Convert PLATO Complete Manual

HOME ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL

Plato Complete Guide V1.3.3

Convert Technologies

Suite 3

Acorn Place

Alfreton Road

Derby.

DE21 4AS

Plato Complete Guide V1.3.3

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Plato Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Plato!

Plato is a highly capable product and will revolutionise the way you, and your family, access

audio and video content in your home; consolidating all media access through one simple

interface. This home entertainment/media management system is designed and

manufactured to the highest specification in the UK and rigorously tested to ensure you

enjoy many years of listening and viewing pleasure.

Our vision is to bring harmony to your media. As such, its correct installation and operation

will have a major influence on the overall performance of your new set up. Please read the

contents of this manual thoroughly, as it will help you to understand your Plato system

better.

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Contents 
 Before you begin ........................................................................................................................ 7 
1.  Safety First .................................................................................................................................. 7 
1.1.  Warnings and cautions ....................................................................................................... 7 
1.2.  Location of your Plato unit ................................................................................................. 8 
1.3.  Ventilation .......................................................................................................................... 8 
1.4.  Servicing ............................................................................................................................. 8 
2.  Unpacking your Plato box ........................................................................................................... 9 
3.  Maintenance ............................................................................................................................... 9 
 Your Plato Unit ......................................................................................................................... 10 
1.  Front View ................................................................................................................................ 11 
2.  Rear View .................................................................................................................................. 11 
2.1.  Pre-Amplifier module ....................................................................................................... 12 
2.2.  Power amplifier module .................................................................................................. 12 
2.3.  Power supply module ...................................................................................................... 12 
2.4.  Digital module .................................................................................................................. 12 
2.5.  External connections ........................................................................................................ 13 
3.  Connecting your Plato .............................................................................................................. 14 
3.1.  Connecting to the mains supply....................................................................................... 14 
3.2.  Connecting your analogue inputs .................................................................................... 14 
3.3.  Connecting your digital inputs ......................................................................................... 15 
3.4.  Connecting your speakers via 4mm banana plugs ........................................................... 16 
3.5.  Connecting to an external amplifier ................................................................................ 16 
3.6.  Connecting to a digital sound system .............................................................................. 17 
3.7.  Connecting to the internet directly via your home router .............................................. 17 
3.8.  Connecting to your TV via HDMI ...................................................................................... 18 
3.9.  Playing to remote TVs and speakers ................................................................................ 18 
4.  Switching on your Plato unit and launching the Plato App ...................................................... 19 
4.1.  Switching off your Plato unit using the rear panel switch ............................................... 19 
4.2.  Switching off your Plato unit using the front panel On/Off button ................................. 19 
4.3.  Switching on your Plato unit using the front panel On/Off button ................................. 19 
 The Plato Control App for Android ........................................................................................... 21 
1.  Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 21 
2.  Using the touchscreen .............................................................................................................. 21 

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3.  The Plato App Overview ........................................................................................................... 21 
3.1.  The Plato Main Drawer Feature Menu ............................................................................ 22 
3.2.  Selected Device ................................................................................................................ 23 
4.  Plato features menu options overview .................................................................................... 24 
4.1.  External Source ................................................................................................................ 24 
4.2.  Media Library ................................................................................................................... 24 
4.3.  Internet Radio .................................................................................................................. 24 
4.4.  Playlist .............................................................................................................................. 24 
4.5.  Import .............................................................................................................................. 25 
4.6.  HighResAudio ................................................................................................................... 25 
5.  Now Playing .............................................................................................................................. 25 
5.1.  Volume control ................................................................................................................ 26 
5.2.  Mute ................................................................................................................................. 27 
5.3.  HDMI audio route ............................................................................................................ 27 
5.4.  Media controls ................................................................................................................. 27 
5.5.  Lyrics ................................................................................................................................ 27 
5.6.  Show Media Info .............................................................................................................. 27 
6.  Downloading the Plato Android app to your smartphone or tablet ........................................ 28 
7.  Updating your Plato App & System Firmware .......................................................................... 29 
8.  Advanced Menu Options Overview .......................................................................................... 30 
8.1.  Search ............................................................................................................................... 30 
8.2.  Video mode select............................................................................................................ 30 
8.3.  Exiting the Plato App ........................................................................................................ 31 
8.4.  Advanced menu list .......................................................................................................... 32 
 Configuring and using external (pre-amp) inputs .................................................................... 33 
1.  Adding a Turntable ................................................................................................................... 34 
2.  Adding a CD Player ................................................................................................................... 35 
3.  Adding other devices ................................................................................................................ 37 
 Configuring Inputs .................................................................................................................... 38 
1.  Generic Controls ....................................................................................................................... 38 
2.  Input Gain ................................................................................................................................. 38 
3.  Phono controls ......................................................................................................................... 38 
3.1.  Moving Magnet/Moving Coil Select ................................................................................ 39 
3.2.  Input Resistance ............................................................................................................... 39 

