound too bright.
REAR DELAY OFFSET is an additional delay added to the rear
channels when listening to LOGIC 7 and ROCK/POP. This delay
increases the apparent size of the listening space by increasing the rear
delay time. Feel free to experiment to find the setting that works best.
REAR LEVEL controls the volume level of the rear speakers. Although
we have selected a default value, the correct setting will vary with each
recording, the room, and your personal taste.
SIDE LEVEL controls the output level of the side speakers. Use this
control in conjunction with REAR LEVEL to achieve the optimum
balance between the side and rear speakers.
SOUNDSTAGE controls the level of the surround speakers relative to
the front speakers in a dynamic way. The SDP-3 attempts to detect
whether or not the sound source was originally encoded from a surround
source by looking for occasional bursts of rear-steered material, and by
identifying the directional orientation of the background sound between
strong sounds.  Whenever there is an indication that the source was
originally surround encoded, the Soundstage control automattically
reverts to the REAR setting — which gives the rear speakers full level.
The NEUTRAL position attenuates the rear speakers 3dB. The FRONT
position attenuates the rear speakers 6dB. The effect is to move the
listening position forward in the listening space.
SUBWOOFER LEVEL boosts or cuts the subwoofer output level.
Although the normal subwoofer level is set during the calibration
procedure, with some recordings it may be desirable to increase or
decrease this deep bass level.
SURROUND MIX allows independent adjustment of the level of the
surround channels. Many AC-3 encoded soundtracks sound better
when down-mixed to two channels with the surround level increased by
approximately 2-3dB. 
						

							SDP-3 Digital Surround Processor/ControllerAC-3 Effects and Parameters
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SURROUND ROLLOFF allows the high frequencies of the rear
channels to be attenuated with the same detection circuitry as that
described for the Soundstage control. The attenuation is quite attractive
on many music and broadcast sources that were not mixed for surround.
When a surround source is detected, these filters are removed, so the
rear speakers can reproduce surround events with full bandwidth. This
control should be set high enough to give presence and airiness to the
rear sound without placing distracting instrumental overtones or other
sounds behind you. The settings also affect the side outputs.
SURROUNDS selects the type of surround decoding used by the
SDP-3. STEREOPHONIC provides extraction of five channels of
surround information from a standard 4-2-4 matrix-encoded soundtrack
(Dolby Surround, Ultra*Stereo, etc.) The drama of this effect is depen-
dent on the source material and is most noticeable with strong stereo
music soundtracks. The DECORRELATED setting electronically alters
the monaural surround channel to provide added spaciousness and
envelopment.
VOCAL ENHANCE boosts dialog in the center channel. By targeting
specific frequencies, it can boost only dialog, without raising the entire
center channel level (which would alter the output balance achieved
during calibration). 
						

							JBL SynthesisAC-3 Effects and Parameters
54 
						

							SDP-3 Digital Surround Processor/ControllerAC-3 Effects and Parameters
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Parameter Initial Value Range
CENTER MIX 14 0-30
SURROUND MIX +2dB -5 to +5dB
CENTER DLY SAMPLES +0 -127 to +127
MASTER LEVEL +0dB -5dB to +5dB
LFE MIX LEVEL -5.0dB -20dB to 0dB
SUBWOOFER LVL -5dB -10dB to +10dB
CUSTOM/TRIGGER DISABLE ENABLE, DISABLE
DTS Effects are compatible with DTS Digital Surround input signals.
Any DTS-capable software and/or source components should be
labeled with a logo, similar to the one on the SDP-3 front panel.
DTS 2-Channel
This Effect mixes DTS Digital 5.1 information for two-channel playback.
These soundtracks can be recorded onto two-channel formats, or
played back through left and right front speakers. The mix is designed
to play back with full surround when decoded through Logic  7. In mixing
a film with very heavy use of the Low Frequency Effects Channel, it may
be desirable to lower LFE MIX LEVEL.
Parameter Initial Value Range
RE-EQUALIZER OFF ON, OFF
BASS ENHANCE OFF ON, OFF
REAR DLY OFFSET 0ms 0-20ms
SIDE LEVEL +0dB -5dB to +5dB
REAR LEVEL +0dB -5dB to +5dB
LFE MIX LEVEL -5.0dB -10dB to +10dB
SUBWOOFER LVL -5dB -10dB to +10dB
CUSTOM/TRIGGER ENABLE ENABLE, DISABLE
DTS Music
This Effect enhances playback of DTS music recordings, or DTS film
soundtracks with strong musical content. This effect contains many of
the features found in DTS LOGIC 7, with settings that are more
appropriate for music.
5
DTS Effects and Parameters 
						

