Parasound Home Theater System P DD 1500 User Manual

O W N E R ' S  
M A N U A L  
P/DD-1500 Digital Surround Processor  
 
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
3
Table of Contents  
Safety Instructions.....................................................................................................................................................2  
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................................3  
Unpacking and Placement of Your P/DD-1500 .........................................................................................................3  
Making Connections to Your P/DD-1500...................................................................................................................6  
Input Connections .....................................................................................................................................................6  
Output Connections...................................................................................................................................................6  
Setting Up Your P/DD-1500 ......................................................................................................................................7  
Bass Management ....................................................................................................................................................7  
Operating your P/DD-1500 ......................................................................................................................................10  
P/DD-1500 Processing Modes ................................................................................................................................10  
Additional Signal Processing Features ....................................................................................................................11  
Using Your P/DD-1500 with Other Processors........................................................................................................11  
Maintaining Your P/DD-1500 ...................................................................................................................................14  
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................................14  
Specifications ..........................................................................................................................................................15  
Special Features .....................................................................................................................................................15  
Limited Warranty .....................................................................................................................................................16  
Introduction  
Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of  
Parasound. Your P/DD-1500 incorporates high-quality full 20 bit decoders, filters, and D to A  
converters to process Dolby Digital encoded material to provide you with an unbelievable home theater  
experience. Although we designed the P/DD-1500 for control by the companion P/SP-1500 A/V  
Processor/Preamplifier, it can also be used with many other processors that have six discrete inputs.  
Please take the time now to read these instructions thoroughly to fully appreciate the advanced  
capabilities of your P/DD-1500 Digital Decoder. Be sure to refer to the P/SP-1500 Owner's Manual. It  
contains much of the information regarding connecting, setup and operation of both units.  
Unpacking and Placement of Your P/DD-1500  
Carefully unpack your P/DD-1500 and remove all the enclosed accessories including the remote control,  
DB-25 interconnect cable, and detachable AC cord. Be sure to inspect the unit for any possible shipping  
damage. If you see any, contact your Parasound Dealer immediately. Save all of the packing material  
including the outer carton in case you ever need to ship the unit.  
Locate the P/DD-1500 near your P/SP-1500 to allow for easy connection with the provided DB-25  
interconnect. Keep your P/DD-1500 out of direct sunlight because it could interfere with its remote  
control sensor. You should also keep the unit away from heat sources such as hot air ducts or radiators.  
Before you proceed, find the serial number located on the rear panel of your unit and record it for  
reference:  
SERIAL NUMBER: ____________________ DATE OF PURCHASE: ____________________  
 
