JVC Th M303 Instructions

							TH-M606/TH-M603
TH-M303/TH-M301
For Customer Use:
Enter below the Model No. and Serial 
No. which are located either on the rear, 
bottom or side of the cabinet. Retain this 
information for future reference.
Model No.                                                    
Serial No.                                                     
LVT1147-001C
[J,C]
TH-M505/TH-M501
English
DVD DIGITAL THEATER SYSTEM
INSTRUCTIONS
Consists of XV-THM606, SP-PWM606, SP-THM606F, 
SP-THM606C and SP-THM606S/
Consists of XV-THM603, SP-PWM603, SP-THM606F, 
SP-THM606C and SP-THM606S
Consists of XV-THM505, SP-PWM505, SP-THM505F, 
SP-THM505C and SP-THM505S/
Consists of XV-THM501, SP-PWM501, SP-THM303F, 
SP-THM303C and SP-THM303S
Consists of XV-THM303, SP-PWM303, SP-THM303F, 
SP-THM303C and SP-THM303S/
Consists of XV-THM301, SP-PWM301, SP-THM303F, 
SP-THM303C and SP-THM303S
The figure is for the TH-M606.
The figure is for the TH-M505.
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC]-01Cov1.fm  Page 1  Wednesday, March 24, 2004  1:35 PM
 
						

							G-1
Warnings, Cautions and Others
IMPORTANT FOR LASER PRODUCTS
1. CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
2.
CAUTION: Do not open the top cover. There are no user 
serviceable parts inside the unit; leave all servicing to qualified 
service personnel.
3.
CAUTION: Visible and invisible laser radiation when open and 
interlock failed or defeated. Avoid direct exposure to beam.
4. REPRODUCTION OF LABEL: CAUTION LABEL, PLACED 
INSIDE THE UNIT.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of electrical shocks, fire, etc.:
1. Do not remove screws, covers or cabinet.
2. Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
CAUTION — F button!
(XV-THM606/ XV-THM603/ XV-THM505/ 
XV-THM501/ XV-THM303/ XV-THM301)
Disconnect the mains plug to shut the power off completely 
(the STANDBY lamp goes off).
The F button in any position does not disconnect the mains 
line.
• When the system is on standby, the STANDBY lamp lights 
red.
 When the system is turned on, the STANDBY lamp goes off.
The power can be remote controlled.
CAUTION
(SP-PWM606/ SP-PWM603/ SP-PWM505/ 
SP-PWM501/ SP-PWM303/ SP-PWM301)
The power supply to the subwoofer is linked to the center unit. 
The POWER ON lamp on the subwoofer lights green when the 
power is turned on.
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC].book  Page 1  Thursday, January 29, 2004  3:36 PM
 
						

							Warnings, Cautions and Others
G-2
For Canada
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH 
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
For Canada
THIS DIGITAL APPARATUS DOES NOT EXCEED THE 
CLASS B LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE EMISSIONS FROM 
DIGITAL APPARATUS AS SET OUT IN THE 
INTERFERENCE-CAUSING EQUIPMENT STANDARD 
ENTITLED “DIGITAL APPARATUS,” ICES-003 OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS.
Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s 
attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides 
guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies 
that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding 
system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as 
practical.
CAUTION!
To avoid personal injury or 
accidentally dropping the 
unit, have two persons 
unpack, carry, and install 
the unit.
TH-M606: 48.8 kg/108 lbs
TH-M603: 42.1 kg/93 lbs
TH-M505: 32.0 kg/71 lbs
TH-M501: 31.7 kg/70 lbs
TH-M303: 26.2 kg/58 lbs
TH-M301: 26.2 kg/58 lbs
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC].book  Page 2  Thursday, January 29, 2004  3:36 PM
 
						

