Harman Kardon Stereo Receiver AVR 8500 User Manual

AVR 8500 Audio/VideoReceiver  
OWNER’S MANUAL  
®
Power for the Digital Revolution  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Introduction  
Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon!  
With the purchase of a Harman Kardon  
AVR 8500 you are about to begin many years of  
listening enjoyment. Designed to provide all the  
excitement and detail of movie soundtracks and  
every nuance of musical selections, the  
AVR 8500 is truly a multichannel receiver for the  
new millennium. In addition to the traditional  
5.1 digital decoding modes such as Dolby Digital  
and DTS, it offers the latest advancements in  
surround technology such as Dolby Pro Logic II,  
the full suite of DTS-ES 6.1 modes, DTS Neo:6  
and the latest 7.1 channel versions of Harman's  
own Logic 7 technology.  
The AVR 8500 is also featuring HDCD® decoding  
to provide the most realistic playback of CDs  
when a digital connection is used, even with a  
normal non-HDCD-compatible CD or DVD player.  
I THX Ulta processing, THX Surround-EX,  
Dolby* Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II*  
Decoding, and the full suite of DTS®  
modes, including DTS-ES® 6.1 Discrete  
& Matrix and Neo:6® using the latest  
24-bit, twin-core Crystal® DSP engine  
I Harman Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7®  
processing, available for the first time  
with both 7.1 and 5.1 processing in  
a variety of modes and two modes  
of VMAx®  
In addition to providing a wide range of listening  
options, the AVR 8500 is easy to configure so  
that it provides the best results with your speak-  
ers and specific listening-room environment. On-  
screen menus make it simple to enter settings  
for speaker configurations and bass manage-  
ment, and the EzSet remote measures  
a system’s sound levels and automatically cali-  
brates them for perfectly balanced sound field  
presentation.  
I MP3 decoding for use with compatible  
computers and digital audio players  
TM  
I
remote automatically sets  
The AVR 8500 has been engineered so that it is  
easy to take advantage of all the power of its  
digital technology. On-screen menus, fully color  
coded connection jacks and terminals and our  
exclusive EzSetremote make installation fast  
and simple. However, to obtain the maximum  
enjoyment from your new receiver, we urge you  
to read this manual. A few minutes spent learn-  
ing the functions of the various controls will  
enable you to take advantage of all the power  
the AVR 8500 is able to deliver.  
For the ultimate in flexibility, the AVR 8500 fea-  
tures connections for six video devices, all with  
both composite and S-Video inputs. Two addi-  
tional audio inputs are available, and a total of  
eight digital inputs and four outputs make the  
AVR 8500 capable of handling all the latest digi-  
tal audio sources.  
For compatibility with the latest HDTV video  
sources and progressive scan DVD players, the  
AVR 8500 also features wide-bandwidth, low-  
crosstalk component video switching.  
output levels for optimum performance  
I High-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible  
component video switching  
I Front panel analog A/V inputs, switch-  
able to outputs  
I Front panel digital inputs and outputs  
for easy connection to portable digital  
devices and the latest video game con-  
soles  
I Multiple digital inputs and outputs  
I On-screen menu and display system  
If you have any questions about this product, its  
installation or its operation, please contact your  
retailer or custom installer. They are your best  
local sources of information.  
Behind a front panel door are coax and optical  
digital inputs and outputs for direct connection  
to digital recorders, along with analog  
I Complete multizone system with  
separate “Zone II” remote included  
audio/video connections that may be switched  
to outputs for use with portable recorders – a  
Harman Kardon exclusive. Two video recording  
outputs, preamp-out and main amp-in jacks, and  
a color-coded eight-channel input make the  
AVR 8500 virtually future-proof, with everything  
needed to accommodate tomorrow’s new for-  
mats right on board.  
Description and Features  
I 6-Channel/8-Channel Direct Input and  
Preamp Outputs and Main Amp Inputs  
for Easy Expansion and Use with  
Future Audio Formats  
The AVR 8500 is among the most versatile and  
multifeatured A/V receivers available, incorporat-  
ing a wide range of listening options. In addition  
to the benefits of world famous THX Ultra® pro-  
cessing, as well as Dolby Digital and DTS decod-  
ing for digital sources, a broad choice of sur-  
round modes for Matrix surround-encoded or  
Stereo recordings are available for use with  
sources such as CD, VCR, TV broadcasts and the  
AVR 8500’s own FM/AM tuner. Along with THX  
Surround EX, Dolby ProLogic II, DTS Neo:6,  
Dolby 3 Stereo, 5 Channel or 7 Channel Stereo  
and Hall and Theater modes, the AVR 8500  
offers Harman International’s exclusive Logic 7  
process in both 5.1 and 7.1 versions to create a  
wider, more enveloping field environment and  
more defined fly-overs and pans. Another  
Harman Kardon exclusive is VMAx, which uses  
proprietary processing to create an open, spa-  
cious sound field even when only two front  
speakers are available. Finally, the AVR 8500 is  
among the very few A/V receivers that offer  
decoding of MP3 data, so that you may listen to  
the latest music selections directly from compati-  
ble computers or playback devices with the  
power and fidelity you expect from Harman  
Kardon.  
