DTS-ECP Installation Manual Section 1, Introduction And Specifications
1 - 1 DTS P/N 9301DECP0002/10
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
1.1. ABOUT THE DTS-ECP
1.1.1. How the DTS-ECP Works
The DTS-ECP is an expandable cinema processor that enables playback of motion picture
sound tracks. The standard unit combines the functions of a 6-track analog sound processor and
booth monitor. The unit is capable of audio playback in stereo optical (A-type or SR-type noise
reduction
), mono, and (stereo) NONSYNC formats. It also allows for automation interfacing and
playback of an external 6-track source. The unit has individual channel controls and emergency
BYPASS Mode. Individual channel EQ accomplished by the use of a laptop PC and DTS CP Setup
Software. The unit can be configured (via jumpers) for external or internal crossovers. WIDEBAND
is used for external and when internal is used, the customer specifies the resistor pack value
required. Other programmable (via jumpers) features include: Balanced or unbalanced external
NR, balanced or unbalanced output, screen loss EQ, and time alignment delay.
The unit is designed to be “expandable” meaning that DTS digital playback can be added as an
option. This option is added by installing the Model DPP.
1.1.2. Adding DTS Digital Upgrade (Model DPP, Digital Processing Package)
When the DTS digital package (Model DPP) is added, the following items are changed: Addition
of three CD-ROM drives, the front display is changed, software is changed, and the CPU board is
changed. A DTS timecode reader and cable will be issued as well as one reader for platter
systems and two readers (with ”Y” cable) for dual projectors (change-over systems).
Once DTS digital is added, the DTS-ECP uses DTS time-coded film to synchronize DTS digital
6-track sound (on DTS movie discs) to each frame of film projected. The DTS reader sends
timecode information on the film to the DTS-ECP. The DTS-ECP uses the timecode to play the
correct sound, on matching movie discs loaded into its CD-ROM drives, to the picture projected.
The projectionist simply inserts the movie disc(s) into the DTS-ECP and threads the film though
the DTS timecode reader. Once the film is started, the DTS system checks a keyed serial number
in the timecode and on the movie disc(s) to assure the correct sound is being played with the
movie being shown. Films released in the DTS digital sound format also contain a traditional
analog (optical) sound track (SR, A-TYPE, or MONO) which serves as a back-up sound source. If a
problem occurs in the DTS digital playback, the DTS-ECP switches out of digital and reverts to
the analog sound format that the film was recorded in. And at the end of the show, the DTS-ECP
automatically switches from DTS digital playback to
NONSYNC.
The DTS digital sound process for motion pictures is designed for the digital sound release of
motion pictures in 6-track theaters. It is a dual system in that the digital audio data is recorded on
CD-ROM discs. DTS timecode is printed on the motion picture print along with a conventional
stereo optical soundtrack. The timecode is used by the DTS system to synchronize the sound and
picture. The timecode lies between the picture and optical sound track, and is printed onto the
release print from the soundtrack negative. There is a single inventory of prints.