Harman-Kardon AVR 165, AVR 1650 User Manual
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Audio/video receiver
Owner’s Manual
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 3
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 3
PLACE THE AVR 3
FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS 4
REAR-PANEL CONNECTORS 6
SYSTEM REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 8
INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER 10
TYPICAL HOME THEATER SYSTEM 10
MULTICHANNEL AUDIO 10
SURROUND MODES 10
PLACE YOUR SPEAKERS 10
PLACING THE LEFT, CENTER AND RIGHT SPEAKERS 10
PLACING THE SURROUND SPEAKERS 10
PLACING THE SUBWOOFER 10
TYPES OF HOME THEATER SYSTEM CONNECTIONS 11
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS 11
SUBWOOFER CONNECTIONS 11
SOURCE DEVICE CONNECTIONS 11
VIDEO CONNECTIONS 12
RADIO CONNECTIONS 12
USB PORT 13
MAKING CONNECTIONS 13
CONNECT YOUR SPEAKERS 13
CONNECT YOUR SUBWOOFER 13
CONNECT YOUR TV OR VIDEO DISPLAY 13
CONNECT YOUR SOURCE DEVICES 15
CONNECT THE BRIDGE IIIP 15
CONNECT THE RADIO ANTENNAS 15
CONNECT IR EQUIPMENT 16
CONNECT THE 12V TRIGGER OUTPUT 16
CONNECT TO AC POWER 16
SET UP THE REMOTE CONTROL 16
INSTALL THE BATTERIES IN THE REMOTE CONTROL 16
PROGRAM THE REMOTE TO CONTROL YOUR SOURCE
DEVICES AND TV 16
SET UP THE AVR 17
TURN ON THE AVR 17
USING THE ON-SCREEN MENU SYSTEM 17
CONFIGURE THE AVR FOR YOUR SPEAKERS 17
ASSIGN THE DIGITAL AUDIO CONNECTORS 18
ADDITIONAL INPUT SETUP MENU ITEMS 18
OPERATING YOUR AVR 19
CONTROLLING THE VOLUME 19
MUTING THE SOUND 19
LISTENING THROUGH HEADPHONES 19
SELECTING A SOURCE 19
VIDEO TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS 19
LISTENING TO FM AND AM RADIO 19
LISTENING TO AN iPod/iPhone DEVICE 19
SELECTING A SURROUND MODE 20
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS 21
AUDIO PROCESSING AND SURROUND SOUND 21
MANUAL SPEAKER SETUP 21
SYSTEM SETUP 23
ADVANCED REMOTE CONTROL PROGRAMMING 24
RECORDING 24
SLEEP TIMER 24
RESETTING THE REMOTE 24
PROCESSOR RESET 24
MEMORY 24
TROUBLESHOOTING 25
SPECIFICATIONS 26
APPENDIX 27
2
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Introduction, Supplied Accessories,
Important Safety Information and Place the AVR
Introduction
Thank you for choosing this 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.
Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon 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 1650 and AVR165 5.1-channel digital audio/video receivers (AVRs) continue
this tradition with some of the most advanced audio and video processing capabilities
yet and a wealth of listening and viewing options.
To obtain the maximum enjoyment from your new AVR, 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 our Web site at www.
harmankardon.com.
Supplied Accessories
The following accessory items are supplied with your AVR. If any of these items are
missing, please contact your Harman Kardon dealer, or Harman Kardon customer service
at www.harmankardon.com.
• System remote control
• EzSet/EQ
• AM loop antenna
• FM wire antenna
• Three AAA batteries
• AC power cord
™
microphone
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Verify Line Voltage Before Use
The AVR 1650 has been designed for use with 120-volt alternating current (AC). The
AVR 165 has been designed for use with 220 – 240-volt AC. Connection to a line voltage
other than that for which your AVR 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 supplied with 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 your AVR 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 (AVR 1650)
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 United States 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.
Place the AVR
• Place the AVR on a firm and level surface. Be certain that the surface and any mounting
hardware can support the AVR’s weight.
• Provide proper space above and below the AVR for ventilation. If you install the AVR in
a cabinet or other enclosed area, provide cooling air within the cabinet. Under some
circumstances, a fan may be required.
• Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the AVR or place objects directly
over them.
• Do not place the AVR directly on a carpeted surface.
• Do not place the AVR in moist or humid locations, in extremely hot or cold locations, in
areas near heaters or heat registers, or in direct sunlight.
