Harman-Kardon AVR 3550HD manual

A V R 3550HD AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER O WN ER’S M ANUAL AVR 3550HD OM.qxd 7/23/08 4:37 PM Page 77[...]

2 SAFETY INFORMA TION Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions . 2. Keep these instructions . 3. Heed all warnings . 4. Follow all instructions . 5. Do not use this apparatus near water . 6. The A / V receiver’s cabinet may be cleaned by gently wiping with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. Do not use water or any liquid cleaners [...]

3 Important Safety Information Verify Line Voltage Before Use Y our A VR 3550HD has been designed for use with 120-volt AC current. Connection to a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can create a safety and fire hazard and may damage the unit. If you have any questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model, or ab[...]

4 5 2 SAFETY INFORMA TION 6 INTRODUCTION 7 FRONT -P ANEL CONTROLS 9 REAR-P ANEL CONNECTIONS 12 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 15 ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 17 INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEA TER 18 CONNECTIONS 18 Speaker Connections 18 Subwoofer 18 Connecting Source Devices to the AVR 18 Audio Connections 18 Digital Audio 19 Analog Audio 19 Video Con[...]

5 Thank you for choosing a Harman Kardon ® product! For more than fifty years , the Harman Kardon ® mission has been to share a passion for music and entertainment, using leading-edge technology to achieve premium performance . T o this end, Harman Kardon, Inc ., invented the receiver , a single component designed to simplify home entertainment w[...]

6 6 INTRODUCTION Audio Inputs • AM/FM/XM ® * tuner • Analog Audio 1 through 5 (assignable) • Front- panel Analog Audio (assignable) • 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio (assignable) Audio/ Video Inputs • Three Analog Video (assignable) • Front-panel Analog Video (assignable) • Three Component Video 100MHz (assignable) • Three HDMI ™ ( V .[...]

7 Re s olution Navigation Video Mode s S ource Li s t Back/Exit OK Navigation Headphone Jack/Ez S et/EQ Microphone Input Digital Audio Input s (Optical and C oaxial Front) Remote IR S en s or Video Front Input s Analog Audio Front Input s S urround Mode s Audio Effect s AV R S etting s S tandby/On S witch Info S etting s Volume Me ss age Di s play [...]

8 FRONT -P ANEL CONTROLS Standby/On Switch: This electrical switch turns the receiver on, or places it in Standby mode for quick turn-on. Power Indicator: This LED has three possible modes: • Main Power Off: When the A VR is unplugged or the rear -panel Main Power Switch is off , this LED is off . • Standby: Amber indicates that the AVR is read[...]

9 FM Antenna XM Antenna AM Antenna S-Video 2 Output Composite 2 Output Composite 1, 2 and 3 S-Video 1, 2 and 3 Video Monitor Outputs HDMI 1, 2 and 3 AC Power Input Main Power Switch Component 1, 2 and 3 The Bridge II HDMI Monitor Output Component Video Monitor Outputs Subwoofer Output Preamp Outputs Front Speaker Outputs Surround Speaker Outputs 6-[...]

10 REAR-P ANEL CONNECTIONS Main Power Switch: This mechanical switch tur ns the power supply on or off . It is usually left on , and cannot be turned on using the remote control. AM and FM Antenna T erminals: Connect the included AM and FM antennas to their respective terminals for radio reception. XM Antenna Jack: Plug in an XM Connect-and-Play or[...]

11 REAR-P ANEL CONNECTIONS The Bridge II Input: Connect the included Har man Kardon docking station to this input for use with most docking iPod models , 4G and later (not included). T urn the receiver off (Standby mode) when connecting The Bridge II. 6-/8-Channel Inputs: Connect the multichannel analog audio outputs of a non-HDMI player ( DVD-Audi[...]

12 12 AVR Power Off AVR P ower On S ource S elector s Audio Effect s Alphanumeric Key s T eletext Volume Mute Device Power On Device Power Off S urround Mode s Video Mode s OK Navigation Activity Menu Di s c Menu C hannel S leep S etting s Learn T ran s port C ontrol s S ource S etting s IR T ran s mitter Len s La s t Back/Exit Light Record Info S [...]

13 13 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS The A VR 3550HD remote is capable of controlling 8 devices , including the A VR itself and an iPod docked in the included The Bridge II. During the installation process , you may program the codes for each of your source components into the remote . T o operate a component, press its Selector button to change the[...]

14 14 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS Disc Menu: While a DVD is playing , press the DVD Source Selector , then this button, to display the disc’s menu. T eletext Buttons: These buttons are used with some source devices . See T able A13 in the appendix for details . They are also used with a T eletext-capable television if your broadcast, cable or s[...]

