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Arcam AVR280 User Manual

Arcam AVR280
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AVR280HANDBOOK
Arcam AVR280 surround sound receiver
English
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Arcam AVR280 Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeAV Receiver
Signal to Noise Ratio> 100 dB
Input Sensitivity200 mV
Input Impedance47 k ohms
Digital InputsCoaxial, Optical
HDMINo
HDMI OutputsNo
RCA InputsYes
Power Output100W per channel (8 ohms)
Frequency Response20Hz to 20kHz
Video InputsComponent, Composite, S-Video
Digital OutputsCoaxial
Dimensions430 x 170 x 380 mm (W x H x D)

Summary

Safety Guidelines

Important Safety Instructions

General safety precautions and warnings for operating the Arcam AVR280, covering installation, water, heat, and cleaning.

Safety Compliance

Details adherence to international safety standards, specifically IEC 60065.

Before You Start

Introduction to the AVR280

Overview of the Arcam AVR280's capabilities as a high-quality home cinema processor and amplifier.

Using This Handbook

Guidance on how to navigate and utilize the information within the user manual for setup and operation.

What's in the Box

Lists the components and accessories included with the Arcam AVR280 receiver.

Before Making Connections

Audio and Video Connectivity Basics

General principles for connecting analogue, digital, and HDMI audio/video sources to the AVR280.

HDMI Connection Details

Specifics and limitations of using HDMI connections, including lack of Zone 2 routing.

Remote Control Operation

Instructions for inserting batteries and basic usage of the CR100 remote control.

Installation Guide

Unit Positioning and Ventilation

Advice on placing the receiver for optimal performance, safety, and adequate ventilation.

Cable Selection and Routing

Recommendations for choosing high-quality cables and managing their placement to avoid interference.

Audio Connections

Analogue Audio Inputs and Outputs

Details for connecting analogue sources like DVD-A, SACD, CD, tape decks, and VCRs.

Digital Audio Inputs and Outputs

Instructions for connecting digital sources via optical and coaxial inputs/outputs.

Video Connections

Composite and S-Video Connections

Connecting standard definition video sources and outputs, including VCR and monitor connections.

High Quality Video Connections

Details for connecting Component (YUV) or RGB video sources for superior picture quality.

SCART Connection Details

Information on SCART RGB 4-wire connections and important notes for HQ-video inputs.

HDMI and Speaker Connections

HDMI Input/Output Configuration

Details on using HDMI inputs for DVD and SAT, and the limitations of HDMI signal routing.

Loudspeaker Terminal Connection

Instructions on how to connect speaker cables using bare wire or spade terminals.

Zone 2 and Antenna Connections

Zone 2 Audio/Video Routing

Connecting and controlling audio and video for a second room (Zone 2).

FM and AM Antenna Setup

Connecting FM and AM antennas for radio reception, including AM step size adjustment.

Control and Power Connections

Remote Control and RS232 Ports

Details on connecting external remote control receivers and RS232 control devices.

Power Supply and Grounding

Instructions for connecting to the mains power supply and using the ground lift switch.

Configuring the AVR280

Entering and Navigating Setup Menus

How to access the Set-up menus via the remote or front panel and navigate through options.

Basic Setup Menus - General and Video

General Settings

System-wide configurations including volume limits, OSD modes, and video status triggers.

Video Status and Trigger Settings

Configuring video output modes (Composite, S-Video, RGB) and associated trigger outputs.

Basic Setup Menus - Speaker and Subwoofer

Speaker Size Configuration

Defining speaker types (Small/Large) and sizes for optimal surround sound setup.

Subwoofer Settings

Adjusting subwoofer crossover frequency and stereo mode for optimal bass performance.

Basic Setup Menus - Subwoofer and Delay

Subwoofer Stereo and DVD-A Level Adjustments

Fine-tuning subwoofer level for stereo sources and compensating DVD-A subwoofer gain.

Speaker Delay Settings

Calibrating speaker arrival times (delay) for accurate sound staging in multi-channel audio.

Basic Setup Menus - Levels and EX Settings

Speaker Level Calibration

Adjusting individual speaker output levels using test tones for balanced sound.

Surround EX and Zone 2 Speaker Modes

Configuring Surround EX decoding and assigning amplifier channels for Zone 2 or bi-amping.

Advanced Setup Menus

Speaker Equalization Adjustments

Fine-tuning speaker bass and treble response with 1dB step adjustments.

Advanced Video Settings

Customizing video settings, OSD behavior, and assigning HQ video inputs to sources.

Digital Input Assignment

Mapping coaxial and optical digital inputs to specific source buttons.

Advanced Setup Menus - Zone 2, Analogue, HDMI

Zone 2 Configuration Options

Detailed settings for Zone 2 volume, standby, and source access control.

Analogue Input Sensitivity Adjustment

Matching input levels for analogue sources to achieve optimal dynamic range and loudness.

HDMI Input Configuration

Assigning HDMI inputs (DVD, SAT) to source selection buttons on the remote.

Saving and Exiting Setup

Saving Configuration Changes

Procedure for saving all configured settings before exiting the setup menu.

Exiting Setup Without Saving

Options for cancelling any changes made and exiting the configuration menu.

CR100 Remote Control Overview

Device Selection and Power

How to select the AVR unit and control its power state using the remote.

Source Selection Buttons

Using dedicated buttons to select audio/video inputs for the AVR.

Navigation and Menu Controls

Using arrow buttons, OK, and MENU for navigating setup and main menus.

