ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

Dolby Surround Settings

In addition to the MODE line, the DOLBY SURROUND submenu includes three settings that are active only when the Dolby Pro Logic II Music mode has been selected.

Figure 66 – Dolby Surround Menu Screen

CENTER WIDTH: This setting affects how vocals sound through the three front speakers. A higher number (up to 7) focuses the vocal infor- mation tightly on the center channel. Lower numbers broaden the vocal soundstage across the three speakers.

DIMENSION: This setting affects the depth of the surround presenta- tion, allowing you to “move” the sound toward the front or rear of the room. The setting of “0” is a neutral default. Setting “F-3” moves the sound mostly toward the front of the room, while setting “R-3” moves the sound mostly toward the rear.

PANORAMA: With the Panorama mode turned ON, some of the sound from the front speakers is moved to the surround speakers, creating an enveloping “wraparound” type of effect.

Night Mode

Night mode is available with some Dolby Digital programs, if it has been encoded in the material. It compresses the peak sound levels, maintain- ing the intelligibility of the dialogue and quieter passages, while reducing the loudness of special effects and louder passages to avoid disturbing others. Three levels of compression are available:

OFF: At this setting, there is no compression, as the Night mode is deactivated.

MID: A mild compression is applied.

MAX: More compression is applied.

We suggest that you experiment with the modes to find a setting that meets your needs.

The Night mode may also be adjusted without using the full-OSD menu system. With a Dolby Digital program encoded with Night mode playing, press the Night Button on the remote. Each press of the button will cycle through the three settings, with the selected setting being dis- played on the front panel and in the semi-OSD display.

Upsampling

The last line of the Surround Select menu activates upsampling, only available with the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie, Dolby Pro Logic II Music and Dolby Pro Logic modes. Normally set to OFF, upsampling, when activat- ed, processes digital sources at a higher resolution for improved sound quality. This feature can be useful to eliminate distortion in some low- resolution sources.

Default Modes

During initial use or after a processor reset, the AVR 145 will default to the Logic 7 Music mode for all analog and PCM audio inputs. Subse- quently, when a source input is selected and an analog or PCM signal is received, the AVR will switch to the last surround mode used for that source input/incoming signal combination.

Whenever a multichannel Dolby Digital or DTS signal is detected, the AVR 145 will automatically switch to that mode, unless the DEFAULT SURR MODE setting in the System Setup menu has been changed to OFF. You may observe that other surround modes are available for use with the multi- channel digital bitstreams. If you would prefer the AVR 145 to use one of those alternate modes any time the same digital signal is detected, then select that mode while the multichannel bitstream is present, and then change the DEFAULT SURR MODE setting in the System Setup menu to OFF.

Table 5 – Surround Modes

Surround Mode

Description

 

Incoming Bitstream or Signal

 

 

 

 

 

Dolby Digital

Provides up to five separate main audio channels and a dedicated

 

• Dolby Digital 1/0/.0 or .1, 2/0/.0 or .1,

 

low-frequency effects (LFE) channel. May be encoded for Night mode,

 

3/0/.0 or .1, 2/1/.0 or .1, 2/2/.0 or .1,

 

which allows the user to apply a compression setting that maintains

 

3/2/.0 or .1

 

intelligibility of softer passages while reducing the loudness of dynamic

 

• Dolby Digital EX (played as 5.1)

 

passages to avoid disturbing others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dolby Digital Stereo

Delivers a two-channel downmix of Dolby Digital materials.

 

• Dolby Digital 1/0/.0 or .1, 2/0/.0 or .1,

 

 

 

3/0/.0 or .1, 2/1/.0 or .1, 2/2/.0 or .1,

 

 

 

3/2/.0 or .1

 

 

 

• Dolby Digital EX

 

 

 

 

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Harman-Kardon AVR 145 owner manual Dolby Surround Settings, Night Mode, Upsampling, Default Modes
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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.
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