ENGLISH AVR 255/AVR 355 Audio/VideoReceiver OWNER’S MANUAL AVR Info Resolution Audio Effects Video Modes Surround Modes Back/Exit A B OK L K Source List Composit
Table of Contents 3 4 5 6 8 11 13 15 15 15 15 16 17 18 18 18 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 22 22 28 28 30 30 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 31 32 33 34 34 35 35 35 37 37 38 38 38 38 38 Introduction Safety Information Unpacking Front Panel Controls Rear Panel Connections Main Remote Control Functions Zone 2 Remote Control Functions Installation and Connections Audio Equipment Connections HDMI Input Connections HDMI Output Connections Analog and Digital Input Connections Video Eq
Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon! With the purchase of a Harman Kardon AVR 255/ AVR 355 you are about to begin many years of listening enjoyment. Designed to provide all the excitement and detail of movie soundtracks and every nuance of musical selections, the AVR 255/ AVR 355 are truly multichannel receivers for the new millennium. In addition to the traditional 5.
Safety Information I Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic* II and IIx Decoding, and the full suite of DTS® modes, including DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD and DTS-ES® 6.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Front Panel Controls J AVR Info C Resolution Audio Effects Video Modes Surround Modes Back/Exit D B A 0 OK L K Source List Composite 2 1 6 7 8 9 A E F 4 5 B 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Volume Control System Power Control Power Indicator Headphone Jack Menu Navigation Buttons OK Button AVR Button 6 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 8 Info Button 9 Resolution Button ) Audio Effects Button ! Video Modes Button @ Source List Button # Main Information Display $ Speaker/Channel Input Indicator G H I %
1 Volume Control: Turn this knob clockwise to increase the volume, counterclockwise to decrease the volume. If the AVR is muted, adjusting volume control will automatically release the unit from the silenced condition. 2 System Power Control: When the Main Power Switch on the rear panel is “ON,” press this button to turn on the AVR; press it again to turn the unit off (to Standby). Note that the Power Indicator 3 will turn white when the unit is on.
Rear Panel Connections Z 0 X 7 S 5 9 Q P T Y B a 8 L AE N G J e Kg 1 3 2 b 6 c f d W 4 V U D O F R C H M I AM Antenna FM Antenna Analog 2 Audio IN Analog 2 Audio OUT Subwoofer Output Analog 5 Audio IN Analog 1 Audio IN Analog 4 Audio OUT Bridge II Connector (Stereo Jack IN AVR 255) 8-Channel Direct Inputs Digital Audio Outputs Video Monitor Outputs Reset Button Front Speaker Outputs Center Speaker Outputs Surround Speaker Outputs Switched AC Accessory O
Digital Media Player (DMP) Connector (AVR 355 only): With the AVR turned off, connect the optional Harman Kardon to this proprietary connector, and dock your compatible Apple iPod. When the Digital Media Player source is selected, you may view your iPod’s control and navigation messages on your video display (if one is connected to one of the Video Monitor Outputs ), and in the Upper and Lower Display Lines Ò.
Rear Panel Connections Surround Back/Multiroom Speaker Outputs: These speaker terminals are normally used to power the surround back left/surround back right speakers in a 7.1 channel system. However, they may also be used to power the speakers in a second zone, which will receive the output selected for a multiroom system. To change the output fed to these terminals from the default of the Surround Back speakers to the Multiroom Output, you must change a setting in the MULTIROOM MENU of the OSD system.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a AVR Power On AVR Power Off Source Selectors (The Bridge only on AVR 355) Audio Effects Button Transport Controls Menu Navigation LKM N Sleep Button Background Light Button (AVR 355 only) Main Tuning Buttons Last Button Numeric Keys Video Mode Button Menu Button Activity Button Back/Exit Button Master Volume Disc Menu Button Mute Button Surround Mode Button Learn Button (AVR 355 only) Device Power OFF Button Device Power ON Button Transmitter Window OK B
Main Remote Control Functions The remote is capable of operating the AVR 355/AVR 255 and most Harman Kardon CD changers or players, CD Recorders and Tape decks, using the control codes that are part of the remote. å AVR Power On: When the AVR 355/AVR 255 is in the Standby mode, as indicated by the Power Indicator 3 glowing amber, press this button to turn the unit on. ∫ AVR Power Off: When the AVR 355/AVR 255 is turned on, press this button to place it in the Standby mode.
