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    AVR 5550 Audio/VideoReceiverOWNERS MANUAL

    AVR 5550

    ready

    LOGIC 7

    VMAx

    Power for the Digital Revolution

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    2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

    3 Introduction4 Safety Information4 Unpacking5 Front Panel Controls7 Front Panel Information Display8 Rear Panel Connections

    11 Main Remote Control Functions14 Zone II Remote Control Functions15 Installation and Connections15 Audio Connections15 Video Connections16 SCART A/V Connections18 System and Power Connections19 Speaker Selection19 Speaker Placement20 System Configuration20 First Turn On20 Using the On-Screen Display20 System Setup21 Input Setup21 Speaker Setup24 Surround Setup25 Adjustments for Other Inputs25 Delay Settings25 Night Mode Settings26 Output Level Adjustment26 Using EzSet27 Manual Output Level Adjustment29 Operation29 Surround Mode Chart31 Basic Operation31 Source Selection31 6/8-Channel Direct Input32 Controls and Use of Headphones32 Surround Mode Selection33 Digital Audio Playback33 Dolby Digital

    33 DTS33 PCM Audio Playback33 HDCD33 MP3 Audio Playback34 Selecting a Digital Source34 Digital Bitstream Indicators34 Speaker/Channel Indicators35 Night Mode35 Tape Recording35 Front Panel Input/Output Connections36 Output Level Adjustment

    With Source Signals36 Memory backup37 Advanced Features37 Surround Amplifier Channel Assignment37 Display Brightness

    37 Turn-On Volume Level38 Semi-OSD Settings38 Full-OSD Time Out Adjustment38 Multiroom Operation40 Tuner Operation40 Basic Tuner Operation40 Station Selection40 Preset Tuning40 RDS Operation40 RDS Tuning40 RDS Display Options41 Program Search42 Programming the Remote42 Programming the Remote with Codes42 Direct Code Entry42 Auto Search Method43 Code Readout43 Learning Codes

    Table of Contents

    Typographical ConventionsIn order to help you use this manual with the remote control, front-panel controls and rear-panelconnections, certain conventions have been used.

    EXAMPLE (bold type) indicates a specific remote control or front-panel button, or rear-panelconnection 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

    0 (number in a circle) indicates a rear-panel connection

    0 (number in an oval) indicates a button or indicator on the remote

    A (letter in a square) indicates an indicator in the front-panel display (letter in an oval) indicates a button on the Zone II remote

    Declaration of Conformity

    We, Harman Consumer International2, route de Tours72500 Chteau-du-Loir,FRANCE

    declare in own responsibility, that the productdescribed in this owners manual is in compliancewith technical standards:

    EN 55013/6.1990

    EN 55020/12.1994

    EN 60065:1993

    EN 61000-3-2/4.1995

    Carsten OlesenHarman Kardon Europe A/S

    11/02

    43 Erasing Learned Codes44 Macro Programming45 Programmed Device Functions45 Volume Punch-Through46 Channel Control Punch-Through46 Transport Control Punch-Through

    46 Reassigning Device Control Selectors47 Resetting the Remote Memory48 Function List

    50 Troubleshooting Guide50 Processor Reset51 Technical Specifications

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    INTRODUCTION 3

    Introduction

    Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon!With the purchase of a Harman KardonAVR 5550 you are about to begin many years oflistening enjoyment. Designed to provide all theexcitement and detail of movie soundtracks and

    every nuance of musical selections, theAVR 5550 is truly a multichannel receiver for thenew millennium. In addition to the traditional5.1 digital decoding modes such as Dolby Digitaland DTS, it offers the latest advancements insurround technology such as Dolby Pro Logic II,the full suite of DTS-ES 6.1 modes, DTS Neo:6and the latest 7.1 channel versions of Harman'sown Logic 7 technology.

    The AVR 5550 has been engineered so that it iseasy to take advantage of all the power of itsdigital technology. On-screen menus, fully colorcoded connection jacks and terminals and our

    exclusive EzSet

    remote make installation fastand simple. However, to obtain the maximumenjoyment from your new receiver, we urge youto read this manual.A few minutes spent learn-ing the functions of the various controls willenable you to take advantage of all the powerthe AVR 5550 is able to deliver.

    If you have any questions about this product, itsinstallation or its operation, please contact yourretailer or custom installer. They are your bestlocal sources of information.

    Description and FeaturesThe AVR 5550 is among the most versatile and

    multifeatured A/V receivers available, incorporat-ing a wide range of listening options. In additionto Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for digitalsources, a broad choice of surround modes forMatrix surround-encoded or Stereo recordingsare available for use with sources such as CD,VCR, TV broadcasts and the AVR 5550s ownFM/AM tuner. Along with Dolby Digital EX,Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS Neo:6, Dolby 3 Stereo,5 Channel or 7 Channel Stereo and Hall andTheater modes, the AVR 5550 offers HarmanInternationals exclusive Logic 7 process in both5.1 and 7.1 versions to create a wider, moreenveloping field environment and more defined

    fly-overs and pans.Another Harman Kardonexclusive is VMAx, which uses proprietary pro-cessing to create an open, spacious sound fieldeven when only two front speakers are available.Finally, the AVR 5550 is among the very few A/Vreceivers that offer decoding of MP3 data, sothat you may listen to the latest music selectionsdirectly from compatible computers or playbackdevices with the power and fidelity you expectfrom Harman Kardon.

    The AVR 5550 is also featuring HDCD decodingto provide the most realistic playback of CDswhen a digital connection is used, even with anormal non-HDCD-compatible CD or DVD player.

    In addition to providing a wide range of listening

    options, the AVR 5550 is easy to configure sothat it provides the best results with your speak-ers and specific listening-room environment. On-screen menus make it simple to enter settingsfor speaker configurations and bass manage-ment, and the EzSet remote measures a systemssound levels and automatically calibrates themfor perfectly balanced sound field presentation.

    For the ultimate in flexibility, the AVR 5550features connections for five video devices, allwith both composite and S-Video inputs. Twoadditional audio inputs are available, and a totalof six digital inputs and three outputs make the

    AVR 5550 capable of handling all the latestdigital audio sources.For compatibility with the latest HDTV videosources and progressive scan DVD players, theAVR 5550 also features wide-bandwidth,low-crosstalk component video switching.

    Coax and optical digital outputs are available fordirect connection to digital recorders, and boththe front panel analog audio/video and coaxialdigital jacks may be switched to outputs for usewith portable recorders a Harman Kardonexclusive.Two video recording outputs, preamp-out and and a color-coded eight-channel input

    make the AVR 5550 virtually future-proof, witheverything needed to accommodate tomorrowsnew formats right on board.

    The AVR 5550s flexibility and power extendbeyond your main home theater or listeningroom. The AVR 5550 includes a sophisticatedmultizone control system that allows you toselect one source for use in the main room and adifferent one (Audio only) in a second room.Complete control over volume is possible with aseparate infrared control link.To make it easy tooperate the AVR 5550 from a remote room, aseparate Zone II remote is included.

    Additional multiroom options include the optionto assign two of the AVR 5550s output channelsto the multiroom system and the ability to linkthe AVR 5550 to innovative A-BUS keypads formultiroom operation without the need forexternal amplifiers.

    The AVR 5550s powerful amplifier usestraditional Harman Kardon high-current designtechnologies to meet the wide dynamic range ofany program selection.

    Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelityreceiver more than forty-seven years ago.Withstate-of-the-art circuitry and time-honored circuit

    designs, the AVR 5550 is the perfect combinationof the latest in digital audio technology, a quietyet powerful analog amplifier in an elegant,easy-to-use package.

    s Dolby* Digital, Dolby Digital EX and

    Dolby Pro Logic*II Decoding, and thefull suite of DTS modes, includingDTS-ES 6.1 Discrete & Matrix andNeo:6

    s Seven channels of high-current amplifi-cation with two channels assignable toeither surround back or multiroomapplications

    s Harman Kardons exclusive Logic 7

    processing, available for the first timewith both 7.1 and 5.1 processing ina variety of modes and two modesof VMAx

    sMP3 decoding for use with compatiblecomputers and digital audio players

    s remote automatically setsoutput levels for optimum performance

    s High-bandwidth, HDTV-compatiblecomponent video switching

    s Front panel analog A/V inputs, switch-able to outputs

    s Front panel digital inputs with coaxdigital output capability for easy con-nection to portable digital devices andthe latest video game consoles

    sMultiple digital inputs and outputs

    s On-screen menu and display system

    s Extensive multiroom options, includinga standard Zone II remote, assignableamplifier channels and A-BUS Ready

    capability for listening to a separatesource in a remote zone

    s 6-Channel/8-Channel Direct Input andPreamp Outputs for Easy Expansion andUse with Future Audio Formats

    s Extensive bass management options,including three separate crossovergroupings and full digital bass manage-ment on the 6/8-channel direct inputsfor use with DVD-Audio or SACDplayers

    sMain Backlit Remote with InternalCodes and Learning Capability

    s HDCD Decoding for Superb CD Playback

    TM

    , HDCD, High Definition Compatible Digital and Pacific Microsonics are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc., in the United

    States and/or other countries. HDCD System manufactured under license from Pacific Microsonics, Inc.

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    4 SAFETY INFORMATION

    Safety Information

    Important Safety Information

    Verify Line Voltage Before UseYour AVR 5550 has been designed for use with220-240-Volt AC current. Connection to a linevoltage other than that for which it is intendedcan create a safety and fire hazard and maydamage the unit.

    If you have any questions about the voltagerequirements for your specific model, or aboutthe line voltage in your area, contact your dealerbefore plugging the unit into a wall outlet.

