SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER

RTC-965 ContentsRR-939 Remote Control 15Programming the RR-93916POWER Button 4316Figure 1: Controls and Connections3VOLUME Buttons 4116Figure 2: Remote Control4TUNING Button 4216Figure 3: Antenna Connections4INPUT SOURCE Buttons 4816Figure 4: DB25 Connector Pin Assignments45.1 Button 5116Figure 5: Output Connections5BAND Button 4516Figure 6: RCA Input Connections6NUMERIC Buttons 4716Figure 7: S-Video Input Connections7DYNAMIC Button 5416Figure 8: On-Screen Menus8MUTE Button (remote only) 4416MENU button 4916About Rotel 10Getting Started 10Rear Panel Connections: Overview 17RTC-965 Key Features10Unpacking10Phono Inputs 30 and Phono Ground 2917Placement10CD Inputs 3117Tape Inputs and Outputs 3817Front Panel: Basic Controls 10Power Switch 1 and Standby Switch 24311Rear Panel: Audio Source Connections 17Rear Panel: Video Source Connections 1711VIDEO 1 Inputs/Outputs 321711VIDEO 2 – 5 Inputs 321811Digital Inputs 3718Tone Controls 21115.1 Channel Audio Input 3618Balance Control 2211SUBWOOFER/REAR/CENTER /– Buttons 1811TV Monitor Output 3918MEMORY Button 1911RCA Preamp Outputs 27185.1 CHANNEL Preamp Outputs 2818Remote Sensor 3Front Panel Display 4Master Volume Control 641Front Panel: Input Selection/Recording Controls 11Input Source Buttons 7115.1 CH Input 15125112VIDEO 1 REC Button 17Front Panel: Surround Sound Controls 12Rear Panel Output Signal Connections 18Rear Panel Antenna Connections 19AM Loop Antenna 2619FM Wire Antenna 3519Rear Panel AC Power Connections 19PRO LOGIC Button 812AC Input 40193 STEREO Button 912AC Convenience Outlets 3319DSP Button 1012Remote External Sensor Jack 3419STEREO Button 1113DYNAMIC RANGE Button 12 5413Front Panel: Tuning Controls 13On-Screen Display / Configuration 19Navigation Buttons 41 46 49 50 52 5320MAIN Menu20BAND Button 24 4513INPUT SELECTOR Menu21TUNING Button 25 4213SURROUND MODE Menu2113TEST TONE Menu22FREQUENCY DIRECT Button 2014TONE/BALANCE Menu22MONO Button 2314SETUP Menu23NUMERIC Keypad: Station Presets 547Front Panel: Configuration Controls 14VIDEO LABEL Button 1614SPEAKER MODE Button 1414MENU Button 13 4915RTC-965 Specifications 239

SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965 Comprehensive digital and analog input and output connectionsfor audio and video sources, including digital inputs, compositevideo inputs and S-Video inputs AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets, direct access tuning, andauto-tuning. Programmable remote control to operate the RTC-965 and up toseven other components.About RotelA family whose passionate interest in music led them to manufacture high fidelity components of uncompromising quality foundedRotel over 30 years ago. Through the years that passion has remained undiminished and the family goal of providing exceptionalvalue for audiophiles and music lovers regardless of their budget,is shared by all Rotel employees.The engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuningeach new product until it reaches their exacting musical standards. They are free to choose components from around the worldin order to make that product the best they can. You are likely tofind capacitors from the United Kingdom and Germany, semi conductors from Japan or the United States, while toroidal powertransformers are manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.Rotel’s reputation for excellence has been earned through hundreds of good reviews and awards from the most respected reviewers in the industry, who listen to music every day. Theircomments keep the company true to its goal - the pursuit ofequipment that is musical, reliable and affordable.All of us at Rotel, thank you for buying this product and hope it willbring you many hours of enjoyment. Getting StartedThank you for purchasing the Rotel RTC-965 Surround SoundTuner Preamplifier. The RTC-965 is four products in one:1. A digital audio/video processor designed to decode Dolby ProLogic analog surround signals plus Dolby Digital and DTS digital surround sound signals2. A full-featured audio/video control center for analog and digitalsource components3. A high-quality AM/FM tuner.RTC-965 Key Features Rotel’s Balanced Design Concept combines advanced circuitboard layout, comprehensive parts evaluation, and extensive listening tests for superior sound and long term reliability. Dolby Pro Logic decoding for analog sources Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for 5.1 channel digital sources 5.1 channel input for outboard adaptor and