Harman Kardon Avr 120 Users Manual 220 OM

Harman Kardon AVR 120 Receiver Owner’s Manual AVR 120 OM Troubleshoot Harman Kardon AVR 120 Receiver |

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2015-01-25

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AVR 120 Audio/Video Receiver
OWNER’S MANUAL

AVR 120

Power for the Digital Revolution.™

AVR 120 Audio/Video Receiver
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Introduction
Safety Information
Unpacking
Front Panel Controls
Front Panel Information Display
Rear Panel Connections
Remote Control Functions
Installation and Connections
System Installation
Audio Equipment Connections
Video Equipment Connections
Power Connections
System Configuration
Speaker Selection and Placement
System Setup
Speaker Setup
Output Level Adjustment
Delay Settings
Additional Input Adjustments
Operation
Basic Operation
Source Selection
Volume Control
Surround Mode Chart
Surround Mode Selection
Digital Audio Playback
Selecting a Digital Source
Digital Status Indicators
Night Mode
MP3 Audio Playback
Tuner Operation
Tape Recording
Output Level Trim Adjustment
Display Brightness
Programming the Remote
Direct Code Entry
Auto Search Method
Code Readout
Macro Programming
Programmed Device Functions
Punch-Through Programming
Volume Punch-Through
Channel Control Punch-Through
Transport Control Punch-Through
Reassigning Device Control
Selectors
Resetting the Remote Memory
Function List
Setup Code Tables
Troubleshooting Guide
Processor Reset
Technical Specifications

Typographical Conventions
In order to help you use this manual with the remote control, front panel controls and rear panel
connections, certain conventions have been used.
EXAMPLE – (bold type) indicates a specific remote control or front panel button, or rear panel
connection jack
EXAMPLE – (OCR type) indicates a message that is visible on the front panel information display
1 – (number in a square) indicates a specific front panel control
¡ – (number in a circle) indicates a rear panel connection
a – (number in an oval) indicates a button or indicator on the remote
A – (letter in a square) indicates an indicator in the front panel display

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon!
With the purchase of a Harman Kardon
AVR 120 you are about to begin many years of
listening enjoyment. The AVR 120 has been
custom-designed to provide all the excitement
and detail of movie soundtracks and every
nuance of musical selections. With onboard
Dolby* Digital and DTS® decoding, the AVR 120
delivers six discrete channels of audio that take
advantage of the digital soundtracks from the
latest DVD and LD releases and Digital
Television broadcasts.
While complex digital systems are hard
at work within the AVR 120 to make all of this
happen, hookup and operation are simple.
Color-keyed connections and a programmable
remote control make the AVR 120 easy to use.
To obtain the maximum enjoyment from your
new receiver, we urge you to take a few minutes to read through this manual. This will
ensure that connections to speakers, source
playback units and other external devices are
made properly. In addition, a few minutes
spent learning the functions of the various controls will enable you to take advantage of all
the power the AVR 120 is able to deliver.

In addition to providing a wide range of listening options, the AVR 120 is easy to configure
so that it provides the best results with your
speakers and specific listening-room
environment.

■ Onboard Dolby Digital and DTS
Decoding Using Crystal® Chip
Technology

For the ultimate in flexibility, the AVR 120 features connections for five video devices, all with
both composite and S-Video inputs, including
the front panel inputs. Two additional audio
inputs are available, and a total of six digital
inputs make the AVR 120 capable of handling
all the latest digital audio sources. Coax and
optical digital outputs are also available for
direct connection to digital recorders. The
AVR 120’s powerful amplifier uses traditional
Harman Kardon high-current design technologies to meet the wide dynamic range of any
program selection.

■ Dolby Laboratories’ Latest Pro Logic II
Decoding Technology

■ Harman Kardon’s Exclusive Logic 7 and
VMAx Modes

■ MP3 Decoding for Use With Computers
and Digital Audio Players
■ Front Panel Digital Inputs for Easy
Connection to Portable Digital Devices
and the Latest Video Game Consoles
■ Multiple Digital Inputs and Outputs
■ Color-Coded Input, Output and
Speaker Terminals Comply With the
Latest CEA Standards for Easy
Installation

Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity
receiver more than forty-seven years ago. With
state-of-the-art circuitry and time-honored circuit designs, the AVR 120 is one of the finest
receivers ever offered by Harman Kardon.

If you have any questions about this product,
its installation or its operation, please contact
your retailer or custom installer. They are your
best local sources of information.
Description and Features
The AVR 120 is among the most versatile and
multifeatured A/V receivers available, incorporating a wide range of listening options. In
addition to Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for
digital sources, a broad choice of analog surround modes are available for use with sources
such as CD, VCR, TV broadcasts and the
AVR 120’s own FM/AM tuner. Along with the
latest Dolby Pro Logic* II decoding technology,
Dolby 3 Stereo and custom Hall and Theater
modes, only Harman Kardon receivers offer
Logic 7® to create a wider, more enveloping
field environment and more defined fly-overs
and pans. Another Harman Kardon exclusive is
VMAx®, which uses proprietary processing to
create an open, spacious sound field even
when only two front speakers are available.
Finally, the AVR 120 is among the very few A/V
receivers that offer decoding of MP3 data, so
that you may listen to the latest music selections directly from compatible computers or
playback devices with the power and fidelity
you expect from Harman Kardon.

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock,
do not use this (polarized)
plug with an extension cord,
receptacle or other outlet
unless the blades can
be fully inserted to
prevent blade exposure.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

3 INTRODUCTION

Safety Information
Important Safety Information
Verify Line Voltage Before Use
Your AVR 120 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 depot 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 a staple accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately, and consult an authorized service station.
CATV or Antenna Grounding
If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to this product, be certain that it is
grounded so as to provide some protection
against voltage surges and static charges.
Section 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information
with respect to proper grounding of the mast
and supporting structure, grounding of the leadin wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of
grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes
and requirements of the grounding electrode.
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This
reminder is provided to call the CATV (Cable
TV) system installer’s attention to article 82040 of the NEC that provides guidelines for

4 SAFETY INFORMATION

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 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.
Cleaning
When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean,
soft, dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it with a soft
cloth dampened with mild soapy water, then a
fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe dry immediately with a dry cloth. NEVER use benzene,
aerosol cleaners, thinner, alcohol or any other
volatile cleaning agent. Do not use abrasive
cleaners, as they may damage the finish of metal
parts. Avoid spraying insecticide near the unit.
Moving the Unit
Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect any interconnection cords with other components, and make certain that you disconnect
the unit from the AC outlet.
Important Information for the User
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class-B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
The limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio-frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However, there
is no guarantee that harmful interference will

not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
■ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
■ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
■ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
■ Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: Changes or modifications may cause
this unit to fail to comply with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and may void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.

Unpacking
The carton and shipping materials used to protect your new receiver during shipment were
specially designed to cushion it from shock and
vibration. We suggest that you save the carton
and packing materials for use in shipping if you
move, or should the unit ever need repair.
To minimize the size of the carton in storage,
you may wish to flatten it. This is done by carefully slitting the tape seams on the bottom and
collapsing the carton. Other cardboard inserts
may be stored in the same manner. Packing
materials that cannot be collapsed should be
saved along with the carton in a plastic bag.
If you do not wish to save the packaging materials, please note that the carton and other sections of the shipping protection are recyclable.
Please respect the environment and discard
those materials at a local recycling center.
At this time you should remove the protective
plastic film from the front-panel lens. Leaving
the film in place may affect the performance of
your remote control.

Front Panel Controls

ı
29 ˆ Ù

ÚÒ  Ô

AVR 120

Ó
(
*
&

1
2

9 )

! @ $
#

1 Main Power Switch
2 System Power Control
3 Power Indicator
4 Headphone Jack
5 Selector Buttons
6 Tone Mode
7 Surround Mode Selector
8 Tuning Selector
9 Tuner Band Selector
) Preset Stations Selector

! Input Source Selector
@ FM Mode Selector
# Digital Optical 3 Input
$ Digital Coax 3 Input
% Video 4 Video Input Jacks
^ Video 4 Audio Input Jacks
& Bass Control
* Balance Control
( Treble Control
Ó Volume Control

Ô Set Button
 Input Indicators
Ò Delay
Ú Digital Input Selector
Û Main Information Display
Ù Channel Select Button
ı Speaker Select Button
ˆ Test Tone Selector
˜ Surround Mode Indicators
¯ Remote Sensor Window

1 Main Power Switch: Press this button to
apply power to the AVR 120. When the switch
is pressed in, the unit is placed in a Standby
mode, as indicated by the amber LED 3 surrounding the System Power Control 2.
This button MUST be pressed in to operate the
unit. To turn the unit off and prevent the use
of the remote control, this switch should be
pressed until it pops out from the front panel
so that the word “OFF” may be read at the
top of the switch.

3 Power Indicator: This LED will be illuminated in amber when the unit is in the Standby
mode to signal that the unit is ready to be
turned on. When the unit is in operation, the
indicator will turn green. Should the indicator
turn red, turn the unit off using the Main
Power Switch 1 and check the speaker wire
connections to make certain that there are no
short circuits.

6 Tone Mode: Pressing this button enables
or disables the Bass and Treble tone controls.
When the button is pressed so that the words
TONE IN appear in the Main Information
Display Û, the settings of the Bass & and
Treble ( controls may be used to adjust the
output signals. When the button is pressed so
that the words TONE OUT appear in the Main
Information Display Û, the output signal
will be “flat,” without any bass or treble alteration, no matter how the actual Bass and
Treble Controls &( are adjusted.

NOTE: This switch is normally left in the “ON”
position.
2 System Power Control: When the Main
Power Switch 1 is “ON,” press this button
to turn on the AVR 120; press it again to turn
the unit off. Note that the Power Indicator
3 surrounding the switch will turn green
when the unit is on.

4 Headphone Jack: This jack may be used to
listen to the AVR 120’s output through a pair of
headphones. Be certain that the headphones
have a standard 1/4" stereo phone plug. Note
that the main room speakers will automatically
be turned off when the headphone jack is in use.
5 Selector Buttons: When you are establishing the AVR 120’s configuration settings, use
these buttons to select from the choices available,
as shown in the Main Information Display Û.

7 Surround Mode Selector: Press this button to change the surround mode by scrolling
through the list of available modes. Note that
depending on the type of input, some modes
are not always available. (See page 22 for more
information about surround modes.)

5 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

Front Panel Controls
8 Tuning Selector: Press the left side of the
button to tune lower-frequency stations and the
right side of the button to tune higher-frequency
stations. When a station with a strong signal
is reached, the TUNED Indicator Q will be
illuminated in the Main Information
Display Û .
To tune manually, tap the button lightly and
note that the tuner will step up one frequency
increment per button press. When the button is
held for a few seconds you will note that the
unit will quickly search the frequency band.
Release it once the fast tuning starts; the tuner
will automatically scan for the next station with
an acceptable signal and then stop.
9 Tuner Band Selector: Pressing this button
will automatically switch the AVR 120 to the
Tuner mode. Pressing it again will switch
between the AM and FM frequency bands. (See
page 25 for more information on the tuner.)
) Preset Stations Selector: Press this
button to scroll up or down through the list or
stations that have been entered into the preset
memory. (See page 26 for more information on
tuner presets.)
! Input Source Selector: Press this button
to change the input by scrolling up or down
through the list of input sources.
@ FM Mode Selector: Press this button to
select Auto or Manual tuning. When the button
is pressed so that the AUTO Indicator R
lights, the tuner will search for the next station
with an acceptable signal when the Tuning
Selector 8u is pressed. When the button is
pressed so that the AUTO Indicator R is not
lit, each press of the Tuning Selector 8u
will increase the frequency. This button may also
be used to switch between Stereo and Mono
modes for FM radio reception. When weak
reception is encountered, press the button until
the STEREO Indicator P goes out to switch
to Mono reception. Press and hold again to
switch back to STEREO mode. (See page 25 for
more information on using the tuner.)
# Digital Optical 3 Input: Connect the optical digital output of an audio or video product to
this jack. When the input is not in use, be certain
to keep the plastic cap installed to avoid dust
contamination that might degrade future
performance.

6 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

$ Digital Coax 3 Input: This jack is used for
connection to the output of portable audio
devices, video game consoles or other products
that have a coax digital jack.
% Video 4 Video Input Jacks: These jacks
may be used for temporary connection to the
composite or S-Video output of video games,
camcorders or other portable video products.
^ Video 4 Audio Input Jacks: These audio
jacks may be used for temporary connection to
video games or portable audio/video products
such as camcorders and portable audio players.
& Bass Control: Turn this control to modify
the low-frequency output of the left/right channels by as much as ±10dB, when the unit is in
the “Surround Off” mode. Set this control to a
suitable position for your taste or room acoustics.
* Balance Control: Turn this control to
change the relative volume for the front
left/right channels.
NOTE: For proper operation of the surround
modes this control should be at the midpoint
or “12 o’clock” position.
( Treble Control: Turn this control to modify
the high frequency output of the left/right channels by as much as ±10dB, when the unit is in
the “Surround Off” mode. Set this control to a
suitable position for your taste or room acoustics.
Ó Volume Control: Turn this knob clockwise
to increase the volume, counterclockwise to
decrease the volume. If the AVR 120 is muted,
adjusting the Volume Control Ó 33 will
automatically release the unit from the silenced
condition.
Ô Set Button: When making choices during
the setup and configuration process, press this
button to enter the desired setting as shown
in the Main Information Display Û into the
AVR 120’s memory. The set button may also
be used to change the display brightness.
(See page 26.)
 Input Indicators: A green LED will light in
front of the input that is currently being used as
the source for the AVR 120.
Ò Delay: Press this button to begin the
sequence of steps required to enter delay time
settings. (See page 19 for more information on
delay times.)

Ú Digital Input Selector: When playing a
source that has a digital output, press this
button to select between the Optical #d
and Coaxial $e Digital inputs. (See pages
23–25 for more information on digital audio.)
Û Main Information Display: This display
delivers messages and status indications to
help you operate the receiver. (See pages 7–8
for a complete explanation of the Information
Display.)
Ù Channel Select Button: Press this button
to begin the process of trimming the channel
output levels using an external audio source.
(For more information on output level trim
adjustment, see page 26.)
ı Speaker Select Button: Press this button
to begin the process of configuring the unit to
match the type of speakers used in your listening room. (See pages 16–19 for more information on speaker setup and configuration.)
ˆ Test Tone Selector: Press this button to
begin the process of adjusting the channel output levels using the internal test tone as a reference. (For more information on output level
adjustment, see page 18.)
˜ Surround Mode Indicators: A green LED
will light in front of the surround mode that is
currently in use.
¯ Remote Sensor Window: The sensor
behind this window receives infrared signals
from the remote control. Aim the remote at this
area and do not block or cover it.

Front Panel Information Display

U
DTS

D OPT 123 COAX 123 ANALOG

MP3
PCM

PL II

3ST

R Q PO NM
AUTO TUNED ST MEM

PRESET
SLEEP

KHz
MHz
DSP VMAx NF LOGIC 7 CM

F G H

L
L

K
R

NIGHT
SL

LFE SR

A Bitstream Indicators
B DTS Mode Indicator
C Dolby Digital Indicator
D Dolby Pro Logic II Indicator
E Dolby 3 Stereo Indicator
F Main Information Display
G DSP Mode Indicator
H VMAx Mode Indicators

I Logic 7 Mode Indicators
J Preset Number/Sleep Timer
K Night Mode Indicator
L Speaker/Channel Input Indicators
M Preset Indicator
N Sleep Indicator
O Memory Indicator
P Stereo Indicator

Q Tuned Indicator
R Auto Indicator
S Analog Input Indicator
T Coaxial Digital Input Indicators
U Optical Digital Input Indicators

A Bitstream Indicators: When the input is a
digital source, one of these indicators will light to
display the specific type of data signal in use.

G DSP Mode Indicator: This indicator lights
when any of the surround modes created by
Digital Signal Processing, or DSP are in use.
These modes include Hall 1, Hall 2, Theater and
5-Channel Stereo.

incoming data-signal configuration. The left,
center, right, right surround and left surround
speaker indicators are composed of three boxes,
while the subwoofer is a single box. The center
box lights when a “small” speaker is selected,
and the two outer boxes light when “large”
speakers are selected. When none of the boxes
are lit for the center, surround or subwoofer
channels, no speaker has been assigned to one
of those positions. (See page 17 for more information on configuring speakers.) The letters
inside each of the center boxes display active
input channels. For standard analog inputs, only
the L and R will light, indicating a stereo input.
When a digital source is playing, the indicators
will light to display the channels being received
at the digital input. When the letters flash, the
digital input has been interrupted. (See pages
18–19 for more information on the Channel
Indicators.)

