RTC-965
SURROUND SOUND
TUNER PREAMPLIFIER
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
MASTER VOLUME
POWER
1
4 BACK
7
2
5
8
0
3
6 ENTER
9
REMOTE SENSOR
STANDBY
STANDBY
TAPE 2
MONITOR
AUX/
VIDEO 5
FREQUENCY
DIRECT
PHONO
TUNER
CD
TAPE 1
VIDEO 1
VIDEO 2
VIDEO 3
VIDEO 4
MEMORY
MONO
BAND
<
TUNING
>
DYNAMIC
RANGE
SPEAKER
MODE
5.1 CH
INPUT
VIDEO
VIDEO 1
REC
PRO-LOGIC
3
STEREO
DSP
STEREO
MENU
+
LABELS
BASS
TREBLE
BALANCE
SUBWOOFER
–
REAR
CENTER
–
+
–
+
Owner’s Manual
RTC-965
Figure 1: Controls and Connections
1
4 BACK
7
2
5
8
0
3
6 ENTER
9
REMOTE SENSOR
3
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
Figure 2: Remote Control
Figure 3: Antenna Connections
ANTENNA
41
42
L
R
FRONT
REAR
AM
LOOP
FM
75Ω
SUB
WOOFER
PREOUT
CENTER
PREOUT
AUD
SAT
CD
TV
TAPE
VCR
DVD
CBL
REMOTE
EXT IN
POWER
43
VOL
CH
BAND
44
45
MUTE
T / V
SURROUND +
GUIDE
ON SCREEN
MENU
PAUSE
C. DELAY
49
50
TRACK –
TRACK +
DOWN
PLAY
SEL
UP
STOP
DYNAMIC
PRE
CH
46
47
RECALL
OPN/CLS
SUR-DELAY
MOVIE FILT
PROG
1
DISC 1
2
DISC 2
3
DISC 3
4
DISC 4
5
DISC 5
6
DISC 6
5.1 CH
TIME [REVIEW]
51
52
7
8
0
9
SELECT
CLEAR [SCAN]
10
>10
ENTER
BACK
RANDOM [REPEAT]
48
PHONO
CD
TUNER VIDEO 4
AUX/V5
Figure 4: DB25 Connector Pin Assignments
TAPE 1
M 1
TAPE 2 VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 VIDEO 3
M 4
M 2
M 3
[SHIFT]
LIGHT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 10 11 12 13
RR-939
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
13 12 11 10 9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14
54 53
1 left front
+
14 left front GND
15 center GND
2 center
+
3 right front
4 subwoofer
+
16 right front GND
17 subwoofer GND
18 left surround GND
19 right surround GND
+
NOTE: See PROGRAMMING THE RR-939. Audio code for RTC-965
is code 001.
5 left surround
6 rear surround
+
+
4
RTC-965
Figure 5: Output Connections
5
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
Figure 6: RCA Input Connections
DVD PLAYER
AUDIO OUT
VIDEO OUT
DIGITAL OUT
COMPOSITE S-VIDEO
L
R
CD PLAYER
ANALOG OUTPUT
L
R
ROTEL RTC-965
AC
INPUT
L
R
COMPOSITE
S-VIDEO
PHONO
ANTENNA
L
R
GND
VIDEO 4
L
R
SURROUND SOUND
TUNER PREAMPLIFIER
MODEL NO. RTC-965
FRONT
AM
LOOP
DIGITAL INPUT
VIDEO
SWITCHED
100W MAX
VIDEO 3
VIDEO 2
L
R
RTC-965
2
3
4
CD
FM
75Ω
REAR
VIDEO 1
PLAY
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
IN
TAPE1
OUT
SUB
VIDEO 1
REC
CENTER
PREOUT
WOOFER
PREOUT
AUX
5
AUX/
IN
CAUTION
VIDEO 5
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
TAPE 2
MON
OUT
REMOTE
EXT IN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR
TV MONITOR
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
VCR
L
L
R
R
COMPOSITE S-VIDEO
VIDEO IN
COMPOSITE S-VIDEO
VIDEO OUT
AUDIO IN
AUDIO OUT
CASSETTE RECORDER
L
R
L
R
LINE OUTPUT
REC INPUT
OUTBOARD DECODER
FRONT REAR
L
CENTER
INPUT
OUTPUT
5.1 CH
R
SUBWOOFER
6
RTC-965
Figure 7: S-Video Input Connections
L
R
COMPOSITE
S-VIDEO
PHONO
ANTENNA
L
L
R
GND
VIDEO 4
SURROUND SOUND
TUNER PREAMPLIFIER
MODEL NO. RTC-965
FRONT
REAR
AM
LOOP
DIGITAL INPUT
VIDEO
SWITCHED
100W MAX
VIDEO 3
VIDEO 2
R
RTC-965
2
3
4
CD
FM
75Ω
VIDEO 1
PLAY
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
IN
TAPE1
OUT
SUB
VIDEO 1
REC
CENTER
PREOUT
WOOFER
PREOUT
AUX
5
AUX/
IN
CAUTION
VIDEO 5
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
TAPE 2
MON
OUT
REMOTE
EXT IN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR
TV MONITOR
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
7
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
Figure 8: On-Screen Menus
INPUT SELECTOR
Video: DVD
Audio: TUNER
Video REC: DVD
Audio REC: TUNER
5.1Ch Input: OFF
Input Source: AUTO
DOWN–selection ENTER–change
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
SURROUND MODE
Mode: DOLBY PRO LOGIC
Delay Time
CENTER: ____
REAR: 20ms
BASS LEVEL: +10dB
DOWN–select ENTER/VOL–change
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
MAIN MENU
TEST TONE
Input Selector
Surround Mode
Test Tone
Tone/Balance
Setup Menu
Front - L
Center
Front - R
Rear - R
Rear - L
Subwoofer
0dB
0dB
-5dB
0dB
DOWN–selection ENTER–change
DOWN–selection VOLUME–change
BACK-return MENU-screen off
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
TONE / BALANCE
Bass : +10dB
Treble : +10dB
Balance : L 10
DOWN–selection VOLUME–change
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
SETUP MENU
Front: LARGE
Rear: SMALL
Center: LARGE
Subwoofer: YES
Dynamic Range: OFF
Menu Display: SCREEN
DOWN–selection ENTER–change
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
8
RTC-965
RR-939 Remote Control ______________________________ 15
Contents
Programming the RR-939
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
43
POWER Button
Figure 1: Controls and Connections
3
4
4
4
5
6
7
8
41
42
VOLUME Buttons
Figure 2: Remote Control
TUNING Button
INPUT SOURCE Buttons
Figure 3: Antenna Connections
Figure 4: DB25 Connector Pin Assignments
Figure 5: Output Connections
Figure 6: RCA Input Connections
Figure 7: S-Video Input Connections
Figure 8: On-Screen Menus
48
51
5.1 Button
BAND Button
45
47
NUMERIC Buttons
DYNAMIC Button
54
44
MUTE Button (remote only)
MENU button
About Rotel _________________________________________ 10
Getting Started _____________________________________ 10
49
Rear Panel Connections: Overview ___________________ 17
Rear Panel: Audio Source Connections ________________ 17
RTC-965 Key Features
Unpacking
10
10
10
30
29
Phono Inputs
and Phono Ground
17
17
17
Placement
31
CD Inputs
Tape Inputs and Outputs
Front Panel: Basic Controls___________________________ 10
38
1
2
43
Power Switch
and Standby Switch
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
Rear Panel: Video Source Connections ________________ 17
3
Remote Sensor
32
VIDEO 1 Inputs/Outputs
17
18
18
18
4
Front Panel Display
32
VIDEO 2 – 5 Inputs
6
41
Master Volume Control
37
Digital Inputs
21
Tone Controls
Balance Control
SUBWOOFER/REAR/CENTER +/– Buttons
36
5.1 Channel Audio Input
22
Rear Panel Output Signal Connections ________________ 18
18
39
TV Monitor Output
RCA Preamp Outputs
5.1 CHANNEL Preamp Outputs
18
18
18
19
MEMORY Button
27
Front Panel: Input Selection/Recording Controls_______ 11
28
7
Input Source Buttons
11
12
12
Rear Panel Antenna Connections _____________________ 19
15 51
5.1 CH Input
VIDEO 1 REC Button
26
AM Loop Antenna
FM Wire Antenna
19
19
17
35
Front Panel: Surround Sound Controls ________________ 12
Rear Panel AC Power Connections ____________________ 19
8
PRO LOGIC Button
3 STEREO Button
12
12
12
13
13
40
AC Input
AC Convenience Outlets
Remote External Sensor Jack
19
19
19
9
33
10
DSP Button
STEREO Button
DYNAMIC RANGE Button
34
11
On-Screen Display / Configuration____________________ 19
12 54
41 46 49 50 52 53
Navigation Buttons
MAIN Menu
20
20
21
21
22
22
23
Front Panel: Tuning Controls _________________________ 13
24
BAND Button
13
13
13
14
14
45
INPUT SELECTOR Menu
SURROUND MODE Menu
TEST TONE Menu
25 42
TUNING Button
5
47
NUMERIC Keypad: Station Presets
20
FREQUENCY DIRECT Button
TONE/BALANCE Menu
SETUP Menu
23
MONO Button
Front Panel: Configuration Controls __________________ 14
RTC-965 Specifications_______________________________ 23
16
VIDEO LABEL Button
14
14
15
14
SPEAKER MODE Button
13 49
MENU Button
9
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
•
Comprehensive digital and analog input and output connections
for audio and video sources, including digital inputs, composite
video inputs and S-Video inputs
About Rotel
A family whose passionate interest in music led them to manufac-
ture high fidelity components of uncompromising quality founded
Rotel over 30 years ago. Through the years that passion has re-
mained undiminished and the family goal of providing exceptional
value for audiophiles and music lovers regardless of their budget,
is shared by all Rotel employees.
