Page 2 - SAFETY INFORMATION; Important Safety Instructions; Wet Location Marking
2 SAFETY INFORMATION Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. The A / V receiver’s cabinet may be cleaned by gently wiping with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth...
Page 3 - Important Safety Information; Unpacking
3 Important Safety Information Verify Line Voltage Before Use Your AVR 3550HD has been designed for use with 120-volt AC current. Connectionto a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can create a safety and firehazard and may damage the unit. If you have any questions about the volta...
Page 4 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 5 2 SAFETY INFORMATION 6 INTRODUCTION 7 FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS 9 REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS 12 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 15 ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 17 INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER 18 CONNECTIONS 18 Speaker Connections 18 Subwoofer 18 Connecting Source Devices to the AVR 18 Audio Connections ...
Page 5 - Thank you for choosing a Harman Kardon; Audio Section; INTRODUCTION
5 Thank you for choosing a Harman Kardon ® product! For more than fifty years, the Harman Kardon ® mission has been to share a passion for music and entertainment, using leading-edge technology to achieve premium performance. To this end, Harman Kardon, Inc.,invented the receiver, a single component...
Page 6 - Audio Inputs
6 6 INTRODUCTION Audio Inputs • AM/FM/XM ® * tuner • Analog Audio 1 through 5 (assignable) • Front- panel Analog Audio (assignable) • 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio (assignable) Audio/ Video Inputs • Three Analog Video (assignable) • Front-panel Analog Video (assignable) • Three Component Video 100MHz (a...
Page 7 - a copy of this page may be d
7 Re s olution Na viga tion Video Mode s S ource Li s t Back/Exit OK Na viga tion Headphone Jack/Ez S et/EQ Microphone Input Digital Audio Input s (Optical and C oaxial F ront) Remote IR S en s or Video F ront Input s Analog Audio Front Input s S urround Mode s Audio Effect s AV R S etting s S tandb...
Page 9 - REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS
9 FM Antenna XM Antenna AM Antenna S-Video 2 Output Composite 2 Output Composite 1, 2 and 3 S-Video 1, 2 and 3 Video Monitor Outputs HDMI 1, 2 and 3 AC P o wer Input Main P o wer Switch Component 1, 2 and 3 The Bridge II HDMI Monitor Output Component Video Monitor Outputs Subwoofer Output Preamp Out...
Page 11 - Zone 2 Audio Outputs:
11 REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS The Bridge II Input: Connect the included Harman Kardon docking station to this input for use with most docking iPod models, 4G and later (not included). Turn the receiver off (Standbymode) when connecting The Bridge II. 6-/8-Channel Inputs: Connect the multichannel analog ...
Page 12 - To make it easier to follow the; MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
12 12 AVR Power Off AVR Power On S ource S elector s Audio Effect s Alphanumeric Key s Teletext Volume Mute Device Power On Device Power Off S urround Mode s Video Mode s OK Navigation Activity Menu Di s c Menu C hannel S leep S etting s Learn Tran s port C ontrol s S ource S etting s IR Tran s mitt...
Page 13 - Device Power Off Button:
13 13 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS The AVR 3550HD remote is capable of controlling 8 devices, includingthe AVR itself and an iPod docked in the included The Bridge II. Duringthe installation process, you may program the codes for each of yoursource components into the remote. To operate a component...
Page 14 - Info Settings Button:
14 14 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS Disc Menu: While a DVD is playing, press the DVD Source Selector, then this button, to display the disc’s menu. Teletext Buttons: These buttons are used with some source devices. See Table A13 in the appendix for details. They are also usedwith a Teletext-capable ...
Page 15 - To make it easier to follow the instructions; ZONE 2 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
15 15 NOTE: To make it easier to follow the instructions throughout the manual that refer to this illustration,a copy of this page may be downloaded from theProduct Support section at www.harmankardon.com. IR Tran s mitter Mute Navigation Power Off Zone S elector OK Tran s port C ontrol s Zone Indic...
Page 17 - INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER; Typical Home Theater System; Surround Modes
17 17 INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER The AVR 3550HD may be the first multichannel surround sound receiveryou have owned. This introductory section will help you to familiarizeyourself with some basic concepts, which will make setup and operationsmoother. Typical Home Theater System A home theater typi...