B DTS Mode Indicator: This indicator lights
when a DTS-encoded source is playing.
C Dolby Digital Indicator: This indicator
lights when a Dolby Digital source is being
played.
D Dolby Pro Logic II Indicator: This indicator lights when the Dolby Pro Logic II mode has
been selected.
NOTE: It is possible to see the Dolby
Pro Logic II indicator lit simultaneously with the
Dolby Digital indicator, even though the Dolby
Digital surround mode has been selected. This is
due to the specifications for Dolby Digital processing, which require that the Dolby Pro Logic II
mode apply any time a 2-channel Dolby signal
is detected. If you desire 5.1-channel audio,
check the audio settings in the menus for both
your DVD player and your DVD disc to make
sure that a 5.1-channel Dolby Digital sound
track is available and has been selected.
E Dolby 3 Stereo Indicator: This indicator
lights when the Dolby 3 Stereo mode has been
selected.
F Main Information Display: This display
shows messages relating to the status, input
source, surround mode, tuner, volume level or
other aspects of the AVR 120’s operation.

H VMAx Mode Indicators: This indicator
lights when the VMAx mode is in use. VMAx F
appears when the Far Field VMAx mode is
selected; VMAx N appears when the Near
Field VMAx mode is selected. (See page 22 for
a description of the VMAx modes.)
I Logic 7 Mode Indicators: These indicators light when the Logic 7 mode is in use.
LOGIC 7C appears for the Cinema version
of Logic 7; LOGIC 7M appears for the
Music version of Logic 7. (See page 22 for a
description of the Logic 7 modes.)
J Preset Number/Sleep Timer: When the
tuner is in use, these numbers indicate the specific preset memory location in use. (See page
26 for more information on preset stations.)
When the Sleep function is in use, these numbers show how many minutes remain before
the unit goes into the Standby mode.
K Night Mode Indicator: This indicator
lights when the AVR 120 is in the Night mode,
which preserves the dynamic range of digital
program material at low volume levels.
L Speaker/Channel Input Indicators: These
indicators are multipurpose, indicating either the
speaker type selected for each channel or the

M Preset Indicator: This indicator lights
when the tuner is in use to show that the
Preset Number/Sleep Timer J is showing
the station’s preset memory number. (See page
26 for more information on tuner presets.)
N Sleep Indicator: This indicator lights when
the Sleep function is in use. The numbers in the
Preset Number/Sleep Timer Indicators will show
the minutes remaining before the AVR 120
goes into the Standby mode. (See page 21 for
more information on the Sleep function.)

7 FRONT PANEL INFORMATION DISPLAY

Front Panel Information Display
O Memory Indicator: This indicator flashes
when entering presets and other information
into the tuner’s memory.
P Stereo Indicator: This indicator lights when
an FM station is being tuned in stereo.
Q Tuned Indicator: This indicator lights when a
station is being received with sufficient signal
strength to provide acceptable listening quality.
R Auto Indicator: This indicator lights when
the tuner’s Auto mode is in use.
S Analog Input Indicator: This indicator
lights when an analog input source has been
selected.
T Coaxial Digital Input Indicators: These
indicators light to show when a Coaxial Digital
Input has been selected.
U Optical Digital Input Indicators: These
indicators light to show when an Optical Digital
Input has been selected.

8 FRONT PANEL INFORMATION DISPLAY

Rear Panel Connections

L
IN

·
°

AC INPUT

~120V/60HZ A

VID 3

VID 3
1

TAPE

™

OPT
OUT

VID 2

VID 2
2

MODEL NO. AVR 120

ANTENNA

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

COAX
AM

IN
2

VID 1

§ ∞
¶
•

GND

OUT

VID 1

DIGITAL IN
OUT

OPT
FM
75Ω

DVD

DVD
COAX

DIGITAL OUT

MON.
OUT

–

SERIAL NO.
RIGHT
SUBWOOFER

ª ‚ ⁄¤

¡ Tape Inputs
™ Tape Outputs
£ Video 1 Audio Inputs
¢ AM Antenna
∞ Video 1 Audio Outputs
§ DVD Audio Inputs
¶ FM Antenna
• CD Inputs
ª Optical Digital Output
‚ Coaxial Digital Output

‹

LEFT

FRONT SPKRS (8Ω)

RIGHT

CENTER
SPKR (8Ω)

LEFT

SURR. SPKRS (8Ω)

›

⁄ DVD Video Inputs
¤ Video Monitor Outputs
‹ Subwoofer Output
› Front Speaker Outputs
ﬁ Surround Speaker Outputs
ﬂ Switched AC Accessory Outlet
‡ Unswitched AC Accessory Outlet
° AC Power Cord
· Video 1 Video Outputs
a Video 1 Video Inputs

ﬁ

ﬂ

‡

b Video 2 Video Inputs
c Video 3 Video Inputs
d Optical Digital Inputs
e Coaxial Digital Inputs
f Video 3 Audio Inputs
g Video 2 Audio Inputs

9 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Rear Panel Connections
¡ Tape Inputs: Connect these jacks to the
PLAY/OUT jacks of an audio recorder.
™ Tape Outputs: Connect these jacks to the
RECORD/INPUT jacks of an audio recorder.
£ Video 1 Audio Inputs: Connect these
jacks to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a VCR
or other video source.
¢ AM Antenna: Connect the AM loop antenna
supplied with the receiver to these terminals. If an
external AM antenna is used, make connections
to the AM and GND terminals in accordance
with the instructions supplied with the antenna.
∞ Video 1 Audio Outputs: Connect these
jacks to the RECORD/INPUT audio jacks on
a VCR.
§ DVD Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks
to the analog audio jacks on a DVD or other
video source.
NOTE: The default setting for the audio input
associated with DVD is the Coaxial Digital
Input 1 e. If you connect the audio outputs
of a DVD player to these jacks, change the
input setting as shown on page 20.
¶ FM Antenna: Connect the supplied indoor or
an optional external FM antenna to this terminal.
• CD Inputs: Connect these jacks to the output of a compact disc player or CD changer.
ª Optical Digital Output: Connect this jack
to the matching digital input connector on a
digital recorder such as CD-R or MiniDisc
recorder.
‚ Coaxial Digital Output: Connect this
jack to the matching digital input connector on
a digital recorder such as a CD-R or MiniDisc
recorder.
⁄ DVD Video Inputs: Connect these jacks to
the composite or S-Video output jacks on a
DVD or other video source.
¤ Video Monitor Outputs: Connect this
jack to the composite or S-Video input of a TV
monitor or video projector to view the output of
any standard video source selected by the
receiver’s video switcher.
‹ Subwoofer Output: Connect this jack to
the line-level input of a powered subwoofer. If
an external subwoofer amplifier is used, connect this jack to the subwoofer amplifier input.

10 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

› Front Speaker Outputs: Connect these
outputs to the matching + or – terminals on
your front speakers. When making speaker
connections, always make certain to maintain
correct polarity by connecting the black terminal to the negative (–) terminal on the speakers. Connect the white terminal to the positive
(+) terminal on the left front speaker, the red
terminal to the positive (+) terminal on the
right front speaker and the green terminal to
the positive (+) terminal on the center front
speaker. Newer speakers will have matching
color terminals in accordance with the new CEA
specifications, while existing speakers typically
use a red terminal for the positive (+) speaker
wire connection. (See page 14 for more information on speaker polarity.)
ﬁ Surround Speaker Outputs: Connect
these outputs to the matching + or – terminals
on your left and right surround speakers. When
making speaker connections always make certain to maintain correct polarity by connecting
the black terminal to the negative (–) terminal
on the speakers. Connect the blue terminal to
the positive (+) terminal on the left surround
speaker and the gray terminal to the positive
(+) terminal on the right surround speaker.
Newer speakers will have matching color terminals in accordance with the new CEA specifications, while existing speakers typically use a red
terminal for the positive (+) speaker wire connection. (See page 14 for more information on
speaker polarity.)
ﬂ Switched AC Accessory Outlet: This
outlet may be used to power any device you
wish to have turned on when the AVR 120 is
turned on with the System Power Control
Switch 2.
‡ Unswitched AC Accessory Outlet: This
outlet may be used to power any AC device.
The power will remain on at this outlet regardless of whether the AVR 120 is on or off.
NOTE: The total power consumption of all
devices connected to the accessory outlets
should not exceed 100 watts.
° AC Power Cord: Connect the AC plug to
an unswitched AC wall output.
· Video 1 Video Outputs: Connect these
jacks to the RECORD/INPUT composite or
S-Video jack on a VCR.

a Video 1 Video Inputs: Connect these
jacks to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video
jacks on a VCR or other video source.
b Video 2 Video Inputs: Connect these
jacks to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video
jacks on a TV, VCR or other video source.
c Video 3 Video Inputs: Connect these
jacks to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video
jacks on a cable television box, satellite dish
receiver, VCR or other video source.
d Optical Digital Inputs: Connect the optical digital output from a DVD player, HDTV
receiver, LD player, satellite receiver, cable box,
MiniDisc player or recorder, or CD player to
these jacks. The signal may be either a Dolby
Digital signal, a DTS signal or a standard PCM
digital source.
e Coaxial Digital Inputs: Connect the coax
digital output from a DVD player, HDTV receiver,
LD player, satellite receiver, cable box, MiniDisc
recorder or CD player to these jacks. The signal
may be either a Dolby Digital signal, DTS signal
or a standard PCM digital source. Do not connect the RF digital output of an LD player to
these jacks.
f Video 3 Audio Inputs: Connect these
jacks to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a VCR,
satellite receiver, cable box, video game or
other composite video source.
g Video 2 Audio Inputs: Connect these
jacks to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a VCR,
satellite receiver, cable box, video game or
other composite video source.

Remote Control Functions
b a

POWER

d
f

AVR

DVD

TAPE

VCR

TV
VID2

CBL/SAT
VID3

VID4

VID1

AM/FM

h
SLEEP
CH.
SURR.

T/V

SP
K

CH
.

m
n

30
29
Y

TA
L

LA
DE

TUN-M

MEM

DIRECT

CLEAR

PRESET

TUNING
D.SKIP

NOTE: The function names shown here refer to
each button’s feature when used with the
AVR 120. Most buttons have additional functions when used with other devices. See pages
31–32 for a list of these functions.

SET

p
q

ME
N

GU
ID

k
l

VOL.

NIGHT

34
TEST

MUTE

OFF

I
DIG

a Power Off Button
b IR Transmitter Window
c Program Indicator
d Power On Button
e Input Selectors
f AVR Selector
g AM/FM Tuner Select
h Test Button
i Sleep Button
j Surround Mode Selector
k Night Mode
l Channel Select Button
m ⁄ Button
n ‹ Button
o Set Button
p Digital Select
q ¤ Button
r Numeric Keys
s Tuner Mode
t Direct Button
u Tuning Up/Down
v Macro Buttons
w Transport Controls
x Skip Up/Down Buttons
y Disc Skip Button
z Preset Up/Down
` Clear Button
28 Memory Button
●
29 Delay/Prev. Ch.
●
30 › Button
●
31 Speaker Select
●
32 Spare Button
●
33 Volume Up/Down
●
34 TV/Video Selector
●
35 Mute
●

z
y

w
x

DWN

SKIP

120

11 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Remote Control Functions
IMPORTANT NOTE: The AVR 120’s remote
may be programmed to control up to eight
devices, including the AVR 120. Before using the
remote, it is important to remember to press the
Input Selector Button e that corresponds
to the unit you wish to operate. In addition, the
AVR 120’s remote is shipped from the factory to
operate the AVR 120 and most Harman Kardon
CD or DVD players and cassette decks. The
remote is also capable of operating a wide variety of other products using the control codes
that are part of the remote. Before using the
remote with other products, follow the instructions on pages 27–30 to program the proper
codes for the products in your system.
It is also important to remember that many of
the buttons on the remote take on different
functions, depending on the product selected
using the Device Control Selectors. The descriptions shown here primarily detail the functions
of the remote when it is used to operate the
AVR 120. (See pages 31–32 for information
about alternate functions for the remote’s buttons.)

f AVR Selector: Pressing this button will
switch the remote so that it will operate the
AVR 120’s functions. If the AVR 120 is in the
Standby mode, it will also turn the AVR 120 on.
g AM/FM Tuner Select: Press this button to
select the AVR 120’s tuner as the listening
choice. Pressing this button when the tuner is
already in use will switch between the AM and
FM bands.
h Test Button: Press this button to begin
the sequence used to calibrate the AVR 120’s
output levels. (See pages 18–19 for more information on calibrating the AVR 120.)
i Sleep Button: Press this button to place
the unit in the Sleep mode. After the time
shown in the display, the AVR 120 will automatically go into the Standby mode. Each press
of the button changes the time until turn-off in
the following order:
90
min

80
min

70
min

60
min

50
min

40
min

30
min

20
min

10
min

OFF

a Power Off Button: Pressing this button
turns off (places in the Standby mode) the device
that was last selected by pressing one of the
Input Selectors e. To place the AVR 120 in
the Standby mode, first press the AVR Selector
Button f and then press this button.

Note that this button is also used to change
channels on your TV when the TV is selected.

b IR Transmitter Window: Point this window towards the AVR 120 when pressing buttons
on the remote to make certain that infrared commands are properly received.

jSurround Mode Selector: Press this button to begin the process of changing the surround mode. After the button has been pressed,
use the ⁄/¤ Buttons mq to select the
desired surround mode. (See page 22 for more
information.) Note that this button is also used
to tune channels when the TV is selected using
the device Input Selector e. This button is
also used in part of the process of erase stored
macro commands. (See page 28 for more information on macros.)

c Program Indicator: This three-color indicator is used to guide you through the process
of programming the remote. (See pages 27–30
for information on programming the remote.)
d Power On Button: Press this button
to turn on power to the device that was last
selected by pressing one of the Input Selectors
e. To turn on the AVR 120, press the AVR
Selector Button f.
e Input Selectors: Pressing one of these
buttons will perform three actions at the same
time. First, if the AVR 120 is not turned on, this
will power up the unit. Next, it will select the
source shown on the button as the input to the
AVR 120. Finally, it will change the remote control so that it controls the device selected. After
pressing one of these buttons you must press
the AVR Selector Button f again to operate the AVR 120’s functions with the remote.

12 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

This button is also used to end the process of
creating a macro command. (See page 28 for
more information on creating macros.)

NOTE: The Sleep Button i and Surround
Mode Selector j may also function as the
Channel + and – keys when the remote is programmed for use with TVs, cable boxes, VCRs,
satellite receivers or other video devices with
tuners. See page 29 for information on programming the remote for Channel Control
Punch-Through capability so that you may
change channels on a separate device when
the remote is in AVR mode.
k Night Mode: Press this button to activate
the Night mode. This mode is available in specially encoded digital sources, and it preserves

dialog (center channel) intelligibility at low
volume levels.
l Channel Select Button: This button is
used to start the process of setting the AVR 120’s
output levels to an external source. Once this button is pressed, use the ⁄/¤ Buttons mq
to select the channel being adjusted, then press
the Set Button o, followed by the ⁄/¤
Buttons mq again, to change the level setting. (See page 26 for more information.)
m ⁄ Button: This multipurpose button is
used to change or scroll through items in the
menus, or to change configuration settings such
as output levels. When changing an item such as
the surround mode or digital input directly, first
press the function or mode to be changed (e.g.,
press the Surround Mode Selector j to
select a surround mode or the Digital Select
Button p to change the digital input) and
then press this button to scroll through the list of
available choices.
n ‹ Button: This button is used to change
the menu selection or setting during some of
the setup procedures for the AVR 120.
o Set Button: This button is used to enter
settings into the AVR 120’s memory. It is also
used in the setup procedures for delay time,
speaker configuration and channel output level
adjustment.
p Digital Select: Press this button to assign
one of the digital inputs de#$ to a
source. (See page 23 for more information on
using digital inputs.)
q ¤ Button: This multipurpose button is
used to change or scroll through items in the
menus, or to change configuration settings such
as output levels. When changing an item such as
the surround mode or digital input directly, first
press the function or mode to be changed (e.g.,
press the Surround Mode Selector j to
select a surround mode or the Digital Select
Button p to change the digital input) and
then press this button to scroll through the list of
available choices.
r Numeric Keys: These buttons serve as a
ten-button numeric keypad to enter tuner preset
positions. They are also used to select channel
numbers when TV has been selected on the
remote, or to select track numbers on a CD,
DVD or LD player, depending on how the
remote has been programmed.

