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AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 2 SAFETY INFORMATION IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. The A/V receiver’s cabinet may be cleaned by gently wiping with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. Do not use water or any liquid cleaners. 7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 3 SAFETY INFORMATION IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Verify Line Voltage Before Use Your AVR 7550HD has been designed for use with 120-volt AC current. Connection to a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can create a safety and fire hazard and may damage the unit.
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AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 5 INTRODUCTION Please register your AVR 7550HD at www.harmankardon.com. NOTE: You’ll need the product’s serial number. At the same time, you can choose to be notified about new products and/or special promotions. Thank you for choosing a Harman Kardon® product! For more than fifty years, the Harman Kardon® mission has been to share a passion for music and entertainment, using leading-edge technology to achieve premium performance. Harman Kardon, Inc.
AVR 7550HD OM.
Main Power Switch Audio Effects Source List Surround Modes Video Modes Menu Back/Exit / / Navigation OK Headphone Jack USB Port USB Digital Video Inputs EzSet/EQ II Audio Inputs (S- and Composite Microphone (Optical and Front) Input Analog Audio Coaxial Front) Front Inputs Volume NOTE: To make it easier to follow the instructions throughout the manual that refer to this illustration, a copy of this page may be downloaded from the Product Support section at www.harmankardon.com.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 8 FRONT- PANEL CONTROLS Power Indicator: This LED has three possible modes: • Main Power Off: When the AVR is unplugged or the Main Power Switch is off, this LED is off. Menu Button: Press to display the menus for the tuner, the USB device, The Bridge II, the Network or Internet Radio, when any of those sources is in use. • Standby: Amber indicates that the AVR is ready to be turned on.
SR FR GROUND SR FR IN SBR SBL SBL SBR SUBWOOFER 1 IN THE BRIDGE NETWORK Class 2 Zone 2 Audio Outputs RS 232 2 IN TRIGGER OUT ZONE 2 1 Zone 2 IR Input IN The Bridge II 1 OUT MONITOR OUT Fan Vents S-Video 2 Output Zone 2 Video Output Surround Back/ Zone 2 Speaker Outputs Center Speaker Outputs Composite 1, 2 & 3 AC OUTLET AVR7550HD US Patent # 7,181,023, 6,389,139 EP Patent # 1004222 US Patent Nos. 5,315,448; 6,516,132; 6,381,747; & 6,836,549.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 10 REAR - PANEL CONNECTIONS 6-/8-Channel Inputs: Connect the multichannel analog audio outputs of a non-HDMI player (DVD-Audio, SACD™, Blu-ray Disc™ or HD-DVD, or any other external decoder) to these jacks. IR receiver to the Remote IR Input jack. The Remote IR Output may be connected to the Remote IR Input of a compatible product to enable remote control through the AVR.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 11 REAR - PANEL CONNECTIONS Fan Vents: This area contains vents used by the AVR 7550HD’s fan to cool the system. Maintain a clearance of at least 3 inches from the nearest surface to avoid overheating the unit. It is normal for the fan to remain off at most normal volume levels. An automatic temperature sensor turns the fan on only when it is needed. IMPORTANT NOTE: Never block the fan vents, as doing so could allow the AVR to overheat to dangerous levels.
