Panasonic SC-HT885W DVD Home Theater Sound System
Model No. SC-HT885W
Operating Instructions
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this product. For optimum performance and safety, please read these instructions carefully. Operations are described mainly with the remote control, but can be performed on the main unit if controls are the same.
Important Safety Information
- CAUTION: This product utilizes a laser. Do not open covers or attempt self-repair. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
- WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain, moisture, or place liquid-filled objects on it.
- CAUTION: Ensure adequate ventilation. Do not obstruct ventilation openings. Do not place sources of naked flames on the unit. Dispose of batteries environmentally friendly.
This unit is intended for use in moderate climates.
Region Number: The player plays DVD-Video marked with labels containing the region number "2" or "ALL".
Accessories
Please check and identify the supplied accessories:
- 1 Remote control (EUR7722XC0)
- 2 Remote control batteries
- 1 Video cable
- 1 System cable
- 1 AM loop antenna
- 1 FM indoor antenna
- 1 Sheet of speaker-cable stickers
- 1 Speaker cable
- 4 Bases
- 8 Long screws
- 8 Short screws
- 4 Pipes (2 pipes with short cable, 2 pipes with long cable)
- 2 AC mains leads
Simple Setup
STEP 1: Front and Surround Speaker Assembly
The supplied stands are designed for attachment to Panasonic SB-FS930 front speakers or SB-FS880 surround speakers.
Preparation: Lay down a soft cloth to prevent scratches. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver. Ensure all components are present.
Note: Leave plastic wrap on pipes while assembling stands to prevent cables from pulling out. Front and surround speaker pairs, and pipe pairs are different. Check speaker labels for correct pipe attachment.
1. Assemble the speaker stands: Thread speaker cable through the base. Insert the pipe into the base, matching grooves. Secure the pipe to the base with short screws.
2. Attach the stands to the speakers: Fasten the stand securely to the speaker using long screws, tightening alternately.
Preventing speakers from falling over: Attach screw eyes (not included) to secure speakers to the wall. Thread a string (not included) through the speaker slot and screw eye, tying it securely.
3. Connect the speaker cables: Twist off vinyl ends of speaker cables. Connect the positive (+) copper wire to the positive terminal and the negative (-) silver wire to the negative terminal. Push the cable into the groove. Secure excess cable.
4. Secure the speaker cables to the bases: Press the speaker cable into the base cover groove.
STEP 2: Positioning
Proper speaker placement affects bass and sound field. Place speakers on flat, secure bases. Avoid placing speakers too close to floors, walls, or corners to prevent excessive bass. Cover walls and windows with thick curtains.
Setup Example:
- Front/Surround Speakers (L, R): Positioned at approximately equal distances from the seating position, angled towards the listener.
- Center Speaker: Positioned centrally.
- Active Subwoofer: Positioned appropriately.
- Digital Receiver: Place within approximately 10m of the main unit. Do not place in metal cabinets or bookshelves.
Important Notes:
- Do not use a front speaker as a surround speaker or vice versa. Verify speaker types using labels on the rear.
- Keep speakers at least 10mm away from the system for ventilation.
- Place the center speaker on a rack or shelf to avoid picture disruption due to vibration.
- Do not place speakers directly on top of the television to prevent falling.
- Position the active subwoofer on the floor or a sturdy shelf, leaving 10cm at the rear for ventilation.
- Avoid playing sound at high levels for extended periods to prevent speaker damage.
- If irregular coloring occurs on your television, turn the TV off for 30 minutes to allow the demagnetizing function to work. If the issue persists, move speakers farther from the TV.
Wireless Setup: This product uses 2.4GHz radio frequencies. Keep it away from other devices that use the same frequencies (cordless phones, wireless LAN) to avoid interference. The unit automatically seeks a clear channel if interference occurs.
STEP 3: Connecting Speakers with the Subwoofer and the Digital Receiver
Attach speaker-cable stickers for easier connection. Connect speaker wires carefully, especially to the subwoofer and digital receiver terminals.
