System Configuration

Note that the data lines next to the items in the screen display will show either numbers or a series of dashes, depending on whether or not the specific parameter is adjustable. For exam- ple, the Center Delay and Night Mode items are only adjustable for Dolby Digital, and the Delay Time is only adjusted for Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic. Note, also, that Dolby Digital and DTS will only appear as choices (Figure 4) when a digital input was previously selected.

Depending on the surround mode selected, you will now proceed to change either the delay time or the crossover frequency. For Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic, pressing the /¤

nbuttons on the remote will take you to the delay settings.

Delay Settings

If Dolby Digital or Dolby Pro Logic is selected as the surround mode for an input, you may need to adjust the delay time setting. Note that the delay time is not adjustable for any other modes.

Due to the different distances between the listening position for the front channel speakers and the surround speakers, the amount of time it takes for sound to reach your ears from the front versus surround speakers differs. You may compensate for this difference through the use of the delay settings to adjust the timing for the specific speaker placement and acoustic conditions in your listening room or home theater.

The factory setting is appropriate for most rooms, but some installations create an uncom- mon distance between the front and surround speakers that may cause the arrival of front channel sounds to become disconnected from surround channel sounds.

To resynchronize the front and surround chan- nels, follow these steps:

1.Measure the distance from the listening position to the front speakers.

2.Measure the distance from the listening position to the surround speakers.

3.Subtract the distance to the surround speak- ers from the distance to the front speakers.

a. When setting the delay time for the Dolby Digital surround modes, the opti-

mal delay time is the result of that sub- traction. For example, if the front speak- ers are ten feet away and the surround speakers are five feet away, the optimal delay time is figured as 10–5=5. Thus, in this example, the delay time for Dolby Digital should be set at five milliseconds.

b. When setting the delay time for the Pro Logic mode, take the result of the sub- traction and add 15 to obtain the opti- mal delay time. For example, if the front speakers are ten feet away and the sur- round speakers are five feet away, the optimal delay time is figured as

10–5+15=20. Thus, in this example, the Pro Logic delay should be set at twenty milliseconds.

NOTE: The DTS, Logic 7, Hall and Theater modes use a fixed, nonadjustable delay time.

The Dolby Digital Mode also includes a sepa- rate setting for the center channel delay mode, since the discrete nature of these signals makes the location of the center channel speaker more critical. To calculate the delay for the center channel, measure the distance from the pre- ferred listening position in the center of the room to both the center channel speaker and either the left or right speaker.

If the distances are equal, no further adjustment is required and the center delay should be set to zero. If the distance to the front speakers is greater than the distance to the center speaker, you may wish to reposition the speakers by moving the front left and front right speakers closer to the listening position or the center speaker further away from the listening position.

If repositioning of the speakers is not possible, adjust the center delay time, adding one milli- second of center channel delay for every foot closer to the listening position the center speaker is than the front speakers. For example, if the front left and front right speakers are each 10 feet from the listening position and the center channel speaker is 8 feet away, the delay is figured as 10–8=2, suggesting an optimal center delay of 2 milliseconds.

To set the delay time for a specific input, continue within the SURROUND SETUP (Figure 4) menu. If the system is not already at that point, press the OSD button v to bring up the main AUDIO SETUP menu, press

the ¤ button n and then the Set button

pto bring up the SURROUND SETUP menu, and then press the ¤ button n once.

If the Dolby Digital mode is selected, the cur- sor will stop at the CENTER DELAY line. In that case, press the /buttons o 31 until the number calculated using the formula shown above appears in the display. When the CENTER DELAY is entered, press the ¤ button n once to move to the next line.

When the CENTER DELAY is set, or if the Dolby Pro Logic mode is selected, the cursor will be at the SURR DELAY line so that the delay for the surround speakers may be set. Press the /buttons o 31 until the num- ber calculated using the formula shown above appears in the display. When the delay settings are complete, press the ¤ button n once to move to the next line.

Note that the delay settings may also be adjusted at any time when the Dolby Digital or Dolby Pro Logic modes are in use by pressing the Delay button on the front panel Ò or remote 30 , followed by a press of the Set

button p. Next, press the /¤ buttons n on the remote or the Selector buttons 5 on the front panel until the desired figure appears in the Main Information Display Y.

Night Mode Settings

The Night mode is a feature of Dolby Digital that uses special processing to preserve the dynamic range and full intelligibility of a movie sound track while reducing the peak level. This prevents abruptly loud transitions from disturb- ing others, without reducing the sonic impact of a digital source. Note that the Night mode is only available when specially encoded Dolby Digital signals are played.

To adjust the Night mode setting for an input from the menu, make certain that the cursor is on the NIGHT line of the SURROUND SETUP menu. Next, press /buttons

o31 to choose between the following settings, as they appear in the on-screen display:

OFF: When OFF is highlighted, the Night mode will not function.

MID: When MID is highlighted, a mild com- pression will be applied.

20SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

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Harman-Kardon AVR 310 Buttons on the remote will take you to the delay settings, Delay Settings, Night Mode Settings

AVR 310 specifications

The Harman-Kardon AVR 310 is a versatile and powerful audio-video receiver that has garnered attention for its blend of performance, design, and features. This model, part of Harman Kardon's distinguished lineage, provides an immersive entertainment experience suitable for both movie enthusiasts and music lovers.

One of the main features of the AVR 310 is its high-quality audio processing capabilities. The receiver supports various surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS, ensuring that users experience their entertainment in a way that replicates the intended cinematic experience. With its 5.1 channel amplification, the AVR 310 delivers robust sound performance, allowing for a seamless integration of various speaker configurations.

The AVR 310 is equipped with a powerful 50 watts per channel output, offering sufficient power to drive a range of speakers effectively. This amplification enables the receiver to maintain clear audio even at higher volumes, crucial for dynamic scenes in movies or engaging music playback. Additionally, its advanced digital signal processing enhances sound quality, providing users with rich and balanced soundscapes.

In terms of connectivity, the AVR 310 offers a convenient array of inputs and outputs that enhance its versatility. It includes multiple HDMI inputs, component video inputs, and an array of analog inputs, allowing users to connect a variety of devices ranging from gaming consoles to Blu-ray players. The inclusion of a built-in AM/FM tuner ensures users can also enjoy traditional radio programming.

The design of the Harman-Kardon AVR 310 is both sleek and user-friendly. Its modern aesthetics and intuitive front panel make it easy to navigate settings and inputs. The included remote control offers additional convenience, allowing users to control their devices from across the room.

For those looking to create a home theater experience, the AVR 310's capability to use advanced video processing ensures that video signals are upscaled to deliver optimal picture quality. This is particularly beneficial for those with high-definition televisions.

In summary, the Harman-Kardon AVR 310 stands out in the realm of audio-video receivers, providing exceptional audio performance, versatile connectivity, and a user-friendly design. Its combination of features and technologies makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment system.