JVC Th A55 Instructions

							58
System setting
You can adjust the sound and speaker settings of this system.
 The adjustments on a source take effect for the other sources.
IMPORTANT
Before using the remote control for the following 
operation; 
 Set the remote control mode selector to AUDIO
.
NOTE
Before you start operation; There is a time limit when doing the following steps. If the setting is 
cancelled before you finish, start from step 1 again.
 When selecting DVD as the source, the settings of the corresponding 
items in the choice menus also change.
On the remote control:
1Press SETTING.
The item you last selected appears on the display window.
Example: “BAL” has been selected.
2Press Cursor 
/
 repeatedly to select 
the item you want to set.
Each time you press the button, the items shown on the display 
window change as follows:

 FRNT SP  CNTR SP  SURR SP  FRNT D  
CNTR D 
 SURR D  CROSS  LFE ATT.  BAL  
D. COMP 
 AUDIO POS  (back to the beginning)
See the corresponding pages for details on the related 
adjustments except for “AUDIO POS”.
 FRNT SP (front speakers),
CNTR SP (center speaker),
SURR SP (surround speakers):
Select the size of each speaker. (A
pg. 54)
 FRNT D (front speakers distance),
CNTR D (center speaker distance),
SURR D (surround speakers distance):
Adjust distance from the listening position to the speakers. 
(A
pg. 54)
 CROSS:
Select the cutoff frequency of the subwoofer. (A
pg. 54)LFE ATT.:
Diminish the distortion of the bass sound from the 
subwoofer while playing back a disc with Dolby Digital or 
DTS Digital Surround. (A
pg. 53)
BAL:
You can adjust the balance between the front left and front 
right speakers. (A
pg. 53)
 D. COMP (Dynamic Range Compression):
You can enjoy low level recorded sound clearly at night even 
at a low volume level when listening to the sound with 
Dolby Digital. (A
pg. 53)
 AUDIO POS (Audio Position):
Set the audio position of subwoofer so that the subwoofer 
level can be automatically adjusted properly. (The smaller 
the number becomes, the more the level decreases 
automatically when listening in stereo.) 
3Press Cursor 
/
 to make an 
adjustment or selection.
Example:
 FRNT SP, CNTR SP, SURR SP:
“SML” (small)  “LRG” (large)
 FRNT D, CNTR D, SURR D:Within the range between 0.3 m and 9.0 m. (by 0.3 m 
step)
CROSS:
“80Hz”  “100Hz”  “120Hz”  “150Hz”  “200Hz” 
 (back to the beginning)
LFE ATT.:“ON”  “OFF”
BAL:“L-21” to “L-1”  “CENTER”  “R-1” to “R-21”
D. COMP:“MID”  “MAX”  “OFF”  (back to the beginning)
 AUDIO POS:“0”  “–2”  “–4” “–6”   (back to the beginning)
4Repeat steps 2 and 3 to set other items.
NOTE
 If you selected “SML” for the front speakers, you cannot select 
“LRG” for the center and surround speakers.
 You can confirm your adjustment of speaker settings by listening to 
the test tone. To output the test tone, press TEST
. (A
pg. 36)
Cursor
(///)
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							59
References
Use this chart to help you solve daily operational problems. If there is any problem  you cannot solve, contact your JVC service  center.
General
Trouble shooting
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Power does not come 
on.The power cord is not connected
 to the center unit or an 
AC outlet. Connect the power cord correctly. (
Apg. 15)
Power is not supplied to 
the powered subwoofer. The power cord of the subwoofer is not connected to an 
AC outlet. Turn off the system, plug the power cord firmly into an 
AC outlet, and turn on 
the system again. (Apg. 15, 19)
The system cord is not connected. Connect the system cord. ( Apg. 10)
The system does not 
work correctly. Lightning or electronic noise
 interferes with operation 
of the microcomputer. Switch the power off, then
 disconnect/reconnect the 
power plug.
Immediately after beginning  to heat the room, the 
system was moved to a cold location causing 
condensation to form inside. Switch the power off and leave the system a few hours 
before switching the power on again.
