Features
Controls
Connections
Features
Overview: The ZVOX Z-Base 420 is a single-cabinet audio
system for your flat-panel television. It combines high-quality
speakers, a built-in amplifier, a built-in subwoofer, and ZVOX PhaseCue II Virtual
Surround Sound processing to give you an easy surround sound solution. Since there
are no speaker wires to deal with, you just need to connect the power and audio
cables to get started.
TV Compatibility: Most 32"-50" flat-panel TVs can be placed
directly on top the Z-Base 420. The television should weigh 110 pounds or less. The
TV's pedestal base should
not exceed 27" width or 13" depth. You can also place the unit on a
shelf directly below the TV, if desired.
Class D Amplifier: The ZVOX Z-Base 420 is bi-amplified,
using a specially designed, highly-efficient 45 watt Class D amplifier that
includes electronic contouring for superb frequency response.
Five 2" Drivers: The ZVOX
Z-Base 420 has five 2" main speaker drivers that use a long-throw design to
create a remarkable wide range, and accurate sound.
5-1/4" Subwoofer: In addition to the five main speakers, the Z-Base
420
has a built-in down firing high-mass, long-throw 5-1/4" subwoofer in a ported enclosure.
PhaseCue II Virtual Surround Sound: The Z-Base 420
uses ZVOX's proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround processing to give you
rich, three-dimensional sound with movies or music. PhaseCue II, as its name
implies, manipulates the phase of the separate channels to "fool the ear" into
believing that sound is coming from a variety of sources throughout the room.
The benefits of PhaseCue II vary greatly based on program material. Live music
and well-recorded modern movie soundtracks will deliver rich, three-dimensional
sound - pulling the sound out from the speakers and into the room, literally
surrounding the listener.
- Music: With music, PhaseCue II creates a very wide soundstage -
it literally sounds like you are listening to speakers eight feet apart from
each other.
- Movies: When listening to a good movie, the soundtrack will
envelop you - putting you in the middle of the action.
Note: While the virtual surround experience isn't the
same as a high-quality 5.1-channel system, the performance is much better
than the speakers built-in to most TV's.
Wood (MDF) Cabinet: The
Z-Base 420 features a cabinet made of MDF (medium density fiberboard), the same
material used in most high-end loudspeakers. Its low-profile design blends perfectly
with most flat-panel TVs.
Disappearing Display: The Z-Base 420 features a four-digit
display located behind the speaker grille that shows the current setting for
volume, bass/treble, and PhaseCue II (virtual surround). It also shows when you
have engaged the Mute, Output Leveling (OL), or Dialog Emphasis (DE) features. A
few seconds after you stop using your remote (or front panel) controls, the
display disappears completely.
Controls
Dialogue Emphasis (DE): Dialogue Emphasis (DE) provides an easy-to-use
and effective method for improving the intelligibility of television dialogue.
By pressing the Dialogue Emphasis (DE) function button on the remote control,
the system engages a circuit that mimics the functions of a hearing aid. The
frequencies used by human voices are dynamically emphasized, while other
frequencies are minimized.
Output Leveling (OL): The Output Leveling (OL) function
prevents large changes in volume levels. Simply press the Output Leveling (OL) button on
the remote control and a sophisticated processor takes over, making soft sounds
louder and loud sounds softer, so there are fewer jarring moments when switching
channels or when commercials come on. This system also helps by boosting the
audio levels from a DVD or Blu-ray player that are not loud enough.
Surround Settings: You can adjust the level of PhaseCue II virtual
surround processing effect. You can select from Surround One (low effect),
Surround Two (moderate effect), Surround Three (strong effect).
Tone Control: The Z-Base 420 has independent bass and treble controls.
Each has a range from -4 to 4, and can be adjusted using the remote control only.
Remote Control: The included wireless remote has controls for power,
input select, mute, volume, PhaseCue II effect level, bass and treble level. and DE/OL functions.
Programmable: The new Z-Base 420 can be programmed to respond to your
current
remote control. The illuminated display walks you through a less-than-a-minute
programming cycle. Then your TV remote, cable box remote, or satellite receiver
remote can control volume up, volume down, mute, and power on the ZVOX system.
Auto Standby: The Z-Base 420 will enter a low-power Standby mode after
approximately 5 minutes of no audio signal.
Connections
One Cable Connection: The
Z-Base 420 requires only one connection cable. You can use either analog or
digital connection options to your television.
Audio Inputs: The ZVOX Z-Base 420 offers analog and digital
audio inputs:
- Digital Inputs: The Z-Base 420 is equipped with a coaxial digital (single RCA) and
an optical digital (Toslink) input. The digital inputs will accept 2-channel PCM
only (not compatible with Dolby Digital bitstream signals).
- Analog Inputs: The Z-Base 420 has two rear-panel stereo RCA analog
inputs and a front-panel 3.5mm analog audio input. The front panel input is
handy for connecting an iPod or other portable audio device.