							JBL SynthesisDTS Effects and Parameters
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DTS Logic 7
DTS Logic 7 combines all the features of DTS Digital with enhance-
ments by JBL Synthesis and LucasFilm. This effect uses Logic 7 matrix
technology to enhance the steering between the side speakers and the
rear speakers, so sounds intended to come from behind the listener
actually do come from behind. This effect also includes the adaptive
decorrelation and re-equalizer features of DTS/THX.
DTS Logic 7 provides the ultimate in film reproduction. It brings out all
the increased excitement and spaciousness a 7 channel speaker
system can produce.
Parameter Initial Value Range
VOCAL ENHANCE +0.0dB +0.0dB, +3.0dB, +6.0dB
RE-EQUALIZER OFF ON, OFF
BASS ENHANCE OFF ON, OFF
REAR DELAY OFFSET 15ms 0-20ms
SIDE LEVEL +0dB -5dB to +5dB
REAR LEVEL +0dB -5dB to +5dB
LFE MIX LEVEL -5.0dB -20.0db to0.0dB
SUBWOOFER LVL -5dB -10dB to +10dB
CUSTOM/TRIGGER ENABLE ENABLE, DISABLE
DTS Film
The DTS Film effect decodes DTS-encoded soundtracks. It uses five
discrete full-range channels and a sixth dedicated, Low Frequency
Effect (LFE) channel. In this effect, any rear speakers present are
connected in parallel with the side speakers. This is the basic DTS
effect. It does not include the enhancements by JBL Synthesis or
LucasFilm, which are available with other DTS effects in the SDP-3.
Parameter Initial Value Range
VOCAL ENHANCE +0.0dB +0.0dB, +3.0dB, +6.0dB
RE-EQUALIZER ON ON, OFF
BASS ENHANCE OFF ON, OFF
SIDE LEVEL +0dB -5dB to +5dB
REAR LEVEL +0dB -5dB to +5dB
LFE MIX LEVEL -5.0dB -20.0db to +0.0dB
SUBWOOFER LVL -5dB -10dB to +10dB
CUSTOM/TRIGGER ENABLE ENABLE, DISABLE 
						

							SDP-3 Digital Surround Processor/ControllerDTS Effects and Parameters
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Parameter Initial Value Range
RE-EQUALIZER ON ON, OFF
SIDE LEVEL +1dB -5dB to +5dB
LFE MIX LEVEL -5.0dB -20.0dB to 0.0dB
SUBWOOFER LVL -5dB -10dB to +10dB
CUSTOM/TRIGGER ENABLE ENABLE, DISABLE
DTS/THX
This Effect provides THX 5.1 enhancements for film soundtracks
recorded in the DTS format. This processing compensates for the
acoustical differences between large mixing theaters and the typically
smaller home environment. In this effect the side and rear speakers are
driven in parallel when you designate the use of rear speakers in the
Speaker Configuration menu.
DTS Effect Parameters
BASS ENHANCE derives stereo bass to provide low frequencies that
are noticeably less localizable and more spacious in the playback room.
Note that results will vary depending on room acoustics and the low
frequency capacity of the surround speakers.
CENTER MIX adjusts the level of the center channel applied to the two-
nnel downmix. The appropriate value for film is 16. The appropriate
value for music is 11.
CENTER DLY SAMPLES adjusts the time offset of the center channel.
The appropriate value is +0 unless you know that the center channel is
not properly timed, as well as the amount by which it is off.
MASTER LEVEL adjusts the output level of the downmix. This control
should be set to +5dB unless the LFE is very heavy, in which ase the
level should be reduced.
LFE MIX LEVEL allows separate level attenuation of the LFE channel,
which is ultimately mixed to the subwoofer output. As the bass from as
many as five other channels is added to the LFE, it can significantly raise
subwoofer output levels — and create the risk of damage to a system.
Careful adjustment of this parameter  will allow you to achieve proper
tonal balance and reduce the risk of damage. 
						