    Do Not Use Extension CordsTo avoid safety hazards, use only the power cordattached to your unit.We do not recommendthat extension cords be used with this product.As with all electrical devices, do not run powercords under rugs or carpets or place heavy

    objects on them. Damaged power cords shouldbe replaced immediately by an authorizedservice depot with a cord meeting factoryspecifications.

    Handle the AC Power Cord GentlyWhen disconnecting the power cord from an ACoutlet, always pull the plug, never pull the cord.If you do not intend to use the unit for anyconsiderable length of time, disconnect the plugfrom the AC outlet.

    Do Not Open the CabinetThere are no user-serviceable components insidethis product. Opening the cabinet may present ashock hazard, and any modification to theproduct will void your guarantee. If water or anymetal object such as a paper clip, wire or astaple accidentally falls inside the unit,disconnect it from the AC power sourceimmediately, and consult an authorized servicestation.

    Installation Locations To assure proper operation and to avoid the

    potential for safety hazards, place the unit ona firm and level surface.When placing theunit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf and

    any mounting hardware can support theweight of the product.

    sMake certain that proper space is providedboth above and below the unit for ventilation.If this product will be installed in a cabinet orother enclosed area, make certain that thereis sufficient air movement within the cabinet.Under some circumstances a fan may berequired.

    s Do not place the unit directly on a carpetedsurface.

    sAvoid installation in extremely hot or coldlocations, or an area that is exposed to directsunlight or heating equipment.

    sAvoid moist or humid locations.

    s Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on thetop of the unit, or place objects directly overthem.

    CleaningWhen the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean,soft, dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it with a softcloth dampened with mild soapy water, then afresh cloth with clean water. Wipe dryimmediately with a dry cloth. NEVER usebenzene, aerosol cleaners, thinner, alcohol or any

    other volatile cleaning agent. Do not useabrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finishof metal parts.Avoid spraying insecticide nearthe unit.

    Moving the UnitBefore moving the unit, be certain to disconnectany interconnection cords with othercomponents, and make certain that youdisconnect the unit from the AC outlet.

    Unpacking

    The carton and shipping materials used toprotect your new receiver during shipment werespecially designed to cushion it from shock andvibration.We suggest that you save the cartonand packing materials for use in shipping if youmove, 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 bycarefully slitting the tape seams on the bottomand collapsing the carton. Other cardboardinserts may be stored in the same manner.Packing materials that cannot be collapsedshould be saved along with the carton in aplastic bag.

    If you do not wish to save the packagingmaterials, please note that the carton and other

    sections of the shipping protection arerecyclable. Please respect the environment anddiscard those materials at a local recyclingcenter.

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    FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 5

    1 Main Power Switch: Press this button toapply power to the AVR 5550. When the switchis pressed in, the unit is placed in a Standbymode, as indicated by the orange LED3surrounding the System Power Control2.This button MUST be pressed in to operate theunit. To turn the unit off completely and preventthe use of the remote control, this switchshould be pressed until it pops out from thefront panel so that the word OFF may beread at the top of the switch.NOTE: This switch is normally left in the ONposition.

    2 System Power Control: When the MainPower Switch1 is ON, press this button toturn on the AVR 5550; press it again to turn theunit off (to Standby). Note that the PowerIndicator surrounding the switch3 will turngreen when the unit is on.

    3 Power Indicator: This LED will beilluminated in orange when the unit is in the

    Standby mode to signal that the unit is ready tobe turned on. When the unit is in operation, theindicator will turn green.

    4 Headphone Jack: This jack may be used tolisten to the AVR 5550s output through a pair ofheadphones. Be certain that the headphoneshave a standard 6.3 mm stereo phone plug. Notethat the main room speakers and all PreampOutputsb will automatically be turned offwhen the headphone jack is in use.

    5 Surround Mode Group Selector: Press this

    button to select the top-level group of surroundmodes. Each press of the button will select amajor mode grouping in the following order:

    Dolby Modes DTS Digital Modes VMAxModes DSP Modes Stereo ModesLogic 7 Modes

    Once the button is pressed so that the name ofthe desired surround mode group appears in theon-screen display and in the Lower Display LineB, press the Surround Mode Selector9 tocycle through the individual modes available. Forexample, press this button to select Dolby modes,and then press the Surround Mode Selector

    9 to choose from the various mode options.

    6 Speaker Selector: Press this button tobegin the process of configuring the AVR 5550for the type of speakers it is being used with. Forcomplete information on configuring the speakersettings using the front-panel controls see page21.

    7 Button: When an adjustment is beingmade using the Channel Select or Digital

    Select buttons, this button may be pressedto scroll through the available options.

    8 Tone Mode: Pressing this button enables ordisables the Balance, Bass and Treble tonecontrols.When the button is pressed so that thewords TONEIN appear in the Main Infor-mation Display, the settings of the Bass and Treble controls and of the Balancecontrol will affect the output signals.Whenthe button is pressed so that the words TONEOUT appear in the Main InformationDisplay, the output signal will be flat,without any balance, bass or treble alteration, no

    matter how the actual Controls areadjusted.

    Front Panel Controls

    123456789)!

    @#$%^&*(

    Main Power SwitchSystem Power ControlPower IndicatorHeadphone JackSurround Mode Group SelectorSpeaker Selector ButtonTone ModeSurround Mode SelectorTuning SelectorTuner Band Selector

    Set ButtonPreset Station Selector ButtonInput Source SelectorRDS SelectorDelay Adjust SelectorDigital Optical 3 InputInput/Output Status IndicatorsDigital Coax 3 JackVideo 4 Input/Output JacksBass Control

    Balance ControlTreble ControlDigital Select ButtonChannel Select ButtonVolume ControlInput IndicatorsMain Information DisplayRemote Sensor WindowSurround Mode Indicators

    2 4

    8

    6

    5 ) !

    @

    $ % *

    1 3

    9 7 # ^

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    AVR 5550

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    6 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

    Front Panel Controls

    9 Surround Mode Selector: Press thisbutton to cycle through the individual surroundmodes available after the Surround ModeGroup Selector5 was pressed (see item5above). Note that depending on the type of

    input, some modes are not always available. (Seepage 32 for more information about surroundmodes).

    ) Tuning Selector: Press the left side of thebutton to tune lower frequency stations and theright side of the button to tune higher frequencystations.When a station with a strong signal isreached, the TUNED indicatorI will illuminatein the Main Information Display(see page 40 for more information on tuningstations).

    ! Tuner Band Selector: Pressing this buttonwill automatically switch the AVR 5550 to the

    Tuner mode. Pressing it again will switch be-tween the AM and FM frequency bands. Holdingit pressed for 3 seconds will switch betweenstereo or mono receiving and automatic ormanual tuning mode. When the button is pressedso that the AUTO IndicatorJ lights, the tunerwill search for the next station with an acceptablesignal when the Tuning Selector)K ispressed. When the button is pressed so that theAUTO IndicatorJ is not lit, each press of theTuning Selector)K will increase thefrequency. (See page 40 for more information onusing the tuner.)

    @ Set Button: When making choices during thesetup and configuration process, press this buttonto enter the desired setting as shown in the MainInformation Display into the AVR 5550smemory.

    # Preset Stations Selector: Press thisbutton to scroll up or down through the list ofstations that have been entered into the presetmemory. (See page 40 for more information ontuner programming.)

    $ Button: When an adjustment is beingmade using the Channel Select or Digital

    Select buttons, this button may be pressedto scroll through the available options.

    % Input Source Selector: Press this button tochange the input by scrolling through the list ofinput sources.

    ^ RDS Select Button: Press this button to dis-play the various messages that are part of the RDSdata system of the AVR 5550s tuner. (See page 40for more information on RDS).

    & Delay Adjust Selector: Press this button to

    begin the process of adjusting the delay settingsfor Dolby surround modes. See page 25 for moreinformation on delay adjustments.

    * Digital Optical 3 Input: Connect the opticaldigital audio output of an audio or video productto this jack.When the Input is not in use, becertain to keep the plastic cap installed to avoiddust contamination that might degrade futureperformance.

    ( Input/Output Status Indicators: TheseLED indicators will normally light green to showthat the front panel Video 4 A/Vjacks or the

    Coaxial 3 digitaljack is operating as aninput. When either of these jacks has been con-figured for use as an output, the indicator willturn red to show that the jack may be used forrecording. (See page 21 for more information onconfiguring the front panel jacks as outputs,rather than inputs.)

    Digital Coax 3 Jack: This jack is normallyused for connection to the output of portableaudio devices, video game consoles or otherproducts that have a coax digital jack. It mayalso be configured as an output jack, to feed adigital signal to a CD-R, MiniDisc or other digital

    recording device. (See page 21 for informationon configuring the Digital Coax 3 Jack to anoutput.)

    Video 4 Input/Output Jacks: Theseaudio/video jacks may be used for temporaryconnection to video games or portable audio/video products such as camcorders and portableaudio players.They may also be configured asoutput jacks (also S-Video) to feed a signal toany recording Audio or Video device (see page 35for more information).

    Bass Control: Turn this control to modifythe low frequency output of the left/right chan-nels by as much as 10dB. Set this control to asuitable position for your taste or room acoustics.

    Balance Control: Turn this control tochange the relative volume for the front left/rightchannels.

    NOTE: For proper operation of the surroundmodes this control should be at the midpoint or

    12 oclock position.

    Treble Control: Turn this control to modifythe high frequency output of the left/right channelsby as much as 10dB. Set this control to a suitableposition for your taste or room acoustics.

