OPERATION

If you wish to return the tone controls to 0, or “flat” response, press the ⁄/¤ Buttons, until the TONE OUT message appears, which preserves any changes you have made to the bass or treble settings for later use. To reactivate your changes, the tone control must again be set to TONE IN. The display will return to normal a few seconds after your last command.

Figure 54 – Tone Button

You may also adjust the tone controls using the full-OSD menu system. Press the OSD Button on the remote to view the Master Menu. The cursor will be pointing to the INPUT SETUP line; press the OK Button to display that menu and view the current tone settings. If you wish to make any changes to the TONE, BASS or TREBLE settings, use the ⁄/¤ Buttons to move the cursor to the line you wish to change. Once you have changed the setting using the ‹ / › Buttons, simply move the cursor to a different line; it isn’t necessary to press the OK Button to enter the new setting. When you have finished, either wait until the display times-out and disappears, press the OSD Button to clear the display, or move the cursor to the BACK TO MASTER MENU line if you wish to make other changes using the menu system.

NOTE: The AVR 154 does not have a conventional balance control. The speaker output level calibration process compen- sates for any characteristics of your room or speakers, and we recommend that you leave the settings as they are after you have completed Initial Setup. However, you may manually adjust the levels of the left and right channels – decreasing one and increasing the other by the same amount – using the Channel Adjust submenu, as described on page 32. This achieves the same effect as a balance control.

Source Selection

Press the front-panel Source Select Button to scroll through the sources. Each side of the button scrolls through the list in the opposite order. For direct access to the tuner, press the Tuner Band Button, which switches to the last-used band and frequency. See Figure 56. For direct access to any source, press its Input Selector on the remote (see Figure 37).

Figure 56 – Source Select and Tuner Band Buttons

The AVR 154 will switch to the audio and video inputs and surround mode assigned to the source. If you set the BASS MGR setting in the Speaker X-Over menu to INDEPENDENT, the AVR 154 will change the speaker size configuration to the one programmed for the source.

The source name appears in the upper line of the front-panel display.

If you retitled the source, the new title will appear by itself. Otherwise, the audio input assigned to the source (analog or one of the digital audio inputs) will also be displayed. The surround mode is displayed on the lower line. The same information appears on screen in the semi-OSD, unless you have set the semi-OSD to OFF in the System Setup menu, as described in the Advanced Functions section.

Audio Input Selection

The AVR 154 is programmed at the factory to use the default audio inputs for each source, as indicated in Table A2 in the Appendix. To assign a digital audio input to a source (if you have not done so using the Input Setup menu during Initial Setup), press the Digital Button on the remote. The current audio input selection will flash in the display. Press the ⁄/¤ Buttons to scroll through the audio inputs. When the desired input appears, press the OK Button to select it. See Figure 57.

Headphones

Plug the 1/4" plug on a pair of headphones into the headphone jack on the front of the receiver for private listening. See Figure 55. The first time you use the headphones, the DOLBY H:BP message will be displayed, indicating that Dolby Headphone surround processing is in the bypass mode, which delivers a conventional 2-channel signal to the headphones.

Figure 55 – Headphone Jack

Press the Surround Select Button on the front panel, or the Dolby Button on the remote, to switch to Dolby Headphone virtual surround processing, indicated by the DOLBY H:DH message. Dolby Headphone delivers an enhanced sound field that emulates a 5.1-channel speaker system. No other surround modes are available for the headphones.

Figure 57 – Digital Input Selection

If the Auto Poll feature is ON in the Input Setup menu, and if a digital audio input has been assigned to the source, the AVR 154 will first check the digital audio input for a signal. If a signal is present, the AVR 154 will select the digital audio input. If no signal is present, the AVR 154 will switch to the analog audio inputs for the source.

Video Input Selection

When a source is selected, the AVR 154 switches to a video input as follows:

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Harman-Kardon AVR 154 owner manual Source Selection, Headphones, Audio Input Selection, Video Input Selection
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AVR 154 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 154 is a high-performance audio-video receiver designed for home theater enthusiasts seeking an immersive audio experience. Launched as part of Harman's esteemed line of receivers, the AVR 154 combines sophisticated technology with user-friendly features to create a versatile home entertainment solution.

One of the standout features of the AVR 154 is its multi-channel amplification, delivering a robust output of 50 watts per channel. This power allows for clean and dynamic sound, making it ideal for both movies and music. The AVR 154 supports a 5.1 surround sound configuration, providing an enveloping audio experience that brings films to life. With its ability to decode various surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, it ensures that users enjoy high-quality audio without compromise.

Connectivity is a key aspect of the AVR 154, which offers multiple HDMI inputs, allowing for easy connection to various sources like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. With three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, users have the flexibility to connect multiple devices while enabling audio and video pass-through. The receiver is also equipped with optical and coaxial digital inputs, ensuring compatibility with older audio sources.

Another important feature is the built-in FM/AM tuner, allowing users to access their favorite radio stations without the need for an external receiver. For those who prioritize convenience, the AVR 154 includes an intuitive on-screen display, guiding users through setup and configuration seamlessly. Additionally, the remote control provides easy access to all functions, making operation straightforward.

In terms of design, the Harman-Kardon AVR 154 boasts a sleek aesthetic with a brushed aluminum front panel. The distinctive look, combined with an easy-to-navigate interface, makes it an attractive addition to any home entertainment setup.

Overall, the Harman-Kardon AVR 154 stands out as a reliable and feature-rich AV receiver. With its impressive audio performance, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly design, it caters to the needs of home theater enthusiasts who seek impactful sound and ultimate flexibility for their entertainment needs. Whether you’re enjoying a thrilling movie or listening to your favorite music, the AVR 154 promises to deliver an exceptional auditory experience.
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