Harman-Kardon AVR 1600 User Manual

AVR 1600

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 grounding-type 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 1600 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.

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 warranty. 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 1600 and the heat generated by the amplifiers, there is the remote possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the 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 our 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.

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 frontpanel lens. Leaving the film in place will affect the performance of your remote control.

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 SAFETY INFORMATION

5 INTRODUCTION

7 FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS

9 REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS

11 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

14INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER

15CONNECTIONS

15	Speaker Connections
15	Subwoofer
15	Connecting Source Devices to the AVR
15	Audio Connections
15	Digital Audio
16	Analog Audio
16	Video Connections
16	Digital Video
16	Analog Video
17	Antennas
17	USB Port
18	SPEAKER PLACEMENT
19	GETTING STARTED
21	INSTALLATION

21Step One – Connect Source Devices

21Step Two – Connect TV

21Step Three – Connect Loudspeakers

21Step Four – Connect FM Antenna

21Step Five – Connect AM Antenna

21Step Six – Plug in AC Power Cords

21Step Seven – Insert Batteries in Remote

21Step Eight – Program Sources Into the Remote

22Step Nine – Turn On the AVR 1600

23INITIAL SETUP

23 Using the On-Screen Menu System

23Configure the AVR 1600, Using EzSet/EQ™ Technology

24Set Up Sources

256-/8-Channel Inputs

25System Settings

26Dim Function

27OPERATION

27 Turning On the AVR 1600

27 Volume Control

27 Mute Function

27 Sleep Timer

27 Tone Controls

27 Headphones

27Source Selection

28Using the Radio

28	Recording
28	Aux Input
28	Selecting a Surround Mode
30	ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
30	Audio Processing and Surround Sound
30	Analog Audio Signals
30	Digital Audio Signals

30Surround Modes

31Dolby Surround Settings

32 Manual Speaker Setup

34 Audio Settings

34Advanced Remote Control Functions

35Processor Reset

35Memory

36TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

37APPENDIX

51 Trademark Acknowledgments

51 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

WARNINGTo prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

For Canadian model

This Class B digital apparatus complies with

For Canadian model

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

ModèleCet appareilpournumériqueles deCanadienla 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.

4

INTRODUCTION

Please register your AVR 1600 at

www.harmankardon.com.

NOTE: You’ll need the product’s serial number. At the same time, you can choose to be notified about new products and/or special promotions.

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. Harman Kardon, Inc., invented the receiver, a single component designed to simplify home entertainment without compromising performance. Over

the years, Harman Kardon products have become easier to use, while offering more features and sounding better than ever. The AVR 1600 7.1-channel digital audio/video receiver continues this tradition with some of the most advanced audio and video processing capabilities in its class, and a wealth of listening and viewing options.

To obtain the maximum enjoyment from your new receiver, please 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 Harman Kardon retailer or custom installer, or visit the Web site at www.harmankardon.com.

Harman Kardon AVR 1600 7.1-Channel

Audio/Video Receiver

Audio Section

•50 Watts x 7, two channels driven at full power at 8 ohms,

20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD, 350 watts total

•High-current capability, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design with low negative feedback

•All-discrete amplifier circuitry

•Quadruple-crossover bass management

•24-Bit, twin-core Cirrus Logic® CS 497024 DSP processor

•192kHz/24-bit A/D and D/A conversion

•Sampling upconversion to 96kHz

Surround Modes

•Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD

•Dolby Pro Logic® II and IIx (Movie, Music and Game), up to 96kHz

•Harman Virtual Speaker

•Harman Headphone

•DTS-HD High Resolution Audio™, DTS-HD Master Audio™

•DTS® (5.1; DTS Stereo; DTS-ES® 6.1 Discrete and Matrix)

•DTS 96/24™ (DTS Stereo)

•DTS Neo:6® (Cinema 5-, 6- or 7-channel; Music 5-, 6- or

7-channel), up to 96kHz

•Logic 7® (Movie, Music and Game), up to 96kHz

•5- or 7-Channel Stereo, up to 96kHz

•Surround Off (DSP or Analog Bypass)