The remote control does 
not work. It is too far from the center unit, or is not facing the 
center unit. Move closer to the center unit. (Operate the remote 
control within 7 m of the center unit.) (
Apg. 16)
There is something obstructing the re mote sensor. Remove any obstacles. ( Apg. 16)
The remote control is not ai med at the remote sensor on 
the center unit or components. Aim the remote control at 
the remote sensor on the 
equipment you want to operate. ( Apg. 16)
The remote control mode select or is set at an incorrect 
position. Set the selector to the correct position. (
Apg. 19)
The batteries are exhausted. Replace the batteries. ( Apg. 16)
The batteries have been inserted the wrong way round 
(+/–). Insert the batteries correctly. (
Apg. 16)
The remote control is not se t to operate the DVD player 
or tuner (FM/AM – MW). For the DVD player, press 
DV D before you perform the 
operations. ( Apg. 23)
For the tuner, press  FM/AM before you perform the 
operations. ( Apg. 27)
Sunlight is falling directly on the remote sens or. Hide the remote sensor from direct sunlight.
The remote control signals are not set correctly. Enter the correct manufacturer’s code. ( Apg. 17, 18)
To get the best performance out of  this system, keep your discs and 
mechanism clean.
7 General Notes
In general, you will have the  best performance by keeping your 
discs and the mechanism clean.
 Store discs in their cases and keep  them in cabinets or on shelves.
7Handling Discs
 Remove the disc from it s case by holding it at 
the edge while pressing the center hole lightly.
 Do not touch the shiny surface of the disc or  bend the disc.
 Put the disc back in its case after use to  prevent warping.
 Be careful not to scratch the surface of the  disc when placing it  back in its case. 
 Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, temperature  extremes and moisture. To clean the disc 
Wipe the disc with a soft cloth in a straight line 
from center to edge.
• DO NOT use any solvent — such as 
conventional record cleaner, spray, 
thinner or benzine — to clean the disc.
7 Cleaning the system
 Stains on the system should be wipe d off with a soft cloth. If the 
system is heavily stai ned, wipe it with a cloth soaked in water-
diluted neutral detergent and wrung  well, then wipe clean with a 
dry cloth.
 Since the system may deteriorat e in quality, become damaged or 
get its paint peeled off, be careful about the following.
DO NOT wipe it with a hard cloth.
DO NOT wipe it strong.
DO NOT wipe it with thinner or benzine.
DO NOT apply any volatile substance such as insecticides to it.
DO NOT allow any rubber or plastic  to remain in contact with 
it for a long time.
Maintenance
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60
DVD Playback
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
No sound. The system cord and/or speaker cord is not connected. Check the connection. (A
pg. 10 – 13)
There is a short in the speaker cord. Reconnect the speaker cord.
The audio cord is not connected to AUX IN and/or 
DIGITAL IN correctly.Connect the cord correctly. (A
pg. 14)
An incorrect source has been selected. Select the correct source. (A
pg. 20)
Muting is on. Press MUTING
 to cancel muting. (A
pg. 20)
The decode mode is not set correctly. Select the proper decode mode. (A
pg. 22)
Sound from one front 
speaker only.The speaker cord is not connected correctly. Connect the speaker cord correctly. (A
pg. 10)
Left-right balance is not set properly. Adjust the balance properly. (A
pg. 53,  58)
No sound from the 
center and/or surround 
speakers.The speaker setting is incorrect. Set the speaker setting properly. (A
pg. 53,  58)
Bass sound is heard 
reinforced when 
listening in stereo.Appropriate bass level for stereo sound is not selected. Set “AUDIO POS” properly. (A
pg. 58)
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
No picture is displayed 
on the TV screen.The video cord or SCART cable is not connected 
correctly.Connect the cord correctly. (A
pg. 8)
The RGB-Y/C selector is not set correctly. Set the selector properly for the video input format of 
the connected TV. (A
pg. 8)
TV input selection is incorrect. Select the correct input on the TV.