4
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
Figu:Sd/D-150RrPanels  
 
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
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6
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
Making Connections to Your P/DD-1500  
Refer to Figure #1  
Precautions  
Before making any connections, be sure to turn off the power to your P/DD-1500, P/SP-1500 and  
especially your power amplifiers. Also, make sure there is no strain or tension on any connections that  
could cause them to pull loose.  
AC Line Cord Receptacle  
The AC receptacle accepts the AC cord supplied with your P/DD-1500. Plug the female end of the AC  
cord firmly into the AC receptacle and make sure that it is properly seated.  
Input Connections  
Your P/DD-1500 comes equipped with four inputs: one RF, two 75 digital coaxial inputs and a digital  
fiber-optic Toslink.  
RF Input  
Connect the RF output of your Dolby Digital equipped laser disc player to this input. The P/DD-1500  
has a built-in RF demodulator that processes the audio signal stored on Dolby Digital encoded laser  
discs. The demodulated RF signal is then decoded by the P/DD-1500. If the laser disc was encoded with  
two channel information, you will only be able to select the Dolby Pro Logic or Two Channel stereo  
modes for playback. If it was recorded with 5.1 channels of information, the P/DD-1500 will  
automatically select the Dolby Digital mode and play back all 5.1 channels of audio.  
75 Coaxial Inputs  
The two coaxial inputs on the P/DD-1500 receive the digital signal from CD, DVD players and other  
digital components with 75 coaxial outputs. If the source material has been encoded with Dolby  
Digital, the digital signal bypasses the RF demodulator and is sent directly to the digital processing  
circuitry for Dolby Digital decoding. Connect the coaxial output of your DVD player, DSS receiver, or  
other digital source to either of the coaxial inputs. If the digital source was encoded only with two  
channel information, you will be able to select only the Dolby Pro Logic or Two Channel stereo modes  
for playback. If it was recorded with 5.1 channels of information, the P/DD-1500 will automatically  
select the Dolby Digital mode and play back all 5.1 channels of audio.  
Fiber-Optic Toslink Input  
The fiber-optic input on the P/DD-1500 receives digital signals from many DVD players and other  
digital components with Toslink output connectors. If the source material has been Dolby Digital  
encoded, the digital signal bypasses the RF demodulator and is sent directly to the digital processing  
circuitry for Dolby Digital decoding. Connect the Toslink output of your DVD player, DSS receiver, or  
other digital source to the Toslink input. If the digital source was encoded with two channel information,  
you will only be able to select the Dolby Pro Logic or two channel stereo modes for playback. If it was  
recorded with 5.1 channels of information, the P/DD-1500 will automatically select 5.1 channels of  
Dolby Digital sound.  
Audio Output Connections  
5.1 Audio Output/Control Connection  
The DB-25 connector on the rear panel of your P/DD-1500 sends the processed 5.1 channel analog  
audio output to the matching DB-25 input connector of the P/SP-1500 AV Processor/Preamplifier. The  
P/SP-1500 is then used for calibration, bass management, and level adjustment. Use the provided DB-25  
interconnect cable to connect the two units together. Once you have made this connection, secure the  
connectors to the P/SP-1500 and P/DD-1500 with the connector screws.  
 
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
7
Two Channel Audio Output  
The P/DD-1500 has two RCA output connectors much like a standard two channel digital to analog  
converter. Connect these front left and right audio outputs to any input of the P/SP-1500 so you can use  
its analog processing circuitry for analog Dolby Pro Logic, THX, and music Ambiance. When you press  
the Two Channel button, you can "downmix" the 5.1 channels of your digital sources so you can record  
them on your VCR or tape deck.  
This unique feature allows you to make listening comparisons between the digital Pro Logic processing  
circuitry of the P/DD-1500 to the analog Pro Logic processing of the P/SP-1500. With the input you  
designated for the P/DD-1500's two channel input selected, simply switch between the 5.1 and any other  
processing mode on the P/SP-1500. Note that when you switch from the 5.1 mode on the P/SP-1500, the  
analog signal from the P/DD-1500 becomes interrupted.  
Setting up Your P/DD-1500  
Bass Management Configurations with the P/DD-1500 and P/SP-1500  
The three bass management switches on the P/DD-1500 and the sub control switch on the P/SP-1500  
allow you to set your system to accommodate numerous home theater speaker configurations. Following  
are descriptions of each of the bass management switches and drawings of recommended switch settings  
for various speaker system configurations.  
Low Frequency Effects (LFE)/Bass Management Selector  
The three position LFE/Bass Management switch allows you to manage where the low frequencies are  
routed depending on the requirements of your system:  
Subwoofer Output Off LFE & C, LS, RS Bass Frequencies Mixed with L, R Channels  
In this upper position, low frequencies below 100 Hz from the center and surround speakers are routed  
to the front left and right speakers and the subwoofer output at the DB-25 connector is muted.  
Subwoofer Output On No Filter, Subwoofer Output = LFE and Five Channels Mixed  
In this mid position, low frequencies below 100 Hz from all 5.1 channels are routed to the subwoofer  
output at the DB-25 connector.  
Subwoofer Output On No Filter, Subwoofer Output = LFE Only  
In this lower position, only the low frequency effects channel is routed to the subwoofer output at the  
DB-25 connector.  
Left Surrouind and Right Surround Channel Selector  
Set this rear panel switch to accommodate the bass capabilities of your surround channel speakers.  
Following are descriptions of the recommended center channel switch settings based upon the surround  
speakers you will be using:  
Small Surround Speakers  
Select the lower Small Speakers Bass Filter On position if your surround speakers are not designed to  
reproduce low bass frequencies above 100 Hz.  
Large Surround Speakers  
Select the upper Large Speakers Bass Filter Off position if your surround speakers are designed to  
reproduce low bass frequencies below 100 Hz.  
 
