Harman Kardon AVR 354 Owner's Manual
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Harman Kardon AVR 354 Owner's Manual

Harman-kardon audio/video receiver owner's manual
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AVR 354
AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER
OWNER'S MANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Harman Kardon AVR 354

  • Page 1 AVR 354 AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER OWNER’S MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Safety Information

    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.

  • Page 3: Important Safety Information

    • 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 354 and the heat generated by the amplifiers, there is the remote possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the SAFETY INFORMATION unit’s feet may leave marks on certain wood or veneer materials.
  • Page 4 STAPLE INVOICE HERE...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Step Eight – Program Sources Into the Remote Step Nine – Remote IR Inputs and Output (optional) Step Ten – Install a Multizone System (optional) Step Eleven – Turn On the AVR 354 INITIAL SETUP Using the On-Screen Menu System...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    Over the years our products have become easier to use, and have delivered superior value. The AVR 354 multizone 7.1-channel digital audio/video receiver carries this tradition forward, with some of our most advanced video processing capabilities yet, and a wealth of listening and viewing options.

  • Page 7: Audio Inputs

    • Zone 2 IR input and Carrier IR Output • IEC detachable AC power cord for easy installation Supplied Accessories The following accessory items are supplied with the AVR 354. If any of these items are missing, please contact Harman Kardon customer service at www.harmankardon.com.

  • Page 8: Front-Panel Controls

    Remote IR Sensor: 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 354 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 354’s rear panel.

  • Page 10: Rear-Panel Connections

    Connect the HDMI Monitor Output (if available, otherwise use the Component Video Monitor Output) to your TV, and the AVR 354 will convert the composite or S-video source signal to the correct format for a single video cable connection to the TV.
  • Page 12 A signal is available at these outputs whenever an analog audio source is playing. However, the AVR 354 does not convert digital audio sources to analog for recording. Coaxial 1/2 and Optical 1/2/3 Digital Audio Inputs:...

  • Page 13: Main Remote Control Functions

    AVR Power On Button: Press this button to turn on the AVR. The Master Power Switch on the AVR 354’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...
  • Page 14 Menu Button: This button is used to display the main menu on some source devices. To display the AVR 354’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.
  • Page 15 IR Transmitter Lens AVR Power Off AVR Power On Source Selectors Audio Effects Alphanumeric Keys Back/Exit Teletext Volume Record Info Settings AVR Settings Zone Selector Last Light Mute Learn Device Power On Device Power Off Video Modes Surround Modes Activity Menu Navigation Disc Menu...

  • Page 16: Zone 2 Remote Control Functions

    Input Selectors is pressed, even if the AVR itself is in Standby mode. When in the main listening room, press any Input Selector or the AVR Selector to turn on the AVR 354, as you would when using the main system remote.

  • Page 17: Power Off

    Power Off Not Used AVR Settings Back/Exit Volume Controls Zone Selector POWER MUTE Cable/Sat The Bridge Radio Game Media Server Info Sleep Back/Exit Menu VOLUME Select Zone ll.4 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.

  • Page 18: Introduction To Home Theater

    (Discrete and Matrix), DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio and Logic 7 (7.1 modes). However, the surround back speakers are optional. In fact, the AVR 354 enables you to set up a 5.1-channel system in your main listening area, and reassign the surround back...

  • Page 19: Connections

    Figure 3 – Subwoofer Connecting Source Devices to the AVR The AVR 354 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,”...

  • Page 20: Audio Connections

    Surround Back/Zone 2 speaker outputs, in case another two-channel digital audio source is in use in the main listening area. The AVR 354 is only capable of processing one PCM source at a time.

  • Page 21: Video Connections

    AVR 354 remote to control the iPod with navigation messages displayed on the front panel and on a video display connected to the AVR. The Bridge II outputs analog audio to the AVR 354, and it is available to the multiroom system.

