Rotel Stereo Receiver RSP 976 User Guide

Owner’s Manual  
RSP-976  
Surround Sound Processor  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR  
RSP-976  
STANDBY  
RBDS RDS ST
O
S
D
I
OPTICAL  
COAXIAL  
1
3
2
4
dts  
DIGITAL  
Pro Logic  
3Stereo DSP MODE 5.1ch D.RANGE  
TREBLE  
BASS  
CD  
TUNER TAPE VIDEO1 VIDEO2 VIDEO3 VIDEO4 VIDEO5  
3
STEREO  
PRO  
LOGIC  
5.1CH DYNAMIC  
INPUT RANGE ZONE  
2CH  
DSP  
REC  
 
English  
3
2: RR-969 Remote  
AUD  
TV  
SAT  
VCR  
AV 2  
DVD  
A
CD  
1
TUN  
AV 1  
AV 3  
POWER  
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
X
H
4
CH  
VOL  
I
7
INPUT  
BAND  
MUTE  
+10  
J
GUIDE  
MENU  
M
PLAY  
CD  
DISC1  
DISC2  
DISC3  
DISC4  
DISC5  
C
K
L
UP  
CD  
TUN  
TAPE1  
TAPE2  
PH  
OSD  
B
TRACK  
V1  
V2  
V3  
V4  
V5  
-
ENT  
DWN  
+
C
PROGRAM RANDOM REPEAT  
DISC  
DISC+  
PAUSE STOP  
M
N
PREV CH  
D
SETUP  
AUDIO  
ANGLE SUBTITLE  
TITLE  
S
R
FILTER  
EXT IN  
ZONE  
PRESET  
SUR +  
SEARCH –  
SEARCH +  
SHIFT  
PTY  
TA  
TP  
DISPLAY  
ZOOM  
DVD  
CLEAR  
MODE CONDITION  
TV/VCR  
PIP  
SWAP  
POS  
ANT  
MODE  
CD  
TUN  
TAPE1  
TAPE2  
PH  
TV/VCR  
PIP  
E
F
SWAP  
POS  
ANT  
MODE  
V1  
V2  
V3  
V4  
V5  
CD  
TUN  
TAPE1  
TAPE2  
PH  
INPUT1  
INPUT2  
INPUT3  
TV/VCR  
RECORD  
V1  
V2  
V3  
V4  
V5  
FM  
FM  
NARROW  
MONO  
DIRECT  
ZONESE  
INPUT1  
INPUT2  
INPUT3  
TV/VCR  
RECORD  
FILTER  
EXT IN  
P
R
E
T  
SUR +  
FM  
MONO  
FM  
NARROW  
DIRECT  
O
P
FILTER  
EXT IN  
ZONE  
TA  
PRESET  
TP  
SUR +  
SHIFT  
P
T
Y
T
A
T
P
DISPLAY  
TUNER  
SHIFT  
PTY  
DISPLAY  
MACRO TIME/ALM  
CLEAR  
/ CLONE EDIT LEARN  
TUNER  
LANG PRELOAD RESET  
PAGE 1/2  
G
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
4
3: Outputs  
AMPLIFIER  
SUBWOOFER  
FRONT  
REAR  
L
CENTER  
SUB  
R
WOOFER  
ROTEL RSP-976  
5.1 CH INPUT  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
(2) this device must accept any interference received,  
COMPUTER  
I/O  
ZONE  
REEMXT  
12V TRIGGER  
OUT  
R
L
R
L
R
L
IR OUT  
COMPONENT VIDEO  
REM. IN  
IN  
1
2
2
1
2
including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
1
2
SUB  
ZONE  
FRONT  
1
REAR  
CENTER  
IN  
FRONT  
REAR  
WOOFER  
OUPUT OUT  
SURROUND SOUND  
PROCESSOR  
MODEL NO. RSP-976  
POWER CONSUMPTION:  
40 WATTS  
DIGITAL INPUT  
DIGITAL  
COAXIAL  
2
S-VIDEO IN  
3
S-VIDEO OUT  
L
CENTER  
1 OPTICAL  
2
5
3
OPTICAL COAXIAL  
1
4
5
1
2
3
OUTPUT  
RSP-976  
MON.  
OUT  
SUB  
R
WOOFER  
Manufactured under license  
V2.0  
from Digital Theater System,  
Inc. US Pat. No. 5,451,242  
and other world-wide patents,  
issues and pending. "DTS",  
DTS Digital surround", are  
trademarks of Digital Theater  
System, Inc. Copyright 1996  
Digital Theater System, Inc.  
All rights reserved.  
CR  
CB  
Y
TUNER  
CD  
TAPE  
VIDEO IN  
3
VIDEO OUT  
2
1
2
4
1
3
IN  
OUT  
MONITOR  
OUT  
COMPOSITE IN  
3
COMPOSITE OUT  
L
CAUTION  
1
2
4
5
1
2
3
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
INPUT  
R
WARNING:SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT OPEN  
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR  
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "Dolby", "Pro Logic" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of  
Dolby Laboraties Licensing Corporation. Confidential unpublished works 1992-1997 Dolby Laboraties, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTICAL SHOCK,  
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
©
TV  
Alternate Video Connections  
 
English  
5
4: Inputs  
DVD  
COMPONENT VIDEO  
L
S-VIDEO  
CR  
CB  
Y
COMPOSITE  
R
DIGITAL  
OUTPUT  
AUDIO  
OUTPUT  
VIDEO  
OUTPUTS  
ROTEL RSP-976  
5.1 CH INPUT  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
COMPUTER  
I/O  
ZONE  
REEMXT  
IN  
12V TRIGGER  
OUT  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
(2) this device must accept any interference received,  
including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
R
L
R
L
R
L
IR OUT  
COMPONENT VIDEO  
REM. IN  
1
2
2
1
2
1
2
SUB  
ZONE  
FRONT  
1
REAR  
CENTER  
IN  
FRONT  
REAR  
WOOFER  
OUPUT OUT  
SURROUND SOUND  
PROCESSOR  
MODEL NO. RSP-976  
POWER CONSUMPTION:  
40 WATTS  
DIGITAL INPUT  
DIGITAL  
COAXIAL  
2
S-VIDEO IN  
3
S-VIDEO OUT  
L
CENTER  
1 OPTICAL  
2
5
3
OPTICAL COAXIAL  
1
4
5
1
2
3
OUTPUT  
RSP-976  
MON.  
OUT  
SUB  
R
WOOFER  
Manufactured under license  
V2.0  
from Digital Theater System,  
Inc. US Pat. No. 5,451,242  
and other world-wide patents,  
issues and pending. "DTS",  
DTS Digital surround", are  
trademarks of Digital Theater  
System, Inc. Copyright 1996  
Digital Theater System, Inc.  
All rights reserved.  
CR  
CB  
Y
TUNER  
CD  
TAPE  
VIDEO IN  
3
VIDEO OUT  
2
1
2
4
1
3
IN  
OUT  
MONITOR  
OUT  
COMPOSITE IN  
3
COMPOSITE OUT  
L
CAUTION  
1
2
4
5
1
2
3
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
INPUT  
R
WARNING:SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT OPEN  
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR  
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "Dolby", "Pro Logic" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of  
Dolby Laboraties Licensing Corporation. Confidential unpublished works 1992-1997 Dolby Laboraties, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTICAL SHOCK,  
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
©
VCR  
L
S-VIDEO  
R
COMPOSITE  
LINE  
OUT  
REC  
IN  
LINE  
OUT  
REC  
IN  
AUDIO  
VIDEO  
TAPE  
L
R
LINE  
OUT  
REC  
IN  
CD  
L
R
ANALOG  
OUTPUT  
AM/FM  
L
R
Alternate Video Connections  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
6
5: Zone 2 Connections  
AM/FM  
CD  
ROTEL RSP-976  
5.1 CH INPUT  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
(2) this device must accept any interference received,  
including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
COMPUTER  
I/O  
ZONE  
REEMXT  
12V TRIGGER  
OUT  
R
L
R
L
R
L
IR OUT  
COMPONENT VIDEO  
REM. IN  
IN  
1
2
2
1
2
1
2
SUB  
ZONE  
FRONT  
1
REAR  
CENTER  
IN  
FRONT  
REAR  
WOOFER  
OUPUT OUT  
SURROUND SOUND  
PROCESSOR  
MODEL NO. RSP-976  
POWER CONSUMPTION:  
40 WATTS  
DIGITAL INPUT  
DIGITAL  
COAXIAL  
2
CENTER  
3
1 OPTICAL  
2
5
S-VIDEO IN  
3
S-VIDEO OUT  
L
OPTICAL COAXIAL  
1
4
5
1
2
3
OUTPUT  
RSP-976  
MON.  
OUT  
SUB  
R
WOOFER  
Manufactured under license  
V2.0  
from Digital Theater System,  
Inc. US Pat. No. 5,451,242  
and other world-wide patents,  
issues and pending. "DTS",  
DTS Digital surround", are  
trademarks of Digital Theater  
System, Inc. Copyright 1996  
Digital Theater System, Inc.  
All rights reserved.  
