Harman-Kardon AVR 254 User Manual

AV R 254

AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER

OWNER’S M ANUAL

SAFETY INFORMATION

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. The A/V receiver’s cabinet may be cleaned by gently wiping with a soft cotton

or microfiber cloth. Do not use water or any liquid cleaners.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves

or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.

A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding­type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,

convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use the attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the

manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long

periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when

the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord
or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.

Wet Location Marking

Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

Service Instructions

CAUTION – These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel
only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than
that contained in the operating instructions, unless you are qualified to do so.

Outdoor Use Marking

WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.

2

SAFETY INFORMATION

Important Safety Information

Verify Line Voltage Before Use

Your AVR 254 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
guarantee. If water or any metal object such as a paper clip, wire or staple acciden­tally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately, and
consult an authorized service center.

CATV or Antenna Grounding

If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to this product, be certain that it is
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and static charges.
Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides
information with
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
tors, location of antenna discharge unit,
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 254 and the heat generated by the amplifiers,
there is the remote possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the

respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure,

discharge unit, size of grounding conduc-

connection to grounding electrodes and

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,
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
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
of the FCC Rules and may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

uses and can radiate radio-frequency energy

different from that to which the

and, if not

15

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
ment and discard those materials at a local recycling center.

It is important that you remove the protective plastic film from the front-panel lens.
Leaving the film in place will affect the performance of your remote control.

respect the environ-

3

STAPLE INVOICE HERE

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 SAFETY INFORMATION
6 INTRODUCTION

8 FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS
11 REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS
14 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
17 INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER
18 CONNECTIONS
18 Speaker Connections
18 Subwoofer
18 Connecting Source Devices to the AVR
19 Audio Connections
19 Digital Audio
19 Analog Audio
20 Video Connections
20 Digital Video
20 Analog Video
20 Antennas
21 RS-232 Serial Port

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

22
24 INSTALLATION
24 Step One – Connect the Speakers
24 Step Two – Connect the Subwoofer
24 Step Three – Connect the Antennas
24 Step Four – Connect the Source Components
28 Step Five – Connect the Video Display
29 Step Six – Plug in AC Power
29 Step Seven – Insert Batteries in Remote
29 Step Eight – Program Sources Into the Remote
30 Step Nine – Remote IR Inputs and Output (optional)
31 Step Ten – Install a Multizone System (optional)
31 Step Eleven – Turn On the AVR 254

INITIAL SETUP

33
33 Using the On-Screen Menu System
33 Configure the AVR 254 Using EzSet/EQ Technology
35 Set Up Sources

OPERATION

38
38 Turning On the AVR 254
38 Volume Control
38 Mute Function
38 Sleep Timer
38 Audio Effects
38 Video Modes
38 Headphones
39 Source Selection
39 Using the Tuner
40 XM Radio Operation
40 Recording
41 Stereo Jack Input
41 Selecting a Surround Mode

ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

42
42 Audio Processing and Surround Sound
42 Analog Audio Signals
42 Digital Audio Signals
43 Surround Modes
44 Dolby Surround Settings
44 Night Mode
45 Manual Setup
45 Step One – Determine Speaker Crossover
45 Step Two – Measure Speaker Distances
45 Step Three – Manual Setup Menu
46 Number of Speakers
46 Adjust Crossover Frequencies Menu
46 Sub Mode
47 Adjust Speaker Distance Menu
47 Step Four – Setting Channel Output Levels Manually
48 Audio Effects
49 Video Adjustments
49 Video Modes
50 How to Adjust the Custom Picture Settings
51 Multizone Operation
51 Installing a Multizone System
51 Operating the Multizone System
52 System Settings
53 Advanced Remote Control Functions
53 Punch-Through Programming
53 Activities (Macros)
53 Resetting the Remote
53 Processor Reset
54 Memory

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

55
56 APPENDIX
63, 75 Trademark Acknowledgments

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

75

WARNING

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

For Canadian model

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
For models having a power cord with a polarized plug:
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade
of plug to wide slot, fully insert.

Modèle pour les Canadien

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme
à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Sur les modèles dont la fiche est polarisee:
ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire
la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne
correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu’au fond.

5

INTRODUCTION

Please register your AVR 254 on our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.

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

WWW.HARMANKARDON.COM

Thank you for choosing a Harman Kardon

®

product!

For more than fifty years, our mission has been to share our passion
for music and entertainment, using leading-edge technology to achieve
premium performance. To this end we invented the receiver, a single
component designed to simplify home entertainment while maintaining
the highest level of quality. Over the years our products have become
easier to use, and have delivered superior value. The AVR 254 multizone

with some of our most advanced video processing capabilities yet, and
a wealth of listening and viewing options.

To obtain the maximum enjoyment from your new receiver, we urge you
to read this manual and refer back to it as you become more familiar
with its features and their operation.

If you have any questions about this product, its installation or its
operation, please contact your retailer or customer installer, or visit our
Web site at www.harmankardon.com.

