JVC Th A55 Instructions

							8
Getting started
• Do not connect the AC power cord until all other connections have been made.
• Since different components often have different terminal names, carefully read the instructions supplied with the components y ou are going 
to connect.
Connecting a TV
To view pictures and on-screen displa ys, connect the TV to the center unit.
 Distortion of picture may occur when connecting to th e TV via a VCR, or to a TV with a built-in VCR.
 You need to set “MONITOR TYPE” in the PICTURE menu correctly according to the aspect ratio of your TV. ( Apg. 53)
7 To connect a TV with the SCART connector
Connect the center unit’s AV (SCART) co nnector with your TV’s SCART connector using a SCART cable (not supplied).
 Set the RGB-Y/C selector correctly according to your TV.
If the TV accomodates the RGB vi deo signal, set the RGB-Y/C selector to “RGB” so that you can enjoy better-quality pictures.
If the TV accomodates the S-video signal, set the RGB-Y/C selector to “Y/C”.
If the TV accomodates the com posite video signal only, set the RGB-Y/C selector to “RGB”.
* Some TV’s SCART connectors output  audio signal. In such a case, you can enjoy the TV sound through this system.
NOTE
 No sound comes out from “AV” (SCART) connector.
7To connect a TV through the composite or S-video jacks
Connect the TV using the composite video cord (not  supplied) or an S-video cord (not supplied).
If your TV has an S-video (Y/C-separatio n) jack, you can get better picture quality than by using composite video connection.
 Connect the S-video cord by matching the  / mark on the plug to the one on the rear of the center unit.
* When connecting an S-video cord, se t the RGB-Y/C selector to “Y/C”.
When connecting a composit e video cord, set the RGB-Y/C selector to “RGB”.
NOTE
 When the RGB-Y/C selector is set to “R GB”, correct video signal is not output from the S-VIDEO jack on the rear panel.
 Whether the RGB-Y/C selector is set to “RGB” or “Y/C”, the co mposite video signal is always output from the OUT VIDEO jack.
Connections
Center unit
RGB-Y/C selector
TV
SCART cable 
(not supplied)
To AV (SCART) connector
To SCART
connector*
Composite video cord (not supplied)
To S-video input S-video cord
(not supplied)
TV
To composite video input Center unit
or
RGB-Y/C selector
*
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9
Connecting the FM and AM (MW) antennas
Make sure the antenna conductors do not touch any other terminals, 
connecting cords and power cords. This could cause poor reception.
AM (MW) loop antenna
Setting up supplied AM (MW) loop antenna
Attach the AM (MW) loop to its base by snapping the tabs on the 
loop into the slot on the base.
 
Connecting AM (MW) loop antennaIf reception is poor
Connect an outdoor single vinyl-covered wire antenna (not 
supplied) to the AM EXT terminal. (Keep the AM (MW) loop 
antenna connected.)
 Twist together both wires. 
FM antenna
Connecting supplied FM antenna
If reception is poor
Connect an outdoor FM antenna with standard type (75 C
 coaxial) 
connector.
NOTE
 Disconnect the supplied FM antenna before attaching a 75 C
 coaxial 
connector (the kind with a round wire going to an outdoor antenna).
 We recommend that you use coaxial cable for the FM antenna as it is 
well-shielded against interference.
If the antenna cord is covered with the insulation 
coat, twist and pull the insulation coat off and 
remove.
Press and hold down the terminal 
clamp.
Insert the antenna cord.
Release finger from the clamp.
Center unit
 Turn the loop antenna until you have the best reception.
Outdoor single vinyl-covered wire antenna
(not supplied) AM (MW) loop antenna
Extend the supplied FM 
antenna horizontally.
Center unit
Outdoor FM antenna
(not supplied)
Outdoor FM antenna cord
(not supplied)
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Connecting the powered subwoofer
Connect the supplied powered subwoofer (SP-PWA85/SP-PWA55) using the system cord (supplied).
• Connect the system cord by matching the  5 marks on the plugs to the ones on th e center unit and powered subwoofer.
