AVR 154
AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER OWNER’S MANUAL
SAFETY INFORMATION
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.
7.Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8.Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9.Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A groundingtype plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10.Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11.Only use the attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12.Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13.Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14.Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Wet Location Marking
Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Service Instructions
CAUTION – These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions, unless you are qualified to do so.
Outdoor Use Marking
WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
2
SAFETY INFORMATION
Important Safety Information
Verify Line Voltage Before Use
Your AVR 154 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 about the line voltage in your area, contact your selling dealer before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.
unit’s feet may leave marks on certain wood or veneer materials. Use caution when placing the unit on soft woods or other materials that may be damaged by heat or heavy objects. Some surface finishes may be particularly sensitive to absorbing such marks, due to a variety of factors beyond Harman Kardon's control, including the nature of the finish, cleaning materials used, and normal heat and vibration caused by the use of the product, or other factors. We recommend that caution be exercised in choosing an installation location for the component and in normal maintenance practices, as your warranty will not cover this type of damage
to furniture.
Do Not Use Extension Cords
To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord attached to your unit. We do not recommend that extension cords be used with this product. As with all electrical devices, do not run power cords under rugs or carpets or place heavy objects on them. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately by an authorized service center with a cord meeting factory specifications.
Handle the AC Power Cord Gently
When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet, always pull the plug; never pull the cord. If you do not intend to use the unit for any considerable length of time, disconnect the plug from the AC outlet.
Do Not Open the Cabinet
There are no user-serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your guarantee. If water or any metal object such as a paper clip, wire or staple accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately, and consult an authorized service center.
CATV or Antenna Grounding
If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to this product, be certain that it is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes and requirements of the grounding electrode.
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV (cable TV) system installer’s attention to article 820-40 of the NEC, which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as possible.
Installation Location
•To ensure proper operation and to avoid the potential for safety hazards, place the unit on a firm and level surface. When placing the unit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf and any mounting hardware can support the weight of the product.
•Make certain that proper space is provided both above and below the unit for ventilation. If this product will be installed in a cabinet or other enclosed area, make certain that there is sufficient air movement within the cabinet. Under some circumstances, a fan may be required.
•Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted surface.
•Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold locations, or in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight or heating equipment.
•Avoid moist or humid locations.
•Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the unit, or place objects directly over them.
•Due to the weight of the AVR 154 and the heat generated by the amplifiers, there is the remote possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the
Cleaning
When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean, soft, dry cloth. If necessary, and only after unplugging the AC power cord, wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water, then a fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe it dry immediately with a dry cloth. NEVER use benzene, aerosol cleaners, thinner, alcohol or any other volatile cleaning agent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish of metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticide near the unit.
Moving the Unit
Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect any interconnection cords with other components, and make certain that you disconnect the unit from the AC outlet.
Important Information for the User
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class-B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. The limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio-frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However, there is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: Changes or modifications may cause this unit to fail to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Unpacking
The carton and shipping materials used to protect your new receiver during shipment were specially designed to cushion it from shock and vibration. We suggest that you save the carton and packing materials for use in shipping if you move, or should the unit ever need repair.
To minimize the size of the carton in storage, you may wish to flatten it. This is done by carefully slitting the tape seams on the bottom and collapsing the carton. Other cardboard inserts may be stored in the same manner. Packing materials that cannot be collapsed should be saved along with the carton in a plastic bag.
If you do not wish to save the packaging materials, please note that the carton and other sections of the shipping protection are recyclable. Please respect the environment and discard those materials at a local recycling center.
It is important that you remove the protective plastic film from the front-panel lens. Leaving the film in place will affect the performance of your remote control.