CR  
CB  
Y
TUNER  
CD  
TAPE  
VIDEO IN  
3
VIDEO OUT  
2
1
2
4
1
3
IN  
OUT  
MONITOR  
OUT  
COMPOSITE IN  
3
COMPOSITE OUT  
L
CAUTION  
1
2
4
5
1
2
3
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
INPUT  
R
WARNING:SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT OPEN  
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR  
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "Dolby", "Pro Logic" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of  
Dolby Laboraties Licensing Corporation. Confidential unpublished works 1992-1997 Dolby Laboraties, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTICAL SHOCK,  
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
©
AMPLIFIER  
ZONE 2 IR  
 
English  
7
6: On-Screen Menus  
INPUT SETUP  
INPUT SETUP  
LISTEN: Video 2  
LISTEN: Video 2  
INPUT LABEL: _ _ _ _ _  
INPUT: Coaxial 1  
INPUT MODE: Dolby 3 Stereo  
DIGITAL OUT: Coaxial 1  
INPUT LABEL: _ _ _ _ _  
INPUT: Coaxial 1  
INPUT MODE: Dolby 3 Stereo  
DIGITAL OUT: Coaxial 1  
SYSTEM STATUS  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
ENT KEY=ENTER  
+/– KEY=char  
LISTEN: Tuner  
RECORD: CD  
MODE: Dolby Digital  
INPUT: Coaxial 1  
VOLUME: 65  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
OSD KEY=EXIT  
DELAY SETUP  
SPEAKER SETUP  
Dolby  
Dolby  
Digital Pro Logic  
FRONT: Large  
CENTER: Large  
SURROUND: Large  
SUBWOOFER: Yes  
CENTER: 1ms  
R SURROUND: 15ms  
L SURROUND: 15ms  
30ms  
30ms  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
MAIN MENU  
INPUT: Setup  
SPEAKER: Setup  
DELAY: Setup  
TEST TONE: Setup  
SUB LEVEL: Setup  
OTHER: Setup  
ENT KEY=ENTER  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
SUB LEVEL  
TEST TONE  
LEFT: +1dB  
CENTER: -1dB  
DOLBY: +1  
DTS: -2  
STEREO: +5  
MUSIC: +3  
RIGHT: +1dB  
R SURROUND: +5dB  
L SURROUND: +4dB  
SUBWOOFER: +9dB  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
OTHER OPTIONS  
OTHER OPTIONS  
RECORD: CD  
DYNAMIC: Max  
5.1CH: Off  
POWER: Direct  
RESET: Setup  
ZONE2: Setup  
RECORD: CD  
DYNAMIC: Max  
5.1CH: Off  
POWER: Direct  
RESET: Setup  
ZONE2: Setup  
Reset to factory  
default settings:  
YES = ENT KEY  
NO = DWN KEY  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
ENT KEY=ENTER  
UP KEY=up DWN KEY=down  
DWN KEY=down  
ZONE2 SETUP  
SOURCE: CD  
VOLUME SETUP: Variable  
VOLUME: 20  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
8
Cautions  
WARNING: There are no user serviceable parts inside.  
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.  
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,  
do not expose the unit to moisture or water. Do not  
allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the  
unit is exposed to moisture, or a foreign object gets  
into the enclosure, immediately disconnect the power  
cord from the wall. Take the unit to a qualified service  
person for inspection and necessary repairs.  
Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the com-  
ponent. Keep this manual so you can refer to these safety instruc-  
tions.  
Heed all warnings and safety information in these instructions  
and on the product itself. Follow all operating instructions.  
Clean the enclosure only with a dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner.  
You must allow 10 cm or 4 inches of unobstructed clearance around  
the unit. Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface  
that could block the ventilation openings. If the unit is placed in  
a bookcase or cabinet, there must be ventilation of the cabinet to  
allow proper cooling.  
Keep the component away from radiators, heat registers, stoves,  
or any other appliance that produces heat.  
The unit must be connected to a power supply only of the type  
and voltage specified on the rear panel of the unit. (USA: 115 V/  
60Hz, EC: 230V/50Hz)  
Connect the component to the power outlet only with the sup-  
plied power supply cable or an exact equivalent. Do not modify  
the supplied cable in any way. Do not attempt to defeat ground-  
ing and/or polarization provisions. The cable should be connected  
to a 2-pin polarized wall outlet, matching the wide blade of the  
plug to the wide slot of the receptacle. Do not use extension cords.  
Do not route the power cord where it will be crushed, pinched,  
bent at severe angles, exposed to heat, or damaged in any way.  
Pay particular attention to the power cord at the plug and where  
it exits the back of the unit.  
The power cord should be unplugged from the wall outlet if the  
unit is to be left unused for a long period of time.  
Immediately stop using the component and have it inspected and/  
or serviced by a qualified service agency if:  
The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.  
Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit.  
The unit has been exposed to rain.  
The unit shows signs of improper  
operation  
The unit has been dropped or  
damaged in any way  
 
English  
9
Surround Sound Controls.......................12  
Power and Miscellaneous Connections ...15  
Contents  
PRO LOGIC Button  
12  
AC Input  
15  
Boxed numbers refer to RSP-976 illustration.  
Boxed letters refer to RR-969 illustration.  
3 STEREO Button  
DSP Button  
12  
12  
12  
13  
12V TRIGGER Connections  
EXTERNAL REM. IN  
Computer I/O  
15  
16  
16  
1: Controls and Connections  
2: RR-969 Remote  
3: Outputs  
2
3
4
5
6
7
2CH Button  
SUR+ Button  
Zone 2 Connection and Operation..........16  
Speaker Level Adjustment  
Selection Buttons  
Zone 2 Power On/Off Operation  
16  
4: Inputs  
UP/DOWN Buttons  
13  
13  
Controlling Zone 2 from the Main Room  
ZONE Button  
5: Zone 2 Connections  
6: On-Screen Menus  
16  
DYNAMIC RANGE Button  
DWN Button  
Controlling Zone 2 from the Remote Location 17  
Zone 2 Audio Outputs  
ZONE REM. IN Jack  
IR OUT Jacks  
17  
17  
17  
Cautions ................................................8  
About Rotel .........................................10  
Getting Started ....................................10  
Connections: Overview .........................13  
Audio Source Connections .....................13  
TUNER Inputs  
13  
13  
13  
CD Inputs  
On-Screen Display / Configuration ........18  
Key Features  
10  
Navigation Buttons  
18  
TAPE Inputs and Outputs  
Unpacking  
Placement  
10  
10  
SYSTEM STATUS Menu  
MAIN Menu  
18  
18  
18  
19  
20  
20  
20  
21  
21  
21  
Video Source Inputs..............................14  
VIDEO 1–5 Audio Inputs  
14  
RR-969 Remote Control .......................10  
INPUT Menu  
VIDEO 1–5 Composite Video Inputs  
VIDEO 1–5 S-Video Inputs  
14  
14  
14  
14  
Using the RR-969  
10  
SPEAKER SETUP Menu  
DELAY SETUP Menu  
SUBWOOFER LEVEL Menu  
TEST TONE Menu  
Programming the RR-969  
10  
VIDEO 1–2 Component Video Inputs  
5.1 Channel Audio Inputs  
Basic Controls ......................................11  
STANDBY/POWER Switch  
11  
Video Source Outputs ...........................14  
Remote Sensor  
Front Panel Display  
Volume Control  
MUTE Button  
11  
11  
11  
11  
11  
11  
11  
OTHER OPTIONS Menu  
RESET Menu  
VIDEO 1–3 Audio Outputs  
14  
VIDEO 1–3 Composite Video Outputs  
VIDEO 1–3 S-Video Outputs  
14  
15  
ZONE 2 SETUP Menu  
Specifications .......................................22  
Tone Controls  
Digital Source Connections ....................15  
Audio  
22  
Digital Inputs  
15  
MENU Button  
Video  
22  
22  
ENTER Button  
Digital Outputs  
15  
General  
Input Controls ......................................11  
Output Signal Connections ....................15  
Input Source Buttons  
11  
TV Monitor Output  
15  
REC Button  
RCA Preamp Outputs  
15  
ZONE Button  
12  
12  
5.1 CH Input  
EXT IN  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
10  
The RSP-976 can generate heat during nor-  
mal operation. Do not block ventilation open-  
ings. Allow a minimum of 10 cm (4 inches)  
of unobstructed space around the unit. If in-  
stalled in a cabinet, make sure that there is  
adequate ventilation.  
About Rotel  
Getting Started  
A family whose passionate interest in music  
led them to manufacture high fidelity compo-  
nents of uncompromising quality founded Rotel  
40 years ago. Through the years that passion  
has remained undiminished and the family goal  
of providing exceptional value for audiophiles  
and music lovers regardless of their budget,  
is shared by all Rotel employees.  
Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RSP-976  
Surround Sound Processor. The RSP-976 com-  
bines a digital audio/video processor to de-  
code Dolby® Pro Logic® analog and Dolby  
Digital® and DTS® digital surround sound sig-  
nals with a full-featured audio/video control  
center for analog and digital components.  
Don’t stack other components or objects on  
top of the RSP-976. Don’t let any liquid fall  
into the unit.  
Key Features  
The engineers work as a close team, listen-  
ing to, and fine tuning each new product until  
it reaches their exacting musical standards.  
They are free to choose components from  
around the world in order to make that prod-  
uct the best they can. You are likely to find  
capacitors from the United Kingdom and  
Germany, semi conductors from Japan or the  
United States, while toroidal power transformers  
are manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.  