    Digital Select Button: When playing asource that has a digital output, press this buttonto select between the Optical*W andCoaxialX Digital inputs (See page33 for more information).

    Channel Select Button: Press this buttonto begin the process of trimming the channel

    output levels using an external audio source.(For more information on output level trimadjustment, see page 35).

    Volume Control: Turn this knob clockwiseto increase the volume, counterclockwise todecrease the volume. If the AVR is muted,adjusting volume control will automaticallyrelease the unit from the silenced condition.

    Input indicators: A green LED will light infront of the input that is currently being used asthe source for the AVR 5550.

    Main Information Display: This displaydelivers messages and status indications to helpyou operate the receiver. (See pages 7 for a com-plete explanation of the Information Display.)

    Remote Sensor Window: The sensorbehind this window receives infrared signals fromthe remote control.Aim the remote at this areaand do not block or cover it unless an externalremote sensor is installed.

    Surround Mode Indicators: A green LEDwill light in front of the surround mode that iscurrently in use.

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    FRONT PANEL INFORMATION DISPLAY 7

    Front Panel Information Display

    A

    BCDEF

    G

    HIJKL

    M

    NOPQ

    A

    B

    D

    E

    KL FHIJ

    C

    G

    Upper Display Line

    Lower Display LineOSD IndicatorMulti IndicatorSpeaker/Channel Input IndicatorPreset Indicator

    Memory Indicator

    Stereo IndicatorTuned IndicatorAuto Indicator192 kHz Indicator96 kHz Indicator

    Traffic Indicator

    Radiotext IndicatorClock Time IndicatorProgram Type IndicatorRDS Indicator

    A Upper Display Line: Depending on theunit's status, a variety of messages will appearhere. In normal operation, the current inputsource name will appear on this line.

    B Lower Display Line: Depending on the

    unit's status, a variety of messages will appearhere. In normal operation, the current surroundmode name will appear on this line.

    C OSD Indicator: When the OSD system is inuse, this indicator lights to remind you that theother indicators in this display do not functionwhen the On Screen Display is being used.

    DMultiroom Indicator: This indicator lightswhen the multiroom system is active. Note that itwill remain lit when the multiroom system is inuse even though the main room system is in theStandby mode and all other indicators are dark.

    (See page 39 for more information on theMultiroom system.)

    E Speaker/Channel Input Indicators: Theseindicators are multipurpose, indicating either thespeaker type selected for each channel or theincoming data-signal configuration.The left, cen-ter, right, right surround, left surround, right back

    surround and left back surround speaker indica-tors are composed of three boxes, while the sub-woofer is a single box. The center box lights whena Small speaker is selected, and the two outerboxes light when Large speakers are selected.When none of the boxes are lit for the center, sur-round or subwoofer channels, no speaker hasbeen selected for that position. (See page 21 formore information on configuring speakers.) Theletters inside each of the center boxes displayactive input channels. For standard analog inputs,only the L and R will light, indicating a stereoinput.When a digital source is playing, the indica-tors will light to display the channels begin

    received at the digital input. When the lettersflash, the digital input has been interrupted. (Seepages 24 and 34 for more information on theChannel Indicators).

    F Preset Indicator: This indicator lights whenthe tuner is in use to show that the present num-ber for the current station being listened toappears in the Upper Display Line. (See page 40for more information on tuner presets.)

    GMemory Indicator: This indicator flasheswhen entering presets and other information intothe tuners memory.

    H Stereo Indicator: This indicator illuminateswhen an FM station is being tuned in stereo.

    I Tuned Indicator: This indicator illuminateswhen a station is being received with sufficient sig-nal strength to provide acceptable listening quality.

    J Auto Indicator: This indicator illuminateswhen the tuners Auto mode is in use.

    K 192 kHz Indicator: This indicator lightswhen the input source has a 192 kHz bit rate.

    L 96 kHz Indicator: This indicator lights whenthe input source has a 96 kHz bit rate.

    M TA Traffic Announcement Indicator: Thisindicator illuminates if the RDS station tunedsomtimes transmits traffic information (seepage 40 for more information on RDS).

    N RT Text Indicator: This indicator illuminates

    when the RDS station tuned is transmittingradiotext (RT) data.

    O Clock Time Indicator: This indicator illumi-nates when the RDS station tuned is transmittingthe CT (clock time) code, indicating the currenttime of day.

    P PTY Indicator:This indicator illuminateswhen the RDS station tuned is transmitting pro-gram type data, or during a PTY search.

    Q RDS Indicator: This indicator illuminateswhen the station tuned is transmitting RDS data.

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    8 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

    Rear Panel Connections

    1 b 4 8 F D e E c G

    Q

    C

    B

    R

    TL S

    J K7 M O

    I

    P

    0

    AVR 5550

    AC OUTLETS~230V/50Hz

    UNSWITCHED / 100W MAX

    SWITCHED / 50W MAX

    230 V/50Hz

    d

    H

    6

    5

    U

    2

    3

    V

    Z

    a

    X

    9

    W

    Y NA

    0123456789ABCD

    EFGHIJKLMNOPQR

    STUVWXYZabcde

    AM AntennaFM AntennaTape InputsTape OutputsSubwoofer OutputDVD Audio InputsCD InputsMultiroom OutputsA-BUS Connector

    8-Channel Direct InputsDigital Audio OutputsVideo Monitor OutputsDVD Video InputsFront Speaker Outputs

    Center Speaker OutputsSurround Speaker OutputsSwitched AC Accessory OutletUnswitched AC Accessory OutletAC Power Cord JackVideo 2 Component Video InputsComponent Video OutputsDVD Component Video InputsRemote IR Output

    Remote IR InputMultiroom IR InputVideo 1 Video OutputsVideo 1 Video InputsVideo 2 Video Outputs

    Video 3 Video InputsVideo 2 Video InputsOptical Digital InputsCoaxial Digital InputsVideo 2 Audio OutputsVideo 2 Audio InputsVideo 3 Audio InputsVideo 1 Audio InputsVideo 1 Audio Outputs

    Preamp OutputsSurround Back/Multiroom Speaker OutputsRS-232 PortFan Vents

    NOTE: To assist in making the correct connec-tions for multichannel input/output and speakerconnections, all connection jacks and terminalshave been color coded in conformance with thelatest CEA standards as follows:Front Left: WhiteFront Right: RedCenter: GreenSurround Left: BlueSurround Right: GraySurround Back Left: BrownSurround Back Right: TanSubwoofer (LFE): PurpleDigital Audio: OrangeComposite Video: YellowComponent Video Y: GreenComponent Video Pr: RedComponent Video Pb: Blue

    0AMAntenna:Connect theAM loop antennasupplied with the receiver to these terminals. If anexternalAM antenna is used, make connections tothe AM and GND terminals in accordance withthe instructions supplied with the antenna.

    1 FM Antenna: Connect the supplied indoor oran optional external FM antenna to this terminal.

    2 Tape Inputs: Connect these jacks to thePLAY/OUTjacks of an audio recorder.

    3 Tape Outputs: Connect these jacks to theRECORD/INPUTjacks of an audio recorder.

    4 Subwoofer Output: Connect this jack tothe line-level input of a powered subwoofer. If anexternal subwoofer amplifier is used, connect this

    jack to the subwoofer amplifier input.

    5 DVD Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks tothe analog audio jacks on a DVD or other audioor video source.

    6 CD Inputs: Connect these jacks to theanalog output of a compact disc player or CDchanger or any other audio source.

    7Multiroom Outputs: Connect these jacksto an optional audio power amplifier to listen to

    the source selected by the multiroom system in aremote room.

    8 A-BUS Connector: Connect this jack to anoptional A-BUS-certified remote room keypad oramplifier to extend the multiroom capabilities ofyour AVR 5550.See page 18 for more information on A-BUS.

    9 8-Channel Direct Inputs: These jacks areused for connection to source devices such as

    DVD-Audio or SACD players with discrete analogoutputs. Depending on the source device in use,all eight jacks may be used, though in manycases only connections to the front left/right,center, surround left/right and LFE (subwooferinput) jacks will be used for standard 5.1 audiosignals.

    A Digital Audio Outputs: Connect thesejacks to the matching digital input connector ona digital recorder such as a CD-R or MiniDiscrecorder.

    B Video Monitor Outputs: Connect this jackto the composite and/or S-Video input of a TVmonitor or video projector to view the on-screenmenus and the output of any standard Video or

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    REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS 9

    Rear Panel Connections

    S-Video source selected by the receivers videoswitcher.

    C DVD Video Inputs: Connect these jacks tothe composite or S-Video output jacks on a DVDplayer or other video source.

    D Front Speaker Outputs: Connect theseoutputs to the matching + or terminals onyour left and right speakers. In conformance withthe new CEA color code specification, the Whiteterminal is the positive, or "+" terminal thatshould be connected to the red (+) terminal onFront 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 theblack () terminals on the AVR 5550 to the black() terminals on the speakers. See page 15 formore information on speaker polarity.

    E Center Speaker Outputs: Connect theseoutputs to the matching + and terminals onyour center channel speaker. In conformancewith the new CEA color code specification, theGreen Terminal is the positive, or "+" terminalthat should be connected to the red (+) terminalon speakers with the older color coding. Connectthe black () terminal on the AVR to the blacknegative () terminal on your speaker. (See page15 for more information on speaker polarity.)