•
•
AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets, direct access tuning, and
auto-tuning.
Programmable remote control to operate the RTC-965 and up to
seven other components.
Unpacking
The engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuning
each new product until it reaches their exacting musical stan-
dards. They are free to choose components from around the world
in order to make that product the best they can. You are likely to
find capacitors from the United Kingdom and Germany, semi con-
ductors from Japan or the United States, while toroidal power
transformers are manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.
Remove the unit carefully from its packing. Look for the handheld
remote control and other accessories. Save the packing and box
as it will protect the RTC-965 if you move or need to return it for
maintenance.
Placement
Rotel’s reputation for excellence has been earned through hun-
dreds of good reviews and awards from the most respected re-
viewers in the industry, who listen to music every day. Their
comments keep the company true to its goal - the pursuit of
equipment that is musical, reliable and affordable.
Place the RTC-965 on a solid, dry, level surface away from direct
sunlight, excessive heat, high humidity, or strong vibrations.
Make sure the RTC-965 is close to the other components in your
audio/video system and, if possible, place it on its own shelf. This
will make initial cable routing, hookup, and any subsequent sys-
tem changes easier. It also minimizes potential interference or
heat buildup from other components.
All of us at Rotel, thank you for buying this product and hope it will
bring you many hours of enjoyment.
Make sure there is enough room behind the RTC-965 for easy
hookup. Remember, you are connecting many other components
to this unit and you’ll probably need more space than you think.
Getting Started
Don’t stack other objects (components or other items) on top of
the RTC-965. Don’t let water fall into the RTC-965 as this could
damage delicate circuitry.
Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RTC-965 Surround Sound
Tuner Preamplifier. The RTC-965 is four products in one:
1. A digital audio/video processor designed to decode Dolby® Pro
Logic® analog surround signals plus Dolby Digital® and DTS® digi-
tal surround sound signals
Front Panel: Basic Controls
2. A full-featured audio/video control center for analog and digital
source components
We suggest you look over the RTC-965’s front and rear panels be-
fore you start connecting other components to it. The following
explanations will help you get familiar with the units connections,
features, and controls, with number references corresponding to
the illustrations at the front of this manual.
3. A high-quality AM/FM tuner.
RTC-965 Key Features
•
Rotel’s Balanced Design Concept combines advanced circuit
board layout, comprehensive parts evaluation, and extensive lis-
tening tests for superior sound and long term reliability.
Most functions are duplicated on the front panel and on the
handheld remote control shipped with your unit. A few may be
available only on one or the other. When two reference numbers
appear, one refers to the location of the button on the front panel,
the other to the location of the button on the handheld remote
control.
•
•
•
•
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
Note: Front panel controls and displays used for tuning the AM/
FM receiver are described in the next section of this manual.
User friendly ON-SCREEN DISPLAY with programmable labels for
video components.
10
RTC-965
1
2
43
18
Power Switch
and Standby Switch
SUBWOOFER/REAR/CENTER +/– Buttons
The RTC-965 has two pushbuttons for powering on and off. The
POWER switch completely shuts down all of the circuitry, similar
in effect to removing the power cord from the AC outlet. The
STANDBY switch deactivates the unit, but preserves power to
some circuits such as those that store memorized circuits. When
in STANDBY mode, a front panel STANDBY LED indicator lights.
The STANDBY Switch is duplicated on the RTC-965's remote.
These three pairs of buttons are used to adjust the output level of
the subwoofer channel, the rear surround speakers, and the cen-
ter channel speaker.
To change the output volume of the subwoofer, press the
SUBWOOFER + or – buttons. To change the output volume of the
rear surround channels press the REAR + or – buttons. To adjust
the output of the center channel, press the CENTER + or – button.
In normal operation, use the STANDBY switch to deactivate the
unit when you are finished listening and leave the POWER switch
ON at all times. This will preserve memory functions.
Note: The same adjustments can also be made using the ON-
SCREEN MENU system and test tones during system setup.
Note: The STANDBY switch also controls the rear panel AC con-
venience outlets. When the RTC-965 is in STANDBY mode, the AC
outlet is also off. When the RTC-965 is fully functional, the AC out-
let is live.
19
MEMORY Button
The MEMORY button is used to confirm and memorize various set-
tings in the setup and operation of the RTC-965, including tuner
station presets and video source labels. Its use is described in de-
tail in the relevant sections below.
3
Remote Sensor
This sensor receives infrared signals from the handheld remote
control. Make sure you do not accidentally block this sensor with
cables or accessories.
Front Panel: Input Selection/
Recording Controls
4
Front Panel Display
The large fluorescent display in the upper portion of the RTC-965
provides status information used in operating the AM/FM receiver
(such as station frequency display, band, preset memory, etc.).
7
Input Source Buttons
Ten large front panel buttons directly select an audio or video in-
put source (such as a CD player, the built-in tuner, a tape recorder,
video sources, etc.) for listening. Push any of these buttons (or the
duplicates 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.
6
41
Master Volume Control
The MASTER VOLUME control adjusts the level of all output chan-
nels simultaneously. Rotate the control clockwise to increase the
volume. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease the volume. MAS-
TER VOLUME buttons are also available on the RTC-965's
handheld remote control.
Both the front panel display and the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY will
show the current source selection. These labels can be custom-
ized to match your components (see the VIDEO LABEL button be-
low).
When you adjust the volume, a digital readout will appear in the
RTC-965 front panel display and an indication of the new setting
will appear on your TV monitor.