Page 18 - CONNECTIONS; Table 1 – Connection Color Guide; Speaker Connections; Insert the bare end of the wire into the hole.; Subwoofer; Connecting Source Devices to the AVR; HDMI signals may carry both audio and video. If your; Digital Audio
18 18 CONNECTIONS There are different types of audio and video connections used to connect the receiver, the speakers, the video display, and the sourcedevices. The Consumer Electronics Association has established the CEA ® color-coding standard. See Table 1. Table 1 – Connection Color Guide Speaker...
Page 19 - Analog Audio; Video Connections
19 19 CONNECTIONS of magnitude the shades of color that can be displayed; and the latestlossless multichannel audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HDMaster Audio. NOTE: Some DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players only output multichannel audio through their multichan-nel analog ou...
Page 20 - • Copy-protected sources are not available at the Component; Antennas
20 20 CONNECTIONS Composite video is the basic connection most commonly available. Thejack is usually color-coded yellow, and looks like an analog audio jack.Do not plug a composite video cable into an analog or coaxial digitalaudio jack, or vice versa. Both the chrominance (color) and luminance(int...
Page 21 - SPEAKER PLACEMENT; Front Speaker Placement; Some speaker manufacturers offer 6.1-channel speaker; Subwoofer Placement; Your receiver will sound its best when the same model
21 SPEAKER PLACEMENT Optimally, the speakers should be placed in a circle with the listeningposition at its center. The speakers should be angled so that they directlyface the listening position. Front Speaker Placement The center speaker is placed either on top of, below or mounted on the wall abov...
Page 22 - INSTALLATION; Step One – Connect the Speakers; Step Two – Connect the Subwoofer; Step Three – Connect the Antennas; Step Four – Connect the Source Components; This is not true of The Bridge II and the tuner, which use; HDMI Connections; • Choose the HDMI connection if it’s available on your source device
INSTALLATION 22 Before beginning to connect the various components to the receiver, turnoff all devices, including the AVR 3550HD, and unplug their power cords. Don’t plug in any of the power cords until you have finishedmaking all of your connections. The receiver generates heat. Select a location ...
Page 25 - INSTALL ATION; Connect a CD Player or Any Audio-Only Device; Connect a Tape Deck or Any Audio-Only Recorder; Connect an iPod Using; Connecting a Game Console, Camera or Other Device
25 INSTALL ATION Composite/S-Video: If the best video connection common to both the set-top box and the TV is either S-video or composite video, followthese steps (see Figure 27): • Connect the set-top’s S-video or composite video output (one only) to the corresponding Video 1, 2 or 3 Input. • Conne...
Page 26 - Step Five – Connect the Video Display; Do not connect any video output on the; If the display does not have HDMI inputs, but; If the video display does not have HDMI or; Step Six – Plug in AC Power
26 26 INSTALLATION Figure 31 – Connecting a Device to the Front-Panel Inputs Audio Components: Connect audio-only devices, such as CD players, to either the Coaxial or Optical Digital Audio Inputs, or the Analog AudioInputs (see Figure 31). Step Five – Connect the Video Display IMPORTANT NOTE: Do no...
Page 27 - Step Seven – Insert Batteries in Remote; Step Eight – Program Sources Into the Remote
27 INSTALL ATION Figure 36 – AC Power Input Step Seven – Insert Batteries in Remote The AVR 3550HD remote control uses four AAA batteries (included). To remove the battery cover located on the back of the remote,squeeze the tab and lift the cover. Insert the batteries as shown in Figure 37, observin...
Page 28 - Learning; Button until the Source Selector lights up. See Figure 40.; Step Nine – Remote IR Inputs and Output; Step Ten – Install a Multizone System; IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
28 28 INSTALL ATION Learning You may “learn” individual key codes if you have the device’s originalremote control by following this procedure: a) Place the two remotes with their IR transmitters facing each other, about one inch apart. See Figure 39. Figure 39 – AVR 3550HD and Original Remote Head-t...
Page 29 - Step Eleven – Turn On the AVR 3550HD
29 INSTALLATION Select one or all of these systems: 1. Connect an external amplifier to the Zone 2 Audio Outputs. See Figure 42. Figure 42 – Zone 2 Audio Outputs It is recommended that you place the amplifier in the same room as the AVR 3550HD so that a shorter length of interconnect cable is used w...