7.1-channel digital audio/video receiver carries this tradition forward,

Harman Kardon AVR 254 7.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver

Audio Section

• 50 Watts x 7, seven channels driven at full power at 8 ohms,
20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD (surround modes), 350 watts total

• 65 Watts x 2, two channels driven at full power at 8 ohms,
20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD (surround off mode), 130 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

• 192kHz/24-bit D/A conversion

• Sampling upconversion to 96kHz

6

CS 49700 DSP processor

Surround Modes

• Dolby®Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD

®

• Dolby Pro Logic

• Dolby Virtual Speaker Version 2 (Reference or Wide, two-channel)

• Dolby Headphone Version 2, up to 96kHz

• DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio

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

• DTS 96/24

• DTS Neo:6
up to 96kHz

• Logic 7

®

• 5- or 7-Channel Stereo, up to 96kHz

• Surround Off (DSP or Analog Bypass)

II and IIx (Movie, Music and Game), up to 96kHz

™

™

(DTS Stereo)

®

(Cinema 5- or 6-channel; Music 5- or 6-channel),

(Movie, Music and Game – 5.1 and 7.1), up to 96kHz

INTRODUCTION

Audio Inputs

• AM/FM/XM®* tuner

• Analog Audio 1 through 5 (assignable)

• Front-panel Analog Audio (assignable)

• 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio (assignable)

• Stereo mini-jack (assignable)

Audio/Video Inputs

• Three Analog Video (assignable)

• Front-panel Analog Video (assignable)

• Component Video 1 and 2, 100MHz (assignable)

™

• Three HDMI

• Faroudja DCDi Cinema

Transcodes composite and S-video to component video

Transcodes 480i video to component video format, with upscaling
to 1080i

Transcodes 480i video to HDMI output, with upscaling up to 1080p

(V.1.3 with Deep Color and audio/video processing)

®

video processing

Ease of Use

• EzSet/EQ™automated setup (microphone supplied)

• Full-color user interface and setup menu, generated in
high-definition video

• Two-line dot-matrix front-panel display

• Color-coded connections

• Programmable 7-device main remote control

• Source input renaming

• Lip Sync Delay (up to 180msec)

• RS-232 serial port for system upgrades

• Switched accessory power outlet

• Remote infrared (IR) input and output

• Zone 2 IR input

Supplied Accessories

The following accessory items are supplied with the AVR 254. If any
of these items are missing, please contact Harman Kardon customer
service at www.harmankardon.com.

Digital Audio Inputs

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

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

Outputs

• 7.1-Channel preamp outputs

• Analog Audio 2 and 4

• Analog Video 2

• Video monitor (composite, S-video and component)

• Digital audio (one coaxial)

• HDMI (V.1.3 with Deep Color)

• Multizone audio: speaker- and line-level (shared with surround
back channels)

• Headphone

• System remote control

• EzSet/EQ microphone

• AM loop antenna

• FM wire antenna

• Four AAA batteries

• Two covers for front-panel jacks

*XM antenna module and subscription to XM service required. Hardware and

service sold separately. XM service is not available in Alaska or Hawaii.

7

FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS

Main Power Switch: This mechanical switch turns the power supply

on or off. It is usually left pressed in (On position), and cannot be turned
on using the remote control.

Standby/On Switch: This electrical switch turns the receiver on

for playback, or leaves it in Standby mode for quick turn-on using this
switch or the remote control.

Power Indicator: This LED has four possible modes:

• Main Power Off: When the AVR is unplugged or the Main Power

Switch is off, this LED is off.

• Standby: The LED is amber, indicating that the AVR is ready to
be turned on.

• On: The LED is white, when the AVR is on and operating normally.

• Protect: 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.

Source List: Press this button to select a source device, which

is a component where a playback signal originates, such as DVD,
cable TV, satellite or the tuner.

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

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. To begin
EzSet/EQ, plug the supplied microphone into this jack, place the micro­phone at the listening position, and follow the directions given in the
Speaker Setup-Automatic Setup-EzSet/EQ on-screen menu.

Surround Modes: Press this button to select a surround sound

(e.g., multichannel) mode. The Surround Modes menu will appear on
screen, and the menu line will appear in the front-panel display.

⁄/¤

Use the front-panel or remote
menu line: Auto Select, Virtual Surround, Stereo, Movie, Music or Video
Game. Each line represents a type of audio signal, and is set to the
preferred surround mode that you manually select.

Press the OK Button when the menu line is highlighted, and the
available surround mode options for the current signal will appear.

⁄/¤

Use the
OK Button to engage it. Press the Back/Exit Button to exit the Surround
Modes menu.

Buttons to select the desired mode, and press the

Buttons to highlight a different

See the Advanced Functions section for more information on surround
modes.

Analog Audio, Video and Digital Audio Inputs: 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
and one type of video connection.

NOTES:

• Each of these connections (analog audio, digital audio and
video) may be independently assigned to any source. See the
Initial Setup section for information on setting up sources,
including assigning audio and video inputs to a source.

• Although these jacks are labeled Optical 3, Coaxial 3 and
Video 4 on the AVR, the AVR’s menus refer to them as the
Optical Front, Coaxial Front, Composite Front, S-Video Front
and Analog Front inputs.

Speaker/Channel Input Indicators: The box icons indicate

which speaker positions you have configured (see the Initial Setup
Section), and the size (frequency range) of each speaker. The letters
will light inside the boxes to indicate which channels are present in
the incoming signal.

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

and to operate the tuner.

Remote IR Sensor: This sensor receives infrared (IR) commands

from the remote control. It is important to ensure that it is not blocked.
If covering the sensor is unavoidable, such as when the AVR 254 is
placed inside a cabinet, you may use an optional Harman Kardon
HE 1000, or other infrared receiver, connecting it to the Remote IR
Input on the AVR 254’s rear panel. Alternatively, connect the Remote IR
Output of another compatible component to the AVR 254’s Remote
IR Input. Point the remote at the other device’s remote sensor, and the
command will be transmitted to the AVR 254. An external IR “blaster”
may also be used, positioned to point at this area.

AVR Settings Button: Press this button to access the AVR’s

main menu.

Info Settings Button: Press this button to directly access the

AVR’s Source Info submenu, which contains the settings for the
current source.

Resolution: Each press of this button changes the AVR’s video output

resolution to these settings: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i or 1080p.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the AVR’s video output resolution is set
higher than the capabilities of the actual connection, you will not
see a picture. If the best video connection from the AVR to the
TV is either composite or S-video, press this button until the
resolution is set to 480i.