Note: Four video inputs accept analog audio/video signals and
digital signals including Dolby Digital and DTS surround material.
If a digital signal is present when the source is selected, the digi-
tal input is automatically activated and the proper surround
choice enabled – unless the automatic sensing has been overrid-
den for that input in the setup procedure described in the section
on System Configuration. If no digital signal is present or if the
auto sensing has been disabled, the analog inputs are selected.
21
Tone Controls
BASS and TREBLE controls increase and decrease the audio
signal’s low and high frequency content respectively. Rotate
clockwise to increase output in the respective frequency range
and counterclockwise to reduce it. The center detent removes
each control from the audio path for maximum signal integrity. The
front panel display and an ON-SCREEN DISPLAY will show tone
control settings as you adjust them.
TAPE MONITOR INPUTS: Two of the INPUT SOURCE buttons have
a special function. The TAPE 1 and TAPE 2 MONITOR buttons acti-
vate the analog inputs of a tape monitor loop consisting of a pair
of outputs and a matching set of inputs. Traditionally, this tape
monitor loop has been used to play a tape deck connected to
these inputs or for real time monitoring of a recording in progress
on an audio tape deck. Alternatively, the tape monitor loop could
be used to pass a signal to a graphic equalizer and listen to the
processed signal by pressing the corresponding TAPE MONITOR
button. An indicator appears in the front panel display when TAPE
2 MONITOR is activated.
22
Balance Control
Turn the BALANCE control clockwise to increase the output level
of the right channel speakers. Turn counterclockwise to increase
the output level of the left channel speakers. The center detent
position removes the control from the circuit and provides equal
output from both left and right channels.
11
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
ery time you play a stereo CD or listen to a stereo FM broadcast.
15 51
5.1 CH Input
To the contrary, many people find that they prefer one of the other
surround modes. We have provided a note with each surround
mode description suggesting when the setting may be appropriate
along with alternative settings.
This button overrides all other inputs (both analog and digital) and
directly connects an external digital adaptor to the RTC-965’s
MASTER VOLUME control and outputs. This allows the RTC-965 to
remain the central controller for even the most advanced audio/
video systems and provides an upgrade path to future software
standards. When activated, all of the RTC-965’s inboard Dolby pro-
cessing is bypassed. An indicator appears in the front panel dis-
play and the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY when the 5.1 CH input is
activated.
As a general rule, we recommend using PRO LOGIC mode for all
sources labeled Dolby Pro Logic. Beyond that, use whatever set-
tings sound best to you in your room with your system.
Note: Some users understandably find the choice of surround
modes overwhelming, particularly until they have had a chance to
live with the system and experiment for a while. Others simply
prefer “set it and leave it” convenience. In both cases, we recom-
mend PRO LOGIC mode as a satisfactory choice for virtually any
source material.
The 5.1 CH button is duplicated on the handheld remote control.
17
VIDEO 1 REC Button
The RTC-965 permits recording from any source connected to the
VIDEO 2 through 5 inputs to a VCR connected to the VIDEO 1 out-
puts while allowing simultaneous listening to another input
source. To select a VIDEO INPUT SOURCE for recording, press the
VIDEO 1 REC button. Each time you press the button, one of the
VIDEO INPUT sources will be shown in the front panel display and
selected for recording. For example, the first time you press the
button, VIDEO 2 will be displayed as the recording source, a sec-
ond press of the button will display VIDEO 3, and so on until you
have cycled through VIDEO 4 and AUX/VIDEO 5 as well. Stop
when you reach the input you wish to record from and its signal
will be available to record on a VCR connected to the VIDEO 1 out-
puts. Remember, this selection is independent of the listening
source. While recording, you may still select an audio source (for
example, the CD or the TUNER input) for listening.
8
PRO LOGIC Button
Provides proper playback decoding and processing for any Dolby
Pro Logic encoded surround sound material, whether it be a mu-
sic CD, videotape, videodisc, conventional stereo TV broadcast, or
radio broadcast. It also can be used successfully to create addi-
tional ambience in 2-channel musical source material. Front, cen-
ter, and rear speakers are activated and an indicator lights in the
front panel display when the PRO LOGIC button is pressed.
Note: Many users will find that leaving the RTC-965 in the PRO
LOGIC mode offers the most satisfactory performance and conve-
nience for all source materials. It provides automatic decoding of
analog surround sound material. It allows automatic selection
(unless overridden) of digital processing when a Dolby Digital or
DTS source is played. In addition, it provides satisfying surround-
sound ambience with musical sources.
Note: The RECORD function requires analog signals. Thus, if you
are using a digital connection from a CD player or DVD for listen-
ing, you should also connect an analog signal for recording. See
the section on Rear Panel Input Connections.
9
3 STEREO Button
Provides the proper playback of Dolby Pro Logic source material
on systems that have front and center speakers, but lack rear sur-
round speakers. Adds the rear channel signals to the front speak-
ers for a larger, more ambient sound than conventional stereo. An
indicator lights in the front panel display to show that this mode
has been activated.
Front Panel: Surround Sound
Controls
The RTC-965 is equipped to properly decode Dolby® Pro Logic®,
Dolby Digital®, and DTS® surround sound source material as well
as synthesizing several different ambience simulations for musi-
cal source material.
10
DSP Button
This button activates digital synthesis of four different ambience
modes (MUSIC 1: THEATER, MUSIC 2: HALL, MUSIC 3: STADIUM,
and MUSIC 4: CHURCH) which simulate different acoustic envi-
ronments and are primarily used to recreate ambience when lis-
tening to music sources and/or other sources that lack surround
sound encoding.
Dolby Digital and DTS activation are fully automatic (unless the
auto sensing is disabled during system setup). When a digital sig-
nal encoded with either of these surround signals is detected, the
RTC-965 automatically activates the proper decoding. In most
cases, the RTC-965 will also recognize a digital signal encoded
with Dolby Pro Logic for automatic processing.
These four modes vary in the length and type of delay used for the
rear surround channel signals. Experiment to find a setting which
is most pleasing for a particular recording or broadcast. Press the
button to activate the DSP mode. Each subsequent press of the
button will step forward to the next mode in the following order:
MUSIC 1 > MUSIC 2 > MUSIC 3 > MUSIC 4. An indicator lights in
the front panel display when DSP mode has been activated.
Additionally, five small buttons allow manual control of the sur-
round sound/ambience settings as described below. Keep in mind
that there are no right or wrong settings. Just because a mode is
labelled STEREO does not mean that you must use this mode ev-
12
RTC-965
Note: As a general rule, the DSP modes provide more exagger-
ated ambience effects than playing the same recording in PRO
LOGIC mode, which provides a subtle ambience synthesis on mu-
sical recordings. You may prefer PRO LOGIC as your “everyday”
setting, experimenting with the more spectacular DSP modes for
particular recordings or effects.
Front Panel: Tuning Controls
The RTC-965 features a digital synthesized AM/FM tuner with 30
station presets. Operation of the tuning functions involves the use
of the numeric buttons immediately to the left of the MASTER
VOLUME knob and five buttons directly below the MASTER VOL-
UME knob as described below.
11
STEREO Button
24
45
BAND Button
Activates conventional 2-speaker stereo direct bypass mode with
no surround sound or other processing. This is “pure” stereo, us-
ing the front left and front right speakers only, with no surround
channels and no center channel.
The BAND button selects whether the tuner is in AM or FM mode.
Press the button to toggle back and forth between AM and FM. A
corresponding indicator will light at the left portion of the front
panel display to confirm your choice and the currently tuned sta-
tion frequency will be shown.
When used with Dolby Digital or DTS source material, the STEREO
button engages a “downmix” feature which combines all of the
available channels and sends them to the front speakers only. The
spatial effects of surround sound are lost, but all of the informa-
tion on the original recording will be heard in 2-channel stereo.