Front and Center Speaker Connection: Connect speaker cables to the ACTIVE SUBWOOFER and CENTER speaker terminals. Ensure wires are fully inserted.
Surround Speaker Connection: Connect surround speaker cables to the DIGITAL RECEIVER terminals. Connect the AC mains lead after all speaker cable connections are complete.
Note: Never short-circuit speaker wires. Connect positive to positive and negative to negative. Incorrect connections can damage speakers. Do not use more than one pair of surround speakers with the wireless system.
STEP 4: Video Connections
Do not connect through a video cassette recorder due to copy guard protection. Turn off the television before connecting.
Connections available:
- Television with VIDEO IN terminal: Connect using a video cable.
- Television with S-VIDEO IN terminal: Connect using an S-video cable for improved picture quality (separates chrominance and luminance signals).
- Television with COMPONENT VIDEO IN terminals: Use for interlace or progressive output for higher fidelity. Connect Y, PB, PR terminals to matching colors on the TV. Select "Video/YPbPr" or "S-Video/YPbPr" in QUICK SETUP.
- Television with SCART terminal: Can output Video, S-Video, or RGB signals. Select the appropriate output in QUICK SETUP.
To enjoy progressive video: Connect to a 625p or 525p compatible television using component video input terminals.
STEP 5: The Digital Transmitter, Radio and System Connections
Connect the AC mains lead after all other connections are complete. Optional antenna connections are described on page 23.
Digital Transmitter: Insert fully until it clicks. Do not insert or remove while the main unit is on.
FM Indoor Antenna: Affix where reception is best.
AM Loop Antenna: Stand upright and place where reception is best. Keep loose cable away from other wires.
Conserving Power: The main unit consumes power even when off (approx. 0.7W). Unplug from the mains socket for extended periods. Memory items may need resetting after plugging back in.
STEP 6: The Remote Control
Insert batteries matching polarity. Do not mix old/new or different types of batteries. Do not heat, disassemble, short-circuit, recharge alkaline batteries, or use damaged batteries. Mishandling can cause leakage or fire. Remove batteries if the unit is not used for a long time.
Use: Aim at the remote control signal sensor, avoiding obstacles, within a 7m range.
STEP 7: QUICK SETUP
Follow the on-screen prompts to make necessary settings. Turn on the TV and select the appropriate video input.
- Turn on the main unit.
- Select "DVD/CD".
- Show the QUICK SETUP screen.
- Follow messages and make settings.
- Press ENTER to finish QUICK SETUP.
- Press SETUP/MUTING to exit.
Settings can be changed later via the "Others" tab in the Setup menu.
STEP 8: Turning on the Digital Receiver
Turn on the main unit, then turn on the digital receiver. The wireless link indicator shows signal strength. The power indicator shows the unit is on. The "W" indicator on the main unit flashes if the signal is weak.
Note: To save power, turn off the digital receiver first, then the main unit.
Control Reference Guide
This section details the functions of various buttons on the remote control and main unit, with references to page numbers for more information.
Main Unit Controls:
- Standby/on switch [/I]: Switches between on and standby modes.
- INPUT SELECTOR: Selects input sources (DVD/CD, FM, AM, TV, VCR, AUX).
- PROGRESSIVE: Enables progressive video output.
- H.BASS: Enhances bass sound.
- RDS: Displays radio data system text.
- TUNE MODE / TUNING ^/v: Selects tuning mode and tunes radio frequencies.
- FM MODE: Selects FM reception mode (Stereo/Mono).
- MEMORY: Presets radio stations.
- OPEN/CLOSE: Opens/closes the disc tray.
- VOLUME +/-: Adjusts volume.
- PHONES: Connects headphones.
- AC IN: Indicator for AC power connection.
Remote Control Functions:
- Numbered buttons: Select channels, enter numbers, select items.
- CANCEL: Cancels operations or number entry.
- SKIP << / >>: Skips tracks or searches.
