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Harman-Kardon HS 500 owner manual Step Four Video Setup, Video Setup Submenu

Models: HS 500

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INITIAL SETUP

Use the ‹/› Buttons to move the cursor to the submenu icons on the left side of the screen, and then use the ⁄/¤ buttons to highlight the Audio Adjustments icon, which has a picture of a set of slide switches on it. See Figure 43. Press the Enter Button, and then use the Navigation Buttons to move the cursor to the settings on the Audio Adjustments submenu.

Figure 43 – Audio Adjustments

Submenu

If you are using an SPL meter with a disc containing test tones, adjust the level of each channel so that the meter reads 75dB. If you don’t have a meter or a test disc, adjust the levels until all channels sound equally loud. Make sure not to use a surround sound-encoded disc for this process, or the surround channels will be set too high.

Use the Navigation Buttons to highlight the level setting for the front left channel. Press the Enter Button to display the available settings, which range from –6 dB to +6dB, and use the ‹/› Buttons to scroll through them until you are satisfied with the level setting for that channel. Press the Enter button to select the setting, and use the Navigation Buttons to select the next channel. Repeat the procedure to enter the output level offset, if needed, that brings all of the channels to the same output volume. You may need to repeat this procedure more than once to accurately set the levels.

DELAY SETTINGS: The delay settings indicate the distance from each speaker to the listening position. Although ideally you placed all of your speakers in a circle equidistant from the listening position, we recognize that it isn’t always practical to do so. This setting enables the HS 500 to delay the signal from some speakers by up to 16 mS to compensate.

You will notice that the delay settings are set in tandem for the front left and right speaker pair, and for the surround left and right speaker pair. Changing the settings for either speaker in these pairs also affects that setting for the other speaker in that pair. For this reason, it is important to place both speakers in each pair at about the same distance from the listening position.

Use the Navigation buttons to highlight the distance for each speaker, and press the Enter button to change it. Use the ‹/› Buttons to scroll through the available settings.

NOTE: There is no delay setting for the subwoofer. Low- frequency sound waves by their nature are not noticeably affected by the distances in a typical listening room.

OUTPUT LEVEL SETTINGS: Output level adjustment is a key part of the configuration process for any surround sound system. The goal is to set the output levels so that all channels sound equally loud at the listening position. This is important because movie directors adjust the loudness of each channel in the recording to produce a desired sound presentation. Usually the director reduces the loudness, or even the presence, of information in the surround channels so as not to distract the viewer from the main action taking place on screen. If the test tones on your test disc sound as loud in the rear speakers as they do coming from the other speakers, the HS 500 is performing correctly.

In many cases the factory default setting of 0dB should accomplish that. However, in some cases the specifics of your listening room may require some adjustments.

To adjust the output levels, first insert a disc with test tones or content you are familiar with, and that has a reasonably even level without many dynamic changes.

Step Four – Video Setup

In this step you will make a few adjustments to ensure that the video signal is output in a way that is compatible with your video display.

Use the ‹/› Buttons to move the cursor to the submenu icons on the left side of the screen, and then use the ⁄/¤ buttons to highlight the Video Setup icon that has a picture of a gear on it. See Figure 44.

Press the Enter Button, and then use the Navigation Buttons to move the cursor to the settings on the Video Setup submenu.

Figure 44 – Video Setup Submenu

ASPECT RATIO: This setting selects the aspect ratio of video program- ming. Your choice should be made according to the shape of your video display and your personal preferences. Three choices are available:

•16:9: If you have a widescreen (16:9) display, or a display that has a widescreen mode, choose this setting. The HS 500 will adjust the output for widescreen movies so that they fill the entire screen in the proper aspect ratio. However, a disc recorded in the 4:3 aspect ratio will appear as a boxed image in the center, with black or gray bars on the left and right side of the screen. If the widescreen option is chosen and a widescreen movie is played on a conventional 4:3 aspect ratio set, the image will be distorted due to vertical compression.

•4:3 Letterbox: If you have a standard, 4:3 aspect ratio video display, choose this setting to see the entire frame of the movie as it is recorded on the disc without any image cutoff at the left and right sides. While this allows widescreen movies to be shown in their entirety, they will occupy a smaller portion of the screen and black “letterbox” bars may appear at the top and bottom of the screen.

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Harman-Kardon HS 500 owner manual Step Four Video Setup, Video Setup Submenu
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HS 500 specifications

The Harman-Kardon HS 500 is a captivating all-in-one audio system that merges modern design with exceptional sound performance, making it an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive home entertainment solution. This system effortlessly combines a CD player, a high-quality amplifier, and a digital radio tuner, providing a versatile platform for enjoying various audio formats and sources.

One of the standout features of the HS 500 is its support for high-resolution audio playback. The system accommodates a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, and FLAC, ensuring that users can enjoy their favorite music in remarkable clarity and fidelity. Coupled with advanced D/A conversion technology, the HS 500 delivers an impressive dynamic range and minimizes distortion, resulting in an enriched listening experience.

The design of the HS 500 is sleek and modern, characterized by a compact form factor that enables it to fit seamlessly into any home environment. The system's intuitive interface features a large, easy-to-read display and well-placed controls, making navigation a breeze. Harman-Kardon has ensured that both aesthetics and functionality are prioritized, allowing users to engage with their music effortlessly.

Connectivity is another key feature of the HS 500. The system includes multiple inputs such as USB, AUX, and optical digital connections, enabling compatibility with various devices, from smartphones to laptops. Wireless capabilities, including built-in Bluetooth, allow for effortless streaming from compatible devices, giving users the freedom to enjoy their music collection without being tethered by wires.

Additionally, the HS 500 incorporates advanced sound technologies such as Harman's proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to optimize audio performance. This technology tailors the sound output for different environments, ensuring that rich, balanced sound fills the room, whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or hosting a lively gathering.

The HS 500 is also equipped with a range of enhancing features, including adjustable EQ settings, multiple listening modes, and a built-in alarm clock, making it a multifaceted device suitable for various audio needs.

Overall, the Harman-Kardon HS 500 stands out as a premium audio system that combines high-quality sound, versatile connectivity, and a stylish design, setting a benchmark for home entertainment devices in its category.