8

Resolution

Source

List

Navigation

Video

Modes

OK

Back/

Exit

Navigation

Headphone

Jack/EzSet/EQ

Microphone

Input

Digital

Audio Inputs

(Optical 3 and

Coaxial 3)

Video 4

Video Inputs

Video 4 Analog

Audio Inputs

Surround

Modes

Audio

Effects

AVR Info

Power

Indicator

Main Power

Switch

Standby/On

Switch

Volume

Message Display

Speaker/Channel

Input Indicators

Remote

IR Sensor

/

/

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

FRONT-PANEL CONNECTIONS

Audio Effects: Press this button to directly access the Audio Effects

submenu, which allows adjustment of the tone and other controls.
See the Initial Setup section for more information.

Video Modes: Press this button for direct access to the Video Modes

submenu, which contains settings that may be used to improve the
picture if necessary after you have adjusted the picture settings using
the video display or TV.

OK: Press this button to select the currently highlighted item.
Back/Exit: Press this button to return to the previous menu, or

to exit the menu system.

10

REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS

AM and FM Antenna Terminals: Connect the included AM

and FM antennas to their respective terminals for radio reception.

XM Antenna Jack: Plug in an XM Connect and Play or Mini Tuner

antenna module here. The XM antenna module is purchased separately,
and should specify that it is for home use with an XM Ready
You will need to subscribe to the XM service, which is available sepa­rately, and activate the service for your antenna module. (XM service
is not available in Alaska and Hawaii.)

®

product.

Front, Center and Surround 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). Always connect the positive lead to the colored terminal
on the receiver and the red terminal on the speaker. Connect the negative
lead to the black terminal on both the receiver and the speaker. See the
Connections section for more information on connecting your speakers.

Surround Back/Zone 2 Speaker Outputs: These speaker

outputs are used for the surround back channels in a 7.1-channel home
theater, or may be reassigned to a remote room for multizone operation.
When these outputs are reassigned for multizone operation, only a

5.1-channel configuration will be available in the main listening room.
Use the on-screen menu system to configure these channels as desired.

As with the other speaker outputs, remember to observe proper polarity
by connecting the positive and negative output terminals to the corre­sponding terminals on each speaker.

Subwoofer Output: If you have a powered subwoofer with a

line-level input, connect it to this jack.

Preamp Outputs: Connect these jacks to an external amplifier if

more power is desired.

The Surround Back/Zone 2 Preamp Outputs may be used with an
external amplifier to power the surround back channels, or to power
the remote zone of a multizone system. Use the on-screen menu
system to configure these channels as desired.

Remote Infrared (IR) Input and Output: When the remote IR

receiver on the front panel is blocked, such as when the AVR is placed
inside a cabinet, connect an optional IR receiver to the Remote IR Input
jack for use with the remote control. The Remote IR Output may be
connected to the Remote IR Input of a compatible product to enable
remote control through the AVR. This is particularly useful in multizone
applications to control a source device from the remote room (when
used with the Zone 2 IR Input). When several source devices are used,
connect them in “daisy chain” fashion.

Zone 2 Infrared (IR) Input: Connect a remote IR receiver located

in the remote zone of a multizone system to this jack to control the AVR
(and any source devices connected to the Remote IR Output) from the
remote zone.

Composite and S-Video 1, 2 and 3 Video Inputs: These

jacks may be used to connect your video-capable source components
(e.g., VCR, DVD player, cable TV box) to the receiver. Use only one type

of video connection for each source. These inputs are assignable, which
means they may be paired with any analog or digital audio inputs. This
will be explained in more detail in subsequent sections of this manual.

NOTE: The Video 2 inputs are associated with a set of outputs.
Consider connecting a video recorder here.

Composite and S-Video 2 Outputs: Connect one of these

analog video outputs to the composite or S-video inputs of a recording
device. A signal is available at these outputs whenever an analog video
source is playing. HDMI and component video signals are not available
for recording.

Composite and S-Video Monitor Outputs: If any of your

sources use composite or S-video connections, connect one or both of
these monitor outputs to the corresponding inputs on your television or
video display. If your video display is equipped with HDMI or component
video inputs, these connections are unnecessary. Connect the HDMI
Monitor Output (if available, otherwise use the Component Video Monitor
Output) to your TV, and the AVR 254 will convert the composite or
S-video source signal to the correct format for a single video cable
connection to the TV.

HDMI Inputs and Output: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia

Interface) is a connection for transmitting digital audio and video signals
between devices. With the AVR 254’s powerful processor, you may
connect up to three HDMI-equipped source devices to the HDMI inputs
using a single-cable connection, while benefiting from superior digital
audio and video performance. If your video display is not HDMI-compatible,
connect the device to one of the analog video inputs, then pair it with
an analog or digital audio input.

If your video display has an HDMI input, make just the HDMI video con­nection to your display; the AVR 254 will automatically transcode analog
video signals to the HDMI format, upscaling to as high as 1080p.

Analog 1 – 5: Connect the left and right analog audio outputs of

a source device to any of these inputs. These inputs are assignable,
which means they may be paired with any video inputs, as explained
in subsequent sections of this manual.

NOTES:

• The Analog 3 through 5 connectors physically line up below
the Video 1 through 3 (composite and S-video) connectors.
For convenience, consider using Analog 3 with Video 1, Analog 4
with Video 2 and Analog 5 with Video 3, if appropriate for
your system.

• The Analog 1 and 2 connectors don’t physically line up with
any analog video inputs. Consider using them for audio-only
devices, such as a CD player or cassette tape deck.

• The Analog 2 and 4 inputs are each associated with a set of
outputs. Consider using the Analog 2 connectors for an audio
recorder, and the Analog 4 connectors for a video recorder
(along with the Video 2 connectors).

• You may optionally connect a source to both an analog and
digital audio input. This is useful for making recordings, for
multizone applications or simply as a backup.