RR-969 Remote Control  
The RSP-976 includes a full-function learning  
remote control that can operate the RSP-976  
plus nine other components.  
• Rotel’s Balanced Design Concept combines  
advanced circuit board layout, comprehen-  
sive parts evaluation, and extensive listening  
tests for superior sound and long term re-  
liability.  
A separate manual, included with the remote,  
gives detailed instructions on programming and  
using the RR-969 to replace all of the remote  
controls in your system. To avoid duplication,  
we provide only basic information about us-  
ing the RR-969 to operate the RSP-976 in this  
manual.  
• Dolby® Pro Logic® decoding for analog  
sources. Dolby Digital® and DTS® decod-  
ing for 5.1 channel digital sources  
• 5.1 channel input for outboard adaptor and  
future upgradeabilty  
Rotel’s reputation for excellence has been  
earned through hundreds of good reviews and  
awards from the most respected reviewers in  
the industry, who listen to music every day.  
Their comments keep the company true to its  
goal - the pursuit of equipment that is musi-  
cal, reliable and affordable.  
• User friendly ON-SCREEN DISPLAY with  
programmable labels for video components.  
Most of the RR-969 functions duplicate the  
front panel controls. For that reason, we will  
cover the operating controls on the remote in  
the appropriate sections of this manual. Let-  
ters in gray boxes next to the name of a func-  
tion refers to the labeled illustration of the  
remote at the front of this manual.  
• Comprehensive digital and analog input  
and output connections for digital signals,  
composite video, S-Video, and Component  
Video.  
All of us at Rotel, thank you for buying this  
product and hope it will bring you many years  
of enjoyment.  
Zone 2 output with independent input se-  
lection and volume adjustments for multi-  
zone custom installations along with IR-  
repeater capability for operation from the  
remote zone.  
Using the RR-969  
To operate the RSP-976 with the remote, make  
sure that the AUDIO mode is active by press-  
• Universal learning remote control to oper-  
ate the RSP-976 and nine other components.  
ing the AUD button  
on the remote before  
you start. The AUDIO mode will stay active  
until another DEVICE button is pressed.  
• Computer interface connection for opera-  
tion from a computer running third-party  
audio control software.  
Programming the RR-969  
The RR-969 is preprogrammed to operate the  
RSP-976. Should the AUDIO command set on  
your RR-969 not operate the RSP-976, the  
programming may have been changed. To re-  
store the RSP-976 programming, press the re-  
Unpacking  
Remove the unit carefully from its packing. Find  
the remote control and other accessories. Save  
the box as it will protect the RSP-976 if you  
move or need to return it for maintenance.  
cessed PRELOAD button  
on the remote with  
the tip of a ballpoint pen.  
Placement  
NOTE: Pushing the PRELOAD button will erase  
all custom programming and learned com-  
mands, restoring the RR-969 to its factory  
condition.  
Place the RSP-976 on a solid, level surface away  
from sunlight, heat, moisture, or vibration.  
Place the RSP-976 close to the other compo-  
nents in your system and, if possible, on its  
own shelf. This will make initial hookup, and  
subsequent system changes easier.  
 
English  
11  
Remote Sensor  
MENU Button  
Basic Controls  
We suggest you look over the RSP-976’s front  
and rear panels before you start connecting  
other components. The following explanations  
will help you get familiar with the unit’s con-  
nections, features, and controls.  
This sensor receives IR signals from the remote  
control. Do not block this sensor.  
Push this button on the remote to turn on the  
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu system. If the menu  
system is already visible, push this button to  
cancel the display.  
Front Panel Display  
The fluorescent (FL) display in the upper por-  
tion of the RSP-976 provides status informa-  
tion. An alphanumeric display shows the name  
of the source selected for listening on the left  
and the source selected for recording on the  
right. At the bottom of the display are status  
indicators for surround modes and other set-  
tings. At the right side of the display are indi-  
cators including input source connections.  
The MENU button can also be used to turn  
on and off the front panel FL display. Press and  
hold the MENU button on the remote for three  
seconds to turn off the front panel display. Briefly  
press the MENU button again to turn the dis-  
play back on. The display also turns back on  
whenever the STANDBY or POWER buttons  
are pressed.  
Most functions are duplicated on the front panel  
and on the remote. A few are found only on  
one or the other. Throughout this manual, num-  
bers in gray boxes refer to the RSP-976 illus-  
tration at the front of this manual. Letters refer  
to the RR-969 remote illustration. When both  
appear, the function is found on both the  
RSP-976 and the remote. When only one ap-  
pears, that function is found only on the RSP-976  
or the remote.  
The FL display can be turned off by pressing  
and holding the MENU button  
ENTER Button  
on the re-  
mote for three seconds. The display can be  
turned back on by briefly pressing the MENU  
button again or by pressing the POWER but-  
ton on the remote or the STANDBY button on  
front panel.  
The ENTER button is used to confirm and  
memorize various settings in the setup and  
operation of the RSP-976. Its use is described  
in detail in the relevant sections.  
STANDBY/POWER Switch  
The STANDBY switch on the RSP-976 and the  
POWER switch on the remote turn the unit on  
or off. When turned off, minimal power is still  
supplied to memory circuits to preserve set-  
tings. When the unit has AC power applied,  
either in standby mode (OFF) or fully-activated  
(ON) in the main room, the front panel  
STANDBY LED lights.  
Volume Control  
Input Controls  
The VOLUME control adjusts the level of all  
output channels. Rotate the front panel con-  
trol clockwise to increase the volume, coun-  
terclockwise to decrease. The RR-969 remote  
has VOLUME UP and DOWN buttons.  
Input Source Buttons  
Press any of the eight front panel buttons to  
select an audio or video input source (CD, tuner,  
VCR, etc.) for listening. You will hear this source  
and, if you have selected a video source, see  
its picture on your TV monitor.  
There are three available power mode options  
for the RSP-976, selected during set-up from  
an ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu. The default  
DIRECT mode fully activates the unit whenever  
AC power is supplied; however, the front panel  
STANDBY switch and remote POWER switch  
can still be used to turn the unit off and on.  
With the STANDBY power option, the unit  
powers up in off mode when AC is first ap-  
plied and must be manually activated with the  
POWER or STANDBY buttons. With the AL-  
WAYS-ON power option, the unit is fully op-  
erational whenever AC is applied and the  
STANDBY and POWER buttons are disabled.  
When you adjust the volume, a digital read-  
out appears in the front panel display and the  
new setting appears on your TV monitor.  
The front panel display and the ON-SCREEN  
DISPLAY will show the name of the current lis-  
tening source selection. The labels for VIDEO  
sources can be customized to match your com-  
ponents.  
NOTE: The VOLUME control can be used to  
change the volume in Zone 2. Press the front  
panel ZONE button and adjust the volume.  
After 10 seconds, the VOLUME control re-  
verts to normal operation.  
All of the inputs (the five video inputs, the tuner  
input, the CD input, and the TAPE input) can  
accept either analog signals or digital signals  
from one of the five assignable digital inputs.  
MUTE Button  
Push the MUTE button once to turn the sound  
off. An indication appears in the front panel  
and on-screen displays. Press the button again  
to restore previous volume levels.  
By default, the source input buttons are con-  
figured to select the analog input when pressed.  
However, each source input button can be  
configured using the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY  
menu system to give priority to the digital sig-  
nal. Then, a signal present at the assigned  
digital input when the source is selected is au-  
tomatically activated and the proper surround  
mode enabled. If no digital signal is present,  
the analog inputs are selected. This auto-sensing  
is the preferred configuration for digital source  
inputs such as DVD players. See the INPUT  
MENU section for configuration instructions.  
When using Zone 2, the power on and off  
operation is completely independent for the  
main room and Zone 2. The front-panel  
STANDBY button will not affect Zone 2. Press-  
ing the POWER button on a remote located  
in Zone 2 will only affect that zone and not  
the main room. When the unit is OFF in the  
main room and ON in ZONE 2, the front  
panel STANDBY LED flashes.  
Tone Controls  
BASS and TREBLE controls increase or decrease  
the audio signal’s low and high frequency  
content respectively. Rotate clockwise to in-  
crease output and counterclockwise to reduce.  
The front panel display and ON-SCREEN DIS-  
PLAY show tone control settings as you adjust  
them.  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
12  
The input source buttons can also be used (in  
conjunction with the REC button described in  
the next section) to select an analog input source  
signal to be available at the outputs for record-  
ing. Additionally, the input source buttons can  
be used with the ZONE button to select an  
analog input source for ZONE 2.  
3 STEREO Button  
Surround Sound Controls  
This mode provides proper playback of Dolby  
Pro Logic material on systems that have front  
and center speakers, but lack rear surround  
speakers. It adds the rear channel signals to  
the front speakers 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.  
The RSP-976 decodes Dolby® Pro Logic®, Dolby  
Digital®, and DTS® surround sound source  
material as well as providing several DSP am-  
bience simulations for music.  
Dolby Digital and DTS decoding of digital  
signals is automatic. When a digital signal en-  
coded with either of these is detected, the  
RSP-976 activates the proper decoding. In most  
cases, the RSP-976 will also recognize a digital  
signal encoded with Dolby Pro Logic for pro-  
cessing. Additionally, you can configure a de-  
fault surround mode for each input using the  
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu system.  