    F Surround Speaker Outputs: Connectthese outputs to the matching + and terminalson your surround channel speakers. In confor-mance with the new CEA color code specifica-tion, the Blue terminal is the positive, or "+"terminal that should be connected to the red (+)terminal on the Surround Left speaker with oldercolor coding, while the Gray terminal should beconnected to the red (+) terminal on theSurround Right speaker with the older color cod-ing. Connect the black () terminal on the AVRto the matching black negative () terminals foreach surround speaker. (See page 15 for moreinformation on speaker polarity.)

    G Switched AC Accessory Outlet: This out-let may be used to power any device that you

    wish to have turn on when the AVR 5550 isturned on with the System Power Controlswitch2.

    H Unswitched AC Accessory Outlet: Thisoutlet may be used to power any AC device. Thepower will remain on at this outlet regardless ofwhether the AVR 5550 is on or off (in Standby),provided that the Main Power switch1 is on.

    Note: The total power consumption of alldevices connected to the accessory outletsshould not exceed 100 watts from theUnswitched OutletH and 50 W from the

    Switched OutletG.

    I AC Power Cord Jack: Connect the ACpower cord to this jack when the installation iscomplete.To ensure safe operation, use only thepower cord supplied with the unit. If a replace-ment is required it must be of the same type and

    capacity.J Video 2 Component Video Inputs:Connect the Y/Pr/Pb component video outputs ofan HDTV Set-top convertor, satellite receiver, orother video source device with component videooutputs to these jacks.

    KMonitor Component Video Outputs:Connect these outputs to the component videoinputs of a video projector or monitor. When asource connected to one of the twoComponent Video InputsJL is selectedthe signal will be sent to these jacks.

    L DVD Component Video Inputs: Connectthe Y/Pr/Pb component video outputs of a DVDplayer to these jacks.

    Note: All component inputs/outputs can beused for RGB signals too, in the same way asdescribed for the Y/Pr/Pb signals, then connectedto the jacks with the corresponding color.RGB connection is not possible if the source out-puts a separate sync signal (see page 16).

    M Remote IR Output: This connection permitsthe IR sensor in the receiver to serve otherremote controlled devices. Connect this jack tothe IR IN jack on Harman Kardon or other

    compatible equipment.

    N Remote IR Input: If the AVR 5550s front-panel IR sensor is blocked due to cabinet doorsor other obstructions, an external IR sensormay be used. Connect the output of the sensorto this jack.

    OMultiroom IR Input: Connect the output ofan IR sensor in a remote room to this jack tooperate the AVR 5550s multiroom control system.

    P Video 1 Video Outputs: Connect thesejacks to the RECORD/INPUT composite orS-Video jack on a VCR.

    Q Video 1 Video Inputs: Connect these jacksto the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video jacks ona VCR or other video source.

    R Video 2 Video Outputs: Connect thesejacks to the RECORD/INPUT composite orS-Video jacks on a second VCR.

    S Video 3 Video Inputs: Connect these jacksto the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video jacks onany video source.

    T Video 2 Video Inputs: Connect these jacksto the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video jacks on

    a second VCR or other video source.

    U Optical Digital Inputs: Connect theoptical digital output from a DVD player, HDTVreceiver, the S/PDIF output of a compatible com-puter 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, aDTS signal, a 2 channel MPEG 1 signal, an MP3or HDCD data stream or a standard PCM digitalsource.

    V Coaxial Digital Inputs: Connect the coaxdigital output from a DVD player, HDTV receiver,the S/PDIF output of a compatible computersound card playing MP3 files or streams, LDplayer, 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, an MP3or HDCD data stream or a standard PCM digitalsource. Do not connect the RF digital output of

    an LD player to these jacks.W Video 2 Audio Outputs: Connect these

    jacks to the RECORD/INPUT audio jacks on aVCR or any Audio recorder.

    X Video 2 Audio Inputs: Connect these jacksto the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a second VCRor other audio or video source.

    Y Video 3 Audio Inputs: Connect these jacksto the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on any audio orvideo source.

    Z Video 1 Audio Inputs: Connect these jacksto the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a VCR or other

    audio or video source.

    a Video 1 Audio Outputs: Connect thesejacks to the RECORD/INPUT audio jacks ona VCR or any other Audio recorder.

    b Preamp Outputs: Connect these jacks toan optional, external power amplifier for appli-cations where higher power is desired.

    c Surround Back/Multiroom SpeakerOutputs: These speaker terminals are normallyused to power the surround back left/surroundback 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 theoutput selected for a multiroom system.To change the output fed to these terminalsfrom the default of the Surround Back speakersto the Multiroom Output, you must change asetting in the Advanced Menu of the OSD sys-tem. See page 37 for more information on con-figuring this speaker output. In normal surroundsystem use, the brown and black terminals arethe surround back left channel positive (+) andnegative () connections and the tan and blackterminals are the surround back right positive(+) and negative () terminals.

    For multiroom use, connect the brown and blackSBL terminals to the red and black connectionson the left remote zone speaker and connect the

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    10 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

    tan and black SBR terminals to the red and blackterminals on the right remote zone speaker.

    d RS-232 Port: This jack is used to enable theAVR 5550 to be controlled by an external com-puter or programmable remote system that uses

    RS-232 commands. Due to the complexity of RS-232 connections, we recommend that they bemade by a trained and qualified custom installer.See page 18 for more information on the RS-232 control port.

    e Fan Vents: These ventilation holes are theoutput of the AVR 5550s airflow system. Toensure proper operation of the unit and to avoidpossible damage to delicate surfaces, make cer-tain that these holes are not blocked and thatthere is at least three inches of open spacebetween the vent holes and any wooden or fab-ric surface.

    Rear Panel Connections

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    01234

    56789ABCDEFGHI

    JKLMNOPQRSTUV

    WXYZabcdefgh

    MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 11

    Main Remote Control Functions

    Power Off ButtonIR Transmitter WindowProgram/SPL IndicatorPower On ButtonInput Selectors

    AVR SelectorAM/FM Tuner Select6-Channel/8-Channel Direct InputTest ButtonSleep ButtonSurround Mode SelectorNight ModeChannel Select Button/ Buttons ButtonSet ButtonDigital SelectNumeric KeysTuner Mode

    Direct ButtonTuning Up/DownOSD ButtonDolby Mode Select ButtonDTS Digital Mode SelectorLogic 7 Mode Select ButtonTransport ControlsLight ButtonSkip Up/Down ButtonsStereo Mode Select ButtonDTS Neo:6 Mode SelectMacro ButtonsRDS Selector Button

    Preset Up/DownClear ButtonMemory ButtonDelay/Prev. Ch. ButtonSpeaker SelectMultiroomVolume Up/DownSPL Indicator SelectLearn ButtonMuteEzSet Sensor Microphone

    NOTE: The function names shown here are eachbuttons feature when used with the AVR 5550.Most buttons have additional functions whenused with other devices. See page 48-49 for alist of these functions.

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    12 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

    Main Remote Control Functions

    IMPORTANT NOTE: The AVR 5550s remote maybe programmed to control up to seven devices,including the AVR 5550. Before using the remote,it is important to remember to press the InputSelector button4 that corresponds to the unit

    you wish to operate. In addition, the AVR 5550sremote is shipped from the factory to operate theAVR 5550 and most Harman Kardon CD or DVDplayers and cassette decks. The remote is alsocapable of operating a wide variety of other prod-ucts using the control codes that are part of theremote or by learning commands from otherremotes.Before using the remote with other prod-ucts, follow the instructions on pages 42-45 toprogram the proper codes for the products in yoursystem.

    It is also important to remember that many of thebuttons on the remote take on different

    functions, depending on the product selectedusing the Input Selector Button4.Thedescriptions shown here primarily detail the func-tions of the remote when it is used to operate theAVR 5550. (See page 45 for information aboutalternate functions for the remotes buttons.)

    0 Power Off Button: Press this button toplace the AVR 5550 or a selected device unit in theStandby mode. Note that when the AVR 5550 isswitched off this will turn off the main roomfunctions, but if the Multiroom system is activated,it will continue to function.

    1 IR Transmitter Window: Point this window

    towards the AVR 5550 when pressing buttons onthe remote to make certain that infrared commandsare properly received.

    2 Program/SPL Indicator: This three-colorindicator is used to guide you through the processof programming the remote or learning com-mands from a remote into the AVR 5550s remotecode memory and it is also used as a levelindicator when using the remotes EzSet capabili-ties. (See page 26 for more information on settingoutput levels, and see page 42 for information onprogramming the remote.)

    3 Power On Button: Press this button to turnon the power to a device selected by pressing oneof the Input Selectors4 (except Tape).

    4 Input Selectors: Pressing one of these but-tons will perform three actions at the same time.First, if the AVR is not turned on, this will powerup the unit. Next, it will select the source shownon the button as the input to the AVR. Finally, itwill change the remote control so that it controlsthe device selected.After pressing one of thesebuttons you must press the AVR Selectorbutton5 again to operate the AVRs functionswith the remote.

    5 AVR Selector: Pressing this button willswitch the remote so that it will operate the AVRsfunctions. If the AVR is in the Standby mode, it willalso turn the AVR on.

    6 AM/FM Tuner Select: Press this button to

    select the AVRs tuner as the listening choice.Pressing this button when the tuner is in use willselect between the AM and FM bands.

    7 6-Channel/8 Channel Direct Input:Press this button to select the device connected tothe 6-Channel Direct Inputs or the8-Channel Direct Inputs9 (the inputavailable will depend on the selection 5.1 or6.1/7.1 made in the surround mode setting,see page 23 for more information).

    8 Test Tone: Press this button to begin thesequence used to calibrate the AVR 5550s output

    levels. (See page 26 for more information oncalibrating the AVR 5550.)