Remote Control Functions
s Tuner Mode: Press this button when the
tuner is in use to select between automatic
tuning and manual tuning. When the button is
pressed so that the AUTO Indicator R goes
out, pressing the Tuning Buttons u8 will
move the frequency up or down in single-step
increments. When the FM band is in use, pressing this button when a station’s signal is weak
will change to monaural reception. (See page
25 for more information.)
t Direct Button: Press this button when
the tuner is in use to start the sequence for
direct entry of a station’s frequency. After pressing the button simply press the proper
Numeric Keys r to select a station. (See
page 25 for more information on the tuner.)
u Tuning Up/Down: When the tuner is in
use, these buttons will tune up or down through
the selected frequency band. If the Tuner Mode
Button s@ has been pressed so that the
AUTO Indicator R is illuminated, pressing and
holding either of the buttons for three seconds
will cause the tuner to seek the next station with
acceptable signal strength for quality reception.
When the AUTO Indicator R is NOT illuminated, pressing these buttons will tune stations
in single-step increments. (See page 25 for more
information.)
v Macro Buttons: Press these buttons
to store or recall a “Macro”, which is a
preprogrammed sequence of commands
stored in the remote. (See page 28 for more
information on storing and recalling macros.)
w Transport Controls: These buttons do
not have any functions for the AVR 120, but
they may be programmed for the forward/
reverse play operation of a wide variety of CD
or DVD players, and audio or video cassette
recorders. (See page 30 for more information
on programming the Transport Control PunchThrough capability of the remote.)
x Skip Up/Down Button: These buttons
have no direct function with the AVR 120, but
when used with a compatibly programmed CD
or DVD changer they will change the disc currently being played in the changer.
y Disc Skip Button: This button has no
direct function for the AVR 120, but is often
used when the remote is programmed to operate a CD or DVD changer to change the discs in
the changer. (See page 28 for more information
on using the remote with other devices.)

z Preset Up/Down: When the tuner is
in use, press these buttons to scroll through the
stations programmed into the AVR 120’s memory. When some source devices, such as CD
players, VCRs and cassette decks, are selected
using the device Input Selectors e, these
buttons may function as Chapter Step or Track
Advance.
` Clear Button: Press this button to clear
incorrect entries when using the remote to directly
enter a radio station’s frequency.
28 Memory Button: Press this button to enter
a radio station into the AVR 120’s preset memory.
Once the MEMORY Indicator O flashes, you
have five seconds to enter a preset memory
location using the Numeric Keys r (See
page 26 for more information.)
29 Delay/Prev Ch.: Press this button to
begin the process for setting the delay times
used by the AVR 120 when processing surround
sound. After pressing this button, the delay
times are entered by pressing the Set Button
o and then using the ⁄/¤ Buttons mq
to change the setting. Press the Set Button
o again to complete the process. (See page
19 for more information.)

Volume Control Punch-Through capability of
the remote, which allows you to change the
AVR 120’s volume while the remote is set to
control another device.
34 TV/Video Selector: This button does not
have a direct function on the AVR 120, but
when used with a compatibly programmed
VCR, DVD or satellite receiver that has a
“TV/Video” function, pressing this button will
switch between the output of the player or
receiver and the external video input to that
player. Consult the owner’s manual for your
specific player or receiver for the details of how
it implements this function.
35 Mute: Press this button to momentarily
silence the AVR 120 or TV set being controlled,
depending on which device has been selected.
When the AVR 120 is muted, press this button
or use the Volume Control Ó 33 to return
to the previous volume level. When the AVR 120
remote is being programmed to operate another
device or when a macro command is being programmed, this button is pressed with the Input
Selector Button e to begin the programming process. (See page 27 for more information on programming the remote.)

30 › Button: Press this button to change a
setting or selection when configuring many of the
AVR 120’s settings.
31 Speaker Select: Press this button to
begin the process of configuring the AVR
120’s bass management system for use with
the type of speakers used in your system. Once
the button has been pressed, use the ⁄/¤
Buttons mq to select the channel you
wish to set up. Press the Set Button o and
then select another channel to configure.
When all adjustments have been completed,
press the Set Button o twice to exit the
settings and return to normal operation. (See
page 17 for more information.)
32 Spare Button: This button does not have
any function for the operation of the AVR 120,
but it is available for use when programmed
with the code from another remote. (See page
27 for information on programming the remote
with codes for other devices.)
33 Volume Up/Down: Press these buttons to
raise or lower the system volume. See page 29
for more information on programming the

13 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Installation and Connections
System Installation
After unpacking the unit, and placing it on a solid
surface capable of supporting its weight, you will
need to make the connections to your audio and
video equipment.
Audio Equipment Connections
We recommend that you use high-quality interconnect cables when making connections to
source equipment and recorders to preserve the
integrity of the signals.
When making connections to audio source
equipment or speakers it is always a good practice to unplug the unit from the AC wall outlet.
This prevents any possibility of accidentally
sending audio or transient signals to the speakers that may damage them.
1. Connect the analog output of a CD player to
the CD Inputs •.
NOTE: When the CD player has both fixed and
variable audio outputs it is best to use the fixed
output unless you find that the input to the
receiver is so low that the sound is noisy, or so
high that the signal is distorted.
2. Connect the analog Play/Out jacks of a cassette deck, MD, CD-R or other audio recorder to
the Tape Input Jacks ¡. Connect the analog
Record/In jacks on the recorder to the Tape
Output Jacks ™ on the AVR 120.
3. Connect the output of any digital sources
to the appropriate input connections on the
AVR 120 rear panel. Note that the Optical
and Coaxial Digital Inputs de#$ may
be used with a Dolby Digital or DTS source or
the output of a conventional CD or LD player’s
PCM (S/P-DIF) output. To take advantage of
the AVR 120’s built-in MP3-decoding capabilities, you may also connect the digital output
of a computer or sound card to this input,
provided that the signal from the computer is
in the S/P-DIF format. Check your computer or
sound card’s instructions to verify the type of
output signal or use a transcoder such as the
Harman Kardon DAL 150.
4. Connect the Optical Digital Output ª or
Coaxial Digital Output ‚ on the rear panel of
the AVR 120 to the matching digital input connections on a CD-R or MiniDisc recorder.
5. Assemble the AM Loop Antenna supplied
with the unit as shown below. Connect it to the
AM and GND Screw Terminals ¢ .

14 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

6. Connect the supplied FM antenna to the FM
Antenna (75 ohm) Connection ¶. The FM
antenna may also be an external roof antenna,
an inside powered or wire lead antenna or a
connection from a cable TV system. Note that if
the antenna or connection uses 300-ohm twinlead cable, you must use the 300-ohm-to-75ohm adapter supplied with the unit to make
the connection.
7. Connect the front, center and surround
Speaker Outputs › ﬁ to the respective
speakers.
To ensure that all the audio signals are carried
to your speakers without loss of clarity or resolution, we suggest that you use high-quality
speaker cable. Many brands of cable are available and the choice of cable may be influenced
by the distance between your speakers and the
receiver, the type of speakers you use, personal
preferences and other factors. Your dealer or
installer is a valuable resource to consult in
selecting the proper cable.
Regardless of the brand of cable selected, we
recommend that you use a cable constructed of
fine, multistrand copper with a gauge of 14 or
smaller. Remember that in specifying cable, the
lower the number, the thicker the cable.
Cable with a gauge of 16 may be used for short
runs of less than ten feet. We do not recommend that you use cables with an AWG equivalent of 18 or higher due to the power loss and
degradation in performance that will occur.
Cables that are run inside walls should have the
appropriate markings to indicate listing with UL,
CSA or other appropriate testing agency standards. Questions about running cables inside
walls should be referred to your installer or a
licensed electrical contractor who is familiar
with the NEC and/or the applicable local building codes in your area.
When connecting wires to the speakers, be certain to observe proper polarity. Remember to
connect the “negative” or “black” wire to the
same terminal on both the receiver and the

speaker. The AVR 120 is one of the first audio
products with the latest CEA-recommended
color-coding for speaker terminals. Accordingly,
the positive (+) terminal, which was previously
red, is now a specific color to assist you in making the correct connections. If your speakers
have color-coded connections, match the terminal on the AVR 120 to the like terminal on your
speakers. For existing speakers with a red terminal for the positive connection, the connections
on the AVR 120 are as follows:
Left Front = White
Right Front = Red
Center = Green
Left Surround = Blue Right Surround = Grey
NOTE: While most speaker manufacturers
adhere to an industry convention of using black
terminals for negative and red ones for positive,
some manufacturers may vary from this configuration. To ensure proper phase and optimal
performance, consult the identification plate on
your speaker or the speaker’s manual to verify
polarity. If you do not know the polarity of your
speaker, ask your dealer for advice before proceeding, or consult the speaker’s manufacturer.
We also recommend that the length of cable
used to connect speaker pairs be identical.
For example, use the same length piece of
cable to connect the front-left and front-right
or surround-left and surround-right speakers,
even if the speakers are a different distance
from the AVR 120.
8. Connections to a subwoofer are normally
made via a line-level audio connection from the
Subwoofer Output ‹ to the line-level input
of a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. When a
passive subwoofer is used, the connection first
goes to a power amplifier, which will be connected to one or more subwoofer speakers. If
you are using a powered subwoofer that does
not have line-level input connections, follow the
instructions furnished with the speaker for connection information.
Video Equipment Connections
Video equipment is connected in the same manner as audio components. Again, the use of highquality interconnect cables is recommended to
preserve signal quality.
1. Connect a VCR’s audio and video Play/Out
jacks to the Video 1 Input Jacks £a on
the rear panel. The Audio and Video Record/In
jacks on the VCR should be connected to the
Video 1 Out Jacks ∞· on the AVR 120.

Installation and Connections
2. Connect the analog audio and video outputs
of a satellite receiver, cable TV converter or
television set or any other video source to the
Video 2 or Video 3 Jacks bcfg.
3. Connect the analog audio and video
outputs of a DVD or laser disc player to the
DVD Jacks §⁄. When a digital audio connection is used for your DVD player, the
default connection is the Coaxial Digital
Input 1 Jack e. However, the connection
may also be made to any of the Optical d#
or Coaxial e$ Digital Inputs, provided
that the digital input source selection is
changed as shown on page 23.

The Unswitched AC Accessory Outlet ‡
will receive power as long as the unit is
plugged into a powered AC outlet.
Finally, when all connections are complete,
plug the Power Cord ° into a nonswitched
120-volt AC wall outlet. You’re almost ready to
enjoy the AVR 120!

4. Connect the digital audio outputs of a DVD
player, satellite receiver, cable box or HDTV converter to the appropriate Optical or Coaxial
Digital Inputs de#$ .
5. Connect the Video Monitor Output ¤
jacks on the receiver to the composite or
S-Video input of your television monitor or
video projector.
Video Connection Note:
• Composite and S-Video signals may only be
viewed in their native formats.

Power Connections
This unit is equipped with two accessory AC
outlets. They may be used to power accessory
devices, but they should not be used with highcurrent draw equipment such as power amplifiers. The total power draw to each outlet may
not exceed 100 watts.
The Switched AC Accessory Outlet ﬂ will
receive power only when the unit is on. This is
recommended for devices that have no power
switch or a mechanical power switch that may
be left in the “ON” position.
NOTE: Many audio and video products go into
a Standby mode when they are used with
switched outlets, and cannot be fully turned on
using the outlet alone without a remote control
command.

15 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

System Configuration
When all audio, video and system connections
have been made, there are a few configuration
adjustments that must be made. A few minutes
spent to correctly configure and calibrate the
unit will greatly add to your listening experience.
Speaker Selection and Placement
The placement of speakers in a multichannel
home theater system can have a noticeable
impact on the quality of sound reproduced.
No matter which type or brand of speakers is
used, the same model or brand of speaker
should be used for the left front, center and
right front speakers. This creates a seamless
front soundstage and eliminates the possibility
of distracting sonic disturbances that occur
when a sound moves across mismatched
front-channel speakers.
Speaker Placement
Depending on the type of center-channel
speaker in use and your viewing device, place
the center speaker either directly above or
below your TV, or in the center behind a perforated front projection screen.
Once the center-channel speaker is installed,
position the left front and right front speakers
so that they are as far away from one another
as the center-channel speaker is from the preferred listening position. Ideally, the front-channel
speakers should be placed so that their tweeters
are no more than 24" above or below the
tweeter in the center-channel speaker.
Depending on the specifics of your room
acoustics and the type of speakers in use, you
may find that imaging is improved by moving
the left front and right front speakers slightly
forward of the center-channel speaker. If possible, adjust all front loudspeakers so that they
are aimed at ear height when you are seated
in the listening position.
Using these guidelines, you’ll find that it takes
some experimentation to find the correct location for the front speakers in your particular
installation. Don’t be afraid to move things
around until the system sounds correct. Optimize
your speakers so that audio transitions across
the front of the room sound smooth, and that
sounds from all speakers appear to arrive at the

16 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

listening position at the same time (without
delay from the center speaker compared to the
left and right speakers).

Center Front Speaker
No more
than 24"

Left Front
Speaker

Right Front
Speaker

A) Front-Channel Speaker Installation with
Direct-View TV Sets or Rear-Screen Projectors
TV or Projection Screen

Left Front
Speaker

Center Front
Speaker

Right Front
Speaker

No more than 6 feet
when rear-mounted
speakers are used
Optional Rear-Wall Mounting

B) The distance between the left and right
speakers should be equal to the distance
from the seating position to the viewing
screen. You may also experiment with
placing the left and right speakers slightly
forward of the center speaker.

At least 6 inches from ceiling

At least 2 feet

C) Optimal placement of surround speaker

Surround speakers should be placed on the side
walls of the room, at or slightly behind the
listening position. The center of the speaker
should face into the room. The speakers should
be located so that the bottom of the cabinet
is at least two feet higher than the listeners’
ears when the listeners are seated in the
desired area.
If side-wall mounting is not practical, the
speakers may be placed on a rear wall, behind
the listening position. Again, they should be
located so that the bottom of the cabinet is at
least two feet higher than the listeners’ ears.
The speakers should be no more than six feet
behind the rear of the seating area.
Subwoofers produce nondirectional sound, so
they may be placed almost anywhere in a
room. Actual placement should be based on
room size and shape and the type of subwoofer
used. One method of finding the optimal location for a subwoofer is to begin by placing it in
the front of the room, about six inches from a
wall, or near the front corner of the room.
Another method is to temporarily place the
subwoofer at your normal listening position,
and then walk around the room until you find
a spot where the subwoofer sounds best. Place
the subwoofer in that spot. You should also
follow the instructions of the subwoofer’s manufacturer, or you may wish to experiment with
the best location for a subwoofer in your listening room.
Once the speakers have been placed in the
room and connected, the remaining steps
in the setup process are to program the
AVR 120’s bass management system for the
type of speakers used in your system, calibrate
the output levels, and set the delay times used
by the surround sound processor.

System Configuration
You are now ready to power up the AVR 120 to
begin these final adjustments.
1. Plug the Power Cord ° into an
unswitched AC outlet.
2. Press the Main Power Switch 1 in until
it latches and the word “OFF” on the top
of the switch disappears inside the front
panel. Note that the Power Indicator 3
will turn amber, indicating that the unit is
in the Standby mode.
3. Remove the protective plastic film from the
front-panel lens. If left in place, the film
may affect the performance of your remote
control.
4. Install the three supplied AAA batteries in
the remote as shown. Be certain to follow
the (+) and (–) polarity indicators that are
on the bottom of the battery compartment.

5. Turn the AVR 120 on either by pressing the
System Power Control 2 on the front
panel, or via the remote by pressing the
AVR Selector f or any of the Input
Selectors eg on the remote. The
Power Indicator 3 will turn green to
confirm that the unit is on, and the Main
Information Display Û will also light up.
System Setup
The AVR 120 features an advanced memory
system that enables you to establish different
configurations for the bass management, digital
input, surround mode, delay times and output
levels for each input source. This flexibility
enables you to custom-tailor the way in which
you listen to each source and have the AVR 120
memorize those settings. This means, for example, that you may use different output levels or
trims for different sources, or set different
speaker configurations with the resultant
changes to the bass management system. Once
these settings are made, they will automatically
be recalled whenever you select that input.

