Before you begin enjoying your new receiver, a few adjustments should be made to configure the AVR 145 to match your actual system.

Make sure that you have connected a video display to either the S- video or composite video monitor output on the receiver. When you turn on your display and the AVR, you should see a blue screen. A message may appear briefly at the bottom of the screen. This message is part of the on-screen display system, and is referred to as the “semi-OSD”. The semi-OSD is activated any time you send a command to the AVR, and any time the AVR detects a change in the incoming signal. Semi-OSD messages are overlaid on top of any video signal, so that you may con- tinue to watch your program while making adjustments to the AVR.

Although it’s possible to configure the AVR using only the remote and the semi-OSD messages, we recommend that you use the full-screen menu system, known as the “full OSD”.

Using the On-Screen Menu System

The full OSD system is accessed by pressing the OSD Button on the remote. While the full OSD system is in use, it isn’t possible to see any video programming. In addition, an OSD ON message will appear on the front panel of the receiver to remind you to use a video display.

Figure 34 – Navigation Buttons

The Master Menu will always be displayed when you first press the OSD Button. Use the ¤ Buttons on the remote to point the cursor to dif- ferent lines in the menu. Press the Set Button on the remote to select a line that has no setting to be adjusted, such as one of the submenus listed in the Master Menu, or a line that returns you to a previous menu. Within the submenus, after you have positioned the cursor at a particular line item, you will need to use the /Buttons on the remote to change a setting. When the desired setting appears, use the ¤ Buttons to navigate to another line item. Except for the TITLE setting in the INPUT SETUP menu, there is no need to press the Set Button after your desired setting appears.

NOTE: The /and Set Buttons on the front panel have no effect on the OSD system.

INITIAL SETUP

The Master Menu allows access to four submenus: Input Setup, Surround Select, Manual Setup and System Setup.

Figure 35 – Master Menu Screen

If you are an experienced home theater user, you may prefer to use the menus in this order:

1.System Setup (described in Advanced Functions section)

2.Manual Setup (described here and in Advanced Functions)

3.Input Setup (described in this section)

4.Surround Select (see Advanced Functions section)

However, we recommend that most users follow the instructions in this INITIAL SETUP section to configure a basic home theater system. You may return to these menus at any time to make additional adjustments.

This section requires that you complete all of the steps in the Installation section that apply to your receiver. You should have connected all of your loudspeakers and a video display, as well as your source devices. You should be able to turn on the receiver and view a blue screen on your video display. If necessary, reread the Installation Section before con- tinuing.

Step One – Determine Speaker Size

The AVR 145 can’t detect how many speakers you’ve connected to it; nor can it determine their capabilities. For this part of the system setup, you will need to consult the owner’s guide for each of your speakers. If you don’t have the guide, you may be able to obtain the speaker’s tech- nical specifications from the manufacturer’s Web site, or by contacting the manufacturer directly.

The specification you’re looking for is the frequency response, which is usually given as a range, e.g., 100Hz – 20kHz (±3dB). This specifica- tion tells you whether the speaker is able to play sounds that are very high- or low-pitched, represented by the high and low frequencies. We are concerned with the lowest frequency that each of your main speak- ers is capable of playing, which is 100Hz in this example, a respectable figure for a typical satellite speaker. Use the worksheets in the appendix to note this number as the crossover for that speaker (not the same as the crossover frequency listed in the speaker’s specifications).

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Harman-Kardon AVR 145 owner manual Initial Setup, Using the On-Screen Menu System, Step One Determine Speaker Size

AVR 145 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 145 is a compact yet powerful audio/video receiver designed to deliver an exceptional home theater experience. Launched to meet the needs of both music enthusiasts and movie lovers, the AVR 145 combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making it a popular choice for those seeking quality sound and versatility.

One of the standout features of the AVR 145 is its impressive power output. The receiver delivers up to 50 watts per channel at 8 ohms, allowing it to produce rich and immersive audio across various media formats. This output ensures that even the most bass-heavy soundtracks and delicate dialogue are rendered with clarity and precision, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Harman-Kardon is known for its commitment to quality sound, and the AVR 145 is no exception. It supports multiple audio formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS, which provide surround sound capabilities that make movies feel like a cinematic experience at home. The receiver also includes High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) inputs, supporting high-resolution video signals while simplifying connectivity between devices.

In terms of connectivity, the AVR 145 is equipped with several inputs and outputs, allowing users to connect multiple audio and video sources. It features composite video, component video, and multiple optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, making it compatible with various devices such as DVD players, game consoles, and media streaming devices. This versatility ensures that users can easily integrate the AVR 145 into their existing entertainment systems.

The user interface of the AVR 145 is thoughtfully designed, making it easy for users to navigate through settings and inputs. The built-in on-screen display offers a straightforward setup experience, and the remote control is intuitive for effortless operation. Additionally, the receiver includes a stereo mode for those who prefer a two-channel audio experience, catering to both modern surround sound setups and traditional stereo configurations.

Another notable characteristic of the AVR 145 is its compact design. With a sleek and elegant appearance, it fits seamlessly into any home entertainment setup without taking up excessive space. This aesthetic appeal, combined with its robust performance, positions the AVR 145 as a brilliant choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience without the bulk.

In summary, the Harman-Kardon AVR 145 stands out as a remarkable A/V receiver that combines powerful performance, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly design. Whether for movies, music, or gaming, it is an excellent addition to any home theater system, providing a reliable and high-quality audio experience for years to come.