ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

NOTE: The 6.1-channel signals – Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES Matrix and Discrete – each include a flag meant to signal the receiver to decode the surround back channel. Since the

AVR 146 is only capable of processing and playing 5.1 channels, the indications EX-OFF or ES-OFF, as appropriate, will always appear for 6.1-channel bitstreams.

Refer to Table 5 for more information on which surround modes are available with different bitstreams.

When a PCM signal is received, the PCM message, followed by the sampling rate of the signal (32 kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz or 96kHz), will scroll once across the front-panel display.

In addition, the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators will indicate the number of channels discretely encoded in the signal by displaying a letter inside that channel’s speaker box. The letters flash when no signal is present, such as when a DVD is paused. See Figure 70.

Figure 70 – Speaker/Channel Input Indicators

Even when only two channels – left and right – are present in the signal, the analog surround modes may be used to decode the signal into the remaining channels.

NOTE: Dolby Digital 2.0 signals may also include a Dolby Surround flag indicating DS-ON or DS-OFF, depending on whether the two-channel bitstream contains only stereo informa- tion, or a downmix of a multichannel program that can be decoded by the Dolby Pro Logic decoder in the AVR. By default, these signals are played in Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode, but you may select another Dolby surround mode manually.

Surround Modes

As mentioned in the Introduction to Home Theater section, surround mode selection is dependent upon the format of the incoming audio signal, as well as personal taste. There is no harm in experimenting with all of the modes available with any given source material. Table 5 offers a brief description of each mode the AVR 146 is capable of using, and also indicates the types of incoming signals or digital bitstreams the mode may be used with. Additional information about the Dolby and DTS modes is available on the companies’ Web sites: www.dolby.com and www.dtsonline.com.

When in doubt, check the jacket of your DVD for more information on which surround modes are available on the disc. Usually nonessential sections of the disc, such as trailers, extra materials or the disc menu, are only available in Dolby Digital 2.0 (2-channel) or PCM 2-channel mode. If the main title is playing and the letters in the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators are not lit for all speaker locations, look for an audio setup section in the disc’s menu. Also, make sure your DVD player’s audio output is set to the original bitstream rather than just PCM. Check

the DVD player’s output setting by stopping play of the disc and checking the DVD player’s menu system.

As indicated in Table 5, different surround modes may only be available with certain input signals or bitstream formats. For any incoming signal, only a limited number of surround modes are available. Although there is never a time when all of the AVR 146’s surround modes are available, there is usually a wide variety of modes available for a given input.

There are three methods of manually selecting one of the available surround modes:

1.From the front panel, press the Surround Mode Button until the desired mode group (Dolby, DTS, DSP, Stereo, Logic 7) is selected, and the last-used mode from that group will be activated. Then press the Surround Select Button repeatedly to scroll through the modes available within that group.

2.Using the remote, press the button for the desired mode group:

Dolby Sur for the Dolby modes DTS Sur for the DTS Digital modes DTS Neo:6 for the DTS Neo:6 modes Logic 7 for the Logic 7 modes

Stereo for the Stereo or Surround Off modes

Surr for the DSP Surround modes (Hall 1, Hall 2, Theater)

Press the mode button repeatedly to scroll through the modes available within that group.

3.The full-OSD menu system allows access to submenus for each of the mode groups through the Surround Select menu. See Figure 71.

Figure 71 – Surround Select Menu Screen

Navigate to the line for the desired surround mode group, and press the Set Button to access the submenu for that group. In most cases, the submenu consists of only two lines:

1.MODE: Displays the currently selected mode. Use the ‹/› Buttons to scroll through the available modes.

2.BACK TO SURROUND SELECT: May be used to exit the submenu. The Dolby Surround submenu adds some advanced settings.

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Harman-Kardon AVR 146 owner manual Surround Modes
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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.
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