A (Zone 2 Remote Control only with AVR 355) G D B C I J K E L F M A B C D E F G H I J K L M Power Off AVR Settings Back/Exit Button Source Selectors Menu Navigation Buttons Volume Up/Down Mute Transport Controls Sleep Button Settings Info Button Menu Button OK Button Zone Select Buttons H NOTE: The Zone II.
Zone 2 Remote Control Functions I Sleep Button: Press this button to place the unit in the Sleep mode. Each press of the button selects the amount of time that will remain before the unit will automatically go into the Standby mode, as shown in the Main Information Display #, in the following order: 90 min 80 min 70 min 60 min 50 min 40 min 30 min 20 min 10 min OFF Holding the button pressed for some seconds will directly turn off the Sleep time selection.
After unpacking the unit, and placing it on a solid surface capable of supporting its weight, you will need to make the connections to your audio and video equipment. Audio Equipment Connections There are two formats for audio connections: digital and analog. Digital audio signals are of higher quality, and are required for listening to sources encoded with digital surround modes, such as Dolby Digital and DTS. There are three types of digital audio connections: HDMI, coaxial and optical.
Installation and Connections Referring to drawing of the remote control on page 11,there is a section of 7 buttons marked C, (AVR 355: 8 Buttons) near the top of the remote designated “Source Selectors”: Cable/Sat, DVD, Media Server, Radio, TV, Game and AUX. Each of these buttons corresponds to a “source input”. The AVR’s flexible design allows you to use almost any combination of audio and video connections for each source device. The goal of the installation is to match up each of your source devices, e.
9. Connections to a subwoofer are normally made via a line level audio connection from the Subwoofer Output to the line-level input of a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. When a passive subwoofer is used, the connection first goes to a power amplifier, which will be connected to one or more subwoofer speakers. If you are using a powered subwoofer that does not have line-level input connections, follow the instructions furnished with the speaker for connection information. 10.
Installation and Connections System and Power Connections The AVR is designed for flexible use with multiroom systems, external control components and power amplifiers. Main Room Remote Control Extension If the receiver is placed behind a solid or smoked glass cabinet door, the obstruction may prevent the remote sensor from receiving commands. In this event, the remote sensor of any Harman Kardon or other compatible device, not covered by the door, or an optional remote sensor may be used.
Speaker Selection No matter which type or brand of speakers is used, the same model or brand of speaker should be used for the front-left, center and front-right speakers. This creates a seamless front soundstage and eliminates the possibility of distracting sonic disturbances that occur when a sound moves across mismatched front-channel speakers. Speaker Placement The placement of speakers in a multichannel home-theater system can have a noticeable impact on the quality of sound reproduced.
System Configuration Subwoofers produce largely nondirectional sound, so they may be placed almost anywhere in a room. Actual placement should be based on room size and shape and the type of subwoofer used. One method of finding the optimal location for a subwoofer is to begin by placing it in the front of the room, about 15 cm from a wall, or near the front corner of the room.
Audio Format From Source: This line is informational only. When a digital program is playing, its format will be identified here. When analog audio programs are playing, this line indicates NO AUDIO INPUT, referring to digital inputs only. Audio and Video Input Selection Please see Table A1 in the appendix for the factory default input assignments for each source.