Page 30 - • Any time you press one of the Source Selectors on the remote
30 30 INSTALL ATION Figure 47 – AVR Power On and Source Selectors NOTES: • Any time you press one of the Source Selectors on the remote (i.e., Cable/Sat, DVD, Media Server, Radio, TV, Game or AUX),the remote will switch device modes. To control the receiver,press the AVR Settings Button. Some AVR fu...
Page 31 - INITIAL SETUP; Using the On-Screen Menu System; Configure the AVR 3550HD Using EzSet/E; Step Three –
31 INITIAL SETUP In this section, you will configure the AVR 3550HD to match your actualsystem. A video display must be connected to one of the video monitoroutputs on the receiver. Using the On-Screen Menu System Although it’s possible to configure the AVR using only the remote andthe front-panel m...
Page 32 - Step Four –; Set Up Sources
32 32 INSTALLATION Figure 51 – Speaker Setup Menu Screen Select “Automatic Setup-EzSet/EQ” and the screen shown in Figure 52will appear. Plug the EzSet/EQ microphone into the Headphone Jack,and set the level control on the subwoofer to the halfway point. Figure 52 – EzSet/EQ Screen To return to the ...
Page 33 - Audio Format From Source:
33 INSTALLATION if your system requires fine-tuning. See the Advanced Functions sectionfor more information. Video Modes: Displays the Video Modes submenu, where you may make picture adjustments. Leave the settings at their factory defaults.Picture adjustments should be made to your video display fi...
Page 34 - Resolution to Display:
34 34 INITIAL SETUP Resolution to Display: This setting reflects the video output resolution, which is dependent upon the capabilities of the video display. • If the display is connected to the AVR’s HDMI Output, the two devices will communicate with each other, and the AVR will automaticallyselect ...
Page 35 - OPERATION; Flip the Main Power Switch on the rear panel up to the; “ On”
35 OPERATION Now that you have installed your components and completed a basicconfiguration, you are ready to begin enjoying your home theater system. Turning On the AVR 3550HD Flip the Main Power Switch on the rear panel up to the “ On” position. The Power Indicator on the front panel will turn amb...
Page 36 - Source Selection; VIDEO TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS:; Using the Tuner; XM Radio Operation
36 36 OPERATION Press the Surround Modes Button on the front panel or the remote, toswitch to Dolby Headphone virtual surround processing, which emulatesa 5.1-channel speaker system. No other surround modes are availablefor the headphones. Source Selection Press the front-panel Source List Button. P...
Page 37 - Recording
37 OPERATION use is also compatible, but has been discontinued. Other modules thathave standard analog or digital audio outputs, may be connected to acompatible input and operated using their own controls. NOTE: To listen to XM Radio using the AVR 3550HD, you will need to purchase an XM antenna modu...
Page 38 - NOTES ON VIDEO PLAYBACK:; Table 2 – Using The Bridge II; Selecting a Surround Mode
38 38 OPERATION Figure 62 – The Bridge Press the Menu Button to view the slide-out menu: Back: Returns to the previous screen. This option appears while navigating the contents of the iPod. Music: Navigates the audio materials stored on the iPod. Photos: Select this line to view still images stored ...
Page 40 - ADVANCED FUNCTIONS; Audio Processing and Surround Sound; Analog Audio Signals; DSP Surround Off Mode:; Digital Audio Signals
40 40 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Much of the AVR 3550HD’s performance is handled automatically, withlittle intervention required on your part. The AVR 3550HD is capable ofbeing customized to suit your system and your tastes. In this section wedescribe some of the more advanced adjustments available. Audio P...
Page 41 - Dolby Surround Settings
The first number indicates the number of front channels in the signal: “1” represents a monophonic recording, usually an older program that has been digitally remastered or, more rarely, a modern program for which the director has chosen a special effect. “2” indicates the presence of the left and r...
Page 42 - This setting affects the depth of the surround presentation,; Manual Setup; When using the AVR’s Speaker Setup menus, select a; Step One – Determine Speaker Crossover; Button to move the
42 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS tightly on the center channel. Lower numbers broaden the vocal sound-stage. Use the ‹ / › Buttons to adjust. Dimension: This setting affects the depth of the surround presentation, allowing you to “move” the sound toward the front or rear of the room.The setting of “0” is a neu...
Page 43 - Number of Speakers; Adjust Crossover Frequencies Menu; Sub Mode
43 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS NOTE: All of the speaker setup submenus include the Exit and Back options as shown at the bottom of Figure 66. To return to a previous menu without making any changes, select Exit.To save the current settings, select the Back option. To reconfigure the speakers from scratch, se...