5

inTRODUCTION

Audio Inputs

•AM/FM tuner

•CD

•Tape

•Front-panel Analog Audio

•6-/8-Channel Analog Audio

•Auxiliary mini-jack

Audio/Video Inputs

•Three Analog Video

•Front-panel Analog Video

•Two Component Video 100MHz

•Three HDMI™ (V.1.3a with Deep Color)

•Transcodes component video to HDMI output, preserving native resolution

•Simultaneous output of component video sources through component video and HDMI outputs

Digital Audio Inputs

•Coaxial: two rear-panel/one front-panel

•Optical: two rear-panel/one front-panel

Outputs

•Subwoofer output

•Two Analog Audio

•One Analog Video

•Video Monitor (composite and component)

•Digital Audio (one coaxial)

•HDMI (V.1.3a with Deep Color)

•Headphone

Ease of Use

•EzSet/EQ™ automated setup (microphone supplied)

•Text-based on-screen menu system available at composite video and HDMI outputs (480i only)

•Two-line dot-matrix front-panel display

•Color-coded connections

•Programmable, 11-device remote control

•Source input renaming

•Lip Sync Delay (up to 180msec)

•USB port for system upgrades

Supplied Accessories

The following accessory items are supplied with the AVR 1600. If any of these items are missing, please contact Harman Kardon customer service at www.harmankardon.com.

•System remote control

•EzSet/EQ microphone

•AM loop antenna

•FM wire antenna

•Three AAA batteries

•Two covers for front-panel jacks

6

	Power				Set	Message Display	Surround	Source	Volume
	Indicator						Select	Selectors
											-FRONT
	Tuning						Headphone				PANEL
		Channel	Digital	/	Navigation	Tuning	Jack/EzSet/EQ		USB Port	Video 3
	Mode	Level	Input				Microphone	Digital Audio		Analog Audio	CONTROLS
		Control					Input			and Video Inputs
	Standby/On	Remote					Surround	Inputs (Optical 3
								and Coaxial 3)
	Switch	IR Sensor					Mode
	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.

7

FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS

Power Indicator: This LED has three possible modes:

•Main Power Off: When the AVR is unplugged or the rearpanel Main Power Switch is off, this LED is off.

•Standby: Amber indicates that the AVR is ready to be turned on.

•On: When the AVR is turned on, this LED turns white.

Note: If the PROTECT message ever appears, 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.

Standby/On Switch: This electrical switch turns the receiver on, or places it in Standby mode for quick turn-on.

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.

Channel Level Control: Press this button to adjust the output level for any amplifier channel. It may be necessary to raise or lower the level of a specific channel to compensate for the placement of the relevant speaker in the room in relation to the listening position; e.g., the center channel speaker is further away from the listening position than the front left and right speakers, so that the dialogue is too soft to hear clearly.

To adjust the level of a channel, press this button once. If the desired channel is not displayed on screen and in the front-panel

Message Display, use the Tuning Buttons to scroll to it. When the desired channel appears, use the Navigation Buttons to change the level.

It is recommended that you avoid changing the channel levels after you have run the EzSet/EQ setup procedure described in the Initial Setup section, which properly adjusts all channel levels. See the Advanced Functions section for more information on manual speaker setup, including level adjustment.

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, use an optional Harman Kardon HE 1000, or other infrared receiver, connecting it to the Remote IR Input on the AVR 1600’s rear panel.

Digital Input: To change the audio input for the current source to one of the six digital audio inputs or the analog input for the source, press this button and use the Navigation Buttons to change the input. Although any digital audio input may be assigned to any source, the analog audio inputs are all permanently dedicated to the source with which they are labeled.

Navigation: These buttons are used to navigate the AVR’s menus.

Set: Press this button to select the currently highlighted item.

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 appears 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 current menu settings appear.

Tuning: Press these buttons to tune a radio station.

Surround Mode: Press this button to select a surround sound (e.g., multichannel) mode. Each press changes the surround mode category: AUTO SELECT, VIRTUAL, STEREO, MOVIE, MUSIC, VIDEO GAME. To change the specific mode within the category, use the Surround Select Buttons. See the Advanced Functions section for more information on surround modes.

Surround Select: After you have selected the desired surround mode category, press these buttons to select a specific mode within the category, such as to change from Dolby Pro Logic

IIx Movie mode to Logic 7 Movie mode. Surround mode availability depends on the nature of the source input signal, i.e., digital versus analog, and the number of channels encoded within the signal.