15 15 NOTE: T o make it easier to follow the instructions throughout the manual that refer to this illustration, a copy of this page may be downloaded from the Product Support section at www .harmankardon.com. IR T ran s mitter Mute Naviga tion Power Off Zone S elector OK T ran s port C ontrol s Zone Indicator V olume C ontrol s Not U s ed A VR S e[...]

16 16 ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS The Zone 2 remote control is used in the remote zone of a multizone system with an IR receiver connected to the Zone 2 IR Input or an A-BUS device . It may be used to control the power , volume and mute functions or to select a source input for the remote zone , and to control a Harman Kardon source connected t[...]

17 17 INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEA TER The A VR 3550HD may be the first multichannel surround sound receiver you have owned. This introductory section will help you to familiarize yourself with some basic concepts , which will make setup and operation smoother . T ypical Home Thea ter System A home theater typically includes an audio/video receiver , [...]

18 18 CONNECTIONS There are different types of audio and video connections used to connect the receiver , the speakers , the video display , and the source devices . The Consumer Electronics Association has established the CEA ® color -coding standard. See T able 1. T able 1 – Connection Color Guide Speaker Connections Speaker cables carry an am[...]

19 19 CONNECTIONS of magnitude the shades of color that can be displayed; and the latest lossless multi channel audio form ats , including Dolby T rueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio . NOTE: Some DVD-Audio , SACD , Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players only output multichannel audio through their multichan- nel analog outputs . Make a separate analog audio con[...]

20 20 CONNECTIONS Composite video is the basic connection most commonly available . The jack is usually color -coded yellow , and looks like an analog audio jack. Do not plug a composite video cable into an analog or coaxial digital audio jack, or vice versa. Both the chrominance (color) and luminance (intensity) components of the video signal are [...]

21 SPEAKER PLACEMENT Optimally , the speakers should be placed in a circle with the listening position at its center . The speakers should be angled so that they directly face the listening position. Front Speaker Placement The center speaker is placed either on top of , below or mounted on the wall above or below the video display screen. The fron[...]

INST ALLA TION 22 Before beginning to connect the various components to the receiver , tur n off all devices , including the A VR 3550HD , and unplug their power cords . Don’t plug in any of the power cords until you ha ve finished making all of your connections. The receiver generates heat. Select a location that leaves several inches of space o[...]

23 INST ALLA TION Audio Connections (for non-HDMI sources) • Choose one digital audio connection: Optical or Coaxial • Optional, or where digital audio is not available , for recording , for multizone use or as a backup: Analog audio . Video Connections (for non-HDMI sources) (choose only one , and make sure that type is available on your TV) ?[...]

24 24 INST ALLA TION NOTES: • Refer to T able A2 in the appendix for the default audio and video input assignments for each source . Y ou may assign any audio and any video input to any source , as long as the assignments match the physical connections . • T o make recordings from a DVD , use an S-video or composite video input, and an Analog A[...]

25 INST ALL A TION Composite/S-Video: If the best video connection common to both the set-top box and the TV is either S-video or composite video , follow these steps (see Figure 27): • Connect the set-top’s S-video or composite video output (one only) to the corresponding Video 1, 2 or 3 Input. • Connect the set-top’s digital audio output [...]

26 26 INST ALLA TION Figure 31 – Connecting a Device to the Front-Panel Inputs Audio Components: Connect audio-only devices , such as CD players , to either the Coaxial or Optical Digital Audio Inputs , or the Analog Audio Inputs (see Figure 31). Step F ive – Connect the Video Display IMPORT ANT NOTE: Do not connect any video output on the vide[...]

27 INST ALL A TION Figure 36 – AC Power Input Step Seven – Insert Batteries in Remote The A VR 3550HD remote control uses four AAA batteries (included) . T o remove the batter y cover located on the back of the remote , squeeze the tab and lift the cover . Insert the batteries as shown in Figure 37 , obser ving the correct polarity . Figure 37 [...]

28 28 INST ALL A TION Learning Y ou may “learn” individual key codes if you have the device’s original remote control by following this procedure: a) Place the two remotes with their IR transmitters facing each other , about one inch apart. See Figure 39. Figure 39 – AVR 3550HD and Original Remote Head-to-Head b) Press the destination Sourc[...]

29 INST ALLA TION Select one or all of these systems: 1. Connect an external amplifier to the Zone 2 Audio Outputs . See Figure 42. Figure 42 – Zone 2 Audio Outputs It is recommended that you place the amplifier in the same room as the A VR 3550HD so that a shorter length of interconnect cable is used with a long run of speaker wire to the remote[...]

