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FAQ - Digital compact cass recorder
GENERAL INFORMATION
. 900 Series ''Digital Convenience'' DCC recorder
. Direct digital recording
. Plays also Compact Cassettes
. Full 18-bit system
. Turbo drive
. Title recording
. Microphone input
. ''System Intelligence'' bus
AUDIO TAPE DECK
DIGITAL DCC (playback)
Sample frequencies: 44.1 kHz,
Wow and Flutter : Quartz Crystal Precision
DIGITAL DCC (recording, line in)
Sample frequencies: 44.1 kHz,
DIGITAL DCC (recording, digital/optical in)
Sample frequencies: 32 kHz (satellite Tuner e.g.)
44.1 kHz (CD)
48 kHz
Perfect digital recording
AUDIO/SOUND
DIGITAL DCC (playback)
Frequency range : 20Hz-20kHz
Amplitude linearity : � 0.05 dB
S/N ratio (A-weighted): � 105 dB (1 kHz)
Dynamic range : � 100 dB (1 kHz)
THD+N : � 90 dB (10 kHz)
Channel Separation : � 110 dB (1 kHz)
DIGITAL DCC (recording, line in)
Frequency range : 20Hz-20kHz
Amplitude linearity : � 0.1 dB
S/N ratio (A-weighted): � 100 dB (1 kHz)
Dynamic range : � 92 dB (1 kHz)
THD+N : � 85 dB (1 kHz)
Channel Separation : � 100 dB (1 kHz)
ANALOGUE CASSETTE (playback only)
Frequency range : 40Hz-16kHz (CrO2)
S/N ratio (A-weighted): 55 dB (CrO2)
Dolby B/C : Improvement B: 10 dB
Improvement C: 18 dB
Signal also supplied to digital outputs
Headphone amplifier performance
. Load Impedance Range: 32-600 Ohm
. Output impedance : 170 Ohm
. Output voltage (L+R): Max. 5V Rms
. Frequency range : 20-20 kHz
Microphone
. Microphone impedance
Range : 200-2000 Ohm
OPERATION/CONTROLS
. Remote control RC-5, 20 keys supplied
CONNECTIONS
Inputs:
Analogue : impedance 50 K ohm
Digital Coaxial: acc. to IEC 958
Digital optical: TOSLINK
Outputs:
Analogue : 2V ms
Digital Coaxial: acc. to IEC 958
MISCELLANEOUS
Dimensions (wxhxd) : 435x90x300 mm
Display : 14 characters FTD
Material/Finish : Metal and polystyrene
Mechanism : 2 motor metal deck
RC socket : ESI bus, 2x cinch
Tape-speed level : 4.76 cm/sec
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PLAYBACK: DCC cassettes
Problem: DCC cassettes causing faults (a.o. drop outs, tape salad,
clean head).
Cause : DCC cassettes outside specification.
REMARKS :
The used DCC cassette is not according the DCC specification and so
NOT released by Philips. (e.g. some of Maxell and Fuji cassettes)
It is recommended to use released Philips DCC cassettes only.
PLAYBACK: Skipping small part of music
Problem: Skipping small part of music of pre-recorded DCC-cassettes
after track search
Cause : Repositioning problem due to high fast wind/rewind speed.
REMARKS :
After track search command the DCC does not start exactly at the
beginning of a track.
First approx. 500 msec. of track are not played back.
This problem does not occur when DCC-cassette is played-back normally.
This deviation is dependant on the position of the tape; via the
reel-tacho signals the movement of the reel is measured not the tape.
To reduce this error a compensation is done, based on an average
required repositioning within � 0.5 sec. Only in the minus area this
short jump could be noticed.
This problem cannot be solved.
TRACK AND TIME: REMaining time
Problem: REMaining time indication is not reliable.
Cause : Calculation of remaining time by DCC recorder
REMARKS :
The DCC recorder starts with defining an estimated total remaining
time. After that it calculates the elapsed time by reading total time
information of played back tracks.
The remaining time left on tape is the estimated playing time of the
cassette minus the elapsed time.
The remaining time might have a tolerance of about 1 minute.
So it might happen that for instance the display shows 'REM TIME 5:38,
and yet a music piece of about 4:14 will not fit.
TRACK AND TIME: Track and Time information is erased
Problem: Track and Time information is erased when adding text
information.
Cause : Not correct initialized cassette.