REC Button  
ZONE Button  
The RSP-976 can record from any analog  
source input to a VCR or other recorder con-  
nected to the VIDEO 1, 2 or 3 outputs or the  
TAPE outputs, even while you are listening to  
a different input source. To select an input source  
for recording, press the REC button on the front  
panel (or the equivalent ZONE button on the  
remote). Then, press one of the INPUT SOURCE  
buttons within 5 seconds to select the signal  
you wish to record. After making your selec-  
tion (or if more than five seconds passes), the  
input source buttons return to their normal  
function, selecting a listening source.  
DSP Button  
This button activates digital synthesis of four  
ambience modes (MUSIC 1, MUSIC 2, MU-  
SIC 3, and MUSIC 4) which simulate progres-  
sively larger acoustic environments and are  
used to recreate ambience when listening to  
music sources and/or other sources that lack  
surround sound encoding.  
Four buttons allow manual control of the sur-  
round sound/ambience settings, overriding any  
configured default setting or auto-sensing. There  
are no right or wrong settings. Just because  
a mode is labelled 2 CHANNEL does not mean  
that you must use this mode every time you  
play a stereo CD. You may prefer one of the  
other surround modes.  
These four modes vary the amount of delay  
used for the rear surround signals. Experiment  
to find a setting which is most pleasing.  
Press the button to activate the DSP mode. Each  
press of the button will step forward to the next  
mode in the following order: MUSIC 1 >  
MUSIC 2 > MUSIC 3 > MUSIC 4. An indica-  
tor lights in the front panel display when DSP  
mode has been activated.  
Remember, this selection is independent of the  
listening source. While recording, you may  
still select a different source (for example, the  
CD input) for listening. The record selection  
appears in the display to the right of the lis-  
tening selection.  
As a general rule, we recommend using PRO  
LOGIC mode for all sources labeled Dolby Pro  
Logic. Beyond that, use whatever settings sound  
best to you in your room with your system.  
NOTE: As a general rule, the DSP modes pro-  
vide more exaggerated ambience effects than  
the PRO LOGIC mode. Experiment with the  
more spectacular DSP modes for particular  
recordings or effects.  
PRO LOGIC Button  
NOTE: The RECORD function requires analog  
signals. If you use a digital connection from  
a CD player or DVD for listening, you should  
also connect an analog signal for recording.  
This setting decodes Dolby Pro Logic encoded  
surround sound material, whether it be a music  
CD, videotape, videodisc, stereo TV broad-  
cast, or radio broadcast. It also can be used  
to create additional ambience in 2-channel mu-  
sical source material. Front, center, and rear  
speakers are activated. An indicator lights in  
the front panel display when the PRO LOGIC  
button is pressed.  
5.1 CH Input  
EXT IN  
2CH Button  
This button activates conventional 2-speaker  
stereo mode with no surround sound or other  
processing. This is “pure” stereo, using the front  
left and front right speakers (with or without  
subwoofer), with no surround channels and  
no center channel.  
The 5.1 CH button (or the EXT IN button on  
the remote) overrides all other inputs (both  
analog and digital) and connects an external  
digital adaptor to the RSP-976’s outputs. This  
provides an upgrade path to future software  
standards. When activated, the RSP-976’s digi-  
tal processing is bypassed. An indicator ap-  
pears in the front panel display.  
NOTE: Leaving the RSP-976 in PRO LOGIC  
mode offers satisfactory performance and con-  
venience for many source materials. It pro-  
vides automatic decoding of analog surround  
sound material and automatic selection of  
digital processing when a Dolby Digital or  
DTS source is played.  
When used with Dolby Digital or DTS source  
material, the 2CH button engages a downmix  
feature, combining all of the channels and  
sending them to the front speakers. The spa-  
tial effects of surround sound are lost, but all  
of the information on the original recording  
are preserved.  
NOTE: 2CH mode allows you to hear 2-chan-  
nel stereo recordings in their original format.  
 
English  
13  
SUR+ Button  
DYNAMIC RANGE Button  
DWN Button  
for digital or video signals. Standard audio  
interconnects will pass these signals, but their  
limited bandwidth reduce performance.  
The SUR+ button on the remote selects the sur-  
round modes described above. Each time you  
press the button, the surround mode will cycle  
to the next available setting as indicated by  
the front-panel display. Repeatedly press the  
button until you reach the desired setting.  
Digital sources are capable of wide dynamic  
range (the difference between the softest and  
loudest sounds). In some cases, this may tax  
amplifiers and/or speakers. In other cases,  
you may want to reduce the dynamic range  
when listening at low volume levels. Pressing  
the front-panel DYNAMIC RANGE button (or  
the DWN button on the remote) steps through  
the three dynamic range settings:  
When making signal connections, connect LEFT  
channels to LEFT channel jacks and RIGHT chan-  
nels to RIGHT channel jacks. All RCA-type  
connections on the RSP-976 follow these stan-  
dard color codes:  
Speaker Level Adjustment  
Selection Buttons  
UP/DOWN Buttons  
Left channel audio: white RCA jack  
Right channel audio: red RCA jack  
Composite video: yellow RCA jack  
The relative volume levels of all six channels  
should be calibrated using test tones with an  
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu during the initial  
setup of the RSP-976. You can also adjust the  
relative volume of the center, rear, or subwoofer  
channels using buttons on the remote control:  
• MAX (no compression/full dynamic range)  
• MID (moderate compression)  
NOTE: Each source input must be properly  
configured using the INPUT MENU of the  
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY system. We recom-  
mend going to this menu after connecting  
each source to configure it as desired. See  
the INPUT MENU section for information.  
• MIN (full compression/minimum dynamic  
range).  
A “D. RANGE” indicator in the front-panel dis-  
play lights when the dynamic range is not set  
to the MAX setting.  
1. Press one of the selection buttons on the  
remote to select a channel (or pair of chan-  
nels) for adjustment. Press the C button  
to adjust the CENTER channel. Press the  
NOTE: The DYNAMIC RANGE feature is only  
available in Dolby Digital mode. It is inactive  
at all other times.  
Audio Source Connections  
Connect your audio-only source components  
to these RCA inputs and outputs:  
S button  
to adjust the SUBWOOFER  
channel. Press the R button  
the rear SURROUND channels.  
to adjust  
2. Use the UP or DOWN buttons  
on the  
Connections: Overview  
remote to adjust the output level of the se-  
lected channel(s).  
TUNER Inputs  
The RSP-976 rear panel connections include  
standard RCA audio inputs and outputs, com-  
posite video inputs and outputs, S-Video in-  
puts and outputs, Component Video inputs,  
plus coaxial and optical digital inputs and out-  
puts.  
Connect the left and right analog outputs from  
your tuner to the RCA input jacks labeled  
TUNER.  
3. Repeat the procedure for each channel.  
If no level adjustment is made for 5 seconds  
after pressing one of the selection buttons, the  
levels revert to the default calibrated settings.  
CD Inputs  
Connect the left and right analog outputs from  
your CD player to the input jacks labeled CD.  
NOTE: The ON-SCREEN DISPLAY calibration  
procedure permits independent adjustment of  
each rear surround channel. The adjustment  
procedure described here only allows chang-  
ing the relative volume of both surround chan-  
nels in unison.  
The RSP-976 has RCA preamp audio outputs  
for use with external amplifiers as well as  
composite video, S-Video, and Compoent  
Video outputs to connect your TV monitor.  
TAPE Inputs and Outputs  
The RSP-976 provides a pair of inputs and a  
pair of record outputs for connecting an ana-  
log audio tape deck.  
The RSP-976 also has 5.1 channel input con-  
nections, a remote IR sensor input, and two  
12V trigger connections for remote turn-on of  
Rotel amplifiers.  
The analog source signal available for record-  
ing at the TAPE outputs is selected with the REC  
button on the front panel (or the ZONE but-  
ton on the remote) and its label appears in  
the display. If the TAPE input signal is selected  
as the recording source, its signal will not be  
available at the TAPE output, but will be avail-  
able at the VIDEO outputs for recording.  
NOTE: Do not plug any system component  
into an AC source until all connections have  
been properly made.  
Video cables should have a 75 ohm imped-  
ance rating. The S/PDIF digital audio inter-  
face standard also specifies a 75 ohm imped-  
ance 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 sub-  
stitute conventional audio interconnect cables  
Connect the left and right analog outputs from  
an audio tape deck to the TAPE IN jacks.  
Connect the TAPE OUT jacks to the inputs on  
the audio tape deck.  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
14  
VIDEO 1–5  
Composite Video Inputs  
Video Source Inputs  
Video Source Outputs  
There are input connections for five video source  
components. Each of the five provides a pair  
of RCA inputs for analog audio signals. Each  
of the five also provides a choice of an RCA  
composite video input or S-Video input for the  
video signal from the source component. In  
addition, two of the video source inputs (Video  
1 and Video 2) also feature Component Video  
input connections as an alternative to the com-  
posite video or S-Video connections.  
If you use the RCA composite video connec-  
tions for a source component, connect the RCA  
video output of the source component to one  
of the video inputs labeled COMPOSITE IN.  
Use a standard 75 ohm video cable.  
Three of the available video sources (VIDEO  
1, 2 and 3) feature outputs that allow you to  
send a signal to a VCR or other source com-  
ponent for recording. The recording signal avail-  
able at all of these outputs is selected globally  
using the REC button on the front panel or the  
ZONE button on the remote and is indepen-  
dent of the source selected for listening.  