30 30 INST ALL A TION Figure 47 – A VR Power On and Source Selectors NOTES: • Any time you press one of the Source Selectors on the remote (i.e ., Cable/Sat, DVD , Media Ser ver , Radio , TV , Game or AUX), the remote will switch device modes . T o control the receiver , press the A VR Settings Button. Some A VR functions are avail- able in all[...]

31 INITIAL SE TUP In this section, you will configure the AVR 3550HD to match your actual system. A video display must be connected to one of the video monitor outputs on the receiver . Using the On-Screen Menu System Although it’s possible to configure the A VR using only the remote and the front-panel messages , it is easier to use the full-scr[...]

32 32 INST ALLA TION Figure 51 – Speaker Setup Menu Screen Select “ Automatic Setup-EzSet/EQ” and the screen shown in Figure 52 will appear . Plug the EzSet/EQ microphone into the Headphone Jack, and set the level control on the subwoofer to the halfway point. Figure 52 – EzSet/EQ Screen T o retur n to the Speaker Setup menu without startin[...]

33 INST ALLA TION if your system requires fine-tuning . See the Advanced Functions section for more information. Video Modes: Displays the Video Modes submenu, where you may make picture adjustments . Leave the settings at their factory defaults . Picture adjustments should be made to your video display first, with this menu used only for fine-tuni[...]

34 34 INITIAL SETUP Resolution to Display: This setting reflects the video output resolution, which is dependent upon the capabilities of the video display . • If the display is connected to the A VR’s HDMI Output, the two devices will communicate with each other , and the A VR will automatically select the correct video output resolution. • [...]

35 OPERA TION Now that you have installed your components and completed a basic configuration, you are ready to begin enjoying your home theater system. T urning On the AVR 3550HD Flip the Main Power Switch on the rear panel up to the “ On” position. The Power Indicator on the front panel will turn amber , indicating that the AVR is in Standby [...]

36 36 OPERA TION Press the Surround Modes Button on the front panel or the remote , to switch to Dolby Headphone virtual surround processing , which emulates a 5.1-channel speaker system. No other surround modes are available for the headphones . Source Selection Press the front-panel Source List Button. Press it again repeatedly , or use the ⁄ /[...]

37 OPERA TION use is also compatible , but has been discontinued. Other modules that have standard analog or digital audio outputs , may be connected to a compatible input and operated using their own controls . NOTE: T o listen to XM Radio using the A VR 3550HD , you will need to purchase an XM antenna module and subscription, and activate your mo[...]

38 38 OPERA TION Figure 62 – The Bridge Press the Menu Button to view the slide-out menu: Back: Returns to the previous screen. This option appears while navigating the contents of the iPod. Music: Navigates the audio materials stored on the iPod. Photos: Select this line to view still images stored on a photo-capable iPod. The system will switch[...]

information on surround modes may be found in the Advanced Functions section. T o select a surround mode , press the Surround Modes Button (front panel or remote) repeatedly until the desired option appears: SURR: AUTO SELECT , SURR: VIRTUAL, SURR: STEREO , SURR: MOVIE, SURR: MUSIC or SURR: GAME. The Surround Modes menu will appear (see Figure 63).[...]

40 40 ADV ANCED FUNCTIONS Much of the A VR 3550HD’s performance is handled automatically , with little intervention required on your part. The A VR 3550HD is capable of being customized to suit your system and your tastes . In this section we describe some of the more advanced adjustments available . Audio Processing and Surround Sound Audio sign[...]

The first number indicates the number of front channels in the signal: “1” represents a monophonic recording , usually an older program that has been digitally remastered or , more rarely , a modern program for which the director has chosen a special effect. “2” indicates the presence of the left and right channels , but no center channel. [...]

42 ADV ANCED FUNCTIONS tightly on the center channel. Lower numbers broaden the vocal sound- stage . Use the ‹ / › Buttons to adjust. Dimension: This setting affects the depth of the surround presentation, allowing you to “move” the sound toward the front or rear of the room. The setting of “0” is a neutral default. Setting “F-3” mo[...]

43 ADV ANCED FUNCTIONS NOTE: All of the speaker setup submenus include the Exit and Back options as shown at the bottom of Figure 66. T o retur n to a previous menu without making any changes , select Exit. T o save the current settings , select the Back option. T o reconfigure the speakers from scratch, select the Reset option. For best results , [...]