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STAPLE INVOICE HERE
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 SAFETY INFORMATION
6 INTRODUCTION
8 FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS
10 REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS
12 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
15INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER
16CONNECTIONS
16 Speaker Connections
16 Subwoofer
16Connecting Source Devices to the AVR
17Audio Connections
17 |
Digital Audio |
17 |
Analog Audio |
17 |
Video Connections |
17 |
Digital Video |
18 |
Analog Video |
18Antennas
19SPEAKER PLACEMENT
20INSTALLATION
20 Step One – Connect the Speakers
20 Step Two – Connect the Subwoofer
20 Step Three – Connect the Antennas
20 Step Four – Connect the Source Components
25Step Five – Connect the Video Display
25Step Six – Plug in AC Power
25Step Seven – Insert Batteries in Remote
26Step Eight – Program Sources Into the Remote
27Step Nine – Turn On the AVR 154
28INITIAL SETUP
28Using the On-Screen Menu System
28Step One – Determine Speaker Size
29Step Two – Measure Speaker Distances
29Step Three – Manual Setup Menu
29Speaker Size Menu
30Speaker Crossover Menu
31Delay Adjust Menu
31 Step Four – Output Level Calibration
33Step Five – Configure Sources
34OPERATION
34Turning On the AVR 154
34Sleep Timer
34Volume Control
34Mute Function
34Tone Controls
35Headphones
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Source Selection |
35 |
Audio Input Selection |
35Video Input Selection
366-Channel Direct Inputs
36Using the Tuner
37Recording
37AUX Input
38Selecting a Surround Mode
39ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
39Audio Processing and Surround Sound
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Analog Audio Signals |
39Digital Audio Signals
40Surround Modes
40Dolby Surround Settings
41Default Modes
41 System Settings
44 Dim Function
44 Advanced Remote Control Functions
44Punch-Through Programming
45Macros
45 |
Resetting the Remote |
45 |
Processor Reset |
45Memory
46TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
47APPENDIX
58 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
58 Trademark Acknowledgements
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
For Canadian model
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
For models having a power cord with a polarized plug: CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Modèle pour les Canadien
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Sur les modèles dont la fiche est polarisee: ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu’au fond.
5
INTRODUCTION
Please register your product on our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.
Note: You’ll need the product’s serial number. At the same time, you can choose to be notified about our new products and/or special promotions.
WWW.HARMANKARDON.COM
Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon!
In the years since Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity receiver, we have taken to heart the philosophy of bringing the joy of home entertainment to as many people as possible, adding performance and ease-of-use features that enhance the home entertainment experience. In the years since our first single-channel component was introduced, Harman Kardon has offered a number of receiver models, each an improvement upon its predecessors, leading to the AVR 154, a 5.1- channel digital audio/video receiver that offers a wealth of listening and viewing options, all in an elegant package.
To obtain the maximum enjoyment from your new receiver, we urge you to read this manual and refer back to it as you become more familiar with its features and their operation.
If you have any questions about this product, its installation or its operation, please contact your retailer or customer installer, or visit our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.
Harman Kardon® AVR 154 5.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver
Audio Section
•30 Watts x 5, five channels driven at full power at 8 ohms,
20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD (surround modes); 150 watts total
•40 Watts x 2, two channels driven at full power at 8 ohms,
20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD (surround off mode); 80 watts total
•High-current capability, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design with low negative feedback
•All-discrete amplifier circuitry
•Dual independent power supplies, for front and surround channels
•Triple crossover bass management
•24-Bit, twin-core Cirrus Logic® CS 49510 DSP processor
•192kHz/24-bit D/A conversion
•Sampling upconversion to 96kHz
Surround Modes
•Dolby® Digital
•Dolby Pro Logic® II (Movie, Music and Game), up to 96kHz
•Dolby Virtual Speaker Version 2 (Reference 2- or 3-speaker; Wide 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-speaker)
•Dolby Headphone Version 2, up to 96kHz
•DTS® (5.1; DTS Stereo)
•DTS 96/24™ (DTS Stereo)
•DTS Neo:6® (Cinema 3- or 5-channel; Music 5-channel), up to 96kHz
•Logic 7® (Cinema, Music and Enhance), up to 96kHz
•Hall 1 and Hall 2
•Theater
•5-Channel Stereo, up to 96kHz
•Surround Off (DSP or Analog Bypass)
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Audio Inputs
•AM/FM tuner
•CD
•Tape
•6-Channel direct
•Auxiliary mini-jack
Audio/Video Inputs (With S-Video)
•Video 1
•Video 2
•Video 3
•DVD
•Two 100MHz assignable component video inputs
•HDMI™ 1, 2 and 3 (switching only), version 1.3a
Digital Audio Inputs
•Coaxial: Two rear-panel/one front-panel
•Optical: Two rear-panel/one front-panel
Outputs
•Subwoofer output
•Tape (analog audio)
•Video 1 (analog audio and video)
•Video monitor (composite, S-video and component)
•Digital audio: (one coaxial)
•HDMI (switching only)
•Headphone
INTRODUCTION
Ease of Use
•On-screen display with composite, S-video and component video (480i); choice of blue or black background
•Two-line dot-matrix front-panel display
•Color-coded connections
•Programmable 11-device main remote control
•Source input renaming
•A/V sync delay up to 100ms
Supplied Accessories
The following accessory items are supplied with the AVR 154. If any of these items are missing, please contact Harman Kardon customer service at www.harmankardon.com.
