Harman-Kardon AVR507 Surround Mode Types, Digital Bitstream Indicators, PCM Playback Indications

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Operation

Digital Bitstream Indicators

When a digital source is playing, the AVR senses the type of bitstream data that is present. Using this information, the correct surround mode will automatically be selected. For example, DTS bit- streams will cause the unit to switch to DTS decoding, and Dolby Digital bitstreams will enable Dolby Digital decoding. When the unit senses PCM data, from CDs and LDs and some music DVDs or certain tracks on normal DVDs, it will allow the appropriate surround mode to be select- ed manually. Since the range of available surround modes depends on the type of digital data that is present, the AVR uses a variety of indicators to let you know what type of signal is present. This will help you to understand the choice of modes and the input channels recorded on the disc.

When a digital source is playing, the AVR will display a variety of messages to indicate the type of bitstream received. These messages will appear shortly after an input or surround mode is changed, and will remain in the Main Information Display ˜ for about five seconds before the display returns to the normal surround mode indication.

Surround Mode Types

For Dolby Digital and DTS sources, a three digit indication will appear, showing the number of channels present in the data. An example of this type of display is 3/2/.1.

The first number indicates how many discrete front channel signals are present.

•A 3 tells you that separate front left, center and front right signals are available. This will be dis- played for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 pro- grams.

•A 2 tells you that separate front left and right signals are available, but there is no discrete center channel signal. This will be displayed for Dolby Digital bit streams that have stereo pro- gram material.

•A 1 tells you that there is only a mono channel available in the Dolby Digital bitstream.

The middle number indicates how many discrete surround channel signals are present.

•A 2 tells you that separate surround left and right signals are available. This will be displayed for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 programs.

•A 1 tells you that there is only a single, sur- round encoded surround channel. This will appear for Dolby Digital bit streams that have matrix encoding.

•A 0 indicates that there is no surround channel information. This will be displayed for two- channel stereo programs.

The last number indicates if there is a discrete

Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. This is the “.1” in the common abbreviation of “5.1” sound and it is a special channel that contains only bass frequencies.

•A .1 tells you that an LFE channel is present. This will be displayed for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 programs, as available.

•A 0 indicates that there is no LFE channel infor- mation available. However, even when there is no dedicated LFE channel, low frequency sound will be present at the subwoofer output when the speaker configuration is set to show the presence of subwoofer.

When Dolby Digital 3/2/.1 or DTS 3/2/.1 signals are being played, the AVR will automatically switch to the proper surround mode, and no other processing may be selected. When a Dolby Digital signal with a 3/1/0 or 2/0/0 signal is detected you may select any of the Dolby sur- round modes.

It is always a good idea to check the readout for the channel data to make certain that it matches the audio logo information shown on the back of a DVD package. In some cases you will see indi- cation for “2/0/0” even when the disc contains a full 5.1, or 3/2/.1 signal. When this happens, check the audio output settings for your DVD player or the audio menu selections for the spe- cific disc being played to make certain that the player is sending the correct signal to the AVR.

PCM Playback Indications

PCM is the abbreviation for Pulse Code Modulation, which is the type of digital signal used for standard CD playback, and other non- Dolby Digital and non-DTS digital sources such as Mini-Disc. When a PCM signal is detected, the Main Information Display ˜ will briefly show a message with the letters PCM, in addition to a readout of the sampling frequency of the digital signal.

In most cases this will be 48 KHZ, though in the case of specially mastered, high-resolution audio discs you will see a 96 KHZ indication.

The PCM 48 KHZ indication will also appear when modes or inputs are changed for analog sources. In those cases the system is telling you the sampling frequency used internally at the output of the analog-to-digital converters that change the incoming signal from a VCR, tape deck, the tuner, or other ana-log source to digital.

Speaker/Channel Indicators

In addition to the Bitstream Indicators, the AVR features a set of unique channel-input indicators that tell you how many channels of digital information are being received and/or whether the digital signal is interrupted.

(See Figure 9).

Figure 9

These indicators are the L/C/R/LFE/SL/SR/SBL/SBR letters that are inside the center boxes of the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators $ in the front panel Main Information Display ˜. When a standard analog stereo or matrix surround signal is in use, only the “L” and “R” indicators will light, as analog signals have only left and right channels.

Digital signals, however, may have one, two, five, six or seven separate channels, depending on the program material, the method of transmission and the way in which it was encoded. When a digital signal is playing, the letters in these indicators will light in response to the specific signal being received. It is important to note that although Dolby Digital, for example, is referred to as a “5.1” system, not all Dolby Digital DVDs or audio tracks selected on DVD or other Dolby Digital programs are encoded for 5.1. Thus, it is sometimes normal for a DVD with a Dolby Digital soundtrack to trigger only the “L” and “R” indicators.