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3.3.  Input Capacitance ............................................................................................................ 39 
3.4.  Rumble Filter .................................................................................................................... 39 
4.  Record Controls ........................................................................................................................ 39 
4.1.  Record default setting ...................................................................................................... 39 
4.2.  Record Bit Depth .............................................................................................................. 39 
4.3.  Record Sample Rate ......................................................................................................... 39 
 Playing music from external inputs .......................................................................................... 40 
 Recording from an external source .......................................................................................... 42 
1.  Monitoring Input Levels ........................................................................................................... 42 
2.  Changing Input Gain settings. ................................................................................................... 44 
3.  Recording a track or album ...................................................................................................... 44 
3.1.  Media list tab ................................................................................................................... 45 
 Media Library ............................................................................................................................ 48 
1.  Playing music from your Library ............................................................................................... 48 
2.  Using media Search .................................................................................................................. 50 
3.  Additional features on the More Options menu ...................................................................... 51 
3.1.  Play Menu ........................................................................................................................ 51 
3.2.  Add to Playlist .................................................................................................................. 51 
3.3.  Edit ................................................................................................................................... 51 
3.4.  Delete ............................................................................................................................... 51 
3.5.  Download ......................................................................................................................... 52 
3.6.  Export As .......................................................................................................................... 52 
4.  Viewing image files ................................................................................................................... 53 
5.  The Play Queue tab .................................................................................................................. 54 
5.1.  Modifying the Play Queue ............................................................................................... 54 
5.2.  Saving a Playlist from the Play Queue .............................................................................. 55 
6.  Now Playing in Media Library ................................................................................................... 56 
 Internet Radio ........................................................................................................................... 57 
1.  Saving radio stations to your PRESETS list ................................................................................ 58 
2.  Listening to your saved radio stations ...................................................................................... 59 
3.  Search for radio stations .......................................................................................................... 59 
 Playlists ..................................................................................................................................... 60 
1.  To create a Playlist from the Media Library ............................................................................. 60 
2.  To Play a Playlist ....................................................................................................................... 61 

