Harman Kardon Avr 255 Users Manual

AVR 255 to the manual 2cf24a0b-dfb8-4336-867e-dbb1b5af2785

2015-01-25

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ENGLISH

AVR 255/AVR 355 Audio/VideoReceiver
OWNER’S MANUAL

AVR

Info

Resolution

Audio Effects

Video Modes

Surround Modes

Back/Exit

Source List

Composit

Table of Contents
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Introduction
Safety Information
Unpacking
Front Panel Controls
Rear Panel Connections
Main Remote Control Functions
Zone 2 Remote Control Functions
Installation and Connections
Audio Equipment Connections
HDMI Input Connections
HDMI Output Connections
Analog and Digital Input Connections
Video Equipment Connections
System and Power Connections
Main Room Remote Control Extension
Zone 2 IR Link
Multiroom Audio Connection
A-BUS Installation Connections
Speaker Selection
Speaker Placement
System Configuration
First Turn On
Using the On-Screen Display
System Setup
Source Selection
Audio and Video Input Selection
Set Up Sources
Audio Effects
Video Mode
Surround Mode
Audio Format From Source
Video Input From Source
Audio Input From Source
Resolution To Display
Resolution From Source
Adjust Lip Sync
Change Source Name
Zone 2 Audio
Speaker Setup, EzSet/EQ
Speaker Setup, Manual
Operation
Surround Mode Chart
Basic Operation
Mute Function
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Source Selection
Video Input Selection
Video Troubleshooting Tips
Multichannel Disc Players with/without
HDMI
6/8-Channel Direct Input
Controls and Use of Headphones
Surround Mode Selection
Digital Audio Signals
Surround modes
Tape Recording
The Bridge
Multiroom Operation
Multiroom Setup
Surround Amplifier Channel Assignment
Video Adjustments
Video Modes
Audio Adjustments
Audio Effects
Advanced Features
System Settings
Front Panel Dimmer

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

38
Volume Units
38
Volume Default and Level
38
Unit of Measure
38
iPod Charging
38
On-Screen Language
38
HDMI Audio to TV
38
Resolution to Display
39 Menu Appearance
39
OSD Transparency
39
Volume Status Messages
39
Menus
39
Setup and Slide-In Menus
39
Screen Saver
39
Default Surround Mode
40 Tuner Operation
40
To Select the Built-In Tuner
40
RDS Functions
42 Programming the Remote

42
42
42
42
43
43
44
44
45
45
45
46
48
50
50
51
52

Programming with Codes
Direct Code Entry
Auto Search Method
Code Readout
Learning Codes from a Remote
Erasing Learned Codes
Activity Programming (Macros)
Programmed Device Functions
Notes on Using the AVR Remote With
Other Devices
Punch-Through Programming
Resetting the Remote Memory
AVR 355 Remote Function List
AVR 255 Remote Function List
Troubleshooting Guide
Processor Reset
Technical Specifications
Appendix - Settings Worksheet

Declaration of Conformity

We, Harman Consumer Group, Inc.
2, route de Tours
72500 Château-du-Loir,
FRANCE
declare in own responsibility, that the product described in this
owner’s manual is in compliance with technical standards:
EN55013(2001) & + A2(2006)
EN55020(2002) & + A2(2005)
EN60065:2002
EN61000-3-2(2000)+A2(2005)
EN61000-3-3 (1995)+A1(2001)+A2(2005)
EN61000-4-2(1995) & + A1(1998) & + A2(2001)
EN61000-4-3(2002) & + A1(2002)
EN61000-4-4(2004)

Jurjen Amsterdam
Harman Consumer Group, Inc.
03/08

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 – (letter in a square) indicates a button or indicator on the remote
A – (letter in an oval) indicates a button on the Zone 2 remote
The appearance of the text or cursor for your receiver’s on-screen menus may vary slightly from the
illustrations in this manual. Whether the text appears in all uppercase or upper- and lowercase
characters, performance and operation remain the same.

Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon!
With the purchase of a Harman Kardon AVR 255/
AVR 355 you are about to begin many years of
listening enjoyment. Designed to provide all the
excitement and detail of movie soundtracks and
every nuance of musical selections, the AVR 255/
AVR 355 are truly multichannel receivers for the
new millennium. In addition to the traditional 5.1
digital decoding modes such as Dolby Digital and
DTS, they offer the latest advancements in surround technology such as Dolby® True HD and
DTS®-HD Master Audio™ and the latest 7.1
channel versions of Harman's own Logic 7
technology.

The AVR takes the “video” part of its name seriously. Along with three HDMI inputs and three
100MHz analog component video inputs (two
on the AVR 255), the AVR’s video processing
allows you to scale the output signal to 1080p
loop-through to match the requirements of your
specific video display. Thanks to award winning
Faroudja® DCDi Cinema™ technology, your
video sources never looked better. Tying audio
and video together, the AVR provides A/V sync
delay so that the lip sync errors – commonly
seen when digital video processing is used in a
source, program or video display – are
eliminated.

The AVR 255/AVR 355 have been engineered so
that it is easy to take advantage of all the
power of their digital technology. Full-color,
high-definition, multi-language on-screen
menus, fully color coded connection jacks and
terminals make installation fast and simple.
However, to obtain the maximum enjoyment
from your new receiver, we urge you to read this
manual. A few minutes spent learning the functions of the various controls will enable you to
take advantage of all the power the AVR is able
to deliver.

An important addition to the AVR’s impressive
list of features is EzSet/EQ™, which automates
the configuration process to make it quicker, easier and more precise. Using the special microphone supplied with the unit, EzSet/EQ takes the
guesswork out of entering speaker “size” and
crossover information, delay times for all channels and output levels. In addition to the configuration settings, EzSet/EQ also includes room
equalization so that the signals sent to each
speaker are tailored to provide accurate sonic
quality with your specific combination of speaker
type, room size and other factors that influence
room acoustics. With EzSet/EQ, your system is
custom-configured in a few minutes with accuracy that previously required expensive and
hard-to-use test equipment.

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 serves as the hub of your home entertainment system, providing a wide range of listening possibilities for almost any audio or video
program source, whether it is the broadcast of a
movie or sporting event in HDTV or a vintage
mono or stereo recording. When playing digital
audio sources from either the conventional optical and coaxial inputs, or through the HDMI 1.3a
compliant connections, the AVR decodes Dolby
True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master
Audio and DTS-HD data streams. Two-channel
stereo and matrix surround sources benefit from
all current Dolby Pro Logic IIx modes and DTS
Neo:6. The latest version of our proprietary Logic
7® process is on-board to create a wider, more
enveloping sound field and more defined surround channel positioning, regardless of the type
of source material.
Dolby Virtual Speaker is available to create
enveloping sound fields from front left and right
speakers, and the latest Dolby Headphone
circuitry creates an amazing sense of openness
with headphones.

In tandem with EzSet/EQ, the AVR includes a full
set of manual configuration settings for those
who wish to custom-trim their system even further. A Quadruple Crossover bass management
system makes it possible to enter different
crossover settings for each speaker group.
A Stereo-Direct mode bypasses the digital
processor to preserve all of the subtleties of older
analog, two-channel materials, while bass
management, available in the surround and
Stereo-Digital modes, improves your ability to
tailor the sound to suit your room acoustics or
taste.

Coax and optical digital outputs are available for
direct connection to digital recorders. A video
recording output and a color-coded eight-channel input make the AVR virtually future-proof,
with everything needed to accommodate tomorrow’s new formats right on board.
With one simple connection between the
AVR 355 and the optional Harman Kardon
, you are able to listen to materials
stored on your compatible Apple® iPod®**.
Your AVR’s system remote control has been
preprogrammed with control codes that enable
you to select tracks for playback and navigate
many of your iPod’s functions, even from across
the room. The Bridge™ will even let you charge
your iPod.
The AVR 355’s flexibility and power extend
beyond your main home theater or listening
room. The AVR includes a sophisticated multizone control system that allows you to select
one source for use in the main room and a
different one (Audio only) in a second room.
Complete control over volume is possible with a
separate infrared control link. To make it easy to
operate the AVR from a remote room, a separate
“Zone II” remote is included.
Additional multiroom options include the option
to assign two of the AVR’s output channels to the
multiroom system and the ability to link the AVR
to innovative A-BUS® keypads for multiroom operation without the need for external amplifiers.
The AVR’s powerful amplifier uses traditional
Harman Kardon high-current design technologies to meet the wide dynamic range of any program selection.
Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity
receiver more then fifty years ago. With state-ofthe-art circuitry and time-honored circuit
designs, the AVR 255 and AVR 355 are the
perfect combination of the latest in digital audio
technology, a quiet yet powerful analog
amplifier in an elegant, easy-to-use package.

For the ultimate in flexibility, the AVR’s feature
connections for four video devices, all with both
composite and S-Video inputs. Two additional
audio inputs are available, and a total of six
digital inputs and two outputs make the AVR
capable of handling all the latest digital audio
sources. For compatibility with the latest HDTV
video sources and progressive scan DVD players,
the AVR also features wide-bandwidth, lowcrosstalk component video switching.

**Compatible with all iPod models equipped with a dock connector, including third-generation “Click Wheel” models and newer. Not compatible with iPod
shuffle models. Although iPod photo models are compatible, images stored on the iPod can only be viewed using the controls on the iPod, not with the
AVR remote.
INTRODUCTION 3

ENGLISH

Introduction

Safety Information
I Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby
Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic* II and
IIx Decoding, and the full suite of DTS®
modes, including DTS-HD Master Audio,
DTS-HD and DTS-ES® 6.1 Discrete &
Matrix and Neo:6®
I Seven channels of high-current amplification with two channels assignable to
either surround back or multiroom
applications
I Harman Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7®
processing, along with a choice of
Dolby Virtual Speaker processing for
use when only two speakers are
available

I Dolby Headphone to create spacious,
open sound fields when using headphones

I Harman Kardon’s advanced EzSet/EQ™
automatically configures speaker settings and sets room equalization for
quick, easy and accurate system setup
I HDMI with audio/video processing,
upscaling to 720p/1080p and repeater
for increased cable length without signal degradation
I Three HDMI™ 1.3a and three (two on
AVR 255) assignable high-bandwidth
analog component inputs for compatibility with the latest high-definition
video sources

I Front panel analog A/V inputs
I Front panel digital inputs for easy connection to portable digital devices and
the latest video game consoles
I Connects to Harman Kardon’s
(optional) for charging, playback and
control of a compatible Apple® iPod®
device (AVR 355 only)
I Input titling for all input sources
(except tuner)
I Multiple digital inputs and outputs
I Full-color, high-definition, multi-language On-screen menu and display system
I A/V Sync delay adjustable for each
input delivers perfect lip sync with
digital programs or video displays
I 6-Channel/8-Channel Direct Input for
Use with Future Audio Formats
I Extensive bass management options,
including four separate crossover
groupings
I Extensive multiroom options, including
a standard Zone II remote, assignable
amplifier channels and A-BUS Ready®
capability for listening to a separate
source in a remote zone (AVR 355 only)
I Main Remote with Internal Codes

4 SAFETY INFORMATION

Important Safety Instructions

Please read the following precautions before use:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding-type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The wide blade
or the third prong is provided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement
of the obsolete outlet.
10.Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
11.Only use attachments/accessories specified
by the manufacturer.

12.Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket
or table specified by the manufacturer or sold
with the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13.Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
14.Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15.Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
apparatus.
16.To completely disconnect this apparatus from
the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the AC receptacle.
17.The mains plug of the power supply cord
shall remain readily operable.
18.Do not expose batteries to excessive heat
such assunshine, fire or the like.

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

Installation Location
I To assure 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.

I 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.
I Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted
surface.

I Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold
locations, or an area that is exposed to direct
sunlight or heating equipment.
I Avoid moist or humid locations.

Instructions for users on removal
and disposal of used batteries.
Specification of included battery
types.
These symbols shown on the product, the packaging or in the manual or separate information sheet
mean that the product itself, as well as the batteries included or built into the product, should never
be thrown away with general household waste.
Take them to applicable collection points, where
proper treatment, recycling and recovery takes
place, in accordance with national or local legislation, or European Directives 2002/96/EC and
2006/66/EC.
Correct handling of the product and batteries to
be disposed helps save resources and prevents
possible negative effects on the environment or
human health.
The batteries included with your equipment may
be Alkaline, Carbon Zinc/Manganese or Lithium
(button cells) type. All types should be disposed of
according to the above instructions.

I Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the
top of the unit, or place objects directly over
them.

I Due to the weight of the AVR and the heat
generated by the amplifiers, there is the remote
possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the unit’s feet may leave marks on certain wood or veneer materials. Use caution
when placing the unit on soft woods or other
materials that may be damaged by heat or
heavy objects. Some surface finishes may be
particularly sensitive to absorbing such marks
due to a variety of factors beyond
Harman Kardon's control, including the nature
of the finish, cleaning materials used, and
normal heat and vibration caused by the use of
the product, or other factors. We recommend
that caution be exercised in choosing an
installation location for the component and in
normal maintenance practices, as your
warranty will not cover this type of damage to
furniture.

Cleaning
When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean,
soft, dry cloth. If necessary, 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.

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

To remove the batteries from your equipment or
remote control, reverse the procedure described
for inserting batteries in the Owners Manual.
For products with a built-in battery that lasts for
the lifetime of the product, removal may not be
possible for the user. In this case, recycling or
recovery centers handle the dismantling of the
product and the removal of the battery. If, for any
reason, it becomes necessary to replace such a
battery, this procedure must be performed by
authorized service centers.

SAFETY INFORMATION 5

ENGLISH

Safety Information

Front Panel Controls
J

AVR

Info

Resolution

Audio Effects

Video Modes

Surround Modes

Back/Exit

Source List

Composite

B
3

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Volume Control
System Power Control
Power Indicator
Headphone Jack
Menu Navigation Buttons
OK Button
AVR Button

6 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

8 Info Button
9 Resolution Button
) Audio Effects Button
! Video Modes Button
@ Source List Button
# Main Information Display
$ Speaker/Channel Input Indicator

% Surround Mode Button
^ Back/Exit Button
& Digital Optical Front Input
* Digital Coax Front Input
( Video Front Input Jacks
Ó Remote Sensor Window

Analog

1 Volume Control: Turn this knob clockwise
to increase the volume, counterclockwise to
decrease the volume. If the AVR is muted,
adjusting volume control will automatically
release the unit from the silenced condition.
2 System Power Control: When the Main
Power Switch on the rear panel is “ON,” press
this button to turn on the AVR; press it again to
turn the unit off (to Standby). Note that the
Power Indicator 3 will turn white when the
unit is on.
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 white.
4 Headphone Jack: This jack may be used to
listen to the AVR’s output through a pair of headphones. Be certain that the headphones have a
standard 6,3 mm stereo phone plug. Note that
the speakers will automatically be turned off
when the headphones are connected.
When configuring your system using EzSet/EQ,
the calibration microphone should be plugged
into this jack using the supplied adaptor that
converts the small mini-plug at the end of the
microphone’s cord to a 6,3 mm plug.
5 Navigation: These buttons are used to navigate the AVR’s menus and to operate the tuner.
6 OK Button: Press this button to select the
currently highlighted item.
7 AVR Settings Button: Press this button to
access the AVR’s main menu.
8 Info Settings Button: Press this button to
directly access the AVR’s Setup Source submenu,
which contains the settings for the current
source.
9 Resolution: Pressing this Button once and
then using the Up/Down Navigation Buttons
5 changes the AVR’s video output resolution to
these settings: 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i or
1080p. The AVR is set to default to 576i when
first switched on, or if you reset it later. This resolution has been chosen to ensure that the On
Screen Display information is visible on your TV
even with analog S-Video or Composite (CVBS)
signals. Having selected the best resolution for
your system, confirm with the OK Button 6. The
Front Panel Display now shows "Res Change,
Cancel". If you press OK now, or do nothing for
20 seconds, the AVR returns to normal play
mode. To confirm the new resolution, press the
L Button 5, which changes the Display from
"Cancel" to "Accept", then press the OK Button
6. The new resolution is now in use.

) Audio Effects: Press this button to directly
access the Audio Effects submenu, which allows
adjustment of the tone and other controls. See
the Initial Setup section for more information.
! Video Modes: Press this button for direct
access to the Video Modes submenu, which contains settings that may be used to improve the
picture if necessary after you have adjusted the
picture settings using the video display or TV.
@ Source List Button: Press this Button to
open the on-screen Source Selection Menu with
the slide-in Source List already open. If you are
not using your TV for on-screen reference, use
the Front Panel Information Display which shows
the information you need. Scroll up and down
with the KL Buttons 5, select the desired
Input by pressing the OK Button 6 and exit the
Source Selection function by pressing the Source
List Button @ again.
# Main Information Display: This display
delivers messages and status indications to help
you operate the receiver.
$ Speaker/Channel Input Indicators: These
indicators are multipurpose, indicating either the
speaker type selected for each channel or the
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 selected for that position. (See page 22
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 page 33 for more information on the Channel
Indicators).
NOTE: When you have reassigned the surround
back speakers to the remote zone using the
MULTI ROOM SETUP menu, the boxes that
indicate the presence of the surround back speakers will automatically disappear, reflecting the fact
that the main listening area is now configured for
5.1-channel operation. (See page 35 for more
information on reassigning the surround back
speakers for multiroom use.)

% Surround Modes: Press this button to
select a surround sound (e.g.,multichannel)
mode. The Surround Modes menu will appear on
screen, and the menu line will appear on the
lower line of the front-panel display.
Use the front-panel or remote K/L Buttons to
highlight a different menu line: Auto Select,
Virtual Surround, Stereo, Movie, Music or Video
Game. Each line represents a type of audio signal, and is set to the surround mode the AVR will
automatically select when it detects the audio
signal.
You may manually select a different mode for
each type of audio. Press the OK Button when
the menu line is highlighted, and the available
surround mode options for the current signal will
appear. Use the K/L Buttons to select the
desired mode, and press the OK Button to
engage it. Press the Back/Exit Button to exit the
Surround Modes menu and display the next higher menu in the hierarchy.
See the Advanced Functions section for more
information on surround modes.
^ Back/Exit: Press this button to return to the
previous menu. When the main AVR menu is displayed, press this button to exit the menu system.
& Digital Optical Front Input: Connect the
optical digital audio output of an audio or video
product to this jack.
* Digital Coax Front Input: This jack is normally used for connection to the output of
portable digital audio devices, video game consoles or other products that have a coax digital
jack.
( Video Front Input Jacks: These
audio/video jacks may be used for temporary
connection to video games or portable
audio/video products such as camcorders and
portable audio players.
Ó 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 unless an external
remote sensor is installed.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 7

ENGLISH

Front Panel Controls

Rear Panel Connections
Z
0

7 S 5 9

Q P T Y B

AE N

J e

1
3

b
6
c
f
d

W 4

V U

AM Antenna
FM Antenna
Analog 2 Audio IN
Analog 2 Audio OUT
Subwoofer Output
Analog 5 Audio IN
Analog 1 Audio IN
Analog 4 Audio OUT
Bridge II Connector (Stereo Jack IN AVR 255)
8-Channel Direct Inputs
Digital Audio Outputs
Video Monitor Outputs
Reset Button
Front Speaker Outputs
Center Speaker Outputs

NOTE: To assist in making the correct connections for multichannel input/output and speaker
connections, all connection jacks and terminals
have been color coded in conformance with the
latest CEA standards as follows:
Front Left:
White
Front Right:
Red
Center:
Green
Surround Left:
Blue
Surround Right:
Gray
Surround Back Left:
Brown
Surround Back Right:
Tan
Subwoofer (LFE):
Purple
Digital Audio:
Orange
Composite Video:
Yellow
Component Video “Y”: Green
Component Video “Pr”: Red
Component Video “Pb”: Blue

8 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Surround Speaker Outputs
Switched AC Accessory Outlet
RS-232 Serial Port
AC Power Cord
Video 2 Component Video Inputs
Component Video Outputs
Video 1 Component Video Inputs
Download Mode Button
Coaxial Digital Inputs
Surround Back/Multiroom Speaker Outputs
Video 2 Video Outputs
Video 1 Video Inputs
Optical Digital Inputs
Analog 4 Audio IN
Video 2 Video Inputs

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.
FM Antenna: Connect the supplied indoor or
an optional external FM antenna to this terminal.

Analog 2 IN: Connect these jacks to the
PLAY/OUT audio jacks on any audio or video
source.
Analog 2 OUT: Connect these jacks to the
REC/IN audio jacks on any audio or video source.
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.

Remote IR Output and Input
Zone 2 IN
! Preamp Outputs
# HDMI Output
" Video 3 Video Inputs
$ Analog Audio 3 IN
% HDMI Inputs
& Zone 2 OUT (AVR 355 only)
' A-BUS Connector (AVR 355 only)
( Remote IR Carrier Out (AVR 355 only)
) Video 3 Component Video Inputs
(AVR 355 only)
* A-BUS IR Out (AVR 355 only)
+ Main Power Switch

Analog 5 IN: Connect these jacks to the
PLAY/OUT audio jacks on any audio or video
source.
Analog 1 IN: Connect these jacks to the
PLAY/OUT audio jacks on any audio or video
source.
Analog 4 OUT: Connect these jacks to the
REC/IN audio jacks on any audio or video source.

Digital Media Player (DMP)
Connector (AVR 355 only): With the AVR
turned off, connect the optional Harman Kardon
to this proprietary connector, and dock
your compatible Apple iPod. When the Digital
Media Player source is selected, you may view
your iPod’s control and navigation messages on
your video display (if one is connected to one of
the Video Monitor Outputs ), and in the
Upper and Lower Display Lines Ò. You may
navigate the iPod and select tracks for playback
using the ⁄/¤/‹/› Buttons F, the OK button X and Transport Controls E on your
AVR remote. See page 34 for more information.
On the AVR 255, this input is an extra Audio
Input named Stereo Jack IN, where you can connect any device with a stereo mini-jack such as
an MP3-player or portable CD player from its
headphone output jack or line out jack.
8-Channel Direct Inputs: These jacks are
used for connection to source devices such as
DVD-Audio, Blu-ray, HD-DVD or SACD players
with discrete analog outputs. Depending on the
source device in use, all eight jacks may be used,
though in many cases only connections to the
front left/right, center, surround left/right and
LFE (subwoofer input) jacks will be used for
standard 5.1 audio signals.
Digital Audio Output: Connect this jack
to the matching digital input connector on a
digital recorder such as a CD-R or MiniDisc
recorder.
Video Monitor Outputs: Connect these
jacks to the composite and/or S-Video input of a
TV monitor or video projector to view the onscreen menus and the output of any standard
Video or S-Video source selected by the receiver’s video switcher.
RS-232 Reset: This switch is only used during a software upgrade. A standard processor
reset is performed by pressing and holding the
front-panel OK Button while the receiver is in
Standby.
Front Speaker Outputs: Connect these
outputs to the matching + or – terminals on
your left and right speakers. In conformance with
the new CEA color code specification, the White
terminal is the positive, or "+" terminal that
should be connected to the red (+) terminal on
Front Left speaker with the older color coding,
while the Red terminal is the positive, or "+"
terminal that should be connected to the red (+)
terminal on Front Right speaker. Connect the
black (–) terminals on the AVR to the black (–)
terminals on the speakers. See page 16 for more
information on speaker polarity.

