Audio Authority Model 1725 Soundbar Demonstrator

Overview

The 1725 is a cost-effective, full-featured demonstration platform that employs the latest DSP technology to demonstrate soundbars in multiple configurations.

• Each module demonstrates up to eight soundbars; audio signals and power may be bussed to additional units.
• Durable, illuminated Product Select Buttons (PSB) may be used to activate a demo.
• Volume up/down buttons or rotary encoder knob may be used for master volume control.
• A keep-awake feature prevents soundbars from entering sleep mode.
• Adjustable default volume, minimum and maximum volume levels, and timeout interval.
• Source input can be digital audio (2-channel PCM) or analog audio.
• Optical, coaxial, and analog audio is simultaneously available to all output positions (normal mode).
• TV sound toggle mode switches each position between TV sound and soundbar (analog vs. digital).

Device Front Panel Description: The front panel of the Model 1725 Soundbar Demonstrator features several input and control sections. On the left, there are power and bus connections: 'INPUT', '12V DC POWER', 'BUS IN', and 'BUS OUT'. Adjacent to these are audio inputs: 'OPTICAL DIGITAL AUDIO', 'COAXIAL DIGITAL AUDIO', 'LEFT ANALOG AUDIO', and 'RIGHT ANALOG AUDIO'. A row of control buttons is positioned above the audio inputs, labeled 'FEATURES', 'TIMEOUT', 'MIN VOL', 'MAX VOL', 'DEFAULT', 'ENCODER', and 'DOWN VOL UP'. Below the audio inputs, eight numbered 'PRODUCT SELECT BUTTONS' (PSB) are arranged, labeled 1 through 8. The 'Audio Authority' logo is displayed in the center.

Designing Your System

The first step is to choose a presentation type:

• Audio-only presentation with no TV
• Video and audio presentation with one TV and multiple soundbars
• TV sound "toggle" system: one TV paired with each soundbar

The second step is to decide on the method of volume control and what, if any, volume settings are desired. If master volume control is not used, customers must use the individual volume controls on each soundbar. This method provides interaction with the product, but can introduce unexpected volume differences when switching between soundbars. If the 1725 master volume control is used, it is best to disable soundbar controls, or install acrylic shields over the controls to prevent customer access to them.

PSB Details

Push-buttons are used to select each soundbar position, and to adjust volume (if buttons are used). The 1725 is compatible with standard 2-wire, 5-volt momentary PSB switches, or 4-wire, 12-volt switches. When using 2-wire switches, use the two pins on the right for PSB ports, and for volume button ports, use the two pins on the left.

Diagram Description (PSB Pins and Feature Switches): A diagram illustrates the '2-WIRE PSB PINS' with labels '1' and '2' for PSB ports and '1' and '2' for volume button ports. Adjacent to this is a 'Demo Features' section with switches labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Keep Awake

Sends a short, inaudible tone to soundbars to prevent them from entering sleep mode. Set feature switch 1 and 2 as shown to disable or adjust the keep awake feature. If enabled, soundbar keep-awake operates any time all products are off, or if the timeout switch is set to 0 (never time out) then keep-awake operates constantly.

Attract Mode

The volume buttons blink when the demo is not active. Set feature switch 3 to the ON position to enable attract mode, OFF to disable.

TV Sound Toggle Mode

Each product select button-press toggles its output between analog and digital audio. The first button-press activates the analog audio output (TV sound) and the second press toggles to the digital output (soundbar), etc. Set feature switch 4 to the ON position to enable TV Sound Toggle mode, OFF to disable.

Timeout Interval

At the end of the timeout interval, (a period of inactivity) the volume control resets to the default level, all outputs are turned off, and attract mode begins (if enabled). Turn timeout OFF (set to 0) if the demo should play continuously. 0 = no timeout, 1 = 15 second timeout, 9 = 2.25 minute timeout. The formula for the timeout calculation is: 15 seconds * switch setting.

Volume Control Settings

No Master Volume Control

Set the maximum, minimum, and default volume switches to 9.

Master Volume Control

• Rotary encoder knob: Set feature switch 2 to the ON position and connect volume knob (rotary encoder) to Encoder port.
• Push buttons: Set feature switch 2 to the OFF position and connect 4-wire buttons to volume up and down ports.

Maximum and Minimum Volume

If using master volume control, set the maximum and minimum volume levels as desired. 9 on the dial is equal to 0 dB (highest volume) while 0 is equal to -27 dB (lowest). The formula for volume level is: switch setting * 3 dB - 27 dB.

Connecting the System

Product Connections (Normal Mode)

Connect one audio type (analog, digital coax, or optical) at each 1725 soundbar output position to a soundbar input. Connect a product select button to correct pins on associated PSB port for each active product.

Product Connections (TV Sound Toggle Mode)

Select digital coax, or optical for output to each soundbar, and connect analog audio at each position to a TV audio input. Connect a product select button to the associated PSB port. Note: the source signals for TV Sound Toggle Mode should be Component Video and analog audio.

Expanding the System

Multiple 1725 modules may be used together to expand the system beyond eight positions. To expand the system, connect a digital audio coax cable from the audio Bus Out jack to the Digital Bus In jack on the next 1725. Tip: Leave some space between connected demo areas because each a selection on one 1725 does not cancel a selection on another 1725 sharing the same source signals.

Power

Connect 12V power supply (1A or greater) to Power Input. Connect the power Bus Out to the next 1725 provided the power supply is large enough. Each 1725 requires 600mA.

Operation

Normal Mode (Soundbar vs. Soundbar)

Apply power to the 1725. The power LED lights and begins flashing to indicate that it is ready for operation. Press a product select button (PSB) to select an output. The selected channel passes optical, digital coax, and analog audio from the input device. Either type of audio signal, analog or 2-channel PCM digital, is converted so that all outputs are driven.

Select other product positions, or press the button of a selected product to turn it off. Note: Toggle mode does not allow a position to be turned off. Timeout (if enabled) turns all positions off.

Volume Buttons: Press and hold volume up or down button in order to adjust the volume level while a product is selected.

Volume Knob: Rotate the encoder clockwise to turn the volume up and counterclockwise to turn the volume down.

If a selected product times out or is turned off, the master volume resets to default levels.

TV Sound Toggle Mode

Same as Normal Mode with the following differences: Press a product select button and analog audio is passed to the TV speakers first, and then with the next button press, digital audio is passed to the soundbar at the same position. Press the button again, and the analog audio plays through the TV, etc.