  • Page 22: Rs-232 Serial Port

    We recommend the XM Mini Tuner and Home Dock Bundle, available at www.xmradio.com. The older Connect and Play module is also com- patible with the AVR 354, but it may no longer be available in your area. An XM Ready-compatible module uses the special connector on the AVR 354’s rear panel that allows you to use the AVR’s tuner, including...

  • Page 23: Speaker Placement

    Placement of the surround speakers depends on the number of speakers in your system. If you’re using only two speakers with the AVR 354, place them in the front left and right positions, and skip to the Installation section. However, we recommend using the AVR 354 in a 5.1- or 7.1-channel configuration for optimal surround sound...

  • Page 24: Subwoofer Placement

    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.

  • Page 25: Installation

    Referring to the photograph of the AVR 354 remote control on page 15, there is a section of 8 buttons near the top of the remote designated “Source Selectors”: Cable/Sat, DVD, Media Server, Radio, TV, Game, The Bridge and AUX.

  • Page 26: Hdmi Connections

    (see Figure 20): • Connect the DVD player’s HDMI output to the HDMI 1, 2 or 3 Input on the AVR. AVR 354 Figure 20 – Connecting an HDMI-Equipped Disc Player If the player is capable of playing multichannel discs, including DVD-...
  • Page 27 Using the default connections, if appropriate for your system, may save a few steps during Initial Setup. However, thanks to the AVR 354’s flexibility, you may assign any audio and any video input to any source, as long as the assignments match the physical connections.
  • Page 28 Harman Kardon Parts Dept. You may then connect it to any set of analog audio inputs. • Although there is no official source on the AVR 354 named CD, Phono or Audio, you may assign the audio device to an available source, such as TV (if the Cable/Sat source is in use for broadcast television), Game or AUX.

  • Page 29: Step Five - Connect The Video Display

    AVR is powered on. Simply plug the proprietary cable from The Bridge II into the special The Bridge II connector on the rear of the AVR 354. See Figure 30. Use the dock adapter supplied with the iPod, or obtain an adapter to avoid damaging The Bridge II or the Apple iPod during use.

  • Page 30: Step Six - Plug In Ac Power

    50 watts. The device should have its mechanical or master power switch turned on, and it will power on any time the AVR 354 is turned on. If the device has a clock or must always be on, do not plug it into this outlet.

  • Page 31: Step Eight - Program Sources Into The Remote

    Figure 37 – Remote Battery Compartment When using the remote, remember to point the lens toward the front panel of the AVR 354. Make sure no objects, such as furniture, are blocking the remote’s path to the receiver. Bright lights, fluorescent lights and plasma video displays may interfere with the remote’s functioning.

  • Page 32: Step Nine - Remote Ir Inputs And Output (Optional)

    AVR 354 Figure 41 – IR Inputs and Outputs When the AVR 354 is placed in such a way that aiming the remote at the front-panel IR sensor is difficult, such as inside a cabinet or facing away from the listener, you may connect an external IR receiver, such as the optional Harman Kardon HE 1000, to the Remote IR Input jack.

  • Page 33: Step Eleven - Turn On The Avr 354

    In addition to the audio signal, you may connect an IR control device to the AVR 354’s Zone IR Input so that listeners in the remote room may turn the multizone system on or off, select a source input, control the source device connected to that input and adjust the volume in the remote zone.
  • Page 34 Sleep Settings and AVR Power On and Off. • If you are not using the AVR’s HDMI Output with your display, you may not see a picture the first time you turn on the AVR 354, or after a system reset. To correct this, press the front-panel Resolution Button to display the current video output resolution.

  • Page 35: Initial Setup

    Before you begin enjoying your new receiver, a few adjustments should be made to configure the AVR 354 to match your actual system. Make sure that you have connected a video display to one of the video monitor outputs on the receiver. When you turn on your display and the...
  • Page 36 INITIAL SETUP Figure 49 – Plug EzSet/EQ microphone into receiver. Step Three – Make sure that the AVR 354 and the video display are turned on. Press the AVR Settings Button to display the Main Menu. See Figure 47. Use the Button to highlight the Speaker Setup line, ¤...