System Configuration NOTE: When the display has a DVI input which is connected to the AVR using an HDMI-to-DVI adapter, if the display is not HDCP-compliant, the picture will be distorted. In that case, a different video connection must be used (component, composite or S-video). Resolution from Source: This line, which is informational only, indicates the video format (NTSC or PAL) output by the source device. If an analog audio connection was made, select it here.
Figure 6 Step 6: After you select “Continue”, the screen shown in Figure 6 will appear. Although the AVR may be used with up to eight speakers, you may have elected not to install surround back speakers at this time, or you may have decided to use the surround back speaker channels to power speakers in the remote room of a multiroom system. This screen directs you to program EzSet/EQ for a 5.1- or 7.1-channel configuration.
System Configuration Manual Setup The AVR 355/AVR 255 is flexibly designed to be used with almost any loudspeakers available. The flexibility arises from the AVR 355/AVR 255’s capability tobe configured to match the characteristics of your particular speakers, and to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of your room. EzSet/EQ automatically detects the capabilities of each speaker, and optimizes the AVR 355/ AVR 255’s performance in your system.
Number of Speakers Adjust Crossover Frequencies Menu Sub Mode Move the cursor to the Number of Speakers line and press the SetButton. See Figure 10. After you have programmed the number of speakers in the system, the AVR will return to the Manual Speaker Setup menu. Navigate to the Crossover (Size) line and press the OK Button to display the Adjust Crossover Frequencies menu (see Figure 11). Move the cursor to the Sub Mode line to program bass management for the subwoofer.
System Configuration Adjust Speaker Distance Menu As explained above in Step Two – Measure Speaker Distances, sometimes the speakers are placed at different distances from the listeningposition, which can muddy the sound, as sounds are heard earlier or later than desired. Even if all of your speakers are placed the same distance from the listening position, do not skip this menu.
ENGLISH System Configuration Reset Levels: If you wish to start by resetting all of the levels to their factory defaults of 0dB, scroll down to this line and press the OK Button. The levels will be reset. If you are using an external source to set your output levels, simply navigate to each channel, press the OK Button and use the M/N Buttons to adjust the level as desired between –10dB and +10dB. All channels default to 0dB.
Operation Surround Mode Chart MODE FEATURES DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS An enhanced version of Dolby Digital encoded more efficiently, Dolby Digital Plus has the capacity for additional discrete channels and for streaming audio from the internet, all with enhanced audio quality. Source material may be delivered via HDMI, or decoded to Dolby Digitaland transmitted via S/P-DIF coaxial or optical digital audio.
ENGLISH Operation Surround Mode Chart MODE FEATURES DTS Neo:6 Cinema DTS Neo:6 Music These two modes are available when any analog source is playing to create a six-channel surround presentation from conventional Matrix-encoded and traditional Stereo sources. Select the Cinema version of Neo:6 when a program with any type of analog Matrix surround encoding is present. Select the Music version of Neo:6 for optimal processing when a nonencoded, two-channel stereo program is being played.
Operation Basic Operation Once you have completed the setup and configuration of the AVR, it is simple to operate and enjoy. The following instructions should be followed for you to maximize your enjoyment of your new receiver: Turning the AVR On or Off • When using the AVR for the first time, you must press the Main Power Switch on the rear panel to turn the unit on. This places the unit in Standby mode, as indicated by the amber color of the Power Indicator 3.
VIDEO TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS: If a video source is playing and there is no picture: • Check that you have selected the source to which the video input was assigned. • Check the wires for a loose or incorrect connection. • Check that you have selected the correct video input on the display device (TV). • Try pressing the Resolution Button on the front panel to check that the correct video output resolution is selected and select the proper resolution for your screen.
Operation Note that when Dolby Digital 2.0 signals (e.g. "D.D. 2.0" tracks from DVD), that are encoded with Dolby Pro Logic information, are received via any digital input, the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode will be selected automatically (in addition to the Dolby Digital mode) and will decode a full range 5.1 channel surround sound even from those recordings. Note that the Dolby Digital or DTS modes may only be selected when a digital input is in use.