8
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
Center Channel Speaker Selector  
Set this rear panel switch to accommodate the bass capabilities of your center channel speaker.  
Following are descriptions of the recommended center channel switch settings based upon the center  
speaker you will be using:  
No Speaker, Phantom Mode  
Select the No Speaker position if you do not have a center channel speaker. In this position, the front  
right and left speakers share reproduction of the mono center channel signal to create a “phantom” image  
in the center. In some systems a phantom center channel may provide a wider listening "sweet spot".  
Small Speaker, Bass Filter On  
Select the Small Speaker position for typical sized center channel speakers. In this position, the P/DD-  
1500 protects your center channel speaker from bass overload and distortion by diverting bass  
frequencies below 100 Hz to the left and right channels. In this position, front channel imaging remains  
tonally balanced even with the limited bass capability of typical smaller center channel loudspeakers.  
Large Speaker, Bass Filter Off  
Select the Large Speaker position for center channel speakers that have extended low bass capability and  
can play as loud as your front left and right speakers without bass distortion. Use this setting for THX  
Home Cinema center speakers. In this position, the P/DD-1500 routes the entire audio bandwidth  
(20 Hz - 20 kHz) to the center channel output.  
Center Channel Speaker  
LS / RS Channels  
LFE/ Bass Management  
Subwoofer Output Off  
Sub Control  
all Modes  
LFE & C, LS, RS, Bass Frequencies  
Mixed with L, R Channels  
L C R full range  
Sub off  
No Speaker  
Phantom Mode  
Small Speaker  
Bass Filter On  
Small Speakers  
Bass Filter On  
L C R full range  
Sub Full Range  
Subwoofer Output On, No Filter  
Sub Out = LFE + 5 Channels Mixed  
Large Speakers  
Bass Filter Off  
Large Speaker  
Bass Filter Off  
L C R Sub  
THX Filter  
Subwoofer On, No Filter  
Subwoofer Output = LFE Only  
P/DD-1500  
P/SP-1500  
P/DD-1500 and P/SP-1500 Bass Management Switches  
Internal LFE Level Switch  
There is an internal two position DIP switch to select the output level of the LFE channel to  
accommodate the host processor used with your P/DD-1500. You can select between the factory setting  
of 3 V or 5.4 V. During setup, if you are not getting enough output level from the subwoofer channel, set  
this position to the 5.4 V position. Conversely, if you discover that the LFE channel is easily overloaded,  
set this switch to the 3 V position. To access this switch, you will need to remove the cover panel. Be  
sure the power is removed from the wall outlet before you reset this switch.  
C
C
C03  
R7Y  
S4W  
1
2
R5Y  
1OF5.2V  
1ON3V  
D-B25Cnector  
Rear  
of  
R6Y  
P/DD-1500  
U
U
U
U7  
Right Side of P/DD-1500  
 