VIDEO 1–5 S-Video Inputs  
S-Video signals use a special cable which di-  
vides the video signal into several elements  
carried by separate conductors, providing  
higher quality than the standard RCA composite  
cables. If you choose to use an S-Video input  
connection from a source component, connect  
the S-Video output of that component to one  
of the inputs on the RSP-976 labeled S-VIDEO  
IN using a standard S-Video interconnect cable.  
NOTE: Recording signals are available at all  
source outputs, including the source selected  
for recording. As a general rule, you should  
not attempt record to the component whose  
signal has been selected for recording.  
NOTE: There is no need to use more than one  
type of video connection from a source com-  
ponent, although doing so will cause no harm  
to the unit. If you make multiple connections  
to a single source (i.e. RCA composite and S-  
Video), the RSP-976 will give priority to the  
S-Video connection and use that signal. As a  
general rule, we recommend using S-Video  
connections whenever possible.  
The record outputs for VIDEO 1, 2, and 3  
include a pair of RCA analog audio outputs  
plus a choice of composite video or S-Video  
output. To hook up a video component for re-  
cording, you will need to connect it to both  
analog audio outputs and to your choice of  
video outputs.  
VIDEO 1–2  
Component Video Inputs  
Component Video connections split the video  
into three signals – luminance (Y) and sepa-  
rate chrominance (CB and CR) elements, al-  
lowing delivery of a reference-quality picture.  
Each of these signals is carried by a separate  
75 ohm video cable with RCA connectors.  
There are also video record outputs (described  
in a following section) which correspond to  
three of the video source inputs – Video 1, 2,  
and 3). For this reason, you should plan ahead  
and designate each source component as  
Video 1, Video 2, etc. All connections (both  
input and output) from a source component  
must be made consistently to the same set of  
connections. For example, all input and out-  
put connections to a particular VCR could be  
made to Video 1 connectors.  
NOTE:All connections (both input and output)  
from a source component be made consis-  
tently to the same set of connections. For ex-  
ample, if you designate a VCR as VIDEO 1,  
you must connect all of its input and output  
signals to the VIDEO 1 connectors.  
The VIDEO 1 and VIDEO 2 source inputs pro-  
vide an option for using Component Video con-  
nections. If you choose to use Component Video  
input connection from a source component,  
connect the three Component Video outputs  
of that component to the corresponding inputs  
on the RSP-976 labeled COMPONENT VIDEO  
IN. Make sure that you connect each of the  
three cables to the proper connector (Y to Y,  
CB to CB, and CR to CR) and that you use  
standard 75 ohm video interconnect cables.  
VIDEO 1–3 Audio Outputs  
Using standard audio interconnect cables,  
connect the left and right channel RCA audio  
outputs from the RSP-976 to the audio inputs  
on the source component. Make sure that you  
are consistent. If you hook up a VCR to the  
VIDEO 1 inputs, hook up the VIDEO 1 out-  
puts to the same VCR. Also make sure that the  
Left channel is connected to the LEFT connec-  
tors and the right channel to the RIGHT con-  
nectors.  
Also, be sure that the channels are connected  
consistently, i.e. left channel signals connected  
to left channel inputs/outputs and right chan-  
nel signals connected to right channel inputs/  
outputs.  
NOTE: These video source inputs can also be  
used for additional audio-only sources, omit-  
ting the video signal connections.  
5.1 Channel Audio Inputs  
A set of RCA inputs accepts six channels of  
analog signals from a 5.1 channel processor  
or source component. When selected with the  
front-panel 5.1CH button or remote EXT IN  
button, this input overrides any other audio  
input signal.  
VIDEO 1–5 Audio Inputs  
VIDEO 1–3  
Composite Video Outputs  
Using standard audio interconnect cables,  
connect the left and right channel analog au-  
dio outputs of VCRs or other source compo-  
nents to the VIDEO 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 inputs using  
standard RCA audio cables.  
If you choose to use the RCA composite video  
connections for a source component, use a  
75 ohm video interconnect cable to connect  
the RSP-976’s RCA video output (labeled COM-  
POSITE OUT) to the RCA video input on your  
VCR.  
Use audio interconnect cables to connect the  
six outputs of the source component to the RCA  
jacks labeled 5.1 CH INPUT, making sure that  
you observe proper channel consistency, i.e.  
connect the right front channel to the R FRONT  
input, etc. You will make six connections  
(FRONT RIGHT/FRONT LEFT/REAR RIGHT/  
REAR LEFT/CENTER/SUBWOOFER).  
 
English  
15  
VIDEO 1–3 S-Video Outputs  
RCA Preamp Outputs  
NOTE: When using digital connections, you  
should also make the analog audio input con-  
nections described previously. The analog  
connection is necessary to record to an ana-  
log recorder or for ZONE 2 operation  
If you choose to use S-Video connections for  
a source component, use an S-Video cable to  
connect the RSP-976’s S-Video output (labeled  
S-VIDEO OUT) to the S-Video input on your  
source component.  
There are six RCA preamp audio outputs  
(FRONT LEFT/FRONT RIGHT/CENTER/RIGHT  
REAR/LEFT REAR/SUB) for sending the  
RSP-976’s output signals to amplifiers or pow-  
ered speakers.  
Digital Outputs  
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.  
The RSP-976 has a digital output (with a choice  
of coaxial or optical connectors) to send the  
digital signal from any of the five digital in-  
puts to a digital recorder or outboard digital  
processor. The selection of a digital input for  
recording is made using the ON-SCREEN  
DISPLAY menu system.  
Digital Source Connections  
The RSP-976 provides digital connections which  
may be used in place of, or in addition to,  
the analog audio input and output connections  
described in the previous sections. These con-  
nections include five digital inputs and a digital  
output for recording.  
To hook up the RCA main audio out-  
puts, connect an audio cable from each output  
to the input of the amplifier channel that will  
power the corresponding speaker. In a full home  
theater system, you will need to make six dif-  
ferent connections corresponding to the six  
speakers (left front, center front, right front, left  
surround, right surround, and subwoofer).  
NOTE: Only digital signals from source com-  
ponents are available at these outputs. Ana-  
log signals cannot be converted and are not  
available at the digital outputs.  
These digital connections can be used with  
any source component that supplies a digital  
signal, such as a DVD player or CD player.  
Make sure that you have each output connected  
to the correct amplifier channel (front right, left  
rear, etc.).  
Connect the digital output to the digital input  
of your recorder or processor. You can use  
either a 75 ohm coaxial video cable or an  
optical cable, choosing between the two con-  
nectors using the INPUT MENU described later  
in this manual.  
NOTE: A digital connection means that the  
D/A converters in the RSP-976 will be used  
to decode the digital signal, rather than the  
source component’s internal D/A converters.  
In general, you would use digital connections  
for a DVD player or other component that  
supplies a Dolby Digital or DTS signal. How-  
ever, if you are connecting a high-end Rotel  
CD player with sophisticated internal D/A  
converters, you might prefer to use analog  
audio connections to the RSP-976.  
Power and Miscellaneous  
Connections  
Output Signal Connections  
This section of the manual describes the au-  
dio and video signal output connections on  
the RSP-976. These are used for routing the  
output signals to television monitors, audio am-  
plifiers, and recording devices.  
AC Input  
Your RSP-976 is configured at the factory for  
the proper AC line voltage in the country where  
you purchased it (USA: 115 volts/60Hz AC  
or CE: 230 volts /50 Hz AC ). The AC line  
configuration is noted on a decal on the back  
of your unit.  
Digital Inputs  
The RSP-976 accepts digital input signals from  
source components such as CD players, sat-  
ellite TV receivers, and 5.1 channel Dolby  
Digital or DTS signals from DVD players. The  
built-in D/A converter senses and adjusts to  
the correct sampling rates.  
TV Monitor Output  
Plug the supplied cord into the AC INPUT  
receptacle on the back of the unit.  
The video output of the RSP-976 sends the video  
signal to your TV monitor. Three types of video  
output connections are provided – RCA com-  
posite video, S-Video, and Component Video.  
Choose the type of video output connection  
that best matches the inputs on your TV moni-  
tor. Connect the TV MONITOR output, from  
either RCA composite or S-Video or Compo-  
nent Video connector, to the corresponding  
input on your television monitor, using appro-  
priate video cables.  
NOTE: Memorized settings and video labels  
will be stored for up to one month if the RSP-  
976 is disconnected from AC power.  
There are five digital inputs on the rear panel,  
three coaxial and two optical. These digital  
inputs can be assigned to any of the input  
sources using the INPUT MENU screen de-  
scribed later in this manual. For example, you  
can assign the COAXIAL 1 digital input con-  
nector to the VIDEO 1 source and the OPTI-  
CAL 2 digital input to the VIDEO 3 source.  
12V TRIGGER Connections  
Several Rotel amplifiers offer the option of  
turning them on and off using a 12 volt trig-  
ger signal. These two connections provide this  
12 volt trigger signal. When the RSP-976 is  
activated, a 12 volt DC signal appears at these  
connectors and will turn on amplifiers. When  
the RSP-976 is put in STANDBY mode, the  
trigger signal is interrupted and the amplifi-  
ers will turn off.  