AVR-Specific Remote Functions

Overview of buttons dedicated to Arcam AVR specific functions like MUTE and DISPLAY.

AVR Specific Remote Keys

Direct Mode and Effects Control

Functions like DIRECT mode, FX effects, and FM MONO for audio playback.

Tuner and Trim Functions

Remote functions for radio tuning (P/TUNE), storing presets (STORE), and speaker trims (TRIM).

Operating Your AVR280

Switching the Unit On and Off

Step-by-step guide for powering the Arcam AVR280 on and off.

Stand-by Mode Operation

How to engage and manage the AVR280's stand-by mode, including Zone 2 interaction.

Volume and Mute Controls

Adjusting the output volume and using the mute function for the audio system.

Front Panel Display and Brightness

Understanding the front panel display information and adjusting its brightness.

Input Selection and Basic Operation

Selecting Audio/Video Inputs

How to choose between the various audio and video sources connected to the AVR280.

Tape and VCR/AUX Loop Usage

Using the tape input and VCR/AUX record loops for audio and video recording.

Stereo Direct Mode

Activating Stereo Direct to bypass processing for pure analogue stereo sound.

Zone 2 and Headphone Operation

Controlling Zone 2 sources and volume, and using the headphone output.

Audio Effects and Mode Selection

DSP Effects Modes

Applying various stereo enhancement effects like Music, Party, Club, Hall, Concert, Sports, Church.

Surround Sound Mode Selection

Switching between different surround sound modes for digital and analogue sources.

Remote Control Trim and Sync Adjustments

Using remote buttons for speaker level trims (TRM) and lip sync adjustment (SYN).

Using the Radio Tuner

Tuning and Selecting Radio Stations

Methods for tuning to FM/AM stations, including auto-tuning and manual tuning.

Storing and Deleting Radio Presets

How to save favorite radio stations as presets and remove them.

RDS Radio Data System Information

Utilizing RDS features to display station names, text, and frequency information.

FM Tuning and Main Menu Operation

FM Mute/Mono Functionality

Controlling FM reception noise by engaging or disengaging the mute circuit.

Main Menu Screen 1 Navigation

Details of Main Menu Screen 1, including volume, input selection, and Stereo Direct.

Main Menu Screens 2 and 3

Main Menu Screen 2 Details

Settings for Compression, Lip Sync, Pro Logic IIx Music Mode, Dimension, and Centre Width.

Main Menu Screen 3 and Zone 2 Usage

Controls for Zone 2 volume, source selection, and using the THX button for Zone 2.

Surround Sound Modes Overview

Digital Source Decoding Modes

How the AVR280 automatically detects and processes digital signals like Dolby Digital and DTS.

Analogue Source Decoding Modes

Manual selection of decoding modes for analogue sources, like Dolby Pro Logic.

Multi-channel and 5.1 Playback

Handling multi-channel audio formats and playback on 7.1 speaker systems.

Two-Channel and Multi-channel Source Modes

Two-Channel Audio Processing Options

Modes for two-channel sources including Pro Logic II/IIx Movie/Music and DTS Neo:6.

Multi-channel Digital Audio Formats

Available modes for multi-channel digital sources like Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, and DTS-ES.

Speaker Positioning Guide

Optimal Speaker Placement

Guidelines for positioning front, surround, and surround back speakers for best audio imaging.

Subwoofer Placement

Advice on positioning the subwoofer for optimal bass performance within the room.

Bi-wiring and Bi-amping Loudspeakers

Important Pre-Connection Steps

Safety precautions and essential checks before bi-wiring or bi-amping loudspeakers.

Loudspeaker Bi-wiring Procedure

Step-by-step instructions on how to connect speakers using bi-wiring for improved sound.

Bi-amping with the AVR280

Using the AVR280's internal amplifier channels to bi-amp front speakers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Power, Remote, and Display Problems

Resolving issues related to no lights, erratic remote response, or a blank front panel display.

Video and Audio Signal Issues

Troubleshooting no picture, mixed audio/video sources, picture ghosts, and OSD problems.

Speaker Output and Decoding Mode Issues

Diagnosing sound problems, speaker output issues, and inability to select Dolby/DTS modes.

Advanced Troubleshooting Scenarios

DVD Playback and Zone 2 Audio Issues

Resolving issues with Dolby Pro Logic selection, Zone 2 audio, and centre image problems.

Interference and Signal Dropouts

Addressing hum, reception interference, random source switching, and digital signal dropouts.

SCART Connection Pinouts

SCART RGB Cable Connections

Detailed pinout description for SCART RGB cables with audio back to the processor.

SCART S-Video Cable Connections

Detailed pinout description for SCART S-Video cables with audio back to the processor.

IR Remote Control Codes

Main System Control Codes

RC-5 system codes for controlling Arcam AVR280 functions like Stand-by, Source Selection, and Volume.

Extended Tuner Remote Control Codes

Technical Specifications

Audio and Video Input/Output Specs

Detailed electrical parameters for audio and video inputs, outputs, and impedance.

Power Amplifier and General Specifications

Specifications for the power amplifier, dimensions, weight, and power consumption.

Compliance and Interference Information

Regulatory compliance (FCC, EEC) and notes on radio frequency interference.

Guarantee and Registration

Worldwide Warranty Information

Details of the Arcam worldwide guarantee, covering parts and labour for two years.

Product Registration Process

Information on how to register your Arcam product online via the manufacturer's website.

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