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
9
SUB  
SUB  
C
C
R
L
R
L
LS  
RS  
LS  
RS  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/SP-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/SP-1500  
Center Channel LS/RS Channels LFE/Bass Management Sub Control  
Center Channel LS/RS Channels LFE/Bass Management Sub Control  
MIDDLE UP MIDDLE DOWN  
MIDDLE UP MIDDLE MIDDLE  
Setting # 1: Small L, C, R, LS, RS speakers.  
Setting # 2: Small L, C, R, LS, RS speakers.  
Crossover in subwoofer bypassed. Typical THX Setup  
Crossover in subwoofer engaged. Typical THX Setup  
SUB  
C
C
R
R
L
L
LS  
RS  
LS  
RS  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/SP-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/SP-1500  
Center Channel LS/RS Channels LFE/Bass Management Sub Control  
Center Channel LS/RS Channels LFE/Bass Management Sub Control  
MIDDLE UP UP UP  
DOWN DOWN DOWN MIDDLE  
Setting # 3: Large L, R, speakers, small C, LS, RS  
Setting # 4: Large L, C, R, LS, RS speakers.  
speakers. No subwoofer.  
Subwoofer for LFE only.  
C
C
R
R
L
L
LS  
RS  
LS  
RS  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/SP-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/DD-1500  
P/SP-1500  
Center Channel LS/RS Channels LFE/Bass Management Sub Control  
Center Channel LS/RS Channels LFE/Bass Management Sub Control  
DOWN UP UP UP  
DOWN DOWN UP UP  
Setting # 5: Large L, C, R speakers, small LS, RS  
Setting # 6: Large L, C, R, LS, RS speakers.  
speakers. No Subwoofer.  
No subwoofer.  
 
10  
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
Operating Your P/DD-1500 Digital Surround Decoder  
Refer to Figure #2  
Front Panel and Remote and Controls  
You can control all of the operations of the P/DD-1500 with either its front panel controls or hand held  
remote. The remote control gives you complete access to the functions of both your P/SP-1500 and  
P/DD-1500. These same keys include On, Off, and input selection. Refer to the P/SP-1500 owner's  
manual for more details about using the remote control to operate your P/SP-1500. Other keys on the  
remote dedicated to the P/SP-1500 will not affect the P/DD-1500 and pressing any mode other than 5.1  
will always disengage the P/DD-1500. Also note that the only on-screen display that applies to the  
P/DD-1500 is 5.1 mode indicator. Therefore, you will need to refer to the front panel of the P/DD-1500  
for its control status.  
Input Selectors  
You can select the RF and three digital inputs from the remote control or on the front panel. When you  
choose an input, a corresponding green LED on the front panel will illuminate to indicate which input  
you selected. Note that the four AV Inputs on the P/SP-1500 correspond automatically to the inputs on  
the P/DD-1500: (RF = Video 1, Toslink = Video 2, Coax 1 = Video 3, Coax 2 = Video 4). If you want to  
select different "non corresponding" inputs for the P/DD-1500 and P/SP-1500, use the input selector  
buttons on the front panels instead of the remote control.  
P/DD-1500 Processing Modes  
You can select three different processing modes from the remote control or on the front panel. When you  
first turn the unit on and before your digital source is playing, the green LED above the Dolby Digital  
button and all the L, C, R, LS, RS, LFE channel indicators in the front panel display will light to show  
you that all six channels are ready to receive a signal. Once the P/DD-1500 receives a signal, the LOCK  
indicator in the display will illuminate. The P/DD-1500 detects whether the material was recorded in 5.1  
or 2 channel and select it automatically:  
Dolby Digital  
If the source you are playing was encoded in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital, the internal decoder  
automatically selects Dolby Digital processing. The green LED above the Dolby Digital button and all  
of the amber L, C, R, LS, RS, LFE channel indicators will illuminate to indicate 5.1 channel Dolby  
Digital processing.  
Pro Logic Surround  
If the source material you want to listen to was encoded in Dolby Surround (LT, RT matrix) you can  
decode the signal into Dolby Pro Logic by selecting this mode. You can also use this mode to listen to  
standard two channel material to obtain surround effects that, while not Dolby Pro Logic, may still be  
quite enjoyable. When you select this mode, the L, C, R indicators will light amber, the LS and RS  
indicators will light red to indicate standard Pro Logic mono surround channels, and the LFE indicator  
will stay off. If the program material has been encoded in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital, the Pro Logic mode  
will not operate because the P/DD-1500 will automatically select the Dolby Digital mode.  
Two Channel  
This mode instructs the decoding circuitry to automatically route or "downmix" the center, left and right  
surround channels to the front left and right channels for two channel stereo playback. In this mode, the  
P/DD-1500 operates much like a two channel D to A converter such as the Parasound D/AC-1100 HD.  
Even if the source material has been encoded in Dolby Surround or 2 channel Dolby Digital, the  
P/DD-1500 will playback the material in stereo. As a result, only the front left, right and subwoofer  
channels are active in this mode and only the amber L and R indicators will light. You can select the two  
channel stereo mode from the remote control or on the front panel.  
 