REMARKS :
Sometimes track number and time information is erased when recording
text information. When using RENUMBER to reconstruct the track
numbering again the missing time information will be misinterpreted as
tape end and tape direction is reversed, while renumbering continues
on side B.
OPERATING: "DUBBING ACTIVE"
Problem: Message 'DUBBING ACTIVE' on display of DC951.
Cause : Via presets like: source CD and CD SYNCHRO ON the reference
for CD dubbing is defined.
REMARKS :
After actuating REC SELECT/PAUSE key the DCC951 is looking for its
preference entry in the Philips 900 series system, with correct ESI
BUS connections. When the presets are set to source CD and CD SYNCHRO
ON the set is waiting for acknowledge command from CD player.
In case other keys are pressed in the meantime the message
'CD DUBBING ACTIVE' is shown as operating error message. If ESI BUS is
not connected in the right way the message 'NO CD SYNCHRO' is shown.
NOTE: CD SYNCHRO mode can be changed with the PRESETS function as
follows:
- press PRESETS
- press RECORD
- by pressing 'wind' or 'rewind' the presetted CD SYNCHRO
mode can be switched ON or OFF
- press PRESETS to store settings.
Only valid for DCC951.
OPERATING: AUTO STOP mode
Problem: DCC recorder does not stop after last recording when selected
AUTO STOP mode.
Cause : Auto stop function is wrongly interpreted by user.
REMARKS :
With the PRESETS function the playback function can be set as soon as
a cassette is inserted. With playback set at AUTO PLAY, playback will
always be started automatically as soon as the tray has been closed
(and cassette is inserted) by pushing the tray by hand or the POWER
has been switched ON.
With playback set at AUTO STOP, playback will not start automatically.
NOTE: To find last recording user should use APPEND to search for
the end of the last recording (which was marked when STOP was
pressed during recording). APP > or APP < appears.
When this position has been found the last 10 seconds will be
played back (APPEND PLAY), after which the RECORD PAUSE (REC-P)
mode is entered.
OPERATING: NO CD SYNCHRO desired
Problem: NO CD SYNCHRO desired by user of DCC951.
Cause : Function CD SYNCHRO ON is selected in preset.
REMARKS :
When CD SYNCHRO option is not required by user, or not via ESI BUS
connected with other sets from the Philips 900 series system, it
should be switched off. This can be done as follows:
- press PRESETS
- press RECORD
- press WIND or REWIND to switch to CD SYNCHRO OFF
- press PRESETS to store presets.
To use CD SYNCHRO ON presets must be changed by applying above
mentioned procedure again and the ESI BUS should be proper connected
to other sets in the Philips 900 series system.
Only valid for DCC951.
OPERATING: Operation of source selector
Problem: Operation of source selector is not clear.
Cause : IFU does not explain selection of source very clear.
REMARKS :
After installation of the DCC recorder all input sources should be
selected via source preset. This is done as follows:
- Press PRESET
- By pressing REC SELECT/PAUSE the default CD is indicated on
display. By pressing NEXT key the cable connection made with
CD player can be selected.
By pressing again REC SELECT/PAUSE the next input source
(tuner etc) can be selected. Every time again the applied cable
connection with source can be selected via the NEXT key.
- When all sources (to be recorded from) via REC SELECT/PAUSE and
NEXT are selected these presettings are stored by pressing PRESET.
Making a recording from one of the sources the latest used source
(this setting is also stored by the set) is selected. If another
source should be selected this is done as follows:
- Press REC SELECT/PAUSE, the default source is already indicated on
display (except Microphone).
- By pressing REC SELECT/PAUSE again next source is selected.
- Subsequently pressing REC SELECT/PAUSE gives the other available
sources.
Sequence of source selection is CD TUNER AUX1 AUX2 CD TUNER, etc.
In case microphone socket has been connected this input source is
selected automatically.
NOTE: In case a digital recording will be made from CD or AUX as
source and no digital connection is made the message:
'CHECK DIG IN' is displayed and one should reconnect digital
cable from recorder to source.
For more detailed information See the Instructions for Use.
A quick reference card for ease of operating is made available:
For DCC730 with service code 4822 725 22612
For DCC951 with service code 4822 725 22611
These reference cards contain clear pictographs to operate the
DCC recorder.
OPERATING: Operate DCC recorder
Problem: It is difficult to operate DCC recorde.