Center Speaker Outputs: Connect these
outputs to the matching + and – terminals on
your center channel speaker. In conformance
with the new CEA color code specification, the
Green Terminal is the positive, or "+" terminal
that should be connected to the red (+) terminal
on speakers with the older color coding. Connect
the black (–) terminal on the AVR to the black
negative (–) terminal on your speaker. (See page
16 for more information on speaker polarity.)
Surround Speaker Outputs: Connect
these outputs to the matching + and – terminals
on your surround channel speakers. In conformance with the new CEA color code specification, the Blue terminal is the positive, or "+"
terminal that should be connected to the red (+)
terminal on the Surround Left speaker with older
color coding, while the Gray terminal should be
connected to the red (+) terminal on the
Surround Right speaker with the older color
coding. Connect the black (–) terminal on the
AVR to the matching black negative (–)
terminals for each surround speaker. (See page
16 for more information on speaker polarity.)
Switched AC Accessory Outlet: This
outlet may be used to power any device that you
wish to have turn on when the AVR is turned on
with the System Power Control switch 2.
RS-232 Serial Port: This specialized
connector may be used with your personal
computer in case Harman Kardon offers a software upgrade for the receiver at some time in
the future. Leave the Mode switch popped
out in the Operate position, unless the AVR is
being upgraded. The Reset switch is used
only during the upgrade process.

Monitor Component Video Outputs:
Connect these outputs to the component video
inputs of a video projector or monitor. When a
source connected to one of the three
Component Video Inputs ,) is selected
the signal will be sent to these jacks.
Video 1 Component Video Inputs: These
inputs may be used with any source device
equipped with analog Y/Pr/Pb or RGB component video outputs Do not use these inputs if
HDMI connection is possible, use the HDMI
inputs instead.
Note: All component inputs/outputs can be
used for RGB signals too, in the same way as
described for the Y/Pr/Pb signals, then connected
to the jacks with the corresponding color.
RGB connection is not possible if the source outputs a separate sync signal.
Update Mode Button: Leave the Mode
switch popped out in the Operate position,
unless the AVR is being upgraded. The Reset
switch is used only during the upgrade
process.
Coaxial Digital Inputs: Connect the coax
digital output from a DVD player, HDTV receiver,
the output of a compatible computer sound card
playing MP3 files or streams, LD player, MD
player or CD player to these jacks. The signal
may be either a Dolby Digital signal, DTS signal,
a 2 channel MPEG 1 signal, or a standard PCM
digital source. Do not connect the RF digital output of an LD player to these jacks.

AC Power Cord: Connect the AC plug to an
unswitched AC wall output.
AVR 355 has a detachable Power Cord. AVR 255
has a fixed Power Cord.
, Video 2 Component Video Inputs: These
inputs may be used with any source device
equipped with analog Y/Pr/Pb or RGB component video outputs. Do not use these inputs if
HDMI connection is possible, use the HDMI
inputs instead.

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS 9

ENGLISH

Rear Panel Connections

Rear Panel Connections
Surround Back/Multiroom Speaker
Outputs: These speaker terminals are normally
used to power the surround back left/surround
back right speakers in a 7.1 channel system.
However, they may also be used to power the
speakers in a second zone, which will receive the
output selected for a multiroom system.
To change the output fed to these terminals
from the default of the Surround Back speakers
to the Multiroom Output, you must change a
setting in the MULTIROOM MENU of the
OSD system. See page 35 for more information
on configuring this speaker output. In normal
surround system use, the brown and black terminals are the surround back left channel positive
(+) and negative (–) connections and the tan
and black terminals are the surround back right
positive (+) and negative (–) terminals.
For multiroom use, connect the brown and black
SBL terminals to the red and black connections
on the left remote zone speaker and connect the
tan and black SBR terminals to the red and black
terminals on the right remote zone speaker.
Video 1 Video Outputs: Connect these
jacks to the RECORD/INPUT composite or
S-Video jack on a VCR.
Video 1 Video Inputs: Connect these jacks
to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video jacks on
a TV or other video source.
Optical Digital Inputs: Connect the
optical digital output from a DVD player, HDTV
receiver, the output of a compatible computer
sound card playing MP3 files or streams, LD
player, MD player or CD player to these jacks.
The signal may be either a Dolby Digital signal, a
DTS signal, a 2 channel MPEG 1 signal, or a
standard PCM digital source.
Analog 4 Audio Inputs: Connect these
jacks to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a TV or
other audio or video source.

Video 2 Video Inputs: Connect these jacks
to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video jacks on
a second VCR or other video source.
Remote Input and Output: If the AVR’s
front-panel IR sensor is blocked due to cabinet
doors or other obstructions, an external IR sensor may be used. Connect the output of the
sensor to the Remote IN jack.
The Output connection permits the IR sensor in
the receiver to serve other remote controlled
devices. Connect this jack to the “IR IN” jack on
Harman Kardon or other compatible equipment.

10 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Zone 2 IR Input: Connect the output of an IR
sensor in a remote room to this jack to operate
the AVR’s multiroom control system.
! Preamp Outputs: Connect these jacks to
an optional, external power amplifier for applications where higher power is desired.
# HDMI Output: Connect this jack to the
HDMI input on a compatible HDMI-equipped
video display.
" Video 3 Video Inputs: Connect these jacks
to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video jacks on
any video source.
$ Analog 3 Audio Inputs: Connect these
jacks to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on any
audio or video source.
% HDMI Inputs: Connect the HDMI output of
video sources such as a DVD player, set-top box
or HDTV tuner to either of these jacks.
& Zone 2 Outputs (AVR 355 only): Connect
these jacks to an optional audio power amplifier
to listen to the source selected by the multiroom
system in a remote room.
' A-BUS Connector: Connect this jack to an
optional A-BUS-certified remote room keypad or
amplifier to extend the multiroom capabilities of
your AVR. See page 18 for more information on
A-BUS.
( Remote IR Carrier Output (AVR 355
only): The output of this jack is the full signal
received at the Remote Sensor Window Ó
or input through the Remote IR Input
including the carrier frequency that is removed
from signals at the Remote IR Output . Use
this output to extend IR remote signals to the
input of compatible products by direct connection or through the use of optional, external IR
“blasters”. If you are in doubt as to which of the
two IR Output jacks to use, we recommend that
you consult with your dealer or installer, or check
with the manufacturer of the external equipment
you wish to control.
) Video 3 Component Video Inputs (AVR
355 only): These inputs may be used with any
source device equipped with analog Y/Pr/Pb or
RGB component video outputs. Do not use these
inputs if HDMI connection is possible, use the
HDMI inputs instead.

* A-BUS IR Out (AVR 355 only): This output
sends out the remote signal received by an ABus unit. This makes it possible to connect other
Harman Kardon products to the AVR via their
"IR IN" jacks, controlling them from another
room with an A-Bus unit.
+ Main Power Switch: Press this button ON
to apply power to the AVR. When the switch is
ON, the unit is placed in a Standby mode, as
indicated by the amber LED 3. This button
MUST be ON to operate the unit. To turn the
unit off completely and prevent the use of the
remote control, this switch should be pressed
OFF.
NOTE: This switch is normally left in the “ON”
position.
With the AVR’s powerful processor, you may
connect up to three HDMI-equipped source
devices to the HDMI inputs using a single-cable
connection, while benefiting from superior
digital audio and video performance. However, if
your video display is not HDMI-compatible, you
will need to connect the source device to one of
the other source inputs, selecting a coaxial or
optical digital audio input and analog video
input. See the Connections and Installation
sections for more information.
If your video display has an HDMI input, but
some of your sources have only analog video
outputs, you may still rely on just the HDMI
video connection to your display; the AVR will
automatically transcode analog video signals to
the HDMI format.
NOTE ON VIDEO CONNECTIONS: When connecting a video source product such as a VCR,
DVD player, satellite receiver, cable set-top box,
personal video recorder or video game to the
AVR 255/AVR 355, you may use either a composite or S-video connection, but not both.

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
a

AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Source Selectors (The Bridge only on AVR 355)
Audio Effects Button
Transport Controls
Menu Navigation LKM N
Sleep Button
Background Light Button (AVR 355 only)
Main Tuning Buttons
Last Button
Numeric Keys
Video Mode Button
Menu Button
Activity Button
Back/Exit Button
Master Volume
Disc Menu Button
Mute Button
Surround Mode Button
Learn Button (AVR 355 only)
Device Power OFF Button
Device Power ON Button
Transmitter Window
OK Button
Settings Button
Zone Select Button
Red/Green/Yellow/Blue Color Buttons

W
A

C
D

H
a

NOTE: The function names shown here are each
button’s feature when used with the AVR. Most
buttons have additional functions when used
with other devices. See page 46-50 for a list of
these functions.

L
S

F
Q
R
I

MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 11

ENGLISH

Main Remote Control Functions

Main Remote Control Functions
The remote is capable of operating the AVR
355/AVR 255 and most Harman Kardon CD
changers or players, CD Recorders and Tape
decks, using the control codes that are part of
the remote.
å AVR Power On: When the AVR 355/AVR
255 is in the Standby mode, as indicated by the
Power Indicator 3 glowing amber, press this
button to turn the unit on.
∫ AVR Power Off: When the AVR 355/AVR
255 is turned on, press this button to place it in
the Standby mode. Note that in this condition,
the unit is still connected to AC Power.
ç Source Selectors: Press these buttons to
select an input source for the AVR 355/AVR 255.
∂ Audio Effects Button: Press this button to
go directly to the Audio Effects Menu.
≠ Transport Controls: These buttons are used
to control Play, Play Forward, Play Reverse, Stop,
Pause and Record functions on compatible Harman
Kardon compact disc players/changers and cassette
tape decks.

˙ Light Button (AVR 355 only): Press this
button to activate the remote control's background light.
î Channel/Page Button: When the tuner has
been selected, this control selects a preset radio
station. Press these buttons while operating a
cable, satellite or HDTV set-top box or a television to change channels. The Page control may
be available with some DVD players when playing a DVD Audio disc containing pages of
images associated with a track.
∆ Last Button: When the tuner is in use,
pressing this button returns to the last station
tuned. When controlling a cable, satellite or
HDTV set-top box or a TV, press this button to
return to the previous television channel.
K Numeric Keys: These buttons serve as a
ten-button numeric keypad to enter tuner preset
positions or track numbers with CD players/
changers or to tune stations directly.

ø Back/Exit Button: Press this button to go
back to the previous Menu or to exit a Menu.
π Master Volume: Press these buttons to
raise or lower the AVR 355/AVR 255’s volume.
œ Disc Menu: Press this button to open the
menu of a DVD disc that you are watching.
® Mute Button: Press this button to momentarily silence the AVR 355/AVR 255.
ß Surround Modes Button: Press this button to enter the Surround Modes selection
Menu.
† Learn Button (AVR 355 only): Press and
hold for 3 seconds to enter the Learn procedure.
Please refer to the section concerning operation
of the remote control.
ü Device Power Off: Turns Off the power of
other devices that you have selected to control
with the Source Selector Buttons ç.

¬ Video Modes Button: Press this button to
go directly to the Video Modes Menu.

√ Device Power On: Turns On the power of
other devices that you have selected to control
with the Source Selector Buttons ç.

ƒ Menu Navigation Buttons: Use these
buttons to move Up, Down, Left or Right when
using the Menu system of the AVR 355/AVR 255.

µ Menu Button: When using a H/K DVD player with the receiver, you can activate the DVD
Menu with this button.

∑ Transmitter Window: Point this area of the
remote toward the receiver when using the
remote.

© Sleep Button: Press this button to place
the unit in the Sleep mode. Each press of the
button selects the amount of time that will
remain before the unit will automatically go into
the Standby mode, as shown in the Main Information Display #, in the following order:

Ñ Activity Button: This button may be programmed to transmit a series of commands with
a single press, which is useful for powering on
all devices and selecting the correct settings on
each device, or for selecting multi-digit channels
with a single press. See the section on Programming the Remote for more information on
Activities.

≈ OK Button: This button confirms settings
and orders in the menus.

90
min

80
min

70
min

60
min

50
min

40
min

30
min

20
min

10
min

OFF

Holding the button pressed for some seconds
will directly turn off the Sleep time selection.

12 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Press this button to enter the Activity programming function, or before pressing one of the
Buttons that you have programmed with an
Activity sequence, to begin transmitting the
entire sequence.

¥ Settings Buttons: Open the AVR, INFO or
SOURCE settings with one press of one of these
buttons.
Ω Zone Select: This button slides sideways to
switch the remote control between controlling
Zone 1 or Zone 2 of the AVR.

a Color Buttons: These four buttons are used
as color buttons when controlling a TV set. They
have various functions when controlling other
devices. Please refer to the remote control Code
Tables page 46-50.

(Zone 2 Remote Control only with AVR 355)

B
C

I
J
K
E
L

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M

Power Off
AVR Settings
Back/Exit Button
Source Selectors
Menu Navigation Buttons
Volume Up/Down
Mute
Transport Controls
Sleep Button
Settings Info Button
Menu Button
OK Button
Zone Select Buttons

NOTE: The Zone II.4 remote may be used in
either the same room where the AVR is located,
or it may be used in a separate room with an
optional infrared sensor that is connected to the
AVR’s Zone 2 IN input jack . When it is used
in the same room as the AVR, it will control the
functions of the AVR or any compatible
Harman Kardon products in that room. When it
is used in a separate room via a sensor
connected to the Zone 2 IN Jack , the buttons for power, input source, volume and mute
will control the source and volume for the second zone, as connected to the Zone 2 Out
Jacks &. (See page 35 for complete information
on using the Multiroom system.)

The Zone II remote may be used in either the
same room where the AVR is located, or it may
be used in a separate room with an optional
infrared sensor that is connected to the AVR’s
Zone 2 input jack or an A-BUS device.
A Power Off: When used in the room where
the AVR is located, press this button to place the
unit in Standby. When it is used in a remote
room with a sensor that is connected to the
Zone 2 jack , this button turns the MultiRoom system off.
B AVR Settings: Open the AVR settings info
screen with this Button.
C Back/Exit Button: Press this button to go
back to the previous Menu or to exit a Menu.
D Source Selectors: Press these buttons to
select an input source for the AVR 355/AVR 255.
E Menu Navigation Buttons: Use these
buttons to move Up, Down, Left or Right when
using the Menu system of the AVR 355/AVR 255.
F Volume Up/Down: When used in the
room where the AVR is located, press this button
to raise or lower the volume in that room. When
it is used in a remote room with a sensor that is
connected to the Zone 2 Jack , this button
will raise or lower the volume in the remote
room.
G Mute: When used in the room where the
AVR is located, press this button to temporarily
silence the unit. When it is used in a remote
room with a sensor that is connected to the
Zone 2 Jack , this button will temporarily
silence the feed to the remote room only. Press
the button again to return to the previous
volume level.
Important Note: No matter in which room the
Zone II remote is used, as with the main remote
it is important to remember to press the Source
Selector button D that corresponds to the
unit you wish to operate befor you change the
device to be controlled.
H Transport Control Buttons: These
buttons do not have any functions for the AVR,
but they are programmed for the forward/
reverse play operation of a wide variety of
Harman Kardon CD or DVD players, and audio or
video- cassette recorders.

ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 13

ENGLISH

Zone 2 Remote Control Functions

Zone 2 Remote Control Functions
I Sleep Button: Press this button to place
the unit in the Sleep mode. Each press of the
button selects the amount of time that will
remain before the unit will automatically go into
the Standby mode, as shown in the Main Information Display #, in the following order:
90
min

80
min

70
min

60
min

50
min

40
min

30
min

20
min

10
min

OFF

Holding the button pressed for some seconds
will directly turn off the Sleep time selection.
J Settings Info Button: Open the Settings
Info Menu for any Source with this Button.
K Menu Button: When using a H/K DVD
player with the receiver, you can activate the
DVD Menu with this button.
L OK Button: This button confirms settings
and orders in the menus.
M Zone Select Buttons: Press the Select
Button to switch the Zone 2 Remote Control
between Zone 1 function (The white Button
lights up green) or Zone 2 function (The white
Button light up red).

14 ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

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
There are two formats for audio connections:
digital and analog. Digital audio signals are of
higher quality, and are required for listening to
sources encoded with digital surround modes,
such as Dolby Digital and DTS. There are three
types of digital audio connections: HDMI, coaxial
and optical. HD-DVD(R) or Blu-Ray(R) players
with Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD
Master Audio and DTS-HD require an HDMI connection for the transfer of digital audio. Any one
type of digital audio connection may be used for
other source devices, but never more than one
for the same source. However, it’s okay to make
both analog and digital audio connections at the
same time to the same source.
Since the AVR is capable of processing the audio
and video portions of an HDMI signal, if your
video display device has an HDMI input, you
may make a single HDMI connection from your
source device (such as a DVD player) to the AVR.
In that case no separate digital audio connection
is required.
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.

HDMI Connections
HDMI™ is the abbreviation for High-Definition
Multimedia Interface, which is quickly becoming
the standard connection point between
advanced video/audio source products and
displays, particularly for high-definition video
signals. HDMI is a digital connection, eliminating
the need to convert signals back and forth from
digital to analog to deliver a higher quality
signal when used with digital sources. The
signals carried on HDMI may, but do not always,
include audio, offering the possibility of a
complete one-wire connection from a source to
the AVR. However, it is important to note that
there are a number of different versions of the
HDMI standard in use. Before connecting any
HDMI products to your AVR, it is helpful to find
out in advance their level of HDMI connectivity.

Some source or display components in your
system may use DVI (Digital Video Interface) for
digital video connections. DVI carries the same
digital video signals as HDMI but uses a larger
connector and does not transport audio or
control signals. In most cases, you may mix and
match DVI and HDMI digital video connections
by using optional connector adapters. Note,
however, that some DVI-equipped video displays
are not compatible with the HDCP copy protection coding that is increasingly carried with
signals connected via HDMI. If you have an
HDMI source and a DVI-equipped display, you
may occasionally be unable to view a program if
the display does not include HDCP. This is not
the fault of the AVR or your source; it simply
indicates that the video display is not compatible.

HDMI Input Connections
The different “Version” levels of HDMI define
which type of audio signals it is compatible with.
Based on the lowest level of HDMI among your
sources, the connections to the AVR should be
made as follows:
• HDMI 1.0 sources carry digital video and
multichannel or 2-channel PCM audio signals
only. Connect the HDMI output of a 1.0 source
to either of the HDMI Inputs % on the AVR.
If the product is a DVD-Audio player or other
source that has multichannel analog audio
outputs, connect them to the 8-Channel
Direct Inputs . With an HDMI 1.0 source,
particularly a DVD player, make certain
that the menus in the source device are set to
“Bitstream Out” or “Original” so that 5.1
digital audio is available. If you find that 5.1
Dolby Digital or DTS audio is not available on
the HDMI connection, it will be necessary to
make an additional connection between the
source and the AVR 255/AVR 355 to either the
Coaxial Ó or Optical * Digital
Inputs.
• HDMI 1.1 sources carry the multichannel
digital audio output from DVD-Audio players
in addition to the digital video. If you have an
HDMI 1.1-equipped product, the only connection needed for listening in the main room is
from the HDMI output of the source to either
of the HDMI Inputs % on the AVR. If the
player has SACD, HD-DVD or Blu-ray
capability, you will need to connect the analog
outputs of the source to the 8-Channel
Direct Inputs .

• HDMI 1.2 (and higher) sources should be
connected as shown above for HDMI 1.1,
except that a separate analog connection is
not needed for SACD players.
HDMI 1.3 sources should be connected as
shown above for HDMI 1.1, except that a separate analog connection is not needed for
SACD, HD-DVD or Blu-ray players.
In addition, the AVR will convert analog video
signals to the HDMI format, upscaling to highdefinition 720p or 1080p resolution. You may
view the AVR’s own on-screen display menus
using the HDMI output.
HDMI cable runs are usually limited to about
3 meters. The AVR incorporates a repeater, which
allows an additional 3 meters of cable between
the source device and the video display.
If your video display or source device is not
HDMI-capable, you will need to use either a
coaxial or optical digital audio connection and
one of the analog video connections (composite,
S- or component video), if available, as described
in the next paragraphs.
• It is not possible to feed an analog composite
or S-video signal to a recorder or the AVR’s
multizone system when an HDMI input is in
use. If an HDMI-equipped source also has analog audio and video outputs, connect them to
the Video 2 or Video 3 Video
" and
Audio on the AVR.
• In some instances, HDMI-equipped sources
will not permit more than one video output at
a time, and thus you cannot use the same
source in the main listening room and with the
recorder or remote zone at the same time. This
is not a fault of the AVR, but rather a function
of the content protection systems that are part
of the HDMI standard.

HDMI Output Connections
Connect the HDMI Output # to an HDMI
input on your video display. Thanks to the
AVR 255/AVR 355’s video processing system, all
video input signals are converted to an HDMI
output, so only one connection is required
between the AVR and your display.

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 15

ENGLISH

Installation and Connections

Installation and Connections
Referring to drawing of the remote control on
page 11,there is a section of 7 buttons marked
C, (AVR 355: 8 Buttons) near the top of the
remote designated “Source Selectors”:
Cable/Sat, DVD, Media Server, Radio, TV, Game
and AUX. Each of these buttons corresponds to
a “source input”. The AVR’s flexible design
allows you to use almost any combination of
audio and video connections for each source
device. The goal of the installation is to match
up each of your source devices, e.g., DVD player
and cable television box, with the correct connectors on the AVR.
You may connect a source device to any appropriate input connectors.Note which audio and
video inputs are used for each device in Table A5
in the appendix. Table A1 indicates the default
input-connection assignments, any of which may
be changed to match the actual connections in
your system.
The precise connections to be made depend on
the capabilities of the source device and your
video display (TV). Select the best audio and
video connections for each source.