25 42
TUNING Button
This is a rocker switch used to change the station frequency up or
down. The TUNING button gives you a choice of two tuning meth-
ods: manual and automatic.
Note 1: We provide the STEREO mode as an alternative for those
who want to hear the recording in its original two-channel form,
as if it were being played over a conventional 2-speaker stereo
system. Conversely, many listeners find that they prefer the addi-
tional ambience from multi-speaker surround sound processing of
2-channel music recordings. We suggest PRO LOGIC mode for
subtle ambience synthesis or the DSP modes for more spectacu-
lar effects. Use the setting that sounds best to you.
To tune manually, press the button quickly and release to in-
crease or decrease the station frequency to the next available
setting, whether or not there is a station broadcasting on that fre-
quency. Use a succession of quick button presses to reach the
desired station.
To tune automatically, press and hold the TUNING button for ap-
proximately one second. An AUTO indicator will appear in the
front panel display and the tuner will begin automatically scan-
ning up or down through the frequencies until the next available
station is detected. If this is not the desired station, repeat the au-
tomatic tuning procedure to find the next station. Weak stations
will be skipped during auto tuning.
12 54
DYNAMIC RANGE Button
Today’s digital sources are capable of extremely high dynamic
range (the difference between the softest and loudest sounds). In
some cases, the available dynamic range may tax amplifiers and/
or speakers. In other cases, it may be desirable to reduce the dy-
namic range, for example, when listening at low volume levels.
Pressing the DYNAMIC RANGE button steps through the three
available dynamic range settings:
Several indicators in the front panel display assist tuning. A large
display shows the tuned frequency and increases or decreases
during tuning. A signal strength indicator shows the strength of
the incoming signal. A TUNED indicator lights when a sufficiently
strong signal is received. A ST indicator lights when a stereo FM
signal is received.
• OFF (no compression/full dynamic range)
• MID (moderate compression)
• MIN (maximum compression/minimum dynamic range).
5
47
NUMERIC Keypad: Station Presets
An indicator lights on the front panel display to show the current
selection.
The RTC-965 can store up to 30 station presets for recall at any
time using the NUMERIC keypad. To memorize a station:
1. Tune to the desired station, either AM or FM.
Note: The DYNAMIC RANGE feature is only available in Dolby
Digital. It is inactive at all other times.
2. Press the MEMORY button on the front panel of the RTC-965. A
MEMORY indicator will flash for five seconds in the display.
3. While the MEMORY indicator is flashing, press the number of
the preset where you wish to store the station frequency. For ex-
ample, to memorize the station as preset 3, press the 3 button. To
memorize preset 15, press the 1 button followed by the 5 button.
4. A previously stored frequency is erased from memory when a
new frequency is memorized for the same preset number.
13
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
To tune to a previously memorized station, just press the preset
number on the NUMERIC keypad. For example, to tune to preset 3,
press the 3 button. To tune to preset 15, press the 1 button and
then press the 5 button.
Front Panel: Configuration
Controls
Note: If the TUNER is not already the selected INPUT SOURCE, se-
lecting a station preset will automatically switch to the TUNER in-
put and tune the memorized station.
16
VIDEO LABEL Button
You may customize the labels of the VIDEO INPUT SOURCE but-
tons so that the names of your particular components are dis-
played in the front panel display and the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY
when selected. For example, you could choose to have DVD dis-
played in place of VIDEO 2. Labels may be up to 9 characters long.
Inputs that can be relabelled are VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3,
VIDEO 4, and AUX/VIDEO 5. To relabel the video inputs:
The NUMERIC keypad buttons can also be used for direct access
tuning (see below). In addition, four of the buttons (
/ BACK /
ENTER) are used in navigating the ON-SCREEN MENU system.
20
FREQUENCY DIRECT Button
If you know the frequency of the desired station, you may tune it
directly using the FREQUENCY DIRECT button and the NUMERIC
keypad.
1. Select the VIDEO INPUT you wish to relabel.
2. Press and hold the VIDEO LABEL button for 3 seconds. The 9
segments of the front panel display turn to bars, each represent-
ing one available character. The first bar blinks.
1. Press the FREQUENCY DIRECT button to change the NUMERIC
keypad from station preset to Direct Access mode. The station
frequency in the front panel display will change to a series of four
bars, representing the digits of a station frequency, with the first
bar flashing.
3. Press the TUNING < > buttons repeatedly to step backwards or
forwards through the available characters until you find the first
letter or character in the desired name. Available characters in-
clude the 26 letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0 – 9, and nine
special characters. When the desired character is displayed,
press the MEMORY button to move to the next character in the
display. The next segment in the display will blink.
2. Enter the first digit of the station frequency using the NUMERIC
keypad. The digit will appear in the frequency display and the sec-
ond bar will flash. Enter the remaining digits of the frequency.
Note that in FM mode, pressing 1 will enter 10 as the digit in the
frequency display. When all of the digits have been entered, the
tuner will automatically tune to the displayed station frequency.
4. Repeat step 3 above until you have entered all nine characters
in the desired video label, including “blanks” for unused charac-
ters. As soon as you press the MEMORY button following the ninth
character, the new label will be stored.
Examples:
FM87.50MHz
FM101.90MHz
AM1610kHz
Press: 8 > 7 > 5 > 0
Press: 1 > 1 > 9 > 0
Press: 1 > 6 > 1 > 0
14
SPEAKER MODE Button
Home theater speaker systems vary considerably in their size and
performance, particularly in their bass output. For this reason,
today’s surround sound processors feature elaborate logic which
can send thunderous bass information from movie soundtracks to
the speaker(s) best able to handle it – subwoofers and/or large
speakers. For optimum surround sound performance, it is neces-
sary to tell the RTC-965 what speakers your system includes and
what type they are.
23
MONO Button
The MONO button changes the FM mode from stereo reception to
mono reception. In stereo mode, a stereo signal will be heard if
the station is broadcasting a stereo signal and there is sufficient
signal strength. A stereo indicator will light in the front panel dis-
play. In mono mode, a mono signal will be heard even if the station
is broadcasting a stereo signal.
The following configuration instructions refer to LARGE and
SMALL speakers. The size refers more to the bass performance of
the speaker than its physical size. A full-range speaker that has
extended bass response is considered LARGE. A compact
minispeaker with limited bass response or power handling is con-
sidered SMALL.
Note: Switching to mono mode can be a useful way to improve the
reception of weak or distant FM signals. Less signal strength is
required for clean mono reception than for stereo reception.
While understanding the terms LARGE and SMALL is useful, it is
probably more important to understand what these different
speaker types mean in terms of system performance. This will
help determine how you should configure your system. As a gen-
eral rule, the system will redirect bass information away from
SMALL speakers and send it to the LARGE speakers and/or the
SUBWOOFER in your system.
14
RTC-965
Things become a little more complex in systems with a subwoofer.
For example, the system will generally not redirect bass informa-
tion away from a LARGE speaker to the subwoofer. Thus, the de-
cision you often need to make when faced with a choice of LARGE
or SMALL is whether you want the particular speaker to play the
deep bass or whether you would prefer that the deep bass be sent
to the subwoofer. If you have invested in a subwoofer for your
system, you might decide to send all of the bass to it, regardless
of how capable the other speakers in the system may be. In this
case, you would tell the RTC-965 that all of your speakers are
SMALL, without regard to how big they may actually be.
Note 3: Dolby Digital and DTS modes are automatically activated
based on software codes; there is no manual mode setting. There-
fore, to use one of these modes for configuring the speaker set-
tings, play a Dolby Digital or DTS digital recording to activate
these modes and then press the SPEAKER MODE button to config-
ure the speakers.