future upgradeabilty User friendly ON-SCREEN DISPLAY with programmable labels forvideo components.10UnpackingRemove the unit carefully from its packing. Look for the handheldremote control and other accessories. Save the packing and boxas it will protect the RTC-965 if you move or need to return it formaintenance.PlacementPlace the RTC-965 on a solid, dry, level surface away from directsunlight, excessive heat, high humidity, or strong vibrations.Make sure the RTC-965 is close to the other components in youraudio/video system and, if possible, place it on its own shelf. Thiswill make initial cable routing, hookup, and any subsequent system changes easier. It also minimizes potential interference orheat buildup from other components.Make sure there is enough room behind the RTC-965 for easyhookup. Remember, you are connecting many other componentsto this unit and you’ll probably need more space than you think.Don’t stack other objects (components or other items) on top ofthe RTC-965. Don’t let water fall into the RTC-965 as this coulddamage delicate circuitry. Front Panel: Basic ControlsWe suggest you look over the RTC-965’s front and rear panels before you start connecting other components to it. The followingexplanations will help you get familiar with the units connections,features, and controls, with number references corresponding tothe illustrations at the front of this manual.Most functions are duplicated on the front panel and on thehandheld remote control shipped with your unit. A few may beavailable only on one or the other. When two reference numbersappear, one refers to the location of the button on the front panel,the other to the location of the button on the handheld remotecontrol.Note: Front panel controls and displays used for tuning the AM/FM receiver are described in the next section of this manual.

RTC-965Power Switchand Standby Switch1243The RTC-965 has two pushbuttons for powering on and off. ThePOWER switch completely shuts down all of the circuitry, similarin effect to removing the power cord from the AC outlet. TheSTANDBY switch deactivates the unit, but preserves power tosome circuits such as those that store memorized circuits. Whenin STANDBY mode, a front panel STANDBY LED indicator lights.The STANDBY Switch is duplicated on the RTC-965's remote.In normal operation, use the STANDBY switch to deactivate theunit when you are finished listening and leave the POWER switchON at all times. This will preserve memory functions.Note: The STANDBY switch also controls the rear panel AC convenience outlets. When the RTC-965 is in STANDBY mode, the ACoutlet is also off. When the RTC-965 is fully functional, the AC outlet is live.Remote Sensor3This sensor receives infrared signals from the handheld remotecontrol. Make sure you do not accidentally block this sensor withcables or accessories.Front Panel Display4The large fluorescent display in the upper portion of the RTC-965provides status information used in operating the AM/FM receiver(such as station frequency display, band, preset memory, etc.).Master Volume Control641The MASTER VOLUME control adjusts the level of all output channels simultaneously. Rotate the control clockwise to increase thevolume. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease the volume. MASTER VOLUME buttons are also available on the RTC-965'shandheld remote control.When you adjust the volume, a digital readout will appear in theRTC-965 front panel display and an indication of the new settingwill appear on your TV monitor.Tone Controls21BASS and TREBLE controls increase and decrease the audiosignal’s low and high frequency content respectively. Rotateclockwise to increase output in the respective frequency rangeand counterclockwise to reduce it. The center detent removeseach control from the audio path for maximum signal integrity. Thefront panel display and an ON-SCREEN DISPLAY will show tonecontrol settings as you adjust them.Balance Control22Turn the BALANCE control clockwise to increase the output levelof the right channel speakers. Turn counterclockwise to increasethe output level of the left channel speakers. The center detentposition removes the control from the circuit and provides equaloutput from both left and right channels.SUBWOOFER/REAR/CENTER /– Buttons18These three pairs of buttons are used to adjust the output level ofthe subwoofer channel, the rear surround speakers, and the center channel speaker.To change the output volume of the subwoofer, press theSUBWOOFER or – buttons. To change the