11

REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS

Analog 2 and 4 Outputs: Connect either of these analog audio

outputs to the analog audio inputs of a recording device. A signal is
available at these outputs whenever an analog audio source is playing.
However, the AVR 254 does not convert digital audio sources to analog
for recording.

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 a coaxial digital audio output to the recorder’s input
for improved recording quality. Only PCM digital audio signals are
available for recording.

Stereo Jack: Enjoy audio from an iPod (not included), CD player or

other portable player by connecting its headphone jack to this input
using a 1/8” stereo mini-plug cable (not included). Video and still-image
playback are not available at this input.

6-/8-Channel Inputs: Connect the multichannel analog audio

™

outputs of a DVD-Audio, SACD
(or any other external decoder) to these jacks to enjoy these formats.

NOTE: When the multichannel player has an onboard digital
decoder, it is not necessary to connect it to the 6-/8-Channel
Analog Audio Inputs. Only a digital audio connection (HDMI,
coaxial or optical) is needed.

, Blu-ray Disc™or HD-DVD™player

RS-232 Mode: Leave this switch popped out in the Operate position

unless the AVR 254 is being upgraded.

RS-232 Reset: This switch is only used during a software upgrade.

A standard processor reset is performed by pressing and holding the
front-panel OK Button.

Switched AC Accessory Outlet: You may plug the AC power

cord of one source device into this outlet, and it will turn on whenever
you turn on the receiver. Do not use a source that consumes more than
50 watts of power.

AC Power Cord: After you have made all other connections, plug

the AC power cord into an unswitched outlet.

Component Video 1 and 2 Inputs: If a video source (e.g., DVD

player or HDTV tuner) has analog component video (Y/Pb/Pr) capability,
and if you are not using an HDMI connection for the device, then
connect the component video outputs of the source to one of the two
component video inputs. Do not make any other video connections
to that source.

Component Video Monitor Outputs: If you are using one of

the Component Video Inputs and your television or video display is
component-video-capable, and if you are not connecting the HDMI
Output to your display, connect these jacks to the corresponding inputs
on your video display.

NOTES:

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

• Composite and S-video signals are upscaled to as high as
1080i and available at these outputs. If your video display’s
best connection is component video, it is the only video
connection required from the AVR to the display.

RS-232 Serial Port: This specialized connector may be used with

your personal computer in case we offer a software upgrade for the
receiver at some time in the future.

121212

12

FM Antenna

XM

Antenna

AM Antenna

S-Video 2

Output

Composite 2

Output

Composite

1, 2 and 3

S-Video

1, 2 and 3

Video

Monitor

Outputs

HDMI

1, 2 and 3

AC Power

Cord

Component

1 and 2

Stereo Jack

HDMI

Monitor

Output

Component Video

Monitor Outputs

Subwoofer

Output

Preamp

Outputs

Front Speaker

Outputs

Surround

Speaker

Outputs

6-/8-

Channel

Inputs

Surround

Back/Zone 2

Speaker Outputs

Center Speaker

Outputs

Switched AC

Accessory

Outlet

RS-232

Reset

RS-232

Serial Port

Coaxial

Digital

Audio

Output

Coaxial

1 and 2

Digital

Audio

Optical 1 and 2

Digital Audio

Analog 1-5

Inputs

Zone 2

IR Input

Remote

IR Input

Remote

IR Output

Analog 2

Outputs

Analog 4

Outputs

RS-232

Mode

13

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. All connectors are inputs except as indicated.

131313

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

The AVR 254 remote is capable of controlling 7 devices, including the
AVR itself. During the installation process, you may program the codes
for each of your source components into the remote. Each time you
wish to use the codes for any component, first press its Selector button.
This changes the button functions to the appropriate codes.

Each Source 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 AUX
Source Selector may be used for any of five device types: a CD player,
an HDTV set-top box, a PVD recorder used with cable or satellite televi­sion, a TiVO
on the product code programmed into the AUX Source Selector as
described in the Initial Setup section. CD players use codes beginning
with a 0, 1 or 2; VCRs use codes beginning with a 3 or 4; HDTV
set-top boxes use codes beginning with a 6; PVDs use codes beginning
with a 7 and TiVO set-top boxes use codes beginning with an 8.
The remote automatically switches to the correct device mode, and
it will operate the device as described in the function list in Table A13
in the appendix.

Similarly, the CBL/SAT Source Selector automatically selects cable or
satellite television operation depending on the first digit of the product
code: 0, 1 or 2 for cable and 3 or 4 for satellite boxes.

Most of the buttons on the remote have dedicated functions, although the
precise codes transmitted will vary depending on which source device
has been selected for operation. Due to the wide variety of functions
unique to various source devices, we have included only a few of the most­often used functions on the remote, including alphanumeric keys, transport
controls, television-channel control, menu access and power on and off.
Please refer to the descriptions below for more specific information.

Some buttons are only used to operate the AVR, and their functions are
available at any time, even if the remote has been switched to another
device’s mode: AVR Power On and Off, Audio Effects, Video Modes,
Surround Modes, Volume and Mute. Press the AVR Settings button near
the bottom of the remote to return it to AVR mode.

Any given button may have different functions, depending on which
component is being controlled. Some buttons are labeled with these
functions. For example, the Page Up/Down Buttons are labeled for use
as Channel Up/Down Buttons when controlling a television or cable box.
See Table A13 in the appendix for listings of the different functions for
each type of component.

®

set-top box or a VCR. The device mode will depend

IMPORTANT NOTE: All of the AVR 254’s audio and video
inputs are independently assignable. As explained in the Initial
Setup section, it is necessary to set up each source, which
includes selecting the inputs to which the device is physically
connected. Any device may be connected to any compatible
input and given any name (e.g. DVD or Game). The Source
Selectors’ device types may be changed. For example, the TV
Source Selector may be reprogrammed to operate a DVD player.

IR Transmitter Lens: As buttons are pressed on the remote,

infrared codes are emitted through this lens. Make sure it is pointing
toward the component being operated.