Connecting the satellite speakers
7Speaker layout
When positioning the speakers, to obtain the best possible sound 
from this system you need to place a ll satellite speakers at the same 
distance from the listening position  with the front of each speaker 
facing toward the listener.
When you cannot place them at the same distance from the 
listening position, you can make adjustment so that 
speakers operate as if they are placed at the best position. 
( A pg. 54)
 Normally place the powered subwoofer in front of you. (Since 
bass sound is non-directional, you do  not need to place it at the 
same distance as the other speakers.)
NOTE
 Although the satellite speakers and the powered subwoofer are 
magnetically shielded, the TV screen may appear mottled. In this 
case, keep the distance between them to the TV to over 10 cm.
 For safety reasons, always ensure that there is sufficient space behind  the powered subwoofer.
 When you position the satellite sp eakers in a relatively high place, 
such as the top of your bookshelf, place them on a flat and level 
surface.
 Speaker grilles are not remova ble (except SP-THA55C, SP-THA55F, 
and SP-THA55S). Trying to remove them by force may damage 
them.
 Be sure to place the powered subwoofer to the TV’s right. If you place  the powered subwoofer to the TV’s left, keep sufficient distance 
between them to prevent the TV from appearing mottled.
NOTE
Only for TH-A85 Do not lean against the satellite speakers, as the speakers could fall down or break, possibly causing inju ry. Especially be careful not to 
let children lean against them.
Powered
subwoofer
System cord
(supplied)
Ensure that the  5 mark 
on the plug faces down.
Center unit
Front right
Front left
Center speaker
Powered subwoofer
Surround 
left Surround right
TH-A85
Front right
Front left
Center
speaker Powered
subwoofer
Surround left Surround right
TH-A55
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							Getting started
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Assembling the satellite speakers (TH-A85 only)
Each speaker (except the center speaker) has been divided into two 
parts for shipment. Before connecting the satellite speakers, first 
assemble them by following the procedure below.
Before assembling —
 Prepare a Phillips screwdriver.
 Take care not to drop the stand while assembling; otherwise, it 
may cause damage to the floor or injury.
 Ensure enough space exists for assembly and installation.
 Spread a large, thick cloth on the floor where you assemble the 
speakers, so you can protect the floor and the speaker itself.
1Connect the speaker connectors to the 
stand connectors.
 Be sure to connect the speaker connectors by matching their 
sizes.
2Join the stand to the speaker section.
3Fix the stand to the speaker section.
 Be sure to tighten the screws firmly.
Repeat the procedure from step 1 to assemble the other satellite 
speakers.
NOTE
 Use the speaker after assembly is fully and correctly done.
 It is recommended to place a cushion under the speaker section.
You can tighten the screws easily by placing the speaker section 
horizontally.
Stand Speaker section
Speaker connectors
FrontFront
RearStand
Speaker section
Stand
Speaker section
Speaker section
Stand
Screws (4)
(supplied, 
M4 x 25 mm)
Cushion
(not supplied)
This page is forTH-A85
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7Connecting the satellite  (front, center, surround) speakers (TH-A85)
Each speaker (SP-THA85F) can be used as a front or surround speaker.
CAUTION
• When you connect (larger) speakers other than the supplied ones,  only use speakers with the same speaker impedance (SPEAKER IM PEDANCE) 
as indicated by the speaker terminals  on the rear of the powered subwoofer.
 DO NOT connect more than one speaker to one speaker terminal.
Surround speakers (SP-THA85F)
Center speaker
(SP-THA85C) Front speakers
(SP-THA85F)
White Black
Black
White
Red
BlackBlack
Red
Powered subwoofer
Press and hold 
the clamp.Insert the bare end of the 
speaker cord into the 
terminal. Release the 
clamp.
 Connect the white cords to the red ( ª) terminals and black 
cords to the black ( ·) terminals.
Route the speaker cord as shown at right.
 Be sure to remove all slack from the cord 
so that the speaker cord lies flat.
Insert the speaker co rds into the speaker 
terminals.