Cause : DCC recorder is software controlled (play back = CD similar).
REMARKS :
Correct understandings of the user-recorded tape formats and markers
will help customers to make full use of the benefits of the DCC
recorder. See also newsletter 63.01. For ease of operationg a quick
reference card is made available:
For DCC730 with service code 4822 725 22612
For DCC951 with service code 4822 725 22611
These reference cards contain clear pictograms to operate the DCC
recorder for every mode.
OPERATING: Renumbering
Problem: Renumbering not possible when making a new recording at
specific location.
Cause : In User format is RENUMBER not possible.
REMARKS :
Before recording first initializing of the tape has to be performed.
See also newsletter item 63.01
OPERATING: Music passages are lost
Problem: Music passages are lost after renumbering.
Cause : 'CONTINUE B' (REVERSE) and 'GO TO START A' (STOP) marker
cannot be erased.
REMARKS :
Markers which are recorded on the tape, control the set in play back
mode. This means that in PLAY mode all information recorded on tape
behind the 'Continue B' marker or 'Go to Start A' marker is
skipped. The recordings behind those markers can only be reached by
winding over that marker.
OPERATING: Track numbering
Problem: Track numbering does not start at number 1 when recording
side B.
Cause : Per default single Album format is defined.
REMARKS :
Track numbering starts at side A (when AUTO EDIT ON) directly after
the LEAD-IN area with number 1.
Track numbering is automatically incremented when recording new tracks
and continues on side B.
In other words the DCC tape is seen as one single album where one may
select a particular track, and it does not matter whether the required
track is on side A or B of the tape.
If user wants to start track numbering with track 1 on side B
to obtain e.g. a dual Album, EDIT function must be performed.
When in REC-PAUSE mode: -
- press EDIT key to enter the edit mode
- select required EDIT function by pressing EDIT several times
- press RECORD key to actually edit the tape.
Next edit functions are available: -
- START NEW SIDE:
to start track numbering on side B with track number 1.
When restarting of track numbering is required, user must
search for last recording on side A, record START NEW SIDE
indication.
- CONTINUE B:
track numbering is continued at side B.
- GO TO START A:
marks the position where the deck should start winding to the
beginning of side A and stop.
RECORDING: Analog level
Problem: Analog level cannot be reduced until zero using REC LEVEL
control.
Cause : No analog fade in/out option available.
REMARKS :
Recording level control is not meant to obtain fade in/out effects for
own analog recordings. Typical fade in/out feature is not available on
DCC sets. Analog recording level control is meant to be used for
adapting input level for analog signals.
To obtain real fade in/out effects an audio mixing unit (e.g.
SBC5370), connected to AUX - ANALOG IN, should be applied.
RECORDING: Clicks are audible
Problem: Clicks are audible when interrupting recording with
REC PAUSE.
Cause : Difference between digital mute (-110dB) and analog silence
(>-30dB) can be recognized as click being recorded.
REMARKS :
By mixing different titles (from e.g. various Vinyl Records) clicks
are audible between the analog silence signal of the vinyl recording
and the interrupting of the recording with REC PAUSE (digital mute).
It is this difference in level between the analog silence and the
digital mute (system detects a sudden increase of level) that the DCC
recorder records, and is audible as a click during play back at
high volume level.
RECORDING: Old recordings remain
Problem: Parts of old recordings remain after overwriting existing
recordings.
Cause : Cassette is not initialized correctly before overwriting.
REMARKS :
When a CD-synchro recording is made on a DCC-tape which was already
recorded in the past, the set switches at the estimated end from side
A to side B.
When playing back this part of the tape first the 'new' music is heard
followed by the 'old' music until end of side A and in the beginning
of side B.
This problem can be prevented by renumbering the tape.
NOTE: To overwrite a previous recorded DCC tape press REWIND key
more than 0.5 second (set must be in STOP mode). Tape is
rewound to the beginning of the tape. By pressing
REC SELECT/PAUSE key the LEAD IN portion of about 10 seconds
is recorded.
Afterwards the set goes to Record Pause mode.
When pressing RECORD the recording starts and tape will be
completely overwritten. Set 'sees' tape as being new.
To record in the middle of an existing track (recording on a
specific location) first the location should be searched, than
(in STOP mode) press subsequently REC SELECT/PAUSE and RECORD.