•System remote control
•AM loop antenna
•FM wire antenna
•Three AAA batteries
•Two covers for front-panel jacks
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FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS
Main Power Switch: This mechanical switch turns the power supply on or off. It is usually left pressed in (On position), and cannot be turned on using the remote control.
Standby/On Switch: This electrical switch turns the receiver on for playback, or leaves it in Standby mode for quick turn-on using this switch or the remote control.
Power Indicator: This LED has four possible modes:
•Main Power Off: When the AVR is unplugged or the Main Power Switch is off, this LED remains unlit.
•Standby: This LED turns amber, indicating that the AVR is ready to be turned on.
•On: This LED turns white, and the AVR operates normally.
•Protect: If this LED ever turns red, turn off the AVR and unplug it. Check all speaker wires for a possible short. If none is found, bring the unit to an authorized Harman Kardon service center for inspection and repair before using it again.
When the main power is turned off, the LED is dark and the receiver won’t respond to any button presses. When the main power is turned on, but before the Standby/On Switch is used, the LED turns amber to indicate that the receiver is in standby mode and is ready to be turned on. When the receiver is turned on, the LED turns white.
Source Select: Press this button to select a source device, which is a component where a playback signal originates, e.g., DVD, CD, cable TV, satellite or HDTV tuner. The source’s name will appear in the Message Display.
Volume Knob: Turn this knob to raise or lower the volume, which will be shown in decibels (dB) in the Message Display.
Message Display: Various messages appear in this two-line display in response to commands and changes in the incoming signal. In normal operation, the current source name and the analog or digital audio input assigned to it appear on the upper line, while the surround mode is displayed on the lower line. When the on-screen display menu system (OSD) is in use, the message OSD ON will appear to remind you to check the video display.
Tuner Band: Press this button to select the tuner as the source, or to switch between the AM and FM bands.
Tuning: Press either side of this button to tune a radio station.
Tuning Mode: This button toggles between manual (one frequency step at a time) and automatic (seeks frequencies with acceptable signal strength) tuning mode. It also toggles between stereo and mono modes when an FM station is tuned.
Preset Stations: Press this button to select a preset radio station.
Headphone Jack: Plug a 1/4" headphone plug into this jack for private listening.
Surround Mode: Press this button to select a surround sound (e.g., multichannel) mode group. Choose from the Dolby modes, DTS modes, Logic 7 modes, DSP modes or Stereo modes.
Surround Select: After you have selected the desired surround mode group, press this button to select a specific mode.
Analog Audio, Video and Digital Audio Inputs: Connect a source component that will only be used temporarily, such as a camera or game console to these jacks. Use only one type of audio and one type of video connection.
Speaker/Channel Input Indicators: The box icons indicate which speaker positions you have configured (see the Initial Setup section), and the size (frequency range) of each speaker. When a digital audio input is used, letters will light inside the boxes to indicate which channels are present in the incoming signal.
Remote IR Sensor: This sensor receives infrared (IR) commands from the remote control. It is important to ensure that it is not blocked. If covering the sensor is unavoidable, such as when the AVR 154 is placed inside a cabinet, you may use an optional Harman Kardon
HE 1000, or other infrared receiver, with an IR emitter (“blaster”) placed directly over this sensor.
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Message Display
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Surround |
Tuning |
Preset Stations |
Headphone |
Digital |
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Video 3 |
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Mode |
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Main Power |
Surround |
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Tuning |
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Select |
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Mode |
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NOTE: To 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.
9
REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS
AM and FM Antenna Terminals: Connect the included AM and FM antennas to their respective terminals for radio reception.
Front, Center and Surround Speaker Outputs: Use twoconductor speaker wire to connect each set of terminals to the correct speaker. Remember to observe the correct polarity (positive and negative connections). Always connect the positive lead to the colored terminal on the receiver and the red terminal on the speaker. Connect the negative lead to the black terminal on both the receiver and the speaker. See the Connections section for more information on connecting your speakers.
Subwoofer Output: If you have a powered subwoofer with a line-level input, connect it to this jack.
Video 1, Video 2 and DVD Audio/Video Inputs: These jacks may be used to connect your video-capable source components (e.g., VCR, DVD player, cable TV box) to the receiver.
NOTE: If a source is HDMI-capable, it is preferable to connect it to one of the AVR’s HDMI Inputs. If HDMI is not available on the source, then select one of the following types of video connection for each source device, in order of preference: component video, S-video or composite video.
See the Connections section for more information on audio and video connection options.