  • Page 37: Set Up Sources

    Off. The AVR will also select the assigned video source. There are no “audio- only” sources on the AVR 354, other than the Radio, which uses a special on-screen menu. If no video signal is present, the display will remain black.
  • Page 38 INITIAL SETUP Video Input From Source: Select this line to assign the correct video input to the source. Refer to Table A5 in the appendix, where you noted the physical video input the source is connected to, and select the input here. Audio Input From Source: Select this line to assign the correct analog or digital audio input to the source.
  • Page 39 NTSC is the video format used for standard-definition television in the U.S. and other parts of the world. The PAL format is used in parts of Europe and elsewhere. The AVR 354 is capable of detecting PAL video sources and converting them to the NTSC format for display on American televisions.

  • Page 40: Operation

    Normally, you may leave the Master Power Switch in the ON position, even when the receiver is not being used. See Figure 45. There are several ways in which the AVR 354 may be turned on: a) Press the Standby/On Switch on the front panel. See Figure 45.

  • Page 41: Source Selection

    Figure 59 – Source List Button For direct access to any source, press its Source Selector on the remote. The AVR 354 will switch to the audio and video inputs assigned to the source. The source name will appear in the upper line of the front-panel display.

  • Page 42: Xm Radio Operation

    XM Radio is a satellite-delivered service that offers hundreds of program channels, as well as local traffic and weather information for select cities. The AVR 354 is an XM Ready device, which means that it is able to receive the XM service when a user-supplied XM antenna module is connected and the service activated.

  • Page 43: Using Docking Station

    The Bridge II is an included dock that is compatible with most docking iPod models, 4G and later (not included). When The Bridge II is con- nected to its proprietary input on the AVR 354 and the iPod is docked, you may play the audio, video and still-image materials on your iPod through your high-quality audio/video system, operate the iPod using the AVR remote or the AVR’s front-panel controls, view navigation...

  • Page 44: Selecting A Surround Mode

    In addition, if a video monitor is connected to the AVR 354 and the system is not in iPod Manual Mode, it will display information about the status of the iPod and the track, including the play mode icon, the song title, artist and album.

  • Page 45: Advanced Functions

    There is no harm in experiment- ing with all of the modes available with any given source material. Table A12 offers a brief description of each mode the AVR 354 is capable of using, and also indicates the types of incoming signals or digital bit- streams the mode may be used with.
  • Page 46 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS incoming signal, only a limited number of surround modes are available. Although there is never a time when all of the AVR 354’s surround modes are available, there is usually a wide variety of modes available for a given input.

  • Page 47: Dolby Surround Settings

    Full: More compression is applied. Table A12 provides descriptions of all surround modes available on the AVR 354, along with the incoming bitstreams or signals that the particular mode may be used with. Feel free to experiment and simply cycle through all of the available modes at any time;...

  • Page 48: Manual Setup

    ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Manual Setup The AVR 354 is flexibly designed to be used with almost any loud- speakers available. The flexibility comes from the AVR 354’s capability to be configured to match the characteristics of your particular speakers, and to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of your room.

  • Page 49: Number Of Speakers

    The setting for the surround back speakers includes a third option: Zone 2. The AVR 354 is capable of multizone operation, allowing place- ment of a pair of speakers in another room. Listeners in the remote room may enjoy either the same program as in the main room or a different source.

  • Page 50: Adjust Speaker Distance Menu

    With up to seven main channels plus a subwoofer, imaging becomes both more critical and more complex. Unlike the rotary balance control, the goal of the AVR 354’s channel output adjustment process is to examine the output level of each channel independently and ensure that each is heard at the listening position with equal loudness.