You can then add the name of the unit to the
name of the assigned input, to make it read for
example: "AUX - CD". (Please note that the AVR
does not have a Phono input with RIAA for
direct hook-up to a record player. You must use a
separate RIAA preamplifier between a record
player and the AVR)
NOTE: If you wish for your digital source device
to be available for use by the multiroom system,
you will need to connect its analog audio
outputs to the appropriate inputs on the
AVR 255/AVR 355, as the multiroom system is
not capable of distributing digital signals to the
remote zone.
4. Connect the Coaxial or Optical Digital
Outputs on the rear panel of the AVR 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 .

Analog and Digital Input Connections
1. Connect the analog output of a CD player to
any of the analog audio 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 analog audio input jacks
. Connect the
analog Record/In jacks on the recorder to the
audio output jacks on the AVR.
3. Connect the digital output of any digital
sources such as a CD or DVD changer or player,
advanced video game, a digital satellite receiver,
HDTV tuner or digital cable set-top box or the
output of a compatible computer sound card to
the Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs
*&.
We recommend connecting the coaxial digital
audio output of your DVD player to the Coax 1
Digital Audio Input , since that digital input
is assigned to the DVD source by default.
If your DVD player has HDMI connection, use
HDMI connection instead.
Although there is no official source on the AVR
named CD, Phono or Audio, you may assign the
audio device to an available source, such as TV
(if the Cable/Sat source is in use for broadcast
television), Game or AUX.

16 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

6. Connect the supplied FM antenna to the FM
(75 ohm) connection . The FM antenna may
be an external roof antenna, an inside powered
or wire lead antenna or a connection from a
cable system. Note that if the antenna or
connection uses 300-ohm twin-lead cable, you
should use a 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter to
make the connection.
7. With the AVR 355 turned off, connect the
optional Harman Kardon
to
Digital Media Player (DMP) Connector .
Your compatible Apple® iPod® may be docked in
when you wish to use it as your audio
source device. This function is available on the
AVR 355 only. The AVR 255 features a STEREO
JACK Input instead to which all sorts of portable
devices can be connected via the headphone
output of such device.
8. Connect the front, center and surround
speaker outputs to the respective
speakers.

To assure 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 cross-section
greater than 2 mm2.
Cable with a cross-section of 1.5 mm2 may be
used for short runs of less than 4 m. We do not
recommend that you use cables with a cross-section less than 1 mm2 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 any
appropriate testing agency standards. Questions
about running cables inside walls should be
referred to your installer or a licensed electrician
who is familiar with the applicable local building
codes in your area.
When connecting wires to the speakers, be certain to observe proper polarity. Note that the
positive (+) terminal of each speaker connection
now carries a specific color code as noted on
page 8. However, most speakers will still use a
red terminal for the postive (+) connection.
Connect the “negative” or “black” wire to the
same terminal on both the receiver and the
speaker.
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 assure 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.

9. 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.
10. If an external multi-channel audio source
with 5.1 outputs such as an external digital
processor/decoder, DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray or
HD-DVD player is used, connect the outputs of
that device to the 8-Channel Direct Inputs ,
or, more easy, use the HDMI connection between
such a device and the AVR, or both.

Video Equipment Connections

If a multichannel analog audio connection is
required for certain lossless formats (e.g. DVDAudio, SACD, HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc), you may
make both connections. To listen to the multichannel disc, first select the HDMI source input,
then select the 6-/8-channel analog audio
inputs, and the AVR will retain the last video
source you selected.
1. Connect a VCR’s audio and video Play/Out
jacks to the Video 2 and Analog 4 In jacks

on the rear panel. The Audio and Video
Record/In jacks on the VCR should be connected
to the Video 2 and Analog 4 Out jacks
on the AVR.
2. Connect the digital audio outputs of a CD,
MD or DVD player, satellite receiver, cable box or
HDTV converter to the appropriate Optical or
Coaxial Digital Inputs &*.

Video equipment is connected in the same
manner as audio components. Again, the use of
high-quality interconnect cables is recommended
to preserve signal quality. To ensure best video
performance S-Video sources should be
connected to the AVR only with their S-Video
In/Outputs, not with their composite video
connectors too.

NOTE: When connecting a device such as a digital cable box or other set-top tuner product with
a digital audio output, we recommend that you
connect both the digital and analog outputs of
the product to your AVR. The audio input polling
feature of the AVR will then be able to make certain that you have a constant audio feed, since it
will automatically switch the audio input to the
analog jacks if the digital feed is interrupted or
not available for a particular channel.

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

3. Connect the Composite and S-Video (if SVideo device is in use) Monitor Output
jacks on the receiver to the composite and SVideo input of your television monitor or video
projector.

If your video display or source device is not
HDMI-capable, you will need to use one of the
analog video connections (composite, S- or component video), if available, as described below.
If the source device is not capable of transmitting its digital audio signal through the HDMI
connection, then use one of the coaxial or
optical digital audio inputs for the source.

5. If another component video device is available, connect it to the Video 2 or Video 3
Component Video Input jacks ,). The
audio connections for this device should be
made to either one of the audio input jacks or
any of the Optical or Coaxial Digital Input
jacks .
6. If the component video inputs are used,
connect the Component Video Output to
the component video inputs of your TV, projector
or display device.
7. If you have a camcorder, video game or other
audio/video device that is connected to the AVR
on a temporary, rather than permanent basis,
connect the audio, video and digital audio outputs of that device to the Front Panel Inputs
&*(.

4. If your DVD player and monitor both have
component video connections, connect the component outputs of the DVD player to the Video
1 Component Video Inputs . Note that
even when component video connections are
used the audio connections must still be made
to either one of the analog audio inputs or any
of the Optical or Coaxial Digital Input jacks
.

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 17

ENGLISH

Installation and Connections

Installation and Connections
System and Power Connections
The AVR is designed for flexible use with multiroom systems, external control components and
power amplifiers.
Main Room Remote Control Extension
If the receiver is placed behind a solid or smoked
glass cabinet door, the obstruction may prevent
the remote sensor from receiving commands. In
this event, the remote sensor of any
Harman Kardon or other compatible device, not
covered by the door, or an optional remote
sensor may be used. Connect the Remote IR
Output of that device or the output of the
remote sensor to the Remote IR Input jack
.
If other components are also prevented from
receiving remote commands, only one sensor is
needed. Simply use this unit’s sensor or a remote
eye by running a connection from the Remote
IR Output jack to the Remote IR Input
jack on Harman Kardon or other compatible
equipment.
Zone II IR Link
(Limited options on AVR 255)
The key to remote room operation is to link the
remote room to the AVR’s location with wire for
an infrared receiver and speakers or an amplifier.
The remote room IR receiver (this can be an
optional IR receiver or any other remotable
Harman Kardon device in the remote room with
IR sensor integrated) should be connected to the
AVR via standard coaxial cable. Connect the
Remote IR Output of the device or of the
optional sensor with the Zone II IR Input jack
on the AVR’s rear panel.
If other Harman Kardon compatible source
equipment is part of the main room installation,
the Remote IR Output jack on the rear
panel should be connected to the IR IN jack on
that source device. This will enable the remote
room location to control source equipment
functions.
When a remote IR sensor is used to control nonHarman Kardon source equipment, we recommend that you make a direct connection or use
an optional, external IR “blaster” connected to
the Remote IR Carrier Output Jack (. If you
are in doubt as to which IR Output jack to use
for the equipment in your system, contact your
dealer or installer, or the manufacturer’s support
site and ask whether the unit to be controlled
uses “full carrier” or “stripped” carrier IR
commands. When “full carrier commands” are
used, make the connection to the Remote IR
Carrier Output Jack (. Otherwise, make the
connection to the Remote IR Output Jack
as noted above (IR Carrier Output available on
AVR 355 only).

18 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

NOTE: All remotely controlled components must
be linked together in a “daisy chain”. Connect
the IR OUT jack of one unit to the IR IN of the
next to establish this chain.
Multiroom Audio Connections
Depending on your system`s requirement and
distance from the AVR to the remote room, three
options are available for audio connection:
Option 1 (on AVR 355): Use high-quality,
shielded audio interconnect phono cable from
the AVR’s location to the remote room. In the
remote room, connect the interconnect cable to
a stereo power amplifier. The amplifier will be
connected to the room’s speakers. At the AVR,
plug the audio interconnect cables into the
Zone 2 Out Jacks & on the AVR’s rear panel.
Option 2 (on AVR 355): Place the amplifier
that will provide power to the remote location
speakers in the same room as the AVR, and connect the Zone 2 Out jacks & on the rear panel
of the AVR to the audio input of the remote room
amplifier. Use the appropriate speaker wire to connect the optional power amplifier to the remote
speakers. High-quality wire of at least 2.5 mm2 is
recommended for long multiroom connections.
Option 3 (on AVR 255 and AVR 355): Taking
advantage of the AVR’s built-in seven-channel
amplifier, it is possible to use two of the amplifier channels to power speakers in the remote
room. When using this option you will not be
able to use the full 7.1-channel capabilities of
the AVR in the main listening room, but you will
be able to add another listening room without
additional external power amplifiers. To use the
internal amplifiers to power a remote zone, connect the speakers for the remote room location
to the Surround Back/Multiroom Speaker
Outputs . Before using the remote room you
will need to configure the amplifiers for surround operation by changing a setting in the
Multiroom menu, following the instructions
shown on page 18.
NOTE: For all options, you may connect an
optional IR sensor (Harman Kardon He 1000) in
the remote room to the AVR via an appropriate
cable. Connect the sensor’s cable to the Zone 2
IR Input on the AVR and use the Zone II
remote to control the room volume.
Alternatively, you may install an optional volume
control between the output of the amplifiers and
the speakers.
NOTE: The AVR 355’s multiroom system is only
capable of distributing analog audio sources to
the remote zone. Therefore, when connecting
your digital audio equipment (e.g. CD or DVD
players) as described on page 18, make sure to
use both analog and digital audio connections
to ensure that the devices will be available to
the multiroom system.

A-BUS Installation Connections
(AVR 355 only)
The AVR is among the very few receivers available today that offers built-in A-BUS Ready®
operation. When used with an optional A-BUS
keypad or control module, you have all the
benefits of remote zone operation without the
need for an external power amplifier.
To use the AVR with an approved A-BUS product, simply connect the keypad or module that is
in the remote room to the AVR using standard
“Category 5” wiring that is properly rated for
the inwall use specific to the installation.
Terminate the wiring at the receiver end to a
standard RJ-45 jack in compliance with the
instructions furnished with the A-BUS module.
You may connect a single A-BUS module to the
AVR 355 with no further equipment needed. If
you wish to connect more than one A-BUS
module, an optional, external A-BUS hub may be
used to provide that capability.
No further installation or adjustment is needed,
as the A-BUS connector on the AVR routes the
signals in and out of the keypad to their proper
destination for power, signal source and control.
The output fed to the A-BUS jack is determined
by the AVR’s multiroom system, and the menus
may be used as is.
AC Power Connections
This unit is equipped with one accessory AC
outlet. It may be used to power accessory
devices, but should not be used with high-current
draw equipment such as power amplifiers. The
total power draw to the Switched Outlet
should not exceed 50 watts.
The Switched outlet will receive power only
when the unit is on completely. 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
Standby mode when they are used with
switched outlets, and cannot be fully turned on
using the outlet alone without a remote control
command.
The AVR draws significantly more current than
other household devices such as computers that
use removable power cords. For that reason, it is
important that only the cord supplied with the
AVR 355 (AVR 255 has a fixed power cord) or a
direct replacement of identical capacity be used.
Once the power cord is connected, you are
almost ready to enjoy the AVR 255/AVR 355’s
incredible power and fidelity!

Speaker Selection
No matter which type or brand of speakers is
used, the same model or brand of speaker
should be used for the front-left, center and
front-right 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
The placement of speakers in a multichannel
home-theater system can have a noticeable
impact on the quality of sound reproduced.
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 60 cm above or below the
tweeter in the center-channel speaker.
They should also be at least 0.5 meter from your
TV set unless the speakers are magnetically
shielded to avoid colourings on the TV screen.
Note that most speakers are not shielded, even
with complete surround sets only the Center
speaker may be.
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
front-left and front-right 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.

When the AVR is used in 5.1-channel operation,
the preferred location for surround speakers is
on the side walls of the room, at or slightly
behind the listening position. In a 6.1-channel
system, a back surround speaker is required, ideally placed at the center of the room's rear wall,
pointing directly towards the front center channel speaker. The center of the speaker should
face you (see below).
In a 7.1-channel system, both side surround and
back surround speakers are required. The center
of the speaker should face you (see below).

ENGLISH

Installation and Connections
Center Front Speaker

No more
than 24"

Front Left
Speaker

Front Right
Speaker

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

Rear surround speakers are required when a full
7.1-channel system is installed, and they may
also be used in 5.1 channel mode as an alternative mounting position when it is not practical to
place the main surround speakers at the sides of
the room. Speakers may be placed on a rear
wall, behind the listening position. As with the
side speakers, the center of the rear surrounds
should face you. The speakers should be no more
than 2 meters behind the rear of the seating
area.
It is appropriate to configure the AVR 255/
AVR 355 for either 5.1- or 7.1-channel operation, but not for 6.1 channels. When 6.1-channel
program material or a 6.1-channel processing
mode is in use, material for the surround back
channel will be outputted simultaneously
through both the Surround Back Left and
Right Speaker Outputs . Connecting only
one loudspeaker to these speaker terminals will
not only deprive you of the benefits of 7.1-channel surround modes, such as Logic 7, but will
also interfere with the functioning of EzSet/EQ
speaker setup and calibration, as described on
page 22. It may also put undesirable strain on
the surround back amplifier circuits and power
supplies.

6.1-Channel System

7.1-Channel System

At least 15 cm from celling

At least 60 cm

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 19

System Configuration
Subwoofers produce largely 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 15 cm from a
wall, or near the front corner of the room.
Another method is to temporarily place the
subwoofer in the spot where you will normally
sit, 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 are to program the system configuration memories.
Although it is necessary to assign input/output
settings and surround mode choices manually,
we recommend that you take advantage of the
power and precision of EzSet/EQ to automatically select and enter the settings for all other
audio parameters. This will not only save you
time; it will ensure that your room is calibrated
and equalized with an accuracy not possible
when these settings are made manually. You are
now ready to power up the AVR 255/AVR 355 to
begin these final adjustments.

First Turn On
You are now ready to power up the AVR to
begin these final adjustments.
1. Plug the Power Cable into an unswitched AC outlet.
2. Press the Main Power Switch on the rear
panel so that is is in the ON position. Note
that the Power Indicator 3 will turn
amber, indicating that the unit is in Standby
mode.

5. Turn the AVR on either by pressing the
System Power Control 2 on the front
panel, or via the remote by pressing the AVR
Power ON Button A, or any of the Input
Selectors C on the remote. The Power
Indicator 3 will turn white to confirm that
the unit is on, and the Main Information
Display # will also light up.

Using the On-Screen Display
When making the following adjustments, you
may find them easier to make via the unit’s onscreen display system. These easy-to-read
displays give you a clear picture of the current
status of the unit and facilitate speaker, delay,
input or digital selection you are making.
To view the on-screen displays, make certain you
have made a connection from either the HDMI
Output # or the Video Monitor Out jack
on the rear panel to the HDMI, component, composite or S-Video input of your TV or
projector. In order to view the AVR’s displays, the
correct video input must be selected on your
video display.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When viewing the on-screen
menus using a CRT-based projector, plasma display
or any direct-view CRT monitor or television, it is
important that they not be left on the screen for
an extended period of time. As with any video
display, constant display of a static image such as
these menus or video game images may cause the
image to be permanently “burned into” the CRT.
This type of damage is not covered by the AVR
warranty and may not be covered by the projector
TV set’s warranty.
The menu system is accessed by pressing the
AVR Settings Button on the remote Y.
The Main Menu will appear (see Figure 1), and if
a video source is playing, it will be visible behind
the transparent menu.

3. Remove the protective plastic film from the
main front-panel. If left in place, the film may
affect the performance of your remote control.
4. Install the four supplied AAA batteries in the
remote as shown. Be certain to follow the (+)
and (–) polarity indicators that are on the top
of the battery compartment.

Use the K/L/M/N Buttons on the remote or
front panel to navigate the menu system, and
press the OK Button to select a menu or setting
line or to enter a new setting.
The current menu, setting line or setting will
appear on the Lower Line of the Message
Display as well as on screen.
To return to the previous menu, press the
Back/Exit Button. Be certain all settings are correct, as any changes you have made will be
retained. When the Main Menu is on screen,
pressing the Back/Exit Button will exit the
menu system.

System Setup
The AVR 255/AVR 355 features an advanced
memory system that enables you to establish different configurations for digital input and surround mode for each input source. This flexibility
enables you to custom tailor the way in which
you listen to each source and have the AVR
memorize them. This means, for example, that
you may associate different surround modes and
analog or digital inputs with different sources.
Once these settings are made, they will automatically be recalled whenever you select that
input.
However, we recommend that the first time you
use the AVR, you take advantage of the
simplicity of configuring the system using the
EzSet/EQ process, which takes the guesswork
out of speaker size and delay settings, and
balances the speaker output levels to tailor the
AVR’s sound presentation to your specific system
and room. Before beginning the EzSet/EQ
procedure, there are a few adjustments that
need to be made to ensure accurate results.

Source Selection
For direct access to any source, press its Source
Selector on the Remote Control C. Sources can
also be chosen from the Source Selection menu
that can be activated by pressing the AVR
Settings Button Y on the remote control.
The AVR will switch to the audio and video
inputs assigned to the source. If you specified a
surround mode for the source, the AVR will
switch to that mode.

Figure 1 – Main Menu
The menu system consists of five main menus:
Source Selection, Setup Source, Speaker Setup,
Zone 2 and System.

The source name will appear in the upper line of
the front-panel display. If you retitled the source,
the new title will appear. The audio input
assigned to the source (analog or one of the digital audio inputs) will also appear. The surround
mode will be displayed on the lower line.
Any other settings you adjusted in the Setup
Source menu will also be selected. You may view
these settings in the Source Info menu at any
time by pressing the Info Settings Button Y.

20 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Audio Format From Source: This line is
informational only. When a digital program is
playing, its format will be identified here. When
analog audio programs are playing, this line
indicates NO AUDIO INPUT, referring to digital
inputs only.

Audio and Video Input Selection
Please see Table A1 in the appendix for the factory default input assignments for each source.
You may assign any available input to any
source using the Source Info menu, accessible
either by pressing the AVR Settings Button Y
and selecting the Setup Source line, or by pressing the Info Settings Button Y for direct access.
When a source is selected, the AVR will check
the assigned digital audio input for a signal. If
one is present, the digital input will be selected.
If not, the AVR will select the analog audio input
specified at the Audio Auto Polling line of the
Setup Source menu. If you don’t want the AVR
to select an analog audio input for the source,
change this setting to Off.
The AVR will also select the assigned video
source. There are no “Audio Only” sources on
the AVR, other than the Radio, which uses a special on-screen menu. If no video signal is present, the display will remain black. You may pair
an audio device with an A/V device’s video signal using the Source Info menu as explained in
the Initial Setup section. Sources may share
audio or video inputs to suit your application.

Set Up Sources
The Source Info menu is used to assign the
correct physical audio and video connections to
each source. It also provides access to a variety
of other settings, many of which may be
adjusted later as you become more familiar with
the AVR.

Figure 2 – Setup Source Menu
Audio Effects: Select this line to display the
Audio Effects submenu, where you may: adjust
the bass and treble tone controls; adjust the LFE
trim; activate the saved EzSet/EQ settings or
adjust the night mode setting. It is
recommended that you leave this submenu at its
default settings, and return to it later if your
system requires any fine-tuning.
See the Advanced Functions section for more
information.
Video Modes: Select this line to display the
Video Modes submenu, where you select from
preprogrammed or custom picture settings and
make picture adjustments. It is recommended
that you leave the settings at their factory
defaults. Picture adjustments should be made to
your video display first, with this menu used only
for fine-tuning.
See the Advanced Functions section for more
information.

The other settings may be adjusted at any time
to improve performance.

Surround Mode: Select this line to display the
Surround Mode submenu, where you may
program the desired surround mode for various
types of analog programs, including movies,
music and games. You may also specify a specific
stereo mode (depending on the number of
channels desired) and a virtual surround mode if
your system uses fewer than the full
complement of seven main speakers (plus a
subwoofer).

To display the Source Info menu, press the Info
Settings Button (front panel 7 or remote Y). A
screen similar to the one shown in Figure 2 will
appear. This screen may also be accessed from
the Main Menu by selecting the Setup Source
line and selecting a source from the slide-in
menu.

Digital surround signals, such as Dolby Digital
and DTS programs, are automatically played in
their native formats, although you may change
the surround mode at any time.
See the Advanced Functions section for
information on surround modes available with
digital programs.

The following settings are not optional and must
be adjusted now to enable playback of each
source: Video Input from source, Audio Input
from Source and Resolution to Display.

In the factory default Auto Select mode, the AVR
will analyze the source signal and select the
optimum playback mode. At the factory the AVR
was programmed to use Logic 7 Movie mode for
optimal playback of movies, including television
programs; Logic 7 Music mode for music
recordings, such as CDs; and Logic 7 Game
mode when a video game console is in use.

Video Input from source: Select this line to
assign the correct video input to the source.
Refer back to Table A5 in the appendix, where
you noted the physical video input the source is
connected to, and select the input here.
Audio Input from source: Select this line to
assign the correct analog or digital audio input
to the source. Refer back to Table A5 in the
appendix, where you noted the physical audio
input the source is connected to, and select the
input here. If both analog and digital audio
connections were made, select the digital input
here, and select the analog input at the Audio
Auto Polling line below.
NOTE: For sources connected to an HDMI Input,
the Video and Audio Input settings should
indicate the same HDMI connection.
Resolution to Display: This line reflects the
video output resolution, which is dependent
upon the capabilities of the video display.
NOTE: When using the AVR’s on-screen menu
system, we recommend selecting a video output
resolution of 720p or higher for best legibility,
and to provide graphics that simplify some
configuration options. Depending on the
resolution selected, the menus shown by your
system may vary in appearance.
• If the display is connected to the AVR’s
Composite or S-Video Monitor Output, the video
output resolution must be manually set to 576i
to view any content, including the AVR’s own
menus. The AVR's default resolution is set to
576i.
Since there is no picture if the resolution is set
higher than the display’s capability, or if the
HDMI system does not automatically select the
best resolution, in these cases you must adjust
the resolution by pressing the front-panel
Resolution Button followed by the Up/Down
Buttons 3 until the correct setting appears on
the Lower Line of the front-panel Message
Display and confirm with the OK Button 5. The
Display now shows CANCEL, and you must scroll
to have the Display show ACCEPT with the
Up/Down Buttons 3 and then press OK to
make the new Resolution take effect. If you
press OK when CANCEL is on the screen, or if
you do nothing, the Resolution remains as it was
before. For composite and S-video, the correct
setting is 576i. For component video, it is the
highest resolution where a picture is visible.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 21

ENGLISH

System Configuration

System Configuration
NOTE: When the display has a DVI input which
is connected to the AVR using an HDMI-to-DVI
adapter, if the display is not HDCP-compliant,
the picture will be distorted. In that case, a
different video connection must be used
(component, composite or S-video).
Resolution from Source: This line, which is
informational only, indicates the video format
(NTSC or PAL) output by the source device.