Before conn ecting the 
speaker cords;
Twist and pull the insulation coat 
off and remove.
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7Connecting the satellite  (front, center, surround) speakers (TH-A55)
Be sure to identify each speaker  (SP-THA55C/SP-THA55F/SP-THA55S) and connec t them to the corresponding terminals of the 
powered subwoofer.
CAUTION
• When you connect (larger) speakers other than the supplied ones,  only use speakers with the same speaker impedance (SPEAKER IM PEDANCE) 
as indicated by the speaker terminals  on the rear of the powered subwoofer.
 DO NOT connect more than one speaker to one speaker terminal.
CAUTION
When installing the satellite speakers on the wall (TH-A55 only);
 Be sure to have them installed on the wall by a qualified personnel.  DO NOT install the satellite speakers on the wall by yourself to  avoid unexpected damage from their falling off the wall due to incorrect installation 
or weakness in wall structure.
 Care must be taken in selecting a location for speaker installa tion on a wall. Injury to personnel or damage to equipment may  result if the speakers 
installed interfere wi th daily activities.
 Before installing the satellite speakers on  the wall, be sure to detach the speaker stands equipped with the satellite speaker s by removing the tilt 
adjustment screws.
NOTE
 You can attach the satellite speakers to the separately sold TV  stand instead of the stands attached to them at your purchase.  For assembling the TV 
stand and speakers, be sure to use the screws supplied with the  TV stand. Using the screws attached to the speakers may damage  the speakers. For 
details, refer to the instructions  manual supplied with the TV stand.
 You can tilt the satellite speakers and center  speaker. Loosen the tilt adjustment screw, adjust the angle, then tighten the s crew.
Center speaker
(SP-THA55C)
Surround speakers(SP-THA55S) Powered subwoofer
Front speakers (SP-THA55F)
WhiteRed
Black
Black
Press and hold 
the clamp.
Insert the bare end of the 
speaker cord into the 
terminal. Release the 
clamp.
 Connect the white cords to the red ( ª) terminals and black 
cords to the black ( ·) terminals.
Before connecting the 
speaker cords;
Twist and pull the 
insulation coat off and 
remove.
Tilt adjustment 
screw
WhiteRed
Black
Black
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Connecting to an analog component
You can enjoy the sound of an analog component such as a VCR, TV, or Cassette recorder with this system. Use RCA pin plug cords (not 
supplied) for connection.
NOTE
 If you connect a sound-enhancing device such as a graphic equalizer between the source components and this system, the sound output through this 
system may be distorted.
 When playing a video component such as a VCR;
To listen to the sound, select “AUX” as the source to play. (A
pg. 20)
To see the picture, connect the video output jack of the component to the video input jack of the TV directly, and select the correct input mode on 
the TV.
Connecting to a digital component
You can enjoy the sound of a digital component such as a DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite) tuner or MD recorder with this system. Use digital 
optical cord (not supplied) for connection. 
NOTE
When playing a video component such as a DBS tuner; To listen to the sound, select “AUX DIGITAL” as the source to play. (A
pg. 20)
 To see the picture, connect the video output jack of the component to the video input jack of the TV directly, and select the correct input mode on the 
TV.
RCA pin plug cord
(not supplied)Center unit
Red White
To audio
output
VCRTV Cassette recorder
DBS tuner MD recorder Center unit
Digital optical cord
(not supplied)
To digital optical output
Before connecting a digital optical cord, 
unplug the protective plug.
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Connecting the power cord
Make sure that all connections have been completed, before plugging in the power cords of the center unit and powered subwoofer.
CAUTION
 Disconnect the power cord before cleaning or moving the system.
 Do not touch the power cord with wet hands.
 Do not pull on the power cord to unplug the cord. When unplugging the cord, always grasp and pull the plug so as not to damage the cord.
NOTE
 Keep power cords away from other connected cords. The power cords may cause noise or screen interference.
 Preset settings, such as preset stations and surround mode adjustment, may be erased in a few days in the following cases;
If you unplug the power cord of the center unit.If a power failure occurs.