  • Page 51: Audio Effects

    Set Button and use the to adjust the level as desired between –10dB and + 10dB. If you would like to set your levels using the AVR 354’s internal test tone, adjust the TEST TONE line as follows.

  • Page 52: Video Adjustments

    Audio Effects Button or the Back/Exit Button to clear the screen. Video Adjustments The AVR 354 uses leading-edge Faroudja DCDi Cinema video pro- cessing technology, with incoming video upscaled to 1080p (up to 1080i when component video outputs are used) for outstanding video quality, even with older analog video sources.

  • Page 53: How To Adjust The Custom Picture Settings

    Contrary to intuition, the picture will appear sharper and clearer with the sharpness backed off from the maximum setting. Reduce the sharpness setting on your television, and the setting on the AVR 354 if necessary, to minimize the appearance of any white lines between the bars in the gray scale portion of the test screen.

  • Page 54: Multizone Operation

    ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Multizone Operation The AVR 354 offers the benefits of multizone operation, a rarity in a receiver this affordable. With the multizone system in use, you may enjoy an exciting 5.1-channel home theater presentation in the main listening area, while others listen to the same materials or an entirely different presentation in another room.

  • Page 55: System Settings

    Figure 75 – Zone Select Switch System Settings The AVR 354 offers system settings that allow you to make the receiver easier to use rather than directly affecting performance. These settings may be accessed from the System Settings menu, which is selected by pressing the AVR Button and navigating to the System line.

  • Page 56: Advanced Remote Control Functions

    CRT displays. Advanced Remote Control Functions The AVR 354 remote control not only operates the AVR 354, but it also serves as a universal remote that may be programmed to operate many other home theater components, as described in the Installation section.

  • Page 57: Processor Reset

    Processor Reset There may be instances when you wish to fully reset the AVR 354 to its factory defaults, or the unit may behave erratically after a power surge. To correct erratic behavior, first try turning the Master Power Switch off and unplugging the AC power cord for at least three minutes.

  • Page 58: Troubleshooting Guide

    Additional information on troubleshooting possible problems with your AVR 354, or installation-related issues, may be found in the list of “Frequently Asked Questions” , which is located in the Product Support section of our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.