If an analog audio connection was made, select
it here. If not, choose the Off setting, and the
AVR will always use the digital audio
connection.
Zone 2 Audio: When a multizone system has
been connected and is in use, this setting
determines the source for the remote zone.
Select any analog audio input or the tuner.
Digital audio is not available to the multizone
system, nor is any type of video.

Adjust Lip Sync: Use this adjustment to
resynchronize the audio and video signals from a
source to eliminate a “lip sync” problem. Lip
sync issues can occur when the video portion of
a signal undergoes additional processing in
either the source or the video display that
desynchronizes it from the audio. Select this line
to display the Lip Sync adjuster by itself, enabling
you to view the video while listening to the
audio. Use the M/N Buttons to delay the audio
by up to 180ms. See Figure 3.

Speaker Setup

Figure 3 – Adjust Lip Sync

With EzSet/EQ you are able to calibrate your system in a fraction of the time it would take to
enter the settings manually, and with results that
rival those achieved with expensive test equipment and time-consuming procedures. The end
result is a system calibration profile that enables
your new receiver to deliver the best possible
sound, no matter what type of speakers you
have or what the dimensions of your listening
room are.

Use the Back/Exit Button to return to the Setup
Source line of the Main Menu. Press the OK
Button, and select the next source to configure.
When you have finished configuring all sources,
press the Back/Exit Button to clear the menus
from view.
You are now ready to begin enjoying your new
receiver!

Change Name: Use this line to change the
display name for your source. This can be useful
if your source’s device type is different from the
available source names. Select this line and use
the K/L Buttons to scroll forward or reverse
through the letters A through Z. When the
desired letter appears, use the N Button to
move the cursor to the next position. Move the
cursor again to leave a blank space. When you
have finished entering the new name, press the
OK Button. The name will be used on the front
panel to refer to the source, and will appear next
to its original name, e.g. DVD, throughout the on
screen menu system. To end the entry without
making any changes, press the Back/Exit Button.

We recommend that you take advantage of the
precision of EzSet/EQ to calibrate your system,
but if desired you may also make any of the configuration settings manually, or trim the settings
provided by EzSet/EQ by following the instructions.

Audio Input Polling: Use this setting when
both analog and digital audio connections are
made from the source device to the AVR. When
no digital signal is present, the AVR will
automatically switch to the analog audio input.

Figure 4

This can be useful for some older cable television
systems that broadcast some channels in analog
audio and others in digital audio. It is also useful
for making analog recordings of copy-protected
digital sources. However, it can be inconvenient
when no analog audio connection is made and
playback is stopped, as the audio signal will be
lost.

22 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Step 2: The EzSet/EQ microphone should be
placed in either your usual listening position or,
if there is a large seating area, the center of the
room, at the listeners’ ear level. You may find it
convenient to use a camera tripod for stable
placement of the EzSet/EQ microphone at the
correct height. The microphone includes a
threaded insert on the bottom for tripod mounting.
Step 3: Plug the EzSet/EQ microphone into the
AVR 255/AVR 355’s Headphone Jack 4,
making certain that the mini-plug to 1/4" phone
plug adaptor supplied with the microphone is
firmly connected. The microphone cable is
approximately 7 meter long, which should
accommodate most listening room situations. If
required, you may use an optional extension
cable, available at most electronics stores, for
use in larger rooms. However, we recommend
that you avoid using extension cords for the
microphone cable, as they may adversely affect
the test results.
Step 4: Once the microphone is properly positioned and plugged in, proceed to the Speaker
Setup menus by first pressing the AVR Settings
Button Y to bring the main Menu to the
screen. Next, press the ⁄/¤ Navigation
Buttons D to highlight the Speaker
Setup -tab, and press OK X to access the
SPEAKER SETUP MENU. Press the ⁄
Button F to select the Automatic
Setup - EzSet/EQ -line and press the
OK Button X to move to the next screen
(Figure 5).

Figure 5

Step 1: EzSet/EQ requires that your listening
room have as little background noise as possible
to avoid interfering with the measurement of
tones produced by your AVR during the setup
procedure. Turn off all loud fans, air conditioners
and other equipment, and try to avoid making
any noise during the process.

Step 5: The first screen of the EzSet/EQ system
will now appear to remind you to plug in the
microphone. If you have not already done so,
plug the microphone into the Headphone Jack
4 as described in steps 2 and 3. When you are
ready to proceed, make certain that the cursor is
pointing to Continue and press the OK Button
X. If you do not wish to continue with the
EzSet/EQ process, press the ⁄/¤ Navigation
Buttons F5 to highlight Cancel and then
press the OK Button X to return to the
Speaker Setup.

Figure 6
Step 6: After you select “Continue”, the screen
shown in Figure 6 will appear. Although the AVR
may be used with up to eight speakers, you may
have elected not to install surround back speakers at this time, or you may have decided to use
the surround back speaker channels to power
speakers in the remote room of a multiroom system. This screen directs you to program EzSet/EQ
for a 5.1- or 7.1-channel configuration. Select
the setting that reflects the number of speakers
installed in your system, and EzSet/EQ will do
the rest automatically!
NOTE: If you are using fewer than six speakers
in your system, then it will not be possible to
configure your speakers using EzSet/EQ, and you
will need to select Manual Configuration as
described starting on page 24. If you have
selected a 6.1-channel configuration, using only
a single surround back speaker, it is possible to
use a combination of EzSet/EQ automatic
configuration for 5.1 speakers, connect the
single surround back speaker to the left
Surround Back Speaker Output, and then
configure the surround back speaker manually,
as described from page 25. However, we do not
recommend the 6.1-channel configuration.
If you have forgotten to plug in the EzSet/EQ
microphone, the warning screen shown in
Figure 7 will appear as a reminder.

Figure 7
NOTE: As shown in the Figures, while EzSet/EQ
is in progress a Cancel setting is highlighted.
You may interrupt EzSet/EQ at any time by simply pressing the OK Button X.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Anyone with hearing that
is sensitive to loud noises should leave the room
at this point, or use ear protection sufficient to
reduce the noise level. Inexpensive foam-style
ear plugs, available at most drug stores, may be
used to reduce the sound level to a tolerable
level. If you are uncomfortable with, or cannot
tolerate, loud sounds and do not use some sort
of ear protection, we strongly recommend that
you leave the room and ask someone else to run
the EzSet/EQ process, or that you do not use
EzSet/EQ and enter the configuration settings
manually, as described on pages 24 through 27.

When you have successfully completed the
EzSet/EQ process and made any needed adjustments to the input and surround mode configurations, your receiver is ready for use. If you do
not wish to make any manual adjustments to
the settings, you may skip the rest of this section
and proceed to the Basic Operation section of
this manual on page 30 to learn how to operate
AVR 255/AVR 355. For those situations where
you may wish to make a change to the settings
entered by EzSet/EQ, follow the instructions on
the following pages.

Figure 8
Step 7: Once EzSet/EQ has been started, you
will hear test signals circulate among all of the
speakers as the system sets the master level,
checks to see where there are speakers, sets the
distance measurement and calculates delay time
settings, sets the speaker “size”, and sets the
speaker crossover point. During the measurement and calibration process, you may observe
the progress of the testing by reading the
messages that appear in the second line of the
menu listing.
EzSet/EQ uses the left front speaker to set the
master volume level, and then it proceeds
directly to measuring the speaker output levels.
Step 8: When the EzSet/EQ process has finished, a screen will appear with its results.. You
may press the OK Button X, and the
Speaker Setup screen shown in Figure 4 will
appear.
Unplug the microphone and store it in a safe
place so that it is available to recalibrate your
system if needed due to a change in speakers,
preferred listening position, or a major change in
the room’s furnishings (such as the addition of
thick carpeting or plush furniture) that might
require different settings.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 23

ENGLISH

System Configuration

System Configuration
Manual Setup
The AVR 355/AVR 255 is flexibly designed to be
used with almost any loudspeakers available. The
flexibility arises from the AVR 355/AVR 255’s
capability tobe configured to match the characteristics of your particular speakers, and to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of your
room.
EzSet/EQ automatically detects the capabilities of
each speaker, and optimizes the AVR 355/
AVR 255’s performance in your system. However,
if forsome reason you are unable to run
EzSet/EQ, e.g., you have misplaced the microphone, or if you wish to make further adjustments to the settings made by EzSet/EQ, you
may use the Manual Setup on-screen menus as
described in this section.

The subwoofer’s frequency response will include
only the very lowest frequencies, since the subwoofer is designed to play only bass materials.
A typical frequency response for a subwoofer is
25Hz – 150Hz. In this case, the higher number
should be noted in the worksheet.
This information is required to program the
receiver’s bass management, which determines
which speakers the receiver will use to playback
the low-frequency (bass) portion of the source
program.
If you send the lowest notes to small satellite
speakers, you won’t hear these notes very well,
and you may even damage the speaker by
exceeding its capabilities. If you send the highest
notes to the special purpose subwoofer, you may
not hear them at all.

Before beginning manual setup place your loudspeakers in their correct locations within the
room (see Speaker Placement section), and connect them to the AVR. You will need the specifications for each of your speakers, which may
usually be found in the owner’s guide for the
speakers or on the manufacturer’s Web site. If
necessary, contact the manufacturer to obtain
the frequency range specification. Although the
output-level setting portion of manual setup may
be performed “by ear,” we recommend that you
purchase an SPL (sound-pressure level) meter at
a local electronics store.

With proper bass management, the AVR 355/
AVR 255 divides the source signal at a crossover
point. All information above the crossover point
is played through the satellite speaker (front
left/right, center, surround left/right, or surround
back left/right), and all information below the
crossover point is played through the subwoofer.
This enables each loudspeaker in your system to
perform at its best, delivering an enjoyable
sound experience.

We suggest that you record your configuration
settings in the appropriate places in Tables A3
through A7 in the appendix in case you need to
reenter them after a system reset, or if the AVR’s
Master Power Switch is turned off or the unit is
unplugged for more than four weeks.

Ideally, all of your speakers were placed in a circle, each at the same distance from the listening
position. However, your room may not be ideal,
and you may have had to place some speakers a
little further away than others. This could affect
the overall sound of the receiver, as sounds that
are supposed to arrive simultaneously from different speakers blur due to different arrival
times.

Step One – Determine
Speaker Crossover
Without using EzSet/EQ, the AVR 355/ AVR 255
can’t detect how many speakers you’ve connected to it; nor can it determine their capabilities.
For this part of the system setup consult the
speaker’s technical specifications.
Locate the frequency response, which is usually
given as a range, e.g.,100Hz – 20kHz (±3dB).
This specification tells you whether the speaker is
able to play sounds that are very high- or lowpitched, represented by the high and low frequencies. We are concerned with the lowest frequency that each of your main speakers is capable of playing, which is 100Hz in this example.
Use the Table A5 worksheet in the appendix to
note this number as the crossover for that speaker (not the same as the crossover frequency listed in the speaker’s specifications).

24 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Step Two – Measure
Speaker Distances

The AVR 355/AVR 255 has a delay adjustment
that enables the receiver to compensate for realworld speaker placements.
Before you begin making adjustments, measure
the distance from each speaker to the listening
position, and note it in the Table A3 worksheet in
the appendix. Even if all of your speakers are the
same distance from the listening position, you
should enter your speaker distances as described
in Step Three.

Step Three – Manual Setup Menu
Now you are ready to program these adjustments into the receiver. It’s best to sit in the
usual listening position and make the room as
quiet as possible.
With the receiver and video display turned on,
press the AVR Button on the remote to display
the menu system. Use the LButton to move
the cursor to the Speaker Setup line, and press
the OK Button to display the Speaker Setup
menu. See Figure 4.
If you have run EzSet/EQ, those results were
saved. To tweak the EzSet/EQ results, or to configure the AVR from scratch, select Manual
Setup. The screen shown in Figure 9 will appear.

Figure 9 – Manual Speaker Setup Menu
NOTE: All of the speaker setup submenus
include the Exit and Back options as shown at
the bottom of Figure 9. To return to a previous
menu without making any changes, press Exit. To
save the current settings, select the Back option.
If you previously saved EzSet/EQ results in this
setup position and you wish to reconfigure the
speakers from scratch, select the Reset option.
For best results, we recommend configuring the
speakers in this order, although it may differ from
the order in which the submenus appear in the
Manual Speaker Setup menu: Number of
Speakers, Crossover(Size), Sub Mode, Distance
and Level Adjust.

Number of Speakers

Adjust Crossover Frequencies Menu

Sub Mode

Move the cursor to the Number of Speakers line
and press the SetButton. See Figure 10.

After you have programmed the number of
speakers in the system, the AVR will return to
the Manual Speaker Setup menu. Navigate to
the Crossover (Size) line and press the OK
Button to display the Adjust Crossover
Frequencies menu (see Figure 11).

Move the cursor to the Sub Mode line to program bass management for the subwoofer. The
subwoofer’s setting depends upon how you programmed the front left and right speakers.
• If you set the front speakers to a numeric
crossover frequency, the subwoofer setting will
be LFE, and you won’t be able to change it.
All low-frequency information will always be
sent to the subwoofer.
If you don’t have a subwoofer, we recommend
that you either upgrade to full-range speakers or
add a subwoofer to your systemat the earliest
opportunity.

Figure 10 – Number of Speakers Menu
The Number of Speakers menu lists each of the
speaker groups.
Program the correct setting for each group: ON
when the speakers are present in the system,
and OFF for positions where no speakers havebeen installed. The Front Left & Right speakers
are always ON and may not be disabled. Any
changes made to the system configuration will
be reflected in the total number speakers displayed at the top of the screen.
The setting for the surround back speakers
includes a third option: Zone 2. The AVR 355/
AVR 255 is among the few receivers in its class
that is capable of multizone operation, allowing
placement of a pair of speakers in another room
with listeners in the remote room enjoying either
the same program as in the main room or a different source. The AVR’s assignable surround
back amplifier channels make multizone operation easier than ever, since an external power
amplifier is no longer required. Simply select the
Zone 2 option at this line, and connect the
Surround Back Speaker Outputs to loudspeakers
located in the remote room. The main room will
be configured automatically for up to 5.1channels. See the Multizone Operation section for
more information.
The settings in this menu affect a number of
aspects of the AVR’s operation, including the
remainder of the speaker setup process and the
availability of various surround modes at any
time.
When you have finished programming the number of speakers in the system, select the Back
option to insure the settings are saved correctly.

Figure 11 – Adjust Crossover Frequencies Menu
The AVR will only display those speaker groups
which you programmed in the Number of
Speakers menu.
Refer back to Step One, where you determined
each speaker’s crossover. Again, for the main
speakers, this is the lowest frequency the speaker reproduces well; and for the subwoofer, it’s
the highest.
For each main speaker, select one of the seven
crossover frequencies: 40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz,
100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz or 200Hz. If the crossover
frequency you determined in Step One is below
40Hz, select the first option, “Large”. This setting doesn’t refer to the speaker’s physical size,
but to its frequency response, which is also
called “full range”. This means the speaker is
capable of playing sounds throughout the frequencyspectrum, from the high pitches to the
bass.
Specify the size of the subwoofer’s transducer as
8, 10, 12 or 15 inches.
Make a note of each speaker group’s crossover
setting in Table A3 inthe appendix.
When you have finished entering the settings,
remember to select Back, not to press the Exit
Button.

• If you set the front speakers to LARGE, you
may select from two possible settings for the
subwoofer.

I L/R+LFE: This setting sends all low-frequency information to the subwoofer, including
both information that would normally be
played through the front left and right
speakers and the special low-frequency
effects (LFE) channel information.
I LFE: This setting plays low-frequency information contained in the left and right program channels to the front speakers, and
directs only the LFE channel information to
the subwoofer.

NOTE: The Speaker/Channel Indicators on the
front panel of the receiver (see Figure on page
33) will display the speaker size settings as follows.
For each speaker configured numerically, a single
box will appear in the position for that speaker.
For each speaker configured as LARGE, a double
box will appear in its position. If a speaker is
configured as OFF, no box will appear. The subwoofer will be indicated by a single box, or no
box if no subwoofer has been configured. The
letters inside the boxes appear when a digital
signal is being received that has that channel
discretely encoded. The letters flash when the
signal is not present, such as when a DVD is
paused. A line will connect the SBL and SBR
boxes when a 6.1-channel signal is detected,
indicating that the same signal is playing
through both speakers.

You may use the Back/Exit Button, and the settings will be saved.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 25

ENGLISH

System Configuration

System Configuration
Adjust Speaker Distance Menu
As explained above in Step Two – Measure
Speaker Distances, sometimes the speakers are
placed at different distances from the listeningposition, which can muddy the sound, as sounds
are heard earlier or later than desired.
Even if all of your speakers are placed the same
distance from the listening position, do not skip
this menu.
On the Manual Speaker Setup menu, move the
cursor to the Distance line and press the OK
Button to display the Adjust Speaker Distance
menu. See Figure 12.

Figure 12 – Adjust Speaker Distance Menu
This menu requires you to enter the distance
from each speaker to the listening position,
which you measured in Step Two – Measure
Speaker Distances and noted in Table A3 in the
appendix.
The default unit of measurement is feet. If you
wish to change the unit to meters, press the
Back/Exit Button until you return to the main
AVR menu. Scroll down to the System line, and
select it to view the System Settings menu. Scroll
down this menu to the General AVR Settings
section, and select the Unit of Measure line.
Press the OK Button to change the setting from
Feet to Meters.

Use the K/L Buttons to move the cursor to
the Front Left line, press the OK Button then use
the M/N Buttons to change the measurement
as needed. The values vary between 0 and 9
meters, with a default of 3 meters for all speakers. Use the M/N Buttons to move to each
speaker in turn – Center, Front Right, Surround
Right, Surround Back Right, Surround Back Left,
Surround Left and Subwoofer, if present in your
system.

1. Make sure all speakers have been connected
correctly.
2. Adjust the number of speakers, crossover distance and submode for each speaker in your
system as described in Step Three.
3. If you are using a handheld SPL meter with
source material, such as a test disc or another
audio selection, play it now and adjust the
AVR’s master volume control until the meter
measures 75dB.

NOTE: When the multiroom system is in use, the
surround back channels are automatically
assigned to the multiroom system, as mentioned
earlier. You will not be able to adjust the delay
settings for these channels, and the cursor will
skip past them.

4. There are several methods of adjusting the
channel output levels, using either the test
tone or source materials. In all cases, you may
measure the channel levels in one of two
ways:

Step Four – Setting Channel Output Levels
Manually

a) By ear. Try to adjust the levels so that all
channels sound equally loud.

For a conventional 2-channel receiver, the balance control enables the user to control the
stereo imaging by adjusting the relative loudness of the left and right channels, as heard at
the listening position.

b) Using a handheld SPL meter set to the CWeighting, Slow scale. Try to adjust each
channel so that the meter reads 75dB.

With up to seven main channels plus a subwoofer, imaging becomes both more critical and
more complex. Unlike the rotary balance control,
the goal of the AVR 355/AVR 255’s channel output adjustment process is to examine the output
level of each channel independently and ensure
that each is heard at the listening position with
equal loudness.
If you followed the instructions in the Initial
Setup section, then you let EzSet/EQ handle this
critical task for you, simply and automatically.
However, if you prefer to make these adjustments manually, the AVR 355/AVR 255’s Adjust
Speaker Levels menu allows you to do so, either
using the system’s test tone or while playing
source material. In addition, this is the only
method for adjusting the level of the subwoofer.

The best method of setting the output levels is
by running EzSet/EQ, as described in the Initial
Setup section. If any finer adjustments are
desired, we recommend using the menu system
to make the adjustments while playing the AVR’s
built-in test tone and measuring the output
using an SPL meter. Less effective would be to
measure the output by ear. Press the AVR Button
to display the menu system, and then navigate
to the Speaker Setup line. Press the OK Button
to display the Speaker Setup menu. Select
Manual Speaker Setup, press the OK Button, and
then navigate to the Level Adjust line. Press the
OK Button to display the Adjust Speaker Levels
menu. See Figure 13.

You may use a handheld SPL meter (available at
most electronics stores) set to the C-Weighting,
Slow scale.
Figure 13 – Adjust Speaker Levels Menu
All of the speaker channels will appear with
their current level settings.

26 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

ENGLISH

System Configuration
Reset Levels: If you wish to start by resetting
all of the levels to their factory defaults of 0dB,
scroll down to this line and press the OK Button.
The levels will be reset.
If you are using an external source to set your
output levels, simply navigate to each channel,
press the OK Button and use the M/N Buttons
to adjust the level as desired between –10dB
and +10dB. All channels default to 0dB.
If you would like to set your levels using the
AVR 355/AVR 255’s internal test tone, adjust the
TEST TONE line as follows.
Test Tone: This line determines whether the test
tone is active. To begin the process of setting the
levels, press the OK Button repeatedly to select
the OFF, AUTO or MANUAL setting. Any time you
manually move the cursor out of the channel
listings area of the screen, this setting will automatically change to OFF, stopping the test tone.
When this setting reads AUTO, the test tone will
automatically circulate to all channels, pausing
for a few moments at each channel and then
moving to the next channel several seconds
later, as indicated by the highlight bar. You may
adjust the level for any channel when the test
tone is paused there by using the M/N Buttons.
You may also use the K/L Buttons at any
time to move the cursor to another line, and the
test tone will follow the cursor.
When this setting reads MANUAL, the test tone
will not move to the next channel until you use
the K/L Buttons to move it.
NOTE: Setting the channel levels while one surround mode is active does not carry over to
other mode groups. We recommend that after
you have set the levels satisfactorily in one
mode, you note the results and change to other
surround modes. For those modes that don’t
reflect your level settings, you may either copy
the settings you obtained (as a short cut), or
redo the procedure to determine the correct settings for those surround modes.
When you have finished adjusting the speaker
levels, select the SAVE option so that the settings will not be lost. Record the level settings in
Table A3 in the appendix for future reference.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 27

Operation
Surround Mode Chart
MODE

FEATURES

DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS

An enhanced version of Dolby Digital encoded more efficiently, Dolby Digital Plus has the capacity for additional discrete channels
and for streaming audio from the internet, all with enhanced audio quality. Source material may be delivered via HDMI, or decoded
to Dolby Digitaland transmitted via S/P-DIF coaxial or optical digital audio.