Source Selectors: Press these buttons to select a source device, which is a component where a playback signal originates, e.g., DVD.

Headphone Jack/EzSet/EQ Microphone Input: Plug a 1/4” headphone plug into this jack for private

listening.

This jack is also used to connect the supplied microphone for the EzSet/EQ procedure described in the Initial Setup section.

Digital Audio Inputs (Optical 3 and Coaxial 3):

Connect a source component that will only be used temporarily, such as a digital camera or game console, to these jacks. Use only one type of audio. The audio input may be assigned to any video source.

USB Port: This port may be used in case a software upgrade for the receiver is offered in the future. Do not connect a storage device, peripheral product or a PC here, unless instructed to do so as part of an upgrade procedure.

Video 3 Analog Audio and Video Inputs: Connect a source component that will only be used temporarily, such as a digital camera or game console, to these jacks. These inputs are selected as the Video 3 source, and may not be assigned to other sources.

Volume Knob: Turn this knob to raise or lower the volume.

8

Component	Video 2			DVD
			Audio/Video
1 & 2	Audio/Video			Inputs	AC Power Cord
Inputs	Inputs		Video 1
	Video
Component Video		Audio/Video
	Monitor		Inputs &	HDMI Monitor	HDMI 1-3
Monitor Output	Output		Outputs	Output	Inputs

FM Antenna

CD Inputs

AM Antenna

AUX Input

Subwoofer				Coaxial	Optical 1& 2
Output				Digital	Digital
				Audio	Audio
			Surround	Output	Inputs
Tape Audio	Front	Surround		Center	Main
Inputs &	Speaker	Back	Speaker	Speaker	Power
Outputs	Outputs	Speaker	Outputs	Outputs	Switch
		Outputs

6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs

Coaxial 1 & 2 Digital Audio Inputs

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

CONNECTIONS PANEL-REAR

REAR-PANEL CONnections

AM and FM Antenna Terminals: Connect the included

AM and FM antennas to their respective terminals for radio reception.

Component Video Monitor Output: If you are using one of the Component Video Inputs and your television or video display is component-video-capable, connect these jacks to the video display.

NOTE: Due to copy-protection restrictions, there is no output at the Component Video Monitor Outputs for copy-protected sources.

Component Video 1/2 Inputs: If a video source has analog component video (Y/Pb/Pr) capability, and if you are not using an HDMI connection, connect the component video outputs of the source to one of the sets of component video inputs. Do not make any other video connections to that source. These inputs may be assigned to any source.

NOTE: It is not possible to have no component video input assigned to a source, as the AVR 1600 does not transcode composite video source signals to the component video format. Thus, if a signal is present at the input assigned to the source, and you have connected the source device to the composite video input, you will not see the correct picture unless you turn off the device connected to the component video input, or assign the other component video input to the source.

Video Monitor Output: If any of your sources use composite video connections, connect this monitor output to the corresponding input on your video display. Composite video source signals are only available at this output.

Video 1, Video 2 and DVD Audio/Video Inputs: These jacks may be used to connect your video-capable

source components (e.g., Blu-ray Disc™ player, DVD player, cable TV box) to the receiver.

NOTE: If a source is equipped with an HDMI output, it is preferable to connect it to one of the AVR’s HDMI Inputs. If the source does not have an HDMI output, use its component or composite video output, and make a separate audio connection.

Video 1 Audio/Video Outputs: These jacks may be used to connect your DVR, VCR or another recorder.

HDMI Inputs and Output: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a connection for transmitting digital audio and video signals between devices. Connect up to three HDMIequipped source devices to the HDMI inputs using a single-cable connection.

When you connect the HDMI Output to your video display, the

AVR 1600 will automatically transcode component video source signals to the HDMI format, but they will be passed through at the original resolution and will not be scaled. The AVR’s on-screen menus are visible when the HDMI Output is used, but only at

480i resolution. The main video source will not be visible.

NOTE: When connecting a DVI-equipped display to one of the HDMI Outputs:

•Use an HDMI-to-DVI adapter.

•Make sure the display is HDCP-compliant. If it isn’t, do not connect it to an HDMI Output; use an analog video connection instead.

•Always make a separate audio connection.

