Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 MP 3 DSP mode found in the new, Selecting a Digital Source, See Figure

Page 34

Operation

To take advantage of the AVR 5550’s MP3 capa- bilities, simply connect the digital (SPDIF) output of a computer sound card able to feed the MP3 format to its digital output, or the digital (SPDIF) output of MP3 compatible CD or DVD players or of a portable MP3 player with a digital output to

either the rear panel Digital Inputs or the front panel Digital Inputs *Ó.

NOTES:

•The AVR 5550 is only capable of playing signals in the MP3 (MPEG 1/Layer 3) format. It is not compatible with other computer audio codecs.

•The MP 3 DSP mode found in the new

AVR 5550 requires an MP3 SPDIF stream. Presently, only a few units provide this but in the coming generations of motherboards and operating system updates this will follow, since SPDIF is the standard for audio & video hardware.

•The digital audio input signal may be either optical or coaxial, but the signal must be in the MP3 SPDIF format. Direct connection of USB or serial data outputs is not possible, even though the signals are in the MP3 format. If you have any questions about the data output format from your computer or a sound card, check with the device’s Owner’s Manual or contact the manufacturer’s technical support area.

•If your computer or sound card’s digital output is not capable of direct connection to the AVR or if the output is not capable of delivering MP3 data stream, you may use an optional, external transcoder, such as those available from Harman Kardon to convert the USB output of a computer to a format compatible with the AVR. Contact your Harman Kardon dealer for additional details.

Selecting a Digital Source

To utilize either digital mode you must have properly connected a digital source to the

AVR 5550. Connect the digital outputs from DVD players, HDTV receivers, satellite systems or CD players to the Optical or Coaxial inputs on the rear or front panel *Ó. In order to provide a backup signal and a source for analog stereo recording, the analog outputs provided on digital source equipment should also be connected to their appropriate inputs on the AVR 5550 rear panel (e.g., connect the analog stereo audio output from a DVD to the DVD Audio inputs on the rear panel when you connect the source’s digital outputs).

To select a digital source such as DVD, first select its input using the remote or front panel Input Selector 4% as outlined in this manual in order to feed its video signal (if any) to the TV monitor and to provide its analog audio signal for recording. When the digital input associated with the input selected (e.g. “DVD”) is not selected automatically (due to the input settings made

earlier during the system configuration, see page 21), select the digital source by pressing the Digital Input Selector button GÛ and then using the ⁄/¤ buttons Don the remote or the Selector buttons 7$ on the front panel to choose any of the OPTICAL or COAXIAL inputs, as they appear in the Upper Display Line A or on-screen display.

When the digital source is playing, the AVR 5550 will automatically detect whether it is a multi- channel Dolby Digital or DTS source or a HDCD, MP3 or conventional PCM signal, which is the standard output from CD players.

Note that a digital input (e.g. coaxial) remains associated with any analog input (e.g. DVD) as soon as it is selected, thus the digital input need not be re-selected each time the appropriate input choice (e.g. DVD) is made.

Digital Bitstream Indicators

When a digital source is playing, the AVR 5550 senses the type of bitstream data that is present. Using this information, the correct surround mode will automatically be selected. For example, DTS bitstreams 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 5550 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.

To help you see which type of digital source is playing, the Surround Mode Indicators ˘ in combination with the Information Display ˜ also serve as bitstream indications to show which type of bitstream is present, as well as the sur- round mode in use, if applicable.

DOLBY D: When the green LED next to the Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital EX mode is lit, a Dolby Digital bitstream is being received.

Depending on the audio track selected on the source player and number of channels on the disc, different surround modes are possible. Note that only one channel without subwoofer, called ”1.0” audio, or all five channels with subwoofer (”5.1” audio) or all steps between can be record- ed on digitally surround encoded audio tracks (see NOTE below). With all those tracks, except ”2.0” audio, only the Dolby Digital and VMAx modes are available. When the Dolby Digital sig- nal is only two channel (”2.0”) these two chan- nels (l and r) often contain Pro Logic surround informations.

With those tracks the AVR 5550 automatically switches to the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode (in addition to the Dolby Digital mode), but you may also select the Vmax mode. When the D.D. 2.0 signal contains no Pro Logic information, the pure Dolby Digital mode will be selected auto- matically, but you may also select any Pro Logic II mode (only Music or Emulation should be used then) or any Vmax mode.

DTS: When the green LED next to the DTS logo is lit, a DTS bitstream is being received. When the unit senses this type of data, only the applicable mode may be used.

PCM: When the green LED next to the word DIGITAL is lit, a standard Pulse Code Modulation, or PCM, signal is being received. This is the type of digital audio used by conventional compact disc and laser disc recordings. When a PCM bitstream is present, all modes except Dolby Digital and DTS are available.

®

:When the letters HDCD appear on the Lower Display Line B in conjunction with the PCM indicator, the CD that is playing is encoded using the special High Definition Compatible Digital® process. HDCD® discs use

20-bit encoding and other proprietary processing to provide the ultimate in CD listening. Note that HDCD processing is only available in the Stereo (Surround Off) mode.

MP3: When MP3 appears on the Lower Display Line B, a compatible MPEG 1/Layer 3 digital signal is being received. This is the popular audio format used by many computer programs for recording compressed audio files. When an MP3 bitstream is present, the sound will automatically be played in the stereo (Surround Off) mode. The surround modes are not available during MP3 playback.