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3.  Recently Added playlist ............................................................................................................ 61 
4.  Playlist options ......................................................................................................................... 62 
5.  Mood Grid ................................................................................................................................ 62 
5.1.  Building a mood based playlist ........................................................................................ 63 
 Import ....................................................................................................................................... 65 
1.  Importing from a CD ................................................................................................................. 65 
1.1.  Alternatives ...................................................................................................................... 67 
1.2.  Eject CD ............................................................................................................................ 67 
1.3.  Individual track ripping .................................................................................................... 67 
1.4.  Show Media Info .............................................................................................................. 67 
2.  Importing from a USB memory stick or drive. .......................................................................... 68 
3.  Importing video files ................................................................................................................. 69 
4.  Importing image files ................................................................................................................ 69 
5.  File Manager ............................................................................................................................. 69 
 Streaming audio and video ....................................................................................................... 71 
1.  Streaming music out to remote wireless speakers .................................................................. 71 
2.  Video playback.......................................................................................................................... 71 
2.1.  To watch video from your Media Library......................................................................... 72 
 Accessing HighResAudio content ............................................................................................. 73 
1.  Download manager .................................................................................................................. 73 
 Advanced menu options ........................................................................................................... 75 
1.  Server Settings and Status ........................................................................................................ 75 
1.1.  Info ................................................................................................................................... 75 
1.2.  Progress ............................................................................................................................ 76 
1.3.  Backup and restore .......................................................................................................... 77 
1.4.  Media Rescan ................................................................................................................... 77 
1.5.  Settings ............................................................................................................................. 77 
1.6.  Debug ............................................................................................................................... 78 
2.  Factory Reset ............................................................................................................................ 78 
3.  Exit ............................................................................................................................................ 79 
4.  UPnP friendly name .................................................................................................................. 79 
 Operating Plato using an Air Mouse remote controller ........................................................... 80 
 Advanced Media Library editing options .................................................................................. 81 
1.  Editing Artwork ......................................................................................................................... 83 

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2.  Adjust start/end points of a track ............................................................................................ 84 
3.  Creating a missing track............................................................................................................ 86 
4.  Merging a fragmented album ................................................................................................... 90 
 Backup and restore ................................................................................................................... 94 
1.  Selecting a backup device ......................................................................................................... 94 
2.  Configuring your backup .......................................................................................................... 95 
3.  Restoring data from a backup copy .......................................................................................... 96 
 iOS Application ......................................................................................................................... 97 
 Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 98 
 
   

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1. Before you begin

This product bears the CE mark .

230V Products are designed to comply with the legal provisions of EU Directives

2006/95/EC, 2004/108/EC and 2011/65/EU. The standards which have been applied are

those which were in force at the time of the introduction of these products.

230V Products comply with the following safety standard EN60065:2002 + A12:2011.

100-120/230V Products are designed to comply with the legal provisions of EU Directives

2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2011/65/EU, 2012/19/EU, 2009/125/EC. The standards which

have been applied are those which were in force at the time of the introduction of these

products.

100-120/230V Products are designed to comply with the following safety standards

EN60950-1: 2006 + A2: 2013

For the USA and Canada, UL 60950-1 & CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1.

This product must be earthed. Please ensure that other equipment connected to it is earthed

according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

1.1. Safety First

1.1.1. Warnings and cautions

Your Plato unit operates from a fixed supply voltage which is marked on a label below the

mains inlet on the rear panel. Before connecting the mains lead please check that your mains

supply corresponds to the appropriate label below:

230V Products: Voltage Range 220V-240V AC, 50Hz

100-120/230V Products: Voltage Range 100-120/230V, 50/60Hz

If you move to another area with a different mains voltage, please contact your local

distributor to have your product converted.

Use only the mains lead supplied to connect your Plato to the mains power socket. The

mains lead supplied has a moulded IEC connector which plugs into the IEC power inlet on the

unit’s rear panel. Keep the mains lead away from heat sources. Do not place a heavy object

on the mains lead. Do not modify the mains lead. Do not overload the mains socket. Do not

use a poor fitting mains socket. Do not use a damaged mains lead.

This product must be earthed and must be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a

protective earthing connection. This product includes a MAINS switch that is located on

the rear of the unit, see the diagram in section 2.2.

Please ensure that other equipment connected to Plato is earthed according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

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The Plato unit incorporates a mains fuse that is located on the rear panel, next to the AC

switch. This must only be replaced by a fuse of the type and rating as described on the

rating label on the rear panel of the unit. If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

If the Plato unit is likely to be unattended for some time, unplug it from the mains supply.

Disconnect the Plato unit from the mains supply before you connect or disconnect any

equipment from the unit’s rear panel. Make sure all electrical connections are properly

made.

1.1.2. Location of your Plato unit

Your Plato unit should be situated in a well ventilated area.

Your Plato unit should be situated on a hard surface such as a strong shelf or open support

cabinet.