Connect the appropriate cable (optical or 75  
ohm coaxial) from the digital output of your  
source component to a digital input on the  
RSP-976 and then configure that digital input  
for use with the source component using the  
INPUT MENU.  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
16  
EXTERNAL REM. IN  
Zone 2 can be controlled from the main room  
using RSP-976’s front-panel ZONE button. Op-  
eration from the remote zone requires the in-  
stallation of an infrared repeater system  
(Xantech, Niles, etc.) which relays infrared  
remote control commands from Zone 2 to the  
ZONE REMOTE IN input on the back of the  
RSP-976. Using external IR emitters or hard-  
wired IR connections, you can also operate  
source components by remote control from  
Zone 2.  
Zone 2 Power On/Off  
Operation  
This 3.5 mm mini-jack (labeled EXT REM IN)  
receives command codes from an industry-stan-  
dard infrared receivers (Xantech, etc.) located  
in the main listening room. This feature is useful  
when the unit is installed in a cabinet and the  
front-panel sensor is blocked. Consult your au-  
thorized Rotel dealer for information on ex-  
ternal receivers and the proper wiring of a jack  
to fit the mini-jack receptacle.  
The RSP-976 provides totally independent  
power on/off operation for both zones. Press-  
ing the STANDBY button on the front panel  
or from the remote in the main room activates  
or deactivates the RSP-976 in the main room  
only and has no effect on Zone 2. Conversely,  
activating or deactivating Zone 2 has no ef-  
fect on the main listening room.  
NOTE: The IR signals from the EXTERNAL RE-  
MOTE IN jack (as well as those from the  
ZONE REMOTE IN jack) can be relayed to  
source components using external IR emitters  
or hardwired connections from the IR OUT  
jacks. See the ZONE 2 section of this manual  
for additional information.  
NOTE: For proper power on and off opera-  
tion with Zone 2, the RSP-976’s power mode  
should be set to the factory default DIRECT  
setting or to the STANDBY setting using the  
OTHER OPTIONS menu from the ON-  
SCREEN DISPLAY.  
Several points to keep in mind about the Zone  
2 function:  
• An infrared repeater system (Xantech, Niles,  
et al) is required for operation from the  
remote zone.  
• There are two options for the Zone 2 out-  
put level, selectable from the ON-SCREEN  
DISPLAY menu system. VARIABLE output  
gives you full adjustment of the volume level,  
remembering last previous setting when-  
ever Zone 2 is activated. FIXED output  
disables the Zone 2 volume control with  
the output permanently set to a specified  
level. This might be useful for sending a  
line level signal to a preamp or integrated  
amp with its own volume control or to a  
distribution amplifier with multiple  
autoformer-type volume controls.  
Controlling Zone 2  
from the Main Room  
ZONE Button  
Computer I/O  
The RSP-976 can be operated from a personal  
computer running audio system control soft-  
ware from third-party developers. This control  
is accomplished by sending the operating codes  
normally sent by the RR-969 remote control  
over a hard-wired network connection from  
the computer.  
When the RSP-976 is powered on in the main  
room, you can control Zone 2 from the front  
panel of the RSP-976 – activate or deactivate  
Zone 2, change input sources, and adjust the  
volume. Controlling Zone 2 from the front panel  
is accomplished by pressing the ZONE but-  
ton, which temporarily puts the RSP-976 in Zone  
2 control mode.  
The COMPUTER I/O input provides the nec-  
essary connection on the back panel. It ac-  
cepts standard RJ-45 8-pin modular plugs, such  
as those commonly used in 10-BaseT UTP  
Ethernet cabling.  
NOTE: Zone 2 cannot be controlled from the  
remote in the main room.  
• The RR-969 remote control supplied with  
the RSP-976 will operate Zone 2 if used  
with a repeater system from the remote  
zone. It can also be programmed to op-  
erate Rotel source components via the  
RSP-976's IR OUT jack.  
To turn Zone 2 on or off:  
For additional information on the connections,  
software, and operating codes for computer  
control of the RSP-976, contact your authorized  
Rotel dealer.  
1. Press the front panel ZONE button. The  
status of Zone 2 appears in the display. If  
Zone 2 is in standby, “ZONE OFF” ap-  
pears. If Zone 2 is active, “ZONE xxxxx”  
showing the current input source appears.  
• Any source component connected to the  
RSP-976's analog inputs (except the 5.1  
CH input) can be sent to the Zone 2 out-  
puts. ZONE 2 operates independently of  
the main room. You can select a different  
source or adjust Zone 2 volume without  
affecting the MAIN outputs in any way.  
Zone 2 Connection and  
Operation  
The RSP-976 provides Zone 2 multi-room  
capability, allowing you to enjoy music and  
operate the system from a second room. From  
the remote location, you can select a source  
component (even if different from the source  
playing in the main listening room), adjust the  
volume level in the remote zone, and oper-  
ate the source components.  
2. If Zone 2 is ON, pressing the ZONE but-  
ton a second time within 10 seconds turns  
it OFF. If Zone 2 is OFF, the second press  
of the ZONE button turns it ON with the  
last used input source and volume setting.  
• Avoid sending the same infrared command  
to the RSP-976 front panel sensor and a  
Zone 2 repeater at the same time. This  
means that Zone 2 must be in a different  
room from the RSP-976.  
3. Following 10 seconds with no commands,  
the RSP-976 reverts to normal operation.  
To use the Zone 2 capability, you need addi-  
tional components: a pair of speakers installed  
in the remote zone, an amplifier to drive them,  
and a third-party IR repeater system.  
 
English  
17  
To change the Zone 2 input source:  
Controlling Zone 2 from the  
Remote Location  
ZONE REM. IN Jack  
1. Press the front panel ZONE button. The  
status of Zone 2 appears in the display.  
Make sure that Zone 2 is ON.  
See Figure 5  
With a properly configured IR repeater sys-  
tem, you have full control of Zone 2 using an  
RR-969 remote from the Zone 2 location. You  
can select and operate a source, adjust the  
volume, and turn Zone 2 on or off. Whatever  
commands you send from the RR-969 will  
change Zone 2 and only Zone 2, just as if  
you were controlling a totally independent  
audio system in that room. These changes will  
have no effect on the main listening room.  
This 3.5 mm mini-jack accepts signals from a  
infrared repeater located in Zone 2. A third-  
party IR repeater system is required for op-  
eration of the RSP-976’s ZONE 2 functions from  
the remote zone.  
2. Within 10 seconds after pressing the ZONE  
button, press one of the INPUT SOURCE  
buttons to select a new source for Zone 2.  
The name of the selected source appears  
in the display.  
NOTE: ZONE 2 and its IR repeater must be in  
a different location than RSP-976 to prevent  
IR commands intended to control Zone 2 from  
inadvertently controlling the main room op-  
erations.  
3. Following 10 seconds with no commands,  
the RSP-976 reverts to normal operation.  
To change the Zone 2 volume:  
To turn Zone 2 on or off, press the POWER  
button  
on the remote. To adjust the volume  
on  
1. Press the front panel ZONE button. The  
status of Zone 2 appears in the display.  
Make sure that Zone 2 is ON.  
in Zone 2, press the VOLUME buttons  
the remote. To select a different analog input  
source, press one of the INPUT SOURCE but-  
IR OUT Jacks  
See Figure 5  
2. Within 10 seconds after pressing the ZONE  
button, adjust the volume control to change  
the Zone 2 output level. The new setting  
appears in the display. This volume adjust-  
ment is only available using the VARIABLE  
output configuration. In FIXED output mode,  
the volume control for Zone 2 is disabled.  
tons  
on the remote.  
The IR OUT 1 & 2 jacks send IR signals re-  
ceived at the ZONE REM IN jack or the EX-  
TERNAL REM IN jack to an infrared emitter  
placed in front of a source component or to  
Rotel CD players, cassette decks, or tuners with  
a compatible rear panel IR connector.  
NOTE: The volume adjustment is only avail-  
able if the Zone 2 outputs are configured to  
use VARIABLE levels. With FIXED levels, the  
volume control for Zone 2 is disabled.  
This output is used to allow IR signals from Zone  
2 to be sent to the source components, or to  
pass along IR signals from a remote in the main  
room when the sensors on the source compo-  
nents are blocked by installation in a cabinet.  
See your authorized Rotel dealer for information  
on IR repeater systems.  
Zone 2 Audio Outputs  
3. Following 10 seconds with no commands,  
the RSP-976 reverts to normal operation.  
See Figure 5  
These line-level RCA outputs send the Zone 2  
audio signal to a stereo amplifier driving a  
pair of speakers in the remote zone.  
NOTE: The volume and input source controls  
described in this section are only available  
when the RSP-976 is fully activated in the main  
room (i.e. the display is visible). If the RSP-976  
is turned off, you can only turn Zone 2 on or  
off from the front panel. In this case, the ZONE  
button is a simple toggle control – turning  
Zone 2 on or off with each press of the but-  
ton. When Zone 2 is on, the front panel  
STANDBY LED flashes. When Zone 2 is off,  
the STANDBY LED is steadily lit.  
Although you have the option of using an in-  
tegrated amplifier or a receiver to power the  
remote speakers, we suggest using a fixed-  
gain power amplifier. This simplifies system  
installation and operation. Your authorized Rotel  
dealer may make another recommendation  
based on specific system requirements.  
NOTE: The EXT REM IN jack located to the  
right of these jacks is for use with an external  
IR sensor duplicating the front panel IR sen-  
sor and located in the primary zone. It should  
not be used for ZONE 2 IR connections.  