The factory default settings for the AVR 120
have all inputs configured for an analog source
(except for the DVD input, which has the
Coaxial Digital Input 1 e as the default),
Stereo as the surround mode, all speaker
positions set to “small,” and a subwoofer
connected. Before using the unit, you will
probably want to change the settings for most
inputs so that they are properly configured to
reflect the use of digital or analog inputs, the
type of speakers installed and the surround
mode specifics. Remember that since the
AVR 120 memorizes the settings for each input
individually, you will need to make these
adjustments for each input used. However,
once they are made, further adjustment is
only required when system components are
changed.
Once you have completed the settings for the
first input, many settings may be duplicated for
the remaining inputs. Remember that once the
settings are entered for one input, they must be
completed for all other input sources in your
system.
Speaker Setup
These adjustments tell the AVR 120 which type
of speakers are in use. This is important as it
adjusts the settings that determine which
speakers receive low-frequency (bass) information. For each of these settings use the
LARGE setting if the speakers for a particular
position are traditional full-range loudspeakers
that are capable of reproducing sounds below
100Hz. Use the SMALL setting for smaller,
frequency-limited satellite speakers that do not
reproduce sounds below 100Hz. Note that
when “small” speakers are used, a subwoofer
is required to reproduce low-frequency sounds.
Remember that the “large” and “small”
descriptions do not refer to the actual physical
size of the speakers, but to their ability to
reproduce low-frequency sounds. If you are in
doubt as to which category describes your
speakers, consult the specifications in the
speakers’ owner’s manual, or ask your dealer.
With the AVR 120 turned on, follow these steps
to configure the speakers:
1. Put the AVR 120 in the Dolby Pro Logic II
mode by pressing the Surround Mode
Selector 7 on the front panel or by press-

ing the Surround Mode Selector j on
the remote, until PRO LOGIC II
appears in the Main Information Display
F and the Pro Logic II Indicator D
lights.
2. Press the Speaker Select Button 31 27
on the remote or front panel. The words
FNT SPEAKER will appear in the
Main Information Display F.
3. Press the Set Button o 21 .
4. Press the ▲/▼ Buttons mq on the
remote or the Selector Buttons 5 on the
front panel until either LARGE or
SMALL appears, matching the type of
speakers you have at the left-front and rightfront positions, as described by the definitions shown in the preceding section.
When SMALL is selected, low-frequency
sounds will be sent to the subwoofer output
only. Note that if you choose this option,
and there is no subwoofer connected, you
will not hear any low-frequency sounds from
the front channels.
When LARGE is selected, a full-range output will be sent to the front-left and frontright outputs, and NO low-frequency signals
will be sent to the subwoofer output.
5. When you have completed your selection for
the front channel, press the Set Button
o 21 , and then press the ▲/▼ Buttons
mq on the remote or the Selector
Buttons 5 on the front panel to change
the display to CEN SPEAKER.
6. Press the Set Button o 21 again, and
use the ▲/▼ Buttons mq on the
remote, or the Selector Buttons 5 on the
front panel, to select the option that best
describes your system based on the speaker
definitions shown in the preceding section.
When CEN SMALL is selected, low-frequency center-channel sounds will be sent to
the subwoofer output only. Note that if you
choose this option and there is no subwoofer connected, you will not hear any
low-frequency sounds from the center-channel speaker.
When CEN LARGE is selected, a fullrange output will be sent to the centerspeaker output, and NO center-channel signal will be sent to the subwoofer output.

17 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

System Configuration
NOTE: If you choose Logic 7 as the surround mode for the particular input source
for which you are configuring your speakers,
the AVR 120 will not make the LARGE
option available for the center speaker. This
is due to the requirements of Logic 7 processing, and does not indicate a problem with
your receiver.
When CEN NONE is selected, no signals
will be sent to the center-channel output.
7. When you have completed your selection for
the center channel, press the Set Button
o 21 , and then press the ‹/› Buttons
n 30 on the remote or the Selector
Buttons 5 on the front panel to change
the display to SUR SPEAKER.
8. Press the Set Button o 21 again, and
then use the ▲/▼ Buttons mq on the
remote or the Selector Buttons 5 on the
front panel to select the option that best
describes your system based on the speaker
definitions shown in the preceding section.
When SUR SMALL is selected, lowfrequency surround-channel sounds will be
sent to the subwoofer output only. Note that
if you choose this option and there is no
subwoofer connected, you will not hear any
low-frequency sounds from the surround
speaker.
When SUR LARGE is selected, a fullrange output will be sent to the surroundchannel outputs, and NO surround-channel
signals will be sent to the subwoofer output.
When SUR NONE is selected, surround
sound information will be split between the
front-left and front-right outputs. Note that
for optimal performance when no surround
speakers are in use, the Dolby 3 Stereo
mode should be used instead of Dolby Pro
Logic II.
9. When you have completed your selection for
the surround channel, press the Set Button
o 21 , and then press ▲/▼ Buttons
mq on the remote or the Selector
Buttons 5 on the front panel to change
the display to S-W SPEAKER.

10. Press the Set Button o 21 , and then
press the ▲/▼ Buttons mq on the
remote or the Selector Buttons 5 on the
front panel to select the option that best
describes your system.
The choices available for the subwoofer position
will depend on the settings for the other speakers, particularly the front left/right positions.
If the front left/right speakers are set to
SMALL, the subwoofer will automatically be
set to SUB, which is the “on” position.
If the front left/right speakers are set to
LARGE, three options are available:
• If no subwoofer is connected to the
AVR 120, press the ▲/▼ Buttons mq
on the remote so that SUB NONE
appears in the Main Information Display
F. When this option is selected, all bass
information will be routed to the front
left/right “main” speakers.
• If a subwoofer is connected to the AVR 120,
you have the option to have the front
left/right “main” speakers reproduce bass
frequencies at all times, and have the subwoofer operate only when the AVR 120 is
being used with a digital source that contains a dedicated Low-Frequency Effects, or
LFE, soundtrack. This allows you to use both
your main and subwoofer speakers to take
advantage of the special bass created for
certain movies. Press ▲/▼ Buttons
mq on the remote so that SUB
(LFE) appears in the Main Information
Display F.
• If a subwoofer is connected and you wish
to use it for bass reproduction in conjunction with the main front left/right speakers,
regardless of the type of program source or
surround mode you are listening to, press
the ▲/▼ Buttons mq on the remote
so that SUB L/R+LFE appears in the
Main Information Display F. When this
option is selected, a “complete” feed will
be sent to the front left/right “main” speakers, and the subwoofer will receive bass frequencies below 100Hz.
11. When all speaker selections have been
made, press the Set Button o 21 to
return to normal operation.

18 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Output Level Adjustment
Output level adjustment is a key part of the
configuration process for any surround sound
product. It is particularly important for a Dolby
Digital receiver such as the AVR 120, as correct
output levels will ensure that you hear sound
tracks in their proper place with the proper
directionality and intensity.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Listeners are often confused about the operation of the surround
channels. While some assume that sound
should always be coming from each speaker,
most of the time there will be little or no sound
in the surround channels. This is because they
are only used when a movie director or sound
mixer specifically places sound there to create
ambiance, a special effect or to continue action
from the front of the room to the rear. When
the output levels are properly set, it is normal
for surround speakers to operate only occasionally. Artificially increasing the volume to the rear
speakers may destroy the illusion of an enveloping sound field that duplicates the way you
hear sound in a movie theater or concert hall.
Before beginning the adjustment process, make
certain that all speaker connections have been
properly made. The system volume should be
set to the level that you will use during a typical listening session. Finally, make certain that
the Balance Control * is set to the center
“12 o’clock” position.
To assist in making speaker configuration settings, the icons in the Speaker/Channel
Input Indicators L change as the speaker
type is selected at each position. When only the
center icon box containing the abbreviation for
the speaker position is lit, the speaker is set for
“small.” When the inner box and the two outer
boxes are lit, the speaker is set for “large.”
When no indicator appears at a speaker location, that position is set for “none” or “no”
speaker.
For example, in the following figure, the left
front and right front speakers are set for
“large,” the center, surround left (SL) and surround right (SR) speakers are set for small, and
a subwoofer is set, as shown by the box with
the abbreviation “LFE”, which stands for “lowfrequency effects.”

System Configuration

L
SL

LFE SR

To adjust and calibrate the output levels, follow
these steps. For accurate calibration, it is a
good idea to make these adjustments while
seated in your favorite listening position:
1. Put the AVR 120 in the Dolby Pro Logic II
mode by pressing Surround Mode
Selector 7 on the front panel, or by
pressing the Surround Mode Selector
j on the remote, until PRO LOGIC
II scrolls across the Main Information
Display F and the Pro Logic II
Indicators D 29 light.
2. Press the Test Button h on the remote.
T-T FL 0dB will appear in the Main
Information Display F and the letters
FL will flash once each second.
3. The test noise will immediately begin to
circulate among the speakers in a clockwise rotation, pausing at each position for
three seconds. As the test noise rotates,
the speaker position will be shown in the
Main Information Display F.
NOTE: This is a good time to verify that
the speakers have been properly connected. As the test noise circulates, listen to
make certain that the sound comes from
the speaker position shown in the Main
Information Display. If the sound from a
speaker location does NOT match the position indicated in the display, turn the
AVR 120 off using the Main Power
Switch 1 and check the speaker wiring
to make certain that each speaker is connected to the correct output terminal.
4. After checking for speaker placement, let
the test noise circulate, and listen to see
which channels sound louder than the others. Using the front left (FL in the display)
speaker as a reference, press the ▲/▼
Buttons mq on the remote or the
Selector Buttons 5 on the front panel

for each channel to begin to bring them to
the same level. Note that when one of the
buttons is pushed, the test noise circulation will pause on the channel being
adjusted to give you time to make the
adjustment. When you release the button,
the circulation will resume after 15 seconds.
5. Continue to adjust the individual speakers
until they all have the same volume. Note
that adjustments should be made with the
▲/▼ Buttons mq on the remote or
the Selector Buttons 5 on the front
panel only, NOT the main volume controls.
Then press the Set Button o 21 to
memorize the change. If you are using a
sound pressure (SPL) meter for precise
level adjustment, set the volume so that
the meter reads 75dB, C-Weighting Slow.
NOTE: The subwoofer output level is not
adjustable using the test tone. To change
the subwoofer level, follow the steps for
Output Level Trim Adjustment on page 26.
6. When you have adjusted the output so
that all channels have the same level,
press the Test Button h on the remote
to complete the adjustment.
Delay Settings
Due to the different distances between the
front-channel speakers and the listening position compared to the surround speakers and
the listening position, the amount of time it
takes for sound to reach your ears from the
front or surround speakers may differ. You may
compensate for this difference through the use
of the delay settings to adjust the timing to
tailor the specific speaker placement and
acoustic conditions in your listening room or
home theater.
The factory setting is appropriate for most
rooms, but some installations create an uncommon distance between the front and surround
speakers that may cause the arrival of frontchannel sounds to become disconnected from
surround-channel sounds.
To resynchronize the front and surround channels, follow these steps:
1. Measure the distance from the listening/
viewing position to the front speakers.
2. Measure the distance from the listening/
viewing position to the surround speakers.

3. Subtract the distance to the surround speakers from the distance to the front speakers.
a. When setting the delay time for the
Dolby Digital surround modes, the optimal delay time is the result of that subtraction. For example, if the front speakers are ten feet away and the surround
speakers are five feet away, the optimal
delay time is figured as 10–5=5. Thus, in
this example, the delay time for Dolby
Digital should be set at five milliseconds.
b. When setting the delay time for the
Pro Logic II mode, take the result of the
subtraction and add 15 to obtain the
optimal delay time. For example, if the
front speakers are ten feet away and the
surround speakers are five feet away, the
optimal delay time is figured as
10–5+15=20. Thus, in this example, the
Pro Logic delay should be set at twenty
milliseconds.
NOTE: The Theater and Hall modes use a fixed,
nonadjustable delay time.
The Dolby Digital mode also includes a separate
setting for the center-channel delay mode, since
the discrete nature of these signals makes the
location of the center-channel speaker more
critical. To calculate the delay for the center
channel, measure the distance from the preferred listening position in the center of the
room to both the center-channel speaker and
either the left or right speaker.
If the distances are equal, no further adjustment is required and the center delay should be
set to zero. If the distance to the front speakers
is greater than the distance to the center
speaker, you may wish to reposition the speakers by moving the front-left and front-right
speakers closer to the listening position or the
center speaker further away from the listening
position.
If repositioning of the speakers is not possible,
adjust the center delay time, adding one millisecond of center-channel delay for every foot
closer to the listening position the center
speaker is than the front speaker. For example,
if the front-left and front-right speakers are
each 10 feet from the listening position and the
center-channel speaker is 8 feet away, the delay
is figured as 10–8=2, suggesting an optimal
center delay of 2 milliseconds.

19 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

System Configuration
To set the delay times, follow these steps:
1. Put the AVR 120 in the Dolby Pro Logic II
mode by pressing the Surround Mode
Selector 7 on the front panel or by
pressing the Surround Mode Selector
j on the remote, until PRO LOGIC II
appears in the Main Information Display
F and the Pro Logic II Indicator D
lights up.
2. Press the Delay Button 29 23 on
the remote or front panel. The words
S DELAY TIME will appear in the
Main Information Display F.
3. Press the Set Button o 21 .
4. Adjust the delay time by pressing the ▲/▼
Buttons mq on the remote or the
Selector Buttons 5 on the front panel
until the delay time figure calculated using
the formula entered above appears in the
display.
5. If only analog sources will be used, no
adjustment is needed for the center-channel
delay. In that case, press the Set Button
o 21 to enter the surround delay settings into the AVR 120’s memory. However,
if you will be using digital sources and the
calculations outlined above indicate that
the center-channel delay requires an adjustment, continue with the following steps.
6. Before setting the center-channel delay
time, make certain that a digital source has
been selected.
7. Select the Dolby Digital mode by pressing
either the Surround Mode Selector 7
on the front panel or the Surround Mode
Selector j on the remote, until
DOLBY DIG appears in the Main
Information Display F.
8. Press the Delay Button 29 23 on
the remote or front panel. The words
S DELAY TIME will appear in the
Main Information Display F.
9. Press the Set Button o 21 , and then
immediately press the ▲/▼ Buttons
mq on the remote or the Selector
Buttons 5 on the front panel until the
desired delay time for the surround channels is shown in the display.

20 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

10. Press the Set Button o 21 within three
seconds after the desired setting is shown.
11. Press the ▲/▼ Buttons mq on the
remote once so that C DELAY TIME
appears in the Main Information Display
F.
12. Press the the Set Button o 21 .
13. Press the ▲/▼ Buttons mq on the
remote or the Selector Buttons 5 on the
front panel until the desired delay
time for the center channel appears in the
display.
14. Press the Set Button o 21 to enter the
setting into the AVR 120’s memory.
Additional Input Adjustments
In addition to the major adjustments described
in the preceding pages, you may also wish to
set the type of audio source type (analog or
digital) to be used with an input at this time.
Once a specific audio source type is associated
with any of the inputs, it will remain in the
memory until it is changed, even when another
input is selected. To attach one of the digital
inputs to a specific source, follow these steps:
1. Press the Digital Button p 24 .
2. Immediately press the ▲/▼ Buttons
mq or Selector Buttons 5 to scroll
through the list of available digital inputs or
the analog input.
3. When the desired input type is shown in
both the Main Information Display F
and in the Analog S, Coaxial Digital
Input T or Optical Digital Input U
Indicators, press the Set Button o 21
to enter the setting into the unit's memory.
You may also “memorize” a specific surround
mode so that it will always be used when an
input is selected. The AVR 120 always remembers the last surround mode used with any
input, but during the setup process you may
wish to preset the modes for each source. To do
that, follow these steps:

1. Select an input by pressing one of the Input
Selectors e! or the AM/FM Tuner
Select g.
2. Press the Surround Mode Selector
j7, and immediately press the ▲/▼
Buttons mq or Surround Mode
Selector ! to scroll through the list of
available surround modes. Note that the
name of each mode will scroll from right to
left across the Main Information Display
F. To avoid having the system “time out”
and exit the select process, be sure to press
the ▲/▼ Buttons mq or Surround
Mode Selector ! to select the next mode
at any time the mode name is displayed.
3. When the desired mode name appears in the
Main Information Display F and in the
Surround Mode Indicators 29 ,
simply pause for a few seconds to allow the
unit to “time out.” Your selection will be
memorized and will be activated each time
the input is selected until another mode is
selected.
4. Repeat the process for each of the inputs.
5. When the desired Surround mode has been
entered for all inputs, press the Set Button
o.
Once the settings outlined on the previous
pages have been made, the AVR 120 is ready
for operation. While there are some additional
settings to be made, these are best done after
you have had an opportunity to listen to a variety of sources and different kinds of program
material. These settings are described on pages
21 through 26 of this manual. In addition, any
of the settings made in the initial configuration
of the unit may be changed at any time. As you
add new or different sources or speakers, or if
you wish to change a setting to better reflect
your listening taste, simply follow the instructions for changing the settings for that parameter, as shown in this section.
Having completed the setup and configuration
process for your AVR 120, you are about
to experience the finest in music and home
theater listening. Enjoy!