3
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Front-Panel Controls
Front-Panel Controls
Power
Indicator
Power
Button
Channel
Level Control
Button
IR
Sensor
Set
Button
Left/Right
Buttons
Message
Display
Up/Down Buttons/
Tuning Buttons
Surround Mode
Select Buttons
Headphone Jack/
EzSet/EQ Mic
Connector
USB
Port
Volume
Knob
Aux Analog
Audio Input
Connector
Tuning Mode
Button
Digital Input
Button
Surround-Mode
Category Button
Source Select
Buttons
4
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Front-Panel Controls, continued
Front-Panel Controls, continued
Power indicator: This LED has three possible modes:
• LED is off: Indicates that the AVR is unplugged or the rear-panel Main Power switch
is off.
• LED glows amber: Indicates that the AVR is in the Standby mode.
• LED glows white: Indicates that the AVR is turned on.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If the PROTECT message ever appears on the AVR’s front-panel
Message display, turn off the AVR and unplug it from the AC outlet. Check all speaker
wires for a possible short circuit (the “+” and “–” conductors touching each other
or both touching the same piece of metal). If a short circuit is not found, bring the
unit to an authorized Harman Kardon service center for inspection and repair before
using it again.
IR sensor: This sensor receives infrared (IR) commands from the remote control. It is
important to ensure that the sensor is not blocked.
Set button: Press this button to select the currently highlighted menu 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.
Surround-Mode Select buttons: 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
availability depends on the nature of the source input signal, i.e., digital versus analog,
and the number of channels encoded within the signal.
Volume knob: Turn this knob to raise or lower the volume.
Up/Down buttons: Use these buttons to navigate the AVR’s menus.
Volume knob: Turn this knob to raise or lower the volume.
®
Pro Logic® II Movie mode to Logic 7® Movie mode. Surround-mode
Power button: Press this button to turn the AVR on or to place it in the Standby mode.
Tuning Mode button: 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 in.
Channel Level Control button: Press this button to activate the channel-level
adjustment feature. After pressing this button, use the Up/Down buttons to select the
channel for adjustment and use the Left/Right buttons to adjust the channel’s level.
Digital Input button: Press this button to change the audio input for the current source.
Use the Left/Right buttons to cycle through the available inputs. Although you can
assign any digital audio input to any source, the analog audio inputs are all permanently
dedicated to the source with which they are labeled.
Left/Right buttons: Use these buttons to navigate the AVR’s menus.
Up/Down buttons/Tuning buttons: Use these buttons to navigate the AVR’s menus.
When the radio is the active source, use these buttons to tune stations according to the
setting of the Tuning Mode button (see above).
Surround-Mode Category button: Press this button to select a surround-sound
category. Each press changes the surround-mode category: Auto Select, Virtual, Stereo,
Movie, Music and Video Game. To change the specific surround-sound mode within the
category, use the Surround Mode Select buttons. See Audio Processing and Surround
Sound, on page 20, for more information on surround modes.
Headphone jack/EzSet/EQ Mic connector: Connect a 1/4" stereo headphone plug to
this jack for private listening. This jack is also used to connect the supplied microphone
for the EzSet/EQ procedure described in Configure the AVR for Your Speakers, on
page 17.
Source Select buttons: Press these buttons to select the active source.
USB port: You can use this port to perform software upgrades that may be offered in
the future. Do not connect a storage device, a peripheral product or a PC here, unless
instructed to do so as part of an upgrade procedure.
Aux Analog Audio Input connector: Connect an auxiliary source component that will
be used only temporarily, such as a camcorder, portable music player or game console,
here.
5
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Rear-Panel Connectors
Rear-Panel Connectors
Monitor Out
Connector
Radio Antenna
Connectors
HDMI
Composite Video
Monitor Out
Connector
®
HDMI Input
Connectors
Component Video
Input Connector
Digital Audio
Input Connectors
DVD
Video 2 Out
Connector
Composite
Video Input
Connectors
IR Remote
In/Out Connectors
The Bridge IIIP
Connector
Analog Audio
Input/Output
Connectors
Subwoofer
Connector
Speaker
Connectors
Optical Digital
Output Connector
AVR 1650/AVR 165 Rear-Panel Connections (AVR 1650 shown)
6
Main Power
Switch
12V Trigger
Connector
AC Input
Connector
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Rear-Panel Connectors, continued
Rear-Panel Connectors, continued
Radio Antenna connectors: Connect the included AM and FM antennas to their
respective terminals for radio reception.
