Programming the Remote
The AVR 5550 is equipped with a powerful remote control that will control not only the receiver’s functions, but also most popular brands of audio and video equipment, including CD players, TV sets, cable boxes, VCRs, satellite receivers and other home-theater equipment. Once the AVR 5550’s remote is programmed with the codes for the products you own, it is possible to eliminate most other remotes and replace them with the convenience of a single backlit universal remote control.
Programming the Remote with Codes
As shipped from the factory, the remote is fully programmed for all AVR 5550 functions, as well as those of most Harman Kardon CD changers, DVD players, CD players and cassette decks. In addition, by following one of the methods below, you may program the remote to operate a wide range of devices from other manufacturers.
Direct Code Entry
This method is the easiest way to program your remote to work with different products.
1.Use the tables in the separate setup-code guide to determine the three-digit code or codes that match both the product type (e.g., VCR, TV), and the specific brand name. If there is more than one number for a brand, make note of the different choices.
2.Turn on the unit you wish to program into the AVR 5550 remote.
3.Press and hold both the Input Selector 4 for the type of product to be entered (e.g., VCR,
TV) and the Mute 
button at the same time. When the Program/SPL Indicator 2 turns amber and begins flashing, release the buttons. It is important that you begin the next step within 20 seconds.
4. If the unit you wish to program into the
AVR 5550 remote has a remotable Power on/off function, follow these steps:
a. Point the AVR 5550’s remote towards the unit to be programmed, and enter the first three- digit code number using the Numeric buttons H. If the unit being programmed turns off, the correct code has been entered. Press the Input Selector 4again, and note that the red light under the Input Selector will flash three times before going dark to confirm the entry.
b. If the product to be programmed does NOT turn off, continue to enter the three-digit code numbers until the equipment turns off. At this point, the correct code has been entered. Press the Input Selector 4again and note that the red light under the Input Selector will flash three times before going dark to confirm the entry.
5.If the Power function of the unit to be pro- grammed cannot be remoted, follow these steps (max. 20 seconds after step 3 above, or else step
3must be repeated first):
a. Enter the first three-digit code number using the Numeric buttons Hand press the Input Selector 4again. Press the remote button of any transport function remotable with the unit, e.g. Pause or Play fl P. If the unit being programmed starts that function, the correct code has been entered.
b. If the unit does not start the function whose button was pressed, repeat steps 3 and 5a above with the next three-digit code number listed in the setup code table for that brand and product type, until the unit reacts properly on the transport function transmitted.
6.Try all of the functions on the remote to make certain that the product operates properly. Keep in mind that many manufacturers use a number of different combinations of codes, so it is a good idea to make certain that not only does the Power control work, but that the volume, channel and transport controls work as they should. If functions do not work properly, you may need to use a different remote code.
7.If the unit does not react to any code entered, if the code for your product does not appear in the tables in the separate setup-code guide, or if not all functions operate properly, try programming the remote with the Auto Search Method.
Note on Using the AVR 5550 remote with a Harman Kardon CD Recorder.
As shipped from the factory. the remote is programmed for controlling Harman Kardon CD players. It can also control most functions of the Harman Kardon CD-Recorders (see function list on page 48) too after the code ”002” is entered on the CD Selector button 4as described above. For returning to the CD player control commands the code ”001” must be entered.
Auto-Search Method
If the unit you wish to include in the AVR 5550’s remote is not listed in the code tables in the separate setup-code guide or if the code does not seem to operate properly, you may wish to program the correct code using the Auto Search
method that follows. Note that the Auto Search method works only with units whose Power functions can be remoted:
1.Turn on the product that you wish to include in the AVR 5550 remote.
2.Press and hold both the Input Selector 4 for the type of product to be entered (e.g., VCR,
TV) and the Mute 
button at the same time. When the Program/SPL Indicator 2 turns amber and begins flashing, release the buttons. It is important that you begin the next step within 20 seconds.
3.To find out if the code for your unit is pre-pro- grammed, point the AVR 5550 remote towards the unit to be programmed, and press and hold the ⁄ buttonD. This will send out a series of codes from the remote’s built-in data base, with each flash of the red light under the Input Selector 4indicating that a code has been sent. When the device to be programmed turns off,immediately release the ⁄ buttonD. Note that it may take one minute or more until the right code is found and the unit turns off.
4.When the ⁄ button was not released in time after the unit turned off, the proper code will be ”overrun”. That’s why a function test should be made: Turn the unit on again and, while the Input Selector 4still lights red, press the ⁄ buttonDonce, than the ¤ button Donce too. When the unit turns off, the right code was found, when not, the code was ”overrun”. To re- find the correct, while the Input Selector 4 still lights red, press (not hold pressed) the ¤ button Drepeatedly to step backwards through the codes available and observe the reaction of the unit at each press. As soon as the unit turns off the correct code is found.
5.Press the Input Selector 4again, and note that the red light will flash three times before going dark to confirm the entry.
6.Try all of the functions on the remote to make certain that the product operates. Keep in mind that many manufacturers use a number of differ- ent combinations of codes, and it is a good idea to make certain that not only the Power control works, but the volume, channel and transport controls, as appropriate. If all functions do not work properly, you may need to Auto-Search for a different code, or enter a code via the Direct Code Entry method.
