Harman-Kardon AVR 445 owner manual Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon! With the purchase of a Harman Kardon® AVR 445, you are about to begin many years of listening enjoyment.

The AVR 445 has the most extensive range of audio and video processing, control and connectivity options ever offered by Harman Kardon, enabling it to provide the best possible audio and video reproduction with any type of source material. Teaming advanced pro- cessing circuitry with proprietary technologies such as EzSet/EQ, the AVR 445 seamlessly integrates every component in your entertainment system to deliver the best possible sound and images.

Some of the leading-edge features that are available with the AVR 445, such as HDMI™ switching and XM Ready® operation, are new to even the most experienced home theater enthusiast. Although the power of the AVR 445 makes them easy to use, we strongly recommend that you take a few minutes to read this owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with how the full suite of AVR 445 features and capabilities are configured and used in day-to-day operation. This small investment of time will yield significant dividends in taking the maximum advantage of this new addition to your home theater system.

If you have any questions about this product, its instal- lation or its operation, you may also access a wealth of information and assistance by visiting our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.

Description and Features

The AVR 445 serves as the hub of your home enter- tainment system, providing a wide range of listening possibilities for almost any audio or video program source, whether it is the broadcast of a movie or sporting event in HDTV or a vintage mono or stereo recording. When playing digital audio sources, the AVR 445 decodes Dolby® Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS® and DTS-ES®data streams. Two-channel stereo and matrix surround sources benefit from all current Dolby Pro Logic® IIx modes and DTS Neo:6.® The latest version of our proprietary Logic 7® process is on-board to create a wider, more enveloping sound field and more defined surround channel positioning, regardless of the type of source material. Additional audio playback options include a direct connection to compatible computer-based sources through a direct USB connection.

The AVR 445 takes the “video” part of its name seri- ously. Along with two HDMI inputs and three 60MHz analog component video inputs, the AVR 445 converts composite and S-video to component for single video connections. The AVR 445 also provides A/V sync delay so that lip sync errors – commonly seen when digital video processing is used in a source, program or video display – are eliminated.

Thanks to a wide range of multizone options and a standard ZR 10 remote control, the AVR 445 makes it possible to watch and listen to a separate source in one room while the main home theater uses a differ- ent source. Using the assignable rear surround chan- nel amplifiers, you may create a basic remote listening zone without any additional equipment, or the unit’s multiroom outputs may be used to feed an optional, external power amplifier and volume control. For one-wire multiroom connectivity, the AVR 445 is A-BUS/READY®, requiring only a single Category 5/5e cable run and an optional remote module to power a pair of remote speakers while controlling volume and enabling full control over the program source and connected IR-controlled devices.

Along with the latest advances in digital audio and video technology, Harman Kardon recognizes that some things remain constant, and in the case of the AVR 445 that is a requirement for audio power best served by our time-honored high-current, ultrawide- bandwidth amplifier design. The AVR 445’s seven- channel amplifier provides the power to reproduce the loudest crescendos or cinema sound effects while remaining virtually free from distortion or system noise.

With a combination of state-of-the-art circuitry, digital technology and proven performance with an elegant design that is compatible with the latest source com- ponents and video displays, the AVR 445 represents the culmination of Harman Kardon’s fifty-plus-year history of delivering the finest sonic performance.

ÍAll popular digital and matrix surround modes, including Dolby® Digital, Dolby Digital EX,

Dolby Pro Logic® II, DTS®, DTS-ES®Discrete and Matrix, DTS Neo:6® and DTS 96/24®

ÍSeven channels of high-current, ultrawide-band- width amplification with the surround back channels assignable to either main-room or remote-room use

ÍTwo HDMI™ inputs and three assignable high-band- width analog component inputs for switching the latest high-definition video sources

ÍConverts composite and S-video sources to com- ponent video

ÍEzSet/EQ for quick and accurate system setup and room correction

ÍHarman Kardon’s Logic 7® processing brings a new sense of reality to stereo and matrix surround sources

ÍDolby Virtual Speaker processing for use when less than a full 5.1 or 7.1 speaker complement is available

ÍDolby Headphone for spacious, open sound when using headphones

ÍUSB connectivity for audio playback with compatible computers and quick system upgrades

ÍFull bass management for all inputs, including the analog direct inputs for high-resolution DVDs, DVD-Audio and SACD™ players, including Quad Crossover settings and individual settings for each input

ÍA/V sync delay adjustable for each video input delivers perfect lip sync with digital programs or video displays

ÍFront-panel analog audio/video jacks may be used as either inputs or outputs for connection to the latest portable products or video game consoles

ÍExtensive multiroom options, including a standard ZR 10 remote, audio and video outputs to the remote zone, assignable rear channel amplifier channels and A-BUS/READY®capability for listening to a separate source in a remote zone

INTRODUCTION 3