The disc is not playable. Use a playable disc. (A
pg. 3)
A disc cannot be played. The center unit’s and disc’s Region Code numbers are 
incompatible.Replace the disc. (A
pg. 3)
Parental Lock is in use. Enter password to change the Parental Lock level. 
(A
pg. 55)
A disc cannot be played 
and “0:00” is displayed 
on the display window.The disc is loaded with its label and data sides inverted. Load the disc correctly. (A
pg. 23)
The unplayable disc is loaded. Replace the disc. (A
pg. 3)
Video and audio are 
distorted.The disc is scratched or dirty. Replace or clean the disc. (A
pg. 2)
A VCR is connected between the center unit and the 
TV.Connect the center unit and TV directly. (A
pg. 8)
With some discs, a picture may be blurred when setting 
“PICTURE SOURCE” to “FILM” or “AUTO”.Set “PICTURE SOURCE” to “VIDEO (NORMAL)” or 
“VIDEO (ACTIVE)”. (A
pg. 53)
The picture does not fit 
the TV screen.The monitor type is not set correctly. Set “MONITOR TYPE” properly. (A
pg. 53)
The TV is not set correctly. Set the TV properly.
No subtitle appears on 
the TV screen though 
you have selected a 
certain language as your 
initial subtitle language.—Some DVDs are programmed to always display no 
subtitle initially. If this happens, press SUBTITLE
 on 
the remote control after starting play. (A
pg. 43)
Audio language is 
different from the one 
you have selected as 
your initial audio 
language.—Some DVDs are programmed to always use the original 
language initially. If this happens, press AUDIO
 on the 
remote control after starting play. (A
pg. 43)
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61
MP3 Playback
JPEG Playback
FM/AM (MW)
Others
NOTE
 Problems may be caused by components connected to the center unit, so also read all manuals for the connected components carefully. PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
A disc cannot be played. No MP3 files are recorded to the disc. Replace the disc.
MP3 files do not have the file extension in their file 
names.Add correct file extension (.mp3, .Mp3, .mP3 or .MP3) 
to their file names. (A
pg. 3)
MP3 files are not recorded in a format compliant with 
ISO 9660 Level 1 or 2.Replace the disc. (Record MP3 files using a compliant 
application.)
The different types of files are recorded to the disc. The disc which contains the different types of files may 
not be played because of its disc characteristics or 
recording conditions.
Not MP3 files but JPEG 
files are played.The MP3/JPEG setting is set to “JPEG”. When both MP3 files and JPEG files are recorded to a 
disc, set “MP3/JPEG” to “MP3” to play MP3 files. 
(A
pg. 53)
The MP3 control display 
appears on the TV 
screen, but no operation 
can be performed.No MP3 files or JPEG files are recorded to the disc, or 
the disc is an unplayable disc (such as CD-ROM).Replace the disc. (A
pg. 3)
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
A disc cannot be played. No JPEG files are recorded to the disc. Replace the disc.
JPEG files do not have the correct file extension in their 
file names.Add correct file extension (.jpg, .jpeg, .JPG, .JPEG or 
any uppercase and lowercase combination such as 
“.Jpg”) to their file names. (A
pg. 3)
JPEG files are not recorded in a format compliant with 
ISO 9660 Level 1 or 2.Replace the disc. (Record JPEG files using a compliant 
application.)
Not JPEG files but MP3 
files are played.The MP3/JPEG setting is set to “MP3”. When both MP3 files and JPEG files are recorded to a 
disc, set “MP3/JPEG” to “JPEG” to play JPEG files. 
(A
pg. 53)
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Hard to listen to 
broadcast because of 
noise.Antennas are disconnected. Reconnect the antennas correctly and securely.
The AM (MW) loop antenna is too close to the center 
unit.Change the position and direction of the AM (MW) 
loop antenna.
The supplied FM antenna is not properly extended and 
positioned.Extend the FM antenna to the best position.
Beat Cut mode is not set properly while listening to an 
AM (MW) broadcast.Try to change the Beat Cut mode. (A
pg. 28)
Continuous static during 
FM broadcasts.The received signal is too weak. Connect an external FM antenna (A
pg. 9), or contact 
your dealer.