AC Power Cord: After you have made all other connections, plug the AC power cord into an unswitched wall outlet.

Main Power Switch: This mechanical switch turns the power supply on or off. It is usually left on, and cannot be turned on or off using the remote control.

Coaxial 1/2 and Optical 1/2 Digital Audio Inputs: If a source has a compatible digital audio output, and

if you are not using an HDMI connection for audio for the device, connect it to one of these jacks to hear digital audio formats, such as Dolby Digital, DTS and linear PCM. Use only one type of digital audio connection for each source.

Coaxial Digital Audio Output: If a source is also an audio recorder, connect the Coaxial Digital Audio Output to the

recorder’s matching input for improved recording quality. Only PCM digital audio signals are available for recording. Both coaxial and optical digital audio signals are available at this Digital Audio Output.

Front, Center, Surround and Surround Back Speaker Outputs: Use two-conductor speaker wire to

connect each set of terminals to the correct speaker. Remember to observe the correct polarity (positive and negative connections).

6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs: Connect the multichannel analog audio outputs of a non-HDMI player (DVD-

Audio, SACD™, Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD, or any other external decoder) to these jacks. See page 25 for more information.

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.

Subwoofer Output: If you have a powered subwoofer with a line-level input, connect it to the Subwoofer Output.

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.

10

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

IR Transmitter Lens

Power On

Program Indicator

AVR Selector

AM/FM
Test Tone
Sleep	6/8CH

Channel Controls

On-Screen Display

Channel Level

Digital Input

Tuning Mode

Direct Station Entry

Tuning

Tone Mode

Night Mode

Track Skip

Transport Controls

Mute

Power Off

Source Selectors

6-/8-Channel Input Selector

Volume Controls

TV/Video

Speaker Setup

Navigation

OK

Delay

Numeric Keys

Memory

Clear

Preset Stations Selectors

Disc Skip

Macros

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.

11

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

The AVR 1600 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 operate any component or the AVR, first press its Selector Button to change the device mode 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 Harman Kardon Blu-ray Disc players, and many brands of 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 Button is labeled for use as the Channel Up Button when controlling a television or cable box. See Table A10 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.

Power On Button: Press this button to turn on the AVR or another device. The Main Power Switch must first have been switched on.

Mute Button: Press to mute the AVR 1600’s speaker and headphone outputs. To end the muting, press this button, adjust the volume or turn off the receiver.

Program Indicator: This LED lights up or flashes in one of three colors as the remote is programmed with codes.

Power Off Button: Press to turn off the AVR 1600 or another device.

AVR Selector: Press to switch the remote to AVR device mode.

Source Selectors: Press one of these buttons to select a source device, e.g., DVD, CD, cable TV, satellite or HDTV tuner. This will also turn on the receiver and switch the remote’s device mode to operate the source.

AM/FM Button: Press this button to select the tuner as the source, or to switch between the AM and FM bands.

6-/8-Channel Input Selector: Press this button to select the 6-/8-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.

Channel Controls: These buttons have no effect on the receiver, but are used to change channels on TVs and some video sources.

Volume Controls: Press these buttons to raise or lower the volume, which will be shown in decibels (dB) in the Message

Display.

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 any channel so that all speakers sound equally loud at the listening position.

Speaker Setup: Press this button to configure speaker sizes, that is, the low-frequency capability of each speaker.

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) to which the current source is connected.

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.

NOTE: The Channel Level, Speaker Setup, Digital Input Select and Delay functions may also be adjusted using the OSD on-screen menus. In addition, the EzSet/EQ system may be used to adjust the Channel Level, Speaker Setup and Delay settings automatically.

Numeric Keys: Use these buttons to enter radio station frequencies or to select station presets. Press the Direct Button before entering the station frequency.

12

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.

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 Harman Kardon Blu-ray Disc player or a DVD player.

13

INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER

This introductory section will help you to familiarize yourself with some basic concepts unique to multichannel surround sound receivers, which will make setup and operation smoother.

Typical Home Theater System

A home theater typically includes an audio/video receiver, which controls the system; a disc player; a source component for television broadcasts (cable box, satellite dish receiver, HDTV tuner or antenna connected to the TV); a video display (television); and loudspeakers.