Video 1 Audio/Video Outputs: These jacks may be used to connect your VCR or another recorder.
Composite and S-Video Monitor Outputs: If any of your sources use composite or S-video connections, connect one or both of these monitor outputs to the corresponding inputs on your television or video display.
CD and Tape Audio Inputs: These jacks may be used to connect audio-only source components (e.g., CD player, tape deck). Do not connect a turntable to these jacks unless you are using it with a phono preamp.
Tape Outputs: These jacks may be used to connect a CDR or another audio-only recorder.
Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs: If your source has a compatible digital audio output, connect it to one of these jacks for improved audio performance. Use only one type of digital audio connection for each source.
Coaxial Digital Audio Output: If a source is also a digital audio recorder, connect the coaxial digital audio output to the recorder’s coaxial digital input.
AUX Input: Enjoy audio from an iPod (not included), CD player or other portable player by connecting its headphone jack to this input using a 1/8" stereo mini-plug cable (not included). Video and still-image playback are not available at this input.
6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs: Connect the multichannel analog audio outputs of a DVD-Audio, SACD™, Blu-ray Disc™ or HD-DVD™ player (or any other external decoder) to these jacks.
Component Video Inputs: If both your video source (e.g., DVD player or HDTV tuner) and your television or video display have analog component video (Y/Pb/Pr) capability, then you may connect the component video outputs of your source to one of the two component video inputs. Do not make any other video connections to that source.
Component Video Monitor Outputs: If you are using either of the Component Video Inputs and your television or video display is component-video-capable, connect these jacks to the corresponding
inputs on your video display. In addition, connect the composite and/or S-video monitor outputs to your video display to view the AVR 154’s on-screen menu displays.
HDMI™ Inputs and Output: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a newer type of connection for transmitting digital audio and video signals between devices. Although the AVR 154 is not capable of processing HDMI signals, if your video display is HDMI-capable, connect up to three HDMI sources here, and then connect the HDMI Output to your video display for improved video performance. Disable the HDMI audio function of your video display, and make a separate digital audio connection from the source device to one of the AVR’s coaxial or optical digital audio inputs to benefit from the AVR 154’s multichannel audio processing.
NOTE: The AVR 154 does not convert other types of video to HDMI, and you will not be able to view the on-screen displays using the HDMI connection.
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FM Antenna |
Tape |
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CD Inputs |
Subwoofer |
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Video 2 |
Video 1 |
Video |
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A/V |
A/V |
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Video 1 |
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AUX |
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Video Monitor |
AC Power |
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Cord |
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Coaxial Digital |
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Audio Output |
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6-Channel |
Surround |
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Analog Audio |
Speaker |
Outputs |
Inputs |
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Center |
Optical Digital |
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NOTE: To 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.
11
REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The AVR 154 remote is capable of controlling up to 11 devices, including the AVR itself and a device connected to the Auxiliary Input. During the installation process, you may program the codes for each of your source components into the remote. Each time you wish to use the codes for any component, first press the Selector button for that component. This changes the button functions to the appropriate codes.
Each Input Selector has been preprogrammed to control certain types of components, with only the codes specific to each brand and model changing, depending on which product code is programmed. The device types programmed into each selector, except the HDMI selectors, may not be changed.
DVD: Controls DVD players and recorders.
CD: Controls CD players and recorders.
Tape: Controls cassette decks.
Video 1: Controls VCRs, TiVo® devices and DVRs, and the Harman Kardon DMC 1000 digital media center.
Video 2: Controls cable and satellite television set-top boxes.
Video 3: Controls televisions and other video displays.
HDMI 1, 2 and 3: Each code set controls a source device (VCR/PVR/DVD player or cable/satellite set-top box) connected to one of these inputs.
AUX: Controls a device connected to the Auxiliary Input.
Any given button may have different functions, depending on which component is being controlled. Some buttons are labeled with these functions. For example, the Sleep and DSP Surround Buttons are labeled for use as Channel Up/Down Buttons when controlling a television or cable box. See Table A8 in the appendix for listings of the different functions for each type of component.
IR Transmitter Lens: As buttons are pressed on the remote, infrared codes are emitted through this lens. Make sure it is pointing toward the component being operated.
Power On Button: Press this button to turn on the AVR or another device. The Main Power Switch on the AVR 154’s front panel must first have been switched on.
Mute Button: Press this button to mute the AVR 154’s speaker and headphone outputs temporarily. To end the muting, press this button or adjust the volume. Muting is also canceled when the receiver is turned off.
Program Indicator: This LED lights up or flashes in one of three colors as the remote is programmed with codes.