There are two ways to configure your speaker system. One is the
ON-SCREEN MENU system (described later in this manual). The
other method uses the front panel SPEAKER MODE button:
An alternative configuration for setting up front SMALL speakers
with a subwoofer would be to follow the speaker manufacturer’s
instructions, wiring the SMALL speakers to the subwoofer’s
crossover and then connecting the subwoofer directly to the front
speaker connection terminals. In this arrangement, the speakers
would be classified as LARGE and the subwoofer setting would be
OFF for all surround modes. No information will be lost during
playback because the system knows to redirect the bass informa-
tion to the front LARGE speakers. This configuration may be opti-
mal for many users as it can improve the way the bass integrates
into the listening room and ensure correct satellite speaker op-
eration by using the speaker manufacturer’s own crossovers.
1. Select the Dolby Pro Logic surround mode with the front panel
buttons or by playing a Dolby Digital or DTS digital source.
2. Press and hold the SPEAKER MODE button for at least 2 sec-
onds to activate the FRONT speaker configuration. An indicator
will appear in the front panel display.
3. Quickly press the SPEAKER MODE button in succession to
toggle through the available options for the FRONT speakers
(large/small). The selection will appear in the front panel display.
4. When the correct size configuration for your FRONT speakers
appears, press the MEMORY button to store the setting. This will
automatically take you to the configuration options for the next
type of speaker, for example, the CENTER speaker.
The following speaker options are available:
FRONT SPEAKERS (small/large): This menu setting determines
what kind of main front left and right speakers you are using. Use
the LARGE setting if your main left and right speakers are full
range designs with good bass response capability. If you are us-
ing minispeakers, use the SMALL setting.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4, pressing the SPEAKER MODE button
quickly in succession until you reach the desired setting and then
confirm the selection by pressing the MEMORY button. Continue
until you have set the proper configuration for all speakers.
CENTER SPEAKER (small/large/none): Use the LARGE position
(not available with SMALL front speakers) if your system’s center
channel speaker is capable of full-range, extended bass re-
sponse. Use the SMALL position if your center channel speaker
has more limited low frequency capability, or if you prefer that the
bass be sent to the subwoofer. Select the NONE setting if your
system does not have a center channel speaker.
Once complete, you can check the current settings at any time by
briefly pushing the SPEAKER MODE button repeatedly to toggle
through the various speaker settings.
13 49
MENU Button
Activates the ON-SCREEN MENU system for system setup and
configuration. See the section detailing the operation of the ON-
SCREEN MENU system below. Press the button to activate the
menu system.
REAR SPEAKERS (small/large/none): If your rear surround speak-
ers are capable of sustained low frequency output, select the
LARGE setting (not available with SMALL front speakers). If your
rear speakers have limited bass capability or if you would prefer
that the bass go to a subwoofer, use the SMALL setting. If your
system has no rear surround speakers, select the NONE setting
(surround information will be added to the front speakers).
RR-939 Remote Control
SUBWOOFER (yes/no): Use the YES setting if your system has a
subwoofer. If your system does not have a subwoofer, select NO.
The RTC-965 includes a handheld remote control that does far
more than operate the RTC-965. The RR-939 is a full-function pro-
grammable remote control that can operate up to 8 audio/video
components.
Note 1: Speaker configuration need only be done one time. The
configuration will apply to all surround modes.
A separate manual, included with the remote, gives detailed infor-
mation on programming and using the RR-939 to replace all of the
remote controls in your system. This section is intended to provide
only that information which pertains to the use of the RR-939 to
operate the RTC-965.
Note 2: The available options during the configuration procedure
may vary depending on the current surround mode setting. For
this reason, select one of the surround modes, either Dolby Pro
Logic or Dolby Digital, before setting the speaker configuration.
15
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
To tune manually, press the button quickly and release to in-
Note: Many functions duplicate the RTC-965 front panel controls
and are listed here only for your reference. Please refer to the
previous Front Panel Controls section of this manual if you need
additional information.
crease or decrease the station frequency to the next available
setting, whether or not there is a station broadcasting on that fre-
quency. Use a succession of quick button presses to reach the
desired station.
To operate the RTC-965 with the remote, make sure that the AU-
DIO mode is active by pressing the AUD button on the remote be-
fore you start. If it is active, pressing command keys on the RR-939
will cause the AUDIO button to flash red. Once the AUDIO mode is
active, it will stay active unless you press one of the other DEVICE
buttons to control a different component.
To tune automatically, press and hold the TUNING button for ap-
proximately one second. The tuner will begin automatically scan-
ning up or down until the next available station is detected. Weak
stations will be skipped during auto tuning.
48
INPUT SOURCE Buttons
Two rows of buttons duplicate the function of the ten INPUT
SOURCE buttons on the front panel. Select an input source by
pressing the appropriate button. The AUX 1 and AUX 2 buttons
correspond to the front panel VIDEO 4 and VIDEO 5 buttons.
Programming the RR-939
The RR-939 is programmed from the factory to operate the RTC-
965. Should the AUDIO command set on your RR-939 not operate
the RTC-965, it’s possible that the programming has been inadvert-
ently changed. To reprogram the remote to operate the RTC-965
(Audio Code = 001):
5.1 Button 51
Duplicates the 5.1 CH button on the front panel. Selects the 5.1
Channel input, overriding any other source selection.
1. Press the AUDIO button at the top of the remote while simulta-
neously pressing the MUTE button and hold both for at least one
second. The AUDIO button will light in red for 20 seconds, indicat-
ing that you have entered the program mode. The next step must
be done within this 20 second period, or the RR-939 will revert to
its standard operating mode.
45
BAND Button
Duplicates the AM/FM button on the front panel. Toggles between
AM and FM modes.
2. Use the NUMERIC buttons to enter the 3-digit code (001) for the
RTC-965 – press 0, then 0, then 1. The AUDIO button will flash
each time you enter a digit.
NUMERIC Buttons 47
Ten numeric buttons, labeled 0 through 9, duplicate the function of
the NUMERIC keypad on the front panel. Selects memorized sta-
tion presets.
3. Store the code number by pressing the corresponding AUDIO
button again. The button will blink twice to confirm the storage of
the code in memory.
DYNAMIC Button 54
Duplicates the DYNAMIC RANGE button on the front panel. Se-
lects from three available dynamic range settings.
43
POWER Button
Duplicates the function of the STANDBY switch on the front panel.
Press to activate the RTC-965. Press again to deactivate. The main
POWER button on the front panel must be in the ON position for
the remote standby function to operate.
44
MUTE Button (remote only)
Push this button once to reduce all output levels to 0 – in other
words, to turn the sound off. A flashing mute indication will ap-
pear in the front panel and on-screen displays. Press the MUTE
button again to restore previous volume levels.
41
VOLUME Buttons
A pair of buttons which duplicate the function of the front panel
volume control. Press VOLUME UP to increase the volume and
press VOLUME DOWN to decrease the volume.
49
MENU button
Duplicates the function of the front panel MENU button. Push this
button to turn on the ON-SCREEN MENU system. If the menu sys-
tem is already visible, push this button to cancel the Display.
42
TUNING Button
A pair of buttons used to change the station frequency up or down
and duplicating the front panel TUNING button.
Note: The RTC-965 ON-SCREEN DISPLAY will automatically be
turned off following 20 seconds without any control activity.
16
RTC-965
31
CD Inputs
Rear Panel Connections: Overview
Connect the left and right analog outputs from a CD player to the
RCA input jacks labeled CD.
The RTC-965 provides rear panel connections for five video
sources, three audio sources, and a phono input for use with a
turntable. These connections include standard RCA audio inputs
and outputs, composite video inputs and outputs, S-Video inputs
and outputs, plus digital inputs (coaxial/RCA jack and optical).