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
11  
Notes on Automatic and Manual Operation of the P/DD-1500's Processing Modes:  
The Dolby Digital mode is automatically engaged when the P/DD-1500 is first turned on or  
whenever a 5.1 Dolby Digital encoded source is playing.  
You can only change processing modes when a source connected to your P/DD-1500 is playing.  
You can only select the Pro Logic mode with a 2 channel PCM or Dolby Surround encoded source.  
The 2 Channel mode is automatically selected whenever a non-5.1 encoded source is playing.  
You can select the 2 Channel mode to downmix a 5.1 encoded source to stereo operation.  
Additional Signal Processing Features  
Your P/DD-1500 also includes additional features that allow you to tailor your home theater system to  
your specific needs. These additional features include Dialog Normalization, Dynamic Range  
Compression, and Lucasfilm Cinema Re-Equalization.  
Dialog Normalization  
During the recording and mastering process of music and films, sound engineers make different  
recordings at reference levels that may differ by as much as 12 dB. As a result, when you switch from  
one source to another, you will probably notice a substantial change in loudness. Dialog Normalization  
is automatically engaged and allows you to switch between sources with different recorded levels and  
still perceive the same apparent loudness. This feature makes it possible to accommodate a wide variety  
of production styles without having to constantly readjust the overall system level. You can disengage  
Dialog Normalization with either the remote control or on the front panel. However, this automatic  
function will work only if Dialog Normalization was already programmed into the source material.  
R
C
L
%
LS  
LFE  
RS  
75 % Dynamic Range Indication  
Dynamic Range Control  
Dynamic range is defined as the difference between the quietest sounds to the loudest peaks of program  
material. If you want to listen to your system at low levels, simply reducing volume would cause the  
quietest passages to become inaudible. The Dynamic Range control allows you to hear everything at low  
volume including the quietest passages. This feature is especially useful for late night listening or when  
you want to play material at moderate levels without missing any of the program's content. Three  
Dynamic Range control settings are displayed on the front panel when you press the dynamic range  
button with either the remote control or on the front panel. When the Dynamic Range LED is off, there  
is no numerical value in the display and there is no compression. When the display indicates 25%, 3 dB  
of the dynamic range is restricted. When the display indicates 50%, 6 dB of the available compression  
will be engaged. When the display indicates 75%, 12 dB of the available compression will be engaged.  
We did not provide 100% compression. When you first press the Dynamic Range button, The first  
indication is the level at which it is currently set. Subsequent presses of the control button implement the  
next settings.  
Lucasfilm Cinema Re-Equalization  
The proprietary Lucasfilm Re-Equalization circuitry corrects for the high frequency boost in most film  
soundtracks for playback in theaters via loudspeakers located behind a screen. As a result, when this  
material is played back on home speakers located much closer to the listening position, most  
soundtracks tends to sound unnaturally bright. The Lucasfilm Re-EQ circuit compensates for this boost  
by precisely attenuating, or "re-equalizing" high frequencies above 15 kHz. You can engage the Re-EQ  
circuitry with the remote control on the front panel. When engaged, RE-EQ appears in the front panel  
display.  
 
