DCC FAQ

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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.



Monday, July 10, 19100 
 
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