To configure your system for Zone 2 opera-  
tion, connect the left and right Zone 2 outputs  
on the RSP-976 to the left and right channel  
inputs of the amplifier powering the remote  
speakers, using standard RCA audio cables.  
NOTE: By default, the Zone 2 outputs provide  
a VARIABLE level signal, with control of the  
volume from the RSP-976 front panel and/or  
remote control from Zone 2. Alternatively, you  
can configure these outputs for FIXED level,  
which disables the volume control and sends  
a fixed line-level signal to an amplifier with  
its own volume control. See the ON-SCREEN  
DISPLAY/Configuration section for details.  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
18  
Figure 6 at the front of this manual shows all  
of the menus in the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY sys-  
tem and how to reach them. Most menus are  
used only to configure the system and not typi-  
cally during normal operation.  
MAIN Menu  
On-Screen Display /  
Configuration  
The RSP-976 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.  
MAIN MENU  
INPUT: Setup  
SPEAKER: Setup  
DELAY: Setup  
TEST TONE: Setup  
SUB LEVEL: Setup  
OTHER: Setup  
SYSTEM STATUS Menu  
SYSTEM STATUS  
ENT KEY=ENTER  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
LISTEN: Tuner  
RECORD: CD  
A more comprehensive ON-SCREEN DISPLAY  
menu system is available at any time by press-  
ing the MENU button on the remote control.  
These menus guide you through the setup and  
operation of the RSP-976.  
MODE: Dolby Digital  
INPUT: Coaxial 1  
VOLUME: 65  
The MAIN menu provides access to all other  
screens and menus and is reached by press-  
ing the ENTER button from the SYSTEM STA-  
TUS menu described above or from most other  
menus. To go to another menu, move the high-  
light to the desired line using the UP/DOWN  
buttons on the remote and press the ENTER  
button. Press the MENU key on the remote to  
cancel the display and return to normal op-  
eration.  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
OSD KEY=EXIT  
Navigation Buttons  
The SYSTEM STATUS menu provides a snap-  
shot of the current system settings and a start-  
ing point for reaching all other screens and  
menus. This screen is appears when you press  
the MENU button on the remote control and  
displays the following information:  
The following remote control buttons are used  
to navigate the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu  
system:  
C
INPUT Menu  
GUIDE  
MENU  
M
LISTEN: the source selected for listening.  
C
K
UP  
INPUT SETUP  
OSD  
RECORD: the source selected for the VIDEO  
outputs.  
L
LISTEN: Video 2  
-
ENT  
DWN  
M
+
M
INPUT LABEL: _ _ _ _ _  
INPUT: Coaxial 1  
INPUT MODE: Dolby 3 Stereo  
DIGITAL OUT: Coaxial 1  
MODE: the current surround sound mode.  
PREV CH  
S
R
INPUT:the input selected for the current source:  
Optical, Coaxial, Analog, etc.  
SEARCH –  
SEARCH +  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
C
VOLUME: the current volume setting.  
No changes can be made using this screen;  
it only provides information. To go to the rest  
of the menus, press the ENTER button to go  
to the MAIN menu. Press the MENU key on  
the remote to cancel the display and return  
to normal operation.  
MENU Button  
: To display the MAIN  
The INPUT menu configures the source inputs  
and is reached from the MAIN menu. The  
screen provides the following options, selected  
by placing the highlight on the desired line  
using the UP/DOWN buttons:  
screen. All other menus are reached from this  
menu. If a menu is already visible, push this  
button to cancel the display.  
DOWN/UP Buttons  
: To move up and  
down in the lists that appear on the ON-  
SCREEN DISPLAY menu system.  
LISTEN: changes the current listening input  
source  
+/– Buttons  
tings for a selected menu choice on some menus  
in the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu system.  
: To change the current set-  
INPUT LABEL: The labels for the five VIDEO  
inputs can customized. This is not available  
for the TUNER, CD, and TAPE inputs. Place  
the highlight on this line to call up a sub-menu  
that allows you to change the five-character  
label for the current VIDEO source. To change  
the label:  
ENTER Button : To confirm a setting and  
return to the MAIN menu.  
NOTE: A help system at the bottom of each  
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu reminds you  
which buttons to press.  
 
English  
19  
1. Press the +/– keys to begin labeling.  
SPEAKER SETUP Menu  
nals. 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  
information to the front LARGE speakers. This  
configuration may improve the way the bass  
integrates into the listening room and ensure  
correct satellite speaker operation by using the  
speaker manufacturer’s own crossovers.  
2. Press the +/– keys to change the first let-  
ter, scrolling through the list of available  
characters.  
SPEAKER SETUP  
FRONT: Large  
CENTER: Large  
SURROUND: Large  
SUBWOOFER: Yes  
3. Press the ENT key to confirm that letter and  
move to the next position.  
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all five charac-  
ters have been completed. The final press  
of the ENT button will save the new label  
and exit the sub-menu.  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
The following speaker options are available:  
The SPEAKER SETUP menu is used to config-  
ure the RSP-976 for use with your specific  
loudspeakers. The menu is accessed from the  
MAIN menu.  
INPUT: selects which physical input connec-  
tion to use as the default for the source dis-  
played in the first line of the menu. The op-  
tions include the ANALOG inputs, the two  
OPTICAL digital inputs (OPTICAL 1& 2), and  
the three COAXIAL digital inputs (COAXIAL  
1 – 3). When a digital input is configured in  
this menu, the unit will check for a digital sig-  
nal each time that input source button is pressed.  
If no digital signal is present, the unit will au-  
tomatically revert to the analog input. This digital  
auto-sensing is the preferred configuration for  
digital source inputs such as DVD players.  
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 speak-  
ers are full range designs with good bass  
response capability. If you are using  
minispeakers, use the SMALL setting.  
Home theater speaker systems vary in their  
size and performance, particularly in bass  
output. Surround sound processors feature  
steering logic which sends bass information  
to the speaker(s) best able to handle it –  
subwoofers and/or large speakers. For opti-  
mum performance, you must tell the RSP-976  
what types of speakers are in your system.  
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, ex-  
tended bass response. Use the SMALL posi-  
tion 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.  
The following configuration instructions refer  
to LARGE and SMALL speakers, referring more  
to their bass performance than physical size.  
A full-range speaker with extended bass re-  
sponse is considered LARGE. A compact  
speaker with limited bass response or power  
handling is considered SMALL.  
INPUT MODE: selects the default surround  
sound mode for the input shown at the top of  
the menu. The default setting can be overrid-  
den at any time with the front-panel MODE  
buttons. Options include: DTS, Dolby Digital,  
Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby 3-Stereo, Music 1,  
Music 2, Music 3, Music 4, and Dolby Digi-  
tal 2-ch Stereo. This is a default setting and  
can be manually overridden by the front panel  
switches MODE switches.  
REAR SPEAKERS (small/large/none):  
If your rear surround speakers 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 set-  
ting. If your system has no rear surround speak-  
ers, select the NONE setting (surround infor-  
mation will be added to the front speakers).  
As a general 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.  
DIGITAL OUT: selects which digital input  
signal is available for recording at the digital  
output connectors. It is a global setting: the  
selected digital input will always be available  
at the digital outputs, regardless of which source  
is selected for listening. The same signal will  
be available at both the coaxial and optical  
outputs.  
Things become more complex with a  
subwoofer. For example, the system will gen-  
erally not redirect bass information away from  
a LARGE speaker to the subwoofer. Thus, you  
must decide if you want a particular speaker  
to play the deep bass or whether the deep  
bass should be sent to the subwoofer. If you  
have a subwoofer, 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 RSP-976 that all  
of your speakers are SMALL, without regard  
to how big they may actually be.  
SUBWOOFER (yes/no): Use the YES set-  
ting if your system has a subwoofer. If your  
system does not have a subwoofer, select NO.  
NOTE: Speaker configuration is a global set-  
ting for all surround modes and need only be  
done once.  
NOTE: We suggest that you return to this menu  
after connecting each source component to  
properly configure that source.  
To change a setting, place the highlight on the  
desired line using the UP/DOWN buttons and  
use the +/– buttons to toggle through the  
available settings. To return to the MAIN menu,  
press the ENTER button. Press the MENU key  
on the remote to cancel the display and re-  
turn to normal operation.  
An alternative configuration for setting up front  
SMALL speakers with a subwoofer is to follow  
the speaker manufacturer’s instructions, wir-  
ing the SMALL speakers to the subwoofer’s  
crossover and then connecting the subwoofer  
directly to the front speaker connection termi-  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
20  
DELAY SETUP Menu  
The available settings for the CENTER chan-  
nel (Dolby Digital only) are 0ms, 1ms, 2ms,  
3ms, 4ms, and 5ms. For SURROUND (Dolby  
Digital), the settings are 0ms, 5ms, 10ms, and  
15ms. For SURROUND (Dolby Pro Logic), the  
settings are 15ms, 20ms, 25ms, and 30ms.  