- SLOW/SEARCH: Controls playback speed and search functions.
- TOP MENU, MENU, DIRECT NAVIGATOR: Accesses disc menus and navigation.
- FUNCTIONS: Accesses secondary functions or submenus.
- ENTER: Confirms selections.
- RETURN: Returns to the previous screen or adjusts TV volume.
- TV VOL +/-: Controls TV volume.
- SUBWOOFER LEVEL, SUPER SRND, H.BASS, C.FOCUS, SFC, MIX 2CH, DOLBY PRO LOGIC II: Controls sound field and quality settings.
- SLEEP, ZOOM, SUBTITLE, SETUP, QUICK OSD, MANUAL SKIP, AUDIO, MUTING: Various playback and setup controls.
- ANGLE/PAGE, FL DISPLAY, GROUP, REPEAT, PLAY MODE, ADVANCED PLAY SPEED, TEST, DISC REVIEW, QUICK REPLAY, CH SELECT: Advanced playback and selection functions.
Discs That Can Be Played
This unit supports various disc formats including DVD-RAM, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, +R/+RW, CD, CD-R/RW, Video CD, and SVCD. It also supports formats like JPEG, MPEG4, DivX, WMA, and MP3 files. Ensure discs are finalized where applicable. Refer to the manual for specific format details and compatibility notes.
Discs that cannot be played: Version 1.0 DVD-RW/ROM, CD-ROM/VCD/SVCD not conforming to IEC62107, SACD, Photo CD, and certain DVD-RAM cartridges are not supported.
Video Systems: The unit supports PAL and NTSC. Ensure your television matches the disc's system. NTSC signals can be converted to PAL 60.
Audio Formats: The unit automatically recognizes and decodes discs with Dolby Digital and DTS symbols.
Basic Play
Using the Main Unit:
- Turn the unit on.
- Select "DVD/CD" using the INPUT SELECTOR.
- Open the disc tray.
- Load the disc with the label facing up. For double-sided discs, load the desired side up. Remove RAM discs from cartridges before use.
- Start play by pressing the play button [1]. The tray closes automatically.
- Adjust the volume using the VOLUME control.
Playback Controls: Use SKIP buttons to skip tracks, and press and hold SLOW/SEARCH for search or slow-motion.
Note: Discs rotate during menu display. Press [■] (Stop) to preserve the motor and screen.
Convenient Functions
Skipping 30 seconds forward: Press [MANUAL SKIP] during playback.
Changing Zoom Ratio: Press [SHIFT]+[ZOOM] during play to cycle through aspect ratios (Just Fit Zoom, Auto, Cinemascope, etc.). Fine adjustments are possible.
Displaying Current Playback Condition (QUICK OSD): Press [QUICK OSD] to view basics (title/chapter, time) or details (audio, subtitle, angle, aspect ratio).
Reviewing Titles to Play (ADVANCED DISC REVIEW): Press [ADVANCED DISC REVIEW] to browse contents and start playing from a selected position. Functions like Resume and Marker may not work with this feature.
Quick Replay: Press [QUICK REPLAY] to skip back a few seconds.
Changing Soundtracks: Press [AUDIO] repeatedly to select available soundtracks.
Changing Subtitles: Press [SHIFT]+[SUBTITLE] to select subtitle language or turn subtitles on/off.
Angle Selection & Still Picture Rotation/Advance: Press [SHIFT]+[ANGLE/PAGE] to cycle through angles or rotate/advance still pictures.
Changing Play Speed: Press [SHIFT]+[PLAY SPEED] during play to select Normal, Fast, or Slow. Note that Dolby Pro Logic II and other sound enhancements may not work at altered speeds.
Repeat Play: Press [REPEAT] to select an item (track, chapter, program, etc.) to repeat.
All Group, Program, and Random Play: Press [PLAY MODE] while stopped to cycle through playback modes. Select items using numbered buttons and ENTER.