38
Tape Inputs and Outputs
The RTC-965 provides two sets of audio tape deck connections la-
beled TAPE 1 and TAPE 2. Each set has a pair of inputs and a pair
of record outputs that allow you to record on either tape deck.
The RTC-965 includes a full complement of RCA preamp outputs
for use with external amplifiers. In addition, a pair of video output
(composite and S-Video) connect the unit to your TV monitor.
Connect the left and right analog outputs from an audio tape deck
to the TAPE 1 IN input jacks. Connect the TAPE 1 OUT output jacks
to the INPUTS on the audio tape deck.
The RTC-965 also includes 25-pin 5.1 channel input and output
connections, a remote IR sensor connection, and antenna con-
nections.
Connect a second tape deck to the TAPE 2 connections – the out-
puts of the tape deck to the IN jacks on the RTC-965 and the OUT
jacks on the RTC-965 to the inputs on the second tape deck.
Note: DO NOT plug any system component into an AC source until
system hookup is complete and you are confident that all compo-
nent-to-component connections have been properly made.
Rear Panel: Video Source
Connections
All video cables should have a 75 ohm impedance rating. Al-
though conventional audio interconnects will pass a video signal,
their construction and limited bandwidth impose a performance
penalty because, in part, they do not adhere to the 75 ohm stan-
dard. The S/PDIF digital audio interface standard specifies a 75
ohm transmission line and all good digital cables adhere to this
requirement. Because the video and S/PDIF standards are so
close, you can use a video cable for digital audio data transmis-
sion. We strongly advise that you NOT substitute a conventional
analog audio interconnect cable for either digital or video.
There are groups of connections for up to five video source com-
ponents. Each group includes a pair of RCA analog audio inputs, a
composite video input, and an alternative S-Video input. One
group, VIDEO 1, also includes a set of record outputs (in the same
formats) for sending audio and video signals to a VCR.
32
VIDEO 1 Inputs/Outputs
Connect your VCR to the VIDEO 1 group of inputs and outputs. This
set of connections allows recording.
When making signal connections, make sure that you always
preserve proper channel consistency, i.e. connect LEFT channels
to LEFT channel jacks and RIGHT channels to RIGHT channel
jacks. All RCA-type connections on the RTC-965 follow these stan-
dard color codes:
Connect the analog audio outputs of the VCR to the VIDEO 1 PLAY
left and right RCA audio jacks. Connect the VIDEO 1 REC left and
right RCA audio output jacks to the analog audio line inputs on the
VCR.
Left channel audio
Right channel audio
Composite video
=
=
=
RCA jack with white inset
RCA jack with red inset
RCA jack with yellow inset
If you have decided to use composite video connections in your
system, connect the RCA composite video output of the VCR to the
RCA composite video input labeled VIDEO 1 PLAY. If you prefer to
use S-Video connections, connect the S-Video output of the VCR
to the VIDEO 1 PLAY S-Video input.
Rear Panel: Audio Source
Connections
Hookup the VIDEO 1 REC video output (either RCA composite or S-
Video) to the video line recording input on your VCR.
Connect your audio-only source components to these RCA inputs
and outputs:
30
29
Phono Inputs
and Phono Ground
Connect the left and right output cables of a turntable to this pair
of RCA inputs. Connect the ground wire from your turntable to the
phono ground lug, labeled GND.
17
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
32
VIDEO 2 – 5 Inputs
Rear Panel Output Signal
Connections
These four sets of audio/video inputs allow connection of four ad-
ditional video components such as a play-only VCR, DVD player,
LaserDisc player, or DSS satellite receiver.
This section of the manual provides complete information on the
audio and video signal output connections on the rear panel of the
RTC-965. These are used for routing the output signals to televi-
sion monitors, audio amplifiers, and recording devices. For conve-
nience, each topic begins with an overview of the particular
connection, followed by detailed hookup instructions.
Connect the RCA analog audio outputs of the first video compo-
nent to the left and right RCA analog audio inputs labeled VIDEO 2.
Then, connect either the RCA composite video or S-Video output
of the video source to the corresponding RCA composite or S-
Video connection labeled VIDEO 2.
Repeat for additional video components, using VIDEO 3, VIDEO 4,
and AUX./VIDEO 5.
39
TV Monitor Output
The video output of the RTC-965 sends the video signal to your TV
monitor. Both RCA composite and S-Video connectors are pro-
vided. Simply connect the TV MONITOR output, either RCA com-
posite or S-Video, to an input on your television monitor. Whatever
input source is selected on the RTC-965 will appear on screen.
Note: Any of the video source inputs may also be used for an au-
dio-only source. Simply omit the video connection.
37
Digital Inputs
27
RCA Preamp Outputs
The RTC-965 features a complete D/A conversion capability which
accepts digital input signals from source components such as CD
players, satellite TV receivers, and 5.1 channel Dolby Digital or
DTS signals from DVD and Laser Disc players. The D/A automati-
cally senses and adjusts to the correct sampling rates.
The RTC-965 provides a set of RCA preamp audio outputs: one for
a powered subwoofer and five more (FRONT LEFT/FRONT RIGHT/
CENTER/RIGHT REAR/LEFT REAR) that allow you to use external
amplifiers in place of one or more of the built-in amps.
These digital inputs are available for VIDEO 2 (coaxial), VIDEO 3
(coaxial), VIDEO 4 (optical), and AUX/VIDEO 5 (optical).
To hook up a powered subwoofer, connect a standard RCA audio
cable from the SUBWOOFER OUTPUT jack to the input on the
subwoofer’s power amp.
To use the digital inputs, connect the appropriate cable (optical or
coaxial) from the digital output of your source component to the
corresponding DIGITAL INPUT on the RTC-965. Make sure that if
you have connected the analog signals from a source to VIDEO 2,
that you also connect its digital output to VIDEO 2, etc.
To hook up the RCA main audio outputs, connect a standard audio
cable from each output to the input of the amplifier channel that
will power the corresponding speaker. In a full home theater sys-
tem using external amplifiers for all channels, you will need to
make six different connections corresponding to the six speakers
(left front, center front, right front, left surround, right surround,
and subwoofer).
Even when using digital connections, you should still make the
analog input connections described above. The analog connec-
tion is necessary should you wish to record from that source com-
ponent to an audio tape deck or VCR.
It is important to make sure that you have the correct output con-
nected to the proper amplifier channel (front right, left rear, etc.).
Take your time.
36
5.1 Channel Audio Input
This female DB25 25-pin input connects six discrete channels of
analog information from an outboard processor in a single cable.
28
5.1 CHANNEL Preamp Outputs
As an alternative to the RCA preamp outputs, the RTC-965 also
provides a male DB25 multi-pin output connector which carries all
six output channels in a single cable. The DB25 output connector
provides exactly the same signal as the RCA outputs, but is more
convenient for use with Rotel, or other, multichannel amplifiers
equipped with a matching DB25 input. Choose whichever is most
convenient for your system hookup.
Many external adaptors provide a choice of RCA or DB25 outputs.
We suggest that you use a DB25-to-DB25 cable to reduce the
number of cables and to insure proper channel-to-channel conti-
nuity. If your external adaptor does not have a DB25 output, you
will need to purchase a multi-RCA to DB25 adaptor cable from
your authorized Rotel dealer. Make sure to observe proper chan-
nel continuity. See Figure 4 for DB25 pin assignments.
To use the DB25 output connections, simply connect a female-to-
male DB25 audio cable from the output of the RTC-965 to the
matching input on the multichannel power amplifier. See Figure 4
at the front of this manual for DB25 pin assignments.