AVR Power On Button: Press this button to turn on the AVR. The

Master Power Switch on the AVR 254’s front panel must first have been
switched on.

Device Power Off Button: When the remote has been switched to

a device’s mode by pressing its Source Selector, press this button to
turn off the device.

Device Power On Button: When the remote has been switched

to a device’s mode by pressing its Source Selector, press this button to
turn on the device.

Mute Button: Press this button to mute the AVR 254’s speaker and

headphone outputs temporarily. To end the muting, press this button
or adjust the volume. Muting is also canceled when the receiver is
turned off.

AVR Power Off Button: Press this button to turn off the AVR 254.
Source Selectors: Press one of these buttons to select a source

device, which is a component where a playback signal originates, e.g.,
DVD, CD, cable TV, satellite or HDTV tuner. This will also turn on the
receiver and switch the remote’s mode to operate the source device.
The first press of the Radio Selector switches the AVR to the last-used
tuner band (AM, FM or XM). Each successive press changes the band.

Audio Effects: This button is only used to operate the AVR. Press it

to directly access the Audio Effects submenu, which allows adjustment
of the tone and other controls. Each successive press scrolls to the next
line in the menu. See the Initial Setup section for more information.

Video Modes: This button is only used to operate the AVR. Press it

for direct access to the Video Modes submenu, which contains settings
that may be used to improve the picture if necessary after you have
adjusted the picture settings using the video display or TV. Each succes­sive press scrolls to the next line in the menu. See the Advanced
Functions section for more information.

Surround Modes: This button is only used to operate the AVR. Press

it to directly access the Surround Modes submenu. Each successive

⁄/¤

press scrolls to the next line in the menu, or use the
to scroll to the next line: Auto Select, Virtual Surround, Stereo, Movie,
Music or Video Game. Each menu line represents a type of audio signal,
and is set to the preferred surround mode that you manually select.

Press the OK Button when the menu line is highlighted, and the available
surround mode options for the current signal will appear. Use the
Buttons to select the desired mode, and press the OK Button to engage
it. Press the Back/Exit Button to exit the Surround Modes menu and
display the next higher menu in the hierarchy.

See the Advanced Functions section for more information on surround
modes.

Buttons

⁄/¤

Sleep Settings 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. Each successive press increases the timer by 10 minutes,
ending with the “Sleep Off” message.

14

14

AVR Power Off

AVR Power On

Source Selectors

Audio Effects

Alphanumeric Keys

Teletext

Volume

Mute

Device Power On
Device Power Off

Surround Modes

Video Modes

OK

Navigation

Activity

Menu

Disc Menu

Channel

Sleep Settings

Transport Controls

Source Settings

IR Transmitter Lens

Last

Back/Exit

Record

Info Settings

AVR Settings

Zone Selector

15

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.

15

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Volume Control: Press this button to raise or lower the volume.
Navigation (

used to make selections within the menu system. These buttons are
also used to operate the tuner.

⁄/¤

›

/‹/

) and OK Buttons: These buttons are

Alphanumeric Keys: Use these buttons to enter numbers for

radio station frequencies or to select station presets. Use the alphabetic
keys with other products as required. When prompted for a text entry,
the first press of the key displays the first letter printed above the key.
Each additional press displays the other letters. When the desired letter
appears, wait a moment for it to be entered before moving to the next
character.

Last Channel: When controlling a cable, satellite or HDTV set-top

box or a TV, press this button to return to the previous television channel.

Activity: This button may be programmed to transmit a series of

commands with a single press, which is useful for powering on all
devices and selecting the correct settings on each device, or for selecting
multi-digit channels with a single press. See the Advanced Functions
section for more information on Activities.

Back/Exit: Press this button to return to the previous menu or to exit

the menu system. This button may have the same effect with some
source devices.

Zone Selector: Use this switch to select whether AVR commands

will affect the main listening area (Zone 1) or the remote zone of a
multizone system (Zone 2). For normal operation, leave the switch in
the Zone 1 position.

Track Skip: These buttons have no effect on the receiver, but are

used with source components to change tracks or chapters.

Transport Controls: These buttons have no effect on the receiver,

but are used to control many source components.

Menu Button: This button is used to display the main menu on some

source devices. To display the AVR 254’s main menu, press the AVR
Settings Button.

Disc Menu: While a DVD is playing, press the DVD Source Selector,

then this button, to display the disc’s menu.

Teletext Buttons: Use these buttons with a Teletext-capable televi-

sion if your broadcast, cable or satellite provider offers Teletext service.
They are normally not used in North America. These buttons are also
used to operate some source devices. See Table A13 in the appendix
for details.

Channel/Page Control: When the tuner has been selected, this

control selects a preset radio station. Press these buttons while operat­ing a cable, satellite or HDTV set-top box or a television to change
channels. The Page control may be available with some DVD players
when playing a DVD Audio disc containing pages of images associated
with a track.

Record Button: Use this button to make recordings when an audio

or video recorder is in use.

AVR Settings Button: Press this button to display the AVR’s Main

Menu. It is also used to switch the remote’s device mode from a source
device to the AVR.

Info Settings Button: Press this button to display the AVR’s Info

Menu, which contains the settings for the current source.

Source Settings Button: Press a Source Selector and then this

button to display a source device’s settings menu.

16

16

INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER

The AVR 254 may be the first multichannel surround sound receiver
you have owned. Although it has more connections and features than
2-channel receivers, many of the principles are similar and the new
concepts are easy to understand. This introductory section will help you
to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts, which will make setup
and operation smoother.

If you are already familiar with home theater, you may skip this section
and proceed to the Connections section on page 18.

Typical Home Theater System

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

All of these components are connected using various types of cables
for audio and video signals.