    9Sleep Button: Press this button to place theunit in the Sleep mode.After the time shown inthe display, the AVR 5550 will automatically gointo the Standby mode. Each press of the buttonchanges the time until turn-off in the followingorder:

    Hold the button pressed for two seconds to turn

    off the Sleep mode setting.Note that this button is also used to changechannels on your TV, VCR and Sat receiver whenthe appropriate source is selected, using thedevice Input Selectors4.

    A Surround Mode Selector: Press this but-ton to select any of the HALL, THEATER or VMAxsurround modes. Note that depending on thetype of input, some modes are not always avail-able. (See page 29 for more information aboutsur-round modes.) Note that this button is alsoused to tune channels on your TV, VCR and Satreceiver when the appropriate source is selectedusing the device Input Selector4.

    B Night Mode: Press this button to activatethe Night mode.This mode is available only withDolby Digital encoded sources, and it preservesdialog (center channel) intelligibilty at low vol-ume levels (See page 25 for more information).

    C Channel Select Button: This button isused to start the process of setting theAVR 5550s output levels with an external source.Once this button is pressed, use the / buttonsD to select the channel being adjusted, thenpress the Set buttonF, followed by the /

    buttonsD again, to change the level setting.

    (See page 35 for more information.)

    D / Buttons:These multipurpose buttonsare used to change or scroll through items in theon-screen menus or on the front panel or tomake configuration settings such as digital inputsor delay timing. When changing a setting, first

    press the button for the function or setting to bechanged (e.g., press the Digital Select ButtonG to change a digital input) and then pressone of these buttons to scroll through the list ofoptions or to increase or decrease a setting.Thesections in this manual describing the individualfeatures and functions contain specific informa-tion on using these buttons for each application.

    When the AVR 5550 remote is being programmedfor the codes of another device, these buttons arealso used in the Auto Search process (See page42 for more information on programming theremote.)

    E Button: This button is used to change themenu selection or setting during some of thesetup procedures for the AVR 5550.

    F Set Button: This button is used to entersettings into the AVR 5550s memory. It is alsoused in the setup procedures for delay time,speaker configuration and channel output leveladjustment.

    G Digital Select: Press this button to assignone of the digital inputsUV* to a source.(See page 33 for more information on usingdigital inputs.)

    H Numeric Keys: These buttons serve as aten-button numeric keypad to enter tuner presetpositions.They are also used to select channelnumbers when TV, VCR or Sat receiver has beenselected on the remote, or to select track num-bers on a CD, DVD or LD player, depending onhow the remote has been programmed.

    I Tuner Mode: Press this button when thetuner is in use to select between automatictuning and manual tuning. When the button ispressed so that the AUTO indicatorJ goes out,pressing the Tuning buttonsK) willmove the frequency up or down in single-step

    increments.When the FM band is in use and theAUTO indicatorJ is on, pressing this buttonwill change to monaural reception making evenweak stations audible or improving the audioperformance with noisy stereo stations. (See page40 for more information.)

    J Direct Button: Press this button when thetuner is in use to start the sequence for directentry of a stations frequency. After pressing thebutton simply press the proper Numeric KeysH to select a station (See page 40 for moreinformation on the tuner).

    90min

    80min

    70min

    60min

    50min

    40min

    30min

    20min

    10min

    OFF

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    MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 13

    K Tuning Up/Down: When the tuner is inuse, these buttons will tune up or down throughthe selected frequency band. If the Tuner ModebuttonI has been pressed or the Band but-ton@ on the front panel was held pressed so

    that the AUTO indicatorJ is illuminated, press-ing either of the buttons will cause the tuner toseek the next station with acceptable signalstrength for quality reception. When the AUTOindicatorJ is NOT illuminated, pressing thesebuttons will tune stations in single-stepincrements. (See page 40 for more information.)

    L OSD Button: Press this button to activatethe On Screen Display (OSD) system used to setup or adjust the AVR 5550s parameters.

    M Dolby Mode Selector: This button is usedto select one of the available Dolby Surroundprocessing modes. Each press of this button will

    select one of the Dolby Pro Logic II modes,Dolby3 Stereo or Dolby Digital. Note that the DolbyDigital mode is only available with a digital inputselected and the other modes only as long as aDolby Digital source is not playing (except ProLogic II with Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings, seeNote on page 7). See page 29 for the availableDolby surround mode options.

    N DTS Digital Mode Selector: When a DTSsource is in use the AVR 5550 will select theappropriate mode automatically and no othermode will be available. Pressing this button willdisplay the mode currently selected by the AVRs

    decoder, depending on the surround materialplayed and the speaker setting (see item6,page 5).When a DTS source is not in use, thisbutton has no function. (See page 24,29 for theavailable DTS options.)

    O Logic 7 Selector: Press this button to selectone of the available Logic 7 surround modes. (Seepage 29 for the available Logic 7 options.)

    P Transport Control Buttons: These buttonsdo not have any functions for the AVR 5550, butthey may be programmed for the forward/reverseplay operation of a wide variety of CD or DVD

    players, and audio or video- cassette recorders.(See page 42 for more information on program-ming the remote.)

    Q Light Button: Press this button to activatethe remotes built-in backlight for better legibilityof the buttons in a darkened room.

    R Skip Up/Down Buttons: These buttons donot have a direct function with the AVR 5550,but when used with a compatibly programmedCD or DVD player/changer they will change thetracks on the disc currently being played.

    S Stereo Mode Select Button: Pressing thisselector button cycles through the stereo modes,and it is also used to turn off all surroundprocessing and place the unit in a traditionaltwo-channel Stereo mode. The first press selects

    5-Channel Stereo or 7-Channel Stereo, depend-ing on the selection (5.1 or 6.1/7.1) made in thesurround mode setting, see page 24, and thesecond selects SURROUND OFF, which is trueStereo.

    T DTS Neo:6 Mode Selector: Pressing thisselector button cycles the AVR through thevarious DTS Neo:6 modes, which extract a five- orseven-channel surround field from two-channelprogram material (from PCM source or analoginput signal). The first press selects the last DTSNeo:6 surround mode that was in use, and eachsubsequent press selects the next mode in the

    following order:

    UMacro Buttons: Press these buttons tostore or recall a Macro, which is a pre-pro-grammed sequence of commands stored in theremote. (See page 44 for more information onstoring and recalling macros.)

    V RDS Select Button: Press this button to dis-play the various messages that are part of the RDS

    data system of the AVR 5550s tuner. (See page 40for more information on RDS).

    W Preset Up/Down: When the tuner is in use,press these buttons to scroll through the stationsprogrammed into the AVR 5550s memory. WhenCD or DVD is selected using the Input Selectorbutton4, these buttons may function as SlowFwd/Rev (DVD) or +10 (CD, CDR).

    X Clear Button: Press this button to clearincorrect entries when using the remote to directlyenter a radio stations frequency.

    YMemory Button: Press this button to enter a

    radio station into the AVR 5550s preset memory.After pressing the button the MEMORY indicatorG will flash; you then have five seconds to entera preset memory location using the NumericKeysH. (See page 40 for more information.)

    Z Delay/Prev Ch.: Press this button to beginthe process for setting the delay times used bythe AVR 5550 when processing surround sound.After pressing this button, the delay times areentered by pressing the Set buttonF and thenusing the / buttonsD to change the set-ting. Press the Set button again to complete theprocess. (See page 25 for more information.)

    a Button: Press this button to change a set-ting or selection when configuring many of theAVRs settings.

    bSpeaker Select: Press this button to beginthe process of configuring the AVR 5550s BassManagement System for use with the type ofspeakers used in your system. Once the buttonhas been pressed, use the / buttonsD to

    select the channel you wish to set up.Press the Set ButtonF and then select thespeaker type (Large, Small or None) appropriatewith the speaker in use. (See page 21 for moreinformation.)

    cMulti-Room: Press this button to activatethe Multiroom system or to begin the process ofchanging the input or volume level for the secondzone. (See page 39 for more information on theMultiroom system.)

    dVolume Up/Down: Press these buttons toraise or lower the system volume.

    e SPL Indicator Select: This button activatesthe AVR 5550s EzSet function to quickly andaccurately calibrate the AVR 5550s output levels.During this sequence, EzSet will automaticallyadjust the output levels for all channels until theyare equal, as shown by the Program Indicator2 lighting green for each channel. (See page26 for more information on EzSet.)

    f Learn Button: Press this button to beginthe process of learning the codes from anotherproducts remote into the AVR 5550s remote.(See page 43 for more information on using theremotes learning function.)

    gMute: Press this button to momentarilysilence the AVR 5550 or TV set being controlled,depending on which device has been selected.When the AVR 5550 remote is being programmedto operate another device, this button is pressedwith the Input Selector button4 to begin theprogramming process. (See page 42 for moreinformation on programming the remote.)

    h EzSet Sensor Microphone: The sensormicrophone for the EzSet microphone is behindthese slots.When using the remote to calibratespeaker output levels using EzSet, be sure thatyou do not hold the remote in a way that covers

    these slots. (See page 26 for more information onusing EzSet).

    NOTE: With the press of any remote button theInput Selector button45 associatedwith the botton pressed will briefly flash red toconfirm the transmission of the command, aslong as there is a function for that button withthe device selected (see function list on pages 48,49).