Page 44 - Adjust Speaker Distance Menu; scale. Adjust each channel so that the meter reads 75dB.
44 44 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS The Speaker/Channel Indicators on the front panel of the receiver (seeFigure 64) display the speaker size settings. For each speaker configurednumerically, a single box will appear in its position. For each speakerconfigured as LARGE, a double box will appear. If a speaker i...
Page 45 - Audio Effects; Treble; Video Adjustments
45 45 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS paused there, using the ‹ / › Buttons. Use the ⁄ / ¤ Buttons to move the cursor to another line, and the test tone will follow the cursor. When this setting reads MANUAL, the test tone will not move to thenext channel until you use the ⁄ / ¤ Buttons. Individual Channels: If ...
Page 46 - Advanced Video Settings:; MPEG Noise Reduction:; How to Adjust the Custom Picture Settings; Brightness Adjustment
• Sports: For sporting events. • Nature: For programs shot outdoors, in a natural setting. • Movie: For movies and many television broadcasts. • Custom: Allows manual adjustment of the picture settings. The Brightness, Contrast, Color and Sharpness settings appear as sliderswith values ranging from ...
Page 47 - Refer to the large white bar below the gray scale to tweak the; Sharpness Adjustment; Multizone Operation; Installing a Multizone System; a) Connect the speakers to the left and right Surround Back/Zone 2
Contrast Adjustment 1. Adjust the contrast on your TV until you see a bright white bar in the lower right corner of the screen and a deep-dark-black bar to the left. 2. If the brightness of the white bar no longer increases when the con- trast is turned up or the borders of white letters bloom (over...
Page 48 - Operating the Multizone System; System Settings; General AVR Settings; Volume Default; Menu Appearance
48 48 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS Operating the Multizone System The AVR 3550HD’s multizone system is accessed using the on-screen Zone 2 menu. Press the AVR Settings Button, and use the ⁄ / ¤ Buttons to navigate to the Zone 2 line. Press the OK Button to displaythe Zone 2 menu. See Figure 75. Figure 75 – Zo...
Page 49 - Volume Status Messages:; Advanced Remote Control Functions; Punch-Through Programming
49 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS background, Medium for partial transparency or Opaque to block videoprograms while the menus are on screen. Volume Status Messages: When the AVR is turned on, the volume is adjusted or the source is changed, or if a change in the input signal is detected, a status message will ...
Page 50 - Processor Reset; • A system reset erases all user configurations, including; Memory
50 50 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS TV Button re-lights, enter the code “333”. When the TV Button goes out, and all of the Source Selectors flash, the remote will be reset. Processor Reset If the unit behaves erratically after a power surge, first turn off the MasterPower Switch and unplug the AC power cord fo...
Page 51 - TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
51 SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION Unit does not function when Main • No AC Power • Make certain AC power cord is plugged into a live outlet Power Switch is turned on • Check whether outlet is switch-controlled Display lights, but no sound • Intermittent input connections • Secure all input and speaker conne...
Page 52 - Table A2 – Source Setting Defaults; APPENDIX; Appendix – Default settings, worksheets, remote product codes; Table A1 – Recommended Source Component Connections
52 Table A2 – Source Setting Defaults Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX The Bridge Surround Modes (Auto Select) Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Logic 7 Movie Video Input HDMI 2 HDMI 1 S-Video 1 N/A Component 1 Composite 1 C...
Page 53 - Table A3 – Speaker/Channel Setting Defaults
53 APPENDIX Table A3 – Speaker/Channel Setting Defaults Audio Input All Digital and 2-Channel Analog Audio Inputs 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs* Your Settings Left/Right Speakers ON ON Center Speaker ON ON Left/Right Surround Speakers ON ON Left/Right Surround Back Speakers ON ON Subwoofer ON ON ...
Page 54 - Table A7 – Video Modes Settings; Table A6 – Audio Effects Settings
54 Table A7 – Video Modes Settings Default Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX The Bridge Video Mode Processor Off Brightness * 50 Contrast * 50 Color * 50 Sharpness * 50 Picture Adjust Auto Fit Noise Reduction ** 0ff MPEG Noise Reduction ** 0ff Cross Color Suppressor ** Off Film Mode Detec...