Using Navigation Menus: Access menus using [TOP MENU], [MENU], [DIRECT NAVIGATOR], and [FUNCTIONS]. Navigate through groups, contents, and search for specific items.
Playing Data Discs: Supports JPEG, MPEG4, DivX, WMA, MP3 files. HighMAT discs can be played without the HighMAT function by selecting "Play as Data Disc".
Playing Items in Order (Playback Menu): Use [TOP MENU] or [MENU] to access the playback menu and select items.
Searching by Content or Group Title: From the submenu, select "Find" and enter characters to search.
Playing from Selected Track in CD: Use [TOP MENU] or [MENU] to display CD Text information and select tracks.
Using On-Screen Menus
Access the Main Menu via [MENU] or [TOP MENU]. Use the remote control buttons ([3, 4, 2, 1], [ENTER], [FUNCTIONS], [RETURN]) to navigate and make selections.
Menu items vary by disc type.
Common Menu Options:
- Program, Group, Title, Chapter, Track, Playlist, Content: To start from specific items.
- Time Slip: Skip incrementally or decrementally.
- Time Search: Start from a specific time.
- Video: Display pixel number, DivX fps.
- Audio: Display current disc type.
- Still Picture: Switch still pictures.
- Thumbnail: Show thumbnail images.
- Subtitle: Change subtitle language.
- Marker (VR): Recall recorded markers.
- Angle: Select angles.
- Rotate Picture: Rotate picture.
- Slideshow: Turn on/off slideshow, adjust timing.
- Other Settings: Play Speed, Repeat, A-B Repeat, Marker settings.
Changing Player Settings
Access the Setup menu via [SETUP]. Settings are organized into tabs: "Disc", "Video", "Audio", "Display", and "Others".
"Disc" Tab:
- Audio: Select audio language (English, French, German, etc., or Original disc language).
- Subtitle: Select subtitle language (Automatic, English, etc.).
- Menus: Select language for disc menus.
- Advanced Disc Review: Choose Intro Mode or Interval Mode.
- Ratings: Set a ratings level to limit DVD-Video playback. A password is required.
"Video" Tab:
- TV Aspect: Adjust aspect ratio for 4:3 or 16:9 TVs (Pan&Scan, Letterbox, Full screen).
- TV Type: Select TV type (CRT Projector, LCD TV, Plasma TV).
- Time Delay: Adjust for audio/video sync issues, especially with Plasma displays.
- Video Out (AV/Component): Select signal format (Video/YPbPr, RGB/No Output, S-Video/YPbPr).
- Still Mode: Choose Field or Frame for paused images.
- NTSC Disc Output: Select PAL 60 or NTSC output for NTSC discs.
- Picture/Video Output: Change signal format for JPEG, MPEG4, DivX if output is not smooth.
"Audio" Tab:
- Dynamic Range Compression: Adjusts sound levels for clearer audio at low volumes. Works with Dolby Digital.
- Speaker Settings: Set delay times for center and surround speakers to match listening distance for optimal surround effects. Use the test signal to adjust speaker levels.
"Display" Tab:
- Menu Language: Select language for on-screen menus.
- On-Screen Messages: Control display of messages.
- Background during Play: Select background for JPEG, MPEG4, DivX playback.
"Others" Tab:
- FL Dimmer: Adjust display brightness.
- DivX Registration: Displays the unit's registration code for DivX VOD content.
- QUICK SETUP Re-initialise Setting: Resets all settings to factory defaults.
The Radio
Selecting Preset Channels: Press [TUNER/BAND] to select FM or AM, then use numbered buttons or [CH ^/v] to select a channel.
Manual Tuning: Select "MANUAL" mode, then use [TUNING ^/v] to tune frequencies. Press and hold [MEMORY] to preset stations.
Automatic Presetting: The unit can automatically preset up to 15 stations per band (FM/AM). Press [INPUT SELECTOR] to select band, [TUNE MODE] for "MANUAL", then tune to the lowest frequency and hold [MEMORY].