Speaker/Channel Indicators

In addition to the Bitstream Indicators, the AVR 5550 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

34OPERATION

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Contents Power for the Digital Revolution AVR 5550 Audio/ Video ReceiverTable of Contents Declaration of ConformityIntroduction Description and FeaturesFront panel analog A/V inputs, switch- able to outputs Variety of modes and two modes of VMAxImportant Safety Information Safety InformationUnpacking Front Panel Controls For more information See page 40 for more information on tuning stationsCoaxial Ó To select between the OpticalMulti Indicator Auto Indicator Front Panel Information DisplayRear Panel Connections Digital Audio Outputs Connect theseSwitched Outlet AC Power Cord Jack Connect the AC Video source selected by the receiver’s video switcherUnswitched Outlet + and negative terminalsRear Panel Connections Direct Button K Tuning Up/Down Main Remote Control FunctionsLogic 7 Mode Select Button P Transport Controls Channel/8 Channel Direct Input Movies Zone II Remote Control Functions ∆ Play Forward/Reverse/Stop ˚ MuteAudio Equipment Connections Installation and ConnectionsVideo Equipment Connections Scart A/V Connections RGB signals can be pathed through If you use a unit providing RGB signals on aImportant Note for the Use SCART-Cinch Adapters System and Power Connections Speaker Placement Speaker SelectionSystem Setup System ConfigurationUsing the On-Screen Display First Turn OnInput Setup Speaker SetupSurround Subwoofer Surround Setup Night Mode Settings Adjustments for Other InputsDelay Settings To call up the menuUsing EzSet Output Level AdjustmentPress and hold the SPL Indicator Select Sensor and Indicator off So that on is highlightedUp the Volume until you can hear the test noise clearly Surround Mode Chart OperationNo surround channels No delay availableMix of the in-phase material of the left and right channels But no surround speakersSource Selection Basic OperationChannel/8-Channel Direct Input Volume Up/Down Buttons Controls and Use of HeadphonesSurround Mode Selection One of the most important featuresPCM Audio Playback Digital Audio PlaybackDolby Digital MP3 Audio PlaybackSpeaker/Channel Indicators MP 3 DSP mode found in the newDigital Bitstream Indicators Selecting a Digital SourceFront Panel In/Outputs Night ModeTape Recording Or 2 OutputsMemory Backup Output Level Adjustment With Source SignalsIndicator Select Surround Amplifier Channel Assignment Advanced FeaturesTurn On Volume Level Display BrightnessFull-OSD Time Out Adjustment Advanced Features / Multiroom OperationSemi-OSD Settings InstallationRS-232 Control Multiroom SetupMultiroom Operation Multiroom OperationBasic Tuner Operation Tuner OperationRDS Operation RDS station Program Search PTYIf the unit you wish to program into Programming the Remote with CodesDirect Code Entry Must be repeated firstLearning Codes from a Remote Programming the RemoteCode Readout Erasing Learned CodesMacro Programming Erasing Macro CommandsPress the AVR Selector Remote With Other Devices Volume Punch-ThroughProgrammed Device Functions 4and the Mute buttonChannel Control Punch-Through Selector buttonResetting the Remote Memory Function List Scan Scan + Rewind Play Fast Fwd Record Stop Pause Power On Power Off Mute TV Select Channel +Power On Power Off VID 3 Select Channel + Prev Channel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ClearPower Switch 1 is pushed Troubleshooting GuideProcessor Reset Remote sensor ¯ is obscuredTechnical Specifications Harman Consumer International

AVR 5550 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 is a highly regarded audio/video receiver that embodies a perfect blend of power, performance, and versatility. Designed for the discerning home theater enthusiast, this model delivers a remarkable audio-visual experience with its robust set of features and cutting-edge technologies.

One of the standout characteristics of the AVR 5550 is its impressive power output. With 100 watts per channel across seven channels, it is capable of driving a wide range of speakers with clarity and authority. The amplifier section employs Harman-Kardon's legendary technology to ensure low distortion and a dynamic listening experience. This level of power allows users to experience immersive sound in their home theaters, making it ideal for movie nights and music playback alike.

Equipped with a variety of connectivity options, the AVR 5550 is designed to integrate seamlessly with modern audio and video sources. The receiver features numerous HDMI inputs to accommodate multiple devices, including Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Additionally, it provides optical and coaxial digital inputs, as well as analog inputs for older equipment. This comprehensive set of connectivity options ensures that users can enjoy a wide range of media without the hassle of frequently switching cables.

The AVR 5550 also includes advanced surround sound processing technologies, like Dolby Digital and DTS, which contribute to its ability to create an enveloping soundstage. The integration of Harman-Kardon’s own Logic 7 technology enhances the audio experience by utilizing multi-channel processing to extract the best sound from stereo and multi-channel sources alike.

In terms of design, the AVR 5550 sports a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits well into any home theater setup. The intuitive user interface and remote control make it easy for users to navigate settings and choose their desired audio modes. The receiver also features a built-in AM/FM tuner, expanding its functionality beyond just home theater use.

Lastly, the AVR 5550 emphasizes user-friendly features such as on-screen displays and programmable presets, allowing personal preferences to be easily adjusted. Whether for casual listening or full-fledged cinematic experiences, the Harman-Kardon AVR 5550 stands out as a dependable and high-quality option that caters to all audiovisual needs. Its fusion of power, versatility, and advanced technologies makes it a favorite among audio enthusiasts around the world.
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