  • Page 59: Appendix

    Appendix – Default settings, worksheets, remote product codes Table A1 – Recommended Source Component Connections Device Type AVR 354 Source Cable TV, satellite TV, HDTV CBL/SAT or other device that delivers television programs DVD Audio/Video, SACD, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD player...
  • Page 60 APPENDIX Table A3 – Speaker/Channel Setting Defaults Audio Input Left/Right Speakers Center Speaker Left/Right Surround Speakers Left/Right Surround Back Speakers Subwoofer Left/Right Speakers Crossover Center Speaker Crossover Left/Right Surround Speakers Crossover Left/Right Surround Back Speakers Crossover Subwoofer Mode Subwoofer Size Front Left Level Center Level Front Right Level...
  • Page 61 Table A5 – Source Settings Cable/Sat Surround Modes Video Input Audio Input Resolution to Display Adjust Lip Sync Change Name Audio Auto Polling Zone 2 Audio Table A6 – Audio Effects Settings Default Cable/Sat Tone Control Treble Bass LFE Trim Night Mode Table A7 –...
  • Page 62 APPENDIX Table A8 – Surround Modes Default Auto Select Logic 7 Movie or native digital format Virtual Surround Dolby Virtual Speaker Reference Stereo 7 CH Stereo Movie Logic 7 Movie Music Logic 7 Music Game Logic 7 Game Center Width Dimension Panorama Note: These settings are only available when Dolby Pro Logic II or IIx Music mode has been selected.
  • Page 63 Table A11 – Zone 2 Settings Source Input Status Source Volume Surround Back Amps Table A12 – Surround Modes Surround Mode Description Dolby Digital Provides up to five separate main audio channels and a dedicated low-frequency effects (LFE) channel. May be encoded for Night mode, which allows the user to apply a compression setting that maintains intelligibility of softer passages while reducing the loudness of dynamic passages to avoid disturbing others.
  • Page 64 Dolby Pro Logic IIx modes may be selected not only with Dolby Digital bit- streams, but thanks to the AVR 354’s post-processor, they may also be used with some DTS bitstreams to add a surround back channel to 5.1 modes.
  • Page 65 Movie encoding, Logic 7 Movie mode increases center channel intelligibility. Logic 7 The AVR 354 is programmed at the factory to default to this mode for Music 2-channel signals. Logic 7 Music mode is well suited to conventional 2-channel music recordings.
  • Page 66 APPENDIX Surround Mode Description Logic 7 Game Use Logic 7 Game mode to enhance enjoyment of video game consoles. 5-Channel Stereo Useful for parties, the left- and right-channel information is played through both the front and surround speakers on each side, while the center speaker plays a summed mono mix.
  • Page 67 Refer to the numbered buttons in Figure 77 when using the Function List. Figure 77 – Remote Control Function List Reference APPENDIX...
  • Page 68 APPENDIX Table A13 – Remote Control Function List Button Name AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off Device Power On Device Power Off CBL/SAT Input Sel Input Sel The Bridge Input Sel Radio Radio...
  • Page 69 Table A13 – continued Button Name CBL/SAT AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power Off AVR Power Off Device Power On Power On Device Power Off Power Off CBL/SAT Input Sel Input Sel The Bridge Input Sel Radio Radio Input Sel Game Input Sel...
  • Page 70 APPENDIX Refer to Tables A14 through A24 when programming the codes for your components into the remote. Table A14 – Remote Control Product Codes: TV TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number AIWA A MARK ADMIRAL AKAI AMPRO ANAM BLAUPUNKT BROKSONIC CANDLE CAPEHART CENTURION CENTRONIC...
  • Page 71 Table A14 – continued TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number TATUNG TECHNICS TECHWOOD TEKNIKA TELERENT TERA THOMSON TOSHIBA TOTEVISION VIDEO CONCEPTS VIDTECH WARDS YAMAHA YORK YUPITERU ZENITH ZONDA Table A15 – Remote Control Product Codes: AUX - HDTV TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number MOTOROLA SAMSUNG ZENITH...
  • Page 72 APPENDIX Table A16 – continued VCR Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number SALORA SAMSUNG 345 351 395 SANSUI 348 416 447 SANYO 317 320 SCOTT 410 412 SEARS 317 320 SHARP 429 456 SONY 380 429 SOUNDESIGN SYLVANIA SYMPHONIC TANDY 317 340 TASHICO TATUNG TEAC...
  • Page 73 Table A17 – continued CD Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number 024 081 093 REALISTIC 058 093 095 SANSUI 047 081 134 SANYO 033 082 095 SCOTT SHARP 058 105 114 SHERWOOD 003 041 058 SONY 103 115 116 206 207 208 SOUNDSTREAM SYMPHONIC 059 110...
  • Page 74 APPENDIX Table A20 – Remote Control Product Codes: GAME Game Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number MICROSOFT (XBOX) SONY (PLAYSTATION 2) Table A21 – Remote Control Product Codes: CBL CBL Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number 001 011 ALLEGRO AMERICAST ARCHER BELCOR CABLE STAR 033 113 CITIZEN COLOUR VOICE...

  • Page 75: Technical Specifications

    ±400kHz, 70dB Image Rejection 80dB IF Rejection 90dB Please register your AVR 354 at www.harmankardon.com. NOTE: You’ll need the product’s serial number. At the same time, you can choose to be notified about new products and/or special promotions. AM Tuner Section Frequency Range 520–1720kHz...
  • Page 76 ® 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797 www.harmankardon.com © 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Part No. CQX1A1311Z...

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