HDMI Monitor Out connector: If your TV has an HDMI connector and you have HDMI or
component video source devices, use an HDMI cable (not included) to connect it to the
AVR’s HDMI Monitor Out connector.
Notes on using the HDMI Monitor Out connector:
• When connecting a DVI-equipped display to the HDMI Monitor Out connector, use
an HDMI-to-DVI adapter and make a separate audio connection.
• Make sure the HDMI-equipped display is HDCP-compliant. If it isn’t, do not connect
it via HDMI; use an analog video connection instead and make a separate audio
connection.
HDMI Input connectors: The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface®) feature is
a connection for transmitting digital audio and video signals between devices. If your
source devices have HDMI connectors, using them will provide the best possible video
and audio performance quality. Since the HDMI cable carries both digital video and
digital audio signals, you do not have to make any additional audio connections for
devices you connect via HDMI connections. See Connect Your Source Devices, on page
13, for more information.
Composite Video Monitor Out connector: If your TV or video display does not have
an HDMI connector, or if your TV does have an HDMI connector but you are connecting
some source devices with only composite video connectors, use a composite video
cable (not included) to connect the AVR’s Composite Video Monitor Out connector to your
TV’s composite video input connector.
DVD Component Video Input connector: If your Blu-ray Disc
not have an HDMI connector but does have a component video connector, using the
component video connector will provide superior video performance. You will also need
to make an audio connection from the player to the AVR.
Digital Audio Input connectors: If your non-HDMI source devices have digital outputs,
connect them to the AVR’s digital audio connectors. NOTE: Make only one type of digital
connection (HDMI, optical or coaxial) from each device. See Connect Your Source
Devices, on page 13, for more information.
™
or DVD player does
Video 2 Out connector: Connect an analog video recorder’s video input connector to the
AVR’s Video 2 Out connector. You can record any composite video input signal. NOTE: To
record the audio and video from the source device, connect the AVR’s Video 2 Out Analog
Output connectors to the analog video recorder’s audio inputs.
Composite Video Input connectors: Use composite video connectors for video source
devices that don’t have HDMI or component video connectors. You will also need to
make an audio connection from the source device to the AVR. See Connect Your Source
Devices, on page 13, for more information.
IR Remote In/Out connectors: When the IR Sensor on the front panel is blocked (such
as when the AVR is installed inside a cabinet), connect an optional IR receiver to the IR
Remote In connector. The IR Remote Out connector may be connected to the IR input
of a compatible product to enable remote control through the AVR. See Connect IR
Equipment, on page 15, for more information.
The Bridge IIIP connector: Connect an optional Harman Kardon The Bridge IIIP docking
station to this connector. Insert the plug until it snaps into place in the connector.
IMPORTANT: Connect The Bridge IIIP only with the AVR’s power turned off. See Connect
The Bridge IIIP, on page 15, for more information.
Subwoofer connector: Connect this jack to a powered subwoofer with a line-level
input. See Connect Your Subwoofer, on page 13, for more information.
Analog Audio Input/Output connectors: Use the AVR’s Analog Audio Input/Output
connectors for source devices that don’t have HDMI or digital audio connectors. Use the
Video 2 Out and Tape Out connectors to connect to the audio inputs of a VCR and tape
deck. See Connect Your Source Devices, on page 13, for more information.
Speaker connectors: Use two-conductor speaker wire to connect each set of terminals
to the correct speaker. See Connect Your Speakers, on page 13, for more information.
Optical Digital Output connector: Connect a digital audio recorder’s optical digital
input to the AVR’s Optical Digital Output connector. You can record both coaxial and
optical digital PCM audio signals. (Dolby Digital and DTS
for recording.)
Main Power switch: This mechanical switch turns the AVR’s power supply on or off. It is
usually left on and cannot be turned on or off using the remote control.
12V Trigger connector: This connector provides 12V DC whenever the AVR is on. It can
be used to turn on and off other devices such as a powered subwoofer.
AC Input connector: After you have made all other connections, plug the supplied AC
power cord into this receptacle and into an unswitched wall outlet.
