Harman-Kardon AVR 445 Multiroom Operation, Multiroom Setup, Surround Channel Amplifier Assignment

MULTIROOM OPERATION

The AVR 445 is fully equipped to operate as the con- trol center for a complete multiroom system that is capable of sending one audio source to a second zone in the house while a separate source is listened to in the main room. In addition to providing for con- trol over the selection of the remote source and its volume, the AVR 445 offers a comprehensive range of options for powering the speakers in the second zone.

•Using the line-level Multiroom Audio Outputs 8, the selected source may be fed to optional, external power amplifiers that may be matched to the specifics of the installation.

•When the main room system is configured for 5.1 operation, the Surround Back Left/Right amplifier channels may be used to power the remote zone so that no additional amplifiers are required.

•Using built-in A-BUS/READYtechnology, optional A-BUS modules may be connected to the AVR 445 via a single Category 5/5e or higher cable, so that remote zone speakers may be powered directly from the A-BUS module without the need for addi- tional power, IR sensor or volume control wires to be run to the second zone.

In addition, the AVR 445 includes a remote IR sensor input so that remote control commands from the

ZR 10 remote included with the unit may be transmitted to the unit, while standard IR input/output jacks allow the remote zone’s commands to be sent to compatible IR-controlled source devices.

Installation

Although simple remote room systems may be installed by the average do-it-yourself hobbyist, the complexity of your multizone/multiroom system involves running wires inside of walls where the ser- vices of a specially trained installer may be required. Regardless of who does the work, please remember that local building codes may govern in-wall electrical work, including proper specification of any wiring used and the way in which it is connected. You are respon- sible for making certain that all multiroom installation work is done properly and in compliance with all appli- cable codes and regulations.

For standard installations, follow the instructions shown on pages 18–19 for the connection of speaker wire and IR remote wiring to the AVR 445.

For installations where the Surround Back Left/Right amplifier channels are used to power the remote zone, make certain that the system is configured for that type of operation, as shown on this page.

For installations where A-BUS modules are used, fol- low the instructions provided with the A-BUS remote modules or keypads. Additional information will also be made available through the Harman Kardon Web site at www.harmankardon.com.

RS-232 Control

The AVR 445 provides the capability for full bidirec- tional remote control from compatible computers or specialized remote control systems. RS-232 program- ming requires specialized programming knowledge and for that reason we recommend that it only be done by qualified professionals. For more information on using the RS-232 port for remote control, visit the Harman Kardon Web site at www.harmankardon.com or contact our customer service department.

Multiroom Setup

Once the audio and IR link connections have been made, the AVR 445 needs to be configured for multiroom operation. To change a setting from its factory default, use the MULTI-ROOMmenu. First, press

the OSD Button U∫ to call up the MAIN MENU (Figure 1). Next, press the ⁄/¤ Navigation Buttons D© so that the cursor is next to MULTI-ROOM, then press the Set Button Fœ. When the MULTI-ROOMmenu (Figure 24) appears, follow the instructions shown below to make any needed configuration adjustments.

	* M U L T I - R O O M *
→
	M U L T I - R O O M :		O F F		O N
	M U L T I I N : F M P R E S E T 0 1
	M R V O L : – 2 5 d B
	S B A M P S :	M A I N		M U L T I
	C A R R I E R O U T :			Z O N E I I

B A C K T O M A S T E R M E N U

Figure 24

When the MULTI-ROOMmenu appears, the cursor will be at the MULTI-ROOMline. Since this line is used to turn the system on and off, don’t make an adjustment here unless you wish to turn the system on at this time. To turn the system on, press the

›Navigation Button D© so that ON is high- lighted. If you do not wish to turn the system on at this time, or to proceed to the next step, press the ⁄/¤ Navigation Buttons D© so that the on-screen cursor is next to the MULTI IN line.

At the MULTI IN line, press the ‹/› Navigation Buttons D© until the desired input to the multi- room system appears in the highlighted video. In addi- tion to direct selection of any active input source, you may also select the DSP DWNMIX mode, which outputs a two-channel down-mixed version of multi- channel digital sources. When the selection has been made, press the ¤ Navigation Button D© once so that the cursor is next to MR VOL.

At the MR VOL line, press the ‹/› Navigation Buttons D© until the desired volume level for the multiroom system is entered. DO NOT use the regular volume control knobs for this setting. When all settings for the multiroom setup have been made, press the ⁄/¤ Navigation Buttons D© until the cursor is next to the BACK TO MASTER MENU line. If you have no other adjustments to make, press the OSD Button U∫ to exit the menu system.

Surround Channel Amplifier Assignment

The AVR 445 is equipped with seven full-power amplifier channels to allow for complete 7.1-channel operation. However, if your system is only configured for 5.1 channels in the main listening room, you may take advantage of the “extra” two channels by using them to power speakers placed in a second-zone location. This enables you to use the multiroom capabili- ties of the AVR 445 without the cost of an additional, external power amplifier.

To change the setting so that the Surround Back amplifiers are fed by the source selected through the Multiroom system rather than the SBL/SBR channels of the main room, make certain that the MULTI-ROOMmenu (Figure 24) is on the screen; then press the ⁄/¤ Navigation Buttons D© so that the cursor is pointing to the SB AMPS line. Press the ‹/› Navigation Buttons D© so that MULTI is shown in highlighted video. When this change is made, connect the wires feeding the remote zone speakers to the Surround Back/Multiroom Speaker Outputs E.

When the SBL/SBR speakers are set for multiroom operation, you may still configure the AVR 445 for 7.1 modes in the main listening room by making certain that the SURR BACK line in the SPEAKER SIZE menu (Figure 18) is set to SMALL or LARGE, as shown in the instructions on pages 29–30. When that is done, the word MULTI will appear next to the large or small designator to alert you to the fact that the internal SBL/SBR amplifiers are assigned to the multiroom system, and that an optional, external two-channel power amplifier must be connected to the SBL/SBR Preamp Outputs ¡ in order to use surround back channel speakers.

44 MULTIROOM OPERATION