							JBL SynthesisDTS Effects and Parameters
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RE-EQUALIZER equalizes the left, center, and right channel outputs to
match the overall frequency balance of the original recording. Without
this re-equalization, many films and some television programs will
sound too bright.
REAR DELAY OFFSET is an additional delay added to the rear
channels when listening to LOGIC 7 and MUSIC SURROUND. This
delay increases the apparent size of the listening space by increasing
the rear delay time. Feel free to experiment to find the setting that works
best.
REAR LEVEL controls the volume level of the rear speakers. Although
we have selected a default value, the correct setting will vary with each
recording, the room, and your personal taste.
SIDE LEVEL controls the volume level of the side speakers. Although
we have selected a default value, the correct setting will vary with each
recording, the room, and your personal taste.
SUBWOOFER LEVEL boosts or cuts the subwoofer output level.
Although the normal subwoofer level is set during the calibration
procedure, with some recordings it may be desirable to increase or
decrease this deep bass level.
SURROUND MIX allows independent adjustment of the level of the
surround channels. Many multichannel-encoded soundtracks sound
better when down-mixed to two channels with the surround level
increased by approximately 2-3dB.
VOCAL ENHANCE boosts dialog in the center channel. By targeting
specific frequencies, it can boost only dialog, without raising the entire
center channel level (which would alter the output balance achieved
during calibration). 
						

							SDP-3 Digital Surround Processor/ControllerDTS Effects and Parameters
59
If you encounter a problem, please review the items in the following
checklist. Also be sure to thoroughly check all other connected compo-
nents such as speakers, equalizers, amplifiers, VCR, TV, CD player, etc.
Problem Possible Cause and Solution
Power does not come on Check line cord to ensure good connection to the AC outlet and to the
receptacle on the SDP-3 rear panel. Check to make sure that the SDP-
3 rear panel power switch is ON.
No audio Check the Status menu (under DISPLAY ADJUST: ON-SCREEN or
FRONT PANEL menu — or press and hold Record/Zone 2 on the
remote and press OSD ON) to verify that audio is being received.
Remote  control  not  working Check batteries to be certain that they are inserted correctly with proper
polarity. Make sure that the infrared sensor on the SDP-3 front panel is
not obstructed. See "If all else fails..." on the following page.
No  output Make sure that signal is coming into the SDP-3. (Check the Status menu
by pressing and holding Record/Zone 2 on the remote, then pressing
OSD ON. This menu will display input level meters and sample rate, if
applicable.)
Increase VOLUME using the remote control and check Front/Back and
Left/Right BALANCE.
Check the SDP-3
 MUTE controls to make sure they are not engaged.
Check all other equipment settings and connections and verify that the
amplifiers being fed by the SDP-3 are operational.
Remember that the SDP-3 mutes the output to any speakers which are
not configured in the Setup menu. If speakers are added to (or removed
from) your system, the Speaker Configuration menu must be altered
accordingly.
Center Channel only plays Check to see if your HiFi VCR has dropped out of tracking — readjust.
Your VCR Stereo/Mono/L-R switch may be in the  wrong position — set
it to Stereo.
Muffled sound in L&R channels When no center channel is used, CENTER must be configured for
NONE in the Setup Speaker Configuration menu.
Center  channel  sound  muffled The center channel amp may be connected to the subwoofer jack on the
SDP-3 rear panel. Reconnect to Center Output jack.
No Input Level Meters The meters will only appear when adjusting the Gain parameter of a
selected, active input, or when the Status menu is displayed.
6
Troubleshooting 
						