Multichannel Audio

The main benefit of a home theater system is that several loudspeakers
are used in various locations around the room to produce “surround
sound.” Surround sound immerses you in the musical or film presentation
for increased realism.

The AVR 254 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. When more than two speakers are used, it
is called a multichannel system.

•

Front Left and Right – The main speakers are used the same
way as in a 2-channel system. However, you may notice that in
many surround modes, these speakers are used more for ambient
sound while the main action, especially dialogue, is moved to the
center speaker.

•

Center – The center speaker is usually placed above or below the
video screen, and is used mostly for dialogue in movies and television
programs. This placement allows the dialogue to originate near the
actors’ faces, for a more natural sound.

•

Surround Left and Right – The surround speakers are used to
improve directionality of ambient sounds. In addition, by using more
loudspeakers in the system, more dynamic soundtracks may be
played without risk of overloading any one speaker.

•

Surround Back Left and Right – Additional surround speakers may be
placed behind the listening position, improving the precision with which
ambient sounds may be placed and allowing for more realistic-sounding
pans. By using more speakers in the system, the same sound levels may
be attained with less burden placed on any individual speaker.

The surround back speakers may also be used with specialized
surround modes that are designed for use with 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). However, the surround back speakers

17

trols
casts,

are optional. In fact, the AVR 254 enables you to set up a 5.1-channel
system in your main listening area, and reassign the surround back
channels for use with a multizone system, in which you use the
surround back channels to power a pair of loudspeakers located in
another room.

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 a special-purpose speaker designed
to play only the lowest frequencies (the bass). It may be used to
augment smaller, limited-range satellite speakers used for the other
channels. In addition, many digital-format programs, such as movies
recorded in Dolby Digital and other digital formats, may contain a
special low-frequency effects (LFE) channel which is directed only
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. Many people use two subwoofers,
placed on the left and right sides of the room, for additional power
and even distribution of the sound.

Surround Modes

There are different theories as to the best way to present surround
sound and to distribute soundtrack information among the various
speakers. A variety of algorithms have been developed in an effort to
accurately reproduce the way we hear sounds in the real world. The
result is a rich variety of surround mode options. Some modes are
selected automatically, depending on the signal being received from
the source. In many cases, you may select a surround mode manually.

Several companies have taken surround sound in slightly differing
directions. It is helpful to group the numerous surround modes:

•

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Modes – Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus,
Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II and IIx, Dolby Virtual
Speaker, Dolby Headphone

•

DTS Modes – DTS-HD, 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

•

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

Table A12 in the appendix contains detailed explanations of the
differences between the various mode groups, and the mode options
available within each group. Digital modes, such as Dolby Digital and
DTS, are only available with specially encoded programs, such as HDTV,
DVDs and digital cable or satellite television. Other modes may be used
with various digital and analog signals to create a different surround
presentation, or to use a different number of speakers. Surround mode
selection depends upon the number of speakers in your system, the
materials you are watching or listening to, and your personal tastes.
Feel free to experiment.

17

SubwooferPreout

12 3

CONNECTIONS

There are different types of audio and video connections used to
connect the receiver to the speakers and video display, and to connect
the source devices to the receiver. To make it easier to keep them all

®

straight, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA

) has established

a color-coding standard. See Table 1.

Table 1 – Connection Color Guide

Audio Connections

Left Right
Front (FL/FR)
Center (C)
Surround (SL/SR)
Surround Back (SBL/SBR)
Subwoofer (SUB)

Digital Audio Connections

Coaxial

Optical

Video Connections

Component Y Pb Pr
Composite

S-Video

HDMI™ Connections (digital audio/video)

HDMI

Input

Types of Connections

This section will briefly review different types of cables and connections.

Speaker Connections

Speaker cables carry an amplified signal from the receiver’s speaker
terminals to each loudspeaker. Speaker cables contain two wire conduc­tors, or leads, inside plastic insulation. The two conductors are usually
differentiated in some way, by using different colors, or stripes, or by
adding a ridge to the insulation. Sometimes the wires are different,
colors e.g. copper-colored and silver.

The differentiation is important because each speaker must be connected
to the receiver’s speaker-output terminals using two wires, one positive
(+) and one negative (–), referred to as speaker polarity. It’s important
to maintain the proper polarity for all speakers in the system, or perform­ance can suffer, especially for the low frequencies.

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

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

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

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

Figure 2 – Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Bare Wires

Subwoofer

The subwoofer is a specialized type of loudspeaker used to play only
the low frequencies (bass), which require much more power than the
other speaker channels. In order to obtain the best results, most speaker
manufacturers offer powered subwoofers, in which the speaker contains
its own amplifier on board. Usually, a line-level (nonamplified) connection
is made from the receiver’s Subwoofer Output to a corresponding jack
on the subwoofer, as shown in Figure 3, but sometimes the subwoofer
is connected to the receiver using the front left and right speaker outputs,
as with passive in-wall subwoofers, and then the front left and right
speakers are connected to terminals on the subwoofer.

Although the subwoofer output looks similar to the analog audio jacks
used for the various components, it is filtered and only allows the low
frequencies to pass. Don’t connect this output to any other devices.
Although doing so won’t cause any harm, performance will suffer.

Figure 3 – Subwoofer

Always connect the positive terminal on the loudspeaker, which is usually
colored red, to the positive terminal on the receiver, which is colored as
shown in the Connection Color Guide (Table 1). Similarly, always connect
the black negative terminal on the speaker to the black negative terminal
on the receiver.

The AVR 254 uses binding-post speaker
terminals that can accept banana plugs

+

or bare-wire cables. Banana plugs are
simply plugged into the hole in the middle
of the terminal cap. See Figure 1.