18
RTC-965
Note: To use an outdoor antenna, connect its 75 ohm coax lead
wire (or 300 ohm twin-conductor wire and 300 ohm to 75 ohm
adaptor) to the FM 75Ω connector in place of the indoor wire an-
tenna, only after a professional contractor has installed the an-
tenna system in accordance with local electrical codes.
Rear Panel Antenna Connections
The RTC-965 requires two antennas to receive radio signals, one
for AM and one for FM (MW and LW in some countries). Most us-
ers will get acceptable reception using the indoor antennas which
are supplied with the RTC-965. Instructions for hooking up these
antennas follow.
Note: If you are located a considerable distance from the radio
transmitters, you may choose to use outdoor antennas to improve
reception. Outdoor antenna systems can be dangerous if they are
not properly grounded and should always be installed by a profes-
sional contractor familiar with the electrical code requirements in
your local area.
Rear Panel AC Power Connections
40
AC Input
Your RTC-965 is configured at the factory for the proper AC line
voltage in the country where you purchased it (USA version: 115
volts/60Hz or European version: 230 volts/50Hz). The AC line con-
figuration is noted on a decal on the back of your unit.
AM Loop Antenna 26
The RTC-965 includes a plastic loop antenna to receive AM radio
signals. Remove this antenna from the box and locate it near the
RTC-965. It can be tacked to a wall, using the mounting tab pro-
vided. Alternatively, you can fold the center portion of the antenna
to form a tabletop stand.
Plug the attached power cord into an appropriate AC wall outlet.
33
AC Convenience Outlets
Two outlets let you plug AC cords from source components or
other accessories into the back of the RTC-965 so that they will be
turned on and off automatically. The outlets are powered when-
ever the RTC-965 is fully active. They are off when the RTC-965 is
in STANDBY mode.
Connect the 300 ohm twin-conductor wire from the loop antenna
to the pair of screw terminals labeled AM LOOP, attaching one
wire to each terminal. It does not matter which wire attaches to
which terminal, but make sure that the connections are solid and
that the two wires do not touch.
Note: The rear panel AC outlets are only available on 115 Volt ver-
sions of the RTC-965 and not available on 230 Volt models.
You may need to rotate or otherwise reorient the antenna to find
the best position.
34
Remote External Sensor Jack
Note: To use an outdoor antenna, connect its 300 ohm twin-con-
ductor wire to the terminals in place of the loop antenna, only af-
ter a professional contractor has installed the antenna system in
accordance with local electrical codes.
This 3.5 mm mini-jack receives command codes from industry-
standard infrared receivers (Xantech, etc.) via hard-wired con-
nections. This feature could prove useful when the unit is installed
in a cabinet and the front-panel sensor is blocked. Consult your
authorized Rotel dealer for information on these external repeat-
ers and the proper wiring of a jack to fit the mini-jack receptacle.
FM Wire Antenna 35
The RTC-965 includes a wire antenna to receive FM signals. In
many countries (including the USA), this antenna is a T-shaped
twin-conductor 300Ω antenna. Remove this antenna from the box
and connect its two conductors to the two screw terminals on the
supplied 300Ω to 75Ω adaptor. Connect the coax plug on the con-
verter to the FM 75Ω antenna connector on the RTC-965.
On-Screen Display / Configuration
The RTC-965 features two on-screen systems to help operate the
system. The first consists of simple status displays that appear on
the TV screen whenever primary settings (Volume, Input, etc.) are
changed. These status displays are self-explanatory.
For best reception, unfold the T-shaped wire antenna. There are
eyelets at both ends of the T, which allow tacking the antenna to a
wall, if desired. Experiment with positioning for best reception.
A more comprehensive ON-SCREEN MENU system is available at
any time by pressing the MENU button on the front panel or the
remote control. This system includes intuitive menus that guide
you through the setup and operation of virtually every function
and setting of your RTC-965.
In some countries, the RTC-965 may be supplied with a single wire
FM antenna terminated by a 75Ω coax connector. If your unit is
supplied with this antenna, connect it directly to the FM 75Ω an-
tenna connector.
19
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
41 46 49 50 52 53
Navigation Buttons
SAT
TV
VCR
CBL
POWER
MUTE
41
VOL
CH
BAND
T / V
VOLUME
SURROUND +
GUIDE
ON SCREEN
MENU
PAUSE
C. DELAY
49
MENU
TRACK –
TRACK +
PLAY
SEL
UP
DOWN
STOP
DYNAMIC
PRE
CH
50
RECALL
DOWN
OPN/CLS
SUR-DELAY
46
MOVIE FILT
PROG
1
DISC 1
2
DISC 2
3
DISC 3
UP
4
DISC 4
5
DISC 5
6
DISC 6
5.1 CH
TIME [REVIEW]
53
7
8
0
9
SELECT
CLEAR [SCAN]
ENTER
10
>10
ENTER
BACK
RANDOM [REPEAT]
52
BACK
The following buttons are used to navigate the ON-SCREEN MENU
system:
49
MENU Button:
To display the MAIN screen. All other menus
are reached from this menu. If a menu is already visible, push this
button to cancel the Display.
50 46
DOWN/UP remote control buttons
or NUMERIC Keypad
5
front panel buttons (
)
: To move up and down in the lists
that appear on the ON-SCREEN MENU system.
41
VOLUME DOWN/UP remote control Buttons:
To change the
current settings for a selected menu choice on some menus in the
ON-SCREEN MENU system.
53
ENTER Button:
To toggle through available settings for a se-
lected menu choice on some menus.
52
BACK Button:
The BACK button is used to cancel a selection
on an ON-SCREEN MENU and return to the previous menu.
Note: There is no need to memorize these buttons. A brief help
20
RTC-965
INPUT SELECTOR Menu
SURROUND MODE Menu
SURROUND MODE
INPUT SELECTOR
Mode: DOLBY PRO LOGIC
Video: DVD
Audio: TUNER
Delay Time
Video REC: DVD
Audio REC: TUNER
5.1Ch Input: OFF
Input Source: AUTO
CENTER: ____
REAR: 20ms
BASS LEVEL: +10dB
DOWN–select ENTER/VOL–change
DOWN–selection ENTER–change
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
The INPUT SELECTOR menu provides status information and con-
figuration options for the source inputs. This screen is available
from the MAIN menu. The screen displays the following status in-
formation:
The SURROUND MODE menu provides status information and
configuration options pertaining to the surround operation. This
screen is available from the MAIN menu. The screen displays the
following status information:
VIDEO: the currently selected video source
AUDIO: the currently selected audio source
VIDEO REC: the currently selected source for VIDEO 1 REC outputs
AUDIO REC: the currently selected source for audio recording,
cannot be independently changed
MODE: the currently selected surround sound mode (PRO LOGIC,
DSP, 3-STEREO, etc.) Remember that Dolby Digital and DTS are
automatically enabled based on source material encoding and,
therefore, no setting is required.
DELAY TIME (center): the current delay setting for the center
channel speaker; only available in Dolby Digital mode
DELAY TIME (rear): the current delay setting for the rear surround
speakers
BASS LEVEL: Increases or decreases the level of the bass infor-
mation for the selected surround mode. You can set one bass level
for theater surround modes and one bass level for music modes
(DSP and STEREO). Unlike the front panel bass control, these set-
tings are memorized and engaged automatically each time a mu-
sic or theater surround mode is selected.
5.1 CH INPUT: whether or not the 5.1 channel input is active
INPUT SOURCE: AUTO or ANALOG. With the AUTO setting (the
factory default), the selected input source will check first to see if
there is a signal present at the digital inputs. If so, it will play the
digital signal, automatically activating DOLBY DIGITAL or DTS sur-
round processing depending on the source. If no digital signal is
present, the analog inputs will be automatically enabled for that
source. With the ANALOG setting, the automatic sensing is dis-
abled and the system will always revert to the analog inputs. A
digital signal will be ignored even if present and there will be no
DOLBY DIGITAL or DTS processing. Generally, this setting should
be left in the default AUTO mode unless you wish to override the
digital inputs for some reason.