12  
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
Center Channel Delay  
In a properly configured home theater system, signals from the front left, center, and right speakers  
should arrive at your listening position at the same time, either by placing your front speakers at the  
same distance from your listening position, or with electronic delay circuitry. The center channel delay  
feature provides adjustment for arrival times from the center channel speaker. Use a tape measure or a  
string to determine the distance from each speaker to your favorite listening position. If the distance  
from the center speaker to your listening position is the same as the distance from the front left and right  
speakers, set the center delay time to 0 MS. If you need to move the center speaker forward to line up on  
the same plane as the front left and right speakers, add time delay to the center channel to "move" it back  
electronically and align its arrival time with your front left and right speakers.  
You should add 1 millisecond of time delay for every foot the center channel speaker is closer to you  
than the front left and right speakers. For example, if the center speaker is two feet closer to you than the  
front left and right speaker, apply a 2 millisecond delay to the center channel to compensate for the  
shorter distance. This adjustment only needs to be made during initial setup unless you reposition any of  
your front speakers which is why there is no center delay control on the remote.  
To adjust the center delay time, first press the Delay Select button on the front panel until C appears in  
the front panel display. Next, press the delay time up or down to select the desired center delay time.  
The amount of delay can be adjusted from 0 to 5 milliseconds in 1 millisecond increments. Note that  
after adjusting the center delay time, the front panel display reverts toS for surround delay.  
R
C
L
LS  
LFE  
RS  
mS  
3 Millisecond Center Channel Delay Indication  
Surround Channel Delay  
Since Dolby Digital processing delivers a discrete signal for each channel, there is no need to delay the  
surround channels to create a precedence effect to keep the soundstage focus in front of you. Sounds  
from the surround and front channels should arrive at exactly the same time. As a result, Dolby Digital  
material only requires a 0 to 15 millisecond surround delay range compared to 15 to 30 milliseconds  
recommended for Dolby Pro Logic.  
To adjust the delay time for the surround channels, press the delay time buttons up or down on the front  
panel or remote control to select the desired surround delay time. The amount of delay can be adjusted  
from 0 to 15 milliseconds in 5 millisecond increments. However, the delay time for Dolby Pro Logic  
material is automatically set by the P/DD-1500 at 15 mS. Note that setting surround delay time on the  
P/DD-1500 does not effect the delay time set on the P/SP-1500. Refer to the chart on the following page  
for optimum surround delay times.  
R
C
L
LS  
LFE  
RS  
mS  
10 Millisecond Surround Channel Delay Indication  
 
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
13  
10 ms 5 ms  
0 ms  
0 ms  
40  
35  
30  
25  
0 ms  
0 ms  
s
0 m  
s
0 m  
s
- 5 ms  
0 m  
20  
15  
s
5 m  
s
-10 ms  
10 m  
s
15 m  
Differential  
s
Arrival Time  
10  
15 m  
s
15 m  
Preferred  
5
0
Acceptable  
Not Recommended  
0
5
10  
15  
20  
25  
30  
35  
40  
Distance from listening area to front speakers (feet)  
XX ms  
Useable speaker placement range with  
delay time  
Chart to Set Optimum Surround Delay Time on the P/DD-1500  
Using the P/DD-1500 with Other Processors  
Although you will obtain the best results using your P/DD-1500 Digital Surround Decoder with the  
Parasound P/SP-1500, you also can use the P/DD-1500 with processors made by other manufacturers.  
The P/DD-1500 can work properly with a different processor it must have a DB-25 input connector or  
six discrete RCA inputs. Also, since the P/DD-1500's bass management circuitry works in conjunction  
with the P/SP-1500, the resulting bass management selections will probably be different.  
If the host processor you are using has a DB-25 input connector, make sure that the pin configuration is  
the same as the P/DD-1500. Most manufacturers have followed the protocol established by Dolby Labs  
and Lucasfilm, the included DB-25 interconnect cable should work properly.  
If the host processor is using RCA input jacks, you will have to use a special interconnect cable with a  
DB-25 connector on one end and 6 RCA plugs on the other. Many cable manufacturers have developed  
an interconnect to accomplish this task. Contact your Parasound Dealer for more information about  
using the P/DD-1500 with a different host processor.  
Pin Assingment  
Pin Assignment  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Left Positive  
Center Positive  
Right Positive  
Subwoofer Positive  
Left Surround Positive  
Right Surround Positive 19 Right Surround Ground  
14  
15  
Left Ground  
Center Ground  
16 Right Ground  
17  
18  
13  
1
Subwoofer Ground  
Left Surround Ground  
25  
14  
7,8,20 Unused  
21  
Re-EQ  
9, 10 Shield Drains  
22 Shield Drains  
11  
12  
13  
Remote Trigger C  
Decoder Configuration 24  
Remote trigger A  
23  
Remote Trigger Ground  
Logic Ground  
Remote Trigger Ground  
25  
DB-25 Connector and Pin Assignment Chart  
 