44 44 ADV ANCED FUNCTIONS The Speaker/Channel Indicators on the front panel of the r eceiver (see Figure 64 ) display the speaker size settings . For each speaker configured numerically , a single box will appear in its position. For each speaker configured as LARGE, a double box will appear . If a speaker is config- ured as OFF , no box will appea[...]

45 45 ADV ANCED FUNCTIONS paused there , using the ‹ / › Buttons . Use the ⁄ / ¤ Buttons to move the cursor to another line , and the test tone will follow the cursor . When this setting reads MANUAL, the test tone will not move to the next channel until you use the ⁄ / ¤ Buttons . Individual Channels: If you are using an external source [...]

• Sports: For sporting events . • Nature: For programs shot outdoors , in a natural setting. • Movie: For movies and many television broadcasts . • Custom: Allows manual adjustment of the picture settings . The Brightness , Contrast, Color and Sharpness settings appear as sliders with values ranging from 0 to 100. The default setting for ea[...]

Contrast Adjustment 1. Adjust the contrast on your TV until you see a bright white bar in the lower right corner of the screen and a deep-dark-black bar to the left. 2. If the brightness of the white bar no longer increases when the con- trast is turned up or the borders of white letters bloom (overlight) into the black areas (drastically decreasin[...]

48 48 ADV ANCED FUNCTIONS Operating the Multizone System The A VR 3550HD’s multizone system is accessed using the on-screen Zone 2 menu. Press the AVR Settings Button, and use the ⁄ / ¤ Buttons to navigate to the Zone 2 line . Press the OK Button to display the Zone 2 menu. See Figure 75. Figure 75 – Zone 2 Menu Status: T urns the multizone [...]

49 ADV ANCED FUNCTIONS background, Medium for partial transparency or Opaque to block video programs while the menus are on screen. Volume Status Messages: When the AVR is turned on, the volume is adjusted or the source is changed, or if a change in the input signal is detected, a status message will be displayed on screen. Select how long the mess[...]

50 50 ADV ANCED FUNCTIONS TV Button re-lights , enter the code “333” . When the TV Button goes out, and all of the Source Selectors flash, the remote will be reset. Processor Reset If the unit behaves erratically after a power surge , first turn off the Master Power Switch and unplug the AC power cord for at least three minutes . Plug the cord [...]

51 SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION Unit does not function when Main • No AC Power • Make certain AC power cord is plugged into a live outlet Power Switch is turned on • Check whether outlet is switch-controlled Display lights , but no sound • Intermittent input connections • Secure all input and speaker connections or picture • Mute is on • Pr[...]

52 T able A2 – Source Setting Defaults Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX The Bridge Surround Modes (Auto Select) Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Video Input HDMI 2 HDMI 1 S-Video 1 N/A Component 1 Composite 1 Composite Front The Bridge II Audio Input HDMI 2[...]

53 APPENDIX T able A3 – Speaker/Channel Setting Defaults Audio Input All Digital and 2-Channel Analog Audio Inputs 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs* Y our Settings 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 * Ce[...]

54 T able A7 – Video Modes Settings Default Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX The Bridge Video Mode Processor Off Brightness * 50 Contrast * 50 Color * 50 Sharpness * 50 Picture Adjust Auto Fit Noise Reduction ** 0ff MPEG Noise Reduction ** 0ff Cross Color Suppressor ** Off Film Mode Detect ** Off * Note: These settings are only availa[...]

55 APPENDIX T able A8 – Surround Modes Default Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX The Bridge 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 * Note: These settings[...]

56 56 APPENDIX T able A11 – Zone 2 Settings Source Input Default Y our Settings Status Off Source Cable/Sat V olume – 25dB Surround Back Amps Main Room T able A 12 – Surround Modes Surround Mode Description Incoming Bitstream or Signal Dolby Digital Provides up to five separate main audio channels and a dedicated • Dolby Digital 1/0/.0 or .[...]

57 APPENDIX Surround Mode Description Incoming Bitstream or Signal Dolby Pro Logic II V ariant of Dolby Pro Logic II that emphasizes use of the surround • Dolby Digital 2.0 or 2.1 Game channels and subwoofer for total immersion in the video gaming • Analog (2-channel) experience . • T uner • PCM (32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz) Dolby Pro Logi[...]

58 58 APPENDIX Surround Mode Description Incoming Bitstream or Signal DTS-HD DTS-HD is a new high-definition audio format that complements the • Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD discs encoded high-definition video found on Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD discs . It is transmitted with DTS-HD modes , delivered via HDM I using a DTS core with high-resolution extensi[...]