							1
Table of contents
Introduction ..................................... 2
Notes on handling  .................................................................2
Supplied accessories  ............................................................2
About discs  ..................................... 3
Playable disc types  ...............................................................3
Description of parts and controls  ... 5
Connections .................................... 8
Connecting the FM and AM antennas ....................................8
Assembling the front and surround speakers  .......................9
Connecting the satellite (front, center, surround) speakers  10
Speaker layout  ....................................................................14
Connecting a TV  ..................................................................14
Connecting the powered subwoofer ....................................15
Connecting to an analog component ...................................15
Connecting to a digital component  .....................................15
Connecting the power cord  .................................................15
Operating external components with 
the remote control  ........................ 16
Operating the TV  .................................................................16
Operating the DBS tuner or CATV converter  .......................16
Operating the VCR  ..............................................................17
Basic operations  ........................... 18
Turning the system on/off  ...................................................18
Selecting the source to play  ................................................19
Adjusting the volume [VOLUME]  ........................................19
Listening with headphones (not supplied)  ..........................19
Turning off the sound temporarily [MUTING]  .....................19
Adjusting the brightness of the indications [DIMMER]  .......19
Sleep Timer [SLEEP] ...........................................................20
Adjusting the output level of the subwoofer and center/
surround speakers [SUBWFR, CENTER, SURR L/R]  ...........20
Adjusting the treble sound [TREBLE]  ..................................20
Changing the scan mode  ....................................................20
Optimizing the speaker settings [Smart Surround Setup]  ...21
Playback ........................................ 22
Basic playback  .................................................................... 22
One Touch Replay ............................................................... 24
Fast-forward/fast-reverse search  ........................................ 24
Skip to the beginning of a desired selection  ....................... 24
Locating a desired title/group using number buttons  ......... 25
Playing back a bonus group ................................................ 25
Advanced operations  .................... 26
Using the surround mode  ................................................... 26
Using the on-screen bar  ..................................................... 27
Playing from a specified position on a disc ......................... 29
Using the file control display  .............................................. 30
Resume Playback  ............................................................... 31
Selecting a view angle ......................................................... 31
Selecting the subtitle  .......................................................... 31
Selecting the audio  ............................................................. 32
Special picture playback  ..................................................... 32
Program Playback ............................................................... 34
Random Playback  ............................................................... 35
Repeat Playback  ................................................................. 35
Tray lock  ............................................................................. 36
Sound and other settings .................................................... 37
Setting DVD preferences  .............. 38
Using the setup menus  ....................................................... 38
Menu description  ................................................................ 38
Tuner operations  ........................... 42
Manual tuning  ..................................................................... 42
Preset tuning  ...................................................................... 43
Selecting the FM reception mode ........................................ 43
Reducing the noise of AM broadcast  .................................. 43
AV COMPU LINK remote control 
system ........................................... 44
References .................................... 45
Maintenance ....................................................................... 45
Troubleshooting .................................................................. 45
Specifications ..................................................................... 46
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC]-03TOC.fm  Page 1  Thursday, February 5, 2004  7:08 PM
 
						