DOLBY TRUE HD

Dolby True HD is an expansion of MLP Lossless™ audio, the same format used on DVD Audio discs. Dolby TrueHD adds the features
found in Dolby Digital, such as night mode settings, while delivering fully lossless audio that is a true reproduction of the studio
master recording.

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.

DOLBY DIGITAL EX

Available when the receiver is configured for 6.1/7.1 channel operation, Dolby Digital EX is the latest version of Dolby Digital. When
used with movies or other programs that have special encoding, Dolby Digital EX reproduces specially encoded soundtracks so that a
full 6.1/7.1 soundfield is available. When the receiver is set for 6.1/7.1 operation and a Dolby Digital signal is present, the EX mode
is automatically selected. Even if specific EX encoding is not available to provide the additional channel, the special algorithms will
derive a 6.1/7.1 output.

DTS-HD

DTS-HD is a new high-definition audio format that complements the high-definition video found on HD-DVD and Blu-ray Discs. It is
transmitted using a DTS core with high-resolution extensions. Even when only DTS 5.1 surround sound is desired (or available, if the
multizone system is in use), the higher capacity of high-resolution discs serves up DTS at twice the bit rate used on DVD-Video discs.

DTS-HD
MASTER AUDIO

DTS-HD Master Audio delivers bit-for-bit reproductions of the studio master recording in up to 7.1 channels, for an incredibly
accurate performance.

DTS 5.1

When the speaker configuration is set for 5.1-channel operation, the DTS 5.1 mode is available when DVD, audio-only music or
laserdiscs encoded with DTS data are played. DTS 5.1 provides up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated
low-frequency channel.

DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix
DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete

When the speaker configuration is set for 6.1/7.1 operation, playback of a DTS-encoded program source will automatically
trigger the selection of one of the two DTS-ES modes. Newer discs with special DTS-ES discrete encoding will be decoded to provide
six discrete, full-bandwidth channels plus a separate low-frequency channel. All other DTS discs will be decoded using the DTS-ES
Matrix mode, which creates a 6.1-channel sound field from the original 5.1-channel soundtrack.

DOLBY PRO LOGIC II
MOVIE
MUSIC
DOLBY PRO LOGIC
GAME

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 matrix surround encoded programs and conventional stereo sources
when an analog input or a digital input with PCM or Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings is in use. The Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode is
optimized for movie soundtracks that are recorded with matrix surround, by creating separate center, rear left and rear right signals.
while the Pro Logic II Music mode should be used with musical selections that are recorded with matrix surround or even with normal stereo mode, creating separate rear left and rear right signals in any case. The Pro Logic II mode creates compelling five-channel
surround sound from conventional stereo recordings. Game mode ensures that special effects are routed to the surround channels,
while delivering their full impact using the subwoofer, thus fully immersing the game player in the universe of the video game.

DOLBY PRO LOGIC IIx
MUSIC
MOVIE
GAME

Dolby Pro Logic IIx is the latest extension of Dolby Pro Logic II technology that creates a discrete 6.1 and 7.1 sound field from matrix
surround or two-channel stereo sources in systems configured for surround back speakers.
Movie, Music and Game versions of Pro Logic IIx are available.
Game mode ensures that special effects are routed to the surround channels, while delivering their full impact using the subwoofer,
thus fully immersing the game player in the universe of the video game.

Logic 7 Cinema
Logic 7 Music
Logic 7 Enhance

Exclusive to Harman Kardon for AV receivers, Logic 7 is an advanced mode that extracts the maximum surround information from
either surround-encoded programs or conventional stereo material. Depending on the number of speakers in use and the
selection made in the SURROUND SELECT menu, the “5.1” versions of Logic 7 modes are available when the 5.1 option is
chosen, while the “7.1” versions of Logic 7 produce a full sound field presentation, including back surround speakers when the
“6.1/7.1” option is chosen. 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 former 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. The Logic 7 E (or Enhance) mode is an extension of the Logic 7 modes that is primarily used with
musical programs and is available with the 5.1 surround mode option selected only. Logic 7 E adds additional bass enhancement
that circulates low frequencies in the 40Hz to 120Hz range to the front and surround speakers to deliver a less localized soundstage
that appears broader and wider than when the subwoofer is the sole source of bass energy.

28 OPERATION

ENGLISH

Operation
Surround Mode Chart
MODE

FEATURES

DTS Neo:6 Cinema
DTS Neo:6 Music

These two modes are available when any analog source is playing to create a six-channel
surround presentation from conventional Matrix-encoded and traditional Stereo sources. Select
the Cinema version of Neo:6 when a program with any type of analog Matrix surround encoding
is present. Select the Music version of Neo:6 for optimal processing when a nonencoded,
two-channel stereo program is being played.
When selecting a DTS Neo:6 Cinema mode, a 3-, 5- or 6-channel configuration may be available,
depending on the number of speakers in your system. Use 3-channel mode when only a front left and
right and a center speaker are present; surround-channel information will be mixed into these speakers.
The 6-channel mode will only be available if you have configured your surround back speakers as active.

DTS 96/24

DTS 96/24 is a high-resolution format that uses a 96kHz sampling rate with 24 bits to produce extended
information that improves the harmonics of the source material. The AVR is capable of automatically detecting
and decoding DTS 96/24 materials and delivering them as the artist intended.

Dolby Virtual Speaker Dolby Virtual Speaker technology uses a next-generation advanced algorithm to reproduce the dynamics and surround
Reference
sound effects of a precisely placed 5.1-channel speaker system using only front left and right speakers. In the
Wide
Reference Mode, the apparent width of the sound across the front image is defined by the distance between the two
speakers. The Wide Mode provides a wider, more spacious front image when the two speakers areclose together.
5-Channel Stereo
7-Channel Stereo

This mode takes advantage of multiple speakers to place a stereo signal at both the front and
back of a room. Depending on whether the AVR has been configured for either 5.1 or 6.1/7.1
operation, one of these modes, but not both, is available at any time. Ideal for playing music in
situations such as a party, this mode places the same signal at the front-left and surround-left,
and at the 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.

Surround Off (Stereo) These modes turn off all surround processing and present the pure left- and right-channel presentation of
Surround Off (Bypass) two-channel stereo programs. The Surround Off (Bypass) mode may only be used with analog source inputs,
DSP Surround Off
as it preserves the analog format of the audio signal for its entire path of travel through the receiver to the
speaker and subwoofer outputs, bypassing all digital processing. Digital bass management is not available in
Surround Off mode. The DSP Surround Off mode can be used with either an analog or digital input, as the
signal undergoes digital bass management to optimize the distribution of the low frequencies between the
main speakers and a subwoofer.
Dolby Headphone
DH

Dolby Headphone enables ordinary stereo headphones to portray the sound of a five-speaker surround-playback system.

OPERATION 29

Operation
Basic Operation
Once you have completed the setup and configuration of the AVR, it is simple to operate and
enjoy. The following instructions should be
followed for you to maximize your enjoyment of
your new receiver:
Turning the AVR On or Off
• When using the AVR for the first time, you must
press the Main Power Switch on the rear
panel to turn the unit on. This places the unit in
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 or on
the front panel or the
AVR Power ON Button on the remote A.
Note that the Power Indicator 3 turns white.
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
Source Selector buttons on the remote C,
except the "Bridge" Button on the AVR 355
remote.
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 AVR
Power Off Button B on the remote. Power
will be shut off to any equipment plugged into
the front panel Switched AC Outlets and
the Power Indicator 3 will turn amber.
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.
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 rear
panel Main Power Switch .
NOTE: All preset memories may be lost if the
unit is left turned off with the Main Power
Switch for more than two weeks.
Using the Sleep Timer
• To program the AVR for automatic turn-off,
press the Sleep Button G on the remote. Each
press of the button will increase the time before
shut down in the following sequence:

The sleep time will be displayed in the Main
Information Display # and it will count
down until the time has elapsed.

30 OPERATION

When the programmed sleep time has elapsed,
the unit will automatically turn off (to Standby
mode). 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 Button G until the
information display returns to normal brightness
and the Sleep indicator numbers disappear and
the words SLEEP OFF appear in the
Main Information Display #.

• The input source may also be changed by
pressing the front-panel Source List Button
@. This opens the on-screen Source Selection
Menu with the slide-in Source List already open.
If you are not using your TV for on-screen reference, use the Front Panel Information Display
which shows the information you need. Scroll up
and down with the KL Buttons 5, select
the desired Input by pressing the OK Button 6
and exit the Source Selection function by pressing the Source List Button @ again.

Mute Function

• The front-panel Video Inputs (, Optical
Digital Input ) or the Coaxial Digital
Input * may be used to connect a device such
as a video game or camcorder to your home
entertainment system on a temporary basis.

To temporarily mute all speakers and the headphones, press the MuteButton on the remote
R. Any recording in progress will not be affected. The MUTE message will appear in the display
as a reminder. To restore normal audio, either
press the Mute Button again, or adjust the volume. Turning off the AVR will also end muting.

Audio Effects
Depending on the specific characteristics of your
listening room, you may wish to tweak some of
the audio settings, such as tone controls, to
improve performance. Access these settings from
the Audio Effects Button 9D, as described in
the Advanced Functions section.
It is not necessary to adjust the Audio Effects
settings to enjoy your new AVR. We recommend
leaving the settings at their default values until
you are more familiar with your system.

Video Modes
The settings in the Video Modes menu are used
to fine-tune the picture if necessary after making
all adjustments on the video display. It is recommended that you leave the settings at their
defaults. See the Advanced Functions section for
detailed information.

Source Selection
For direct access to any source, press its Source
Selector Button C on the remote control.
Alternatively, Sources can be selected from the
Source Selection Menu, available by pressing the
AVR Settings Button Y on the remote, followed
by the OK Button X. The list showing available
inputs slides in from the right. Simply scroll up
and down to the desired input, then press OK on
the remote.

• As the input source is changed, the new input
name will appear momentarily as on-screen
information in the video display. The input name
will also appear in the Main Information
Display #.
• (AVR 355 only) When
Digital Media
Player (DMP) source is selected, if a compatible
Apple iPod device is inserted in an optional
Harman Kardon
that is connected to
DMP Connector on the rear
panel, function messages will appear on any
video display connected to the AVR, and the
remote control may be used to navigate the iPod
and access many of its functions. The function
messages will also appear in the front-panel display, and the iPod’s battery may be charged. See
the owner’s guides for
and your iPod
for more information.

Video Input Selection
When a source is selected, the AVR switches to a
Video Input that has either been assigned to
that Source by you, or to the default Video Input
if you have not assigned any. All inputs except
Radio are combined Audio and Video Inputs,
functioning as audio-only inputs when no video
signal is present. Refer to the Setup section of
this manual for explanation of assigning video
inputs to each source.

VIDEO TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS:
If a video source is playing and there is no picture:
• Check that you have selected the source to
which the video input was assigned.
• Check the wires for a loose or incorrect connection.
• Check that you have selected the correct
video input on the display device (TV).
• Try pressing the Resolution Button on the
front panel to check that the correct video
output resolution is selected and select the
proper resolution for your screen.
Additional tips for systems using HDMI:
• Turn off all devices (including the TV, AVR
and any source components).
• Unplug the HDMI cables starting with the
cable between the TV and AVR, and continuing with the cables between the AVR and
each source device.

• When listening to high-resolution multichannel
discs, the AVR’s auto polling feature will automatically switch to the multichannel analog
audio inputs.
Multichannel disc player without HDMI
output, or when video display has no
HDMI input:
• Connect the player’s component video outputs
to one set of Component Video Inputs on the
AVR. Depending on the capabilities of the player
and your video display, you may need to use a
composite or S-video connection instead.
• Connect the player’s digital audio output to a
corresponding available digital audio input on
the AVR.
• Connect the player’s multichannel audio outputs to the AVR’s 6-/8- Channel Analog Audio
Inputs.
• Assign the correct audio and video inputs to
the Audio and Video Input From Source Settings
in the Source Info menu.

• Carefully reconnect the cables from the
source devices to the AVR, and connect the
cable from the AVR to the TV last.

• Assign the 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs
to the Audio Auto Polling setting in the Source
Info menu.

• Turn on the devices in this order: TV, then
AVR, then source devices.

• When listening to DVD-Video discs, CDs or
other materials outputting standard-definition
digital audio, do nothing, as long as the correct
digital audio input is assigned to the Audio Input
From Source setting.

HDMI-equipped multichannel disc
player:
• Connect the player’s HDMI output to one of
the AVR’s HDMI Inputs. No other connections
are necessary.
• Assign the HDMI Input to both the Audio and
Video Input From Source settings in the Source
Info menu.
HDMI-equipped multichannel disc player
that does not output multichannel audio
via HDMI:
• Connect the player’s HDMI output and its multichannel analog audio outputs to one of the
AVR’s HDMI Inputs and to the AVR’s 6-/8Channel Analog Audio Inputs.
• Assign the HDMI Input to both the Audio and
Video Input From Source settings in the Source
Info menu.
• Assign the 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs
to the Audio Auto Polling setting in the Source
Info menu.
• When listening to DVD-Video discs, CDs or
other materials outputting standard-definition
digital audio, do nothing, as long as the HDMI
Input is assigned to the Audio Input From Source
setting.

• When listening to high-resolution multichannel
discs, the AVR’s auto polling feature will automatically switch to the multichannel analog
audio inputs.
NOTE: The 6-/8-Channel Inputs pass the incoming signals directly to the volume control, without digitizing or processing them. Configure the
bass management settings (i.e., speaker size,
delay and output level) on your source device to
match the settings programmed using EzSet/EQ,
which may be viewed using the Speakers Setup
menu (see Advanced Functions section). Consult
the owner’s guide for your multichannel player
for more information.

6-Channel/8-Channel Direct Input
The 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs are used
when playing certain multichannel discs, such as
DVD-Audio, HD-DVD, SACD and Blu-ray Discs,
on a player that decodes the audio and outputs
it via its multichannel analog audio outputs but
not via its HDMI output.

Controls and Use of Headphones
• Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using
the front panel Volume Control 1 or remote
Volume Up/Down P buttons.
• To temporarily silence all speaker outputs
press the Mute button R on the Remote
Control. 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. When the system is muted, the word
MUTE will appear in the Main Information
Display #. Press the Mute button R again
to return to normal operation.
• For private listening, plug the 6.3 mm 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 DOLBY H:DH appears in the Main
Information Display # and all speakers will
be silenced. When the headphone plug is
removed, the audio feed to the speakers will be
restored.
• When the headphones are in use, you may
take advantage of the Dolby Headphone modes
to bring added spaciousness to headphone listening. Press the Surround Mode Button on
the front panel % to switch between Dolby
Headphone and Bypass to select the one that
you prefer.

Surround Mode Selection
One of the most important features of the
AVR 255/AVR 355 is its ability to reproduce a
full multichannel surround sound field from digital sources, analog matrix surround encoded
programs and standard stereo or even mono
programs.
Selection of a surround mode is based on personal taste, as well as the type of program
source material being used. For example, CDs,
motion pictures or TV programs bearing the logo
of one of the major surround-encoding processes, such as Dolby Surround should be played in
either the Dolby Pro Logic II or IIx Movie (with
movies) or Music (with music) surround mode,
with any DTS NEO:6 mode or with Harman
Kardon´s exclusive Logic 7 Movie Mode, to create a full range 5.1 channel or (with Logic 7 and
DTS NEO:6) even 7.1 channel surround signal
from surround encoded programs, with a stereophonic left and right rear signal, just as it was
recorded

OPERATION 31

ENGLISH

Operation

Operation
Note that when Dolby Digital 2.0 signals (e.g.
"D.D. 2.0" tracks from DVD), that are encoded
with Dolby Pro Logic information, are received
via any digital input, the Dolby Pro Logic II
Movie mode will be selected automatically (in
addition to the Dolby Digital mode) and will
decode a full range 5.1 channel surround sound
even from those recordings.

Note that the Dolby Digital or DTS modes may
only be selected when a digital input is in use. In
addition, when a digital source is present, the
AVR 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 create wide, enveloping sound field environments and defined pans and flyovers with all
analog stereo recordings select the Dolby Pro
Logic II Music or Emulation mode or Harman
Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7 Music mode for a
dramatic improvement in comparison to the
Dolby Pro Logic (I) mode of former times.

When the 6-Channel/8-Channel direct inputs are
in use there is no surround processing, as these
inputs take the analog output signals from an
optional, external DVD-Audio or SACD player, or
another source device and carry them straight
through to the volume control.

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 IIx Cinema,
Logic 7 Cinema or DTS Neo:6 Cinema, when they
are broadcast via conventional TV stations, cable,
pay-TV and satellite transmission. In addition, a
growing number of made-for-television 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 Dolby Pro Logic II or IIx Music, DTS
NEO:6 Music or Logic 7 Music or Enhanced
modes often deliver enveloping surround presentations through the use of the natural surround
information present in all stereo recordings.
However, for stereo programs without any
surround information the 5/7CH Stereo modes
should be tried (effective particularly with old
”extreme” stereo recordings). And when you use
only two front channel speakers you should select
any of the Dolby Virtual Speaker surround modes,
delivering a virtually three dimensional sound
space with two speakers only.
Surround modes are selected using either the
front panel controls or the remote. To select a
new surround mode from the front panel, first
press the Surround Mode Button %S to
enter the Surround Modes Menu. Then use the
KL Buttons 5F to select the signal type
that you want to modify and confirm with the
OK Button to open the list of available Surround
Modes for this signal type. Again select the
desired Surround Mode and confirm with the OK
Button. Press the Back/Exit Button ^O to
exit the menu.

32 OPERATION

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), select 2 CH Stereo in the
Surround Modes Menu.

Digital Audio Signals
Digital audio signals offer the benefit of greater
capacity, which allows recording artists to
encode center and surround channel information
directly into the signal. The result is improved
sound quality and startling directionality, since
each of these channels is reproduced discretely.
Alternatively, the artist may encode only two
channels, but the digital signal allows for a
higher sampling rate that delivers greater detail.
High-resolution recordings usually sound
extraordinarily distortion-free at all frequencies,
but especially at high frequencies.
Multichannel digital recordings usually are found
in the 5.1-, 6.1- or 7.1-channel formats. The
channels included in a 5.1-channel recording are
front left, front right, center, surround left,
surround right and LFE. The LFE channel is
denoted as “.1” to represent the fact that it is
not full-range, being limited to the low
frequencies.
6.1-Channel recordings add a single surround
back channel, and 7.1-channel recordings add
surround back left and surround back right
channels to the 5.1-channel configuration. New
formats, such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital
Plus, DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, are
available in 7.1-channel configurations. The
AVR 355/AVR 255 is able to play the new audio
formats, delivering a more exciting home theater
experience.
NOTE: To use the 6.1- and 7.1-channel
surround modes, the AVR 355/AVR 255 must be
configured so that the Surround Back channels
are enabled. See the Manual Setup section on
page 24 for more information.

Digital formats include Dolby Digital 2.0 (two
channels only), Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital
EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD,
DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS 5.1, DTS-ES (6.1
Matrix and Discrete), DTS 96/24, 2-channel PCM
modes in 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz or 96kHz, and
5.1 or 7.1 multichannel PCM.
When a digital signal is received, the AVR 355/
AVR 255 detects the encoding method and the
number of channels. The number of channels
encoded will appear briefly in the front-panel
display as three numbers, separated by slashes
(e.g., “3/2/.1”).
The first number indicates the number of front
channels in the signal:
“1” represents a monophonic recording, usually
an older program that has been digitally
remastered or, more rarely, a modern
program for which the director has chosen a
special effect.
“2” indicates the presence of the left and right
channels, but no center channel.
“3” indicates that all three front channels (left,
right and center) are present.
The second number indicates whether any
surround channels are present:
“0” indicates that no surround information is
present.
“1” indicates that a matrixed surround signal is
present.
“2” indicates discrete left and right surround
channels.
“3” is used with DTS-ES bitstreams to represent
the presence of the discrete surround back
channel in addition to the side surround left
and right channels.
“4” is used with 7.1-channel digital formats,
including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTSHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, to indicate the
presence of two discrete side surround channels
and two discrete back surround channels.
The third number is used for the LFE channel:
“0” indicates no LFE channel.
“.1” indicates that an LFE channel is present.
The 6.1-channel signals – Dolby Digital EX and
DTS-ES Matrix and Discrete – each include a flag
meant to signal the receiver to decode the
surround back channel.
For Dolby Digital EX materials, the incoming
bitstream will be displayed as 3/2/.1 EX-ON. For
older discs, the display may show EX-OFF, but
you will still be able to select the Dolby Digital
EX mode manually.

For DTS-ES materials, the incoming bitstream
will be displayed as 3/3/.1 ES-ON.

• Virtual Surround: Dolby Virtual Speaker
Reference or Wide

When a PCM signal is received, the PCM
message, followed by the sampling rate of the
signal (32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz or 96kHz), will
appear in the front-panel display.

• Stereo: 2-channel stereo, 5-channel stereo or
7-channel stereo

In addition, the Speaker/Channel Input
Indicators will indicate the number of channels
discretely encoded in the signal by displaying a
letter inside that channel’s speaker box. A line
will connect the SBL and SBR boxes when a 6.1channel signal is detected, indicating that the
same signal is playing through both speakers.
The letters flash when no signal is present, such
as when a DVD is paused.
L

LFE
SL
SBL

SR
SBR

Speaker/Channel Input Indicators

When only two channels – left and right – are
present, the analog surround modes may be
used to decode the signal into the remaining
channels.

Figure 14 – Surround Modes
If you would prefer a different surround format
than the native signal’s digital encoding, press
the Surround Modes Button to display the
Surround Modes menu (see Figure 14).
The Auto Select option (the first line) uses the
native signal’s digital encoding, e.g. Dolby
Digital or DTS. For two-channel materials, the
AVR defaults to Logic 7 Movie mode. If you
prefer a different surround processing mode,
select the appropriate line from the menu:
Virtual Surround, Stereo, Movie, Music or Video
Game.
Each line is set to a default surround mode:
• Virtual Surround: Dolby Virtual Speaker
Reference
• Stereo: 7-channel stereo
• Movie: Logic 7 Movie
• Music: Logic 7 Music
• Video Game: Logic 7 Game
You may change each line’s setting to a different
surround mode. The choice of new modes
depends on the number of speakers in your
system.

