DMC-1 Setup and Configuration (cont'd)
SPEAKER CALIBRATION is accomplished through the use of internal test tones. Levels can be set in 0.5dB increments and are adjustable to +/- 10dB. The test tones for the main, center and surround speakers were helpful in setting good reference levels, but the subwoofer test one was almost destructive in nature. It could be described as an earthquake and actually makes for a great subwoofer "slam" demo for your friends. For setting a solid level, however, I would recommend using AVIA or another setup disc to obtain a more accurate subwoofer level setting or just configure the system to taste. The typical Radio Shack SPL meter is not really up to the task of assimilating the rapid succession of sub-frequencies that this test tone produces and quickly shuts itself down in a fit of horror and outrage (OK, not really, but it would if it had any sense.)
Video Settings
Entering the VIDEO submenu offers access to the On-Screen
Display functions, video delay, monitor output and default video settings.
Most of this is self-explanatory. Of note are the ability to set up to
60ms of video delay and enable/disable the OSD for volume adjustments, source, and mode changes. The
entire OSD system is switched into the video path only when utilized. This has the benefit of leaving
the video signal path very clean and unfettered for the most part. The only negative is that you will
see a flicker when making adjustments that invoke the OSD on either the s-video or composite outputs
(selectable).
None
of this affects the component video outputs which support no popup
functions. The OSD will work on the component video outputs; however a complete switch to the OSD
system will take place. You can tell that the OSD is not at all connected into the component video
circuits as an obvious signal switch on the display takes place whenever the
M
enu button is pressed that manifests itself as a quick flicker followed
by a brief delay before the OSD appears (about 3 seconds total). While the Emotiva does provide handy
component video upconversion from composite and s-video, it does not downconvert component to
s-video/composite, or even s-video to composite.
It's important to note that the two component outputs provided on the Emotiva are buffered. A buffer is an active gain stage that is used in electronic devices to maintain the signal quality when manipulating a video signal to perform various functions such as outputting to multiple destinations. Most manufacturers employ op-amps or chips for buffers which is an inexpensive way to ensure no degradation when providing multiple video outputs. What's even more remarkable is that more manufacturers do not offer this rather convenient option.
Another nice feature involves the ability to set the VID2/ M ON2 OUT function that configures the VID2/ MON2 output for use as either a record out (no OSD and muting the VID2 input) or second monitor output (with OSD). In high-end installations it is not uncommon to want a second monitor output simply to provide a small LCD TV for making changes to the processor in a remote area or decentralized equipment room.
Input Configuration
Each dedicated input of the Emotiva DMC-1 can be renamed. In addition, inputs can have their gain trim
adjusted so as to level out all input sources. This is helpful for when you connect a cable box, DVD
player, or phono device and have significantly different input levels resulting in dramatic volume
changes when switching sources. Even the Tuner has a gain trim (preset to -6dB). All inputs can be set
to a particular default DSP mode (stereo, PLII, DTS, Party, etc) and can be configured to receive
either composite, s-video or component video (where applicable). Inputs can be also be disabled in
the
M
ain Zone or Zone 2, making them unselectable.
The trigger relay on the rear of the DMC-1 can also
be set to turn on whenever the input is selected - helpful if you want to activate a video screen
whenever the DVD player is selected for example. Topping off the input settings is the 8-CH INPUT,
which also has its own Gain Trim and can be assigned to any input video source (typically
DVD).
Surround Modes and Settings
Aside from being able to select the desired default Surround mode for each input, the Emotiva DMC-1 enables users to set the preferred sub-modes for each format. For example, when selecting DTS Neo:6, you can have it default to M usic or Cinema modes. The Emotiva supports adjustment of the DTS LFE channel in music mode (-10db) when set to " Music" as opposed to the unadjusted "Cinema" mode. The Emotiva is a no-nonsense processor, providing only one lone custom DSP mode, JazzClub, in addition to its Party mode which routes signal to all speakers (selectable by the user) in your system. The standard modes come with the expected adjustments for center width, panorama, and dimension (Pro Logic II/IIx M usic) and I found adjustment of these features to be unnecessary in my listening room.
Additional Helpful Settings
There are some tremendously helpful settings for the
MAIN ZONE which allow for the POWERUP SOURCE to be selected
(or set to the LAST used input), the VOLume MODE to be set to either a preset dB amount or the last
used setting, and a
MAX VOLume setting that lets you
save your system from meddling fingers by setting a cap volume that cannot be exceeded with either the
remote control or the main unit volume controls. If you have children, teenagers and inquisitive guest
who frequent your home this is a
must-have
feature.
"On-the-Fly" Trims are provided for the Sub, Center, Surround, Surround Back, and Side Axis speakers. These settings are meant to be used to tweak settings when you want to make subtle adjustments to your system without necessarily having to access the Main Menu. The remote supports on-the-fly adjustment of the Sub(s), Surrounds and Center Channel speaker. I'm not quite sure why the other on-the-fly adjustments were not included in the remote's initial programming. Regardless, I found these trims to be helpful, especially on poorly mixed cable television shows where I wanted to get a bit more volume out of the center channel. Channel trim settings are retained even when the unit is powered off, but are, of course, globally reset to zero whenever the loudspeakers are calibrated for level.