Page 55 - Table A8 – Surround Modes
55 APPENDIX Table A8 – Surround Modes Default Cable/Sat DVD Media Server Radio TV Game AUX The Bridge Auto Select Logic 7 Movie ornative digital format Virtual Surround Dolby Virtual Speaker Reference Stereo 7 CH Stereo Movie Logic 7 Movie Music Logic 7 Music Game Logic 7 Game Center Width * 0 Dimen...
Page 56 - Table A11 – Zone 2 Settings
56 56 APPENDIX Table A11 – Zone 2 Settings Source Input Default Your Settings Status Off Source Cable/Sat Volume – 25dB Surround Back Amps Main Room Table A 12 – Surround Modes Surround Mode Description Incoming Bitstream or Signal Dolby Digital Provides up to five separate main audio channels and a...
Page 57 - Surround Mode
57 APPENDIX Surround Mode Description Incoming Bitstream or Signal Dolby Pro Logic II Variant of Dolby Pro Logic II that emphasizes use of the surround • Dolby Digital 2.0 or 2.1 Game channels and subwoofer for total immersion in the video gaming • Analog (2-channel) experience. • Tuner• PCM (32kHz,...
Page 61 - Table A13 – Remote Control Function List
61 APPENDIX Radio Media Server No. Button Name AVR FM AM XM DVD DMC1000 TV The Bridge 01 AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On 02 AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Pow...
Page 62 - Table A13 – continued
62 62 APPENDIX Table A13 – continued AUX No. Button Name CBL/SAT Game CD HDTV PVD TiVO VCR 01 AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On AVR Power On 02 AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off AVR Power Off A...
Page 63 - TV
63 TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number AIWA 027 A MARK 122 132 ADMIRAL 192 AKAI 123 160 AMPRO 164 ANAM 045 106 109 112 122 AOC 122 123 128 BLAUPUNKT 084 BROKSONIC 205 206 CANDLE 123 128 CAPEHART 059 CENTURION 123 171 CENTRONIC 045 CITIZEN 045 123 128 132 CLASSIC 045 CONCERTO 128 CONTEC 045 CORAN...
Page 64 - Table A16 – continued; Table A14 – continued
64 Table A16 – continued TV Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number TATUNG 063 TECHNICS 181 TECHWOOD 128 TEKNIKA 045 069 115 123 128 132 TELERENT 069 TERA 156 THOMSON 190 191 TMK 128 TOSHIBA 063 129 202 TOTEVISION 132 VIDEO CONCEPTS 160 VIDTECH 128 WARDS 069 128 132 148 YAMAHA 123 128 YORK 128 YUPITERU...
Page 65 - Table A18 – Remote Control Product Codes:; DVD
65 Table A17 – continued Table A17 – Remote Control Product Codes: AUX- CD APPENDIX CD Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number ADCOM 063 069 AIWA 072 111 118 156 170 AKAI 050 177 184 AUDIO TECHNICA 053 AUDIOACCESS 125 AUDIOFILE 211 BSR 044 CALIFORNIA AUDIO 109 CAPETRONIC 070 CARRERA 087 CARVER 136 140 ...
Page 66 - Table A21 – Remote Control Product Codes:; CBL; Table A20 – Remote Control Product Codes:; GAME; Table A19 – Remote Control Product Codes:; SAT
66 Game Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number MICROSOFT (XBOX) 001 SONY (PLAYSTATION 2) 002 Table A21 – Remote Control Product Codes: CBL CBL Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number ABC 001 011 ALLEGRO 111 AMERICAST 212 ARCHER 112 BELCOR 113 CABLE STAR 033 113 CITIZEN 111 COLOUR VOICE 085 090 DIGI 114 E...
Page 67 - Table A22 – Remote Control Product Codes:; Table A24 – Remote Control Product Codes:
67 67 CBL Manufacturer/Brand Setup Code Number SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA 183 203 221 222 SEAM 121 SIGNATURE 001 188 SPRUCER 053 081 177 189 STARCOM 002 011 163 STARGATE 120 TANDY 024 TELECAPATION 028 TEXSCAN 036 TFC 122 TIMELESS 123 TOCOM 170 205 UNITED CABLE 011 UNIVERSAL 033 034 039 042 113 VIDEOWAY 124 ...
Page 68 - AVR 3550HD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
68 68 AVR 3550HD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Audio Section Seven-Channel Surround Modes Power per Individual Channel Front L & R channels:75 Watts per channel@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Center channel:75 Watts @ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms Surround (L & R Side, L & R B...