• Movie: Logic 7 Movie, DTS Neo 6:Cinema,
Dolby Pro Logic II Movie, Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Movie
• Music: Logic 7 Music, DTS Neo 6:Music,
Dolby Pro Logic II Music, Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Music
• Video Game: Logic 7 Game, Dolby Pro Logic
II Game, Dolby Pro Logic IIx Game
When one of the Dolby Pro Logic II Music modes
is selected, access to the Edit submenu becomes
available. This submenu may be used to adjust
special settings available only in Music mode:
Center Width, Dimension and Panorama.
Once you have programmed the default
surround mode for each type of program, simply
select the line from the Surround Modes menu
any time you wish to override the AVR’s
automatic surround mode selection. The AVR will
use the same surround mode the next time the
source input is selected.
NOTE: Dolby Digital 2.0 signals may also
include a Dolby Surround flag indicating DS-ON
or DS-OFF, depending on whether the 2-channel
bitstream contains only stereo information, or a
downmix of a multichannel program that can be
decoded by the Dolby Pro Logic decoder in the
AVR. By default, these signals are played in
Dolby Pro Logic IIx Movie mode, but you may
select another Dolby surround mode manually.

Surround Modes
Surround mode selection is dependent upon the
format of the incoming audio signal, as well as
personal taste. There is no harm in
experimenting with all of the modes available
with any given source material. Information
about the Dolby and DTS modes is available on
the companies’ Web sites: www.dolby.com and
www.dtsonline.com.
When in doubt, check the jacket of your DVD for
more information on which surround modes are
available on the disc. Usually, nonessential
sections of the disc, such as trailers, extra
materials or the disc menu, are only available in
Dolby Digital 2.0 (2-channel) or PCM 2-channel
mode. If the main title is playing and the letters
in the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators are not
lit for all speaker locations, look for an audio or
language setup section in the disc’s menu. Also,
make sure your DVD player’s audio output is set
to the original bitstream rather than just PCM.
Check the DVD player’s output setting by
stopping play of the disc and checking the DVD
player’s menu system.

Different surround modes may only be available
with certain input signals or bitstream formats.
For any incoming signal, only a limited number
of surround modes are available. Although there
is never a time when all of the AVR 355/
AVR 255’s surround modes are available, there
is usually a wide variety of modes available for a
given input.
To select a surround mode, press the Surround
Modes Button S, select either Auto Select AVR Selects Best Mode, or move the blue line to
the other options: Virtual Surround, Stereo,
Movie, Music and Video Game. Each of these 5
options permit several selections, accessed by
pressing the OK Button (See Figure 14).

Dolby Surround Settings
Some additional settings are available for Dolby
modes. Three settings are active only when the
Dolby Pro Logic II or IIx Music modes have been
selected. See Figure 15.

Figure 15 – Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx Music Mode
Settings
Center Width: This setting affects how vocals
sound through the three front speakers. A higher
number (up to 7) focuses the vocal information
tightly on the center channel. Lower numbers
broaden the vocal soundstage across the three
speakers. Use the ‹/› Buttons to change the
setting.
Dimension: This setting affects the depth of the
surround presentation, allowing you to “move”
the sound toward the front or rear of the room.
The setting of “0” is a neutral default. Setting
“F-3” moves the sound mostly toward the front
of the room, while setting “R-3” moves the
sound mostly toward the rear. Use the ‹/›
Buttons to change the setting.
Panorama: With the Panorama mode turned
ON, some of the sound from the front speakers
is moved to the surround speakers, creating an
enveloping “wraparound” type of effect. Each
press of the OK Button toggles the setting on or
off.

OPERATION 33

ENGLISH

Operation

Operation
Night Mode

Using

Night mode is available with some Dolby Digital
programs, if it has been encoded in the material.
It compresses the peak sound levels, maintaining
the intelligibility of the dialogue and quieter
passages, while reducing the loudness of special
effects and louder passages to avoid disturbing
others. Night Mode is accessed from the Audio
Effects menu. Press the Audio Effects Button and
scroll down to the Night Mode line. Three levels
of compression are available:

When Harman Kardon’s
(optional) is
connected and a compatible Apple® iPod® is
docked in The Bridge, press the
DMP
Selector Button C on the Remote Control or
the Source List @ followed by the Up/Down
Arrows to choose the iPod as the input source
allowing playback of audio, video and still-image
materials on your iPod through your high-quality
audio/video system. Pressing the
DMP
Selector Button C will also activate the AVR
remote’s control codes for the iPod, and you may
also use the front-panel controls to operate the
iPod.

Off: At this setting, there is no compression, as
the Night mode is deactivated.
Half: A mild compression is applied.
Full: More compression is applied.
Feel free to experiment and simply cycle through
all of the available surround modes at any time;
you cannot cause any problems for the AVR 355/
AVR 255 by doing so.
NOTE: To access 6.1- and 7.1-channel modes,
such as Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Logic 7 (7.1
modes), DTS Neo:6 (6.1 modes), and 7-channel
Stereo, you must enable the surround back
channels as explained in the Manual Setup
section. You should not enable these channels if
you don’t have surround back speakers in your
system.

(AVR 355 only)

When The Bridge is properly connected and a
compatible iPod is properly docked, the Upper
Display Line # will read DMP/
CONNECTED. Once that message appears,
use the remote or front-panel buttons to control
the iPod. See the Function List Table on page 46
for a listing of the remote control buttons that
have been programmed to control the iPod.

Figure 16 - On Screen Display, iPod playing

• To make an analog recording from a digital
source is possible, but only from a PCM source
(not Dolby Digital or DTS) and correctly only with
"Surround Off" mode (with any Surround mode
only the L/R front signals will be fed to the
record outputs).

34 OPERATION

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

When a digital audio recorder is connected to
the Coaxial Digital Output , 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 (e.g. Dolby Digital to
PCM or vice versa). In additon, the digital recorder
must be compatible with the output signal. For
example, the PCM digital output from a CD player
may be recorded on a CD-R or MiniDisc, but
Dolby Digital or DTS signals may not.

After a period of time the screen may disappear
from view. The length of time is set using the
Full-OSD Time Out setting in the System Settings
menu (described in the Advanced Functions section). You may restore the Now Playing screen to
view by pressing either of the ‹/› Buttons F,
and you may then navigate the menus as
explained above.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you use
a screen saver built into your video display to
avoid possible damage from “burn-in” that may
occur with plasma and many CRT displays when
a still image, such as a menu screen, remains on
display for an extended period of time.

Tape Recording
In normal operation, the audio or video source
selected for listening through the AVR 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 Analog Outputs or Video 1
Outputs in the record mode.

In addition, if a video display is connected to the
AVR, a screen will appear briefly to display information about the iPod’s status and the track. The
top line will display the play mode icon, with the
phrase “Now Playing” appearing to the right to
remind you that you are viewing the status of
the current track, as opposed to another menu
screen. Below that the AVR displays the total
number of tracks in the current play list on the
right (all materials on the iPod are considered
one of the play lists) with the number of the
current track on the left. The song title, artist and
album are displayed. At the bottom of the screen
is a graphic bar indicating the current play
position within the track, with the elapsed and
remaining times appearing below the bar.

Figure 17 - On Screen Display, iPod Menu
Selection
Complete details on operating an iPod using
and an AVR remote are furnished
with
.
While a selection is playing, the song title, artist
and album name, if available on the iPod, will
scroll across the upper line in the front panel
Message Display #. The lower line will
display the elapsed time of the track on the left,
the play mode icon, and the time remaining on
the right.

Multiroom
The AVR is fully equipped to operate as the control center for a complete multiroom system that
is capable of sending one source to a second
zone in the house while separate source is listened to in the main room. In addition to providing for control over the selection of the remote
source and its volume, the AVR offers a comprehensive range of options for powering the
speakers in the second zone.
• Using the line-level Zone 2 Outputs &, the
selected source may be fed to optional, external
power amplifiers that may be matched to the
specifics of the installation (Zone 2 Outputs on
AVR 355 only).
• When the main room system is configured for
5.1 operation, the Surround Back Left/Right
amplifier channels may be used to power the
remote zone so that no additional amplifiers are
required.
• Using built-in A-BUS Ready technology,
optional A-BUS modules may be connected to
the AVR via a single Category Five wire, so that
remote zone speakers may be powered directly
from the module or keypad without the need for
additional power, IR sensor or volume control
wires to be run to the second zone. (Please note
that the A-BUS functionality is featured in AVR
355 only).
In addition, the AVR includes a remote IR sensor
input so that remote control commands from the
Zone II remote included with the (AVR 355 only)
or from the main remote when set to Zone 2
with the slide Switch Z may be transmitted to
the unit, while standard IR input/output jacks
allow the remote zone’s commands to be sent to
compatible IR-controlled source devices.
Installation
Although simple remote room systems may be
installed by the average do-it-yourself hobbyist,
the complexity of your multizone/multiroom system involves running wires inside of walls where
the services of a specially trained installer may
be required. Regardless of who does the work,
please remember that local building codes may
govern in-wall electrical work, including proper
specification of any wiring used and the way in
which it is connected. You are responsible for
making certain that all Multiroom installation
work is done properly and in compliance with all
applicable codes and regulations.
For standard installations, follow the instructions
shown on page 18-19 for the connection of
speaker wire and IR remote wiring to the AVR.

For installations where the Surround Back
Left/Right amplifier channels are used to power
the remote zone, make certain that the system is
configured for that type of operation, as shown
below.
For installations where A-BUS modules are used,
follow the instructions provided with the A-BUS
remote modules or keypads.
Additional information will also be made available through the Harman Kardon Web Site at
www.harmankardon.com.
Multiroom Setup
Once the audio and IR link connections have
been made, the AVR needs to be configured for
multiroom operation using the steps below.
Press the AVR button Y to bring the main
menu to the screen. Press the ⁄/¤ Button F
until the ZONE 2 menu line is highlighted in
blue. Press the OK button X to enter the menu.

Figure 18
When the ZONE 2 menu appears, the blue
cursor bar will be at the Status: Off line.
Since this line is used to turn the system on and
off, do not make an adjustment here unless you
wish to turn the system on at this time. To turn
the system on, press the OK Button X once, to
turn it off again, press once more. If you do not
wish to turn the system on at this time or to proceed to the next step, press the ¤ Button F
once so that the blue cursor bar is highlighting
the Source line.
At the Source line, press the press the OK
Button to cause the Source List to slide in from
the right. Use the Up/Down Button F to select
the source.. When the selection has been made,
press the OK Button X to confirm your choice,
and continue to the Volume line by pressing
the ¤ Button F.

Surround Amplifier Channel
Assignment
The AVR is equipped with seven full-power
amplifier channels to allow for complete
7.1-channel operation without the need for
additional external amplifiers. However, in some
installations you may wish to use the traditional
5.1-channel configuration for the main listening
room, which allows the surround back left/right
amplifier channels to be used to power speakers
placed in a remote zone location.
If you wish to use the Surround Back channel
amplifiers to power the remote zone, you must
change a setting in the MULTIROOM
SETUP menu. To make that change, first call
up the menu system by pressing the AVR
Button Y to bring the main menu (Figure 1) to
the screen. Next, press the ¤ Button F until
the Zone 2 menu line is highlighted in blue.
Press the OK Button X to enter the Zone 2
menu.
The Surround Back Amps line is used to assign
the surround back channels for multizone operation. Select the Zone 2 setting when multizone
listening is desired. If the multizone system is
not in use, this setting may be changed to Main
Room to accommodate a 7.1-channel system.
When the multiroom system is turned off, this
line will always display the MAIN setting. When
the multiroom system is turned on, this line will
always display the MULTI setting, reflecting that
the surround back channels are always assigned
to the remote zone when the multiroom system
is used.
Remember that once this setting is made you
will not be able to take advantage of any of the
6.1/7.1- channel decoding or processing modes,
and no Surround Back speakers must be
selected in the speaker setup procedure outlined
earlier. In addition the speakers used for the
remote zone must be connected to the
Surround Back/Multiroom Speaker
Outputs . The volume for these speakers is
set by the multiroom system, as explained
above.

At the Volume line, press the ‹ / › buttons
F or hold them pressed until the desired volume level for the multi-room system is entered.
DO NOT use the regular volume control knobs
for this setting.

MULTIROOM OPERATION 35

ENGLISH

Multiroom Operation

Multiroom Operation
Multiroom Operation
To operate the multizone system using the
remote, slide the Zone Select Switch at the bottom of the remote to the “2” position or, alternatively use the Zone 2 Remote Control (AVR
355 only). Press a Source Selector to select a
source input for the remote zone.
Adjusting the volume or mute controls will only
affect the volume in the remote zone. The onscreen menu functions will not be operative. The
remote will operate source devices that have
been programmed into it as explained in the
Initial Setup section.
If the Remote IR Output jack on the AVR
is connected to an IR Input jack on compatible
Harman Kardon audio components such as CD,
DVD or cassette players, the transport functions
of those machines may also be controlled using
the Transport Controls HE on either
remote control.
NOTE: When the tuner is selected as the source
for Zone 2, any change to the frequency or preset will also change the station being listened to
in the main room, if the tuner is in use there.
Similarly, if someone in the main room changes
the station, the change will also impact the
remote room.
When Zone 2 is turned on, the input selected
using the Zone 2 Menu will be fed to the Zone 2
Output jacks & on the rear panel as well as the
A-BUS Jack ', (AVR 355 only).
The volume will be as set in the same menu,
although it may also be adjusted using an
optional IR sensor and the Zone II remote in the
remote location or on the optional audio power
amplifier connected to the Zone 2 Output jacks
&.

36 MULTIROOM OPERATION

Although changes to the input source or Zone 2
volume will normally be made using an IR sensor
in the remote room that is connected to the
AVR, it is also possible to change those settings
from the main listening room. This is useful for
situations where some or all of the remote
rooms do not have an IR sensor, or to take
control over the remote room without actually
being in that room.
Once Zone 2 is turned on, it will remain on even
if the AVR is placed in the Standby mode in the
main room by pressing the Power Off Button
B or the System Power Control 2 on the
front panel. To turn off the multiroom system
from the main listening room, when the AVR is
on, slide the Zone Select Switch Z on the
Remote Control to Zone 2 (or, alternatively, use
the Zone 2 Remote Control that comes with the
AVR 355 only), and press the Off Button B.
Even when the AVR is turned off (to Standby
mode) and the multiroom system is turned off
too, the multiroom system may be turned on at
any time by pressing the ON Button A while
the Zone Select Button is set to Zone 2.
NOTE: Only analog audio sources are available
to the multizone system. To hear digital devices,
such as a CD player, in the remote zone, follow
these steps:
1. In addition to a digital audio connection,
connect the source device’s analog audio
outputs to any available analog audio inputs
on the AVR, noting in Table AA in the
appendix which set of inputs was used.
2. In the Setup Source menu, leave the Audio
Source setting at the digital audio input.
However, scroll down to the Zone 2 Audio
setting and select the analog audio source
used in step 1.

Video Adjustments

• Sports: For sporting events.

The AVR 255/AVR 355 includes sophisticated
DCDi by Faroudja video processing that delivers
enhanced video quality, even for older analog
video source components, as well as upgraded
on-screen displays. When upscaling video
materials from a lower resolution to a higher
one (the AVR 255/AVR 355 upscales to a
maximum of 1080p), the processor is adding
pixels to the original image. Sometimes when
converting interlaced video (displays all odd
rows then all even rows of the frame) to
progressive-scan video (displays all rows at
once) and increasing the resolution, the
interpolation of new pixels can cause jagginess,
or a staircase effect, at edge transitions, such as
the stripes in an American flag. Faroudja
engineers developed the DCDi (Directional
Correlational Deinterlacing) algorithm to ensure
that the additional pixels follow the edge,
virtually eliminating the jagginess and enhancing
upscaled images.

• Nature: For programs shot outdoors, in a
natural setting.

Thanks to the “Torino” video processing chip,
on-screen graphics may be generated in high
definition, and blended with the incoming video.
This not only delivers crisp, clear information
messages, it allows you to continue to watch a
program while making system adjustments.

Video Modes
After you have adjusted the picture settings on
your video display, additional adjustments may
be made to the AVR, if necessary, to further
improve the picture. Access these settings from
the Video Modes menu. Press the Video Modes
Button on the front panel or remote, and the
screen shown in Figure 19 will appear. The menu
may also be accessed from the Setup Source
menu by pressing the Info Settings Button and
selecting the Video Modes line.

• Movie: For movies and many television
broadcasts.
• Custom: Allows manual adjustment of the
picture settings. The Brightness, Contrast,
Color and Sharpness settings will appear on
screen as sliders with values ranging from 0 to
100. The default setting for each adjustment is
50. Use the M/N Buttons to change each
setting’s value.
Picture Adjust: Use this setting to change the
aspect ratio of the displayed image.
When displaying widescreen (16:9) images on a
full screen (4:3) device, letterbox format will be
used, in which black bars may appear above and
below the image (pillarboxing).
When displaying full screen images on a
widescreen device, black or gray bars may
appear to the left and right of the image.
Some displays, especially plasma and CRT
monitors, may suffer from “burn-in” when the
same image, such as the horizontal or vertical
bars, is left on screen for a long period of time.
Use this setting to adjust the picture so that it
fills the display’s screen. The options are:
• Auto Fit: The AVR automatically adjusts the
image as required to
fit the display’s capabilities.
• Height Fit: Adjusts the image to eliminate
any bars above or below
it. Bars may remain at the sides.
• Width Fit: Adjusts the image to eliminate any
bars on the sides.
Bars may remain above and below the image.
• Zoom 1x: Displays the image as received
from the source. If the image is in the 4:3
aspect ratio, on widescreen displays pillarbox
format may be used. If the image is in the
16:9 aspect ratio, on full screen (4:3) displays
letterbox format may be used.
• Zoom 2x: Stretches the image evenly to
completely fill the screen. The outer portions of
the image may be cropped.

Figure 19 – Video Modes Menu
Video Mode: The default setting of Processor
Off passes the video signal through to the
display without any processing. Select one of
these processing options to optimize the picture
for the current program by applying adjustments
to the brightness, contrast, color and sharpness:

Advanced Video Settings: Press the N or OK
Button to display the Advanced Video Modes
submenu (see Figure 20).

Feel free to experiment with this setting for each
source until you find a pleasing display format
for each program.

Figure 20 – Advanced Video Modes Menu
Noise Reduction: To reduce signal noise,
choose between LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH or OFF
with the OK button X. It is advisable to use as
low a step as possible, as high levels of Noise
Reduction may impair other aspects of the
image.
MPEG Noise Reduction: This setting is
designed to address two specific types of video
distortion, mosquito noise and blocking artifacts.
If you see haziness or shimmering around the
edges of objects or the scrolling credits in a film,
or if the image appears to “pixellate” into
blocks, change the MPEG Noise Reduction
setting from its default of Off to the Low,
Medium or High setting to improve the picture.
Cross Color Suppressor: Turn this setting on
to remove cross color artifacts, which can occur
when high-frequency luminance (brightness)
signals are misinterpreted as chroma (color)
signals, which can cause unwanted flickering,
flashing colors or rainbow patterns.
Film Mode Detect: While normally left off,
turn this setting on to compensate for authoring
errors in the process of converting film programs
to video.
Return to main Video Modes Menu by
pressing Back/Exit
Brightness: This control adjusts the level at
which black is delivered. We recommend leaving
it at its factory setting, although there is no
harm in experimenting if you are using a test
signal.
Contrast: This control adjusts the difference
between black and white in the picture. We
recommend leaving it at its factory setting,
although there is no harm in experimenting if
you are using a test signal.

ADVANCED FEATURES 37

ENGLISH

Video Adjustments

Audio Effects

Advanced Features

Color: This control adjusts the hue of the colors
in the picture, and may be set between 0 and
100. Select a setting in which people and
objects on screen look natural. There is no
“recommended” setting, and no harm in
experimenting.

Treble: Boost or cut the high frequencies by up
to 10dB by using the M/N Buttons to change
the temperature bar setting. The default setting
is 0dB, at the center of the temperature bar.

Sharpness: You may adjust the Sharpness
setting from 0 to 100. We recommend leaving
this setting as low as possible, as contrary to
what you might expect, a less sharp image can
appear clearer on screen. In addition, increasing
the Sharpness requires additional video
processing, which may lead to loss of sync with
the audio or visual artifacts. However, there is no
harm in experimenting with this setting.

Audio Effects
Depending on the specific characteristics of your
listening room, you may wish to adjust some of
the audio settings, such as tone controls, to
improve performance. Access these settings from
the Audio Effects menu. Press the Audio Effects
Button on the front panel or remote, and the
screen shown in Figure 21 will appear. The menu
may also be accessed from the Setup Source
menu by pressing the Info Settings Button and
selecting the Audio Effects line.
NOTE: The settings in the Audio Effects menu
affect each source independently.

Bass: Boost or cut the low frequencies by up to
10dB by using the M/N Buttons to change the
temperature bar setting. The default setting is
0dB, at the center of the temperature bar.
LFE Trim: lets you reduce the output to the
separate subwoofer channel by up to 10dB in
1dB steps, if the general level to the sub set up
in the Speaker Setup Menus seems too loud for
a particular Source.
Night Mode: This setting is used with specially
encoded Dolby Digital programs to compress the
signal so that louder passages do not disturb
others, while dialogue remains intelligible.
• Off: For normal listening.
• Half: Applies moderate compression.
• Full: Applies the most compression.
When you have finished making adjustments in
the Audio Effects menu, press the Audio Effects
Button or the Back/Exit Button to clear the
screen.

Advanced Features
The AVR 255/AVR 355 is equipped with a
number of advanced features that add extra
flexibility to the unit’s operation. While it is not
necessary to use these features to operate the
unit, they provide additional options that you
may wish to use.

System Settings

Figure 21 – Audio Effects Menu
Tone Control: This setting determines whether
the treble and bass controls are active. When it’s
off, the tone controls are “flat”, with no
changes. When it’s on, the bass and treble
frequencies are boosted or cut depending upon
the tone-control settings. When an analog audio
source is in use and the 2-Channel Stereo
surround mode is selected, setting the Tone
Control to “Off” places the unit in analog
bypass mode, with no digital processing of the
analog signal.

The AVR 255/AVR 355 offers system settings
that allow you to make the receiver easier to use
rather than directly affecting performance. These
settings may be accessed from the System
Settings menu, which is selected
by pressing the AVR Button and navigating to
the System line. Press the OK Button to display
the System Settings menu. See Figure 22.