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AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 13 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS The AVR 7550HD remote is capable of controlling up to 14 devices, including the AVR itself, an iPod docked in the included The Bridge II, a USB device and a Network device (see page 37 for details). During the installation process, you may program the codes for your source components into the remote. To operate a component, press its Selector button to change the device mode.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 14 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS Light: Press to illuminate the buttons on the remote. Press it again to turn the back light off, or wait 10 seconds after the last button press for the light to turn off on its own. Disc Menu: While a DVD is playing, press the DVD Source Selector, then this button, to display the disc’s menu. Soft Keys: These buttons are used to select sources A, B, C and D (see note on page 13), or for other functions with some source devices.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 15 ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS IR Transmitter Power Off Mute USB Source Selectors Network BACK/EXIT Back/Exit MENU Sleep Settings AVR Settings Menu Navigation OK Volume Controls Transport Controls Zone Selector Zone Indicator NOTE: To make it easier to follow the instructions throughout the manual that refer to this illustration, a copy of this page may be downloaded from the Product Support section at www.harmankardon.com.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 16 ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS The Zone 2 remote control is used in the remote zone of a multizone system with an IR receiver connected to the Zone 2 IR Input or an A-BUS device. It may be used to control the power, volume and mute functions or to select a source input for the remote zone, and to control a Harman Kardon source connected to one of the AVR’s Remote IR Outputs or the A-BUS IR Output.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 17 INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER This introductory section will help you to familiarize yourself with some basic concepts unique to multichannel surround sound receivers, which will make setup and operation smoother. power of an explosion, adding realism and excitement to your home theater. Some people use two subwoofers, for additional power and even distribution of the sound.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 18 CONNECTIONS There are different types of audio and video connections used to connect the receiver, the speakers, the video display, and the source devices. The Consumer Electronics Association has established the CEA® color-coding standard. See Table 1.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 19 CONNECTIONS of the HDMI data, minimizing the number of cable connections in your system. The AVR 7550HD implements Deep Color, which increases by an order of magnitude the shades of color that can be displayed, and the latest lossless multichannel audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. NOTE: Some DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players only output multichannel audio through their multichannel analog outputs.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 20 CONNECTIONS Composite video is the basic connection most commonly available. The jack is usually color-coded yellow, and looks like an analog audio jack. Do not plug a composite video cable into an analog or coaxial digital audio jack, or vice versa. Both the chrominance (color) and luminance (intensity) components of the video signal are transmitted using a single cable. See Figure 10. The AM loop antenna needs to be assembled.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 21 SPEAKER PLACEMENT Optimally, the speakers should be placed in a circle with the listening position at its center. The speakers should be angled so that they directly face the listening position. Green Purple SUB 1 SUB 2 C Purple FR Red White FL Front Speaker Placement The center speaker is placed either on top of, below or mounted on the wall above or below the video display screen.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 22 GETTING STARTED Installing the AVR 7550HD and connecting it to the other system components can be complex. To simplify installation, it is suggested that you design your system before you begin connecting wires and cables. Although the rear-panel jacks allow for a variety of audio and video connections to other components, the AVR’s software organizes the connections into 10 conventional sources: CBL/SAT, DVD, TV, Game, Media Server, AUX, A, B, C and D.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 23 GETTING STARTED • If your system-best video connection is “S-video”, or if you have source devices with S-video outputs that have not been assigned to an HDMI or Component Video Input, then assign up to three devices to one of the three numbered S-video Inputs.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 24 INSTALLATION You are now ready to begin installing the AVR. Before beginning to connect the various components to the receiver, turn off all devices, including the AVR 7550HD, and unplug their power cords. Don’t plug in any of the power cords until you have finished making all of your connections. The receiver generates heat. Select a location that leaves several inches of space on all sides.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 25 INSTALLATION If any source devices are equipped with a compatible Remote IR Input, use a 1/8-inch mini-plug interconnect cable (not included) to connect the AVR’s Remote IR Output to the source device’s Remote IR Input. The AVR 7550HD outputs a “stripped carrier” IR signal through the Remote IR Output, but a full-carrier IR signal is available at the Carrier Remote IR Output.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 26 INSTALLATION STEP TWELVE – Plug in AC Power Cords Before plugging the AVR into an unswitched electrical outlet, make sure the Main Power Switch behind the front-panel door is off, to prevent the possibility of damaging the AVR in case of a transient power surge. When pressed in, the switch is on. When pressed again to unlatch it, the switch pops out.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 27 INSTALLATION 7. When a compatible code set is found, press the OK Button to program it into the Source Selector. 8. Check that other functions control the device correctly. Sometimes manufacturers use the same Power code for several models, while other codes vary. Repeat this process until you’ve programmed a satisfactory code set that operates most functions.