The station is too far away. Select another station.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
The system suddenly 
turns off by itself.The Sleep Timer or Auto Standby function is activated. Turn the functions off. (A
pg. 21,  55)
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Aspect ratio
The ratio of vertical and horizontal sizes of a displayed image. The 
horizontal vs. vertical ratio of conventional TVs is 4:3, and that of 
wide-screens is 16:9.
Chapter
Refers to individual chapters included in a title.
Composite video signal
Refers to video signal comprised of three kinds of signals 
combined: an image signal made up of luminance and chrominance 
signals using the frequency multiplication technique; burst signal 
providing the basis for color reproduction; and synchronization 
signal.
Disc menu
A screen display prepared for allowing selection of images, sounds, 
subtitles, multiangles, etc. recorded on a DVD.
JPEG
A still-picture data compression system proposed by the Joint 
Photographic Expert Group, which features small decrease in 
image quality in spite of its high compression ratio.
Letter box
A method of displaying wide images like movies in the center of a 
4:3 TV screen with no part of the image deleted, by placing black 
bands on the top and bottom of the screen. This name has resulted 
from the screen form looking literally like a letter box.
Linear PCM (PCM: Pulse Code Modulation)
A system for converting analog sound signal to digital signal for 
later processing, with no data compression used in conversion.
MP3
A file format with a sound data compression system. “MP3” is the 
abbreviation of Motion Picture Experts Group 1 (or MPEG-1) 
Audio Layer 3. By using MP3 format, one CD-R or CD-RW can 
contain about 10 times as much data volume as a regular CD can.
Multiangle
By recording multiple scenes progressing at the same time in a 
single title, the user can select view angles. This feature is called 
the multiangle function.
Multichannel
DVD is specified to have each sound track constitute one sound 
field. Multichannel refers to a structure of sound tracks having three 
or more channels.
Multilanguage
When a title is created to cope with multiple languages, it is 
generally called a multilanguage title.
Parental Lock
A feature of this system to automatically determine whether or not 
to reproduce particular DVD software by comparing its parental 
level (a measure of undesirability of scenes, etc. from educational 
viewpoint) set for the software beforehand with that set on this 
system by the user; if the software’s level is less restrictive than the 
user-set level, it will be reproduced.
Playback control (PBC)
Refers to the signal recorded on video CDs or SVCDs for 
controlling reproduction. By using menu screens recorded on a 
Video CD or SVCD that supports PBC, you can enjoy interactive-
type software as well as software having a search function.
Region Code
A system for allowing discs to be played back only in the regions 
designated beforehand. All the countries in the world are divided 
into six regions, each region being identified by a specified Region 
Code (or region number). If the Region Code given to a disc 
includes a numeral which matches one in the Region Code of a 
player, the player can play back the disc.
Sampling frequency
Frequency of sampling data when analog data is converted to 
digital data. Sampling frequency numerically represents how many 
times the original analog signal is sampled per second.
Surround
A system for creating three-dimensional sound fields full of realism 
by arranging multiple speakers around the listener.
Transfer rate
The rate of transferring digital data. Usually the measure is in baud 
per second. The DVD system applies a variable transfer rate system 
for high efficiency.