output volume of therear surround channels press the REAR or – buttons. To adjustthe output of the center channel, press the CENTER or – button.Note: The same adjustments can also be made using the ONSCREEN MENU system and test tones during system setup.MEMORY Button19The MEMORY button is used to confirm and memorize various settings in the setup and operation of the RTC-965, including tunerstation presets and video source labels. Its use is described in detail in the relevant sections below. Front Panel: Input Selection/Recording ControlsInput Source Buttons7Ten large front panel buttons directly select an audio or video input source (such as a CD player, the built-in tuner, a tape recorder,video sources, etc.) for listening. Push any of these buttons (or theduplicates on the handheld remote) to select the desired source.You will hear this source and, if you have selected a video source,see its picture on your TV monitor.Both the front panel display and the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY willshow the current source selection. These labels can be customized to match your components (see the VIDEO LABEL button below).Note: Four video inputs accept analog audio/video signals anddigital signals including Dolby Digital and DTS surround material.If a digital signal is present when the source is selected, the digital input is automatically activated and the proper surroundchoice enabled – unless the automatic sensing has been overridden for that input in the setup procedure described in the sectionon System Configuration. If no digital signal is present or if theauto sensing has been disabled, the analog inputs are selected.TAPE MONITOR INPUTS: Two of the INPUT SOURCE buttons havea special function. The TAPE 1 and TAPE 2 MONITOR buttons activate the analog inputs of a tape monitor loop consisting of a pairof outputs and a matching set of inputs. Traditionally, this tapemonitor loop has been used to play a tape deck connected tothese inputs or for real time monitoring of a recording in progresson an audio tape deck. Alternatively, the tape monitor loop couldbe used to pass a signal to a graphic equalizer and listen to theprocessed signal by pressing the corresponding TAPE MONITORbutton. An indicator appears in the front panel display when TAPE2 MONITOR is activated.11

SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-9655.1 CH Input1551This button overrides all other inputs (both analog and digital) anddirectly connects an external digital adaptor to the RTC-965’sMASTER VOLUME control and outputs. This allows the RTC-965 toremain the central controller for even the most advanced audio/video systems and provides an upgrade path to future softwarestandards. When activated, all of the RTC-965’s inboard Dolby processing is bypassed. An indicator appears in the front panel display and the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY when the 5.1 CH input isactivated.The 5.1 CH button is duplicated on the handheld remote control.VIDEO 1 REC Button17The RTC-965 permits recording from any source connected to theVIDEO 2 through 5 inputs to a VCR connected to the VIDEO 1 outputs while allowing simultaneous listening to another inputsource. To select a VIDEO INPUT SOURCE for recording, press theVIDEO 1 REC button. Each time you press the button, one of theVIDEO INPUT sources will be shown in the front panel display andselected for recording. For example, the first time you press thebutton, VIDEO 2 will be displayed as the recording source, a second press of the button will display VIDEO 3, and so on until youhave cycled through VIDEO 4 and AUX/VIDEO 5 as well. Stopwhen you reach the input you wish to record from and its signalwill be available to record on a VCR connected to the VIDEO 1 outputs. Remember, this selection is independent of the listeningsource. While recording, you may still select an audio source (forexample, the CD or the TUNER input) for listening.Note: The RECORD function requires analog signals. Thus, if youare using a digital connection from a CD player or DVD for listening, you should also connect an analog signal for recording. Seethe section on Rear Panel Input Connections.ery time you play a stereo CD or listen to a stereo FM broadcast.To the contrary, many people find that they prefer one of the othersurround modes. We have provided a note with each surroundmode description suggesting when the setting may be appropriatealong with alternative settings.As a general rule, we recommend using PRO LOGIC mode for