®
bitstreams are not available
7
AVR 1650/AVR 165
System Remote Control Functions
IR Transmitter Lens
Program Indicator LED
System Remote Control Functions
Power On Button
Power Off Button
AVR Button
Test Tone Button
Sleep/CH Up/Down Buttons
OSD Button
Channel Level Control Button
Digital Input Button
Tuning Mode Button
Direct Station Entry Button
Mute Button
Source Selector Buttons
Volume Up/Down Buttons
Speaker Setup Buttons
OK Button
Delay Button
Left/Right/Up/Down Buttons
Number Buttons
Memory Button
Clear Button
Tuning Up/Down Buttons
Tone Control Button
Night Mode Button
Track Skip Up/Down Buttons
8
Preset Station Up/Down Buttons
Disc Skip Button (AVR 1650)
RDS Button (AVR 165)
Macro Buttons
Display Dimmer Button
Transport Control Buttons
AVR 1650/AVR 165
System Remote Control Functions, continued
System Remote Control Functions, continued
In addition to controlling the AVR, the AVR remote is capable of controlling nine other
devices, including an iPod/iPhone device docked in a The Bridge IIIP docking station
connected to the AVR. During the installation process, you may program the codes for
each of your source components into the remote. (See Program the Remote to Control
Your Source Devices and TV, on page 16, for programming information.) To operate a
component, press its Source Selector button to change the remote’s control mode.
A button’s function depends on which component is being controlled. See Table A10 in
the Appendix for listings of the functions for each type of component. Most of the buttons
on the remote have dedicated functions, although the precise codes transmitted vary
depending on the specific device being controlled. Due to the wide variety of functions
for various source devices, we have included only a few of the most often-used functions
on the remote: alphanumeric keys, transport controls, television-channel control, menu
access and power on and off. To return the remote to the AVR control mode at any time,
press the AVR button.
IR Transmitter lens: As buttons are pressed on the remote, infrared codes are emitted
through this lens.
Program Indicator LED: This LED lights up to indicate various procedures when the
remote is in the Programming mode.
Power On/Off buttons: Press these buttons to turn the AVR or the device being controlled
on and off. The Main Power switch on the AVR’s rear panel must be on for this button to
turn the AVR on and off.
Mute button: Press this button to mute the AVR’s speaker-output connectors and
Headphone jack. To restore the sound, press this button or adjust the volume.
AVR button: Press this button to switch the remote’s control mode to operate the AVR.
Source Selector buttons: Press one of these buttons to select a source device, e.g.,
DVD, AM/FM radio, etc. This action will also turn on the AVR and switch the remote’s
control mode to operate the selected source device. NOTE: The first press of the Radio
Source Selector button switches the AVR to the last-used tuner band (AM or FM). Each
successive press changes the band.
Test Tone button: Press this button to activate the test tone for calibrating channel
volume levels by ear.
Sleep button/Channel Up/Down buttons: Press the Sleep button to activate the sleep
timer, which turns off the AVR after a programmed period of time of up to 90 minutes. The
Channel Up/Down buttons have no effect on the AVR but are used to change channels on
TVs and some video sources.
Volume Up/Down buttons: Press these buttons to raise or lower the volume.
OSD button: Press this button to activate the on-screen display menu system.
Channel Level Control button: Press this button to activate the individual channel-level
adjustment. It lets you easily change the channel balance to suit different programs or
seating arrangements. See Manual Speaker Setup, on page 21, for more information.
Speaker Setup button: Press this button to configure which speakers are included in
your system. See Manual Speaker Setup, on page 21, for more information.
OK button: This button is used to select items from the menu system.
Digital Input button: Press this button to select the specific digital audio input (or
analog audio input) to which the current source is connected.
Delay button: Pressing this button lets you adjust two different types of delay settings
(use the Up/Down buttons to cycle through the settings):
• A/V Sync: This setting lets you resynchronize the audio and video signals from a source
to eliminate a “lip sync” problem. Lip-sync issues can occur when the video portion
of a signal undergoes additional processing in either the source device or the video
display. Use the Left/Right buttons to delay the audio by up to 180ms.
• Front L/Center/Front R/Surr R/Surr L/Subwoofer: These settings let you set the delay
for each speaker to compensate for the different distances they may be from the
listening position. Use the Up/Down buttons to cycle through each of the system’s
speakers, and use the Left/Right buttons to set the distance each speaker is from
the listening position. See Manual Speaker Setup, on page 21, for more information.
Left/Right/Up/Down buttons: These buttons are used to navigate the menu system.
Number buttons: Use these buttons to enter numbers for radio-station frequencies or
to select station presets.