NOTE: Many DVD discs are recorded with both “5.1” and “2.0” versions of the same sound- track. When playing a DVD, always be certain to check the type of material on the disc. Most discs show this information in the form of a listing or icon on the back of the disc jacket. When a disc does offer multiple soundtrack choices, you may have to make some adjustments to your DVD player (usually with the “Audio Select” button or in a menu screen on the disc) to send a full 5.1 feed to the AVR or to select the appropriate audio track and thus language. It is also possible for the type of signal feed to change during the course of a DVD playback. In some cases the pre- views of special material will only be recorded in

2.0audio, while the main feature is available in

5.1audio. As long as your DVD player is set for 6-channel output, the AVR will automatically

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Contents AVR507 Limited Edition Audio/Video Receiver Table of Contents Declaration of ConformityFront panel analog A/V inputs Description and FeaturesIntroduction Unpacking Safety InformationImportant Safety Information Front Panel Controls Information on digital audio # Preset Stations Selector Press thisDigital Input Selector When playing a Rear Panel Connections Digital Audio Outputs Connect theseUnswitched Outlet + and negative terminalsMain Remote Control Functions Channel/8 Channel Direct Input See page 32 for more informationMovies Zone II Remote Control Functions ∆ Play Forward/Reverse/Stop ˚ MuteVideo Equipment Connections Installation and ConnectionsAudio Equipment Connections Scart A/V Connections Video Input jacksVideo Connection Notes Important Note for Adapter CablesIf you use a unit providing RGB signals on a Important Note for the Use SCART-Cinch AdaptersSystem and Power Connections Main Room Remote Control ExtensionAC Power Connections Multiroom IR LinkSpeaker Placement Speaker SelectionSystem Configuration Using the On-Screen DisplaySystem Setup First Turn OnSet Button Fto bring up the Speaker Setup menu Figure Input SetupSpeaker Setup Surround Within five seconds, either press the ‹/› buttons ¤ Button Dso that the cursor is next to Surround SetupOr 6.1/7.1 speaker output configuration is in use Configuring the Surround Off Stereo Modes Stereo-Direct Bypass ModeStereo-Digital Mode Delay SettingsNight Mode Settings Output Level AdjustmentUsing EzSet Speaker/Channel IndicatorsSo that on is highlighted When all channels have the same output level Sensor and Indicator offUp the Volume until you can hear the test noise clearly Surround Mode Chart OperationNo delay available Mix of the in-phase material of the left and right channelsNo surround channels But no surround speakersChannel/8-Channel Direct Input Basic OperationSource Selection Surround Mode Selection Volume Up/Down ButtonsDigital Audio Playback Dolby DigitalPCM Audio Playback Selecting a Digital SourceSurround Mode Types Digital Bitstream IndicatorsAudio, while the main feature is available PCM Playback IndicationsOutput Level Adjustment With Source Signals Night ModeNormal output level adjustment for Tape RecordingMemory Backup Indicator SelectIndicator off Select to activate the sensorAdvanced Features Turn On Volume LevelDisplay Brightness Surround Back/Multiroom SpeakerAdvanced Features / Multiroom Operation Semi-OSD SettingsFull-OSD Time Out Adjustment InstallationMultiroom Setup Multiroom OperationMultiroom Operation If the Remote IR Output jackTuner Operation Basic Tuner OperationRDS Tuning RDS OperationRDS Display Options Program Search PTYProgramming the Remote with Codes Direct Code EntryTurn on the unit you wish to program into the AVR remote Must be repeated firstMacro Programming Programming the RemoteCode Readout Channel Control Punch-Through Volume Punch-ThroughProgrammed Device Functions Resetting the Remote Memory Function List SPLAVR DVD Troubleshooting Guide Processor ResetPower Switch 1 is pushed Remote sensor ¯ is obscuredTechnical Specifications Harman Consumer International

AVR507 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR507 is a distinguished audio/video receiver that stands out in the realm of home entertainment systems. Launched in the early 2000s, the AVR507 quickly gained a reputation for its powerful performance, elegant design, and advanced feature set.

At the heart of the AVR507 is its robust amplifier section, delivering a substantial output power of 70 watts per channel across seven channels. This ensures immersive surround sound experiences that bring movies, music, and games to life with clarity and depth. The receiver supports various surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS, enabling users to enjoy cinematic audio quality right in their living room.

One of the key highlights of the AVR507 is its remarkable multi-zone capabilities. Users can setup different audio zones throughout their home, making it possible to play distinct audio sources in separate areas. This can be especially beneficial for larger homes or entertaining spaces where various preferences for music or audio may exist.

The AVR507 also boasts a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. With multiple HDMI inputs, component video, and optical audio inputs, it accommodates a wide range of devices, from Blu-ray players to gaming consoles. It also features an integrated AM/FM tuner, allowing users to enjoy their favorite radio stations without the need for additional equipment.

In terms of user experience, the receiver employs an intuitive on-screen graphical user interface, facilitating easy navigation through menus and settings. The included remote control offers convenient access to all of the AVR507's features, making for a smooth and user-friendly operation.

Another noteworthy technology within the AVR507 is its built-in digital signal processing (DSP), which enhances audio playback by optimizing sound quality based on the specific setup and speaker configuration. This ensures that whether you are watching a high-octane action film or listening to a subtle acoustic track, the audio remains balanced and rich.

The AVR507 also incorporates high-quality DACs (digital-to-analog converters) that are crucial for exceptional audio fidelity. The result is a receiver that not only excels in power and performance but also provides a refined listening experience.

In summary, the Harman-Kardon AVR507 is a versatile and powerful audio/video receiver that embodies a blend of advanced technology, user-centric design, and superb performance. Its multitude of features makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience.
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