Figure 1 – Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Banana Plugs

18

Connecting Source Devices to the AVR

The AVR 254 is designed to process audio and video input signals,
playing back the audio and displaying the video on a television or
monitor connected to the AVR. These signals originate in what are
known as “source devices,” including your DVD player, CD player, DVR
(digital video recorder) or other recorder, tape deck, game console,
cable or satellite television box or MP3 player. Although the tuner is
built into the AVR, it also counts as a source, even though no external
connections are needed, other than the FM and AM antennas and the
XM antenna 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 what’s available on the source device, and for video
signals, the capabilities of your video display.

18

CONNECTIONS

Coaxial

Coaxial digital

audio cable

Audio Connections

There are two formats for audio connections: digital and analog. Digital
audio signals are required for listening to sources encoded with digital
surround modes, such as Dolby Digital and DTS, or for non-compressed
PCM digital audio. There are three types of digital audio connections:
HDMI, coaxial and optical. Any type of digital audio connection may be
used for each source device, but never more than one for the same
source. However, it’s okay to make both analog and digital audio con­nections to the same source.

NOTE: Since HDMI signals may carry both audio and video, if
your video display device has an HDMI input, make a single HDMI
connection from your source device (such as a DVD player) to
the AVR. No separate digital audio connection is usually required.
Make sure to turn the volume on your television all the way down.

Digital Audio

The AVR 254 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, thus delivering
the highest quality picture and sound.

There are different HDMI versions, depending on the capability of
the source device and the type of signal it is capable of transmitting.

In addition, receivers and processors such as the AVR 254 may handle
the incoming signal in several different ways, depending on their capability
as well. The AVR 254 uses HDMI version 1.3a, and is capable of
processing both the audio and video components of the HDMI data,
minimizing the number of cable connections in your system. Thanks to
the higher bandwidth and speed of HDMI version 1.3a, the AVR 254
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.

NOTE: Some DVD-Audio, SACD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc
players, output mulitchannel audio only through the source’s
multichannel analog outputs. For those devices, 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.

In addition, the AVR 254 will convert analog video signals to the HDMI
format, upscaling to high-definition 1080p resolution. You may view the
AVR 254’s own on-screen display menus using the HDMI output.

The physical HDMI connection is simple. The connector is shaped for
easy plug-in (see Figure 4). If your video display has a DVI input and is
HDCP-compliant, you may use an HDMI-to-DVI adapter (not included)
to connect it to the AVR’s HDMI Output, but a separate audio connection
is required. HDMI cable runs are usually limited to about 10 feet,
depending on the type of cable used.

Figure 4 – HDMI Connection

If your video display or source device is not HDMI-capable, use one of
the analog video connections (composite, S- or component video) and,
if available on your source device, either a coaxial or optical digital audio
connection.

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

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 digital
audio cable

Figure 6 – Optical Digital Audio

Optical

Analog Audio

Analog connections require two cables, one for the left channel (white)
and one for the right channel (red). These two cables are often attached
to each other for most of their length. See Figure 7.

Most sources that have digital audio jacks also have analog audio jacks,
although some older types of sources, such as tape decks, only have
analog jacks. For sources that are capable of both digital and analog
audio, you may make both connections.

The analog audio connection is strongly recommended if you intend to
use the source with the multizone system. It’s required if you will be
using the multizone preamp outputs with an external amplifier to power
your remote speakers, as the AVR 254’s multizone system is not capa­ble of converting the digital signal to analog format. It’s suggested that
you also use the analog audio connections when using the Surround
Back/Zone 2 speaker outputs, in case another two-channel digital audio
source is in use in the main listening area. The AVR 254 is only capable
of processing one PCM source at a time.

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
cable (RCA)

Figure 7 – Analog Audio

L

R

Multichannel analog connections are used with some high-definition
sources where the copy-protected digital content is decoded inside the
source. These types of connections are usually used with DVD-Audio,
SACD, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD and other multichannel players. See
Figure 8. However, the multichannel analog audio connection is not

19

19

CONNECTIONS

S-video cable

Composite

video cable

required for DVD-Audio players compliant with HDMI version 1.1 or
better, or HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc players that decode the digital audio
internally and output linear PCM signals in digital format. Consult the
owner’s guide for your disc player for more information.

Front Surround Center

Multichannel
analog audio
cable (RCA)

Subwoofer

Figure 8 – Multichannel Analog Audio

The AVR 254 also offers an analog 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
Stereo Jack input. See Figure 9.

Figure 10 – Composite Video

S-video, or “separate” video, transmits the chrominance and luminance
components using separate wires contained within a single cable. The
plug on an S-video cable contains four metal pins, plus a plastic guide
pin. Be careful to line up the plug correctly when you insert it into the
jack on the receiver, source or video display. See Figure 11.

Figure 11 – S-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. The “Y” cable is color­coded green, the “Pb” cable is colored blue and the “Pr” cable is
colored red. See Figure 12.

Figure 9 – Stereo Jack

Video Connections

Although some sources only produce an audio signal (e.g., CD player,
tape deck), many sources output both audio and video signals (e.g.,
DVD player, cable television box, HDTV tuner, satellite box, VCR, DVR).
In addition to the audio connection, make one type of video connection
for each of these sources (only one at a time for any source).

Digital Video

If you have already connected a source device to one of the HDMI
inputs as explained in the Digital Audio Connections section, you have
automatically made a video connection at the same time, as the HDMI
signal includes both digital audio and video components.

If the source device is not capable of transmitting its digital audio signal
through the HDMI connection, use one of the coaxial or optical digital
audio inputs for the source.

If a multichannel analog audio connection is required for certain lossless
formats (e.g., DVD-Audio, SACD, HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc), you may
make both audio connections. To listen to the multichannel disc, set the
Audio Auto Polling setting to the 6/8CH inputs, and the AVR will automati­cally select it when no digital signal is output by the player.

Component
video cable

Figure 12 – Component Video

If it’s available on your video display, an HDMI connection is recom­mended as the best quality connection, followed by component video,
S-video and then composite video.