Multichannel Audio

The main benefit of a home theater system is the placement

of loudspeakers around the room to produce “surround sound.” Surround sound immerses you in the presentation for increased realism.

The AVR 1600 may have up to seven speakers connected directly to it, plus a subwoofer. Each main speaker is powered by its own amplifier channel inside the receiver. A system with more than two speakers is called a multichannel system.

•Front Left and Right – The main speakers are used as in a 2-channel system. In many surround modes, these speakers are secondary, while the main action, especially dialogue, is moved to the center speaker.

•Center – The center speaker is used for dialogue in movies and television programs, allowing the dialogue to originate near the actors’ faces, for a more natural sound.

•Surround Left and Right – The surround speakers improve directionality of ambient sounds. In addition, more loudspeakers play dynamic soundtracks without risk of overloading any one speaker.

•Surround Back Left and Right – Additional surround speakers may be placed behind the listening position, improving the precision of ambient sounds and allowing for more realistic pans.

The surround back speakers are used with surround modes designed for 7.1-channel systems, such as Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-ES (Discrete and Matrix), DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio and Logic

7 (7.1 modes). The surround back speakers are optional, and the AVR 1600 may be set up with a 5.1-channel system in the main listening area.

Many people expect the surround speakers to play as loudly 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 designed to play only the lowest frequencies (the bass). It augments smaller, limited-range satellite speakers used for the other channels. Many digital-format programs, such as movies recorded in Dolby Digital, contain a low-frequency effects (LFE) channel which is directed to the subwoofer. The LFE channel packs the punch of a rumbling train or airplane, or the power of an explosion, adding realism and excitement to your home theater. Some people use two subwoofers, 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 information to the speakers. A variety of algorithms have been developed in an effort to reproduce the way we hear sounds in the real world, resulting in a rich variety of options.

Several companies have taken surround sound in different directions:

•Dolby Laboratories – Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus,

Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II and IIx

•DTS – DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS, DTS-ES (Discrete and Matrix), DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24

•Harman International (the Harman Kardon parent company) – Logic 7, Harman Virtual Speaker, Harman Headphone

•Stereo Modes – Generic modes that expand upon conventional 2-channel stereo, including 5- and 7-channel stereo

Table A9 in the appendix contains detailed explanations of the 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 HDTV, Blu-ray Disc media and digital cable or satellite television. Other modes may be used with 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.

14

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. Some of these connectors are not used on the AVR 1600, although they may be found on other components in your system. See Table 1.

Table 1 – Connection Color Guide

Audio Connections

			Left		Right
	Front (FL/FR)		White		Red
	Center (C)			Green
	Surround (SL/SR)		Blue		Gray
	Surround Back (SBL/SBR)		Brown		Tan
	Subwoofer (SUB)			Purple
	Digital Audio Connections
	Coaxial			Orange
	Optical			Input
	Video Connections
	Component	Y Green	Pb	Blue	Pr Red
	Composite			Yellow
	S-Video

HDMI™ Connections (digital audio/video)

HDMI

Speaker Connections

Speaker cables carry an amplified signal from the receiver’s speaker terminals to each loudspeaker. They contain two wire conductors, or leads, inside plastic insulation, that are differentiated in some way, such as with colors or stripes.

The differentiation preserves polarity, without which low-frequency performance can suffer. Each speaker is connected to the receiver’s speaker-output terminals using two wires, one positive (+) and one negative (–). Always connect the positive terminal on the speaker, which is usually colored red, to the positive terminal on the receiver, which is colored as indicated in the Connection Color Guide (Table 1). The negative terminals are both black.

			The AVR 1600 uses binding-post
			speaker terminals that can accept
+			banana plugs or bare-wire cables.
			Banana plugs are inserted into the hole
			in the middle of the terminal
			cap. See Figure 1.

Figure 1 – Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Banana Plugs

Bare wire cables are installed as follows (see Figure 2):

1.Unscrew the terminal cap until the pass-through hole is revealed.

2.Insert the bare end of the wire into the hole.

3.Hand-tighten the cap until the wire is held snugly.

1

2

3

Figure 2 – Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Bare Wires

Subwoofer

The subwoofer is dedicated to the low frequencies (bass), which require more power. To obtain the best results, most speaker manufacturers offer powered subwoofers that contain their own amplifier. 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.