Glossary
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63
A
A-B Repeat Playback .................................................................... 49
All Channel Stereo (ALL CH ST.) ....................................... 34 – 36
Angle ............................................................................................. 42
Audio CD .................................................................................... 3, 4
Audio language (AUDIO LANGUAGE) ............................... 43, 52
Auto standby (AUTO STANDBY) ......... ..................................... 55
AUTO/PCM .................................................................................. 22
B
Bass (BASS) ........................................................................... 22, 53
Beat cut mode (BEAT CUT) ........................................................ 28
C
CD-R ............................................................................................... 3
CD-RW ........................................................................................... 3
Chapter ............................................................................................ 4
Choice menu ......................................................................... 50 – 56 Audio menu (AUDIO) ............................................................ 53
Distance menu (DISTANCE) ................................................. 54
Language menu (LANGUAGE) ............................................. 52
Level menu (LEVEL) ............................................................. 54
Other setting menu (OTHERS) .............................................. 55
Picture menu (PICTURE) ....................................................... 53
Size menu (SIZE) ................................................................... 54
Speaker setting menu (SPK. SETTING) ................................ 53
Composite video ............................................................................. 8
Crossover (CROSS OVER) .................................................... 54, 58
D
DAP (Digital Acoustic Processor) mode .............................. 33 – 36 Dance club (DANCE CLUB) ......................................... 33 – 36
Hall (HALL) ................................................................... 33 – 36
Live club (LIVE CLUB)................................................. 33 – 36
Pavilion (PAVILION) .................................................... 33 – 36
Decode mode ................................................................................ 22
Dimmer ......................................................................................... 21
Dolby Digital ........................................................................ 33 – 35
Dolby Pro Logic II ................................................................ 33 – 35 Pro Logic II Movie (PL II MOVIE) ............................... 33 – 35
Pro Logic II Music (PL II MUSIC) ................................ 33 – 35
DSP mode ............................................................................. 33 – 36
DTS Digital Surround .. ......................................................... 33 – 35
DVD Video (DVD) ..................................................................... 3, 4
Dynamic range compression
(D.RANGE COMPRESSION) ............................................... 53, 58
E
Enhanced Other Network (EON) .................................................. 31
F
Frame-by-frame playback ............................................................. 45
G
Group .............................................................................................. 4
J
JPEG ..................................................................................... 3, 4, 41
L
Left/Right speaker balance (L/R BALANCE)........................ 53, 58
Low frequency effect attenuater (LFE ATT.) ......................... 53, 58
M
Menu language (MENU LANG UAGE) ........................................52
Monitor type (MONITOR TYPE) .................................................53 16:9 AUTO ..............................................................................53
16:9 NORMAL........................................................................53
4:3 LB ......................................................................................53
4:3 PS ......................................................................................53
MP3........................................................................................3, 4, 40
Muting............................................................................................20
O
On-screen bar .................................................................................37
On-screen guide icons (ON SCREEN GUIDE) ......................24, 55
On-screen language (ON SCREEN  LANGUAGE) ......................52
P
Parental Lock (PARENTAL LOCK).............................................55
Picture source (PICTURE SOURCE) ...........................................53
Playback Control function (PBC) ..............................................4, 39
Program Playback (PROGRAM) ..................................................47
Program Service (PS) ............................................................29 – 32
Program Type (PTY) .............................................................29 – 32
R
Radio Data System (RDS) .....................................................29 – 32
Radio Text (RT).....................................................................29 – 32
Random Playback ..........................................................................48
Region Code ..............................................................................3, 19
Repeat Playback.............................................................................48
Resume Playback (RESUME) .................................................24, 55
S
Screen saver (SCREEN SAVER) ............................................24, 53
Sleep Timer....................................................................................21
Slow-motion ..................................................................................45
Subtitle language (SUBTITL E) ...............................................43, 52
Super Video CD (SVCD) ............................................................3, 4
Surround mode........... ............................................................33 – 36
S-video .............................................................................................8
T
Test tone (TEST TONE)..........................................................36, 54
Title ..................................................................................................4
Track ................................................................................................4
Tray lock ........................................................................................25
Treble (TREBLE) ....................................................................22, 53
V
Video CD (VCD) .........................................................................3, 4
Video Fine Processor (VFP) ..........................................................46
Z
Zoom ..............................................................................................45
Index
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64
7Center unit (XV-THA85/XV-THA55)
Audio section
Total Harmonic Di stortion 0.01 %
NOTE: This value is measured at  System cord CONNECTOR for 
reference.