RDS Broadcasting: Displays text data transmitted by RDS-enabled stations. Press [RDS] to cycle through PS, PTY, and frequency display.
Optional Antenna Connections: For better reception, use outdoor antennas. Disconnect indoor antennas when not in use.
Sound Field and Sound Quality
Center Focus: Enhances center speaker sound to appear from within the TV. Works with Dolby Pro Logic II but not Super Surround.
Dolby Pro Logic II: Derives 5-channel surround from stereo sources. Select MUSIC or MOVIE mode.
Down-mixing: Outputs down-mixed 2-channel signals when necessary.
Sound Field Control (SFC): Cycles through modes like FLAT, HEAVY, CLEAR, SOFT, DISCO, LIVE, HALL to adjust sound quality.
Super Surround: Adds surround effects to stereo sound. Works with MUSIC, MOVIE, PARTY modes.
Enhancing Bass Sound: Press [H.BASS] to enhance low frequencies.
Subwoofer Level: Press [SUBWOOFER LEVEL] to adjust bass amount.
Speaker Level Adjustments: Use [CH SELECT] and [VOLUME] to adjust individual speaker levels for optimal surround effects, either during playback or using a test signal.
Operating Other Equipment
Connecting to TV/VCR: Use audio and video cables to connect your system to a TV or VCR. Select the appropriate input on your TV.
Playing Audio from TV/VCR: Reduce TV volume to minimum and control volume with this unit.
Operating Tape Deck: Connect for recording or playback. Use [AUX] for tape deck playback.
Remote Control for TV/VCR: The remote can operate some other brands of TVs and VCRs by changing the remote control code.
Other Useful Functions
Using Headphones: Connect headphones (3.5mm stereo) to the unit and adjust volume.
Sleep Timer: Set the unit to turn off automatically after a specified time (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes, or OFF). Press [SHIFT]+[SLEEP] to set or cancel.
Muting: Press [MUTING] to temporarily silence audio. Press [MUTING] again or lower volume to cancel.
Other Speaker Setup Options
Attaching to a Wall: Speakers can be wall-mounted using screws (not included). Ensure the wall can support the weight (10kg per screw). Consult a professional for wall mounting.
Fitting Speaker Stands: For the center speaker, ensure stands are stable and can support over 10kg. Attach stands to metal screw holes.
About DivX VOD Content
DivX VOD content is encrypted. Register the unit online using its registration code to play content. Note that different registration codes may apply for first-time use or subsequent purchases.
Disc Handling
Cleaning Discs: Wipe with a damp cloth and dry. Avoid labels, writing, sprays, or protectors. Do not use warped or irregularly shaped discs.
Glossary
Definitions for terms like Decoder, DivX, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dynamic Range, Frame/Field Still, I/P/B, Linear PCM, MPEG4, Playback Control (PBC), and Sampling Frequency are provided.
Maintenance
Clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid alcohol or thinners. Ensure the disc tray is empty before moving the unit.
Safety Precautions
Placement: Set up on an even surface away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity, and vibration. Do not place heavy items on the unit.
Voltage: Use only specified voltage. Do not use DC power sources unless specified.
AC Mains Lead: Ensure the lead is correctly connected and undamaged. Do not pull, bend, or place heavy items on it. Handle the plug with dry hands.
Foreign Matter: Prevent metal objects or liquids from entering the unit. Do not spray insecticides.
Service: Do not attempt self-repair. Contact a dealer or authorized service center for issues not covered in the manual. Disconnect from power for extended periods.
Language Code List
A comprehensive list of language codes is provided.
Specifications
Detailed specifications for the Amplifier Section, FM/AM Tuner, Disc Section, Video Section, and Speaker Sections are provided, including output power, frequency ranges, dimensions, and impedance.
Troubleshooting Guide
This section addresses common issues such as no power, unresponsive functions, no picture/sound, disc playback errors, sound distortion, picture issues, and unit display messages, offering solutions and page references for further details.