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 28 INSTALLATION Use the 7 Button to move the cursor to the beginning of the name, then type over the current name using the Alphanumeric Keys. Each Alphanumeric Key has the characters available in addition to its number printed above the key. Each press of the key scrolls through the available characters. To move to the next character, either press the 3 Button or press the next desired Alphanumeric Key.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 29 INITIAL SETUP In this section, you will configure the AVR 7550HD to match your actual system. A video display must be connected to one of the video monitor outputs on the receiver. USING THE ON-SCREEN MENU SYSTEM Although it’s possible to configure the AVR using only the remote and the front-panel messages, it is easier to use the full-screen menu system. The menu system is accessed by pressing the AVR Settings Button on the remote or front panel.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 30 INITIAL SETUP As the EzSet/EQ II system tests each speaker, its position will appear on screen. If the test sweep is heard from a different speaker than the one indicated on screen, turn off the AVR and check the speakerwire connections, then begin again. When the Speaker Detection test is completed, select the Continue option. The results will be displayed, along with these options: • The Retest option repeats the EzSet/EQ II process.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 31 INITIAL SETUP 6-/8-Channel Inputs Resolution to Display: This setting reflects the video The 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs are used when playing certain multichannel discs (DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, SACD and HD-DVD) on a player that decodes the audio and outputs it via its multichannel analog audio outputs but not via its HDMI output. output resolution, which is dependent upon the capabilities of the video display.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 32 INITIAL SETUP Adjust Lip Sync: Resynchronizes 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. The Lip Sync adjuster appears by itself, enabling you to view the video while listening to the audio. Use the 7/3 Buttons to delay the audio by up to 180ms. See Figure 23.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 33 OPERATION Now that you have installed your components and completed a basic configuration, you are ready to begin enjoying your home theater system. TURNING ON THE AVR 7550HD Flip down the Front-Panel Door and press the Main Power Switch in. The Power Indicator on the front panel will turn amber, indicating that the AVR is in Standby mode and is ready to be turned on. The Main Power Switch is normally left on.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 34 OPERATION The average home audio speaker sensitivity is 88dB SPL (8 ohms, 1 watt, 1 meter). Check the sensitivity specification for your loudspeakers, found in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s Web site. If your speakers have a sensitivity rating greater than 88dB SPL, increase Calibration Offset by the difference between your speakers’ sensitivity and 88dB.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 35 OPERATION Figure 25 – FM Radio Use the 1/5 Buttons or the Channel Control to tune a station (or channel for XM Radio), as displayed on the front panel and on screen. The AVR defaults to automatic tuning, meaning each press of the 1/5 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 1/5 Buttons steps through a single frequency increment (0.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 36 OPERATION For traffic and weather channels, the current city’s name will appear instead of the channel name, and the local weather and temperature will be displayed on screen. To store a channel in one of the 40 preset locations: 1. Tune to the desired channel and press the OK Button. Two dashes will flash. 2. Use the Alphanumeric Keys to enter the numbered preset location you wish to store the channel in. For two-digit numbers, enter a “0” before the number.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 37 OPERATION NOTES ON NETWORK SETUP: • It is recommended that the AVR be connected to a home-network router so that it can directly access the Internet for Internet Radio, or access a PC on the network for playback of content stored on the PC (see the Network Playback section below). • If you are unable to connect to the Internet, try adjusting the network settings. Press the Menu Button and select Network Setup. The Network Settings line will be highlighted.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 38 OPERATION Press the Menu Button to view the slide-in menu: Music: Navigates the audio materials stored on the iPod. Photo/Manual: Select this line to view still images stored on a photo-capable iPod. The system will switch to iPod Manual Mode, and control will shift to the iPod. Use the screen and controls on the iPod. The AVR remote may also be used.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 39 OPERATION • To resume a paused slideshow, press the Pause Button. Pressing the Play Button begins audio playback. • To play an audio track stored on the iPod, adjust the slideshow settings on the iPod. • To skip to the next or previous photo on the iPod, press the Next or Previous Transport Control. • It is not possible to skip to the next or previous audio track during a slideshow.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 40 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Much of the AVR 7550HD’s performance is handled automatically, with little intervention required on your part. The AVR 7550HD is capable of being customized to suit your system and your tastes. In this section, some of the more advanced adjustments available are described.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 41 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS 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.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 42 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS are unable to run EzSet/EQ II calibration, or if you wish to make further adjustments, use the Manual Speaker Setup on-screen menus. Before beginning, place your loudspeakers as explained in the Speaker Placement section, and connect them to the AVR. Consult the owner’s guide for the speakers or the manufacturer’s Web site for the frequency range specification.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 43 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS easier than ever, since an external power amplifier is not required. 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 5.1 channels. See the Multizone Operation section for more information. NOTE: When the Surround Back speakers are set to “Zone 2”, they will not be configured during the EzSet/EQ II process.