Figure 22 – Systems Settings Screen

38 ADVANCED FEATURES

Front Panel Dimmer: Some people find the
front-panel messages distracting while watching
a movie. The AVR 255/AVR 355 allows you to
dim the front-panel lighting or turn it off
altogether. When the display is partly or fully
dimmed, it will return to full brightness for five
seconds whenever a command is entered, and
then it will dim again. Select On 100% for full
brightness, dim to 50% or 25% of full
brightness or select Off to fully darken the
display. The light inside the Volume Control will
go out when the display is partly or fully
dimmed, but the Power Indicator will always
remain lit to remind you that the AVR is powered
on.

General AVR Settings
Volume Units: Select whether volume is
displayed in the conventional decibel scale or on
a numeric scale from 0 to 100. When the decibel
scale is used, 0dB is the maximum volume, with
lower volumes measured as negative values.
Volume Default and Volume Default Level:
These two settings are used together to program
a volume level the AVR will always switch to
when turned on. This feature avoids discomfort
for listeners in case the last user turned the
volume very high.
Turn Volume Default on, and then set the
Volume Default Level to the desired turn-on
volume.
Unit of Measure: This setting only affects the
speaker-distance settings when performing
Manual Speaker Setup. Select between meters
and feet.
iPod Charging: (AVR 355 only). When docked
in a Bridge2 Docking Station, plugged into the
Bridge Connector on the rear panel, you may
select that your iPod is being charged all the
time, or that no charging is taking place.
Language: Select the preferred language for
the AVR’s on-screen menus and displays:
English, French, Spanish, German, Italian or
Russian.
HDMI Audio to TV: This setting determines
whether audio signals received through any of
the HDMI Inputs are passed through the HDMI
Output to the video display. In normal operation,
leave this setting Off, as audio will be played
through the AVR rather than the video display’s
built-in speakers. However, sometimes you may
wish to use the TV by itself, without using the
complete home theater system. For those
occasions change this setting to On. You may
always mute the TV’s speakers when using the
AVR for audio.

Resolution to Display: Select the highest
resolution that your TV can show. If you use
HDMI, resolution selection happens
automatically. If you use analog signals, you
must choose the proper resolution. Note: if you
choose a resolution that is higher than your
screen can show, the picture disappears. In this
case, wait for approx. 10 seconds, as the AVR
returns to the previous resolution if the new one
is not confirmed within this time. Default
resolution is 576i, which is the maximum that
can be transmitted by the simplest video
connection, Composite/CVBS.

Menu Appearance
OSD Transparency: This setting allows you to
select whether video programs will be visible
when the menu system is in use. Select Normal
for a fully-transparent background, Medium for
the menu background to be partially visible or
Opaque to block the view of any video programs
while the menus are on screen.
Volume Status Messages: When the AVR is
turned on, the volume is adjusted or the source
is changed, or if a change in the input signal is
detected, a status message will be displayed on
screen. Use this setting to select how long the
message remains visible. The setting varies from
2 to 10 seconds, with a default of 3 seconds.
Menus: Some menu settings only remain in
effect during the current listening session,
including the settings in the Surround Modes,
Video Modes and Audio Effects menus. This
setting governs how long these menus will
remain visible after your last adjustment, varying
from 5 seconds to 5 minutes, or no time-out (the
menu does not disappear until you close it), with
a default of 5 seconds.
Setup and Slide-In Menus: This setting
determines how long the setup menus (Main
Menu, Speaker Setup Menu, Zone 2 Menu, all
slide-in menus) remain visible after your last
adjustment. Select a timeout period of 5, 10 or
15 (the default) minutes, or no timeout, which
leaves the menus on screen until you manually
clear them. We recommend setting some timeout
period to avoid the possibility of burn-in damage
to plasma or CRT displays.

ENGLISH

Advanced Features
Default Surround Mode
In normal operation, when the AVR senses a
Dolby Digital or DTS digital audio data stream, it
will automatically switch the appropriate default
surround mode, with the AVR responding to the
data flags that are encoded on the DVD disc or
in the digital video broadcast. In most cases, this
is the correct mode, but you may have a
particular preference for the mode you wish to
hear when Dolby Digital or DTS is present. The
AVR allows you to set the unit so that it will
either respond to the default or switch to your
desired mode.
If you wish to leave the default so that the mode
choice encoded in the disc is always used, no
further action is needed. Simply leave the setting
at the factory default of ON.
To set the unit so that it responds to the last surround mode used when a Dolby Digital or DTS
source is playing, press the ⁄/¤ Buttons D
so that the blue cursor bar is highlighting the
Default Surround Mode line. Press
the OK Button F, followed by the
‹ / › Buttons E so that OFF appears,
and the setting will change. Press the OK
Button F again to confirm the new setting.
The unit will now use the last mode, not the
disc’s default for the two digitally encoded data
streams.
This setting does not apply to standard PCM
digital inputs or to analog sources. In those
cases, the unit will always apply the surround or
processing mode that was last used for that
input.
If you wish to make other adjustments, press the
/ Buttons D until the blue cursor bar is
highlighting the desired setting. If you have no
other adjustments to make, press the OSD
Button L to exit the menu system.

⁄ ¤

Screen Saver: Use this setting to program a
timeout period for no activity (with no menus
displayed) before the AVR’s built-in screen saver
begins. Select a period of 5 (the default), 10 or
20 minutes, or turn off the screen saver. We
recommend setting some timeout period to
avoid the possibility of burn-in damage to
plasma or CRT displays.

ADVANCED FEATURES 39

Tuner Operation
To select the built-in tuner:
1. Press the Source List Button on the front
panel and use the K/L Buttons to scroll
through the source list. The last-used band (AM
or FM) will be active.
2. Press the Radio Source Selector on the
remote. Press this button again to switch bands
(AM or FM). A screen similar to the one shown
in Figure 23 will appear, with the band indicated
in the middle of the screen.The "XM Radio" that
appears as an option in the Source Menu can be
disregarded, as it is used in the US version only.
The Menu system skips over this option.

Figure 23 – FM Radio
Use the K/L Buttons to tune a station. The
frequencies will be displayed in the front panel
and graphically on screen.
The AVR defaults to automatic tuning, meaning
each press of the K/L Buttons scans through
all frequencies until a station with acceptable
signal strength is found. To switch to manual
tuning, in which each press of the K/L
Buttons steps through a single frequency
increment (0.05MHz for FM, or 9kHz for AM),
press the Menu Button. The Mode line will be
highlighted, and each press of the OK Button
toggles between automatic and manual tuning
modes as well as Stereo (in Automatic Mode)
and Mono (in Manual Mode).

40 TUNER OPERATION

You may also enter the frequency of a radio
station directly. In the Slide-In Menu opened by
pressing the Menu Button M with the unit in
FM-Mode, select Direct Entry (appearing just
above the preset channel listing) with the Arrow
Buttons, then press OK. The Main Information
Display now shows DIRECT IN as a slide-in
information, and a * moves back and forth to
indicate that the AVR is ready for Direct Entry of
the frequency. You must begin entering numbers
within 10 seconds. Otherwise, the AVR reverts to
previous mode. Now press the frequency digits.
If you begin with "1" to enter a station
frequency in the 100-range, the first "1" is
automatically registered as "10", after which
you may enter the third main digit and the two
decimal digits. Example: 96,50 is entered as it
appears: Nine, Six, Five, Zero. 102,65 is entered
like this: One, Two, Six, Five.
A total of 30 stations (AM and FM together)
may be stored as presets. When the desired
station has been tuned, press the OK Button,
and two dashes will flash in the front-panel
display. Use the Numeric Keys to enter the
desired preset number, and confirm with the OK
Button. If the preset number is higher than 9,
press the 0-Button on the Remote K first to
access two-digit numbers. If you do not press
this button first, you can only enter single-digit
numbers..
To tune a preset station, press the M/N Buttons
or press the Menu Button to view the list of
programmed presets and scroll to the desired
selection. Press the OK Button to tune the
station. You may also enter the preset number
using the Numeric Keys. For presets 10 through
30, press the Zero Button K first to show a
blinking 0 in the Information Display, then enter
the two digits. For example, enter preset 17 by
pressing 0, then 1, then 7. If you want to enter
another two-digit preset, you must press 0 again
first.

RDS Operation
The AVR 255/AVR 355 is equipped with RDS
(Radio Data System), which brings a wide range
of information to FM radio. Now in use in many
countries, RDS is a system for transmitting station call signs or network information, a description of station program type, text messages
about the station or specifics of a musical selection, and the correct time.
As more FM stations become equipped with RDS
capabilities, the AVR will serve as an easy-to-use
center for both information and entertainment.
This section will help you take maximum
advantage of the RDS system.
RDS Tuning
When an FM station is tuned in and it contains
RDS data, the AVR will automatically display the
station’s call sign or other program service in the
Main Information Display # and on the tv
screen if this is on.
RDS Display Options
The RDS system is capable of transmitting a
wide variety of information in addition to the
initial station call sign that appears when a
station is first tuned. In normal RDS operation
the display will indicate the station name,
broadcast network or call letters. Pressing the
Play Button E on the Remote enables you to
cycle through the various data types in the following sequence:
• The station’s call letters (PS) (with some private stations other information too).
• The station’s frequency (FREQ MODE),
which is always shown on the TV On-Screen
Display, is shown in the Main Information
Display.

• The Program Type (PTY) as shown in the list
below.
NOTE: Many stations do not transmit a specific
PTY. The display will show NONE, when such a
station is selected and PTY is active.
• A “text” message (Radiotext, RT) containing
special information from the broadcast station.
Note that this message may scroll across the
display to permit messages longer than the eight
positions in the display. Radiotext is not shown
on the TV On-Screen Display.
• The current time of day (CT). Note that it may
take up to two minutes for the time to appear,
in that time the letters CT are shown in the
information display when CT is selected. Please
note that the accuracy of the time data is
dependent on the radio station, not the AVR.

Program Search (PTY)
An important feature of RDS is its capability of
encoding broadcasts with Program Type (PTY)
codes that indicate the type of material being
broadcast. The following list shows the
abbreviations used to indicate each PTY, along
with an explanation of the PTY:
• NEWS: News
• AFFAIRS: Current Affairs
• INFO: Infomation
• SPORT: Sports
• EDUCATE: Educational
• DRAMA: Drama
• CULTURE: Culture
• SCIENCE: Sciencek

Some RDS stations may not include some of
these additional features. If the data required
for the selected mode is not being transmitted,
the Main Information Display Ò will show
a NO TYPE, NO TEXT or NO TIME
message after the individual time out.

• POPM: Popular Music

In any FM mode the RDS function requires a
strong enough signal for proper operation.

• LIGHTM: Classical Music

• VARIED: Varied Speech Programs

• ROCKM: Rock Music

You may search for a specific Program Type
(PTY) by following these steps:
1. Press the Play button E until the
current PTY is shown in the Main Information
Display #.
2. While the PTY is shown, press the CH/Page
Up/Down I or the M/N Buttons F or hold
them pressed to scroll through the list of available PTY types, as shown above starting with
the PTY currently received.
3. Press either of the K/L Buttons F. The
tuner begins to scan the FM band upwards or
downwards for the first station that has RDS
data that matches the desired selection, and
acceptable signal strength for quality reception.
4. The tuner will make up to one complete scan
of the entire FM band for the next station that
matches the desired PTY type and has acceptable reception quality. If no such station is
found, the display will read NONE for some
seconds and the tuner will return to the last FM
station in use before the search.

• M.O.R.M.: Middle-of-the-Road Music

• CLASSICS: Serious Classical Music
• OTHERM: Other Music
• WEATHER: Weather Information
• FINANCE: Financial Programs
• CHILDREN: Children’s Programs
• SOCIAL A: Social Affairs Programs
• RELIGION: Religious Broadcasts
• PHONE IN: Phone-In Programs
• TRAVEL: Travel and Touring
• LEISURE: Leisure and Hobby
• JAZZ: Jazz Music
• COUNTRY: Country Music
• NATIONAL: National Music
• OLDIES: Oldies Music
• FOLK M: Folk Music
• DOCUMENT: Documentary Programs
• TEST: Emergency Test
• ALARM: Emergency Broadcast Information

TUNER OPERATION 41

ENGLISH

Tuner Operation

Programming the Remote
The AVR 255/AVR 355 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, TV sets, cable boxes, VCRs, satellite
receivers and other home-theater equipment.
Once the AVR’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.

5. If the Power function of the unit to be programmed cannot be remoted, follow these steps
(max. 20 seconds after step 3 above, or else step
3 must be repeated first):

Programming the Remote
with Codes

b. If the unit does not start the function whose
button was pressed, repeat steps 3 and 5a
above with the next three-digit code number
listed in the setup code table for that brand
and product type, until the unit reacts properly
on the transport function transmitted.

As shipped from the factory, the remote is fully
programmed for all AVR functions, as well as
those of most Harman Kardon CD changers, DVD
players, CD players and cassette decks as well as
the navigation controls for the Apple iPod. 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 separate setup-code
guide 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 remote.
3. Press and hold the Input Selector c for
the type of product to be entered (e.g., DVD, TV)
more than 3 seconds, until it lights up, then
release it. It is important that you begin the next
step within 20 seconds.
4. If the unit you wish to program into the
AVR remote has a remotable Power on/off function, follow these steps:
a. Point the AVR’s remote towards the unit to be
programmed, and enter the first three-digit
code number using the Numeric buttons k.
If the unit being programmed turns off, the correct code has been entered. Press the Input
Selector c again, and note that the red light
under the Input Selector will flash three
times before going dark to confirm the entry.
b. If the product to be programmed does NOT
turn off, continue to enter the three-digit code
numbers until the equipment turns off. At this
point, the correct code has been entered.
Press the Input Selector c again and note
that the red light under the Input Selector
will flash three times before going dark to
confirm the entry.

42 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

a. Enter the first three-digit code number using
the Numeric buttons k and press the Input
Selector c again. Press the remote button
of any transport function remotable with the
unit, e.g. Pause or Play ﬂ e. If the unit
being programmed starts that function, the
correct code has been entered.

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 does the
Power control work, but that 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 the unit does not react to any code
entered, if the code for your product does not
appear in the tables in the separate setup-code
guide, 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’s
remote is not listed in the code tables in the
separate setup-code guide 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. Note that the Auto Search
method works only with units whose Power
functions can be remoted:
1. Turn on the product that you wish to include
in the AVR remote.
2. Press and hold the Input Selector c for
the type of product to be entered (e.g., DVD, TV)
more than 3 seconds, until it lights up, then
release it. It is important that you begin the next
step within 20 seconds.

3. To find out if the code for your unit is pre-programmed, point the AVR remote towards the unit
to be programmed, and press and hold the ⁄
button f. Each press of the button sends the
Power signal for one setup code number, and
keeping the button down sends a series of codes
from the remote’s built-in data base, with each
flash of the red light under the Input Selector
c indicating that a code has been sent. When
the device to be programmed turns
off,immediately release the ⁄ buttonf. Note
that it may take one minute or more until the
right code is found and the unit turns off.
4. When the ⁄ button was not released in time
after the unit turned off, the proper code will be
”overrun”. That’s why a function test should be
made: Turn the unit on again and, while the
Input Selector c still lights red, press the ⁄
buttonf once, then the ¤ button f once too.
When the unit turns off, the right code was
found, when not, the code was ”overrun”. To refind the correct code, while the Input Selector
c still lights red, press (not hold pressed) the ¤
button f repeatedly to step backwards through
the codes available and observe the reaction of
the unit at each press. As soon as the unit turns
off the correct code is found.
5. Press the Input Selector c again, and note
that the red light 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. Keep in mind
that many manufacturers use a number of different combinations of codes, and it is a good idea
to make certain that not only the Power control
works, but the volume, channel and transport
controls, as appropriate. If all functions do not
work properly, you may need to Auto-Search 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 the Input Selector c for
the device you wish to find the code for more
than 3 seconds, until it lights up, then release it.
Release the button and begin the next step
within 20 seconds.
2. Press the OK button x. The Input Selector
Button c will then blink green in a sequence
that corresponds to the three-digit code, with a
one-second pause between each digit. Count
the number of blinks between each pause to
determine the digit of the code. One blink is the
number 1, two blinks is the number 2, and so
forth. Note that a rapid "Flick" (which is shorter
than a blink), is used to indicate a “0.”

Example: One blink, followed by a one-second
pause, followed by six blinks, followed by a onesecond pause, followed by four blinks indicates
that the code has been set to 164.
For future reference enter the Setup Codes for
the equipment in your system here:
DVD ____________ CD ________________
VID1/VCR ________ VID3/TV __________
VID2/CBL/SAT ______________________
TAPE ______________________________
VID4 ______________________________

Learning Codes from a Remote
(AVR 355 Remote only)
In addition to using codes from the remote’s
internal code library, the AVR 355’s remote is
able to “learn” codes from remotes that may not
be in the code library. In addition, you may use
this function to “learn over” the codes from a
preprogrammed device to add functions not
included in the preprogrammed codes. To learn
or transfer codes from an IR remote to the
AVR 355’s remote, follow these steps:
1. Place the front of the original remote with the
code being sent so that it is facing the IR
Transmitter Window w on the AVR 355
remote “head-to-head.” The remotes should be
between 2 and 4 cm apart.
2. Select the button on the remote that you wish
to use as the device selector for the codes about
to be entered. This must be any of the Input
Selectors 4 or the AVR Selector 5. Note
that when new codes are learned with the AVR
Selector 5, they may no longer control the
AVR 355.
3. Press the Input Selector cy button
under which you wish to learn one or more buttons. Now press the Learn Button (T) for 3 seconds. The Input Button that you pressed last
lights up. It is important that you begin the next
step within 25 seconds.

Important Note: The following buttons are
learnable: DEVICE POWER ON/OFF, 0~9, LAST,
BACK/EXIT, MENU, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, OK,
DISC MENU, RED, GREEN, YELLOW, BLUE,
CHANNEL UP/DOWN, VOLUME UP/DOWN,
MUTE, PREVIOUS, NEXT, FF, REW, PLAY, STOP,
RECORD (Total 37 keys). These buttons can be
programmed differently in each DEVICE mode. If
you try to select a non-learnable button, the
Input Button blinks rapidly.
5. Place the two remotes facing each other at 24cm distance. Now press and hold the button on
the original remote that you wish to “teach”
into the AVR 355 remote. When the Input Button
on the AVR 355 blinks 3 times, the code has
been learned.
6. Repeat steps 4 though 5 for each button on
the source remote that you wish to transfer to
the AVR 355 remote.
7. Once all codes have been transferred from the
original source remote to the AVR 355 remote,
press the Learn button t. The Input Button
blinks 3 times and the light extinguishes to indicate that Learn mode is turned off.
8. Repeat Steps 1 through 7 for any additional
remotes you wish to “teach” into the AVR 355
Remote.

Erasing Learned Codes
The AVR 355’s remote allows you to remove or
erase the code learned into a single button for a
single device, to remove or erase all the codes
that have been learned for a single device, or to
erase all commands that have been learned to all
devices.
To erase a single learned code from
within a single device’s settings, follow
these steps:
1. Press and release the Input Selector cy
within which the individual button to be erased
has been programmed.

2. Press the Learn Button t for 3 seconds. The
Input Button pressed before lights up.
3. Press and release the Input Selector cy
again for the device within which the individual
button to be erased has been programmed.
4. Press the 7 button k three times.
5. Press and release the individual button for
which the code is to be erased. The Input Button
selected blinks 3 times.
6. To erase other buttons within the same device,
press them as noted in Step 5.
7. Press the Learn Button t for 3 seconds. The
Input Button pressed before lights up.
To erase all codes within a single device,
follow these steps:
1. Press and release the Input Selector cy
for which you wish to erase the codes.
2. When the red LED under the Input Selector
turns red and the Program/SPL Indicator 2
flashes amber, release the buttons.
3. Press and release the same Input Selector
cy again for the device whose codes you wish
to erase.
4. Press the 8 button k three times.
5. Input Button selected blinks 3 times and extinguishes.
To erase all codes that have been programmed to all devices in the remote,
follow these steps:
1. Press the Learn button t for 3 seconds.
2. Press and release any Input Selector button
cy.
3. Press the 9 button k three times.
4. The Input Button selected blinks 3 times and
extinguishes. All buttons in all modes are now
reset to the original code set.

4. Press the button on the AVR 355 remote that
you wish to program. Note that the Input Button
blinks once.

PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 43

ENGLISH

Programming the Remote

Programming the Remote
Activity Programming (Macros)
Activities enable you to easily repeat frequently
used combinations of commands with the press
of a single button on the AVR’s remote control.
Once programmed, an Activity will send out up to
19 different remote codes in a pre-determined
sequential order enabling you to automate the
process of turning on your system, changing
devices, or other common tasks. The AVR’s
remote can store up to eleven separate activity
command sequences, one that is associated with
the AVR Power On button a, and ten more
that are accessed by pressing the 0-9 Buttons
k.
1. To start programming an activity, press the
Activity button n and one of the 0-9 buttons
k to be programmed or the AVR Power On
button a at the same time. Note that the latest
selected Device LED will light red.
2. Enter the steps for the activity sequence by
pressing the button for the actual command
step. Although the activity may contain up to 19
steps, each button press, including those used to
change devices, counts as a step. The Device
LED will blink once to confirm each button press
as you enter commands.
• Remember to press the appropriate Input
Selector button c before functions are
changed to another device. This is also needed
for the AVR Selector button y itself, as long
as it’s not lit red and AVR functions shall be
programmed.
3. When all the steps have been entered, press
the Activity button n again to enter the
commands. The red light under the Input
Selector cy will blink three times and then
turn off.
Note: It can take up to 10 seconds to send out
19 commands from an Activity Button. Please
continue to point the remote control at the
device(s) until all the commands on the Activity
Button have been sent out. This will ensure that
all the commands are received by the device(s).

44 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

Example: Activity Button Programming.
To program Activity Button “2” to send the following commands: turn on the Audio receiver,
turn on the TV, turn on a DVD, and turn on a
Satellite receiver.
Press the Activity Button “2” and the ACTIVITY
button, simultaneously.
Press the AVR device button(to change to the
AVR mode)
Press the AVR POWER ON button(to turn on the
Audio receiver)
Press the TV device button(to change to the TV
mode)
Press the DEVICE POWER ON button(to turn on
the TV)
Press the DVD device button(to change to the
DVD mode)
Press the DEVICE POWER ON button(to turn on
the DVD)
Press the SAT device button(to change to the
SAT mode)
Press the DEVICE POWER ON button(to turn on
the SAT receiver)
10. Press the ACTIVITY button.
After following these steps, each time you press
the Activity Button n, followed by pressing
the "2" Button where the Activity is programmed,, the remote will send all Power On
commands.
The "2" Button only sends the programmed
Activity when the Activity Button n is
pressed first. Otherwise, Button "2" sends the
normal, numerical 2.
Erasing Activity Buttons
Press the Activity button n and the Activity
Button (0~9, or AVR POWER ON) that you wish
to program, simultaneously. The Device LED will
light up.
Press the Activity button n again. The Device
LED blinks three times.
Note: Any previously stored commands on an
Activity Button will be erased when new commands are stored on the same Activity Button.