Power Off Button: Press this button to turn off the AVR 154 or another device.
AVR Selector: Press this button to switch the remote to the codes that operate the receiver.
Input Selectors: Press one of these buttons to select a source device, which is a component where a playback signal originates, e.g., DVD, CD, cable TV, satellite or HDTV tuner. This will also turn on the receiver and switch the remote’s mode to operate the source device.
AM/FM Button: Press this button to select the tuner as the source, or to switch between the AM and FM bands.
6-Channel Input Selector: Press this button to select the 6-Channel Inputs as the audio source. If a signal is present at the component video inputs assigned to this source, it will be used. If not, the receiver will use the video input and remote control codes for the last-selected analog video source.
Test Tone: Press this button to activate the test tone for manual output-level calibration.
TV/Video: This button has no effect on the receiver, but is used to switch video inputs on some video source components.
Sleep Button: Press this button to activate the sleep timer, which turns off the receiver after a programmed period of time of up to 90 minutes.
Volume Controls: Press these buttons to raise or lower the volume, which will be shown in decibels (dB) in the Message Display.
DSP Surround: Press this button to select a DSP surround mode (Hall 1, Hall 2, Theater).
On-Screen Display (OSD): Press this button to activate the on-screen menu system.
Channel Level: Press this button to adjust the output levels for each channel so that all speakers sound equally loud at the listening position. Usually this is done while playing an audio selection, such as a favorite CD, after you have configured the speakers, as described in the Initial Setup section.
Speaker Setup: Press this button to configure speaker sizes, that is, the low-frequency capability of each speaker. Usually this is done using the on-screen menu system, as described in the Initial Setup section.
Navigation (⁄/¤/‹ / ›) and OK Buttons: These buttons are used to make selections within the on-screen menu system, or when accessing the functions of the four buttons surrounding this area of the remote – Channel Level, Speaker Setup, Digital Input or Delay.
Digital Input Select: Press this button to select the specific digital audio input (or analog audio input) you used for the current source.
Delay: Press this button to set delay times that compensate for placing the speakers at different distances from the listening position, or to resolve a “lip sync” issue that may be caused by digital video processing. This may also be done using the on-screen menu system, as described in the Initial Setup section.
Numeric Keys: Use these buttons to enter radio station frequencies or to select station presets. Press the Direct Button before entering the station frequency.
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IR Transmitter Lens
Power On
Program Indicator
AVR Selector
AM/FM
Test Tone
Sleep
DSP Surround
On-Screen Display
Channel Level
Digital Input
Tuning Mode
Direct Station Entry
Tuning
Tone Mode
Night Mode
Track Skip
Transport Controls 
Mute
Power Off
Input Selectors
6-Channel Input Selector
Volume Controls
TV/Video
Speaker Setup
Navigation
OK
Delay
Numeric Keys
Memory
Clear
Preset Stations Selectors
Disc Skip
Macros
Surround Mode Selectors
Dim
NOTE: To 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.
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REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Tuning Mode: This button toggles between manual (one frequency step at a time) and automatic (seeks frequencies with acceptable signal strength) tuning mode. It also toggles between stereo and mono modes when an FM station is tuned.
Memory: After you have tuned a particular radio station, press this button, then the numeric keys, to save that station as a radio preset.
Tuning: Press these buttons to tune a radio station. Depending on whether the tuning mode has been set to manual or automatic, each press will either change one frequency step at a time, or seek the next frequency with acceptable signal strength.
Direct: Press this button before using the Numeric Keys to directly enter a radio station frequency.
Clear: Press this button to clear a radio station frequency you have started to enter.
Preset Stations Selector: Press these buttons to select a preset radio station.
Tone Mode: Press this button to access the tone controls (bass and treble). Use the Navigation Buttons to make your selections.
Disc Skip: This button has no effect on the receiver, but is used with some optical disc changers to skip to the next disc.
Macros: These buttons may be programmed to execute long command sequences with a single button press. They are useful for programming the command to turn on or off all of your components, or for accessing specialized functions for a different component than you are currently operating.
Surround Mode Selectors: Press any of these buttons to select a type of surround sound (e.g., multichannel) mode. Choose from the Dolby modes, DTS modes, Logic 7 modes or Stereo modes. Each press of a button will cycle to the next available variant of that mode. Not all modes or mode groups are available with all sources.
Night Mode: Press this button to activate Night mode with specially encoded Dolby Digital discs or broadcasts. Night mode compresses the audio so that louder passages are reduced in volume to avoid disturbing others, while dialogue remains intelligible.