							2
Introduction
7Important cautions
Installation of the system
• Select a place which is level, dry and neither too hot nor too cold; 
between 5°C and 35°C (41°F and 95°F).
 Leave sufficient distance between the system and the TV.
 Do not use the system in a place subject to vibration.
Power cord
 Do not handle the power cord with wet hands!
 A small amount of power is always consumed while the power 
cord is connected to the wall outlet (center unit only).
 When unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet, always 
pull on the plug, not the power cord.
To prevent malfunctions of the system
 There are no user-serviceable parts inside. If anything goes 
wrong, unplug the power cord and consult your dealer.
 Do not insert any metallic object into the system.
 Do not use any non-standard shape disc (like a heart, flower or 
credit card, etc.) available on the market, because it may damage 
the system.
 Do not use a disc with tape, stickers, or paste on it, because it 
may damage the system.
Note about copyright laws
Check the copyright laws in your country before recording from the 
discs. Recording of copyrighted material may infringe copyright 
laws.
Note about copyguard system
The discs are protected by copyguard system. When you connect 
the system to your VCR directly, the copyguard system activates 
and the picture may not be played back correctly.
7Safety precautions
Avoid moisture, water and dust
Do not place the system in moist or dusty places.
Avoid high temperatures
Do not expose the system to direct sunlight and do not place it near 
a heating device.
When you are away
When away on travel or for other reasons for an extended period of 
time, disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet.
Do not block the vents
Blocking the vents may damage the system.
Care of the cabinet
When cleaning the system, use a soft cloth and follow the relevant 
instructions on the use of chemically-coated cloths. Do not use 
benzene, thinner or other organic solvents including disinfectants. 
These may cause deformation or discoloring.
If water gets inside the system
Turn the system off and disconnect the power cord plug from the 
wall outlet, then call the store where you made your purchase. 
Using the system in this condition may cause fire or electrical 
shock.
Check to be sure you have all of the supplied accessories.
The number in parentheses is the quantity of the pieces supplied.
If anything is missing, contact your dealer immediately.
 Remote control (1)
 Batteries (2)
 FM antenna (1)
 AM loop antenna (1)
 Power cord (1)
 System cord (1)
 Composite video cord (1)
 Speaker cords (TH-M606/TH-M603/TH-M505 only)
For satellite (front left/right) and center speakers (3)
For satellite speakers (surround left/right) (2)
 Screws (TH-M606/TH-M603 only)
M5 x 25 mm (1 inch):
For satellite speakers (8)Notes on handling
Paste StickerLabel sticker
Supplied accessories
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC]-04Start.fm  Page 2  Wednesday, March 24, 2004  1:36 PM
 
						

							3
About discs
This system has been designed to play back the following discs:
DVD VIDEO, DVD AUDIO, Video CD (VCD), Super Video CD 
(SVCD), Audio CD (CD), CD-R and CD-RW.
• This system accommodates the NTSC system, and also can play 
discs recorded with PAL system. Note that the PAL video signal 
on a disc is converted to an NTSC signal and output.
 This system can also play MP3, WMA, JPEG and MPEG4 files 
recorded on CD-Rs and CD-RWs. (Apg. 22)
 This system can also play finalized DVD-R/-RWs recorded in 
DVD VIDEO format. However, some discs may not be played 
because of their disc characteristics or recording conditions.
Discs you can play:
DVD Logo is a trademark of DVD Format/Logo Licensing 
Corporation.
Region code of DVD VIDEO
DVD VIDEO players and DVD VIDEO discs have their own 
Region Code numbers. This system can play back DVD VIDEO 
discs whose Region Code numbers include the system’s Region 
Code, which is indicated on the rear panel.
If a DVD with an improper Region Code number is loaded, 
“REGION CODE ERROR!” appears on the TV screen and 
playback cannot start. The following discs cannot be played back:
DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, SACD, CD-ROM, CD-I (CD-I Ready), 
Photo CD, etc.
Playing back these discs will generate noise and damage the 
speakers.
• On some DVD VIDEOs, DVD AUDIOs, VCDs or SVCDs, 
their actual operation may be different from what is 
explained in this manual. This is due to the disc 
programming and disc structure, not a malfunction of this 
system.
Notes on CD-R and CD-RW
 User-edited CD-Rs (Recordable) and CD-RWs (Rewritable) can 
be played back only if they are already “finalized”.
 This system can play CD-Rs or CD-RWs recorded on a personal 
computer if they have been recorded in the audio CD format.
This system can also play CD-Rs or CD-RWs if MP3, WMA, 
JPEG or MPEG4 files are recorded on them.
However, some discs may not be played back because of their 
disc characteristics, recording conditions, or damage or stain on 
them.
Especially, the configuration and characteristics of an MP3, 
WMA, JPEG or MPEG4 disc are determined by the writing 
(encoding) software and hardware used for recording. Therefore, 
due to the software and hardware used, the following symptoms 
may occur:
Some discs may not be played back.
Some tracks on an MP3 or WMA disc may be skipped or may 
not be played back normally.
Some files on a JPEG or MPEG4 disc may be played back 
distortedly.
 Before playing back CD-Rs or CD-RWs, read their instructions 
or cautions carefully.
 CD-RWs may require a longer readout time. This is caused by 
the fact that the reflectance of CD-RWs is lower than that of 
regular CDs.
Playable disc types
DVD VIDEO CD
DVD AUDIO CD-R
VCD CD-RW
SVCD
ALL12 14 2
3 1
Example of playable DVD:
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC]-04Start.fm  Page 3  Friday, January 30, 2004  7:17 PM
 