    DTS Neo:6 MUSIC

    DTS Neo:6

    MOVIES

    Main Remote Control Functions

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    14 ZONE II REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

    Zone II Remote Control Functions

    Power Off

    AVR Selector AM/FM Tuner Select Input Selectors Tuning Up/Down Fast Play Record/Pause Preset/Track Skip Disc Skip Volume Up/Down Play Forward/Reverse/Stop Mute

    NOTE: The Zone II remote may be used in either

    the same room where the AVR 5550 is located,or it may be used in a separate room with anoptional infrared sensor that is connected to theAVR 5550s Multi IR input jackf. When it isused in the same room as the AVR 5550, it willcontrol the functions of the AVR 5550 or anycompatible Harman Kardon products in thatroom. When it is used in a separate room via asensor connected to the Multi IR Jackf, thebuttons for power, input source, volume and

    mute will control the source and volume for the

    second zone, as connected to the Multi OutJacks. (See page 39 for complete informationon using the Multiroom system.)

    The Zone II remote may be used in either thesame room where the AVR 5550 is located, or itmay be used in a separate room with an option-al infrared sensor that is connected to theAVR 5550s Multi IR input jackO.

    Power Off: When used in the room wherethe AVR 5550 is located, press this button toplace the unit in Standby. When it is used in aremote room with a sensor that is connected tothe Multi IRjackO, this button turns theMulti-Room system off.

    AVR Selector: Press this button to turn onthe AVR. The input in use when the unit was laston will be selected.

    AM/FM Tuner Select: Press this button toselect the Tuner as the input to the Multiroom

    system. Press it again to change between theAM and FM bands.

    Input Selectors: When the AVR is off,press one of these buttons to turn the unit onand to select a specific input.When the unit isalready in use, pressing one of these buttons willchange the input.

    Tuning Up/Down Fast Play: These but-tons may be used to change the frequency ofthe tuner. These buttons may also control theFast Play or Fast Reverse functions of compatibleHarman Kardon CD, DVD or cassette decks in

    the same room, or from a remote room when anIR link is connected to the AVR 5550.

    Record/Pause: Press this button to acti-vate the Record or Pause function on compatibleHarman Kardon CD, DVD or Cassette Deckproducts.

    Preset Up/Down Track Skip: When theAVRs tuner is selected as the input source, thesebuttons will move up or down through the list ofstations that have been stored in the presetmemory.When a CD or DVD player is selected,

    these buttons activate the forward or reversetrack or chapter skip functions.

    Disc Skip: Press this button to changediscs on compatible Harman Kardon CD or DVDchangers.

    Volume Up/Down: When used in theroom where the AVR 5550 is located, press thisbutton to raise or lower the volume in thatroom. When it is used in a remote room with asensor that is connected to the Multi IR JackO, this button will raise or lower the volume inthe remote room.

    Play Forward/Reverse/Stop: Press thesebuttons to control compatible Harman KardonCD, DVD or cassette players.

    Mute: When used in the room where theAVR 5550 is located, press this button to tem-porarily silence the unit.When it is used in aremote room with a sensor that is connected tothe Multi IR JackO, this button will temporari-ly silence the feed to the remote room only.Press the button again to return to the previousvolume level.

    Important Note: No matter in which room theZone II remote is used, as with the main remote

    it is important to remember to press the InputSelector button that corresponds to theunit you wish to operate befor you change thedevice to be controlled.

    POWER

    OFF

    MUTE

    AVR

    AM/FM

    VID1

    VID3

    DVD CD TAPE

    DN TUNING

    PRESET

    VOLUME

    DISC SKIP

    DISC SKIP

    UPDN

    UP

    VID4

    VID2

    G

    A

    B

    C

    D

    E

    F

    H

    I

    K

    J

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    INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 15

    After unpacking the unit, and placing it on a solidsurface capable of supporting its weight, you willneed to make the connections to your audio andvideo equipment.

    Audio Equipment ConnectionsWe recommend that you use high-quality inter-connect cables when making connections tosource equipment and recorders to preserve theintegrity of the signals.

    When making connections to audio sourceequipment or speakers it is always a goodpractice to unplug the unit from the AC walloutlet. This prevents any possibility ofaccidentally sending audio or transient signals tothe speakers that may damage them.

    1. Connect the analog output of a CD player to

    the CD inputs6.NOTE: When the CD player has both fixed andvariable audio outputs it is best to use the fixedoutput unless you find that the input to thereceiver is so low that the sound is noisy, or sohigh that the signal is distorted.

    2. Connect the analog Play/Out jacks of a cas-sette deck, MD, CD-R or other audio recorder tothe Tape Inputjacks2. Connect the analogRecord/In jacks on the recorder to the TapeOutputjacks3 on the AVR 5550.

    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 theoutput of a compatible computer sound card tothe Optical and Coaxial Digital InputsUV*.

    4. Connect the Coaxial or Optical DigitalOutputsA on the rear panel of the AVR to thematching digital input connections on a CD-R orMiniDisc recorder.

    5. Assemble the AM Loop Antenna supplied withthe unit as shown below. Connect it to the AMand GND screw terminals0.

    6. Connect the supplied FM antenna to the FM(75 ohm) connection1. The FM antenna maybe an external roof antenna, an inside poweredor wire lead antenna or a connection from acable system. Note that if the antenna or connec-tion uses 300-ohm twin-lead cable, you should

    use a 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter to make theconnection.

    7. Connect the front, center and surroundspeaker outputsDEFc to the respectivespeakers.

    To assure that all the audio signals are carried toyour speakers without loss of clarity or

    resolution, we suggest that you use high-qualityspeaker cable. Many brands of cable areavailable and the choice of cable may be influen-ced by the distance between your speakers andthe receiver, the type of speakers you use,personal preferences and other factors. Yourdealer or installer is a valuable resource toconsult in selecting the proper cable.

    Regardless of the brand of cable selected, werecommend that you use a cable constructed offine, multistrand copper with an area greater than2 mm2.

    Cable with an area of 1.5 mm2

    may be used forshort runs of less than 4 m. We do not recom-mend that you use cables with an area less than1mm2 due to the power loss and degradation inperformance that will occur.

    Cables that are run inside walls should have theappropriate markings to indicate listing with anyappropriate testing agency standards. Questionsabout running cables inside walls should bereferred to your installer or a licensed electricianwho is familiar with the applicable local buildingcodes in your area.

    When connecting wires to the speakers, be

    certain to observe proper polarity. Note that thepositive (+) terminal of each speaker connectionnow carries a specific color code as noted onpage 9. However, most speakers will still use ared terminal for the postive (+) connection.Connect the negative or black wire to thesame terminal on both the receiver and thespeaker.

    NOTE: While most speaker manufacturersadhere to an industry convention of using blackterminals for negative and red ones for positive,some manufacturers may vary from this configu-ration.To assure proper phase and optimal per-

    formance, consult the identification plate on yourspeaker or the speakers manual to verify polarity.If you do not know the polarity of your speaker,ask your dealer for advice before proceeding, orconsult the speakers manufacturer.

    We also recommend that the length of cableused to connect speaker pairs be identical. Forexample, use the same length piece of cable toconnect the front-left and front-right orsurround-left and surround-right speakers, evenif the speakers are a different distance from theAVR 5550.

    8. Connections to a subwoofer are normallymade via a line level audio connection from theSubwoofer Output4 to the line-level inputof a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. When apassive subwoofer is used, the connection first

    goes to a power amplifier, which will be connect-ed to one or more subwoofer speakers. If you areusing a powered subwoofer that does not haveline-level input connections, follow the instruc-tions furnished with the speaker for connectioninformation.

    9. If an external multi-channel audio source with5.1 or 7.1 outputs such as an external digitalprocessor/decoder, DVD-Audio or SACD player isused, connect the outputs of that device to the8-Channel Direct Inputs9.

    Video Equipment ConnectionsVideo equipment is connected in the same manneras audio components. Again, the use of high-quality interconnect cables is recommended topreserve signal quality. To ensure best videoperformance S-Video sources should be connect-ed to the AVR 5550 only with their S-Video In/Outputs, not with their composite videoconnectors too.

    1. Connect a VCRs audio and video Play/Outjacks to the Video 1 or Video 2 InjacksQTXZ on the rear panel. The Audio and VideoRecord/In jacks on the VCR should be connectedto the Video 1 or Video 2 OutjacksPRWa on the AVR 5550.

    2. Connect the analog audio and video outputsof a satellite receiver, cable TV converter or televi-sion set or any other video source to the Video3SY jacks.

    3. Connect the analog audio and video outputsof a DVD or laser disc player to the DVDjacks5C .

    4. Connect the digital audio outputs of a CD, MDor DVD player, satellite receiver, cable box orHDTV converter to the appropriate Optical orCoaxial Digital InputsUV* .

    5. Connect the Composite and S-Video (ifS-Video device is in use) Monitor OutputB

    jacks on the receiver to the composite andS-Video input of your television monitor or videoprojector.

    6. If your DVD player and monitor both havecomponent video connections, connect the com-ponent outputs of the DVD player to the DVDComponent Video InputsL. Note that evenwhen component video connections are used theaudio connections must still be made to either

    the analog DVD Audio Inputs5 or any of theCoaxial or Optical Digital InputjacksUV.

    Installation and Connections

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    16 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

    Installation and Connections

    SCART A/V Connections

    For the connections described above your videodevice needs RCA (cinch) connectors or/and S-Video connectors for all Audio and Video signals:Any normal video device (Not SVHS or High 8)for only playback needs 3 RCA jacks,VCRs forrecord and playback even 6 RCA jacks. AnyS-Video device (SVHS, High 8) needs 2 RCA(Audio) and 1 S-Video jack (Video), if its aplayback unit, or 4 RCA (Audio In/Out) and2 S-Video (Video In/Out) jacks, if its a recordingVCR.