Although the purple subwoofer outputs look similar to full-range analog audio jacks, they are filtered to allow only the low frequencies to pass. Don’t connect these outputs to any other devices.

Preout Subwoofer

Figure 3 – Subwoofer

Connecting Source Devices to the AVR

Audio and video signals originate in “source devices,” including your Blu-ray Disc or DVD player, CD player, DVR (digital video recorder) or other recorder, tape deck, game console, cable or satellite television box or MP3 player. The AVR’s tuner also counts as a source, even though no external connections are needed, other than the FM and AM antennas and the SIRIUS tuner module.

Separate connections are required for the audio and video portions of the signal, except for digital HDMI connections. The types of connections used depend upon the capabilities of the source device and video display.

Audio Connections

There are two types of 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, or for noncompressed PCM digital audio. There are three types of digital audio connections: HDMI, coaxial and optical. Do not use more than one type of digital audio connection for each source

device. However, it’s okay to make both analog and digital audio connections to the same source.

Note: HDMI signals may carry both audio and video. If your video display device has an HDMI input, make a single HDMI connection from each source device to the AVR. Usually, a separate digital audio connection is not required. Turn the volume on your television all the way down.

Digital Audio

The AVR 1600 is equipped with three HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) inputs, and one output. HDMI technology enables digital audio and video information to be carried using a single cable, delivering the highest quality picture and sound.

The AVR 1600 uses HDMI (V.1.3a with Deep Color) technology and is capable of processing both the audio and video components

of the HDMI data, minimizing the number of cable connections in your system. The AVR 1600 implements Deep Color, which increases by an order of magnitude the shades of color that can be displayed, and the latest lossless multichannel audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

15

CONNECTIONS

Note: Some DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players only output multichannel audio through their multichannel analog outputs. Make a separate analog audio connection in addition to the HDMI connection, which is still used for video and to listen to Dolby Digital, DTS or PCM materials that may be stored on the disc.

The AVR 1600 converts analog video signals to the HDMI format, including its on-screen menus, but outputs them at their native resolution.

The HDMI connector is shaped for easy plug-in (see Figure 4). If your video display has a DVI input and is HDCP-compliant, use an

HDMI-to-DVI adapter (not included). A separate audio connection is required. HDMI cable runs are limited to about 10 feet.

Figure 4 – HDMI Connection

If your video display or source device is not HDMI-capable, use one of the analog video connections (composite or component video) and a separate audio connection.

Coaxial digital audio jacks are usually color-coded in orange. Although they look similar to analog jacks, you should not connect coaxial digital audio outputs to analog inputs or vice versa. See Figure 5.

Coaxial digital	Coaxial
audio cable

Figure 5 – 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 6.

Optical

Optical digital

audio cable Figure 6 – 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. See Figure 7.

For sources that are capable of both digital and analog audio, you may make both connections.

You may only record materials from DVDs or other copy-protected sources 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
cable (RCA)	R

Figure 7 – Analog Audio

The 6-/8-Channel Inputs are multichannel analog connections that are used with high-definition sources that decode the copyprotected digital content, such as some DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players. See Figure 8. The multichannel analog audio connection is not required for players compliant with HDMI

version 1.1 or better, or that output linear PCM signals via an HDMI connection.

Consult the owner’s guide for your disc player for more information, and see page 25.

		Front	Surround	Center
	Multichannel	White	Blue	Green
	analog audio
			Subwoofer
	cable (RCA)
		Red	Gray	Purple

Figure 8 – Multichannel Analog Audio

The AVR 1600 has 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 9.

Figure 9 –  Auxiliary Audio Input

Video Connections

Many sources output both audio and video signals (e.g., Blu-ray

Disc or 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 (only one at a time for any source).

Digital Video

If you have already connected a source device to one of the HDMI inputs, you have automatically made a video connection, as the

HDMI signal includes both digital audio and video components.

Analog Video

There are two types of analog video connections used on the AVR 1600: composite 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. 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

Component video separates the video signal into three components – one luminance (“Y”) and two sub-sampled color signals (“Pb” and “Pr”) – that are transmitted using three separate cables. See Figure 11.

Y Green

	Component	Pb	Blue
	video cable
		Pr	Red
	Figure 11 – Component Video

16