						

							About discs
4
Notes on MP3/WMA/JPEG/MPEG4 discs
• MP3/WMA/JPEG/MPEG4 discs (either CD-R or CD-RW) require a longer readout  time. (It differs due to the complexity of 
the directory/file configuration.)
 When making an MP3/WMA/JPEG /MPEG4 disc, select ISO 
9660 Level 1 or Level 2 for the disc format.
 This system supports “multi-sess ion” discs (up to 20 sessions).
 This system cannot pl ay “packet write” discs.
 The system can only play MP 3/WMA/JPEG/MPEG4 files with 
the following file extensions;
MP3: “.MP3”, “.Mp3”,  “.mP3” and “.mp3”
WMA:  “.wma”, “.WMA” and an y uppercase and lowercase 
combination (such as “.Wma”)
JPEG: “.jpg”, “.jpeg”, “.JPG”,  “.JPEG” and any uppercase and 
lowercase combination (such as “.Jpg”)
MPEG4: “.asf”, “.ASF” and  any uppercase and lowercase 
combination (such as “.Asf”)
 If different type of files (a udio (MP3/WMA), still picture 
(JPEG), and video (MPE G4) files) are recorded on a disc, set the 
FILE TYPE setting in the PICTURE menu to the appropriate 
setting for the data to be read. ( Apg. 39)
 The system recognizes up to  150 tracks (files) per group, 99 
groups per disc, and the total number  of the tracks (files) that the 
system can play is 1000. For exam ple, if you set FILE TYPE to 
AUDIO ( Apg. 39) and play a disc that contains 500 MP3 tracks, 
200 JPEG files, and 600 WMA tr acks, the system can play 500 
MP3 tracks and the first 500 of 600 WMA tracks.
 Some MP3/WMA/JPEG/MPEG4 disc s may not be played back 
normally because of their disc  characteristics or recording 
conditions.
Notes on MP3/WMA discs only
 The system supports MP3 files reco rded with a bit rate of 32 – 
320 kbps and a sampling frequenc y of 16 kHz, 22.05 kHz, 
24 kHz*, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHz.
 If the tag information (album name,  artist, and track title, etc.) is 
recorded on a disc, it appears in th e file control display on the TV 
screen. ( Apg. 30)
 We recommend to record each  piece of material (song) at a 
sample rate of 44.1 kHz and at  a data transfer rate of 
128 (96*) kbps.
 Some tracks may be skipped or may not be played back  normally.
* For WMA only Notes on JPEG discs only
 We recommend to record a file at 640 x 480 resolution. (If a file 
has been recorded at a resoluti on of more than 640 x 480, it will 
take a longer time to be displayed.)
 This system can only play baseline JPEG files.
 Some files on a JPEG disc may  be played back distortedly.
Notes on MPEG4 disc only
 The system supports the types of  simple profile as MPEG4 files 
(MPEG4 SP).
 The system supports MPEG4 file s recorded with the maximum 
bit rate of 384 kbps and an audi o codec of G.726. (To play the 
MPEG4 file, it is re quired that G.726 forma tted audio data is 
contained in that file.)
 The maximum size of the played picture is at a 352 x 288 pixel  resolution (CIF).
 Some files may be skipped or may not be played normally.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology 
that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents 
and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision 
Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright 
protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision 
Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited 
viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by 
Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or 
disassembly is prohibited.
“CONSUMERS SHOULD NOTE THAT NOT ALL HIGH 
DEFINITION TELEVISION SETS ARE FULLY COMPATIBLE 
WITH THIS PRODUCT AND MAY CAUSE ARTIFACTS TO BE 
DISPLAYED IN THE PICTURE. IN CASE OF 525 OR 625 
PROGRESSIVE SCAN PICTURE PROBLEMS, IT IS 
RECOMMENDED THAT THE USER SWITCH THE 
CONNECTION TO THE ‘STANDARD DEFINITION’ OUTPUT.
IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS REGARDING OUR TV SET 
COMPATIBILITY WITH THIS  MODEL 525p AND 625p DVD 
PLAYER, PLEASE CONTACT OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE 
CENTER.” USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES 
WITH THE MPEG-4 VISUAL STANDARD IS PROHIBITED, 
EXCEPT FOR USE BY A CONSUMER ENGAGING IN 
PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC]-04Start.fm  Page
 4  Thursday, February 5, 2004  2:31 PM
 