For DTS-ES materials, the incoming bitstream will be displayed as 3/3/.1 ES-ON. • Virtual Surround: Dolby Virtual Speaker Reference or Wide When a PCM signal is received, the PCM message, followed by the sampling rate of the signal (32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz or 96kHz), will appear in the front-panel display.
Operation Night Mode Using Night mode is available with some Dolby Digital programs, if it has been encoded in the material. It compresses the peak sound levels, maintaining the intelligibility of the dialogue and quieter passages, while reducing the loudness of special effects and louder passages to avoid disturbing others. Night Mode is accessed from the Audio Effects menu. Press the Audio Effects Button and scroll down to the Night Mode line.
Multiroom The AVR is fully equipped to operate as the control center for a complete multiroom system that is capable of sending one source to a second zone in the house while separate source is listened to in the main room. In addition to providing for control over the selection of the remote source and its volume, the AVR offers a comprehensive range of options for powering the speakers in the second zone.
Multiroom Operation Multiroom Operation To operate the multizone system using the remote, slide the Zone Select Switch at the bottom of the remote to the “2” position or, alternatively use the Zone 2 Remote Control (AVR 355 only). Press a Source Selector to select a source input for the remote zone. Adjusting the volume or mute controls will only affect the volume in the remote zone. The onscreen menu functions will not be operative.
Video Adjustments • Sports: For sporting events. The AVR 255/AVR 355 includes sophisticated DCDi by Faroudja video processing that delivers enhanced video quality, even for older analog video source components, as well as upgraded on-screen displays. When upscaling video materials from a lower resolution to a higher one (the AVR 255/AVR 355 upscales to a maximum of 1080p), the processor is adding pixels to the original image.
Audio Effects Advanced Features Color: This control adjusts the hue of the colors in the picture, and may be set between 0 and 100. Select a setting in which people and objects on screen look natural. There is no “recommended” setting, and no harm in experimenting. Treble: Boost or cut the high frequencies by up to 10dB by using the M/N Buttons to change the temperature bar setting. The default setting is 0dB, at the center of the temperature bar.
Resolution to Display: Select the highest resolution that your TV can show. If you use HDMI, resolution selection happens automatically. If you use analog signals, you must choose the proper resolution. Note: if you choose a resolution that is higher than your screen can show, the picture disappears. In this case, wait for approx. 10 seconds, as the AVR returns to the previous resolution if the new one is not confirmed within this time.
Tuner Operation To select the built-in tuner: 1. Press the Source List Button on the front panel and use the K/L Buttons to scroll through the source list. The last-used band (AM or FM) will be active. 2. Press the Radio Source Selector on the remote. Press this button again to switch bands (AM or FM). A screen similar to the one shown in Figure 23 will appear, with the band indicated in the middle of the screen.
• The Program Type (PTY) as shown in the list below. NOTE: Many stations do not transmit a specific PTY. The display will show NONE, when such a station is selected and PTY is active. • A “text” message (Radiotext, RT) containing special information from the broadcast station. Note that this message may scroll across the display to permit messages longer than the eight positions in the display. Radiotext is not shown on the TV On-Screen Display. • The current time of day (CT).
Programming the Remote The AVR 255/AVR 355 is equipped with a powerful remote control that will control not only the receiver’s functions, but also most popular brands of audio and video equipment, including CD players, TV sets, cable boxes, VCRs, satellite receivers and other home-theater equipment. Once the AVR’s remote is programmed with the codes for the products you own, it is possible to eliminate most other remotes and replace them with the convenience of a single universal remote control. 5.
Example: One blink, followed by a one-second pause, followed by six blinks, followed by a onesecond pause, followed by four blinks indicates that the code has been set to 164.