Track Skip: These buttons have no effect on the receiver, but are used with many source components to change tracks or chapters.
Dim: Press this button to partially or fully dim the front-panel display.
Transport Controls: These buttons have no effect on the receiver, but are used to control many source components. By default, when the remote is operating the receiver, these buttons will control a DVD player.
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INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER
The AVR 154 may be the first multichannel surround sound receiver you have owned. Although it has more connections and features than 2-channel receivers, many of the principles are similar and the new concepts are easy to understand. This introductory section will help you to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts, which will make setup
and operation smoother.
If you are already familiar with home theater, you may skip this section and proceed to the Connections section on page 16.
Typical Home Theater System
A home theater typically includes your audio/video receiver, which controls the system; a DVD player; a source component for television broadcasts, which may be a cable box, a satellite dish receiver, an HDTV tuner or simply an antenna connected to the TV; a video display (television); and loudspeakers.
All of these components are connected by various types of cables for audio and video signals.
Multichannel Audio
The main benefit of a home theater system is that several loudspeakers are used in various locations around the room to produce “surround sound.” Surround sound immerses you in the musical or film presentation for increased realism.
The AVR 154 may have up to five speakers connected directly to it (plus a subwoofer). Each main speaker is powered by its own amplifier channel inside the receiver. When more than two speakers are used, it is called a multichannel system.
•Front Left and Right – The main speakers are used the same way as in a 2-channel system. However, you may notice that in many surround modes, these speakers are used more for ambient sound while the main action, especially dialogue, is moved to the center speaker.
•Center – The center speaker is usually placed above or below the video screen, and is used mostly for dialogue in movies and television programs. This placement allows the dialogue to originate near the actors’ faces, for a more natural sound.
•Surround Left and Right – The surround speakers are used to improve directionality of ambient sounds. In addition, by using more loudspeakers in the system, more dynamic soundtracks may be played without risk of overloading any one speaker.
Many people expect the surround speakers to play as loud as the front speakers. Although all of the speakers in the system will be calibrated to sound equally loud at the listening position, most artists use the surround speakers for ambient effects only, and they program their materials to steer very little sound to these speakers.
•Subwoofer – A subwoofer is a special-purpose speaker designed to play only the lowest frequencies (the bass). It may be used to augment smaller, limited-range satellite speakers used for the other channels. In addition, many digital-format programs, such as movies recorded in Dolby Digital, contain a special low-frequency effects
(LFE) channel which is directed only to the subwoofer. The LFE channel packs the punch of an explosion or the power of a rumbling train or airplane, adding realism and excitement to your home theater. Many people use two subwoofers, placed on the left and right sides of the room, for additional power and even distribution of the sound.
Surround Modes
There are different theories as to the best way to present surround sound and to distribute soundtrack information among the various speakers. A variety of algorithms have been developed in an effort to accurately reproduce the way we hear sounds in the real world. The result is a rich variety of surround mode options. Some modes are selected automatically, depending on the signal being received from the source. In many cases, you may select a surround mode manually.
Several companies have taken surround sound in slightly differing directions. It is helpful to group the numerous surround modes either by their brand name, or by using a generic name:
•Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Modes – Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Virtual Speaker, Dolby Headphone
•DTS Modes – DTS, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24
•Harman International (Harman Kardon’s Parent Company) –
Logic 7
•DSP Modes – Generic modes that include Hall 1, Hall 2 and Theater
•Stereo Modes – Generic modes that expand upon conventional 2-channel stereo, including DSP Surround Off, Analog Bypass Surround Off and 5-Channel Stereo
Table 2 on pages 42 – 43 contains detailed explanations of the differences between the various mode groups, and the mode options available within each group. Digital modes, such as Dolby Digital and DTS, are only available with specially encoded programs, such as DVDs and digital television. Other modes may be used with various digital and analog signals to create a different surround presentation, or to use a different number of speakers. Surround mode selection depends upon the number of speakers in your system, the materials you are watching or listening to, and your personal tastes. Feel free to experiment.
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CONNECTIONS
There are different types of audio and video connections used to connect the receiver to the speakers and video display, and to connect the source devices to the receiver. To make it easier to keep them all straight, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has established
a color-coding standard. See Table 1.
Table 1 – Connection Color Guide
Audio Connections
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Left |
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Right |
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Front (FL/FR) |
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Center (C) |
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Surround (SL/SR) |
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Subwoofer (SUB) |
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Digital Audio Connections
Coaxial
Optical Input 
Video Connections
Component |
Y |
Pb |
Pr |
Composite |
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S-Video |
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HDMI™ Connections (switching only)
HDMI
Types of Connections
This section will briefly review different types of cables and connections.