allsources labeled Dolby Pro Logic. Beyond that, use whatever settings sound best to you in your room with your system.Note: Some users understandably find the choice of surroundmodes overwhelming, particularly until they have had a chance tolive with the system and experiment for a while. Others simplyprefer “set it and leave it” convenience. In both cases, we recommend PRO LOGIC mode as a satisfactory choice for virtually anysource material.PRO LOGIC ButtonProvides proper playback decoding and processing for any DolbyPro Logic encoded surround sound material, whether it be a music CD, videotape, videodisc, conventional stereo TV broadcast, orradio broadcast. It also can be used successfully to create additional ambience in 2-channel musical source material. Front, center, and rear speakers are activated and an indicator lights in thefront panel display when the PRO LOGIC button is pressed.Note: Many users will find that leaving the RTC-965 in the PROLOGIC mode offers the most satisfactory performance and convenience for all source materials. It provides automatic decoding ofanalog surround sound material. It allows automatic selection(unless overridden) of digital processing when a Dolby Digital orDTS source is played. In addition, it provides satisfying surroundsound ambience with musical sources.3 STEREO Button Front Panel: Surround SoundControlsThe RTC-965 is equipped to properly decode Dolby Pro Logic ,Dolby Digital , and DTS surround sound source material as wellas synthesizing several different ambience simulations for musical source material.Dolby Digital and DTS activation are fully automatic (unless theauto sensing is disabled during system setup). When a digital signal encoded with either of these surround signals is detected, theRTC-965 automatically activates the proper decoding. In mostcases, the RTC-965 will also recognize a digital signal encodedwith Dolby Pro Logic for automatic processing.Additionally, five small buttons allow manual control of the surround sound/ambience settings as described below. Keep in mindthat there are no right or wrong settings. Just because a mode islabelled STEREO does not mean that you must use this mode ev-1289Provides the proper playback of Dolby Pro Logic source materialon systems that have front and center speakers, but lack rear surround speakers. Adds the rear channel signals to the front speakers for a larger, more ambient sound than conventional stereo. Anindicator lights in the front panel display to show that this modehas been activated.DSP Button10This button activates digital synthesis of four different ambiencemodes (MUSIC 1: THEATER, MUSIC 2: HALL, MUSIC 3: STADIUM,and MUSIC 4: CHURCH) which simulate different acoustic environments and are primarily used to recreate ambience when listening to music sources and/or other sources that lack surroundsound encoding.These four modes vary in the length and type of delay used for therear surround channel signals. Experiment to find a setting whichis most pleasing for a particular recording or broadcast. Press thebutton to activate the DSP mode. Each subsequent press of thebutton will step forward to the next mode in the following order:MUSIC 1 MUSIC 2 MUSIC 3 MUSIC 4. An indicator lights inthe front panel display when DSP mode has been activated.

RTC-965 Note: As a general rule, the DSP modes provide more exaggerated ambience effects than playing the same recording in PROLOGIC mode, which provides a subtle ambience synthesis on musical recordings. You may prefer PRO LOGIC as your “everyday”setting, experimenting with the more spectacular DSP modes forparticular recordings or effects.STEREO ButtonFront Panel: Tuning ControlsThe RTC-965 features a digital synthesized AM/FM tuner with 30station presets. Operation of the tuning functions involves the useof the numeric buttons immediately to the left of the MASTERVOLUME knob and five buttons directly below the MASTER VOLUME knob as described below.11Activates conventional 2-speaker stereo direct bypass mode withno surround sound or other processing. This is “pure” stereo, using the front left and front right speakers only, with no surroundchannels and no center channel.When used with Dolby Digital or DTS source material, the STEREObutton engages a “downmix” feature which combines all of theavailable channels and sends them to the front speakers only. Thespatial effects of surround sound are lost, but all of the information on the original recording will be

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