I Main Backlit Remote with Internal  
Codes and Learning Capability  
I HDCD Decoding for Superb CD Playback  
The AVR 8500’s flexibility and power extend  
beyond your main home theater or listening  
room. The AVR 8500 includes a sophisticated  
multizone control system that allows you to  
select one source for use in the main room and a  
different source for audio and video distribution  
to a second zone. Complete control over volume  
is possible with a separate infrared control link.  
To make it easy to operate the AVR 8500 from a  
remote zone, a separate “Zone II” remote is  
included.  
The AVR 8500’s powerful amplifier uses  
traditional Harman Kardon high-current design  
technologies to meet the wide dynamic range of  
any program selection.  
Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity receiv-  
er more than forty-seven years ago. With state-  
of-the-art circuitry and time-honored circuit  
designs, the AVR 8500 is the perfect combination  
of the latest in digital audio technology, a quiet  
yet powerful analog amplifier in an elegant, easy-  
to-use package.  
INTRODUCTION 3  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Safety Information  
Installation Location  
Important Safety Information  
Unpacking  
I To assure proper operation and to avoid the  
potential for safety hazards, place the unit on  
a firm and level surface. When placing the  
unit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf and  
any mounting hardware can support the  
weight of the product.  
Verify Line Voltage Before Use  
Your AVR has been designed for use with  
220-240-Volt AC current. Connection to a line  
voltage other than that for which it is intended  
can create a safety and fire hazard and may  
damage the unit.  
The carton and shipping materials used to  
protect your new receiver during shipment were  
specially designed to cushion it from shock and  
vibration. We suggest that you save the carton  
and packing materials for use in shipping if you  
move, or should the unit ever need repair.  
I Make certain that proper space is provided  
both above and below the unit for ventilation.  
If this product will be installed in a cabinet or  
other enclosed area, make certain that there  
is sufficient air movement within the cabinet.  
Under some circumstances a fan may be  
required.  
If you have any questions about the voltage  
requirements for your specific model, or about  
the line voltage in your area, contact your dealer  
before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.  
To minimize the size of the carton in storage,  
you may wish to flatten it. This is done by  
carefully slitting the tape seams on the bottom  
and collapsing the carton. Other cardboard  
inserts may be stored in the same manner.  
Packing materials that cannot be collapsed  
should be saved along with the carton in a  
plastic bag.  
Do Not Use Extension Cords  
To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord  
attached to your unit. We do not recommend  
that extension cords be used with this product.  
As with all electrical devices, do not run power  
cords under rugs or carpets or place heavy  
objects on them. Damaged power cords should  
be replaced immediately by an authorized  
service depot with a cord meeting factory  
specifications.  
I Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted  
surface.  
If you do not wish to save the packaging  
materials, please note that the carton and other  
sections of the shipping protection are  
recyclable. Please respect the environment and  
discard those materials at a local recycling  
center.  
I Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold  
locations, or an area that is exposed to direct  
sunlight or heating equipment.  
I Avoid moist or humid locations.  
I Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the  
top of the unit, or place objects directly over  
them.  
Handle the AC Power Cord Gently  
When disconnecting the power cord from an AC  
outlet, always pull the plug, never pull the cord.  
If you do not intend to use the unit for any con-  
siderable length of time, disconnect the plug  
from the AC outlet.  
Cleaning  
When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean,  
soft, dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it with a soft  
cloth dampened with mild soapy water, then a  
fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe dry  
immediately with a dry cloth. NEVER use  
benzene, aerosol cleaners, thinner, alcohol or any  
other volatile cleaning agent. Do not use  
abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish  
of metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticide near  
the unit.  
Do Not Open the Cabinet  
There are no user-serviceable components inside  
this product. Opening the cabinet may present a  
shock hazard, and any modification to the  
product will void your guarantee. If water or any  
metal object such as a paper clip, wire or a  
staple accidentally falls inside the unit,  
disconnect it from the AC power source  
immediately, and consult an authorized service  
station.  
Moving the Unit  
Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect  
any interconnection cords with other  
components, and make certain that you  
disconnect the unit from the AC outlet.  