Operation
Basic Operation
Once you have completed the setup and
configuration of the AVR 120, it is simple to
operate and enjoy. The following instructions
will help you maximize the enjoyment of your
new receiver:
Turning the AVR 120 On or Off
• When using the AVR 120 for the first time, you
must press the Main Power Switch 1 on the
front panel to turn the unit on. This places the
unit in a Standby mode, as indicated by the
amber color of the Power Indicator 3 . Once
the unit is in Standby, you may begin a listening
session by pressing the System Power Control
2 on the front panel or the AVR Selector
f. Note that the Power Indicator 3 will
turn green. This will turn the unit on and return it
to the input source that was last used. The unit
may also be turned on from Standby by pressing
any of the Input Selector Buttons ef
g on the remote or the Input Source
Selector ! on the front panel.

When the programmed sleep time has elapsed,
the unit will automatically turn off. Note that
the front panel display will dim to one half
brightness when the Sleep function is
programmed. To cancel the Sleep function,
press and hold the Sleep Buttoni until
the information display returns to normal
brightness, the Sleep indicator numbers
disappear and the words SLEEP OFF
appear in the Main Information Display F.
When you will be away from home for an
extended period of time it is always a good
idea to completely turn the unit off with the
front panel Main Power Switch 1.
NOTE: All preset memories are lost if the unit is
left turned off by using the Main Power
Switch 1 for more than two weeks.

Source Selection
• To select a source, press any of the Source
Selector Buttons eg on the remote.

NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector
Buttons eg to turn the unit on, press the
AVR Selector f to set the remote control to
the AVR 120’s functions.

• The input source may also be changed by
pressing the front-panel Input Source
Selector !. Each press of the button will
move the input selection through the list of
available inputs.

To turn the unit off at the end of a listening
session, simply press the System Power
Control 2 on the front panel or the Power
Off Button a on the remote. Power will be
shut off to any equipment plugged into the rear
panel Switched AC Outlet ﬂ and the
Power Indicator 3 will turn amber.

• As the input is changed, the AVR 120 will
automatically switch to the digital input (if
selected), surround mode, speaker configuration, output levels and night mode status that
were entered during the configuration process
for that source.

When the remote is used to turn the unit “off”
it is actually placing the system in a Standby
mode, as indicated by the amber color of the
Power Indicator 3.

• The front-panel Video 4 Inputs %^ may
be used to connect a device such as a video
game or camcorder to your home entertainment system on a temporary basis.

• To program the AVR 120 for automatic turnoff, press the Sleep Button i on the remote.
Each press of the button will decrease the time
before shut down in the following sequence:

• As the input source is changed, the new input
name will momentarily appear in the Main
Information Display F and a green LED will
light next to the selected input’s name in the
front panel Input Indicators .

90
min

80
min

70
min

60
min

50
min

40
min

30
min

20
min

10
min

OFF

The sleep time will be displayed in the Preset
Number/Sleep Timer Indicator J and it
will count down until the time has elapsed.

• When a Video source is selected, the video signal for that input will be routed to the Video
Monitor Output Jack ¤ and will be viewable
on a TV monitor connected to the AVR 120.
Volume Control
• Adjust the volume to a comfortable level
using the front-panel Volume Control Ó or
remote Volume Up/Down 33 buttons.
• When listening in the Stereo mode with the
surround circuits off, the Balance Control *
may be used to adjust the relative sound output
between the front left and right speakers.
• To temporarily silence all speaker outputs
press the Mute Button 35 . This will interrupt the output to all speakers and the headphone jack, but it will not affect any recording
or dubbing that may be in progress. Press the
Mute Button 35 again or adjust the volume
to return to normal operation.
• During a listening session you may wish to
adjust the Bass Control & and Treble
Control ( to suit your listening tastes or
room acoustics.
• To set the output of the AVR 120 so that
the output is “flat,” with the tone controls deactivated, press the Tone Mode Button 6
until the words Tone Out appear momentarily in the Main Information Display F.
To return the tone controls to an active condition, press the Tone Mode Button 6 until
the words Tone In momentarily appear in
the Main Information Display F.
• For private listening, plug the 1/4" stereo
phone plug from a pair of stereo headphones
into the front panel Headphone Jack 4.
Note that when the headphone’s plug is connected, the word HEADPHONE will scroll
once across the Main Information Display
F and all speakers will be silenced. When the
headphone plug is removed, the audio feed to
the speakers will be restored.

• When an audio source is selected, the last
video input used remains routed to the Video
1 Output · and Video Monitor Output
¤. This allows you to listen to an audio input
such as the tuner while watching one of the
video inputs.

21 OPERATION

Operation
Surround Mode Chart
MODE

FEATURES

DELAY TIME RANGE

DOLBY DIGITAL

Available only with digital input sources encoded with Dolby Digital data. It provides
up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated Low-Frequency Effects
channel.

Center: 0 ms – 5 ms
Initial Setting – 0 ms
Surround: 0 ms – 15 ms
Initial Setting – 0 ms

DTS

Available only with digital input sources encoded with DTS data. Available on special
DVD, LD and audio-only discs, DTS provides up to five separate main audio channels and
a special dedicated low-frequency channel.

Delay time not adjustable

DOLBY PRO LOGIC II
MOVIE
MUSIC
EMULATION

Dolby Pro Logic II is the latest version of Dolby Laboratory’s benchmark surround technology
that decodes full-range, discrete left, center, right, right surround and left surround channels
from either matrix surround encoded programs or conventional stereo sources.
The Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode is optimized for movie soundtracks, while the Pro Logic II
Music mode should be used with musical selections. The Pro Logic II Emulation mode
creates compelling five-channel surround sound from conventional stereo recordings.

15 ms – 30 ms
Initial Setting = 15 ms

LOGIC 7 C
LOGIC 7 M

Logic 7 is an advanced mode that extracts the maximum surround information from either
Delay time not adjustable
surround-encoded programs or conventional stereo material. The Logic 7 C or Cinema mode
should be used with any source that contains Dolby Surround or similar matrix encoding.
Logic 7 C delivers increased center-channel intelligibility, and more accurate placement of sounds
with fades and pans that are much smoother and more realistic than with other decoding
techniques. The Logic 7 M or Music mode should be used with analog or PCM stereo sources.
Logic 7 M enhances the listening experience by presenting a wider front soundstage and greater
rear ambience. Both Logic 7 modes also direct low-frequency information to the subwoofer
(if installed and configured) to deliver maximum bass impact.

DOLBY 3 STEREO

Uses the information contained in a surround-encoded or two-channel stereo program to
create center-channel information. In addition, the information that is normally sent to the
rear-channel surround speakers is carefully mixed in with the front-left and front-right
channels for increased realism. Use this mode when you have a center-channel speaker
but no surround speakers.

No surround channels

THEATER

The THEATER mode creates a sound field that resembles the acoustic feeling of a
standard live performance theater.

Delay time not adjustable

HALL 1
HALL 2

The two Hall modes create sound fields that resemble a small (HALL1) or
medium sized (HALL 2) concert hall.

Delay time not adjustable

VMAx Near
VMAx Far

When only the two front-channel loudspeakers are used, Harman’s patented VMAx mode
delivers a three-dimensional sound space with the illusion of “phantom speakers” at the
center and surround positions. The VMAx N, or “Near Field” mode should be selected when
your listening position is less than five feet from the speakers. The VMAx F, or “Far Field” mode
should be selected when your listening position is greater than five feet from the speakers.
The VMAx modes are also available using the Headphones Output 4. When headphones
are being used, the Far Field mode will appear to push the sound field away from your ears,
reducing the “inside the head” sensation often experienced when using headphones.

No surround channels

5-Channel Stereo

This mode takes advantage of multiple speakers to place a stereo signal at both the front and
back of a room. Ideal for playing music in situations such as a party, it places the same signal
at the front-left and surround-left, and front-right and surround-right speakers. The center
channel is fed a summed mono mix of the in-phase material of the left and right channels.

No delay is available for
this mode

SURROUND
OFF (STEREO)

This mode turns off all surround processing and presents the pure left- and rightchannel presentation of two-channel stereo programs.

No surround channels

22 OPERATION

Operation
Surround Mode Selection
One of the most important features of the
AVR 120 is its ability to reproduce a full
multichannel surround sound field from digital
sources, analog matrix surround-encoded
programs and standard stereo programs. In all,
a total of fifteen listening modes are available
on the AVR 120.
Selection of a surround mode is based on personal taste, as well as the type of program
source material being used. For example, motion
pictures or TV programs bearing the logo of one
of the major surround-encoding processes, such
as Dolby Surround, DTS Stereo or UltraStereo®
may be played in either the Dolby Digital, Dolby
Pro Logic II or Logic 7 Cinema surround modes
depending on the source material.
NOTE: Once a program has been encoded with
matrix surround information, it retains the surround information as long as the program is
broadcast in stereo. Thus, movies with surround
sound may be decoded via any of the analog
surround modes such as Pro Logic II or Logic 7,
when they are broadcast via conventional TV
stations, cable, pay TV and satellite transmission.
In addition, a growing number of made-fortelevision programs, sports broadcasts, radio
dramas and music CDs are also recorded in
surround sound. You may view a list of these
programs at the Dolby Laboratories Web site
at www.dolby.com.
Even when a program is not listed as carrying
intentional surround information, you may find
that the Pro Logic II, Logic 7, VMAx and the
Hall or Theater modes often deliver enveloping
surround presentations through the use of
the natural information present in all stereo
recordings. However, for stereo, but not surround
programs, we suggest that you experiment with
the other modes.
Surround modes are selected using either the
front panel controls or the remote. To select a
surround mode from the front panel, press the
Surround Mode Selector 7 to scroll up or
down through the list of available modes. To
select a surround mode using the remote, press
the Surround Mode Selectorj and then
press the ⁄ / ¤ Buttons mq to change
the mode. As you press the buttons, the
Surround mode name will appear in the Main
Information Display F, and an individual
mode indicator will also light up BCDEG
HI. As the surround modes change, a green
LED will light next to the current mode in the

Surround Mode Indicators ˜ list on the
front panel.
NOTE: The name of each Surround Mode will
scroll across the Main Information Display
F while the modes are being selected. To
avoid exiting from the surround mode selection
process, be certain to push the ▲ or ▼ Button
mq while a mode name is still visible.
Note that the Dolby Digital and DTS modes may
only be selected when a digital input is in use.
In addition, when a digital source is present,
the AVR 120 will automatically select and
switch to the correct mode (Dolby Digital or
DTS), regardless of the mode that has been previously selected. For more information on selecting digital sources, see the following section of
this manual.
To listen to a program in traditional two-channel
stereo, using the front-left and front-right
speakers only (plus the subwoofer if installed
and configured), follow the instructions shown
above for using the remote until SURR OFF
appears in the Main Information Display F.

Digital Audio Playback
Digital audio is a major advancement over older
analog matrix surround systems. It delivers five
discrete channels: left-front, center, right-front,
left-surround and right-surround. Each channel
reproduces full frequency range (20Hz to 20kHz)
and offers dramatically improved dynamic range
and significant improvements to signal-to-noise
ratios. In addition, digital systems have the capability to deliver an additional channel that is
specifically devoted to low-frequency information.
This is the “.1” channel referred to when you see
these systems described as “5.1”. The bass channel is separate from the other channels, but since
it is intentionally bandwidth-limited, sound
designers have given it that unique designation.
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital (originally known as AC-3®) is
a standard part of the DVD format, and is also
part of the new digital broadcasting system and it
is available with many satellite receivers and
some digital cable boxes, as well as with specially
encoded LD discs.
Note that an optional, external RF demodulator
is required to use the AVR 120 to listen to the
Dolby Digital sound tracks available on laser
discs. Connect the RF output of the LD player to
the demodulator and then connect the digital

output of the demodulator to the the Optical
or Coaxial Inputs de#$ of the AVR
120. No demodulator is required for use with
DVD players or DTS-encoded laser discs.
DTS
DTS is another digital audio system that is
capable of delivering 5.1 audio. Although both
DTS and Dolby Digital are digital, they use different methods of encoding the signals, and
thus they require different decoding circuits to
convert the digital signals back to analog.
DTS-encoded sound tracks are available on
select DVD and LD discs, as well as on special
audio-only DTS discs. You may use any LD or
CD player equipped with a digital output to
play DTS-encoded discs with the AVR 120. All
that is required is to connect the player’s output
to either the Optical or Coaxial input on the
rear panel de or front panel #$.
In order to listen to DVDs encoded with DTS
sound tracks, the DVD player must be compatible with the DTS signal as indicated by a DTS
logo on the player’s front panel. Note that early
DVD players may not be able to play DTSencoded DVDs. This does not indicate a problem with the AVR 120, as some players cannot
pass the DTS signal through to the digital outputs. If you are in doubt as to the capability of
your DVD player to handle DTS discs, consult
the player’s owner’s manual. Please note that
some DVD players are shipped with their output
set for Dolby Digital only. To insure that DTS
data is being sent to the AVR, please check the
setup menu system on your DVD player to
make certain that DTS data output is enabled.

Selecting a Digital Source
To utilize either digital mode you must have
properly connected a digital source to the
AVR 120. Connect the digital outputs from DVD
players, HDTV receivers, satellite systems or CD
players to the Optical or Coaxial Inputs
de#$. In order to provide a backup signal and a source for analog stereo recording,
the analog outputs provided on digital source
equipment should also be connected to their
appropriate inputs on the AVR 120 rear panel
(e.g., connect the analog stereo audio output
from a DVD to the DVD Audio Inputs § on
the rear panel when you connect the source’s
digital outputs).
When playing a digital source such as DVD, first
select the input using the remote or front panel

23 OPERATION

Operation
controls as outlined in this manual. Next, select
the digital source by pressing the Digital
Input Selector Button pÚ and then
using the ⁄/¤ Buttons mq on the
remote or the Selector Buttons 5 on the
front panel to choose any of the OPTICAL
or COAXIAL inputs, as they appear in the
Main Information Display F, the Digital
Input Indicators TU. When the digital
source is playing, the AVR 120 will automatically detect whether it is a multichannel Dolby
Digital or DTS source, an MP3 signal or a conventional PCM signal, which is the standard
output from CD players. A Bitstream
Indicator A will light in the Main
Information Display Û to confirm that the
digital signal is Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM or MP3.
Digital Status Indicators
When a digital source is playing, the AVR 120
senses the type of bitstream data that is present. Using this information, the correct surround mode will automatically be selected. For
example, DTS bitstreams will cause the unit to
switch to DTS decoding, and Dolby Digital bitstreams will enable Dolby Digital decoding.
When the unit senses PCM data from CDs or
LDs, you may select any of the standard surround modes, such as Dolby Pro Logic II or
Logic 7. Since the range of available surround
modes is dependent on the type of digital data
that is present, the AVR 120 uses a variety of
indicators to let you know what type of signal
is present. This will help you to understand the
choice of modes.
When a digital source is playing, a Bitstream
Indicator A will light to show which type of
signal is playing:
: When the DOLBY D indicator lights, a
Dolby Digital bitstream is being received.
Depending on the settings on the source player
and specific surround information and number
of channels on the disc, a number of surround
modes are possible. For discs with full 5.1
audio, only the Dolby Digital and VMAx modes
are available. When the Dolby Digital signal is
only two-channel, you may also select from the
Logic 7 Cinema/Music, Hall 1/2, Theater, Dolby
Pro Logic II Movie, Music or Emulation, or
Dolby 3 Stereo Modes. When the AVR 120
senses a 2.0-channel Dolby Digital signal, the
unit will automatically select Dolby Pro Logic II
as the surround processing mode, and both the
Dolby Digital C and Dolby Pro Logic II
D indicators will light in accordance with the
requirements of Dolby Laboratories.