59 Copyright (c) 2003 by Bitstream, Inc . All Rights Reserved. Bitstream V era is a trademark of Bitstream, Inc . Permission is hereby granted, free of charge , to any person obtaining a copy of the fonts accompanying this license (“Fonts”) and associated documentation files (the “F ont Software”), to reproduce and distribute the Font Softw[...]

60 60 1 2 3 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 37 38 39 40 26 27 28 29 30 35 31 32 33 36 34 4 567 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 50 51 52 56 53 54 57 55 49 Refer to the numbered buttons in Figure 78 when using the Function List. Figure 78 – Remote Control Function List Reference APPENDIX[...]

61 APPENDIX Radio Media Server No. Button Name AVR FM AM XM DVD DMC1000 TV The Bridge 01 A VR Power On A VR Power On A VR Power On AVR Power On AVR P ower On A VR Power On A VR Power On AVR P ower On AVR P ower On 02 A VR Power Off A VR Power Off A VR Power Off AVR P ower Off A VR Power Off A VR Power Off A VR Power Off AVR P ower Off AVR P ower Of[...]

62 62 APPENDIX T able A13 – continued AUX No. Button Name CBL/SA T Game CD HDTV PVD TiVO VCR 01 AVR P ower On A VR Power On AVR P ower On AVR P ower On A VR Power On A VR Power On A VR Power On AVR P ower On 02 AVR P ower Off A VR Power Off AVR P ower Off AVR P ower Off A VR Power Off A VR Power Off A VR Power Off A VR Power Off 03 Device Power O[...]

63 TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number AIWA 027 A MARK 122 132 ADMIRAL 192 AKAI 123 160 AMPRO 164 ANAM 045 106 109 112 122 AOC 122 123 128 BLAUPUNKT 084 BROKSONIC 205 206 CANDLE 123 128 CAPEHART 059 CENTURION 123 171 CENTRONIC 045 CITIZEN 045 123 128 132 CLASSIC 045 CONCERTO 128 CONTEC 045 CORANDO 172 CORONADO 132 CRAIG 045 157 158 159 CROWN 04[...]

64 T able A16 – continued TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number T A TUNG 063 TECHNICS 181 TECHWOOD 128 TEKNIKA 045 069 115 123 128 132 TELERENT 069 TERA 156 THOMSON 190 191 TMK 128 TOSHIBA 063 129 202 TOTEVISION 132 VIDEO CONCEPTS 160 VIDTECH 128 WARDS 069 128 132 148 Y AMAHA 123 128 YORK 128 YUPITERU 045 ZENITH 069 090 ZONDA 122 APPENDIX T abl[...]

65 T able A17 – continued T able A17 – Remote Control Product Codes: AUX - CD APPENDIX CD Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number ADCOM 063 069 AIWA 072 111 118 156 170 AKAI 050 177 184 AUDIO TECHNICA 053 AUDIOACCESS 125 AUDIOFILE 211 BSR 044 CALIFORNIA AUDIO 109 CAPETRONIC 070 CARRERA 087 CARVER 136 140 141 143 144 145 185 186 CASIO 117 166 CLARI[...]

66 Game Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number MICROSOFT (XBOX) 001 SONY (PLA YST A TION 2) 002 T able A21 – Remote Control Product Codes: CBL CBL Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number ABC 001 011 ALLEGRO 111 AMERICAST 212 ARCHER 112 BELCOR 113 CABLE ST AR 033 113 CITIZEN 111 COLOUR VOICE 085 090 DIGI 114 EAGLE 186 EASTERN 066 070 ELECTRICORD 039 EM[...]

67 67 CBL Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number SCIENTIFIC A TLANT A 183 203 221 222 SEAM 121 SIGNA TURE 001 188 SPRUCER 053 081 177 189 ST ARCOM 002 011 163 ST ARGA TE 120 T ANDY 024 TELECAP A TION 028 TEXSCAN 036 TFC 122 TIMELESS 123 TOCOM 170 205 UNITED CABLE 011 UNIVERSAL 033 034 039 042 113 VIDEOWA Y 124 211 VIEWST AR 019 025 086 089 190 ZENITH[...]

68 68 A VR 3550HD TECHNICAL SPECIFICA TIONS Audio Section Seven-Channel Surround Modes Power per Individual Channel Front L & R channels: 75 Watts per channel @ <0.07% THD , 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Center channel: 75 Watts @ <0.07% THD , 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Surround (L & R Side , L & R Back) channels: 75 Watts per channel @ [...]

250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury , New Y ork 11797 www .harmankardon.com © 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Part No. CQX1A1314Z AVR 3550HD OM.qxd 7/23/08 4:37 PM Page 76[...]