Speaker Connections
Speaker cables carry an amplified signal from the receiver’s speaker terminals to each loudspeaker. Speaker cables generally contain two wire conductors, or leads, inside plastic insulation. The two conductors are usually differentiated in some way, by using different colors, or stripes, or by adding a ridge to the insulation. Sometimes the wires are different colors, e.g., copper-colored and silver.
The differentiation is important because each speaker must be connected to the receiver’s speaker-output terminals using two wires, one positive
(+) and one negative (–). This is called speaker polarity. It’s important to maintain the proper polarity for all speakers in the system, or performance can suffer, especially for the low frequencies.
Always connect the positive terminal on the loudspeaker, which is usually colored red, to the positive terminal on the receiver, which is colored as shown in the Connection Color Guide (Table 1). Similarly, always connect the black negative terminal on the speaker to the black negative terminal on the receiver.
+
Figure 1 – Binding-Post Speaker
Terminals With Banana Plugs
The AVR 154 uses binding-post speaker terminals that can accept banana plugs or bare-wire cables.
Banana plugs are simply plugged into the hole in the middle of the terminal cap. See Figure 1.
Bare wire cables are installed as follows (see Figure 2):
1.Unscrew the terminal cap until the pass-through hole in the collar is revealed.
2.Insert the bare end of the wire into the hole.
3.Screw the cap back into place until the wire is held snugly.
1 |
2 |
3 |
Figure 2 – Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Bare Wires
Subwoofer
The subwoofer is a specialized type of loudspeaker used to play only the low frequencies (bass), which require much more power than the other speaker channels. In order to obtain the best results, most speaker manufacturers offer powered subwoofers, in which the speaker contains its own amplifier on board. Usually, a line-level (nonamplified) connection is made from the receiver’s Subwoofer Output to a corresponding jack on the subwoofer, as shown in Figure 3, but sometimes the subwoofer is connected to the receiver using the front left and right speaker outputs, and then the front left and right speakers are connected to terminals on the subwoofer.
Although the subwoofer output looks similar to the analog audio jacks used for the various components, it is filtered and only allows the low frequencies to pass. Don’t connect this output to your other devices.
Although doing so won’t cause any harm, performance will suffer.
Pre-out Subwoofer
Figure 3 – Subwoofer
Connecting Source Devices to the AVR
The AVR 154 is designed to process audio and video input signals, playing back the audio and displaying the video on a television or monitor connected to the AVR. These signals originate in what are known as “source devices,” including your DVD player, CD player, DVR (digital video recorder) or other recorder, tape deck, game console, cable or satellite television box or MP3 player. Although the tuner is built into the AVR, it also counts as a source, even though no external connections are needed, other than the FM and AM antennas.
Separate connections are required for the audio and video portions of the signal. The types of connections used depend upon what’s available on the source device, and for video signals, the capabilities of your video display.
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CONNECTIONS
Audio Connections
There are two formats for audio connections: digital and analog. Digital audio signals are required for listening to sources encoded with digital surround modes, such as Dolby Digital and DTS. The AVR 154 uses two types of digital audio connections: coaxial and optical. Either type of digital audio connection may be used for each source device, but never both simultaneously for the same source. However, it’s okay to make both analog and digital audio connections to the same source.
NOTE: Although HDMI cables are capable of carrying digital audio signals, the AVR 154 is not designed to process those signals. Therefore, if your source and video display are both HDMI-capable, use the HDMI connections for video only. Make a separate audio connection from the source device to the
AVR 154, and consult the owner’s manual for the source device for instructions on muting the device’s HDMI audio output.
Digital Audio
Coaxial digital audio jacks are usually color-coded in orange. Although they look similar to analog jacks, they should not be confused, and you should not connect coaxial digital audio outputs to analog inputs or vice versa. See Figure 4.
Coaxial digital |
Coaxial |
audio cable |
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Figure 4 – Coaxial Digital Audio
Optical digital audio connectors are normally covered by a shutter to protect them from dust. The shutter opens as the cable is inserted. Input connectors are color-coded using a black shutter, while outputs use a gray shutter. See Figure 5.
Optical
Optical digital audio cable
Figure 5 – Optical Digital Audio
Analog Audio
Analog connections require two cables, one for the left channel (white) and one for the right channel (red). These two cables are often attached to each other for most of their length. See Figure 6. Most sources that have digital audio jacks also have analog audio jacks, although some older types of sources, such as tape decks, have only analog jacks. For sources that are capable of both digital and analog audio, you may wish to make both connections. If you wish to record materials from DVDs or other copy-protected sources, you may only be able to do so using analog connections. Remember to comply with all copyright laws if you choose to make a copy for your own personal use.