24 OPERATION

DTS: When the DTS indicator lights, a DTS
bitstream is being received. When the unit
senses this type of data, only the DTS mode
may be used.
PCM: When the PCM indicator lights, a standard Pulse Code Modulation, or PCM, signal is
being received. This is the type of digital audio
used by conventional compact disc and laser
disc recordings. When a PCM bitstream is present, all modes except Dolby Digital and DTS are
available.
MP3: When the MP3 indicator lights, a compatible MPEG 1/Layer 3 digital signal is being
received. This is the popular audio format used
by many computer programs for recording compressed audio files. When an MP3 bitstream is
present, the sound will automatically be played
in the stereo (surround off) mode. The surround
modes are not available during MP3 playback.
In addition to the bitstream indicators, the
AVR 120 features a set of unique channel-input
indicators that tell you how many channels of
digital information are being received and/or
whether the digital signal is interrupted.
These indicators are the L/C/R/SL/SR/LFE letters
that are inside the center boxes of the
Speaker/Channel Input Indicators L in
the front panel Main Information Display
Û. When a standard analog signal is in use,
only the “L” and “R” indicators will light, as
analog signals have only left and right channels, respectively.
Digital signals, however, may have two, five or
six separate channels, depending on the program material, the method of transmission and
the way in which it was encoded. When a digital signal is playing, the letters in these indicators will light in response to the specific signal
being received. It is important to note that
although Dolby Digital, for example, is referred
to as a “5.1” system, not all Dolby Digital DVDs
or programs are encoded with 5.1 channels.
Thus, it is sometimes normal for a DVD with a
Dolby Digital soundtrack to trigger only the “L”
and “R” indicators.
NOTE: Many DVD discs are recorded with both
“5.1” and “2.0” versions of the same soundtrack. When playing a DVD, always be certain to
check the type of material on the disc. Most
discs show this information in the form of a
listing or icon on the back of the disc jacket.
When a disc does offer multiple sound track
choices you may have to make some adjust-

ments to your DVD player (usually with the
“Audio Select” button or in a menu screen
on the disc) to send a full 5.1 feed to the
AVR 120. It is also possible for the type of signal feed to change during the course of a DVD
playback. In some cases the previews of special
material will only be recorded in 2.0 audio,
while the main feature is available in 5.1 audio.
As long as your DVD player is set for 6-channel
output, the AVR 120 will automatically sense
changes to the bitstream and channel count
and reflect them in these indicators.
The letters used by the Speaker/Channel
Input Indicators L also flash to indicate
when a bitstream has been interrupted. This
will happen when a digital input source is
selected before the playback starts, or when a
digital source such as a DVD is paused. The
flashing indicators remind you that the playback has stopped due to the absence of a
digital signal and not through any fault of the
AVR 120. This is normal, and the digital playback will resume once the playback is started
again.
Night Mode
A special feature of Dolby Digital is the Night
mode, which enables Dolby Digital input
sources to be played back with full dialogue
intelligibility while reducing the minimum peak
level by 1/4 to 1/3. This prevents abruptly loud
transitions from disturbing others, without
reducing the impact of the digital source. The
Night mode is available only when Dolby Digital
signals with special data are being played.
The Night mode may be engaged when a Dolby
Digital DVD is playing by pressing the Night
Mode Button k on the remote. Next, press
the ⁄/¤ Buttons mq to select either the
middle range or full-compression versions of
the Night mode. To turn the Night mode off,
press the ⁄/¤ Buttons mq until the message in the Main Information Display F
reads D-Range Off. When the Night
mode is active, the Night Mode Indicator K
will also light.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON DIGITAL
PLAYBACK:
1. When the digital playback source is stopped,
or in a Pause, Fast Forward or Chapter
Search mode, the digital audio data will
momentarily stop, and the channel position
letters inside the Speaker/Channel Input
Indicators L will flash. This is normal and
does not indicate a problem with either the
AVR 120 or the source machine. The AVR

Operation
120 will return to digital playback as soon as
the data is available and when the machine
is in a standard play mode.
2. Although the AVR 120 will decode virtually all
DVD movies, CDs and HDTV sources, it is possible that some future digital sources may not
be compatible with the AVR 120.
3. Note that not all digitally encoded programs
contain full 5.1-channel audio. Consult the
program guide that accompanies the DVD or
laser disc to determine which type of audio
has been recorded on the disc. The AVR 120
will automatically sense the type of digital
surround encoding used and adjust to
accommodate it.
4. When a digital source is playing, you may not
be able to select some of the analog
surround modes such as Dolby Pro Logic II,
Dolby 3 Stereo, Hall, Theater or Logic 7.
5. When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is playing, it is not possible to make an analog
recording using the Tape ™ and Video 1
Audio Outputs ∞. However, the digital
signals will be passed through to the
Optical ª and Coaxial ‚ Digital
Audio Outputs.
PCM Audio Playback
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) is the noncompressed digital audio system used for
compact discs and laser discs. The digital circuits
in the AVR 120 are capable of high-quality
digital-to-analog decoding, and they may be
connected directly to the digital audio output
of your CD or LD player.
Connections may be made to either the rear
panel Optical or Coaxial Inputs de or the
front panel Optical or Coaxial Digital Inputs
#$.
To listen to a PCM digital source, first select the
input for the desired source (e.g., CD). Next,
press the Digital Input Selector Úp and
then use the ⁄ / ¤ Buttons mq on the
remote, or the Selector Buttons 5 on the
front panel, until the desired choice appears in
the Main Information Display F.
When a PCM source is playing, the PCM
Indicator A will light. During PCM playback,
you may select any surround mode except
Dolby Digital or DTS.

Playback from PCM sources may also benefit
from the Logic 7 Mode. When playing back a
surround-encoded PCM source, such as an LD
or surround-encoded CD, use the Logic 7 C or
Cinema mode. When playing true stereo
recordings, use the Logic 7 M or Music mode
for a wider soundstage and increased rearchannel ambience.
NOTE: When a Logic 7 mode is in use with a
digital input source which has another mode
for its default, that default mode, rather than
Logic 7, will be used by the AVR after the digital bitstream is interrupted for any reason such
as stopping or pausing the digital playback.
Note, also, that Logic 7 is not available with
digital playback unless a two-channel bitstream
is in use.
MP3 Audio Playback
The AVR 120 is one of the few A/V receivers to
provide on-board decoding for the MP3 audio
format used by computers and portable audio
devices. In addition, some new CD players are
capable of playing back optical discs that are
recorded with MP3, rather than standard CD
audio information. By offering MP3 decoding,
the AVR 120 is able to deliver more precise
conversion of the digital signals to an analog
output, along with the benefits of listening to
the MP3 audio through the AVR 120’s highcurrent amplifier and the speakers from your
surround system, rather than the smaller
speakers and low-powered amplifiers typically
used with computers.
To take advantage of the AVR 120’s MP3 capabilities, simply connect the PCM output of a
computer’s sound card or the PCM output of a
portable digital audio device to either the rear
panel Digital Inputs de or the front panel
Digital Inputs #$. As soon as the digital
signal is available, the MP3 Bitstream
Indicator A will light, and the audio will
begin playing.
NOTES:
• The AVR 120 only plays signals in the MP3
(MPEG 1/Layer 3) format. It is not compatible
with other computer audio codecs.
• The digital audio input signal may be either
optical or coaxial, but it must be PCM in the
S/P-DIF format. Direct connection of USB or
serial data outputs is not possible, even if the
signals are in the MP3 format. If you have
any questions about the data output format
from your computer or a sound card, check
with the device’s owner’s manual or contact
its manufacturer.

Tuner Operation
The AVR 120’s tuner is capable of tuning AM,
FM and FM Stereo broadcast stations. Stations
may be tuned manually, or they may be stored
as favorite station presets and recalled from a
30-position memory.
Station Selection
1. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select Button
g on the remote to select the tuner as an
input. The tuner may be selected from the
front panel by either pressing the Input
Source Selector ! until the tuner is
active or by pressing the Tuner Band
Selector 9.
2. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select Button
g or Tuner Band Selector 9 again to
switch between AM and FM so that the
desired
frequency band is selected.
3. Press the FM Mode Button @ s to
select manual or automatic tuning.
When the AUTO Indicator R is illuminated
in the Main Information Display Û the
tuner will stop only at those stations that
have a strong enough signal to be received
with
acceptable quality.
When the AUTO Indicator R is not illuminated, the tuner is in a manual mode and
will stop at each frequency increment in the
selected band.
4. To select stations, press the Tuning
Selector Button 8u. When the AUTO
Indicator R is illuminated, press the button
for two seconds and then release to cause
the tuner to search for the next highest- or
lowest-frequency station that has an acceptable signal. When tuning FM stations in the
Auto mode, the tuner will select only stereo
stations. To tune to the next station, press
the button again. If the STEREO
Indicator P is not illuminated, tap the
Tuning Selector Button 8u to
advance one frequency increment at a time,
or press and hold it to locate a specific station. When the TUNED Indicator Q
lights, the station is properly tuned and
should be heard with clarity.
5. Stations may also be tuned directly by pressing the Direct Button t, and then press-

25 OPERATION

Operation
ing the Numeric Keys r that correspond
to the station’s frequency. The desired station
will automatically be tuned. If you press an
incorrect button while entering a direct frequency, press the Clear Button ` to start
over.
NOTE: When the FM reception of a station is
weak, audio quality will be increased by
switching to Mono mode by pressing the
FM Mode Button @ s until the
STEREO Indicator P goes out.
Preset Tuning
Using the remote, up to 30 stations may be
stored in the AVR 120’s memory for easy recall
using the front panel controls or the remote.
To enter a station into the memory, first tune
the station using the steps outlined above.
Then:
1. Press the Memory Button 28 on the
remote. Note that the MEMORY Indicator
O will be illuminated and flash in the Main
Information Display Û.
2. Within five seconds, press the Numeric
Keys r corresponding to the location
where you wish to store this station’s frequency. Once entered, the preset number will
appear in the Preset Number/Sleep Time
Display J.
3. Repeat the process after tuning any
additional stations to be preset.
Recalling Preset Stations
• To manually select a station previously
entered in the preset memory, press the
Numeric Keys r that correspond to the
desired station’s memory location.
• To manually tune through the list of stored
preset stations one by one, press the Preset
Stations Selector Buttons )z on the
front panel or remote.

Tape Recording
In normal operation, the audio or video source
selected for listening through the AVR 120 is
sent to the record outputs. This means that any
program you are watching or listening to may
be recorded simply by placing machines connected to the outputs for Tape Outputs ™ or
Video 1 Outputs ∞· in the Record mode.

26 OPERATION

When a digital audio recorder is connected to
the Optical ª or Coaxial ‚ Digital Audio
Outputs, you are able to record the digital signal using a CD-R, MiniDisc or other digital
recording system.
NOTES:
• The digital outputs are active only when a
digital signal is present, and they do not
convert an analog input to a digital signal,
or change the format of the digital signal.
In addition, the digital recorder must be
compatible with the output signal. For
example, the PCM digital input from a CD
player may be recorded on a CD-R or
MiniDisc, but Dolby Digital or DTS signals
may not.

Press the Set Button oÔ when the name
of the desired channel appears in the Main
Information Display F, and follow the
instructions shown earlier to adjust the level.
Repeat the procedure as needed until all channels requiring adjustment have been set. When
all adjustments have been made and no further
adjustments are made for five seconds, the
AVR 120 will return to normal operation.
NOTE: The output levels may be separately
trimmed for each digital and analog surround
mode. If you wish to have different trim levels for
a specific mode, select that mode and then follow
the instructions in the steps shown earlier.
Display Brightness

• Please make certain that you are aware of
any copyright restrictions on any material you
copy. Unauthorized duplication of copyrighted
materials is prohibited by federal law.

Output Level Trim Adjustment

The AVR 120’s Main Information Display
25 is set at a default brightness that is sufficient for viewing in a normally lit room.
However, in some home theater installations,
you may wish to occasionally lower the brightness of the display or turn it off completely.

Normal output level adjustment for the
AVR 120 is established using the test tone, as
outlined on pages 18 and 19. In some cases,
however, it may be desirable to adjust the output levels using program material such as a test
disc, or a selection you are familiar with.
Additionally, the output level for the subwoofer
can only be adjusted using this procedure.

To change the display brightness, press and
hold the Set Button 21 on the front panel
for three seconds until the message in the
Main Information Display F reads
VFD FULL. Within five seconds, press the
Selector Buttons 5 on the front panel until
the desired display brightness level is shown. At
that point, press the Set Button Ô again to
enter the setting.

To adjust the output levels using program
material, first set the reference volume for the
front-left and front-right channels using the
Volume Control Ó 33 .

When FULL appears in the Main
Information Display F, the display is at its
normal brightness. When HALF appears, the
display is at half the normal brightness level.
When OFF appears, all of the indicators in the
Main Information Display F will go dark.
Note, however, that the green LEDs for the
Input Indicators 22 and the Surround
Mode Indicators 29 , as well as the Power
Indicator 3 will always remain lit to remind
you that the AVR 120 is still turned on.

Once the reference level has been set, press
the Channel Select Button lÙ and note
that FRONT L LEV will appear in the
Main Information Display F. To change
the level, first press the Set Button oÔ ,
and then use the Selector Buttons 5 or the
⁄ / ¤ Buttons mq to raise or lower the
level. DO NOT use the volume control, as this
will alter the reference setting.
Once the change has been made, press the Set
Button oÔ and then press the Selector
Buttons 5 or the ⁄/¤ Buttons mq to
select the next output channel location that you
wish to adjust. To adjust the subwoofer level,
press the Selector Buttons 5 or the ⁄/¤
Buttons mq until WOOFER LEV
appears in the Main Information Display F.

Once the desired brightness level is selected, it
will remain in effect until it is changed again or
until the unit is turned off.

Programming the Remote
The AVR 120 is equipped with a powerful
remote control that will control not only the
receiver’s functions, but also most popular
brands of audio and video equipment, including
CD players, cassette decks, TV sets, cable boxes,
VCRs, satellite receivers and other home theater
equipment. Once the AVR 120’s remote is programmed with the codes for the products you
own, it is possible to eliminate most other
remotes and replace them with the convenience
of a single, universal remote control.

Programming the Remote
As shipped from the factory, the remote is fully
programmed for all AVR 120 functions, as well
as those of most Harman Kardon CD changers,
DVD players, CD recorders, CD players and cassette decks. In addition, by following one of the
methods below, you may program the remote to
operate a wide range of devices from other manufacturers.
Direct Code Entry
This method is the easiest way to program your
remote to work with different products.
1. Use the tables in the following pages to
determine the three-digit code or codes that
match both the product type (e.g., VCR, TV),
and the specific brand name. If there is
more than one number for a brand, make
note of the different choices.
2. Turn on the unit you wish to program into
the AVR 120 remote.
3. Press and hold both the Input Selector
e for the product you wish to control
(e.g., VCR, TV) and the Mute Button 35
at the same time.When the Program
Indicator c turns amber and begins
flashing, release the buttons. It is important
that you begin the next step within 20
seconds.
4. Point the AVR 120’s remote towards the unit
to be programmed and enter the first threedigit code number using the Numeric Keys
r. If the unit turns off, the correct code has
been entered. Press the Input Selector e
again, and note that the red light will flash
three times before going dark to confirm the
entry.
5. If the device to be programmed in does NOT
turn off, continue to enter three-digit code
numbers until the equipment turns off. At
this point, the correct code has been
entered. Press the Input Selector e

again and note that the red light under the
Input Selector e will flash three times
before going dark to confirm the entry.
6. Try all of the functions on the remote to
make certain that the product operates
properly. Keep in mind that many manufacturers use a number of different combinations of codes, so it is a good idea to make
certain that not only the power control, but
the volume, channel and transport controls
work as they should. If functions do not
work properly, you may need to use a different remote code.
7. If a code cannot be entered to turn the
unit off, if the code for your product does
not appear in the tables in this manual, or
if not all functions operate properly, try
programming the remote with the Auto
Search Method.
Auto Search Method
If the unit you wish to include in the AVR 120’s
remote is not listed in the code tables in this
manual or if the code does not seem to operate
properly, you may wish to program the correct
code using the Auto Search method that follows:
1. Turn on the unit that you wish to include in
the AVR 120 remote.
2. Press the Input Selector e for the type
of product to be entered (e.g., VCR, TV) and
the Mute Button 35 at the same time.
Hold both buttons until the red light under
the Input Selector e stays lit. Note that
the next step must take place while the red
light is on, and it must begin within 20 seconds after the light appears.
3. Point the AVR 120 remote towards the
unit to be programmed and press either the
⁄ or ¤ Button mq. Each press will
send out a series of codes from the remote’s
built-in database. When the unit being
programmed turns off, release the ⁄ or ¤
Button mq, as that is your indication
that the correct code is in use.

that not only the power control works, but
also that the volume, channel and transport
controls function properly. If all functions do
not work properly, you may need to AutoSearch for a different code, or enter a code
via the Direct Code Entry method.
Code Readout
When the code has been entered using the Auto
Search method, it is always a good idea to find
out the exact code so that it may be easily reentered if necessary. You may also read the codes
to verify which device has been programmed to
a specific Control Selector button.
1. Press and hold both the Input Selector
e for the device for which you wish to
find the code and the Mute Button 35
at the same time. Note that the Program
Indicator c will initally turn amber.
Release the buttons and begin the next
step within 20 seconds.
2. Press the Set Button o. The Program
Indicator c will then blink green in a
sequence that corresponds to the three-digit
code, with a one-second pause between digits. Count the number of blinks between
pauses to determine the digit of the code.
One blink is the number 1, two blinks is the
number 2, and so forth. Ten blinks are used to
indicate a “0.”
Example: One blink, followed by a one-second
pause, followed by six blinks, followed by a
one-second pause, followed by ten blinks indicates that the code has been set to 160.
For future reference, enter the Setup Codes for
the equipment in your system here:
DVD ____________ CD ________________
VID1/VCR ________ VID2/TV __________
VID3/CBL/SAT ______________________
VID4 ____________ TAPE ____________

4. Press the Input Selector e, and note
that the red light under the Input Selector
will flash three times before going dark to
confirm the entry.
5. Try all of the functions on the remote to
make certain that the product operates.
Keep in mind that many manufacturers use
a number of different combinations of
codes, and it is a good idea to make certain

27 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

Programming the Remote
Macro Programming
Macros enable you to easily repeat frequently
used combinations of commands with the press
of a single button on the AVR 120 remote control. Once programmed, a macro will send out
up to 19 different remote codes in a predetermined sequential order, enabling you to automate the process of turning on your system,
changing devices, or other common tasks. The
AVR 120 remote can store up to five separate
macro command sequences: one that is
associated with the Power On Button d,
and four more that are accessed by pressing the
Macro Buttons v.
1. Press the Mute Button 35 and the
Macro Button v to be programmed or
the Power On Button d at the same
time. Note that the last Input Selector
e pressed will light red, and the
Program Indicator c will flash amber.
2. Enter the steps for the macro sequence by
pressing the button for the actual command
step. Although the macro may contain up to
19 steps, each button press, including those
used to change devices, counts as a step.
The Program Indicator c will flash
green to confirm each button press as you
enter commands.