Programming the Remote Activity Programming (Macros) Activities enable you to easily repeat frequently used combinations of commands with the press of a single button on the AVR’s remote control. Once programmed, an Activity will send out up to 19 different remote codes in a pre-determined sequential order enabling you to automate the process of turning on your system, changing devices, or other common tasks.
Notes on Using the AVR Remote With Other Devices. • Manufacturers may use different code sets for the same product category. For that reason, it is important that you check to see if the code set you have entered operates as many controls as possible. If it appears that only a few functions operate, check to see if another code set will work with more buttons.
Function List AVR 355 1 2 5 6 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 35 32 30 34 36 29 33 31 37 38 39 40 44 41 43 45 42 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 46 FUNCTION LIST No.
No.
Function List AVR 255 1 2 5 6 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 33 32 30 34 28 31 29 35 36 37 38 42 39 41 43 40 44 45 46 47 48 49 51 50 52 53 54 55 58 48 FUNCTION LIST No.
No.
Troubleshooting Guide SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION Unit does not function when Main Power Switch 1 is pushed • No AC Power • Make certain AC power cord is plugged into a live outlet • Check to see if outlet is switch controlled Display lights, but no sound or picture • Intermittent input connections • Make certain that all input and speaker connections are secure • Press Mute button G • Turn up volume control • Mute is on • Volume control is down No sound from any speaker; Protect Warning in Display • A
Audio Section Stereo Mode Continuous Average Power (FTC) AVR 255: 65 Watts per channel, 20Hz - 20 kHz AVR 355: 70 Watts per channel, 20Hz - 20 kHz @ < 0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms 7 Channel Surround Modes Power Per Individual Channel, with all channels driven Front L&R channels: AVR 255: 50 Watts per channel AVR 355: 65 Watts per channel @ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Center channel: AVR 255: 50 Watts AVR 355: 65 Watts @ < 0.
APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET Appendix – Default settings, worksheets, remote product codes Table A1 – Recommended Source Component Connections Device Type AVR Source Digital Audio Connection Analog Audio Connection Video Connections Cable TV, satellite TV, HDTV or other device that delivers television programs CBL/SAT HDMI 2 Analog 1 HDMI 2 DVD Audio/Video, SACD, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD player DVD HDMI 1 Analog 2 HDMI 1 Media Server, including Harman Kardon DMC 1000 Media Server Optical 2 An
Table A3 – Speaker/Channel Setting Defaults Audio Input All Digital and 2-Channel Analog Audio Inputs 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs* Left/Right Speakers ON ON Center Speaker ON ON Left/Right Surround Speakers ON ON Left/Right Surround Back Speakers ON ON Subwoofer ON ON Left/Right Speakers Crossover 100Hz Large* Center Speaker Crossover 100Hz Large* Left/Right Surround Speakers Crossover 100Hz Large* Left/Right Surround Back Speakers Crossover 100Hz Large* Subwoofer Mode LF
APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET Table A5 – Source Settings Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX Surround Modes Video Input Audio Input Resolution to Display Adjust Lip Sync Change Name Audio Auto Polling Zone 2 Audio Table A6 – Audio Effects Settings Default Tone Control Off Treble 0dB Bass 0dB LFE Trim Off Night Mode Off Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX Table A7 – Video Modes Settings Default Video Mode Processor Off Brigh
Table A8 – Surround Modes Default Auto Select Logic 7 Movie or native digital format Virtual Surround Dolby Virtual Speaker Reference Stereo 7 CH Stereo Movie Logic 7 Movie Music Logic 7 Music Game Logic 7 Game Center Width* 0 Dimension* 0 Panorama* Off Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX * Note: These settings are only available when Dolby Pro Logic II or IIx Music mode has been selected. Access these settings by selecting the Edit option.
APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET Table A11 – Zone 2 Settings Source Input Device Type (if changed) Status Off Source Cable/Sat Volume -25dB Surround Back Amps Main Room 56 APPENDIX Your Settings
ENGLISH APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET APPENDIX 57
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