Analog audio |
L |
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cable (RCA) |
R |
Figure 6 – Analog Audio
Multichannel analog connections are used with some high-definition sources where the copy-protected digital content is decoded inside
the source. These types of connections are usually used with DVDAudio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD and other multichannel players. See Figure 7.
Front Surround Center
Multichannel analog audio cable (RCA)
Subwoofer
Figure 7 – Multichannel Analog Audio
NOTE: When using the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs, make an analog video connection for the device. To enjoy a multichannel disc, select the source input for the video connection, e.g., DVD, or simply use the component video inputs assigned to the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs (see Initial Setup section for an explanation on assigning video inputs), then select the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs as the source. If no signal is present at the component video inputs assigned to the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs, the AVR 154 will use the last-selected analog video input, which is DVD in this example. It is not possible to select an HDMI input for video while using the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs for audio.
The AVR 154 also offers an Auxiliary Audio Input on the rear panel in the form of a stereo 1/8" mini jack. Connect the headphone output of any audio source, such as an MP3 player or portable CD player, to the Auxiliary Audio Input. See Figure 8.
Figure 8 – Auxiliary Audio Input
Video Connections
Although some sources produce an audio signal only (e.g., CD player, tape deck), many sources output both audio and video signals (e.g., DVD player, cable television box, HDTV tuner, satellite box, VCR, DVR). In addition to the audio connection, make one type of video connection for each of these sources (but only one at a time for any source).
Digital Video
The AVR 154 is equipped with three HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) inputs, and one output. HDMI is capable of carrying digital audio and video information using a single cable, thus delivering the highest possible quality picture and sound.
The AVR 154 is capable of switching the HDMI data, passing the incoming audio and video data (including 1080i and 1080p video), directly to your HDMI-capable video display, without processing any of the data. Although the AVR 154 is compatible with virtually any HDMIcapable source device and video display, a separate audio connection is required for each source, since the AVR 154 doesn’t have access to the audio data in the HDMI stream.
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CONNECTIONS
The AVR 154 will not convert analog video signals to the HDMI format, and the on-screen displays are not visible when using an HDMI source. Connect the composite or S-video monitor output (or both, depending on which video connections your sources use) to your video display to view the on-screen menus.
The physical HDMI connection is simple. The connector is shaped for easy plug-in (see Figure 9). If your video display has a DVI input, you may use an HDMI-to-DVI adapter (not included) to connect it to the AVR’s HDMI Output, but the HDMI-to-DVI connection will not carry audio. In addition, your DVI-equipped display should be HDCP (HighDefinition Copy Protection)-compliant.
Figure 9 – HDMI Connection
Component video cable
Figure 12 – Component Video
If it’s available on your video display, HDMI is recommended as the best quality connection, followed by component video, S-video and then composite video.
NOTES:
•A composite or S-video connection to your TV is required to view the AVR’s on-screen displays.
•Copy-protected sources are not available at the Component Video Monitor Outputs.
Analog Video
There are three types of analog video connections: composite video, S-video and component video.
Composite video is the basic connection most commonly available. The jack is usually color-coded yellow, and looks like an analog audio jack, although it is important never to confuse the two. 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 transmitted using a single cable. See Figure 10.
Composite video cable
Figure 10 – Composite Video
S-video, or “separate” video, transmits the chrominance and luminance components using separate wires contained within a single cable. The plug on an S-video cable contains four metal pins, plus a plastic guide pin. Be careful to line up the plug correctly when you insert it into the jack on the receiver, source or video display. See Figure 11.
S-video cable
Figure 11 – S-Video
Component video separates the video signal into three components – one luminance (“Y”) and two subsampled color signals (“Pb” and “Pr”) – that are transmitted using three separate cables. The “Y” cable is color-coded green, the “Pb” cable is colored blue and the “Pr” cable
is colored red. See Figure 12.
Antennas
The AVR 154 uses separate terminals for the included FM and AM antennas that provide proper reception for the tuner.
The FM antenna uses a 75-ohm F-connector. See Figure 13.
Figure 13 – FM Antenna
The AM loop antenna needs to be assembled. Then connect the two leads to the push-type terminals on the receiver. Although the terminals are color-coded, you may connect either antenna lead to either terminal. See Figure 14.
Figure 14 – AM Antenna
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