• Press the VID3 Input Selector Button
e to indicate the next command is to be
transmitted to the cable box.
• Press the Mute Button 35 to store the
Cable Power On command.
• Press the Sleep Button i to complete
the process and store the macro sequence.
After following these steps, each time you
press the Macro 1 Button v, the
remote will send the Power On/Off command to the AVR 120, the television and
the cable box with a single button press.
Erasing Macro Commands
To erase the commands that have been programmed into one of the Macro buttons, follow
these steps:
1. Press the Mute Button 35 and the
Macro Button v that contains the
commands you wish to erase.
2. Note that the Program Indicator c will
flash amber, and the LED under the AVR
Selector f will turn red.
3. Within ten seconds, press the Surround
Mode Selector/Channel Down
Button j.

NOTE: While entering commands for Power
On/Off of any device during a macro sequence,
press the Mute Button 35 . DO NOT press the
actual Power Button.

4. The red LED under the AVR Selector f
will go out, and the Program Indicator
c will turn green and flash three times
before it goes out.

3. When all the steps have been entered,
press the Sleep Button i to enter the
commands. The red light under the Input
Selectors ef will blink and then
turn off.

5. When the Program Indicator c goes
out, the Macro has been erased.

Example: To program the Macro 1 Button
v so that it turns on the AVR 120, TV and
a Cable Box, follow these steps:
• Press the Macro 1 v and Mute 35
buttons at the same time and then release
them.
• Note that the Program Indicator c
will flash amber.
• Press the AVR Selector f.
• Press the Mute Button 35 to store the
AVR 120’s Power On command.
• Press the VID2 Input Selector Button
e to indicate the next command is to be
transmitted to the TV.
• Press the Mute Button 35 to store the
TV Power On Command.

28 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

Programmed Device Functions
Once the AVR 120’s remote has been programmed for the codes of other devices, press
the appropriate Input Selector e to change
the remote from controlling the AVR 120 to controlling the additional product. When you press
any one of the selectors, it will briefly flash in red
to indicate that you have changed the device
being controlled.
When operating a device other than the
AVR 120, the controls may not correspond
exactly to the function printed on the remote
or button. Some commands, such as the Volume
Control, are the same as they are with the
AVR 120. Other buttons will change their
function so that they correspond to a secondary
label on the remote. For example, the Sleep
and Surround mode selector buttons also function as the Channel Up and Channel Down

The diagram above shows the button numbers used
in the Function List on pages 31 and 32.

Programming the Remote
buttons when operating most TV sets, VCRs or
cable boxes. The Channel Up/Down indication is
printed directly on the remote. For many standard CD players, cassette decks, VCRs and DVD
functions, the standard function icons are
printed on top of the buttons.
For some products, however, the function of a
particular button does not follow the command
printed on the remote. In order to see which
function a button controls, consult the Function
List tables on pages 31 and 32 To use those
tables, first check the type of device being controlled (e.g., TV, VCR). Next, look at the remote
control diagram pictured at the left. Note that
each button has a number on it.
To find out what function a particular button
has for a specific device, find the button number on the Function List and then look in the
column for the device you are controlling. For
example, button number 50 is the Macro 1
button for the AVR 120, but it is the “Favorite”
button for many cable television boxes and
satellite receivers. Button number 29 is the
Delay button for the AVR 120, but the
Open/Close button for CD players.
NOTE: The numbers used to describe the button functions in the diagram on page 28 for the
purposes of describing how a button operates
are a different set of numbers than those used
in the rest of this manual to describe the button
functions for the AVR 120.
Notes on Using the AVR 120 Remote With
Other Devices.
• Manufacturers may use different code sets
within the same product category, such as TV
sets or VCRs. They may also change codes for
a certain category from one model year to
the next. For that reason, it is important that
you check to see whether the code set you
have entered operates as many controls as
possible. If it appears that only a few functions operate, check to see whether another
code set will work with more buttons.
• When a button is pressed on the AVR 120
remote, the red light under the Input
Selector e for the product being operated should flash briefly. If the Device Control
Selector flashes for some but not all buttons
for a particular product, it does NOT indicate
a problem with the remote but rather that
no function is programmed for the button
being pushed.

Punch-Through Programming
The AVR 120's remote may be programmed to
control one device, such as a TV, while simultaneously directing only certain functions to
another device, such as the transport controls of
a DVD player, without having to switch back
and forth between inputs. You may also use the
remote to control the system volume on the
AVR without the need to switch between different devices. This is called "Punch-Through," and
this section will show you how to program the
remote for these functions.
NOTE: All programming for the remote codes
needed to operate specific devices, such as a
TV, DVD, cable box, satellite receiver or VCR,
should be completed before programming
punch-through commands.
Volume Punch-Through
The AVR 120’s remote may be programmed to
operate the Volume Control 33 and Mute
35 functions of either the TV or the AVR 120
in conjunction with any of the devices controlled by the remote. For example, since the
AVR 120 will likely be used as the sound system for TV viewing, you may wish to have the
AVR 120’s volume activated, although the
remote is set to run the TV. Either the AVR 120
or TV volume control may be associated with
any of the remote’s devices. To program the
remote for Volume Punch-Through, follow
these steps:
1. Press the Input Selector e for the unit
you will be using (e.g., TV) when you wish to
have Volume Punch-Through to your audio
system active and the Mute Button 35 at
the same time until the red light appears
under the Input Selector e and note that
the Program Indicator c will flash
amber.
2. Press the Volume Up Button 33 and
note that the Program Indicator c will
stop flashing and stay amber.
3. Press either the AVR Selector f or the
Input Selector e, depending on which
system’s volume control you wish to have
attached for the punch-through mode. The
Program Indicator c will blink green
three times and then go out to confirm the
data entry.

Example: To have the AVR 220’s volume
control activated even though the remote is
set to control the TV, first press the
Video/TV Input Selector e and the
Mute Button 35 at the same time. Next,
press the Volume Up Button 33 , followed by the AVR Input Selector f.
NOTE: Should you wish to return the remote to
the original configuration after entering a
Volume Punch-Through, you will need to repeat
the steps shown above. However, press the same
Input Selector in Steps 1 and 3.
Channel Control Punch-Through
The AVR 120’s remote may be programmed to
operate so that the channel control function for
either the TV, cable or satellite receiver used in
your system may be used in conjunction with
one of the other devices controlled by the
remote. For example, while using and controlling
the VCR, you may wish to change channels on a
cable box or satellite receiver without having to
change the device selected by the AVR 120 or
the remote. To program the remote for Channel
Control Punch-Through, follow these steps:
1. Press the Input Selector Button e for the
device you will be using (e.g., VCR) when you
wish to have Channel Punch-Through active
and the Mute Button 35 at the same time
until the red light appears under the Input
Selector e and the Program Indicator
c flashes amber.
2. Press the Volume Down Button 33 . The
Program Indicator c will stop flashing
and stay amber.
3. Press and release the Input Selector Button
e for the device that will be used to change
the channels. The Program Indicator c
will blink green three times and then go out
to confirm the data entry.
Example: To control the channels using your
Cable Box or Satellite Receiver while the
remote is set to control the VCR, first press
the VID1/VCR Input Selector Button e
and the Mute Button 35 at the same time.
Next, release them and press the Volume
Down Button 33 , followed by the
VID2/TV Input Selector Button e.

29 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

Programming the Remote
NOTE: To remove the Channel Control PunchThrough and return the remote to its original configuration, repeat the steps shown above.
However, press the same button in Steps 1 and 3.
Transport Control Punch-Through
The AVR 120’s remote may be programmed to
operate so that the Transport Control
Functions w (Play, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind,
Pause and Record) for a VCR, cassette deck, DVD
or CD will operate in conjunction with one of the
other devices controlled by the remote. For example, while using and controlling the TV, you may
wish to start or stop your VCR or DVD without
having to change the device selected by the
AVR 120 or the remote. To program the remote
for Transport Control Punch-Through, follow
these steps:
1. Press the Input Selector e for the device
you will be using (e.g., TV) when you wish to
have Transport Control Punch-Through active
and the Mute Button 35 at the same time
until the red light appears under the Input
Selector e and the Program Indicator
c flashes amber.
2. Press the Play Button w. The Program
Indicator c will stop flashing and stay amber.
3. Press and release the Input Selector Button
e for the device whose transport mechanism
will be controlled (e.g., DVD, CD). The Program
Indicator c will blink green three times and
then go out to confirm the data entry.
Example: To control the transport of a DVD
player while the remote is set to control the TV,
first press the VID2/TV Input Selector
Button e and the Mute Button 35 at
the same time. Next, release them and press
the Play Button w, followed by the DVD
Input Selector Button e.
NOTE: To remove the Channel Control PunchThrough and return the remote to its original configuration, repeat the steps shown above.
However, press the same button in Steps 1 and 3.

30 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

Reassigning Device Control
Selectors
Although each Input Selector e is normally
assigned to the category of product shown on the
remote, it is possible to reassign one of these buttons to operate a second device of another type.
For example, if you have two VCRs but no satellite
receiver, you may program the “SAT” button to
operate a second VCR. Before following the normal programming steps for either Three-Digit entry
or Auto Search code entry, you must first reassign
the button with the following steps:
1. Press the Input Selector e you wish to
reassign and the Mute Button 35 at the
same time until the red light appears under the
Input Selector e and the Program
Indicator c flashes amber.
2. Press the Input Selector e for the device
type you wish to program into the reassigned
button.
3. Enter the three-digit code for the specific
model you wish the reassigned button to
operate.
4. Press the same Input Selector e pressed in
Step 1 once again to store the selection. The
red LED under the reassigned Input Selector will
flash three times and then go out.
Example: To use the CBL/SAT button to operate a second VCR, first press the CBL/SAT
Input Selector e and the Mute Button
35 at the same time until the red light glows
under the CBL/SAT Button e. Press the
VCR Button e, followed by the three-digit
code for the specific model you wish to control.
Finally, press the CBL/SAT Button e again.

Resetting the Remote Memory
As you add components to your home theater
system, occasionally you may wish to totally reprogram the remote control without the confusion of
any commands, macros or ”Punch-Through“ programming that you may have done. To do this, it is
possible to reset the remote to the original factory
defaults and command codes by following these
steps. Note, however, that once the remote is
reset, all commands or codes that you have
entered will be erased and will need to be
reentered:

1. Press any of the Input Selector Buttons e
and the ”O“ Button r at the same time
until the Program Indicator c begins to
flash amber.
2. Press the ”3“ Button r three times.
3. The red LED under the Input Selector e will
go out and the Program Indicator c will
stop flashing and turn green.
4. The Program Indicator c will remain green
until the remote is reset. Note that this may
take a while, depending on how many commands are in the memory and need to be
erased.
5. When the Program Indicator c goes out,
the remote has been reset to the factory
settings.

Function List
No. Button Name

AVR Function

DVD

CD/CD-R

Tape

VCR (VID1)

TV (VID1)

CBL (VID3)

SAT (VID3)

Power Off

Power On

Mute

AVR

AVR Select

DVD

DVD Input Select

CD Input Select

Tape

Tape Input Select

VID1

Video 1 Select

VID2

Video 2 Select

VID3

Video 3 Select

VID4

Video 4 Select

AM/FM

Tuner Select

Sleep

Test

Test Tone

Volume Up

Surround Select Surround Mode Select

Night

Spare

Volume Down

Channel/Guide

Channel Trim

Title

Speaker/Menu

Speaker Adjust

⁄

Move/Adjust Up

ﬁ

Move/Adjust Left

Left

Set

Enter

ﬂ

Right

Move/Adjust Down

Down

Digital/Exit

Digital Input Select

Subtitle

Exit

Delay/Prev. Ch.

Delay Adjust

Return

Time

Prev Channel

3 Iﬁﬁ

4 ﬂﬂI

Tun-M

Memory

Tune Up

Direct

Direct Tuner Entry

Clear

DVD Select
CD Select
Tape Select
VCR Select
TV Select
VID3 Select

Channel +

TV/Cable

TV/Sat

Input Select
TV/DVD

Volume Up

CDP Select

TV/VCR

Input Level Up

Volume Up

CDR Select

Channel –

Volume Up

Channel –

Night Mode Select
Input Level Down

Volume Down

Volume Down Volume Down
Info/Guide

Info/Guide

Left

Enter

Tuner Mode

Next Chapter
Track Direct
Clear

Clear

31 FUNCTION LIST

Function List (continued)
No. Button Name

AVR Function

DVD

Preset Up

Preset Tune Up

Slow Forward

Tune Down

Prev Chapter

Track Increment

D. Skip

Disc Skip

Preset Down

Slow Rev

Intro Scan

Open/Close

Subtitle On/Off Repeat

Audio Select

Angle Select

Rewind

R. Search

Rewind

Play

Fast Forward

F. Search

Record

Stop

Pause

Skip Down

Skip –

Scan –

Page –

Skip Up

Skip +

Scan +

Page +

Preset Tune Down

32 FUNCTION LIST

CD/CD-R

Tape

VCR (VID1)

Stop

Stop
Cancel

Random Play

F. Search

Fast Fwd

Record

Stop

Pause

TV (VID1)

CBL (VID3)

SAT (VID3)

Sleep

PPV

Cancel

Fav

Bypass

Music

Alt

Day –

Day +

Setup Code Table: TV
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

A MARK
ADMIRAL
AKAI
AMPRO
ANAM
AOC
BLAUPUNKT
BROKSONIC
CANDLE
CAPEHART
CENTURION
CENTRONIC
CITIZEN
CLASSIC
CONCERTO
CONTEC
CORANDO
CORONADO
CRAIG
CROWN
CURTIS MATHES
CXC
DAEWOO
DAYTRON
DIGI LINK
DYNASTY
DYNATECH
ELECTROHOME
EMERSON
FUNAI
FUTURETECH
GE
GOLDSTAR
GRUNDIG
HALL MARK
HARMAN KARDON
HITACHI
INFINITY
INKEL
JBL
JC PENNEY
JENSEN
JVC
KAWASHO
KEC
KENWOOD
KMC
KTV
LLOYTRON
LODGENET
LOGIK
LUXMAN
LXI
MAGNAVOX
MARANTZ
MATSUI
MEMOREX
METZ

103
192
123
164
045
103
084
205
123
059
123
045
045
045
128
045
172
132
045
045
123
045
045
128
200
045
063
115
045
045
045
087
101
193
128
201
123
148
120
148
115
019
079
173
045
123
132
045
172
069
069
128
077
123
115
148
069
084

132
160
103
123

106
128

109

123

128

132

157
132
128

158

159

112

122

206
128
171

087
132

132
102

105

106

108 111

114

116 119

132
123

128

132

139

157 158

159

162 205

121
103

123
110

128
128

133
132

145 159

163

128

132

144

147

123

128

132

145

087

134

127

128 132

204
123
173

132

162

145
128
123

148
132
148

145

148

128

33 SETUP CODES

Setup Code Table: TV (continued)
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