NOTES:

• Copy-protected sources are not available at the Component
Video Monitor Outputs.

• Standard and high-definition analog video signals are
upscaled to 1080i resolution for the Component Video
Monitor Outputs. For improved video performance, consider
upgrading to an HDMI-capable video display with 1080p
resolution.

Antennas

The AVR 254 uses separate terminals for the included FM and AM
antennas that provide proper reception for the tuner.

The FM antenna uses a 75-ohm F-connector. See Figure 13.

Analog Video

There are three types of analog video connections: composite video,
S-video and component video.

Composite video is the basic connection most commonly available. The
jack is usually color-coded yellow, and looks like an analog audio jack,
although it is important never to confuse the two. Do not plug a composite
video cable into an analog or coaxial digital audio jack, or vice versa.
Both the chrominance (color) and luminance (intensity) components of
the video signal are transmitted using a single cable. See Figure 10.

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Figure 13 – FM Antenna

The AM loop antenna needs to be assembled. Connect the two leads
to the spring terminals on the receiver. As AM antenna leads have no
polarity, it doesn’t matter which of the two terminals is used for either
lead. See Figure 14.

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Figure 14 – AM Antenna

To enjoy XM satellite radio, purchase an XM antenna module designed
for use with XM Ready devices and a subscription to the XM service.
We recommend the XM Mini Tuner and Home Dock Bundle, available
at www.xmradio.com. The older Connect and Play module is also com­patible with the AVR 254, but it may no longer be available in your area.

An XM Ready-compatible module uses the special connector on the
AVR 254’s rear panel that allows you to use the AVR’s tuner, including
its 40 preset station locations and remote control. Although you may
use a module with standard audio connections, which may be indicated
for “car and home use,” you will not be able to enjoy the AVR 254’s
ease of control.

CONNECTIONS

RS-232 Serial Port

The RS-232 serial port on the AVR 254 is used only for software
upgrades. If we release an upgrade for the receiver’s operating system
at some time in the future, it may be downloaded to the AVR using this
port. Complete instructions will be provided at that time.

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SPEAKER PLACEMENT

C

90°

150°

90°

150°

30° 30°

SUB

FRFL

SL

SBL SBR

SR

C

Alternate placement

for Side Surround

Left Speaker

Alternate placement

for Side Surround

Right Speaker

110°

150°

110°

150°

30° 30°

SUB

FRFL

SL SR

Before you begin to connect cables, it is important to place your speakers
in their correct locations in the room.

Optimally, the speakers should be placed in a circle with the listening
position at its center. The distance from the listening position to the
video display forms the radius of the circle.

The speakers should be angled so that they directly face the listening
position.

Front Speaker Placement

The center speaker is placed either on top of, below or mounted on the
wall above or below the video display screen.

The front left and right speakers are placed along the circle, about 30
degrees from the center speaker and angled toward the listener.

It is best to place the front left/right and center speakers as close to
the same height as possible, preferably at about the same height as
the listener’s ears. In any event, the center speaker should be no more
than two feet above or below the left/right speakers.

Placement of the surround speakers depends on the number of
speakers in your system. If you’re using only two speakers with the
AVR 254, place them in the front left and right positions, and skip to
the Installation section. However, we recommend using the AVR 254
in a 5.1- or 7.1-channel configuration for optimal surround sound
performance.

Placement of Surround Speakers in a 5.1-Channel
System

The side surround speakers should be placed 110 degrees from the
center speaker, that is, slightly behind and angled toward the listener.
If this isn’t feasible, place them behind the listener, with each surround
speaker facing the opposite-side front speaker. See Figure 15. The
surround speakers may be placed a little higher than the listener’s ears.

Placement of Surround Speakers in a 7.1-Channel
System

In a 7.1-channel system, the side surround speakers are placed 90 degrees
from the center speaker, directly to either side of the listening position.
The surround back left and right speakers are placed 150 degrees from
the center speaker, or directly facing the opposite-side front speaker.
See Figure 16.

Figure 15 – Speaker Placement (5.1-Channel System)

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Figure 16 – Speaker Placement (7.1-Channel System)

NOTE: Some speaker manufacturers offer 6.1-channel speaker
systems, which are compatible with 6.1-channel surround
sound formats, such as Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES Discrete and
Matrix modes and DTS Neo:6 mode. We do not recommend
using the AVR 254 in a 6.1-channel configuration. In fact, the

6.1-channel formats will sound better when played through

a 7.1-channel system. The same surround back channel infor­mation is played through both surround back speakers, but with
twice the power and clarity.

If you wish to use the AVR 254 with a 6.1-channel speaker
system, place the single surround back speaker directly behind
the listener, but do not connect it until after you have run the
EzSet/EQ procedure for a 5.1-channel system. After the
EzSet/EQ process finishes, connect the surround back speaker
to the Surround Back Left Speaker Output. Then follow the
directions in the Advanced Features section for manual setup
of the surround back speaker.

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

Subwoofer Placement

The subwoofer’s location is less critical, since low-frequency sounds
are omnidirectional. Placing the subwoofer close to a wall or in a corner
will reinforce the low frequencies, and may create a “boomy” sound.
Experiment by placing the subwoofer where the listener normally sits
and then walk around the room until the low frequencies sound best.
Place the subwoofer in that spot.

In some installations it may be desirable to use two subwoofers for
a 7.2-channel system. This is easily done by purchasing an optional
Y-Adapter with one male RCA plug and two female RCA jacks. Connect
the male jack to the Subwoofer output on the AVR’s rear panel, and
then run a standard interconnect cable from the Y-Adapter to the Line
Input of each subwoofer. You may then place the two speakers as best
suits the requirements of the room and your listening preferences.

NOTE: Your receiver will sound its best when the same model
loudspeaker is used for all positions (other than the subwoofer).
If that isn’t possible, try to use speakers made by the same
manufacturer.

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