Harman-Kardon AVR 8500 owner manual Speaker/Channel Indicators, Off, Eand adjust to accommodate it

Page 36

Operation

Speaker/Channel Indicators

In addition to the Bitstream Indicators, the AVR features a set of unique channel-input indi- cators 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 Ein the front panel Main Information Display ˆ. When a standard analog stereo or matrix sur- round signal is in use, only the “L” and “R” indi- cators will light, as analog signals have only left and right channels.

Dolby Digital signals, however, may have one, two, five, six or seven separate channels, depend- ing on the program material, the method of transmission and the way in which it was encod- ed. When a digital signal is playing, the letters in these indicators will light in response to the spe- cific 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 sense changes to the bitstream and channel count and reflect them in these indicators.

Important Note: When a digital surround source (Dolby Digital, DTS) is played, the letters SBL/SBR for the Surround Back channels will appear only when a DTS ES DISCRETE 6.1 source is played. Then this surround mode will be indi- cated in the Lower Display Line Bon the front panel. With all other recordings the icons for the surround back speakers may light (when those speakers have been configured) to indicate that a signal will be fed to them but no letters inside will light as the unit will not receive an input signal for the surround back channels.

The letters used by the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators Ealso flash to indicate when a bit- stream has been interrupted. This will happen when a digital input source is selected before the playback starts, or when a digital source such as a DVD is put into a Pause mode. The flashing indicators remind you that the playback has stopped due to the absence of a digital signal and not through any fault of the AVR. This is nor- mal, and the digital playback will resume once the playback is started again.

Night Mode

A special feature of Dolby Digital is the Night mode, which enables Dolby Digital input sources to be played back with full digital intelligibilty while reducing the maximum peak level and lifting the low levels by 1/4 to 1/3. This prevents abruptly loud transitions from disturbing others without reducing the impact of the digital source. The Night mode is available only when the Dolby Digital mode is selected.

The Night mode may be engaged when the Dolby Digital Surround mode is selected by press- ing the Night Button Bon the remote. Next, press the ⁄/¤ buttons Dto select either the middle range or full compression versions of the Night mode. To turn the Night mode off, press the ⁄/¤ buttons Duntil the message in the lower third of the video display and in the Lower Display Line Breads D-RANGE

OFF.

The Night mode may also be selected to always be on as soon as the Dolby Digital mode is acti- vated at either level of compression using the options in the DOLBY menu. See page 26 for information on using the menus to set this option.

IMPORTANT NOTES ON DIGITAL PLAYBACK:

•When the digital playback source is stopped, or in a pause, fast forward or chapter search mode, the digital audio data will momentarily stop, and the channel position letters inside the Speaker/ Channel Indicators Ewill flash. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with either the AVR or the source machine. The AVR will return to digital playback as soon as the data is avail- able and when the machine is in a standard play mode.

•Although the AVR will decode virtually all DVD movies, CDs and HDTV sources, it is possible that some future digital sources may not be compatible with the AVR.

•Note that not all digitally encoded programs and not all audio tracks on a DVD contain full

5.1 or 6.1 channel audio. Consult the program guide that accompanies the DVD or laser disc to determine which type of audio has been record- ed on the disc. The AVR will automatically sense the type of digital surround encoding used, indi- cate it in the Surround Mode/Bitstream Indicators ¯and Channel Input Indicators

Eand adjust to accommodate it.

•When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is playing, you normally may not be able to select some of the analog surround modes such as Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby 3 Stereo, Hall, Theater, 5CH/7CH Stereo or Logic 7, except with specific Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings that can be played with the Pro Logic II modes too (see page 35).

•When a digital source is playing, it is not possi- ble to make an analog recording using the Tape

or Video 1 or Video 2 record outputs, if the source is connected to any digital input of the AVR only. But the analog two channel signal of that source, the ”Downmix” to Stereo or Dolby Surround, can be recorded by connecting its analog audio outputs to the appropriate ana- log inputs (e.g. DVD) of the AVR, even if the digital input of the AVR remains selected. Additionally, the digital signals will be passed through to the Digital Audio Outputs

(Ô.

