Arcam SR250 - Dolby Technologies Explained; Dolby Volume Functionality; Dolby Atmos Speaker Setup

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Dolby volume
Dolby Volume is a sophisticated
new technology that resolves the
problem of dierent volume levels
between programme content (e.g. a TV show and advert
breaks) and between sources (e.g. a rock radio station
and DVD, or between two TV stations). It lets the
listener enjoy everything at the same preferred listening
level without having to reach for the volume control to
compensate for the dierent recording/output levels.
is is the Volume Leveller function of Dolby Volume.
Dolby Volume also works in conjunction with the
Receiver volume control setting to compensate for
the ear’s changing sensitivity at dierent frequencies
depending on how loud the audio is. It is based on
a model of how human hearing works. It properly
balances low, mid and high frequencies to maintain all
the nuances and impact of the original audio regardless
of the actual selected playback volume level. is is the
Volume Modeller function of Dolby Volume.
Dolby Volume measures, analyses and maintains volume
levels based on how people perceive sound. A variety of
audio parameters are monitored including spectral- and
time-based loudness to ensure that perceived dynamics,
timbre and bass performance remain consistent at all
volume levels.
Dolby Volume also lets the listener control a
programme’s dynamic range – the range between loud
and quiet sounds. For example, with the volume turned
down for late-night viewing, dynamic range can be
adjusted so that speech remains clear and loud eects or
music passages retain their impact without waking up
the family.
Settings
Dolby Volume can be applied to any analogue or digital
stereo source or any digital multi-channel source. It
is not available in Stereo Direct or on the analogue
multi-channel input. Dolby Volume can even be applied
to processing of stereo signals (e.g. Dolby Surround) or
when down-mixing a digital multi-channel source (e.g.
Dolby Digital 5.1 down to stereo).
Dolby Volume can be enabled and congured separately
for each audio input in the Input Cong menu. e
default is ‘O’ for ‘audiophile’ listening. You may wish
to turn Dolby Volume ‘On’ for TV and movie sources
to maintain the same perceived overall listening level
between sources and frequency response regardless of
the volume setting. Most of the controlling parameters
of Dolby Volume are automatic as they are dependent
on analysis of the audio signal and the volume setting
of the Receiver. However, the Volume Leveller and
Calibration Oset controls (see below) can be adjusted
to your preference.
Volume Leveller
e Volume Leveller function of Dolby Volume controls
how closely quiet and loud sources and programme
content are matched to each other, based on the
ear’s perception of loudness. e range of values is 0
(minimal levelling) to 10 (maximum levelling). e
default setting is 2. If the Volume Leveller function
is turned o, no level matching between sources and
programme material is performed. is is not the
same as turning Dolby Volume o as volume related
frequency response processing is still active.
When Dolby Volume is being applied to the current
input, a Dolby Volume processing mode indicator is
shown on the OSD and the front panel display.
Calibration Offset
e Calibration Oset parameter of Dolby Volume
allows you to compensate for speaker eciencies and
listening position – eectively moving the reference
listening level up or down the volume scale. e default
value is 0 and this should normally produce a good
result when the Receiver speaker levels are set using
a sound pressure level meter at the listening position
(75dB SPL, ‘C’ weighting, slow response).
Dolby atmos
Dolby Atmos®
for the home
represents every
sound in the original cinema mix as an audio object.
Extensions to the Dolby Audio™ CODECs, along with
an advanced scalable algorithm, allow Dolby Atmos
to be delivered via Blu-ray Disc and streaming media.
Your Dolby Atmos equipped AV860/AVR850/AVR550/
AVR390 adapts the cinema experience to your home
theatre using up to 12 channels (for congurations
above 8 channels, aditional power amplication is
required), recreating the original artisitc concept.
Dolby Atmos speaker setup
With Dolby Atmos technology, you have two basic
options for overhead sound:
< Ceiling speakers
< Dolby Atmos enabled speakers
e AV860/AVR850/AVR550/AVR390 supports
up to four ceiling or Dolby Atmos enabled
speakers. If just two are used then they should
be positioned centrally between the screen and
listening position, if fours are used then they
sould be positioned just in front of the screen
and just in front of the listening position. For a
5.1.2 conguration, channels 6&7 of the AV860/
AVR850/AVR550/AVR390 can be congured for
the height 1 channels.
Ceiling speakers
Ceiling speakers are mounted directly in the ceiling as
shown in this 7.1.4 example.
Dolby Atmos enabled speakers
Dolby Atmos enabled speakers are specially
engineered to direct sound upward, where it
reects o the ceiling to produce an incredibly
lifelike re-creation of overhead sound. Dolby
Atmos enabled speakers come in two versions:
< Integrated units that also include traditional
forward ring speakers.
< Add-on modules, containing only the upward-
ring elements, that you put on top of your
current speakers or on a nearby surface.