In many systems, the factory delay settings will be satisfactory.
However, delay times may need to be adjusted depending on the
relative distance from the listening position to the front and rear
speakers so that you do not hear, for example, an explosion in a
soundtrack start in the rear of the room instead of the front. In-
crease the relative delay to the rear speakers if they are located
closer to the seating area than the front speakers.
Change any setting by moving the cursor to the desired line using
the UP/DOWN buttons on the remote or the NUMERIC Keypad
front panel buttons (
), adjust the setting using the ENTER but-
tons. Return to the MAIN menu by pressing the BACK button. Turn
off the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY by pressing MENU.
Change a setting by moving the cursor to the desired line using
the UP/DOWN buttons on the remote or the NUMERIC Keypad
front panel buttons (
), adjust the setting using the ENTER re-
mote button. Return to the MAIN menu by pressing the BACK but-
ton. Cancel the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY by pressing the MENU
button.
21
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER RTC-965
TEST TONE Menu
TONE/BALANCE Menu
TEST TONE
Front - L
TONE / BALANCE
Center
0dB
Bass : +10dB
Front - R
Rear - R
Rear - L
Subwoofer
Treble : +10dB
0dB
-5dB
0dB
Balance : L 10
DOWN–selection VOLUME–change
BACK-return MENU-screen off
DOWN–selection VOLUME–change
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
This menu is used to set equal volume levels for all speakers
(front, center, rear, and subwoofer) for proper surround sound re-
production. To access this menu and perform the test tone cali-
bration you must be in one of the surround modes. To do this,
press any of the MODE buttons except STEREO. Then, enter the
ON-SCREEN MENU system and select TEST TONE from the MAIN
menu to reach this screen.
This menu duplicates the functions of the front panel TREBLE,
BASS, and BALANCE controls and provides a method of changing
them with the remote control. Select a line in the menu using the
UP/DOWN buttons on the remote or the NUMERIC Keypad front
panel buttons (
), then adjust the setting using the VOL UP/
DOWN remote buttons. Return to the MAIN menu by pressing the
BACK button. Cancel the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY by pressing
MENU.
When you enter the TEST TONE menu, you will hear a test tone
coming from the highlighted speaker. Highlight different speakers
by moving the cursor to the desired line using the UP/DOWN but-
tons on the remote. The test tone will shift accordingly to the se-
lected speaker.
While seated in the normal listening location, switch the test tone
to the various speakers. Using the front speakers as a fixed refer-
ence (there is no adjustment for the front), listen to hear if the
center speaker or the rear speakers are noticeably louder or qui-
eter than the front speakers. If so, adjust the speaker’s volume
levels up or down to match the front speakers using the VOL UP/
DOWN remote buttons. Continue switching among the speakers
and adjusting until the center speaker and both of the rear speak-
ers sound as loud as the front speakers.
Return to the MAIN menu by pressing the BACK button. Cancel
the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY by pressing MENU.
Note to Perfectionists: This calibration will be more accurate if
you use a sound pressure level (SPL) meter to measure the output
of each speaker instead of relying on your ear. SPL meters are
available from electronics stores, or your authorized Rotel dealer
may loan you one. Set the meter to its SLOW response time with
C-weighting and be sure to hold it away from your body. The goal
is to adjust each speaker so that the meter provides the same
reading for each of the speakers in your system.
22
RTC-965
SETUP Menu
RTC-965 Specifications
SETUP MENU
Audio
Front: LARGE
Rear: SMALL
Total Harmonic Distortion:
Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz: 7 kHz): <0.03%
Frequency Response (line level): 10 Hz - 70 kHz, ± 3 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted): 92 dB (Stereo)
70 dB (Dolby Digital)
<0.03%
Center: LARGE
Subwoofer: YES
Dynamic Range: OFF
Menu Display: SCREEN
DOWN–selection ENTER–change
Input Sensitivity/Impedance
Line Level:
BACK-return
MENU-screen off
200 mV/47 kohms
3.5 mV/47 kohms
Phono Input:
Tone Controls (Bass/Treble):
±8 dB at 100 Hz/10 kHz
The SETUP menu provides status information and configuration
options for a variety of system parameters. Some of these settings
duplicate the function of front panel controls.
Video
Frequency Response:
Signal to Noise Ratio:
Input Impedance:
Output Impedance:
Output Level:
3 Hz-10 MHz, ± 3 dB
45 dB
Note 1: See the discussion of speaker configuration under the
SPEAKER MODE button heading in the Front Panel Controls sec-
tion of the manual. Detailed instructions for choosing speaker
types are presented there.
75 ohms
75 ohms
1 volt
Note 2: Speaker configuration must be performed for each sur-
round mode.
Note 3: Some options described below will not be available in
some surround modes and some system configurations.
FM Tuner
Usable Sensitivity:
Signal to Noise Ratio:
Harmonic Distortion:
Stereo Separation (1 kHz):
Output Level (mono):
Antenna Input:
14.2 dBf
70 dBf
0.3%
FRONT: whether the front speakers are LARGE (full bass re-
sponse) or SMALL (limited bass output)
REAR: whether the rear speakers are LARGE, SMALL, or NONE
CENTER: whether the center speaker is LARGE, SMALL, or NONE
SUBWOOFER: whether there is a subwoofer in the system: YES or
NO
DYNAMIC RANGE: whether the dynamic range compression is
turned OFF (full dynamic range/no compression), MID (moderate
dynamic range/moderate compression), or MIN (minimum dy-
namic range/maximum compression). Only available in Dolby Digi-
tal mode.
45 dB
550 mV, ± 100 mV
75 ohms unbalanced
AM Tuner
Sensitivity:
500 µV/m
Signal to Noise Ratio:
Output Level:
40 dBf
150 mV, ± 30 mV
Loop Antenna
Antenna Input:
MENU DISPLAY: determines whether status information will ap-
pear on screen when volume, input, or other selections are made
– choices are SCREEN (display on) or OFF (display off).
General
Power Consumption:
40 watts
Power Requirements (AC):
120 volts, 60 Hz (USA version)
230 volts, 50 Hz (European version)
Change any setting by moving the cursor to the desired line using
the UP/DOWN buttons on the remote, change the setting by
pressing the ENTER button to step through the choices. Return to
the MAIN menu by pressing the BACK button. Cancel the ON-
SCREEN DISPLAY by pressing MENU.
Weight:
6.9 Kg/15.2 lb.
Dimensions (W x H x D):
450 x 158 x 303 mm
173/4" x 61/4" x 12"
All specifications are accurate at the time of printing.
Rotel reserves the right to make improvements without notice.
Rotel and the Rotel HiFi logo are registered trademarks of The Rotel Co, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, and
the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Confidential unpub-
lished works © 1992 – 1997 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
23
RTC-965
SURROUND SOUND TUNER PREAMPLIFIER
The Rotel Co. Ltd.
10-10 Shinsen-Cho
Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 150-0045
Japan
Phone: +81 3-5458-5325
Fax: +81 3-5458-5310
Rotel of America
54 Concord Street
North Reading, MA 01864-2699
USA
Phone: +1 978-664-3820
Fax: +1 978-664-4109
Rotel Europe
Meadow Road
Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2RX
England
Phone: +44 (0)1903 524 813
Fax: +44 (0)1903 524 831
Rotel Deutschland
Kleine Heide 12
D-33790 Halle/Westf.
Germany
Phone: +49 05201-87170
Fax: +49 05201-73370
082 OMRTC-965D 070799
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