14  
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
Maintaining Your P/DD-1500  
Your P/DD-1500 requires no periodic maintenance and has no user serviceable parts inside. To avoid the  
risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover. Clean the chassis with a soft cloth moistened only  
with glass cleaner or water; never use solvents or abrasives. Inspect the batteries in the remote control  
annually and remove them if you do not plan on using the unit for extended periods of time.  
P/DD-1500 Troubleshooting Guide  
No Power  
Make sure the AC cord is properly seated in the IEC AC receptacle on rear panel.  
No Output to One or All Channels  
Make sure that P/DD-1500 indicators are on.  
Check power amplifier(s).  
Check source material encoding  
If the Lock LED is on:  
Check DB-25 connection between the P/SP-1500 and P/DD-1500  
Check connections between P/SP-1500 and amplifiers  
If the Lock LED is not on:  
Insure that a digital source is connected and playing  
Problems Selecting Desired Processing Mode  
Check source material encoding to make sure it can be player in the selected mode  
If the material was encoded in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital, you can only select Dolby Digital or stereo  
If the material was not recorded in two channel or Dolby Surround, you can only select Dolby  
Digital  
Hum in Speakers  
Check for a grounding problem with the cable TV system; call your cable operator or installer.  
Consider installing a cable isolation device such as the Video Link #634 or the Mondial Magic  
Lights on Front Panel are Working, but No Control Via Remote Control or Front Panel.  
The microprocessor within either or both the P/DD-1500 or P/SP-1500 may have “locked up” due to  
an AC voltage spike. Remove power cord from outlet for 30 seconds and plug it back in.  
Check to make sure that AC outlet is always live and not switched off  
Remote Control Won't Work  
Check for front panel operation to verify problem is not with P/DD-1500 unit itself  
Check remote batteries  
Check for interference from sunlight or neon, halogen, or fluorescent room lighting  
If All Else Fails  
If you cannot get your P/DD-1500 to operate properly after referring to the troubleshooting guide, call  
your Parasound dealer or Parasound Technical Service. We may be able to suggest other diagnostic tests  
you can easily perform. If we determine that your P/DD-1500 should be returned to Parasound or an  
Authorized Parasound Warranty Center for inspection and possible servicing, call us for the phone  
number and location of a warranty center near you. If you choose to send it to Parasound, contact us to  
obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number. You will be asked to repack the unit in its original  
packaging plus the additional outer box for protection during transit. The Return Authorization number  
must be clearly marked on the outer carton only. You should ship the unit by UPS with adequate  
insurance. You must also include a copy of your purchase receipt to verify your ownership and purchase  
date.  
Units that arrive without your specific Return Authorization number, without a suitable shipping carton  
or evidence of improper internal packing must be refused. We do not accept collect shipments. After  
repair under warranty, the unit will be returned to you via prepaid UPS. In the case of an out of warranty  
repair, contact us and we will advise you of the repair and shipping charges before you ship the unit to  
us. The same packaging and RA number requirements apply.  
 