    Many european video devices are equipped withRCA (Cinch) or S-Video jacks only partially, notfor all audio and video in/outputs needed asdescribed above, but with a so called Scart orEuro-AV connector (almost rectangular jack with21 pins, see drawings on next page).

    In that case the following Scart to Cinchadapters or cables are needed:

    Units for playback, such as satellite receivers,camcorders, DVD or LD players, need anadapter from Scart to 3 RCA plugs, see fig. 1(normal video devices) or from Scart to 2RCA+1 S-Video plugs, see fig. 4 (S-Videodevices).

    HiFi VCRs need an adapter from Scart to 6RCA plugs, see fig. 2 (normal video), or fromScart to 4 Audio+2S-Video jacks, see fig. 5(S-Video VCR). Read carefully the instruction

    attached to the adapter to find which of thesix plugs is used for the record signal to theVCR (connect with the AVRs Out jacks) andfor the playback signal from the VCR (connectwith the AVRs In jacks). Do not misconnectAudio and Video signals. Dont hesitate toconsult your dealer, if you are uncertain.

    If you use only normal video devices the TVmonitor needs an adapter from 3 RCA plugsto Scart (fig. 3) only. If also S-Video devices areused an adapter from 2 RCA+1S-Video plugsto Scart is needed additionally (fig. 6),connected to the SCART input on your TV that

    is provided for S-Video.Note that only the video plugs (the "yellow"cinch plug in fig. 3 and the S-Video plug infig. 6) must be connected to the TV MonitorOutputB, and the volume on the TV must bereduced to minimum.

    Important Note for Adapter Cables:If the cinch connectors of the adapter youll useare labeled, connect the Audio and Video Inplugs with the corresponding Audio and VideoIn jacks on the AVR 5550 (and with a VCR

    connect the Out plugs to the Out jacks onthe AVR). Note that with some adapter types itmay be just turned around: If no signal is audi-ble/ visible when the VCR is playing connect theOut plugs to the In jacks on the AVR andturned around. If the adapter plugs are notlabeled in that way, pay attention to the signalflow directions as shown in the diagrams aboveand in the instruction attached to the adapter. Ifuncertain, dont hesitate to consult your dealer.

    Important Notes for S-Video connections:1. Only the S-Video In/Out of S-Video devicesmust be connected to the AVR, NOT both,

    normal video and S-Video In/Outputs (except theTV, see item below).When both connections are made, only theS-Video signal will be viewed on the screen.

    2. Like most common AV units the AVR 5550does not convert the Video signal to S-Video,only vice versa. Thus both connections must bemade from the AVR 5550 to the TV if both,Video and S-Video sources, are used, and theappropriate input on the TV must be selected.

    7. If another component video device is available,connect it to the Video 2 Component VideoInputjacksJ. The audio connections for thisdevice should be made to either the Video 2InputjacksX or any of the Coaxial or Optical

    Digital InputjacksUV.8. If the component video inputs are used,connect the Component Video OutputK tothe component video inputs of your TV, projectoror display device.

    9. If you have a camcorder, video game or otheraudio/video device that is connected to the AVRon a temporary, rather than permanent basis,connect the audio, video and digital audio out-puts of that device to the Front Panel Inputs*. A device connected to the Video 4

    jacks is selected as the Video 4 input, andconnected to the digital jacks* it is selected

    as "Optical 3" or "Coaxial 3" input. (See page21 for more information on input configuration.)

    Video Connection Notes: Y/Pr/Pb Component, RGB (see page 17),

    or Composite video signals may only be viewedin their native formats and will not be convert-ed to the other formats. S-Video signals will beconverted to composite signal.The OSD can beviewed on the TV screen in any case, with Videoor S-Video input selected on the TV.

    When the component video jacks are used, theon-screen menus will not be visible. You mustswitch to the standard composite or S-Videoinput on your TV to view those menus.

    All component inputs/outputs can be used forRGB signals too, in the same way as describedfor the Y/Pr/Pb signals, then connected to the

    jacks with the corresponding color.But this is only correct as long as only the threeRGB video signals are output by the videosource, with a sync signal in the "G" signalonly, without any sync signal output separatelyby the source.

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    INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 17

    Installation and Connections

    Black

    Yellow

    Red

    Figure 1:SCART/Cinch-Adapter for

    playback;signal flow:

    SCART Cinch

    Black

    Red

    Blue

    Yellow

    Green

    White

    Figure 2:SCART/Cinch-Adapter for

    record and playback;signal flow:

    SCART Cinch

    Black

    Yellow

    Red

    Figure 3:Cinch/SCART-Adapter for

    playback;

    signal flow:Cinch SCART

    Rot

    Schwarz

    S-Video In

    Figure 4:SCART/S-Video Adapter

    for playback;signal flow:

    SCART Cinch

    Schwarz

    Rot

    Blau

    Gelb

    S-Video In

    S-Video Out

    Figure 5:SCART/S-Video Adapter

    for record and playback;signal flow:

    SCART Cinch

    Rot

    Schwarz

    S-Video Out

    Figure 6:SCART/S-Video Adapter

    for playback;signal flow:

    Cinch SCART

    Black

    Yellow

    Red

    Black

    Red

    Blue1

    Yellow

    Green1

    White

    Black

    Yellow

    Red

    Red

    Black

    S-Video In

    Red

    Black

    S-Video Out

    Black

    Red

    Blue1

    Yellow

    S-Video In

    S-Video Out

    1Also other colours possible, e.g. brown and grey.

    Important Note for the Use ofSCART-Cinch Adapters:When video sources are connected to the TVdirectly with a SCART cable, specific controlsignals apart from Audio/Video signals will be

    fed to the TV. These specific signals are:With allvideo sources, the signal for automatic inputselection that switches the TV automatically tothe appropriate input as soon as the videosource is started. And with DVD players, thesignals automatically turning the TV to 4:3/16:9format (with 16:9 TVs or with 4:3 TVs withselectable 16:9 format) and turning the RGBvideo decoder of the TV on or off, depending onthe DVD players setting. With any adapter cable,these control signals will be lost and theappropriate setting of the TV must be mademanually.

    Note for RGB signal with SCART:If you use a unit providing RGB signals on aSCART output (as e.g. most DVD players do) andyou want to use that RGB signal, this SCARToutput must be connected directly to your TV.Although the AVR 5550 RDS can switch three-way video signals (like component signalsY/Pb/Pr), most TVs need separate sync signalsfor RGB (also with SCART) that cannot beswitched and provided by the AVR 5550.RGB signals can be pathed throughthe AVR 5550 only when no separate syncsignal is needed (see last Video ConnectionNoteon page 16).

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    18 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

    System and Power Connections

    The AVR 5550 is designed for flexible use withmultiroom systems, external control componentsand power amplifiers.

    Main Room Remote Control ExtensionIf the receiver is placed behind a solid or smokedglass cabinet door, the obstruction may preventthe remote sensor from receiving commands. Inthis event, the remote sensor of any HarmanKardon or other compatible device, not coveredby the door, or an optional remote sensor maybe used. Connect the Remote IR Output ofthat device or the output of the remote sensor tothe Remote IR InputjackN.

    If other components are also prevented fromreceiving remote commands, only one sensor isneeded. Simply use this units sensor or a remote

    eye by running a connection from the RemoteIR OutputjackM to the Remote IR Input

    jack on Harman Kardon or other compatibleequipment.

    Multiroom IR LinkThe key to remote room operation is to link theremote room to the AVR 5550s location withwire for an infrared receiver and speakers or anamplifier.The remote room IR receiver (this can bean optional IR receiver or any other remotableHarman Kardon device in the remote room withIR sensor integrated) should be connected to theAVR 5550 via standard coaxial cable. Connect the

    Remote IR Output of the device or of theoptional sensor with the Multiroom IR Input

    jackO on the AVR 5550s rear panel.

    If other Harman Kardon compatible sourceequipment is part of the main room installation,the Remote IR OutputjackM on the rearpanel should be connected to the IR IN jack onthat source device. This will enable the remoteroom location to control source equipmentfunctions.

    NOTE: All remotely controlled components mustbe linked together in a daisy chain. Connectthe IR OUTjack of one unit to the IR IN of the

    next to establish this chain.

    Multiroom Audio ConnectionsDepending on your system`s requirement anddistance from the AVR 5550 to the remoteroom, three options are available for audioconnection:

    Option 1: Use high-quality, shielded audiointerconnect phono cable from the AVR 5550slocation to the remote room. In the remoteroom, connect the interconnect cable to a stereopower amplifier. The amplifier will be connectedto the rooms speakers.At the AVR 5550, plug

    the audio interconnect cables into theMultiroom Output Jacks7 on the AVR5550s rear panel.

    Option 2: Place the amplifier that will providepower to the remote location speakers in thesame room as the AVR 5550, and connect theMultiroom Outputjacks7 on the rear panelof the AVR to the audio input of the remote

    room amplifier. Use the appropriate speaker wireto connect the optional power amplifier to theremote speakers. High-quality wire of at least2.5 mm2 is recommended for long multiroomconnections.

    Option 3: Taking advantage of the AVR 5550sbuilt-in seven-channel amplifier, it is possible touse two of the amplifier channels to powerspeakers in the remote room.When using thisoption you will not be able to use the full7.1-channel capabilities of the AVR 5550 in themain listening room, but you will be able to addanother listening room without additional

    external power amplifiers.To use the internalamplifiers to power a remote zone, connect thespeakers for the remote room location to theSurround Back/Multiroom SpeakerOutputsc. Before using the remote room youwill need to configure the amplifiers forsurround operation by changing a setting inthe Advanced Select menu, following theinstructions shown on page 37.

