Harman-Kardon HK3490 Antennas, Audio Connections, Video Connections, Digital Audio, Analog Audio

CONNECTIONS

HK 3490, it also counts as a source, even though no external connections are needed, other than the FM and AM antennas and the XM module.

Separate connections are required for the audio and video portions of the signal.

Audio Connections

There are two formats for audio connections: digital and analog. Digital audio signals offer improved quality, free of distortion and with greater detail and presence. The HK 3490 uses two types of digital audio connections: coaxial and optical. Either type of digital audio connection may be used for each source device, but never both simultaneously for the same source. However, it’s alright to make both analog and digital

Video Connections

Although some sources only produce an audio signal (e.g., CD player, tape deck), many sources output both audio and video signals (e.g., DVD player, cable television box, HDTV tuner, satellite box, VCR, DVR). In addition to the audio connection, make a video connection for each of these sources.

The composite video jack is usually color-coded yellow, and looks like an analog audio jack, although it is important never to confuse the two. Do not plug a composite video cable into an analog audio jack, and vice versa. Both the chrominance (color) and luminance (intensity) components of the video signal are transmitted using a single cable. See Figure 7.

audio connections to the same source.

Composite video cable

Composite video

Digital Audio

Coaxial digital audio jacks are usually color-coded in orange. Although they look similar to analog jacks, they should not be confused, and you should not connect coaxial digital audio outputs to analog inputs or vice versa. See Figure 4.

Coaxial digital	Coaxial
audio cable

Figure 4 – Coaxial Digital Audio

Optical digital audio connectors are normally covered by a shutter to protect them from dust. The shutter opens as the cable is inserted. Input connectors are color-coded using a black shutter, while outputs use a gray shutter. See Figure 5.

Optical

Optical digital audio cable

Figure 5 – Optical Digital Audio

Analog Audio

Analog connections require two cables, one for the left channel (white) and one for the right channel (red). These two cables are often attached to each other for most of their length. See Figure 6. Most sources that have digital audio jacks also have analog audio jacks, although some older types of sources, such as tape decks, have only analog jacks. For sources that are capable of both digital and analog audio, you may wish to make both connections. If you wish to record materials from DVDs or other copy-protected sources, you may only be able to do so using analog connections. Remember to comply with all copyright laws if you choose to make a copy for your own personal use.

Analog audio	L
cable (RCA)	R

Figure 6 – Analog Audio

Figure 7 – Composite Video

Antennas

The HK 3490 uses separate terminals for the included FM and AM antennas that provide proper reception for the tuner.

The FM antenna uses a 75-ohm F-connector. See Figure 8.

Figure 8 – FM Antenna

The AM loop antenna needs to be assembled. Connect the two leads to the spring terminals on the receiver. The AM antenna leads are polarized, and it is important to color-match the leads and terminals to maintain the proper polarity. See Figure 9.

Figure 9 – AM Antenna

To enjoy XM satellite radio, purchase an XM antenna module designed for use with XM Ready devices and a subscription to the XM service. We recommend the XM Mini-Tuner and Home Dock Bundle, available at www.xmradio.com. The older Connect-and-Play module is also compatible with the HK 3490, but it may no longer be available in your area.

An XM Ready-compatible module uses the special connector on the HK 3490’s rear panel that allows you to use the receiver’s tuner, including its 40 preset station locations and remote control. Although you may use a module with standard audio connections, which may be indicated for “car and home use,” you will not be able to enjoy the HK 3490’s ease of control.

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