36OPERATION

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Contents Power for the Digital Revolution AVR 8500 Audio/ Video ReceiverTable of Contents Declaration of ConformityDescription and Features IntroductionHdcd Decoding for Superb CD Playback IntroductionSafety Information Important Safety InformationUnpacking Power Indicator #Preset Station Selector Headphone Jack $Stereo Mode Selector /› ButtonHome THX Mode Selector Press this Front Panel ControlsDTS-ES 6.1 Discrete DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix DTS + NEO6To select between the Optical Coaxial ÓMulti Indicator Auto Indicator Front Panel Information DisplayFront Panel Information Display Rear Panel Connections Channel Direct Inputs If an externalRear Panel Connections Unswitched Outlet Power Off Button Program/SPL IndicatorPower On Button Surround Mode SelectorMain Remote Control Functions Channel Direct InputsMain Remote Control Functions Main Remote Control Functions Zone II Remote Control Functions ∆ Play Forward/Reverse/Stop ˚ MuteInstallation and Connections Audio Equipment ConnectionsVideo Equipment Connections Scart A/V Connections Component Video Inputs . Note that evenVideo Connection Notes Important Note for Adapter CablesImportant Note for the Use SCART-Cinch Adapters Also other colours possible, e.g. brown and greySystem and Power Connections Speaker Placement AC Power ConnectionSpeaker Selection System Configuration Using the On-Screen DisplaySystem Configuration First Turn OnInput Setup Speaker Setup ¤ Button Dto begin the speaker configura- tion processOptional, external power amplifiers Front panel orSurround SubwooferOn the remote so that Sublfe appears in the on-screen menu Surround Setup Within five seconds, either press ⁄/¤ buttonsTHX Surround EX and DTS Settings Independent of the Input Selected Adjustments for Other InputsDelay Settings Night Mode Settings Output Level AdjustmentOn the remote. Then press the ⁄/¤ buttons To select the DOLBYmenu see figUsing EzSet Press and hold the SPL Indicator SelectTurn off the OSD system if it is in use So that on is highlightedSensor and Indicator off When all channels have the same output levelMenu Bass Peak Limiter Surround Mode Chart OperationDolby 3 Stereo TheaterHall OFF StereoControls and Use of Headphones Basic OperationSource Selection Surround Mode Selection One of the most important featuresDigital Audio Playback Until Surr OFF appears in the Main Information Display ˆDolby Digital Dolby Digital Surround EXPCM Audio Playback MP3 Audio PlaybackDigital Bitstream Indicators Selecting a Digital SourceSpeaker/Channel Indicators Eand adjust to accommodate itOFF Output Level Adjustment With Source Signals Indicator SelectIndicator off Tape RecordingMemory Backup Channel/8-Channel Direct InputTo change the output level Will not functionAdvanced Features Speaker ResetTurn On Volume Level Advanced FeaturesSemi-OSD Settings Full-OSD Time Out AdjustmentInstallation Multiroom SetupMultiroom Operation Multiroom OperationTuner Operation Basic Tuner OperationRDS Operation Time. When the Program/SPL Indicator Programming the Remote with CodesDirect Code Entry Auto-Search MethodProgramming the Remote Code ReadoutLearning Codes from a Remote Erasing Learned CodesErasing Macro Commands Macro ProgrammingPress the AVR Selector Volume Punch-Through Programmed Device FunctionsRemote With Other Devices 4and the Mute buttonChannel Control Punch-Through Selector buttonResetting the Remote Memory Function List Function ListPower On Power Off Mute TV Select Channel + Power On Power Off VID 3 Select Channel +Scan Scan + Rewind Play Fast Fwd Record Stop Pause Prev Channel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ClearTroubleshooting Guide Processor ResetTroubleshooting Guide Technical Specifications Harman Consumer International

AVR 8500 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 8500 is a high-performance audio/video receiver designed for enthusiasts who demand exceptional sound quality and advanced features. This model is part of the premium AVR line and has become a respected staple in home theater setups since its introduction.

One of the standout features of the AVR 8500 is its robust amplification system. With a powerful output of 120 watts per channel, it drives even the most demanding speakers and ensures a dynamic audio experience. The receiver supports a variety of surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, and THX Surround EX, delivering an immersive listening experience for movies, games, and music.

The AVR 8500 also showcases a range of advanced processing technologies that enhance audio fidelity. Harman-Kardon’s proprietary Logic 7 processing allows for the seamless upmixing of stereo content to surround sound, providing a richer soundscape. Additionally, the integration of the latest HDMI inputs ensures that high-definition audio and video signals can be transmitted without degradation in quality. This model typically includes multiple HDMI ports, along with support for 4K video passthrough, making it an ideal choice for modern home theater configurations.

In terms of connectivity, the AVR 8500 offers versatility, featuring multiple analog and digital audio inputs, a variety of video connections, and even network capabilities for streaming music from popular services directly. The receiver often comes equipped with advanced room correction technologies, such as Harman’s proprietary room setup and calibration system, which helps to optimize sound quality based on the specific characteristics of your listening environment.

Another notable characteristic of the Harman-Kardon AVR 8500 is its user-friendly interface. The intuitive on-screen setup allows users to easily configure their audio and video settings, making it accessible not only for seasoned audiophiles but also for those new to home theater systems.

A sleek design further complements its high-performance capabilities, ensuring that the AVR 8500 not only performs well but also looks great in any entertainment setup. The combination of its advanced technological features, extensive connectivity options, and impressive sound quality makes the Harman-Kardon AVR 8500 a premier choice for anyone seeking to elevate their home audio experience.
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