Programmed Device Functions
Once the AVR’s remote has been programmed for
the codes of other devices, press the appropriate
Input Selector c to change the remote from
control over the AVR to the additional product.
When you press any of these buttons, it will briefly
flash in red to indicate that you have changed the
device being controlled.
When operating a device other than the AVR, 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. 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 buttons when operating most TV sets,
VCRs or Sat-Receivers.
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 printed on page 46-50. To use those
tables, first check the type of device being
controlled (e.g., TV, VCR). Next, look at the
remote control illustration belonging to the
Function List. 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. Most of the buttons are fairly straightforward, as they perform
identical functions for all devices, but some have
other functions for some devices.

Notes on Using the AVR
Remote With Other Devices.
• Manufacturers may use different code sets for
the same product category. For that reason, it is
important that you check to see if the code set
you have entered operates as many controls as
possible. If it appears that only a few functions
operate, check to see if another code set will
work with more buttons.
• Depending on the brand and product type
used the functions listed in the Function List
tables may not correspond with the function the
unit reacts on the command. In these cases it’s a
good idea to edit the reaction of the unit into
the corresponding line of the table or to set up a
separate list.
• When a button is pressed on the AVR remote,
the red light under the Input Selector cy
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

Resetting the Remote Memory

The AVR 355/AVR 255 remote’s punch-through
feature allows you to select one component for
the remote to operate, while simultaneously setting certain groups of controls to operate another component. For example, while using the AVR
to control surround modes and other audio functions, you may operate the transport controls of
your DVD player. Or while using the remote to
control video functions on your TV, you may use
your cable box to change channels.

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, activities or ”PunchThrough“ 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 re-entered:
1. Press the TV Device Button c and the "0"
number Button k simultaneously. The TV button
lights up.
2. Press the ”3“ button k three times.
3. After a number of seconds, depending on the
number of commands that are programmed and
need erasing, all the Device Buttons c as well as
the AVR Button y blink 3 times to indicate that
the remote has been reset to the factory settings.

To program punch-through control while operating any device:
1. Press and hold the Source Selector (or AVR
selector) for the main device the remote will
be operating. The Source Selector will light, go
dark and then light up again, indicating the
remote is in Program mode and that you may
release the button.
2. Select the type of punch-through programming.
a) To program channel control punch-through,
press the Channel Up Button.
b) To program transport control punchthrough, press the Play Button.
3. Press the Source Selector for the device whose
channel or transport controls you would like
to be active while operating the device you
selected in the first step. The Source Selector
will flash to confirm the programming.
For example, if you wish to watch your TV while
changing channels using your cable box, first
press the TV Button until it lights. Then press the
Channel Up Button, followed by the CBL/SAT
Button.
To undo punch-through programming, follow
the same steps as above, but press the same
Source Selector in Steps 1 and 3.
NOTE: The remote always allows volume-control
punchthrough, since the Volume and Mute controls are dedicated to the AVR.

PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 45

ENGLISH

Programming the Remote

Function List AVR 355

3 4

10 11 12
13

35
32

34
36

29
33
31

37 38 39 40
44

41
43

54 55 56 57
58

46 FUNCTION LIST

No.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58

AVR
The Bridge
Radio
DVD
BUTTON Name AVR
AVR Zone 2
The Bridge
FM
AM
DVD
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
Device Power On
Power On
Device Power Off
Power Off
CBL/SAT
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
DVD
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
The Bridge
The Bridge
The Bridge
The Bridge
The Bridge
The Bridge
Radio
Radio
Radio
Radio
Radio
Radio
Radio
TV
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Game
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Media Server
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
AUX
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Last
Last
Last
Last
Last
Last
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Activity
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Clear
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
Disc Menu
Light
Disc Menu
Disc Menu
Left <
Left <
Left <
Left <
Left <
Left <
Left
Right >
Right >
Right >
Right >
Right >
Right >
Right
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
Enter
Up
Up
Up
Up
Up
Up
Up
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
Red
Angle
Green
Subtitle
Yellow
Audio
Blue
Zoom
Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up
Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down
Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume Previous
Previous
Previous
Previous
Previous
Previous
Prev Step
Pause
Pause
Pause
Pause
Pause
Pause
Pause
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next Step
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
REW
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play
FF(H)
FF(H)
FF(H)
FF(H)
FF(G)
FF(H)
FF
Stop
Stop
Stop
Stop
Stop
Stop
Stop
Record
AVR Settings
AVR
AVR
AVR
AVR
AVR
AVR
Info Settings
Info
Info
Info
Info
Info
Info
Source Settings
Setup
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Learn

No.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58

DVD
DVDR
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
On
Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Server
DMC250
DMC1000
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
On
On
Off
Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
The Bridge
Radio
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Video Modes
Surround Modes Surround Modes
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9

TV
TV
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Exit
EZRecord

Return
Source

Back
Menu

Disc Menu
Left
Right
OK
Up
Down
Angle
Subtitle
Audio
Zoom

Disc Menu
Left <
Right >
Enter
Up
Down
Angle
Subtitle
Audio
Zoom

AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume PR-/Previous
Pause
PR+/Next
Reverse
Play
Forward
Stop
Record
AVR
Info
Setup
Sleep

AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Previous
Pause
Next/Step
Rew(G)
Play(N)
FF(H)
Stop
Record
AVR
Info
Setup
Sleep

CBL/SAT
CBL/SAT
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Back
0

Game
UR Function
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Play
Stop
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Enter
0

Exit
Menu

Clear
Start

Exit/Cancel
Menu

Exit
Menu

DVD Menu
Left
Right
Select
Up
Down
2
Í
K
X
Scan Up
Scan Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Slow Down
Pause
Slow Up
Prev
Play
Next
Stop
Subtitle
AVR
Info
Program
Sleep

Osd
Left
Right
Enter
Up
Down
Caption
Fav.Ch
Mts
Aspect
Channel Up
Channel Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Back
Pause
Replay
Rewind
Play
Fast Forward
Stop
Record
AVR
Info
TV/VCR
Sleep

Av
Left
Right
Set up
Up
Down
Mark
Repeat
Jump Up
Jump Down
Channel Up
Channel Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Last Clip
Pause
Next Clip
Rewind
Play
Fast Forward
Stop
Record
AVR
Info
TV/DVR
Sleep

Left <
Right >
OK
Up
Down
Red
Green
Yellow
Blue
Channel Up
Channel Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Text Cancel
Text Off
Text Timed
Text Reveal
Text On
Text Index

Left <
Right >
OK
Up
Down

AVR
Info
TV/VCR
Sleep

AVR
Info

Channel Up
Channel Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume -

Sleep

CD
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0

Open/Close
Random Play
Repeat
Intro Scan
(+10)
Disk Skip
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Skip Down
Pause
Skip Up
R. Search
Play
F. Search
Stop
Time
AVR
Info
Sleep

HDTV
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Prev.Ch
0

AUX
PVD
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Instant Replay
0

VCR
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
The Bridge
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
Clear
Menu

Left
Right
OK
Up
Down

CH+
CHAVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Scan Down
Pause
Scan Up
Rew
Play
FF
Stop
Rec
AVR
Info
TV/VCR
Sleep

FUNCTION LIST 47

ENGLISH

Function List AVR 355

Function List AVR 255

3 4

10 11
12

33
32

30
34

28
31
29

35 36 37 38
42

39
41

52 53 54 55
58

48 FUNCTION LIST

No.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55

AVR
Radio
DVD
BUTTON Name AVR
AVR Zone 2
FM
AM
DVD
DVDR
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
Device Power On
Power On
On
Device Power Off
Power Off
Off
CBL/SAT
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
DVD
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Radio
Radio
Radio
Radio
Radio
Radio
Radio
TV
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Game
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Media Server
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
AUX
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Video Modes
Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes Surround Modes
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Last
Last
Last
Last
Last
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Activity
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Back/Exit
Clear
Exit
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
Disc Menu
EZRecord
Disc Menu
Disc Menu
Disc Menu
Left <
Left <
Left <
Left <
Left <
Left
Left
Right >
Right >
Right >
Right >
Right >
Right
Right
OK
OK
OK
OK
OK
Enter
OK
Up
Up
Up
Up
Up
Up
Up
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
Down
Red
Angle
Angle
Green
Subtitle
Subtitle
Yellow
Audio
Audio
Blue
Zoom
Zoom
Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up Channel/Page Up
Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down Channel/Page Down
Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
AVR Mute
Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume +
Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume AVR Volume Previous
Previous
Previous
Previous
Previous
Prev Step
PR-/Previous
Pause
Pause
Pause
Pause
Pause
Pause
Pause
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next Step
PR+/Next
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
Rew(G)
REW
Reverse
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play(N)
Play
Play
FF(H)
FF(H)
FF(H)
FF(H)
FF(H)
FF
Forward
Stop
Stop
Stop
Stop
Stop
Stop
Stop
Record
Record
AVR Settings
AVR
AVR
AVR
AVR
AVR
AVR
Info Settings
Info
Info
Info
Info
Info
Info
Source Settings
Setup
Setup
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep

No.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55

Server
DMC250
DMC1000
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
On
On
Off
Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Radio
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Video Modes
Surround Modes Surround Modes
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9

TV
TV
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Return
Source
Disc Menu
Left <
Right >
Enter
Up
Down
Angle
Subtitle
Audio
Zoom

Back
Menu
Disc Menu
Left <
Right >
Enter
Up
Down
Angle
Subtitle
Audio
Zoom

AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Previous
Pause
Next/Step
Rew(G)
Play(N)
FF(H)
Stop
Record
AVR
Info
Setup
Sleep

CBL/SAT
CBL/SAT
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Back
0

Game
UR Function
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Play
Stop
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Enter
0

Exit
Menu

Clear
Start
DVD Menu
Left
Right
Select
Up
Down
2
Í
K
X
Scan Up
Scan Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Slow Down
Pause
Slow Up
Prev
Play
Next
Stop
Subtitle
AVR
Info
Program
Sleep

Left <
Right >
OK
Up
Down
Red
Green
Yellow
Blue
Channel Up
Channel Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Text Cancel
Text Off
Text Timed
Text Reveal
Text On
Text Index

Left <
Right >
OK
Up
Down

AVR
Info
TV/VCR
Sleep

AVR
Info

Channel Up
Channel Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume -

Sleep

CD
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0

Open/Close
Random Play
Repeat
Intro Scan
(+10)
Disk Skip
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Skip Down
Pause
Skip Up
R. Search
Play
F. Search
Stop
Time
AVR
Info
Sleep

AUX
HDTV
PVD
AVR Power On
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power On
Power Off
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Radio
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Video Modes
Surround Modes Surround Modes
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
Prev.Ch
Instant Replay
0
0
Exit/Cancel
Menu
Osd
Left
Right
Enter
Up
Down
Caption
Fav.Ch
Mts
Aspect
Channel Up
Channel Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Back
Pause
Replay
Rewind
Play
Fast Forward
Stop
Record
AVR
Info
TV/VCR
Sleep

Exit
Menu
Av
Left
Right
Set up
Up
Down
Mark
Repeat
Jump Up
Jump Down
Channel Up
Channel Down
AVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Last Clip
Pause
Next Clip
Rewind
Play
Fast Forward
Stop
Record
AVR
Info
TV/DVR
Sleep

ENGLISH

Function List AVR 255
VCR
AVR Power On
AVR Power Off
Power On
Power Off
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Radio
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
INPUT SEL
Audio Effects
Video Modes
Surround Modes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
Clear
Menu
Left
Right
OK
Up
Down

CH+
CHAVR Mute
AVR Volume +
AVR Volume Scan Down
Pause
Scan Up
Rew
Play
FF
Stop
Rec
AVR
Info
TV/VCR
Sleep

FUNCTION LIST 49

Troubleshooting Guide
SYMPTOM

CAUSE

SOLUTION

Unit does not function when Main
Power Switch 1 is pushed

• No AC Power

• Make certain AC power cord is plugged
into a live outlet
• Check to see if 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
G
• Turn up volume control

• Mute is on
• Volume control is down
No sound from any speaker;
Protect Warning in Display

• 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 depot

No sound from surround or
center speakers

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

• Select a mode other than Stereo
• There is no surround information from mono sources
• Check speaker mode configuration
• Some surround modes may not create rear-channel information
from nonencoded programs

Unit does not respond to
remote commands

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

• Change remote batteries
• Press the AVR Selector 5
• 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 Signal is fed to the Digital Input selected

No picture or on-screen
information on the TV screen.

• AVR Resolution to Display
is not correct, too high or too low.

• Select correct Resolution as described
on page 21 "Resolution To Display"

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 clear the AVR’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 System
Power Control button 2. Next press and hold
the OK button 6 for five seconds.

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.

The unit will turn on automatically and show the
word RESET in the Display for a few seconds.
Then it reverts to normal ON status. Note that
once you have cleared the memory in this manner,
it is necessary to re-establish all system
configuration settings and tuner presets.

Processor Reset

NOTE: Resetting the processor will erase any
configuration settings you have made for
speakers, output levels, surround modes, digital
input assignments as well as the tuner presets.
After a reset the unit will be returned to the
factory presets, and all settings for these items
must be reentered.
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.
If these steps do not solve the problem, consult
an authorized Harman Kardon service depot.

50 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Audio Section
Stereo Mode
Continuous Average Power (FTC)
AVR 255: 65 Watts per channel, 20Hz - 20 kHz
AVR 355: 70 Watts per channel, 20Hz - 20 kHz
@ < 0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms
7 Channel Surround Modes
Power Per Individual Channel, with all channels driven
Front L&R channels:
AVR 255: 50 Watts per channel
AVR 355: 65 Watts per channel
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms
Center channel:
AVR 255: 50 Watts
AVR 355: 65 Watts
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms
Surround (L & R Side, Back) channels:
AVR 255: 50 Watts per channel
AVR 355: 65 Watts per channel
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms
Input Sensitivity/Impedance
Linear (High Level)

200mV/47kohms

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A)

100dB

Surround System Adjacent Channel Separation
Analog Decoding
40dB
(Pro Logic, etc.)
Dolby Digital (AC-3)
55dB
DTS
55dB
Frequency Response
@ 1W (+0dB, –3dB)

10Hz–130kHz

High Instantaneous
Current Capability (HCC)

±35 Amps

Transient Intermodulation
Distortion (TIM)

Unmeasurable

Rise Time

16 µsec

Slew Rate

40V/µsec**

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method
claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision
Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be
authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing
uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or
disassembly is prohibited.

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

87.5–108MHz
IHF 1.3 µV/13.2dBf
Mono/Stereo: 70/68dB (DIN)
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

522–1620kHz
45dB
Loop: 500µV
1kHz, 50% Mod: 0.8%
±10kHz: 30dB

Video Section
Video Format
Input Level/Impedance
Output Level/Impedance
Video Frequency Response
(Composite and S-Video)
Video Frequency
Response (Component)
General
Power Requirement
Power Consumption

PAL/NTSC
1Vp-p/75 ohms
1Vp-p/75 ohms
10Hz–8MHz (-3dB)
10Hz–100MHz (-3dB)

AC 220–240V/50Hz
AVR 255: Standby < 1W,
540W maximum
AVR 355: Standby < 3W,
890W maximum
(7 channels driven)

Dimensions (Max)
Width
Height
Depth
Weight net

440mm
165mm
382mm
AVR 255: 14,0 kg
AVR 355: 14,4 kg

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, The Bridge
and Logic 7 are registered trademarks of
Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
"Dolby True HD", "Dolby Digital Plus", “Dolby,” “Pro Logic” and the Double-D symbol are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
"DTS-HD Master Audio", "DTS-HD", "DTS","DTS ES","Neo:6"and"96/24" are
trademarks of DTS,Inc.
SA-CD is a trademark of Sony Electronics, Inc.
Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
Apple and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Cirrus is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Corp.
**Without input anti slewing and output isolation networks.
A-BUS and A-BUS/READY ® Ready are registered trademarks of Leisure Tech Electronics Pty Ltd
Australia.
Faroudja and DCDi by Faroudja are trademarks of Genesis Microchip, Inc.
HD-DVD is a trademark of the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation (DVD FLLC).
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 51

ENGLISH

Technical Specifications

APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET
Appendix – Default settings, worksheets, remote product codes
Table A1 – Recommended Source Component Connections
Device Type

AVR Source

Digital Audio Connection

Analog Audio Connection

Video Connections

Cable TV, satellite TV, HDTV
or other device that delivers
television programs

CBL/SAT

HDMI 2

Analog 1

HDMI 2

DVD Audio/Video, SACD,
Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD player

DVD

HDMI 1

Analog 2

HDMI 1

Media Server, including
Harman Kardon DMC 1000

Media Server

Optical 2

Analog 5

S-Video 1

Optical 1

Analog 3

Component 1*

Video game console

Game

HDMI 3

Analog 4

HDMI 3

Any audio or video device,
e.g. CD player, camcorder,
cassette deck

AUX

Coax Front

Analog Front

Composite Front (not used for
audio-only devices)

Recorder

Any

Coaxial 1 or 2 input and
Coaxial Output

Analog 4 inputs and outputs

Composite OR S-Video 2 input
and output

Portable audio player

AUX

Any

Stereo Jack (use mini-plug
cable, not included)

Not required.

* Make this connection only when using the TV source for a non-display device. Do not connect your television’s or video display’s video output to the AVR at any time.

Table A2 – Source Setting Defaults
Cable/Sat

DVD

Media Server

Radio

Game

AUX

Surround Modes (Auto Select)

Logic 7 Movie

Video Input

HDMI 2

HDMI 1

S-Video 1

N/A

Component 1

HDMI 3

Composite Front

Audio Input

HDMI 2

HDMI 1

Optical 2

N/A

Optical 1

HDMI 3

Coaxial Front

Resolution to Display

576i

Audio Auto Polling

Analog 1

Analog 2

Analog 5

N/A

Analog 3

Analog 4

Analog Front

Zone 2 Audio

Analog 1

Analog 2

Analog 5

N/A

Analog 3

Analog 4

Analog Front

52 APPENDIX

Table A3 – Speaker/Channel Setting Defaults
Audio Input

All Digital and 2-Channel Analog Audio Inputs

6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs*

Left/Right Speakers

Center Speaker

Left/Right Surround Speakers

Left/Right Surround Back Speakers

Subwoofer

Left/Right Speakers Crossover

100Hz

Large*

Center Speaker Crossover

100Hz

Large*

Left/Right Surround Speakers Crossover

100Hz

Large*

Left/Right Surround Back Speakers Crossover

100Hz

Large*

Subwoofer Mode

LFE

N/A*

Subwoofer Size

8 inch

N/A*

Front Left Level

0dB

Center Level

0dB

Front Right Level

0dB

Surround Right Level

0dB

Surround Back Right Level

0dB

Surround Back Left Level

0dB

Surround Left Level

0dB

Sub Level

0dB

Your Settings

Note: The 6-/8-Channel Inputs are “direct” inputs whose signals are passed directly to the volume control without any bass management processing. Thus, the speakers are always full-range
and cannot be adjusted. The settings are global for the remaining audio inputs.

Table A4 – Delay Setting Defaults
Speaker Position

Distance From Speaker to Listening Position

Front Left

3 meters

Center

3 meters

Front Right

3 meters

Surround Right

3 meters

Surround Left

3 meters

Surround Back Right

3 meters

Surround Back Left

3 meters

Subwoofer

3 meters

A/V Sync Delay

0mS

Your Delay Settings

APPENDIX 53

ENGLISH

APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET

APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET
Table A5 – Source Settings
Cable/Sat

DVD

Media Server

Radio

Game

AUX

Surround Modes
Video Input
Audio Input
Resolution to Display
Adjust Lip Sync
Change Name
Audio Auto Polling
Zone 2 Audio

Table A6 – Audio Effects Settings
Default
Tone Control

Off

Treble

0dB

Bass

0dB

LFE Trim

Off

Night Mode

Off

Cable/Sat

DVD

Media Server

Radio

Cable/Sat

DVD

Media Server Radio

Game

AUX

Table A7 – Video Modes Settings
Default
Video Mode

Processor Off

Brightness*

Contrast*

Color*

Sharpness*

Picture Adjust

Auto Fit

Noise Reduction**

0ff

MPEG Noise Reduction**

0ff

Cross Color Suppressor**

Off

Film Mode Detect**

Off

These settings are only available when the Video Mode is set to Custom.
* Note:
Note:
** These settings are only displayed when Advanced Video Settings is selected.

54 APPENDIX

Game

AUX

Table A8 – Surround Modes
Default
Auto Select

Logic 7 Movie or
native digital format

Virtual Surround

Dolby Virtual
Speaker Reference

Stereo

7 CH Stereo

Movie

Logic 7 Movie

Music

Logic 7 Music

Game

Logic 7 Game

Center Width*

Dimension*

Panorama*

Off

Cable/Sat

DVD

Media Server Radio

Game

AUX

* Note: These settings are only available when Dolby Pro Logic II or IIx Music mode has been selected. Access these settings by selecting the Edit option.
Table A9 – Remote Control Codes
Source Input

Device Type (if changed)

Product Code

Feature

Default

Your Setting

Front Panel Dimmer

On 100%

Volume Units

Volume Default

Off

Volume Default Level

-25dB

Unit of Measure

Feet

Language

English

HDMI Audio to TV

Off

OSD Transparency

Normal

Volume/Status Messages

3 seconds

Menus

5 seconds

Setup and Slide-In Menus

15 minutes

Screen Saver

5 minutes

Cable/Sat
DVD
Media Server
TV
Game
AUX

Table A10 – System Settings

APPENDIX 55

ENGLISH

APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET

APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET
Table A11 – Zone 2 Settings
Source Input

Device Type (if changed)

Status

Off

Source

Cable/Sat

Volume

-25dB

Surround Back Amps

Main Room

56 APPENDIX

Your Settings

ENGLISH

APPENDIX – SETTINGS WORKSHEET

APPENDIX 57

250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797
www.harmankardon.com
Harman Consumer Group, Inc.:
2, route de Tours, 72500 Château-du-Loir, France
© 2008 Harman Kardon, Incorporated
Part No.: CQX1A1318Z

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Harman Kardon Avr 255 Users Manual

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