Audio input sensitivity/Impedance (at 1 kHz)
Analog input:
AUX IN: 360 mV/47 k C
Digital input*: DIGITAL IN: –21 dBm to –15 dBm (OPTICAL) (660 nm  E30 nm)
* Corresponding to Linear PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS Digital 
Surround (with sampling frequency — 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz)
Video section
Color System: PAL
Horizontal Resolution: 500 lines
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 64 dB
(Composite signal when  “RGB” is selected)
Video output level Composite: 1.0 V(p-p)/75  C
S-video-Y: 1.0 V(p-p)/75  C
S-video-C: 0.286 V(p-p)/75  C
Tuner section
Tuning Range FM: 87.50 MHz to 108.00 MHz
AM (MW): 522 kHz to 1 629 kHz
General
Power Requirements: AC 230 V  Ó, 50 Hz
Power Consumption: 20 W (at operation) 2.5 W (in standby mode)
Dimensions (W  M H  M D):398 mm  M 70 mm  M 265 mm
Mass: 2.7 kg
7 Subwoofer (SP-PWA85/SP-PWA55)
Amplifier section
Front/Center/Surround: 80 W per channel, RMS at 6  C at 
1 kHz, with 10 % total harmonic 
distortion.
Subwoofer: 120 W, RMS at 4 C at 100 Hz, with 
10 % total harmonic distortion.
Speaker section
Speaker unit: 20 cm Bass-reflex, Magnetically  Shielded
Frequency Range: 25 Hz to 200 Hz
General
Power Requirements: AC 230 V  Ó, 50 Hz
Power Consumption: 150 W (at operation) 0 W (in standby mode)
Dimensions (W  M H  M D): 235 mm  M 355 mm  M 492 mm
Mass: 13.0 kg
7 Satellite Speakers (SP-THA85F)
Speakers: 5.5 cm  M 2
Bass-reflex, Magnetically Shielded
Power Handling Capacity: 80 W
Impedance: 6  C
Frequency Range: 90 Hz to 20 kHz
Dimensions (W  M H  M D): 250 mm  M 1 103 mm  M 250 mm
Mass: 3.77 kg
7 Center Speaker (SP-THA85C)
Speakers: 5.5 cm  M 2
Bass-reflex, Magnetically Shielded
Power Handling Capacity: 80 W
Impedance: 6  C
Frequency Range: 90 Hz to 20 kHz
Dimensions (W  M H  M D): 258 mm  M 75 mm  M 81 mm
Mass: 0.95 kg
7 Front Speakers (SP-THA55F)
Speakers: 8 cm
Bass-reflex, Magnetically Shielded
Power Handling Capacity: 80 W
Impedance: 6  C
Frequency Range: 80 Hz to 20 kHz
Dimensions (W  M H  M D): 103 mm  M 194 mm  M 128 mm
Mass: 0.77 kg
7 Center Speaker (SP-THA55C)
Speakers: 8 cm
Bass-reflex, Magnetically Shielded
Power Handling Capacity: 80 W
Impedance: 6  C
Frequency Range: 80 Hz to 20 kHz
Dimensions (W  M H  M D): 165 mm  M 130 mm  M 128 mm
Mass: 0.77 kg
7 Surround Speakers (SP-THA55S)
Speakers: 8 cm
Bass-reflex, Magnetically Shielded
Power Handling Capacity: 80 W
Impedance: 6  C
Frequency Range: 80 Hz to 20 kHz
Dimensions (W  M H  M D): 103 mm  M 194 mm  M 128 mm
Mass: 0.64 kg
7 Accessories
 Remote control (1)
 Batteries (2)
 FM antenna (1)
 AM (MW) loop antenna (1)
 Power cord (1)
 System cord (1)
 Speaker cords
5 m: For satellite (front left/r ight) and center speakers (3)
10 m: For satellite speakers  (surround left/right) (2)
(The length of the above speaker cords are approximate.)
 Screws (with washer) (TH-A85 only) M4 x 25 mm: For the satellite speakers (16)
Designs & specifications are s ubject to change without notice.
Specifications
TH-A85-55[B]-11Spec.fm  Page 64   Thursday, April 10, 2003  4:25 PM
 
						

							EN
0403SKMIDEJEM © 2003 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED
TH-A85/TH-A55 DVD DIGITAL CINEMA SYSTEM
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