 The speakers will not produce any sound if the power cord of the powered subwoofer is removed from the AC outlet while the center unit is turned on.
In this case, press 

AUDIO
 on the remote control or 
 on the center unit to turn the power off, plug in the powered subwoofer, then press 

AUDIO
 or 
 again.
Center unit
Powered subwoofer
Power cord
(supplied)
Power cord
1Firmly insert the supplied power cord into the 	
AC IN socket on the rear of the center 
unit.
2Plug both power cords into AC outlets.
Plug into AC outlets.
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The remote control makes it easy to use many of the system 
functions from a distance of up to 7 m away.
• You can also use the remote control supplied for this system to 
operate other manufacturers’ TVs ( Apg. 17) and VCRs 
( A pg. 18). 
Putting batteries in the remote control
Before using the remote  control, first put in the 2 supplied batteries.
1Remove the battery 
cover on the back of 
the remote control.
2Insert the batteries.
 Make sure to match polarity: (+) to 
(+) and (–) to (–).
3Replace the cover.
If the range or effectiveness of the remote control decreases, 
replace the batteries. Use two  R6P (SUM-3)/AA (15F) type dry-
cell batteries.
CAUTION
 Follow these precautions to avoi d leaking or cracking batteries;
Use the correct type of batteries. Batteries that look similar may 
differ in voltage.
Always replace both batteries at the same time.
Do not expose batteries to heat or flame.
Operating the system from the remote 
control
Aim the remote control directly at  the remote sensor on the center 
unit.
 To control other components, aim  the remote control directly at 
the remote sensor on each co mponent. Refer also to their 
instruction manuals.
 To operate the remote control pr operly, do not hide the remote 
sensor by placing any obstructions in front of it.
Using the remote control
Remote sensor
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For TV operations
You can operate your TV using the remote control supplied with 
this system.
• Refer also to the instructio n manuals supplied with your TV.
7To set the manufacturer’s code
You can operate a JVC TV without  setting the remote control 
signal.
1Slide the remote cont rol mode selector 
to TV.
2Press and hold  FTV.
Keep the button pressed until step 4 is finished.
3Press ENTER.
4Press number buttons (1 -9, 0) to enter 
the manufacturer’s code (2 digits).
Examples:
For a Hitachi TV: Press  0, then  7.
For a Toshiba TV: Press  2, then  9.
5Release  FTV.
6Try operating your  TV by pressing 
F TV.
When your TV turns on or off, you have entered the correct 
code.
If there is more than one code  listed for corresponding brand, 
try each one until you  enter the correct one.
NOTE
 Manufacturers’ codes are subject to  change without notice. If they are 
changed, this remote control cannot operate the equipment.
 Set the codes again after replacing the batteries of the remote control.
7 Operation
IMPORTANT
Before using the remote control to operate a TV;
 Set the remote contro l mode selector to TV. 
The following buttons are available:
F TV: Turns TV on and off.
TV VOL +/– : Adjusts the volume.
TV/VIDEO : Selects the input mo de (either TV or 
VIDEO).
CHANNEL +/– : Changes the channels.
1-10 , 0 , +10 (100+) : Selects the channel.
TV RETURN : Alternates between the previously selected 
channel and the current channel.
Remote controlmode selector
Number buttons(play button)
Manufac-
turer
Code Manufactur-
erCode
JVC 01 Nordmende 13, 14, 18, 26 – 28
Akai 02, 05 Okano 09
Blaupunkt 03 Orion 15
Daewoo 10, 31, 32 Panasonic 16, 17
Fenner 04, 31, 32 Philips 10
Fisher 05 Saba 13, 14, 18, 26 – 28
Grundig 06 Samsung 10, 19, 32
Hitachi 07, 08 Sanyo 05
Inno-Hit 09 Schneider 02, 05
Irradio 02, 05 Sharp 20
Magnavox 10 Sony 21 – 25
Mitsubishi 11, 33 Telefunken 13, 14, 18, 26 – 28
Miver 03 Thomson 13, 14, 18, 
26–28, 30
Nokia 12, 34 Toshiba 29
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