4 SAFETY INFORMATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Front Panel Controls  
˜
¯
ı
Ù
ˆ
Ú
Û
&
1
2
7
3
5
9
!
% *  
^
Ó
#
(
4
Ô
Ò
$
@
6 8  
)
Main Power Switch  
System Power Control  
Power Indicator  
Headphone Jack  
Dolby Mode Selector  
Home THX Mode Selector  
Logic 7 Mode Selector / Button  
Tone Mode  
DSP Surround Mode Selector  
Tuning Selector  
Tuner Band Selector  
6Ch/8Ch Direct Button  
Preset Station Selector  
Stereo Mode Selector / Button  
Input Source Selector  
RDS Selector  
DTS Neo:6 Mode Selector  
Optical Digital 4 Input  
Optical Digital 4 Output  
Coaxial Digital 4 Input  
Coaxial Digital 4 Output  
Input/Output Status Indicators  
Video 5 Input/Output Jacks  
DTS Surround Mode Selector  
Digital Select Button  
Volume Control  
Input Indicators  
Main Information Display  
Remote Sensor Window  
Surround Mode Indicators  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
)
!
Ô
Ò
Ú
Û
Ù
ı
ˆ
˜
¯
@
#
$
%
^
&
*
(
Ó
1
Main Power Switch: Press this button to  
4
Headphone Jack: This jack may be used to  
6
Home THX Mode Selector: Press this  
apply power to the AVR. When the switch is  
pressed in, the unit is placed in a Standby mode, phones. Be certain that the headphones have a  
listen to the AVR’s output through a pair of head-  
button to select Home THX processing. The AVR  
will automatically select Home THX 5.1 pro-  
cessing, named "THX CINEMA" with Dolby  
Digital sources and "THX" with all others, when  
no Surround back speakers are installed or when  
an analog source is playing. When Surround Back  
speakers are installed and any digital multi-  
channel signal with independent surround  
channels (any Dolby Digital x/2 or DTS source) is  
playing the AVR will automatically select the THX  
Surround EX (7.1) mode, when the button is  
pressed once. It will keep a 5.1 signal or down-  
mix any 6.1 signal to 5.1 and select Home THX  
5.1 when the button is pressed a second time.  
as indicated by the orange LED  
the System Power Control  
3
surrounding  
standard 6.3 mm stereo phone plug. Note that  
the main room speakers and all Preamp  
2. This button  
MUST be pressed in to operate the unit. To turn  
the unit off completely and prevent the use of  
the remote control, this switch should be  
pressed until it pops out from the front panel so  
that the word “OFF” may be read at the top of  
the switch.  
Outputs  
A
will automatically be turned off  
when the headphone jack is in use.  
5
Dolby Mode Selector: Pressing this selector  
button cycles the AVR through the various Dolby  
surround modes. The first press of the button  
switches the surround mode to the last Dolby sur-  
round mode that was in use.  
Each subsequent press selects the next mode in  
the following order:  
NOTE: This switch is normally left in the “ON”  
position.  
2
System Power Control: When the Main  
DOLBY  
Power Switch is “ON,” press this button to  
1
DOLBY PRO LOGIC II MOVIE  
DIGITAL  
To escape from the THX processing and return to  
the "Non-THX" mode the button for the  
surround mode selected previously must be  
pressed again.  
turn on the AVR; press it again to turn the unit off  
(to Standby). Note that the Power Indicator  
DOLBY PRO LOGIC II  
EMULATION  
DOLBY PRO LOGIC II  
MUSIC  
surrounding the switch  
the unit is on.  
3
will turn green when  
DOLBY 3 STEREO  
7
Logic 7 Mode Selector / Button: This  
Note that DOLBY DIGITAL mode is available only  
with digital input selected and the other modes  
only when a Dolby Digital source is not playing.  
3
Power Indicator: This LED will be illuminat-  
button has two functions: In normal use, press it  
to select one of the Logic 7 modes. When an  
adjustment is being made using the Digital  
ed in orange when the unit is in the Standby  
mode to signal that the unit is ready to be turned  
on. When the unit is in operation, the indicator  
will turn green.  
Select  
Û
or the Tone Mode  
8
button, this  
button may be pressed to scroll through the  
available options.  
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 5  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Front Panel Controls  
8
Tone Mode: Pressing this button enables or  
^RDS Select Button: Press this button to dis-  
play the various messages that are part of the RDS  
data system of the AVR’s tuner. (See page 43 for  
more information on RDS).  