Tuning Mode button: Press this button to toggle the radio 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 in.
Memory button: To save the currently tuned radio station as a preset, press this button,
then a Number button.
Direct Station Entry button: Press this button before using the Number buttons to enter
a radio station frequency.
Clear button: Press this button to clear a radio station frequency you have started to
enter.
Tuning Up/Down buttons: 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 tuning frequency increment at a time or seek the next higher or lower
station with acceptable signal strength.
Preset Station Up/Down buttons: Press these buttons to cycle through your preset
radio stations.
Tone Control button: Press this button to access the bass and treble controls. Use the
OK button to select an adjustment and use the Up/Down buttons to change the settings.
Disc Skip button (AVR 1650): This button is used with some optical disc changers to
skip to the next disc.
RDS button (AVR 165): When listening to an FM radio station that broadcasts RDS
information, this button activates the various RDS functions.
Night Mode button: 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. Each press of the button advances through the following settings:
• Off: No compression is applied. Loud passages in the program remain as they were
recorded.
• Mid: Loud passages in the program are reduced moderately in volume.
• Max: Loud passages in the program are reduced more in volume.
Macro buttons: These buttons may be programmed to execute a series of up to 19
commands 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 from the one that you are currently operating. See Programming Macro
Commands, on page 24, for information about programming macros.
Track Skip Up/Down buttons: These buttons have no effect on the AVR but are used
with many source components to change tracks or chapters.
Display Dimmer button: Press this button to dim the AVR’s front-panel display partially
or fully.
Transport Control buttons: These buttons have no effect on the AVR but are used to
control many source components. By default, when the remote is operating the AVR,
these buttons will control a Harman Kardon Blu-ray Disc player or DVD player.
9
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Introduction to Home Theater
and Place Your Speakers
Introduction to Home Theater
This introductory section will help you to familiarize yourself with some basic concepts
unique to multichannel surround-sound AVRs, which will make it easier for you to set
up and operate your AVR.
Typical Home Theater System
A home theater typically includes an audio/video receiver (AVR), which controls
the system and supplies amplification for the loudspeakers; a disc player; a source
component for television broadcasts (cable box, satellite dish AVR, HDTV tuner or
antenna connected to the TV); a TV or video display; and multiple loudspeakers.
Multichannel Audio
The main benefit of a home theater system is its ability to produce “surround sound.”
Surround sound uses multiple speakers and amplifier channels to immerse you in the
audio/video presentation for a dramatically increased sense of realism.
Your AVR can have up to five main speakers connected directly to it, plus a subwoofer.
Each main speaker is powered by its own amplifier channel inside the AVR. A system
with more than two speakers is called a multichannel system. The different main
speaker types in a home theater system are:
• Front Left and Right: The front left and right speakers are used as in a 2-channel
system. In many surround-sound modes, these speakers are secondary, while the
main action, especially dialogue, is reproduced by the center speaker.
• Center: When you are watching movies and television programs, the center speaker
reproduces most of the dialogue and other soundtrack information that occurs on the
screen, anchoring it with the picture. When you are listening to a musical program, the
center speaker helps to create a seamless front soundstage, creating a more realistic
“you-are-there” listening experience.
• Surround Left and Right: The surround left and right speakers produce ambient
sounds that help create a realistic and immersive surround-sound environment. They
also help recreate directional sound effects such as aircraft flyovers.
Many people expect the surround speakers to play as loudly as the front speakers.
Although you will calibrate all of the speakers in your system to sound equally loud
at the listening position, most artists use the surround speakers for ambient effects
only, and they create their programs to steer relatively little sound to these speakers.
• Subwoofer: A subwoofer is designed to play only the lowest frequencies (the deep
bass). It augments smaller, limited-range main speakers that are usually used for
the other channels. Many digital-format programs, such as movies recorded in Dolby
Digital, contain a low-frequency effects (LFE) channel that 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 for even distribution of the sound.
Surround Modes
There are different theories as to the best way to present surround sound and to distribute
the individual channel information to the surround-sound system’s speakers. A variety
of algorithms have been developed in an effort to recreate the way we hear sounds in
the real world, resulting in a rich variety of options. Several companies have developed
different surround-sound technologies, all of which can be accurately reproduced by
your AVR:
• Dolby Laboratories: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX,
Dolby Pro Logic II.
• DTS: DTS-HD™ High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio™, DTS, DTS 96/24™.