MGA
MINERVA
MITSUBISHI
MTC
NATIONAL
NEC
NIKEI
ONKING
ONWA
OPTONICA
ORION
PANASONIC
PHILCO
PHILIPS
PIONEER
PORTLAND
PROSCAN
PROTON
QUASAR
RADIO SHACK
RCA
REALISTIC
RUNCO
SAA
SAMPO
SAMSUNG
SANYO
SCOTT
SEARS
SHARP
SIEMENS
SIGNATURE
SONY
SOUNDESIGN
SPECTRICON
SSS
SYLVANIA
SYMPHONIC
TANDY
TATUNG
TECHNICS
TECHWOOD
TEKNIKA
TELERENT
TERA
THOMSON
TMK
TOSHIBA
TOTEVISION
VIDEO CONCEPTS
VIDTECH
WARDS
YAMAHA
YORK
YUPITERU
ZENITH
ZONDA

115
084
077
175
148
115
045
045
045
077
207
087
045
123
024
128
133
059
087
045
115
045
152
183
059
124
054
045
128
077
084
069
117
045
103
045
123
184
077
063
080
128
045
069
156
190
128
063
132
160
128
069
123
128
045
069
103

123

128

115
176
177
121

123

128

160

167 168

179
123

180
125

181

182

208
148
115
128
123
132

209
169
123
132
128

210

211

128
145
213

132
148
214

122

128

132

165

128
123
196
153

132
128
197

180
133

196
145

123
128

128
132

128
132
128

132
145
132

130
128

136

194

128

145

148

069

115

123

202

128
128

132

090

34 SETUP CODES

197
161 163

145

191
129

148

212

128

132

Setup Code Table: VCR
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

AIWA
AKAI
AMPRO
ASA
AUDIO DYNAMICS
BROKSONIC
CANDLE
CANON
CAPEHART
CITIZEN
CRAIG
DAEWOO
DAYTRON
DBX
DYNATECH
EMERSON
FISHER
FUNAI
GE
GO VIDEO
GOLDSTAR
HARMAN KARDON
HITACHI
JC PENNEY
JENSEN
JVC
KENWOOD
LLOYD
LXI
MAGIN
MAGNAVOX
MARANTZ
MEMOREX
MGA
MITSUBISHI
MULTITECH
NAD
NATIONAL
NEC
NORDMENDE
OPTIMUS
ORION
PANASONIC
PHILCO
PHILIPS
PORTLAND
PULSAR
QUASAR
RADIO SHACK
RCA
REALISTIC

040
048
076
134
018
110
134
135
094
134
045
017
094
018
040
013
017
040
076
113
018
018
040
018
048
018
020
040
020
045
040
018
017
049
049
040
139
140
018
048
159
147
125
040
040
094
076
001
134
095
017

108 109 126

048
147
135
140

116
094 104
048
040 042 110 112

095 124
107
049
048
045
048 111 132
048
040

020 040 076
131

048

150 167 172
075

125
140 142 158 159
124 125 157 172
020 040 045 159

35 SETUP CODES

Setup Code Table: VCR (continued)
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

SALORA
SAMSUNG
SANSUI
SANYO
SCOTT
SEARS
SHARP
SONY
SOUNDESIGN
SYLVANIA
SYMPHONIC
TANDY
TASHICO
TATUNG
TEAC
TEKNIKA
THOMAS
TMK
TOSHIBA
TOTEVISION
UNITECH
VECTOR RESEARCH
VIDEO CONCEPTS
VIDEOSONIC
WARDS
YAMAHA
ZENITH

020
045
048
017
110
017
129
080
040
040
040
017
134
048
040
040
040
013
112
045
045
018
018
045
040
018
040

095 105 109
116 147
020
112
020
156
129

040

048

155

040
045 112
040 048
076 083

Setup Code Table: CD
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

ADCOM
AIWA
AKAI
AUDIO TECHNICA
AUDIOACCESS
AUDIOFILE
BSR
CALIFORNIA AUDIO
CAPETRONIC
CARRERA
CARVER
CASIO
CLARINETTE
DENON
EMERSON
FISHER
FRABA
FUNAI
GE

063
072
050
053
125
211
044
015
070
087
136
117
122
187
052
055
117
126
164

36 SETUP CODES

069
111
177

118
184

156 170

141
166

143 144

109

140
122
166
188
093
068

213
108

145

185

186

Setup Code Table: CD (Continued)
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

GENEXXA
GOLDSTAR
HAITAI
HARMAN KARDON
HITACHI
INKEL
JC PENNEY
JENSEN
JVC
KENWOOD
LOTTE
LUXMAN
LXI
MAGNAVOX
MARANTZ
MCINTOSH
MCS
MITSUMI
MODULAIRE
NAD
NAKAMICHI
NEC
NIKKO
ONKYO
OPTIMUS
PANASONIC
PHILIPS
PIONEER
PROTON
QUASAR
RADIO SHACK
RCA
RCX
REALISTIC
SANSUI
SANYO
SCOTT
SHARP
SHERWOOD
SONY
SOUNDSTREAM
SYMPHONIC
TAEKWANG
TEAC
THETA DIGITAL
TOSHIBA
VECTOR RESEARCH
VICTOR
WARDS
YAMAHA
YORK

108
016
099
001
093
216
098
153
176
030
108
077
164
039
058
194
080
152
122
013
199
069
053
037
065
015
039
071
210
015
122
024
169
058
047
033
108
058
003
103
124
059
177
011
039
013
087
120
095
019
122

087
214
002

025

054 190

218

219

196
078

079 148

151

176

178

191

192 193

166
074
200

197
201

198

055
038
089
075
138
094

045
091
109
149
100

046
092
119
209
112

171
099
158

175
104
183

202
212
204

203

123

131

161

162

109
126
081

213
093

150

093
081
068

095
134
082

104 105
157 172
095 168

108

164

166

105
041
115

114
058
116

151 159
105 133
118 132

167

180

181

139

163

205

206

207

208

058

085

086 106

107

110

121

137

146

154

074

097

151 155

173

053

061 135

169

147
195
062

181

102
113
084
098

215

212 217

110

130
031
166

37 SETUP CODES

Setup Code Table: Tape
Manufacturer/Brand
HARMAN KARDON

Setup Code Number
001

Setup Code Table: DVD
Manufacturer/Brand
APEX DIGITAL
DENON
GE
GOLDSTAR
HARMAN KARDON
JVC
LG
MAGNAVOX
MARANTZ
MITSUBISHI
NAD
ONKYO
PANASONIC
PHILIPS
PIONEER
PROCEED
PROSCAN
RCA
SAMSUNG
SHARP
SONY
THOMSON
TOSHIBA
YAMAHA
ZENITH

Setup Code Number
061
019 051
003 004
005
001
006
005 055 064
056
059
023
062
009 048
024 030 044
056
041 065
060
003 004
003 004
053 054
028
043 045
003 004
009 058
030 063
005 055 064

38 SETUP CODES

Setup Code Table: SAT
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

ALPHASTAR
ALPHASTAR DBS
ALPHASTAR DSR
BIRDVIEW
CHANNEL MASTER
CHAPARRAL
CITOH
DRAKE
DX ANTENNA
ECHOSTAR
ELECTRO HOME
FUJITSU
GENERAL INSTRUMENT
HITACHI DBS
HOUSTON TRACKER
HUGHES
JANIEL
JERROLD
KATHREIN
LEGEND
MACOM
MAGNAVOX
MEMOREX
NEXTWAVE
NORSAT
OPTIMUS
PANASONIC
PANASONIC DBS
PANSAT
PERSONAL CABLE
PHILIPS
PICO
PRESIDENT
PRIMESTAR
RCA
REALISTIC
SAMSUNG
SATELLITE SERVICE CO
SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA
SONY
STAR CHOICE DBS
STARCAST
SUPER GUIDE
TEECOM
TOSHIBA
UNIDEN
ZENITH

472
450
442
425
320
315
360
313
331
395
392
324
303
455
463
437
366
454
410
453
317
461
453
423
373
466
366
457
420
418
375
407
381
412
301
349
442
335
339
405
459
347
327
330
302
323
384

321
316

322
380

325 361
451

317
352
397

318
362
452

413 481
379 483
453 463

477

478

484

329
311

334
323

365 403

454

468

474

468

484

365
473

369

370 371

468
458

475
465

390
460
348
387

391
461
349
394

409
470
351

354

355

485

469

404
454
439
480
388

423
333
426
332
385

393
462
350
419

381

383

389 403 466

479

480

39 SETUP CODES

Setup Code Table: CBL
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

ABC
ALLEGRO
AMERICAST
ARCHER
BELCOR
CABLE STAR
CITIZEN
COLOUR VOICE
DIGI
EAGLE
EASTERN
ELECTRICORD
EMERSON
FOCUS
G.I.
GC ELECTRONICS
GEMINI
GENERAL
GENERAL INSTRUMENT
GOODMIND
HAMLIN
HITACHI
JASCO
JERROLD
LINDSAY
MACOM
MAGNAVOX
MOVIE TIME
NSC
OAK
PACE
PANASONIC
PANTHER
PHILIPS
PIONEER
POPULAR MECHANICS
PRELUDE
PRIMESTAR
RADIO SHACK
RCA
RECOTON
REGAL

001
111
212
112
113
033
111
085
114
186
066
039
112
116
001
113
032
210
168
112
056
001
111
001
118
191
017
035
035
197
179
053
114
013
001
116
120
162
111
053
116
056

011

113
090

070

011 017 096 097
060

099 100 101 117 175 208
188
002 011 017 073 096 097 162 168 188 210

019 068
039
190

176 177 189 214
019 020 085 090
041 119 171 209

112 213
214
099 100 101 208

40 SETUP CODES

Setup Code Table: CBL (continued)
Manufacturer/Brand

Setup Code Number

REMBRANT
SAMSUNG
SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA
SEAM
SIGNATURE
SPRUCER
STARCOM
STARGATE
TANDY
TELECAPATION
TEXSCAN
TFC
TIMELESS
TOCOM
UNITED CABLE
UNIVERSAL
VIDEOWAY
VIEWSTAR
ZENITH
ZENTEK

032
072
183
121
001
053
002
120
024
028
036
122
123
170
011
033
124
019
065
116

186
203
188
081 177 189
011 163

205
034 039 042 113
211
025 086 089 190
125 211

41 SETUP CODES

Troubleshooting Guide
Your AVR 120 receiver has been designed to provide many years of trouble-free service. In the event that you are experiencing difficulties, please check the
suggestions below for a possible solution to your problem. Additional information on the AVR 120, including updated information and user hints, is available from our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.
SYMPTOM

CAUSE

SOLUTION

Unit does not function when Main
Power Switch is pushed

• No AC Power

• Make certain AC power cord is plugged into
a live outlet
• Check to see whether outlet is switch-controlled

Display lights, but no sound
or picture

• Intermittent input connections

• Make certain that all input and speaker connections
are secure
• Press Mute button
• Turn up volume control

• Mute is on
• Volume control is down
Unit turns on, but front-panel
display does not light up

• Display brightness is turned off

• Follow the instructions in the Display Brightness section
on page 26 so that the display is set to VFD FULL

No sound from any speaker;
light around power switch is red

• Amplifier is in protection mode
due to possible short
• Amplifier is in protection mode
due to internal problems

• Check speaker wire connections for shorts at receiver and
speaker ends
• Contact your local Harman Kardon service center, which you can
locate by visiting our Web site at www.harmankardon.com

No sound from surround or
center speakers

• Incorrect surround mode
• Input is monaural
• Incorrect configuration
• Stereo or Mono program material

• Select a mode other than Stereo or Dolby 3 Stereo
• There is no surround information from mono sources
• Check speaker mode configuratioin
• The surround decoder may not create center- or rear-channel
information from nonencoded programs

Unit does not respond to
remote commands

• Weak batteries in remote
• Wrong device selected
• Remote sensor is obscured

• Change remote batteries
• Press the AVR selector
• Make certain front-panel sensor is visible to remote
or connect remote sensor

Intermittent buzzing in tuner

• Local interference

• Move unit or antenna away from computers, fluorescent
lights, motors or other electrical appliances

Letters flash in the channel indicator
display and digital audio stops

• Digital audio feed paused

• Resume play for DVD
• Check that Digital Input is selected

Processor Reset
In the rare case where the unit’s operation or
the displays seem abnormal, the cause may
involve the erratic operation of the system’s
memory or microprocessor.
To correct this problem, first unplug the unit
from the AC wall outlet and wait at least three
minutes. After the pause, reconnect the AC
power cord and check the unit’s operation. If
the system still malfunctions, a system “reset”
may clear the problem.
To clear the AVR 120’s entire system memory
including tuner presets, output level settings,
delay times and speaker configuration data,
first put the unit in Standby by pressing the

42 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

System Power Control Button 2. Next,
simultaneously press and hold the Tone Mode
6 and the FM Mode Selector @ buttons
for three seconds.

If the system is still operating incorrectly, there
may have been an electronic discharge or
severe AC line interference that has corrupted
the memory or microprocessor.

The unit will turn on automatically and display
the RESET message in the Main
Information Display F. Note that once you
have cleared the memory in this manner, it is
necessary to reestablish all system configuration
settings and tuner presets.

If these steps do not solve the problem, consult
an authorized Harman Kardon service center.
You can locate the service center nearest
to you by visiting our Web site at
www.harmankardon.com.

NOTE: After a reset, the unit will be returned to
the factory presets, and all settings for tuner
memory and presets speaker configuration,
delay times and surround mode memories must
be reentered.

Memory Backup
This product is equipped with a memory backup
system that preserves the system configuration
information and tuner presets if the unit is accidentally unplugged or subjected to a power
outage. This memory will last for approximately
two weeks, after which time all information
must be reentered.

Technical Specifications
Audio Section
Stereo Mode
Continuous Average Power (FTC)
50 Watts per channel, @ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz – 20kHz,
both channels driven into 8 ohms
Five-Channel Surround Modes
Power Per Individual Channel
Front L&R channels:
40 Watts per channel
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms
Center channel:
40 Watts @ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms
Surround channels:
40 Watts per channel
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms
Input Sensitivity/Impedance
Linear (High-Level)

200mV/47k ohms

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A)

95dB

Surround System Adjacent Channel Separation
Pro Logic II
45dB
Dolby Digital (AC-3)
55dB
DTS
55dB
Frequency Response
@ 1W (+0dB, –3dB)

10Hz–100kHz

High Instantaneous
Current Capability (HCC)

±25 Amps

Transient Intermodulation
Distortion (TIM)

Unmeasurable

Slew Rate

40V/µsec

FM Tuner Section
Frequency Range
Usable Sensitivity
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Distortion
Stereo Separation
Selectivity
Image Rejection
IF Rejection

87.5–108.0MHz
IHF 1.3µV/13.2dBf
Mono/Stereo 70dB/68dB
Mono/Stereo 0.2%/0.3%
40dB @ 1kHz
±400kHz, 70dB
80dB
90dB

AM Tuner Section
Frequency Range
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Usable Sensitivity
Distortion
Selectivity

520–1710kHz
45dB
Loop 500µV
1kHz, 50% Mod 0.8%
±10kHz, 30dB

Video Section
Television Format
Input Level/Impedance
Output Level/Impedance
Video Frequency
Response
General
Power Requirement
Power Consumption

NTSC
1Vp-p/75 ohms
1Vp-p/75 ohms
10Hz–8MHz (–3dB)

AC 120V/60Hz
68W idle, 540W maximum
(2 channels driven)

Dimensions
Width
Height
Depth

17.3 inches (440mm)
6.5 inches (165mm)
17.1 inches (435mm)

Weight

31 lb (14.1kg)

Depth measurement includes knobs, buttons and terminal connections.
Height measurement includes feet and chassis.
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Harman Kardon is a registered trademark, and Power for the Digital Revolution is a trademark,
of Harman Kardon, Inc.
*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Dolby, Pro Logic II, AC-3 and the Double-D symbol are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished
Works. ©1992–1999 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
DTS and DTS Surround are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
UltraStereo is a trademark of UltraStereo Corp.
VMAx is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc., and is an
implementation of Cooper Bauck Transaural Stereo under patent license.
Logic 7 is a registered trademark of Lexicon, Inc., a Harman International Company.
Crystal is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Corp.

43 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797
www.harmankardon.com
© 2001 Harman Kardon, Incorporated
Part No.: J90200012410

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Harman Kardon Avr 120 Users Manual 220 OM

Harman Kardon AVR 120 Receiver Owner’s Manual AVR 120 OM Troubleshoot Harman Kardon AVR 120 Receiver |

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