INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER

The AVR 146 may be the first multichannel surround sound receiver you have owned. Although it has more connections and features than two-channel receivers, many of the principles are similar and the new concepts are easy to understand. This introductory section will help you to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts, which will make setup and operation smoother.

If you are already familiar with home theater, you may skip this section and proceed to the Connections section on page 16.

Typical Home Theater System

A home theater typically includes your audio/video receiver, which controls the system; a DVD player; a source component for television broadcasts, which may be a cable box, a satellite dish receiver, an HDTV tuner or simply an antenna connected to the TV; a video display (televi- sion); and loudspeakers.

All of these components are connected by various types of cables for audio and video signals.

Multichannel Audio

The main benefit of a home theater system is that several loudspeakers are used in various locations around the room to produce “surround sound.” Surround sound immerses you in the musical or film presentation for increased realism.

The AVR 146 may have up to five speakers connected directly to it (plus a subwoofer). Each speaker is powered by its own amplifier channel inside the receiver. When more than two speakers are used, it is called a multichannel system.

Front Left and Right – The main speakers are used the same way as in a two-channel system. However, you may notice that in many surround modes, these speakers are used more for ambient sound while the main action, especially dialogue, is moved to the center speaker.

Center – The center speaker is usually placed above or below the video screen, and is used mostly for dialogue in movies and television programs. This placement allows the dialogue to originate near the actors’ faces, for a more natural sound.

Surround Left and Right – The surround speakers are used to improve directionality of ambient sounds. In addition, by using more loudspeakers in the system, more dynamic soundtracks may be played without risk of overloading any one speaker.

Many people expect the surround speakers to play as loudly as the front speakers. Although all of the speakers in the system will be calibrated to sound equally loud at the listening position, most artists use the surround speakers for ambient effects only, and they program their materials to steer very little sound to these speakers.

Subwoofer – A subwoofer is a special-purpose speaker designed to play only the lowest frequencies (the bass). It may be used to augment smaller, limited-range satellite speakers used for the other channels. In addition, many digital-format programs, such as movies

recorded in Dolby Digital, contain a special low-frequency effects (LFE) channel which is directed only to the subwoofer. The LFE channel packs the punch of a rumbling train or airplane, or the power of an explosion, adding realism and excitement to your home theater. Many people use two subwoofers, placed on the left and right sides of the room, for additional power and even distribution of the sound.

Surround Modes

There are different theories as to the best way to present surround sound and to distribute soundtrack information among the various speakers. A variety of algorithms have been developed in an effort to accurately reproduce the way we hear sounds in the real world. The result is a rich variety of surround mode options. Some modes are selected automatically, depending on the signal being received from the source. In many cases, you may select a surround mode manually.

Several companies have taken surround sound in slightly differing directions. It is helpful to group the numerous surround modes either by their brand name, or by using a generic name:

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Modes – Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Virtual Speaker, Dolby Headphone

DTS Modes – DTS, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24

Harman International (Harman Kardon’s Parent Company) – Logic 7

DSP Modes – Generic modes that include Hall 1, Hall 2 and Theater

Stereo Modes – Generic modes that expand upon conventional two- channel stereo, including DSP Surround Off, Analog Bypass Surround Off and 5-Channel Stereo

Table 5 on pages 43 – 44 contains detailed explanations of the differences between the various mode groups, and the mode options available within each group. Digital modes, such as Dolby Digital and DTS, are only available with specially encoded programs, such as DVDs and digital television. Other modes may be used with various digital and analog signals to create a different surround presentation, or to use a different number of speakers. Surround mode selection depends upon the number of speakers in your system, the materials you are watching or listening to, and your personal tastes.

Feel free to experiment.

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Harman-Kardon AVR 146 Introduction to Home Theater, Surround Modes, Typical Home Theater System, Multichannel Audio

AVR 146 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 146 is a versatile audio-video receiver designed to elevate home entertainment experiences. A product of the renowned Harman-Kardon brand, this receiver combines advanced audio technologies, user-friendly features, and sleek design, making it a popular choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the standout characteristics of the AVR 146 is its power output. It delivers 50 watts per channel across seven channels, allowing it to easily drive a wide range of speakers while ensuring that dynamic soundscapes are reproduced with clarity and depth. This capability makes it suitable for both movies and music, enhancing the overall auditory experience in home theater setups.

The AVR 146 supports high-definition audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. These formats provide lossless sound quality, allowing listeners to appreciate every nuance of their favorite films and albums. The receiver's support for a 7.1 channel layout enriches movie nights with a surround sound experience, drawing viewers deeper into the action.

Connectivity is another key feature of the AVR 146. It is equipped with multiple HDMI inputs, allowing users to connect several high-definition devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. This ensures that users can enjoy high-quality audio and video without the need for constant plug-and-play. Additionally, the receiver features an array of analog and digital inputs, which further broaden its compatibility with various devices.

Setup and operation are simplified by the inclusion of the user-friendly on-screen graphical interface. This intuitive design makes it easy to navigate through the various settings and features, allowing users to customize their audio preferences with ease. The AVR 146 also incorporates the Harman Kardon Quick Select feature, which allows users to save their favorite settings for different sources for quick access.

In terms of design, the Harman-Kardon AVR 146 showcases a modern and elegant appearance synonymous with the brand's aesthetic. It features a sleek front panel with an easy-to-read display and well-organized buttons, blending seamlessly into home environments.

In summary, the Harman-Kardon AVR 146 is a well-rounded audio-video receiver that promises exceptional performance and versatility. With its combination of powerful amplification, support for advanced audio formats, extensive connectivity options, and a user-friendly interface, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment system. Whether for movie enthusiasts or music lovers, the AVR 146 delivers an auditory experience that impresses and satisfies.