• HARMAN International: Logic 7, HARMAN virtual speaker, HARMAN headphone.
• Stereo Modes: 2-channel stereo and 5-channel stereo.
Appendix Table A9, on page 31, contains detailed explanations of the different surroundsound options available on your AVR. Digital surround-sound modes, such as Dolby
Digital and DTS systems, are available only with specially encoded programs, such
as those available via HDTV, DVD and Blu-ray Disc media and digital cable or satellite
television. Other surround modes may be used with digital and analog signals to create
a different surround presentation or to use a different number of speakers. Surroundmode selection depends upon the number of speakers in your system, the programs you
are watching or listening to, and your personal tastes.
10
Place Your Speakers
Determine the locations for your system’s speakers according to their manufacturer’s
directions and the layout of your listening room. Use the illustration below as a guide for
5.1-channel systems.
To create the most realistic surround-sound environment possible, you should place
your speakers in a circle with the listening position at its center. You should angle each
speaker so it directly faces the listening position. Use the diagram below as a guide.
TV
C
FL FR
SL SR
Placing the Left, Center and Right Speakers
Place the center speaker either on top of, below or mounted on the wall above or below
the TV or video-display screen. Place the front left and right speakers along the circle,
about 30 degrees from the center speaker and angled toward the listener.
Place the front left, front right and center speakers at the same height, preferably at
about the same height as the listener’s ears. The center speaker should be no more than
2 feet (0.6m) above or below the left/right speakers. If you’re using only two speakers
with your AVR, place them in the front left and front right positions.
Placing the Surround Speakers
You should place the left and right surround speakers approximately 110 degrees from
the center speaker, slightly behind and angled toward the listener. Alternatively, you can
place them behind the listener, with each surround speaker facing the opposite-side
front speaker. You should place the surround speakers 2 feet – 6 feet (0.6m – 1.8m)
higher than the listener’s ears.
NOTE: Your AVR will sound its best when the same model or brand of
loudspeaker is used for all positions.
Placing the Subwoofer
Because a room’s shape and volume can have a dramatic effect on a subwoofer’s
performance, it is best to experiment with placement so that you will find the location
that produces the best results in your particular listening room. With that in mind, these
rules will help you get started:
• Placing the subwoofer next to a wall generally will increase the amount of bass in
the room.
• Placing the subwoofer in a corner generally will maximize the amount of bass in the
room.
• In many rooms, placing the subwoofer along the same plane as the left and right
speakers can produce the best integration between the sound of the subwoofer and
that of the left and right speakers.
• In some rooms, the best performance could even result from placing the subwoofer
behind the listening position.
A good way to determine the best location for the subwoofer is by temporarily placing
it in the listening position and playing music with strong bass content. Move around
to various locations in the room while the system is playing (putting your ears where
the subwoofer would be placed), and listen until you find the location where the bass
performance is best. Place the subwoofer in that location.
SUB
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Types of Home Theater System Connections
Types of Home Theater System Connections
There are different types of audio and video connections used to connect the AVR to your
speakers, your TV or video display, and your source devices. The Consumer Electronics
Association has established the CEA® color-coding standard.
Connection Color Guide Table
Analog Audio Connection Color
Front Left/Right White/Red
Center Green
Surround Left/Right Blue/Gray
Subwoofer Purple
Digital Audio Connection Color
Coaxial (input or output) Orange
Optical Input Black
Optical Record Output Gray
Analog Video Connection Color
Component Video Red/Green/Blue
Composite Video Yellow
Speaker Connections
Speaker cables carry an amplified signal from the AVR’s speaker terminals to each
loudspeaker. Each cable contains two wire conductors, or leads, that are differentiated
in some way, such as with colors or stripes.
The differentiation helps you maintain proper polarity, without which your system’s lowfrequency performance can suffer. Each speaker is connected to the AVR’s speakeroutput 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 AVR, which is colored as indicated in the Connection Color Guide Table, above. The
negative terminals on the speakers and the AVR are black.
Your AVR uses binding-post speaker terminals that can accept bare-wire cables or
banana plugs. Bare-wire cables are installed as shown below:
1. Unscrew Cap 3. Tighten Cap2. Insert Bare Wire
Banana plugs are inserted into the hole in the middle of the terminal cap, as shown
below:
Subwoofer Connections
The subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing only the low (bass) frequencies,
which require more power. To obtain the best results, most speaker manufacturers offer
powered subwoofers that contain their own amplifiers. Use a single RCA audio cable
(not included) to make a line-level (non-amplified) connection from the AVR’s Subwoofer
connector to a corresponding input jack on the subwoofer.
