ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

System Settings

The AVR 146 offers several system settings that allow you to make the receiver easier to use rather than directly affecting performance. Most of these settings may be accessed from the SYSTEM SETUP menu, which is selected by pressing the OSD Button and navigating to the SYSTEM SETUP line of the MASTER MENU. Press the Set Button to display the submenu. See Figure 73.

Figure 73 – System Setup Menu Screen

FULL OSD TIME OUT: At this line you may program the amount of time (20, 30, 40 or 50 seconds) the full-OSD menus remain visible on screen. The full-OSD system may not be deactivated.

DEFAULT SURR MODE: This setting determines how the AVR 146 will handle Dolby Digital and DTS sources. For the purposes of this setting, the “default surround mode” means the mode encoded in the program, such as Dolby Digital 5.1. With this setting ON, the receiver will always use the default surround mode encoded in the program. When this setting is changed to OFF, the receiver will use the surround mode you selected the last time this type of audio stream was detected.

Dolby Digital 2.0 signals default to the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode, but you may select another Dolby surround mode manually. For PCM and analog sources, the factory default surround mode is Logic 7 Music. In general, the receiver will use the surround mode selected the last time that type of signal was received.

OSD BACKGROUND: This setting allows you to choose between a blue or black background for the full-OSD menus.

NOTE: It isn’t possible to view video sources while the full-OSD menus are displayed.

VFD FADE TIME OUT: Some people find the brightness of the AVR’s front-panel display distracting during movies or listening sessions. It’s possible to dim the front-panel display completely using the Dim function (see below). This sets the display to remain dark most of the time, lighting up only when a button is pressed or a remote command is received, and going dark again 5 seconds after the last command. The VFD FADE TIME OUT feature also causes the display to light up only when

a button is pressed or a change in the incoming signal is detected, but the display immediately begins to fade to dark. This setting allows you to program the length of the fade time.

Select a time-out period of between 3 and 10 seconds, or select OFF if you prefer to leave the displays on at all times or to use the Dim function.

VOLUME DEFAULT and DEFAULT VOL SET: These two settings are used together to program a volume level the AVR will always switch to when turned on. This feature avoids discomfort for listeners in case the last user turned the volume very high.

Press the OSD Button to remove the display from the screen so that you may adjust the volume to a desired level while a source is playing. Make a note of the number that appears in the display, and return to the SYSTEM SETUP menu. At the DEFAULT VOL SET line, select the desired volume setting, and activate the feature by setting VOLUME DEFAULT to ON.

NOTE: Although volume is normally displayed in 0.5dB incre- ments, the default volume setting only allows whole numbers.

SEMI OSD TIME OUT: At this line you may program the amount of time (2 to 5 seconds) the two-line semi-OSD on-screen messages remain, or you may deactivate the semi-OSD display altogether if you find it distracting. These messages will continue to appear on the front panel of the receiver.

Dim Function

Some people find the front-panel messages to be distracting and would prefer to dim them or turn them off altogether. When the display is dimmed or darkened, it will return to full brightness for five seconds any time a command is received before dimming or darkening again.

To dim the display:

Press the Dim Button on the remote. Each button press will cycle through the three settings of:

VFD FULL: Normal brightness

VFD HALF: Display is dimmed but still visible; the light inside the volume knob goes dark

VFD OFF: Display goes completely dark except for Power Indicator to remind you that the receiver is turned on

Advanced Remote Control Functions

The remote control not only operates the AVR 146, but it also serves as a universal remote that may be programmed to operate many of your other home theater components, as described in the Installation section. Each time you select one of your other components, the AVR remote switches to the control functions for that component. Since many buttons have unique functions for each component, refer to the Function List in the Appendix for assistance in operating your other components. The function of each button will not necessarily correspond to the label printed on the button.

Punch-Through Programming

The AVR 146 remote’s punch-through feature allows you to select one component for the remote to operate, while simultaneously setting

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Harman-Kardon AVR 146 System Settings, Dim Function, Advanced Remote Control Functions, Punch-Through Programming

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.