Your Plato unit should not be situated in a closed cabinet.

Your Plato should be kept away from sources of heat, excess dust, humidity and from direct

sunlight.

Ensure there is a minimum of 10cms (4 inches) of ‘free space’ all the way around the Plato unit.

Do not expose your Plato to rain or moisture, this unit must not be exposed to dripping or

splashing water.

Do not place objects filled with liquid such as vases on top of or above the unit.

Never allow liquids or other objects to fall into the unit.

Your Plato unit should not be placed directly on top of or underneath another unit.

Do not use your Plato unit outdoors.

Your Plato unit is designed to be operated at an ambient temperature of 10C to 35C.

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles should be placed on the unit.

1.1.3. Ventilation

Your Plato unit includes slots and openings in the cabinet to provide ventilation. These openings

should not be blocked or covered. Do not place your Plato unit on soft furnishings, carpets or

any other surface likely to hinder normal ventilation. Do not allow curtains, tablecloths

newspapers or other similar items to block the ventilation slots. Never insert any items into the

ventilation openings.

1.1.4. Servicing

This unit contains no user serviceable parts.

DO NOT attempt to service it yourself. Never remove any covers from the Plato unit.

There are no user serviceable parts inside but there are high voltage live parts. Remember

that contact with AC mains can be lethal or can cause an electric shock.

Unauthorised servicing will render the warranty void. Refer all servicing to qualified service

personnel.

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1.2. Unpacking your Plato box

Included in the packing of your Plato system you will find:

• Plato Unit

• 1 x Mains lead

• 1 x HDMI Cable

• Important User Notes (Includes Safety Instructions)

• USB CD/DVD drive

• Android remote control tablet (Amplified Models)

1.3. Maintenance

After disconnecting the Plato unit from the mains supply, the casing and front panel may be

cleaned with a lightly dampened soft cloth or chamois leather. Avoid using abrasives or

solvents.

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2. Your Plato Unit

Plato integrates with traditional Hi-Fi components (CD player, Turntable, Tape Deck) via

analogue or digital inputs connected to the Plato pre-amplifier, which can be accessed at the

rear of the unit. Plato can connect to your home/office network and is therefore able to

access audio/video content that may exist on other UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) servers

connected on that network, and stream that content to other UPnP compliant devices.

The Plato system elements are:

Integrated Pre-amplifier including:

• 4 x pairs Analogue Inputs

• 4 x Digital Inputs

• 1 x pair Analogue Output

• 2 x Digital Outputs

• Digital to Analogue Convertor Module (DAC)

• Analogue to Digital Convertor Module (ADC)

Integrated Stereo Power Amplifier with 4mm banana speaker connectors

Internal Hard Drive

A touch screen control panel (front panel)

A USB Interface (front panel)

System start up/shut down button (front panel)

Main power on/off switch (rear panel)

HDMI output, network connectivity, and USB interfaces for additional storage

Android Plato Control App

Note that Plato may also supplied with an Amazon Kindle Fire tablet, and a USB CD/DVD

drive (*Plato-B/Plato-A only). The Kindle tablet can be used as a remote-control device to

provide remote access to Plato’s features. The CD/DVD drive integrates high speed ripping of

audio CDs direct to Plato.

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2.1. Front View

Item No

Item

Description

1

Android Display

A touchscreen display and app controller to operate

your Plato unit.

2

System On/Off Button

To switch your Plato unit to standby mode.

3

USB Connector

To connect a USB device to transfer media files.

Plato is set by default to go to sleep after 10 minutes of inactivity using the display. This can

be changed by selecting the android settings/display/sleep timer or by selecting “standby

timer” in the Plato App

If your Plato units goes to sleep, simply tap the screen to wake it up. Should tapping the

screen not wake the unit, simply single press the System On/Off Button once and wait

approx. 7 seconds.

