Home Theater with PIC16F870

Description: This unit is designed to interface TV sound, videotape sound, and 5.1 DVD sound to a 4 channel home theater system. It provides the following functions/options: Mix DVD center into front left/right for Phantom Center effect with optional boost on center channel (dialog). Mix L-R from stereo signal (rear ambiance) into left and right rear channels. Generate artificial stereo image from mono signal by inserting 5 ms delay in one channel. Provide 5.1 to stereo mixdown for making video tapes from DVDs. Generate 4 channel sound from 2 channel DVDs. This unit incorporates Touch Switch technology (some thumbtacks and a shift register) and LED function readout. Even a mono signal from the TV can be split into stereo images and remixed for rear channel. This makes the SciFi channel much more interesting. All of the gruesome details are available as usual for the Schematic, and Main Source file also IR receiver Source. The mysterious U10 is an MN3214 1024 stage analog shift register. This part may no longer be available.

This electronic unit serves as an advanced audio interface for home theater systems, enabling the integration of various audio sources, including TV sound, videotape sound, and 5.1 DVD sound. The primary function of this unit is to facilitate a seamless audio experience by mixing and enhancing sound signals to suit a 4-channel output configuration.

The unit features a mixing capability that allows the center audio channel from a DVD to be combined with the front left and right channels, creating a Phantom Center effect. This is particularly beneficial for dialogue clarity. An optional boost can be applied to the center channel to enhance vocal intelligibility during playback.

Additionally, the unit can mix the left and right channels from a stereo signal, providing rear ambiance sound to the left and right rear channels. This feature is crucial for creating a more immersive surround sound experience, particularly when watching films or television shows that utilize stereo audio.

For mono audio signals, the unit is capable of generating an artificial stereo image by introducing a 5 ms delay in one channel. This technique enhances the listening experience by simulating stereo sound from a mono source, making it particularly effective for channels with limited audio output, such as the SciFi channel.

The unit also includes a mixdown capability that allows 5.1 audio signals to be converted to stereo for the purpose of recording video tapes from DVDs. Furthermore, it can generate a 4-channel sound output from 2-channel DVD audio, thereby maximizing the use of available audio channels in a home theater system.

The integration of Touch Switch technology, utilizing thumbtacks and a shift register, provides an innovative user interface for controlling the unit’s functions. An LED function readout offers visual feedback on the selected settings, enhancing usability.

The schematic details of the unit, including the main source file and the IR receiver source, are available for further examination. Notably, the unit incorporates an MN3214 1024-stage analog shift register, designated as U10 in the schematic, which may present availability challenges in sourcing. This component is integral to the unit's operation, facilitating the shift register functionality necessary for audio processing tasks.This unit is designed to interface: TV sound, videotape sound, and 5.1 dvd sound to a 4 channel home theater system. It provides the following functions/options. Mix DVD center into front left/right for Phantom Center effect with optional boost on center channel (dialog).

Mix L-R from stereo signal (rear ambiance) into left and right rear channels. Generate artificial stereo image from mono signal by inserting 5 ms delay in one channel. Provide 5.1 to stereo mixdown for making video tapes from DVDs. Generate 4 channel sound from 2 channel DVDs. This unit incorporates Touch Switch technology (some thumbtacks and a shift register) and LED function readout. Even a mono signal from the TV can be split into stereo images, and remixed for rear channel. This makes the SciFi channel much more interesting. All of the grusome details are availble as usual for the Schematic, and Main Source file also IR reciever Source. The mysterious U10, is an MN3214 1024 stage analog shift register. This part may no longer be available.