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 44 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS STEP FOUR – Setting Channel Output Levels Manually For a conventional 2-channel receiver, the balance control affects the stereo imaging by adjusting the relative loudness of the left and right channels. With up to seven main channels, plus a subwoofer, imaging becomes both more critical and more complex. The goal is to ensure that each channel is heard at the listening position with equal loudness.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 45 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS VIDEO ADJUSTMENTS The AVR 7550HD uses leading-edge Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing technology. Incoming video is upscaled to 1080p (1080i with component video outputs) for outstanding video quality, even with analog video sources. The Faroudja DCDi Cinema Dual 3D comb filters and 10-bit video processing eliminate the jagged edges and moiré patterns seen with less advanced processing.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 3/3/09 12:59 PM Page 46 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Noise Reduction: Adjust this setting to Low, Medium or High to filter out signal noise, or turn it off. MPEG Noise Reduction: This setting is designed to address two specific types of video distortion, mosquito noise and blocking artifacts.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 47 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Sharpness Adjustment Contrary to intuition, the picture will appear sharper and clearer with the sharpness backed off from the maximum setting. Reduce the sharpness setting on your television, and the setting on the AVR 7550HD, if necessary, to minimize the appearance of any white lines between the bars in the gray scale portion of the test screen.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 48 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS General AVR Settings Menu Appearance Network Settings: When the AVR is connected to a home network router using the Network Jack, you may play shared content stored on a PC or other device connected to the network, and you may enjoy Internet Radio streams when the network is connected to the Internet. If you are having difficulty accessing these sources, check the Network Settings.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 49 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS your other components. The function of each button will not necessarily correspond to the label printed on the button. The AVR 7550HD remote is a sophisticated and versatile device that is easy to program, thanks to its menu-based system. To access the menu, press and hold the AVR Settings Button for at least 3 seconds, until the remote’s Main Menu appears in its LCD Text Display.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 50 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS through the available characters. To move to the next character, either press the 3 Button, or press the next desired Alphanumeric Key. Press the OK Button when you have finished. To execute an activity, press the Activity Button, then the Alphanumeric Key you selected as the command button in Step 4. If you selected the AVR Power On or Off Button in Step 4, you do not need to press the Activity Button first.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 51 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS PROCESSOR RESET If the unit behaves erratically after a power surge, first turn off the Main Power Switch and unplug the AC power cord for at least 3 minutes. Plug the cord back in and turn the receiver on. If this doesn’t help, reset the AVR. NOTE: A system reset erases all user configurations, including video resolution, speaker and level settings, and tuner presets.
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AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 60 APPENDIX Table A13 – Surround Modes Surround Mode Description Incoming Bitstream or Signal Dolby Digital Provides up to five separate main audio channels and a dedicated low-frequency effects (LFE) channel. • Dolby Digital 1/0/.0 or .1, 2/0/.0 or .1, 3/0/.0 or .1, 2/1/.0 or .1, 2/2/.0 or .1, 3/2/.0 or .1 • Dolby Digital EX (played as 5.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 61 APPENDIX Table A13 – continued Surround Mode Description Dolby Pro Logic IIx Mode Group An expansion of Dolby Pro Logic II that adds a surround back channel which may be played through one or two surround back speakers. The Dolby Pro Logic IIx modes may be selected not only with Dolby Digital bitstreams, but thanks to the AVR 7550HD’s post-processor, they may also be used with some DTS bitstreams to add a surround back channel to 5.1 modes.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 62 APPENDIX Table A13 – continued Surround Mode Description Incoming Bitstream or Signal DTS-ES Matrix DTS Extended Surround adds a single surround back channel to DTS 5.1 digital surround sound. The Matrix version includes the surround back channel information “matrixed” into the left and right (side) surround channels, for compatibility with 5.1-channel systems.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 63 APPENDIX Table A13 – continued Surround Mode Description Incoming Bitstream or Signal 2-Channel Stereo Turns off all surround processing and plays a pure 2-channel signal or a downmix of a multichannel signal. The signal is digitized and bass management settings are applied, making it appropriate when a subwoofer is used. • Analog (2-channel; DSP downmix available for multichannel) • Tuner • PCM (32kHz, 44.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 64 APPENDIX 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 34 35 37 36 39 40 38 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 58 64 31 32 33 Figure 38 – Remote Control Function List Reference 4 5 30 Refer to the numbered buttons in Figure 38 when using the Function List.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 65 APPENDIX Table A14 – Remote Control Function List No.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 66 APPENDIX Table A14 – continued No.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:53 AM Page 67 AVR 7550HD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Audio Section Stereo Mode, Continuous Average Power (FTC) 100 Watts per channel, 20Hz–20kHz, @ <0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms Seven-Channel Surround Modes Power per Individual Channel Front L & R channels: 85 Watts per channel @ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Center channel: 85 Watts @ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Surround (L & R Side, L & R Back) channels: 85 Watts per channel @ <0.
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