2.2. Rear View

The design of Plato is highly modular. There are separate modules for:

• Pre-amplifier

• Power amplifier

• Power supply

• Digital module

3

1

2

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#Note that Plato’s modules are not user-replaceable. Unauthorised removal can expose

hazardous voltages, and will invalidate the product warranty.

2.2.1. Pre-Amplifier module

The pre-amplifier provides inputs to connect digital or analogue sources to Plato. It includes

volume control for both digital and analogue sources.

The pre-amplifier also includes an Analogue to Digital Convertor (ADC) to convert analogue

sources into digital formats (digital recording); and a Digital to Analogue Convertor (DAC) to

playback digital sources through analogue speakers.

The pre-amplifier is also equipped with analogue and digital outputs to allow connection of

third party power amplifiers or DAC devices.

2.2.2. Power amplifier module

The power amplifier takes the pre-amplifier output and converts it into a signal suitable to

drive external speakers. Connection to speakers is via the 4mm banana plug connectors.

It is possible to purchase Plato without the power amplifier module installed, in this case a

blanking plate will be supplied in place of the power amplifier module.

2.2.3. Power supply module

The power supply module provides power to the system. The linear power supply is very

substantial in order to provide the highest audio quality.

2.2.4. Digital module

The digital module contains the main microprocessor unit and an internal disk drive for

storing data. This module provides all digital connections to Plato including home/office

network, and USB expansion.

Pre-amplifier

Power amplifier

Digital Module

Power Supply

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An HDMI output connection allows direct connection of a TV to Plato for video playback. It is

also possible to mirror the front screen controls to a connected TV.

Note that Plato offers 3 USB sockets for expansion. The socket on the front of the unit is

configured for import/export (see section 11.2) to transfer data into, or out of Plato. Media

files located on USB devices plugged into the front port will not be directly accessible to

Plato. Please connect memory sticks or devices containing data you with to import to the

front USB socket.

Please use the rear USB ports for adding expansion storage capacity to Plato.

CD drives, and backup drives can be connected to any of the USB sockets whichever is most

convenient.

2.2.5. External connections

No

Item

Description

1

Mains power input

To connect you power lead (supplied).

2

Mains power switch

To switch on your unit.

3

Phono earth point

To earth phono input (check with turntable

manufacturer’s details).

4

Analogue phono/line

Inputs

4 Analogue inputs.

AUX/Phono reserved for a turntable.

5

Analogue pre-amp output

To connect to external amplifier and speaker system.

6

Digital inputs

To connect 3 x Optical + 1 x Coaxial Digital Inputs.

7

Digital outputs

To connect to external digital systems.

8

Neutriks now

replaced with 4mm

Banana Plug Connectors

To connect to your speakers.

9

USB Connections

To connect additional USB devices for storage

expansion or backup.

10

HDMI Output

To connect to TV.

11

Ethernet Network

To connect your home router.

12

Debug

Reserved.

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2.3. Connecting your Plato

2.3.1. Connecting to the mains supply

You must not plug your Plato unit into the mains until you have connected your Plato unit

to the other equipment in your system.

Your Plato unit operates from a fixed supply voltage which is marked on a label below the

mains inlet on the rear panel. Before connecting the mains lead please check that your mains

supply corresponds to the appropriate label below:

230V Products: Voltage Range 220V-240V AC, 50Hz

100-120/230V Products: Voltage Range 100-120/230V, 50/60Hz

Do not connect it to a DC or any other supply.

If you move to another area with a different mains voltage, please contact your local

distributor to have your product converted.

Insert the 3-way connector on the supplied mains lead into the mains connector on the rear

panel of your Plato unit before you insert the plug into the mains supply.

Connect the plug on the other end of the mains lead into the mains socket outlet (and then

switch it on, if there is a switch by the mains wall socket).

The only way to disconnect your Plato unit from the mains is to remove the mains lead plug

from the mains socket. Therefore you must install your Plato unit near to the mains outlet

socket which should be easily accessible.

Whenever you disconnect your Plato unit from the main supply, always remove the mains

lead from the mains outlet socket before you remove the 3-way connector from the rear

panel of your Plato unit.

