Harman Kardon AVR 254 Owner's Manual

Harman Kardon AVR 254 Owner's Manual

Harman-kardon audio video receiver owner's manual
Table of Contents

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AVR 254
AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER
OWNER'S MANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Harman Kardon AVR 254

  • Page 1 AVR 254 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 254 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 254 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 254 multizone 7.1-channel digital audio/video receiver carries this tradition forward, Harman Kardon AVR 254 7.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver...
  • Page 7: Audio Inputs

    • 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. • System remote control •...
  • 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 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.
  • Page 10 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.
  • Page 11: Rear-Panel Connections

    Monitor Output (if available, otherwise use the Component Video Monitor These speaker 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.
  • Page 12 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:...
  • Page 13 13 13 13...
  • Page 14: Remote Control Functions

    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...
  • Page 15 IR Transmitter Lens AVR Power Off AVR Power On Source Selectors Audio Effects Alphanumeric Keys Last Back/Exit Teletext Volume Mute Record Info Settings AVR Settings Zone Selector Device Power On Device Power Off Video Modes Surround Modes Activity Menu Navigation Disc Menu Channel Transport Controls...
  • Page 16 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.
  • Page 17: 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 254 enables you to set up a 5.1-channel system in your main listening area, and reassign the surround back...
  • Page 18: Connections

    Figure 3 – Subwoofer 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,”...
  • Page 19: 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 254 is only capable of processing one PCM source at a time.
  • Page 20: Video Connections

    (RCA) 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.
  • Page 21: 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 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...
  • Page 22: 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 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...
  • Page 23: Subwoofer 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 24: Installation

    Referring to the photograph of the AVR 254 remote control on page 15, there is a section of 7 buttons near the top of the remote designated “Source Selectors”: Cable/Sat, DVD, Media Server, Radio, TV, Game and AUX.
  • Page 25: Hdmi Connections

    (see Figure 20): • Connect the DVD player’s HDMI output to the HDMI 1, 2 or 3 Input on the AVR. AVR 254 Figure 20 – Connecting An HDMI-Equipped Disc Player If the player is capable of playing multichannel discs, including DVD-...
  • Page 26 Using the default connections, if appropriate for your system, may save a few steps during Initial Setup. However, thanks to the AVR 254’s flexibility, you may assign any audio and any video input to any source, as long as the assignments match the physical connections.
  • Page 27 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 254 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 28: Step Five - Connect The Video Display

    HDMI Video: If the display has an HDMI input, connect the HDMI Monitor Output to the display (see Figure 32). Thanks to the AVR 254’s sophisticated video processing and upscaling capabilities, no other video connections are required from the AVR to the video display. Analog...
  • Page 29: 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 254 is turned on. If the device has a clock or must always be on, do not plug it into this outlet.
  • Page 30: Step Nine - Remote Ir Inputs And Output (Optional)

    AVR 254 Figure 38 – IR Inputs and Outputs When the AVR 254 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 31: Step Ten - Install A Multizone System (Optional)

    A multizone system is not required to enjoy the home theater experience. If you prefer not to install a multizone system at this time, skip to Step Eleven to turn on the AVR 254 and configure it.
  • Page 32 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 254, or after a system reset. To correct this, press the front-panel Resolution Button to display the current video output resolution.
  • Page 33: Initial Setup

    Before you begin enjoying your new receiver, a few adjustments should be made to configure the AVR 254 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 34 INITIAL SETUP Figure 45 – Plug EzSet/EQ microphone into receiver. Step Three – Make sure that the AVR 254 and the video display are turned on. Press the AVR Settings Button to display the Main Menu. See Figure 43. Use the Button to highlight the Speaker Setup line, and ¤...
  • Page 35: Set Up Sources

    Off. The AVR will also select the assigned video source. There are no “audio- only” sources on the AVR 254, other than the Radio, which uses a special on-screen menu. If no video signal is present, the display will remain black.
  • Page 36 INITIAL SETUP Audio Input from source: Select this line to assign the correct analog or digital audio input to the source. Refer to Table A5 in the appendix, where you noted the physical audio input the source is connected to, and select the input here.
  • Page 37 Europe and elsewhere. The AVR 254 is capable of detecting PAL video sources and converting them to the NTSC format for display on American televisions. Adjust Lip Sync: Use this adjustment to resynchronize the audio and video signals from a source to eliminate a “lip sync” problem. Lip sync...
  • Page 38: Operation

    Normally, you may leave the Master Power Switch in the ON position, even when the receiver is not being used. See Figure 41. There are several ways in which the AVR 254 may be turned on: a) Press the Standby/On Switch on the front panel. See Figure 41.
  • Page 39: Source Selection

    Figure 55 – Source List Button For direct access to any source, press its Source Selector on the remote. The AVR 254 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 40: 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 254 is “XM Ready,” 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 41: Stereo Jack Input

    Surround mode selection can be as simple or sophisticated as your individual system and tastes. Feel free to experiment with the many available surround modes on the AVR 254, and you may find a few that become your favorites for certain sources or program types. Although...
  • Page 42: Advanced Functions

    ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Much of the AVR 254’s performance is handled automatically, with little intervention required on your part. However, the AVR 254 is a sophisti- cated component, and is capable of being customized to suit your particular system and your tastes. In this section we describe some of the more advanced adjustments available on the AVR 254.
  • Page 43: Surround Modes

    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 254 is capable of using, and also indicates the types of incoming signals or digital bit- streams the mode may be used with.
  • Page 44: Dolby Surround Settings

    For any incom- ing signal, only a limited number of surround modes are available. Although there is never a time when all of the AVR 254’s surround modes are available, there is usually a wide variety of modes available for a given input.
  • Page 45: Manual Setup

    Manual Setup The AVR 254 is flexibly designed to be used with almost any loud- speakers available. The flexibility comes from the AVR 254’s capability to be configured to match the characteristics of your particular speakers, and to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of your room.
  • Page 46: Number Of Speakers

    The setting for the surround back speakers includes a third option: Zone 2. The AVR 254 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 47: 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 254’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 48: 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 254’s internal test tone, adjust the TEST TONE line as follows.
  • Page 49: Video Adjustments

    Audio Effects Button or the Back/Exit Button to clear the screen. Video Adjustments The AVR 254 uses leading-edge Faroudja DCDi Cinema video process- ing 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 50: Convergence And Edge Focus

    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 254 if necessary, to minimize the appearance of any white lines between the bars in the gray scale portion of the test screen.
  • Page 51: Multizone Operation

    Back/Exit Button to back out of the menu system. Multizone Operation The AVR 254 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 52: System Settings

    Figure 70 – Zone Select Switch System Settings The AVR 254 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 53: Advanced Remote Control Functions

    Processor Reset There may be instances when you wish to fully reset the AVR 254 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 54: Memory

    ADVANCED FUNCTIONS • The RS-232 Reset Button on the rear panel of the AVR 254 does not perform a system reset. DO NOT press the RS-232 Reset Button. To reset the AVR 254, place the receiver in Standby mode (press the front-panel Standby/On Switch so that the Power Indicator turns amber).
  • Page 55: Troubleshooting Guide

    Additional information on troubleshooting possible problems with your AVR 254, 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 56: Appendix

    APPENDIX Appendix – Default settings, worksheets, remote product codes Table A1 – Recommended Source Component Connections Device Type AVR 254 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 57 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 Surround Right Level...
  • Page 58 APPENDIX 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 Tone Control Treble Bass LFE Trim Night Mode Table A7 –...
  • Page 59 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 60 APPENDIX 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 61 Dolby Pro Logic IIx modes may be selected not only with Dolby Digital bit- streams, but thanks to the AVR 254’s post-processor, they may also be used with some DTS bitstreams to add a surround back channel to 5.1 modes.
  • Page 62 Movie encoding, Logic 7 Movie mode increases center channel intelligibility. Logic 7 The AVR 254 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 63 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 64 APPENDIX Refer to the numbered buttons in Figure 72 when using the Function List. Figure 72 – Remote Control Function List Reference...
  • Page 65 Table A13 – Remote Control Function List Button Name AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power Off AVR Power Off Device Power On Device Power Off CBL/SAT Input Sel Input Sel Media Server Input Sel Radio Radio Input Sel Game Input Sel Input Sel...
  • Page 66 APPENDIX 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 Media Server Input Sel Radio Radio Input Sel Game...
  • Page 67 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 CITIZEN...
  • Page 68 APPENDIX 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...
  • Page 69 Table A16 – Remote Control Product Codes: AUX - VCR VCR Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number AIWA AKAI 348 408 409 AMPRO AUDIO DYNAMICS 318 348 BROKSONIC 410 447 CANDLE 434 435 CANON 435 440 CAPEHART CITIZEN CRAIG 345 416 DAEWOO 317 394 404 DAYTRON 318 348...
  • Page 70 APPENDIX Table A17 – Remote Control Product Codes: AUX - CD CD Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number ADCOM 063 069 AIWA 072 111 118 AKAI 050 177 184 AUDIO TECHNICA AUDIOACCESS AUDIOFILE CALIFORNIA AUDIO CAPETRONIC CARRERA CARVER 136 140 141 CASIO 117 166 CLARINETTE DENON...
  • Page 71 Table A18 – Remote Control Product Codes: DVD DVD Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number APEX DIGITAL DENON 019 051 003 004 HARMAN KARDON 001 002 007 LG/GOLDSTAR 005 055 064 MAGNAVOX MARANTZ MITSUBISHI ONKYO 009 048 PANASONIC 024 030 044 PHILIPS PIONEER 041 065 PROCEED...
  • Page 72 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 73 NOTES...
  • Page 74 NOTES...
  • Page 75: Technical Specifications

    Image Rejection 80dB IF Rejection 90dB 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.
  • Page 76 ® 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797 www.harmankardon.com © 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Part No. CQX1A1310Z...

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