						

							5
Description of parts and controls
The illustrations of the center unit and the subwoofer used in this manual are of TH-M606 unless otherwise noted.
Front panel (center unit)
Rear panel (center unit)
Display window
pg. 24 pg. 26 pg. 43 pg. 23 pg. 27
pg. 20pg. 23
pg. 25 pg. 33 pg. 42
pg. 42pg. 43 pg. 35
pg. 22 pg. 22 pg. 22 pg. 24, 42 pg. 19
Disc tray (inside): pg. 22
pg. 18
Remote sensor: 
pg. 7pg. 22 pg. 24
pg. 19 pg. 19
pg. 18 pg. 23 pg. 23pg. 23 pg. 23
pg. 15 pg. 15 pg. 15
pg. 15pg. 8
pg. 14 pg. 14 pg. 44 pg. 15
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC]-04Start.fm  Page 5  Monday, February 23, 2004  5:13 PM
 
						

							Description of parts and controls
6
Powered subwoofer
SP-PWM606/SP-PWM505/SP-PWM501
SP-PWM603/SP-PWM303/SP-PWM301
* Do not block the ventilation openings.
NOTE
 For safety reasons, always ensure that there is sufficient space behind 
the powered subwoofer. FrontRear
pg. 10, 12
Power cord: 
pg. 15
POWER ON 
lamp:
 pg. 18
pg. 15
FrontRear POWER ON 
lamp: 
pg. 18
pg. 11, 13
Power cord: pg. 15 pg. 15
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC].book  Page 6  Thursday, January 29, 2004  3:36 PM
 
						

							Description of parts and controls
7
Remote controlPutting batteries in the remote control
If the range or effectiveness of the remote control decreases, 
replace both batteries.
CAUTION
• Do not expose batteries to heat or flame.
Operating the system from the remote 
control
Aim the remote control directly to the front panel of the center unit.
 Do not hide the remote sensor.
NOTE
 To use the buttons 
under the cover, slide 
down the cover.
pg. 16
pg. 16
pg. 22
pg. 19
pg. 16
pg. 16
pg. 22,
43
pg. 29pg. 22
pg. 22, 43
pg. 20,
38
pg. 17,
24
pg. 25
pg. 32
pg. 31
pg. 31
pg. 33
pg. 38 pg. 35
pg. 37
pg. 19
pg. 23
pg. 26
pg. 21
pg. 20pg. 18
pg. 16, 17
pg. 19
pg. 19
pg. 16 – 43
pg. 24, 42
pg. 24
pg. 29
pg. 27
Number 
buttons: 
pg. 25
pg. 34, 35
pg. 20, 33
pg. 33
pg. 20
pg. 20
pg. 29
pg. 20
pg. 20 pg. 34
R6P (SUM-3)/AA (15F)
type dry-cell batteries
(supplied)
TH-M606-505-501-303-301[JC]-04Start.fm  Page 7  Friday, January 30, 2004  7:18 PM