RECORDING: Track numbering
Problem: Track numbering DCC does not match with the track numbering
of the source (e.g. when digital copying a Compact Disc)
Cause : Track number is automatically increased at end of side A with
CD SYNCHRO OFF.
REMARKS :
At end of side A a CONTINUE B marker is recorded. The DCC standard
requires a new track number at the start of side B.
This marker is not on the CD, so all recordings from side B have a
track number (CD track number + 1).
RECORDING: Track numbering
Problem: Track numbering does not match with the track numbering of
the source (e.g. when analog copying a Compact Disc).
Cause : Track number is recorded after an analog silence (signal
level below -60dB) for more than 3 seconds and track number
is automatically increased at end of side A with
CD SYNCHRO OFF.
REMARKS :
- In AUTO EDIT ON mode a new track number will be written after every
silence for more than 3 seconds, where 'silence' is defined as an
analog signal level below -60dB.
It might happen that a source (Compact Disc) has music pauses for
more than 3 seconds within one music number, or pauses between
tracks are shorter than 3 seconds.
User may edit the track numbering afterwards by CONNECTing or
SPLITting TRACKS.
By connecting tracks the current and next 'pause' track will be
connected and later on recognized as one track.
During this action the DCC recorder will erase the START indication
of that 'pause' track.
By splitting tracks the current track will be split up in two
successive tracks.
- DCC standard requires a new track number at the start of side B.
(See also problem "RECORDING: Writing markers in AUDIO EDIT")
NOTE: When tracks have been connected or splitted also a RENUMBER
action is necessary to ensure a correct track number sequence.
RECORDING: Writing markers in AUTO EDIT
Problem: Writing markers in AUTO EDIT mode after more than 3 seconds
of silence.
Cause : IFU mentions 3 seconds of silence.
REMARKS :
In AUTO EDIT ON mode the DCC recorder writes new track numbers on the
tape when silences (signal level below -60dB) of more than 3 seconds
are detected during recording from ANALOG input.
The signal level of the source must be below -60dB before DCC system
recognizes a music pause.
It might happen that during fading out of music, the user perceives a
silence but that signal level is not dropped below -60dB. In this case
the music pause seems to be much longer than 3 seconds.
Note:
In AUTO EDIT OFF the DCC recorder will not perform automatic track
increment when recording from analog sources.
AUTO EDIT is always set to ON when a digital source is connected (via
digital sockets).
RECORDING: Microphone recording input
Problem: Microphone recording input is only Mono
Cause : Only Mono microphone pre-amplifier designed.
REMARKS :
When microphone is connected, the DCC set automatically selects the
MONO microphone input.
Recording via another source is not possible as long as microphone is
connected.
When Stereo recording via microphone is required it is recommended to
connect microphone(s) to an audio mixing unit (e.g. SBC5370) which
must be connected to AUX, ANALOG IN.
PLAYBACK: De-emphasis
Problem: De-emphasis in DCC player is not functioning after making a
digital copy of a Compact Disc.
Cause : In PLAYBACK mode the DCC recorder switches de-emphasis ON or
OFF dependant to the contents of the system information
(SYSINFO).
REMARKS :
De-emphasis of a DCC recording is only activated in PLAYBACK mode if
concerned bit in sysinfo is switched on.
This flag is set during recording from digital input.
This information is sent from the CD player to the DCC recorder.
In play back the DCC recorder switches de-emphasis on or off
dependant of the flag setting in sysinfo.
Recording via analog input will not set the de-emphasis flag.
This is already performed in the CD player via the information in the
SUBCODE.
Manually on/off switching of de-emphasis by user is not possible.
PLAYBACK: CLEAN HEAD
Problem: CLEAN HEAD indication
Cause : Contaminated head.
REMARKS :
The special design of DCC-head makes it sensitive for contamination,
especially when low quality ACC tape (Fe tape) is used. The applied
DCC tape consists of high quality chrome tape, which will not
contaminate the head.
In order to ensure high quality recording the warning of the CLEAN
HEAD indication is displayed according following criteria:
- about 8 hours of total playing back time of ACC tape.
- 2 channels or more on DCC tape not detected by DCC head for more
than 3 seconds.
please notice: In case CLEAN HEAD indication was caused by a
temporarily bad HEAD-TAPE contact, the message will disappear
after pressing the 'TIME' or 'TEXT' key.