Although the AVR’s purple subwoofer output looks similar to a full-range analog audio
jack, it is filtered so that only the low frequencies pass through it. Don’t connect this
output to any device other than a subwoofer.
Source Device Connections
Audio and video signals originate in source devices (components where a playback
signal originates) such as your Blu-ray Disc or DVD player, CD player, DVR (digital video
recorder) or other recorder, tape deck, game console, cable or satellite television tuner,
iPod or iPhone (docked in an optional The Bridge IIIP docking station) or MP3 player. The
AVR’s FM/AM tuner also counts as a source, even though no external connectors are
needed other than the AVR’s FM and AM antennas. Separate connectors are required
for the audio and video portions of the source device’s signal, except for digital HDMI
connectors. The types of connectors you use will depend upon the capabilities of the
source device and of your TV or video display.
Digital Audio Connections – HDMI
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 uncompressed PCM digital audio. Your AVR has three types of
digital audio connectors: HDMI, coaxial and optical. Do not use more than one type of
digital audio connector for each source device. However, it’s okay to make both analog
and digital audio connections to the same source.
Your AVR is equipped with four rear-panel HDMI input connectors and one HDMI monitor
output connector. HDMI technology enables digital audio and video information to be
carried using a single cable, delivering the highest quality picture and sound. If your TV
or video-display device has an HDMI input connector, make a single HDMI connection
from each source device to the AVR. Usually, a separate digital audio connection is not
required.
The AVR’s HDMI Monitor Output connector contains an Audio Return Channel (ARC) that
carries a digital audio signal from your TV or video display back to the AVR. It allows
you to listen to HDMI devices that are connected directly to your TV (such as an Internet
connection) without making an additional connection from the device to the AVR. The
ARC signal is active when the TV source is selected. See System Setup, on page 23, for
more information.
The HDMI connector is shaped for easy plug-in (see illustration, below), and HDMI cable
runs are limited to about 10 feet (3m). If your video display has a DVI input and is
HDCP-compliant, use an HDMI-to-DVI adapter (not included), and make a separate audio
connection.
A. Tighten Cap B. Insert Banana Connector
into Hole in Cap
Always connect the colored (+) terminal on the AVR to the (+) terminal on the speaker
(usually red), and the black (–) terminal on the AVR to the (–) terminal on the speaker
(usually black).
IMPORTANT: Make sure the ( + ) and ( – ) bare wires do not touch each other or
the other terminal. Touching wires can cause a short circuit that can damage your
AVR or amplifier.
Digital Audio Connections – Coaxial
Coaxial digital audio jacks are usually color-coded orange. Although they look like
standard RCA-type analog jacks, you should not connect coaxial digital audio outputs to
analog inputs or vice versa.
11
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Types of Home Theater System
Connections, continued
Digital Audio Connections – Optical
Optical digital audio connectors are normally covered by a shutter to protect them from
dust. The shutter opens as the cable is inserted. Optical input connectors are colorcoded using a black shutter, while optical outputs use a gray shutter.
Analog Audio Connections
Two-channel analog connections require a stereo audio cable, with one connector for
the left channel (white) and one for the right channel (red). These two connectors are
attached to each other.
For source devices that have both digital and analog audio outputs, you may make both
connections.
The analog connections also feed the Analog Record Output connectors. You may record
materials from Blu-ray Disc recordings, DVDs or other copy-protected sources using
only analog connections. Remember to comply with all copyright laws if you choose to
make a copy for your own personal use.
The Bridge IIIP Connection
Your AVR includes a proprietary, dedicated connector for a The Bridge IIIP docking station
(available separately) for the iPod or iPhone.
Analog Video Connections – Component 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 that are color-coded green (Y), blue (Pb) and red (Pr). Component
video cables that join three separate green, blue and red connectors into a single cable
are sold separately.
If your TV or video display has an HDMI connector, we recommend it for the best quality
connection. Your AVR converts component analog video input signals to the HDMI format,
upscaling them to high-definition 1080p resolution.
Radio Connections
Your AVR uses separate terminals for the included FM and AM antennas. The FM antenna
uses a 75-ohm F-connector.