    NOTE: For all options, you may connect anoptional IR sensor (Harman Kardon He1000) inthe remote room to the AVR 5550 via an appro-priate cable. Connect the sensors cable to the

    Multiroom IR InputO on the AVR 5550 anduse the Zone II remote to control the room vol-ume.Alternatively, you may install an optionalvolume control between the output of the ampli-fiers and the speakers.

    A-BUS Installation ConnectionsThe AVR 5550 is among the very few receiversavailable today that offers built-in A-BUS Ready

    operation.When used with an optional A-BUSkeypad or control module, you have all thebenefits of remote zone operation without theneed for an external power amplifier.

    To use the AVR 5550 with an approved A-BUS

    product, simply connect the keypad or modulethat is in the remote room to the AVR 5550using standard Category 5 wiring that isproperly rated for the inwall use specific to theinstallation.Terminate the wiring at the receiverend to a standard RJ-45 jack in compliance withthe instructions furnished with the A-BUSmodule.

    No further installation or adjustment is needed,as the A-BUS connector on the AVR 5550 routesthe signals in and out of the keypad to theirproper destination for power, signal source andcontrol. The output fed to the A-BUS jack is

    determined by the AVR 5550s multiroomsystem, and the menus may be used as is.

    RS-232 ConnectionsThe AVR 5550 includes an RS-232 serial portconnection that may be used to control the unitvia compatible optional, external keypads orcontrol systems.The physical connection to the

    AVR 5550 from the control device is a standardD-9 connection, but to assure compatible andproper operation, specific software commandsand pin wiring schemes are required. Due to thecomplexity of RS-232 connections werecommend that they be made only by trainedinstallers familiar with their use.To obtainadditional information on the use of theAVR 5550 with RS-232 control, please contactHarman Kardons customer service departmentor consult our Web site atwww.harmankardon.com.

    AC Power Connections

    This unit is equipped with two accessory ACoutlets.They may be used to power accessorydevices, but they should not be used withhigh-current draw equipment such as poweramplifiers.The total power draw to theUnswitched OutletH must not exceed100 watts, that to the Switched OutletG50 watts.

    The SwitchedG outlet will receive power onlywhen the unit is on completely. This is recom-mended for devices that have no power switchor a mechanical power switch that may be left inthe ON position.

    NOTE: Many audio and video products go into aStandby mode when they are used withswitched outlets, and cannot be fully turned onusing the outlet alone without a remote controlcommand.

    The UnswitchedH outlet will receive poweras long as the unit is plugged into a powered ACoutlet and the Main Power Switch1 is on.

    The AVR 5550 features a removable power cordthat allows wires to be run to a complex instal-lation so that the unit, itself, need not beinstalled until it is ready for connection. When all

    connections described above have been made,connect the AC Power cord to the AC PowerCord JackI.

    The AVR 5550 draws significantly more currentthan other household devices such as computersthat use removable power cords. For that rea-son, it is important that only the cord suppliedwith the unit (or a direct replacement of identi-cal capacity) be used.

    Once the power cord is connected, you arealmost ready to enjoy the AVR 5550s incrediblepower and fidelity!

    Installation and Connections

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    INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 19

    Installation and Connections

    Speaker Selection

    No matter which type or brand of speakers isused, the same model or brand of speakershould be used for the front-left, center andfront-right speakers. This creates a seamlessfront soundstage and eliminates the possibilityof distracting sonic disturbances that occur whena sound moves across mismatched front-channelspeakers.

    Speaker Placement

    The placement of speakers in a multichannelhome-theater system can have a noticeableimpact on the quality of sound reproduced.

    Depending on the type of center-channelspeaker in use and your viewing device, placethe center speaker either directly above or below

    your TV, or in the center behind a perforatedfront-projection screen.

    Once the center-channel speaker is installed,position the left-front and right-front speakers sothat they are as far away from one another asthe center-channel speaker is from the preferredlistening position. Ideally, the front-channelspeakers should be placed so that their tweetersare no more than 60cm above or below thetweeter in the center-channel speaker.

    They should also be at least 0.5 meter from yourTV set unless the speakers are magneticallyshielded to avoid colourings on the TV screen.

    Note that most speakers are not shielded, evenwith complete surround sets only the Centerspeaker may be.

    Depending on the specifics of your roomacoustics and the type of speakers in use, youmay find that imaging is improved by moving thefront-left and front-right speakers slightlyforward of the center-channel speaker. If

    possible, adjust all front loudspeakers so thatthey are aimed at ear height when you areseated in the listening position.

    Using these guidelines, youll find that it takessome experimentation to find the correctlocation for the front speakers in your particularinstallation. Dont be afraid to move thingsaround until the system sounds correct. Optimizeyour speakers so that audio transitions acrossthe front of the room sound smooth.

    When the AVR 5550 is used in 5.1-channel oper-ation, the preferred location for surround speak-ers is on the side walls of the room, at or slightly

    behind the listening position. In a 7.1-channelsystem, both side surround and back surroundspeakers are required.The center of the speakershould face you (see below).

    Rear surround speakers are required when a full7.1-channel system is installed, and they mayalso be used in 5.1 channel mode as an alterna-tive mounting position when it is not practical toplace the main surround speakers at the sides ofthe room. Speakers may be placed on a rearwall, behind the listening position.As with theside speakers, the center of the rear surroundsshould face you.The speakers should be no more

    than 2 meters behind the rear of the seatingarea.

    Subwoofers produce largely nondirectionalsound, so they may be placed almost anywherein a room. Actual placement should be based onroom size and shape and the type of subwooferused. One method of finding the optimallocation for a subwoofer is to begin by placing itin the front of the room, about 15cm from awall, or near the front corner of the room.Another method is to temporarily place thesubwoofer in the spot where you will normallysit, and then walk around the room until you

    find a spot where the subwoofer sounds best.Place the subwoofer in that spot. You shouldalso follow the instructions of the subwoofersmanufacturer, or you may wish to experimentwith the best location for a subwoofer in yourlistening room.

    Right FrontSpeaker

    Left FrontSpeaker

    No more than60cm

    Center Front Speaker

    A) Front Channel Speaker Installation withDirect-View TV Sets or Rear-Screen Projectors

    Center FrontSpeaker

    Optional Rear-Wall Mounting

    TV or Projection Screen

    Right FrontSpeaker

    Left FrontSpeaker

    Nomorethan2m

    whenrear-mounted

    speakersareused

    B) The distance between the left and rightspeakers should be equal to the distance fromthe seating position to the viewing screen.You may also experiment with placing the leftand right speakers slightly forward of the centerspeaker.Rear speaker mounting is an alternate locationfor 5.1 systems. It is required for 7.1 operation.

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    20 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

    System Configuration

    Once the speakers have been placed in the roomand connected, the remaining steps are to pro-gram the system configuration memories. Withthe AVR 5550 two kind of memories are used,those associated individually with the input

    selected, e.g. surround modes, and others work-ing globally for all inputs selected like speakeroutput levels, crossover frequencies or delaytimes used by the surround sound processor.

    First Turn On

    You are now ready to power up the AVR 5550 tobegin these final adjustments.

    1. Make certain that the AC power cord is firmlyinserted in to the AC Power cord RecepticleI and plug the cord into an unswitched ACoutlet. To maintian the unit's safety rating,DO NOT substitute the power cord for one with

    lower current capacity.

    2. Press the Main Power Switch1 in until itlatches and the word OFF on the top of theswitch disappears inside the front panel. Notethat the Power Indicator3 will turnorange, indicating that the unit is in theStandby mode.

    3. Remove the protective plastic film from themain front-panel lens. If left in place, the filmmay affect the performance of your remotecontrol.

    4. Install the three supplied AAA batteries in the

    remote as shown. Be certain to follow the (+)and () polarity indicators that are on the topof the battery compartment.

    5. Turn the AVR 5550 on either by pressing theSystem Power Control2 or the Input

    Source Selector% on the front panel, or viathe remote by pressing the Power On Button3, AVR Selector5 or any of the InputSelectors46 on the remote.The PowerIndicator3 will turn green to confirm thatthe unit is on, and the Main InformationDisplay will also light up.

    NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selectorbuttons4 to turn the unit on, press the AVRSelector5 to have the remote control the AVRfunctions.

    Using the On-Screen Display

    When making the following adjustments, you mayfind them easier to make via the units on-screendisplay system. These easy-to-read displays giveyou a clear picture of the current status of theunit and facilitate speaker, delay, input or digitalselection you are making.

    To view the on-screen displays, make certain youhave made a connection from the VideoMonitor OutjackB on the rear panel to thecomposite or S-Video input of your TV or projec-tor. In order to view the AVRs displays, the correctvideo input must be selected on your video dis-play. Note that the on-screen menus are notavailable when a component video display is inuse.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: When viewing the on-screen

    menus using a CRT-based projector, plasma displayor any direct-view CRT monitor or television, it isimportant that they not be left on the screen for anextended period of time.As with any video display,but particularly with projectors, constant display ofa static image such as these menus or video gameimages may cause the image to be permanentlyburned into the CRT.This type of damage is notcovered by the AVR 5550 warranty and may not becovered by the projector TV sets warranty.

    The AVR 5550 has two on-screen display modes,Semi-OSD and Full-OSD. When making con-figuration adjustments, it is recommended that

    the Full-OSD mode be used. This will place a com-plete status report or option listing on the screen,making it easier to view the available options andmake the settings on the screen.The Semi-OSDmode uses one-line displays only.

    Note that wh