If you are in any doubt about the mains lead, its plug or its connection, consult a competent

electrician.

2.3.2. Connecting your analogue inputs

You can connect many audio devices to your Plato system using either digital or analogue

inputs.

In the example shown below, a turntable, a CD player and a cassette player are connected

via the analogue inputs.

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The input on the far right labelled ‘AUX/Phono’ is reserved for a turntable/record player

input. If connecting a turntable to this input, you may also be required to add an earth

connection from the turntable to the Plato unit.

2.3.3. Connecting your digital inputs

Some devices may provide a digital instead of analogue connection.

There are four digital input connectors on the rear panel of your Plato unit.

One is coaxial and three are optical. Select the appropriate connector for your digital input.

Note: Turntables

sometimes require an

additional earth

connection to the earth

point on the Plato rear

panel.

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2.3.4. Connecting your speakers via 4mm banana plugs

These connections only apply to Plato models with an integrated power amplifier.

For models without this option, see following section 2.3.5: ‘Connecting to external

amplifier’.

For best results use equal length speaker cable for both left and right outputs

Note that when connecting the speaker cables, always connect the speaker terminals before

plugging in the banana plugs to Plato.

Connect both left and right speaker to the rear of your Plato unit.

The connection to your speaker will vary according to speaker type. See typical types of

speaker connections below.

4mm Binding posts for banana plugs

2.3.5. Connecting to an external amplifier

This applies for Plato models without the integrated power amplifier option.

Use Phono cables from the Pre Out connections on the rear of the Plato unit to connect to

an external power amplifier and speaker system.

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2.3.6. Connecting to a digital sound system

You can also connect directly to an external digital sound type system.

2.3.7. Connecting to the internet directly via your home router

To use all the functions of your Plato unit, an internet connection is required.

The best option is to connect directly to your home router via an Ethernet cable.

See connection diagram below. Note that your home router and its connections may vary

according to the specific router and type of internet connection.

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2.3.8. Connecting to your TV via HDMI

Use the HDMI cable provided with your Plato unit to connect Plato directly to your TV.

2.3.9. Playing to remote TVs and speakers

You can play music and video to remote TVs and speakers using your home network, either

wired directly or through Wi-Fi.

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Note: All devices must be UPnP (universal plug and play) or DLNA (Digital Living Network

Alliance) compliant.

Using UPnP, there is no need to make any physical connections, the music or video data will

be sent via your home network, and you can use Plato’s control app to control all aspects of

playback.

See section 12 on how to output video and audio to other devices.

2.4. Switching on your Plato unit and launching the Plato App

1. Ensure that all connections are correct.

2. On the back of the unit, push the power switch down.

The front panel screen display launches the android

operating system.

3. Wait for the android operating system to complete its

startup routine (Approx 45 secs).

4. The Plato control app will start automatically once the system has completed it start up

sequence.

5. If the Plato control app does not start automatically, or has been previously closed, it can

be re-started by pressing the Plato logo:

See section 3 for details on using the Plato App.

2.4.1. Switching off your Plato unit using the rear panel switch

Warning: Do not switch off your Plato unit while the Plato App is running.

Always exit the Plato App before switching off using the rear panel switch. (See section 14.3).

Once the app has closed, you can turn off the Plato system using the front panel button as

described below.

2.4.2. Switching off your Plato unit using the front panel On/Off button

To switch off your Plato unit using the front panel On/Off button:

1. Press the On/Off button and keep button pressed for 2 seconds.

The android power menu appears.

2. Select Power Off from the menu.

Your Plato unit will power down.

Tips: If your Plato unit will be switched off for any length of time (more than 2 days) it is

recommended that you fully power down the unit using the rear panel switch.

2.4.3. Switching on your Plato unit using the front panel On/Off button

If your Plato unit has not been switched off using the rear panel switch, use the front panel

switch to power on again.

To switch your Plato unit on using the front panel on/off button:

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Convert PLATO Complete Manual

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