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
15  
P/DD-1500Specifications  
Frequency Response  
Front  
5 Hz-20 kHz  
Surrounds  
5 Hz-20 kHz (without filter)  
100 Hz-20 kHz (with filter)  
100 Hz-20 kHz  
Surrounds  
Center (Small)  
Center (Large)  
Low Frequency Effects  
5 Hz-20 kHz  
5 Hz-20 kHz (without filter)  
5 Hz-120 Hz (with filter)  
Harmonic Distortion  
Front  
< 0.002 %  
< 0.002 %  
< 0.002%  
< 0.002 %  
Center  
Surrounds  
Low Frequency Effects  
IM Distortion  
(1 kHz 1V Output)  
All Channels  
< 0.03 %  
Signal to Noise Ratio  
(A-Weighted)  
Front  
92 dB  
92 dB  
92 dB  
92 dB  
Center  
Rear  
Low Frequency Effects  
Dimensions  
19" wide x 3 1/2" high x 13" deep 4 1/8" high with feet  
Weight  
17 lb  
Power Requirements  
110 V - 120 V 60 Hz AC, 19 W  
Special Features  
RF and Three Digital Inputs  
Unified Remote Control  
Built-In RF Demodulator  
Dolby Digital Decoding  
20 Bit Digital Filtering  
20 Bit D to A Converters  
Dialog Normalization  
Zoran 38500 AC-3 Decoder Chipset  
Low Jitter Crystal CS8412 Digital Receiver  
20 Bit Burr-Brown PCM-63-J DACs for L,C,R  
20 Bit Burr-Brown PCM-1702 DACs for LS,RS, LFE  
Digital Pro Logic Processing  
Separate Left and Right Outputs  
Precision Resistors and Capacitors  
External IR Remote Control Jack  
Lucasfilm Re-Equalization  
Bass Management Circuitry  
Silver Plated Internal Wiring  
Independent Regulated Power Supplies Precision Double Shielded DB-25 Interconnect Cable  
Adjustable Surround Delay Times  
Adjustable Center Channel Delay  
Independent LS, RS Bass Filter  
Heavy Duty Two Rack Space Chassis  
32,000 µF Main Power Supply  
Audiophile IEC AC Cord  
Specifications and features subject to change without notice  
 
16  
P/DD-1500 Owner's Manual  
Parasound Limited Warranty (USA only)  
Your Parasound P/DD-1500 is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and  
workmanship for a period of two years from date of purchase. This warranty is provided by the  
Parasound dealer where the unit was purchased. Warranty repair will be performed only when a copy of  
your purchase receipt is presented to validate your ownership, date of purchase and authorized status of  
the selling dealer. Defective parts will be repaired or replaced without charge by your authorized  
dealer’s store or the location designated by your dealer that is authorized to service Parasound  
equipment. Additional information is available by calling or writing to the Service Manager, Parasound  
Products, Inc. at the address below. Charges for unauthorized service and transportation costs are not  
reimbursable under this warranty.  
This warranty becomes void if the product has been damaged by alteration, misuse, accident or neglect.  
Alteration includes any removal or defacement of its serial number. This warranty becomes void if unit  
has been connected or operated contrary to printed instructions. The warrantor assumes no liability for  
property damage or any other incidental or consequential damage whatsoever which may result from the  
failure of this product. Any and all warranties of merchantability and fitness implied by law are limited  
to the duration of this expressed warranty.  
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations  
may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential  
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights which vary state by state.  
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "Pro Logic", and the double-D symbol  
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Confidential Unpublished Works. © 1992-1997 Dolby  
Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  
Re-EQ  
Manufactured Under License from Lucasfilm Limited. U.S. Patent numbers 5,043; 5,189; and  
5,222,059. Foreign patents pending.  
affordable audio for the critical listener  
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111  
415-397-7100 / FAX 415-397-0144  
© 1997 Parasound Products, Inc.  
 

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