TEST TONE Menu  
DELAY SETUP  
TEST TONE  
Dolby  
Dolby  
LEFT: +1dB  
CENTER: -1dB  
RIGHT: +1dB  
Digital Pro Logic  
CENTER: 1ms  
R SURROUND: 15ms  
L SURROUND: 15ms  
R SURROUND: +5dB  
L SURROUND: +4dB  
SUBWOOFER: +9dB  
30ms  
30ms  
To change a setting, place the highlight on the  
desired line using the UP/DOWN buttons and  
use the +/– buttons to increase or decrease  
the delay setting. To return to the MAIN menu,  
press the ENTER button. Press the MENU key  
on the remote to cancel the display and re-  
turn to normal operation.  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
This menu, which is reached from the MAIN  
menu, allows you to set the delay for individual  
speakers. This ensures that the sound from each  
speaker arrives simultaneously at the listening  
position, even when the speakers not all placed  
at equal distances from the listener.  
This menu uses test tones to set equal volume  
levels for all speakers (left front, center, right  
front, right surround, left surround, and  
subwoofer) to ensure proper surround sound  
reproduction. Setting the output levels using  
the test procedure provides the most accurate  
adjustment so that digital surround sound  
material will be reproduced as it was intended.  
SUBWOOFER LEVEL Menu  
SUB LEVEL  
Although personal preference is the ultimate  
guide, you typically increase the delay to speak-  
ers located closer to the seating area and de-  
crease the delay to speakers located farther  
from the seating area.  
DOLBY: +1  
DTS: -2  
STEREO: +5  
MUSIC: +3  
To access this menu and perform the test tone  
calibration, you must be in one of the surround  
modes. To do this, press any of the MODE  
buttons except 2CH. Then, enter the ON-  
SCREEN DISPLAY menu system and select TEST  
TONE from the MAIN menu to reach this  
screen.  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
Start by measuring the distance from your  
seating position to each speaker. The speaker  
farthest away should receive no additional  
delay. Each of the other speakers will receive  
one millisecond of delay for each foot (30 cm)  
closer to you than the farthest speaker. For ex-  
ample, if the left front speaker is farthest away  
at 13 feet and the left rear speaker is 8 feet  
away, you should add 5 milliseconds of de-  
lay to the left rear speaker. Continue setting  
delays for each speaker until you have com-  
pensated for each speaker that is closer to you  
than the farthest speaker.  
The SUBWOOFER LEVEL menu provides in-  
dependent adjustment of subwoofer level for  
each surround mode. These settings are memo-  
rized and engaged automatically each time  
a music or theater surround mode is selected.  
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 buttons. The test tone will shift accord-  
ingly to the selected speaker.  
When going to the SUBWOOFER LEVEL menu  
from the MAIN menu, the current surround  
mode is automatically highlighted.  
While seated in the normal listening location,  
switch the test tone to the various speakers.  
Using the loudest speaker as a fixed reference,  
listen to hear if any other speakers are notice-  
ably louder or quieter. If so, adjust that speaker’s  
volume levels up or down (in 1dB increments)  
to match using the +/– buttons. Continue switch-  
ing among the speakers and adjusting until  
all speakers are the same volume.  
NOTE: Only the current surround mode can  
be adjusted on this menu. You will need to  
change surround modes using the front panel  
or remote buttons to adjust a different mode.  
The delay times for the surround speakers are  
set longer for Dolby Pro Logic mode than in  
Dolby Digital mode. When you change de-  
lay setting for Dolby Digital, the delay time  
for Dolby Pro Logic will automatically be set  
15ms longer.  
Use the +/– buttons to adjust the subwoofer  
level for the current surround mode. To return  
to the MAIN menu, press the ENTER button.  
Press the MENU key on the remote to cancel  
the display and return to normal operation.  
NOTE: This calibration will be more accurate  
using a sound pressure level (SPL) meter in-  
stead of relying on your ear. Set the meter to  
its SLOW response time with C-weighting and  
hold it away from your body. Adjust the lev-  
els until the meter provides the same reading  
for each of the speakers in your system.  
To return to the MAIN menu, press the ENTER  
button. Press the MENU key on the remote to  
cancel the menu display and return to normal  
operation.  
 
English  
21  
OTHER OPTIONS Menu  
Change settings on the OTHER OPTIONS menu  
by highlighting the desired line using the UP/  
DOWN buttons and using the +/– buttons to  
step through the available settings. To return  
to the MAIN menu, press the ENTER button.  
Press the MENU key on the remote to cancel  
the display and return to normal operation.  
ZONE 2 SETUP Menu  
OTHER OPTIONS  
ZONE2 SETUP  
RECORD: CD  
DYNAMIC: Max  
5.1CH: Off  
POWER: Direct  
RESET: Setup  
ZONE2: Setup  
SOURCE: CD  
VOLUME SETUP: Variable  
VOLUME: 20  
RESET Menu  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
ENT KEY=MAIN MENU  
+/– KEY=change  
UP KEY=up  
DWN KEY=down  
Reset to factory  
default settings:  
This menu, accessed from the MAIN menu,  
provides access to a several miscellaneous  
settings as follows:  
The ZONE 2 SETUP menu provides settings  
and configuration options related to the op-  
eration of Zone 2. This menu is reached by  
highlighting the ZONE 2 line on the OTHER  
OPTIONS menu and pressing ENTER.  
YES = ENT KEY  
NO = DWN KEY  
RECORD: Select a signal for the record out-  
puts by choosing one of the input sources.  
SOURCE: the source selected for listening in  
Zone 2. Selecting the OFF option turns Zone  
2 off.  
DYNAMIC:steps through the three dynamic  
range settings available in digital modes:  
The FACTORY DEFAULT menu resets all sys-  
tem configuration settings to the factory sup-  
plied settings. This menu is reached by high-  
lighting the RESET line on the OTHER OPTIONS  
menu and pressing ENTER.  
• MAX (no compression/full dynamic range)  
• MID (moderate compression)  
VOLUME SETUP: configures the Zone 2  
outputs for VARIABLE or FIXED volume levels.  
VARIABLE allows control of the volume settings  
in Zone 2 from the RSP-976 front panel or from  
a remote control and IR repeater in Zone 2.  
FIXED output disables the Zone 2 volume  
control. In this mode, the Zone 2 level can be  
fixed at the level specified on the next line,  
thus optimizing system performance when send-  
ing a fixed level signal to a preamp or ampli-  
fier with its own volume adjustment.  
• MIN (full compression/minimum dynamic  
range).  
Press the ENTER button to reset all settings. Press  
the DOWN button to cancel this menu and  
return to the OTHER OPTIONS menu without  
restoring the default settings.  
5.1CH: determines whether or 5.1 channel  
input is turned ON or OFF.  
POWER: This setting determines how the  
RSP-976 powers up. With the default DIRECT  
setting, the unit is fully activated when AC power  
is applied; however, it may be put in STANDBY  
mode using the front panel STANDBY or re-  
mote POWER button. With the STANDBY set-  
ting, the unit powers up in standby mode when  
AC is applied and must be activated from the  
front-panel or remote control. In ALWAYS-ON  
mode, the unit remains fully active whenever  
AC is present; the front panel and remote  
STANDBY or POWER buttons are disabled.  
NOTE: Resetting to factory default settings will  
erase all stored settings including delay set-  
tings, speaker settings, balance settings, in-  
put settings and more. You will loseALL system  
configuration settings. Be certain that you wish  
to do so before resetting the factory defaults.  
VOLUME: In VARIABLE output mode, this line  
shows the current volume setting for Zone 2.  
In FIXED output mode, this use this setting to  
establish a permanent fixed output level for  
Zone 2.  
Move the highlight to the desired line using  
the UP/DOWN buttons and use the +/– but-  
tons to adjust the volume level. To return to the  
MAIN menu, press the ENTER button. Press  
the MENU key on the remote to cancel the  
display and return to normal operation.  
RESET: Place the highlight on this line and press  
the ENTER button to call a submenu (described  
in the next section) to reset all settings to their  
factory defaults.  
ZONE 2: Place the highlight on this line and  
press the ENTER button to call the ZONE 2  
MENU for configuring Zone 2 operation.  
 
RSP-976 Surround Sound Processor  
22  
Specifications  
Audio  
Total Harmonic Distortion:  
<0.03%  
Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz: 7 kHz):  
<0.03%  
Frequency Response:  
10 Hz - 20 kHz, 1 dB (line level)  
10 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.3 dB (digital level)  
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF A-weighted):  
92 dB (Stereo) Analog  
90 dB (Dolby Digital, dts) 0dBFs  
Input Sensitivity/Impedance:  
Line Level: 200 mV/47 kohms  
Tone Controls (Bass/Treble):  
8 dB at 100 Hz/10 kHz  
Line Output Level:  
600 mV (200 mV Input)  
Video  
Frequency Response:  
3 Hz-10 MHz, 3 dB  
Signal to Noise Ratio:  
45 dB  
Input Impedance:  
75 ohms  
Output Impedance:  
75 ohms  
Output Level:  
1 volt  
General  
Power Consumption:  
40 watts  
Power Requirements (AC):  
115 volts, 60Hz (USA)  
230 volts, 50Hz (Europe)  
Weight:  
6.9 Kg/15.2 lb.  
Dimensions (W x H x D):  
440 x 121 x 303 mm  
173/8" x 47/8" 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 Laborato-  
ries Licensing Corporation. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”,  
and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby  
Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Confidential  
unpublished works © 1992 – 1997 Dolby Labora-  
tories, Inc. All rights reserved.  
 
 
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 OM-RSP-976 V2.0 English 052900  
 

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