The AM antenna connector uses spring-clip terminals. After assembling the antenna
as shown below, press the levers to open the connectors, insert the bare wires into
the openings, and release the levers to secure the wires. The antenna wires are not
polarized, so you can insert either wire into either connector.
Video Connections
Many source devices output both audio and video signals (e.g., Blu-ray Disc, DVD
player, cable television box, HDTV tuner, satellite box, VCR, DVR). In addition to an audio
connection as described above, make a video connection for each of these source
devices. Make only one type of video connection for each device.
Digital Video Connections
If you have already connected a source device to one of the AVR’s HDMI input connectors,
you have automatically made a video connection for that device, since the HDMI cable
carries both digital audio and digital video signals.
Analog Video Connections – Composite Video
Your AVR uses two types of analog video connections: composite video and component
video.
Composite video is the basic connection most commonly available. Both the chrominance
(color) and the luminance (intensity) components of the video signal are transmitted
using a single cable. The jack is usually color-coded yellow and looks like an analog
audio jack. Do not connect a composite video jack to an analog audio or coaxial digital
audio jack, or vice versa.
USB Port
The USB port on your AVR is used for firmware upgrades. If an upgrade for the AVR’s
operating system is released in the future, you will be able to download it to the AVR
using this port. Complete instructions will be provided at that time.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect a PC or other USB host/controller to the AVR’s USB
port, or you may damage both the AVR and the other device.
12
AVR 1650/AVR 165
Making Connections
Making Connections
CAUTION: Before making any connections to the AVR, ensure that the AVR’s AC
cord is unplugged from the AVR and the AC outlet. Making connections with
the AVR plugged in and turned on could damage the speakers.
Connect Your Speakers
After you have placed your loudspeakers in the room as explained in Place Your Speakers,
on page 10, connect each speaker to its color-coded terminal on the AVR as explained
in Speaker Connections, on page 11. Connect the speakers as shown in the illustration.
C
FL
Connect Your Subwoofer
Use a single RCA audio cable to connect the AVR’s Subwoofer Pre-Out connector to your
subwoofer. Consult your subwoofer’s user manual for specific information about making
connections to it.
AVR
Subwoofer
Pre-Out Connector
Single
RCA Audio Cable
(not supplied)
FR
SRSL
Powered
Subwoofer
Connect Your TV or Video Display
HDMI Monitor Out connector
If your TV has an HDMI connector and you have HDMI or component video source
devices, use an HDMI cable (not included) to connect your TV to the AVR’s HDMI Monitor
Out connector. It will provide the best possible picture quality.
AVR HDMI
Monitor Out
Connector
HDMI Cable
(not supplied)
TV
Composite Video Monitor Out connector
If your TV does not have an HDMI connector, or if your TV does have an HDMI connector
but you are connecting some source devices with only composite video connectors,
use a composite video cable (not included) to connect the AVR’s Composite Monitor Out
connector to your TV’s composite video connector.
AVR Composite
Monitor Out
Connector
Composite Video Cable
(not supplied)
TV
Connect Your Source Devices
Source devices are components where a playback signal originates, such as a
Blu-ray Disc or DVD player, or a cable, satellite or HDTV tuner. Your AVR has several
different types of input connectors for your audio and video source devices: HDMI,
component video, composite video, optical digital audio, coaxial digital audio and analog
audio. The connectors are labeled for the types of source devices you are most likely
to connect.
Each of your AVR’s source buttons is assigned to an HDMI connector or an analog audio
input connector (listed in the “AVR Source Button/Analog Audio Connector” column of
the table below). To provide you flexibility for connecting and configuring your system,
we have designed the AVR so that you can assign the digital audio inputs to any of the
video AVR sources.
As you connect your various source components, fill out the “Source Device Connected”
column in the following table – it will make it easier for you to assign the digital audio
input connectors and component video connector later in the setup process.
AVR Source
Button/
Analog Audio
Connector
Video 1 Cable or Satellite Tuner
Video 2 DVD Recorder or VCR
DVD Blu-ray Disc or DVD Player
CD CD Player
Tap e
Aux Portable Media Palyer
The Bridge IIIP iPod/iPhone Device
AVR Source
Button/ HDMI
Connector
HDMI 1
HDMI 2
HDMI 3
HDMI 4
Input Connections and Source Buttons
Recommended Source
Device Type
Cassette Deck or Audio
Recorder
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
Source Device
Connected
Source Device
Connected
Digital Audio Input
Connector Assigned
Digital Audio Input
Connector Assigned
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