							JBL SynthesisTroubleshooting
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Problem Possible Cause and Solution
No Video Make sure that video cables (particularly S-Video cables) are fully
inserted and that the appropriate connector is assigned to the VIDEO IN
parameter in the Input Configuration menu.
Hum Finding and eliminating audio hum in a complex installation can be a
very frustrating task. Often, the easiest way to identify the culprit(s) is to
systematically eliminate devices from the audio chain. If Cable TV is
connected to any component in the system, start by unplugging the
Cable completely, preferably right at the wall jack. If this eliminates, or
greatly reduces the hum, it is worth a call to your Cable company. A quick
fix, assuming your cable is round 75Ω  wire, is to attach a 75-300Ω
transformer to the end, then attach a 300-75Ω  transformer to that, so
that the end is back to a round 75Ω wire. There are commercially
available antenna lead isolators which may provide additional insulation
from electrical surges. Also try disconnecting all video connections to
the SDP-3 to see if the video equipment is causing the problem.
Interference with Radio or TV The SDP-3 does generate minimal amounts of RF energy and is in
compliance with FCC rules and CE standards. If some interfering noise
is noted, move AM loop and FM "T" type antennas away from the
SDP-3
  and reorient them as necessary. Use shielded cable for FM and
TV antenna feeds.
Erratic recall of modes Severe power surges or sags can confuse the SDP-3
 memory. To
correct, or if you simply want to start over, restore the factory  defaults
with the procedure described at the end of this section.
If  all  else  fails… Turn off all amplifiers. Turn the master power switch on the SDP-3 rear
panel OFF, wait 10 seconds, then turn it ON again. This causes the unit
to run a diagnostic self-test routine, which takes a couple of seconds. If
the SDP-3 LCD displays normally at the end of this test, no problems
have been found with the SDP-3 circuitry. If the internal tests fail, the
LCD may display an error message, or no message at all. If this
happens, contact JBL Synthesis Customer Service.
If you find that your custom settings are routinely being corrupted, the
lithium battery in the SDP-3 may need replacing. This part is not field-
replaceable — contact JBL Synthesis Customer Service.
If the unit is still behaving erratically, perform the Restore Defaults
procedure described on the following page.
    JBL Synthesis maintains a knowledge base on its website
    (www.jblsynthesis.com) where you can find answers to
        frequently-asked questions and additional troubleshooting
        information. 
						

							SDP-3 Digital Surround Processor/ControllerTroubleshooting
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Routine Maintenance
Other than occasional replacement of the batteries in the remote
control, the SDP-3 requires minimal  maintenance. Use a soft, lint-free
cloth slightly dampened with warm water to clean the exterior surfaces
of the unit.
Do not use alcohol, benzene or acetone-based cleaners
or any strong commercial cleaners.
Do not use abrasive materials such as steel wool or metal polish. If the
unit is exposed to a dusty environment, a low-pressure blower may be
used to remove dust from the SDP-3 exterior.
Restoring Defaults
If severe power surges or sags cause problems with normal SDP-3
operation, or you simply want to start with a clean slate, you can restore
all of the factory defults with the following procedure.
This will erase any programs you have stored,
as well as all setup and calibration values.
Note any settings you want to re-use before proceeding.
Turn the SDP-3 OFF with the remote.  Turn the unit back ON and
immediately press and hold MUTE on the remote. (Make sure you do not
block the infrared receiver on the SDP-3 front panel.) The on-screen
display will read:
FACTORY PRESETS MENU
EXIT
RESTORE DEFAULTS
If you want to resume normal operation without restoring all defaults, this
is your last chance. Use ▲ or ▼ to highlight EXIT, then press SELECT.
To restore defaults, use ▲ or ▼ to highlight RESTORE DEFAULTS,
then press SELECT. This will clear and reload all preset effects and all
factory settings of Volume, Balance, Contrast, Configuration, etc.
When the message FACTORY DEFAULTS RESTORED is diplayed,
press DONE to return to normal operation. All of the adjustable parame-
ters in the SDP-3 have now been reset to the values assigned when it
cleared final Quality Control at the factory.
If you cannot solve functional problems through these procedures,
consult JBL Synthesis Customer Service.
DO NOT OPEN THE UNIT.
DOING SO WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY, AND
MODIFICATIONS MAY RENDER THE UNIT UNSERVICEABLE.