Ú
DTS Surround Mode Selector: When a  
disables the Bass and Treble tone controls. When  
the button is pressed so that the words TONE  
INappear in the Main Information Display  
DTS source is in use the AVR will select the  
appropriate mode automatically and no other  
mode will be available, except THX or Logic 7  
processing. In that case, pressing that button will  
display the mode currently selected by the AVR´s  
decoder. Depending on the surround material  
played and the speaker setting, one of the  
following modes will be selected by the unit:  
• DTS-ES 6.1 DISCRETE  
ˆ
the Bass and Treble controls will be enabled.  
&DTS Neo:6 Mode Selector: Pressing this  
selector button cycles the AVR through the vari-  
ous DTS Neo:6 modes, which extract a five- or  
seven-channel surround field from two-channel  
program material (from PCM source or analog  
input signal). The first press selects the last DTS  
Neo:6 surround mode that was in use, and each  
subsequent press selects the next mode in the  
following order:  
When the button is pressed so that the words  
TONEOUTappear in the Main Information  
Display  
ˆ, the output signal will be “flat,”  
without any bass or treble alteration.  
9
DSP Surround Mode Selector: Press this  
• DTS-ES 6.1 MATRIX  
• DTS + NEO:6  
• DTS 5.1  
button to select the following DSP Surround  
Modes: VMAx Near/Far, Hall 1, Hall 2 or Theater.  
(See page 30 for more information about sur-  
round modes.)  
Both DTS ES 6.1 Modes and DTS+NEO:6 will be  
selected only when surround back speakers have  
been configured with your system: DISCRETE with  
appropriate source material, MATRIX with 6.1  
Matrix recordings and DTS+NEO:6 with normal  
DTS 5.1 channel recordings. The DTS 5.1 mode  
will be selected with any DTS source, when no  
surround back speakers are configured (see also  
pages 25 and 33-36). When the THX mode was  
selected by pressing the HOME THX button  
DTS Neo:6 MUSIC  
)
Tuning Selector: Press the left side of the  
DTS Neo:6  
CINE  
button to tune lower frequency stations and the  
right side of the button to tune higher frequency  
stations. When a station with a strong signal is  
reached, the TUNED indicator Iwill illuminate  
in the Main Information Display  
page 43 for more information on tuning  
stations).  
NOTE: The front panel digital audio, video and  
analog audio input and output jacks are normally  
concealed behind a drop-down door in the lower  
right corner of the front panel. To access these  
jacks, open the panel door by gently pulling  
down the upper right corner of the door as  
indicated by ”PULL/OPEN”.  
ˆ
(see  
6j  
pressing this button will escape from the  
!
Tuner Band Selector: Pressing this button  
THX processing mode.  
will automatically switch the AVR to the Tuner  
mode. Pressing it again will switch between the  
AM and FM frequency bands. Holding it pressed  
for 3 seconds will switch between stereo or mono  
receiving and automatic or manual tuning mode.  
When the button is pressed so that the AUTO  
Indicator  
next station with an acceptable signal when the  
Tuning Selector is pressed. When  
the button is pressed so that the AUTO Indicator  
Û
Digital Select Button: When playing a  
*
Optical Digital 4 Input Jack: Connect the  
source that has a digital output, press this button  
to select between the Optical *U and  
Coaxial ÓV Digital inputs (See page  
35 for more information).  
optical digital audio output of an audio or video  
product to this jack.  
(
Optical Digital 4 Output Jack: Connect  
J
lights, the tuner will search for the  
this jack to the optical digital input of a digital  
recorder to send a feed of the digitial output  
when a PCM digital input source is in use by the  
AVR.  
Ù
Volume Control: Turn this knob clockwise  
)K  
é
to increase the volume, counterclockwise to  
decrease the volume. If the AVR is muted, adjust-  
ing volume control will automatically release the  
unit from the silenced condition.  
J
)
is not lit, each press of the Tuning Selector  
will increase the frequency. (See page  
Ó
Coaxial Digital 4 Input Jack: Connect the  
K
é
output of a digital audio source to this jack.  
42 for more information on using the tuner.)  
ı
Input indicators: A green LED will light in  
Ô
Coaxial Digital 4 Output Jack: Connect  
@
6CH/8CH Direct Button: Press this button  
front of the input that is currently being used as  
the source for the AVR.  
this jack to the coaxial digital input of a digital  
recorder to send a feed of the digitial output  
when a PCM digital input source is in use by the  
AVR.  
to select the 6 Channel Direct or 8 Channel  
DIrect inputs as the AVR's source.  
ˆ
Main Information Display: This display  
#
Preset Stations Selector: Press this button  
delivers messages and status indications to help  
you operate the receiver. (See pages 7–8 for a  
complete explanation of the Information Display.)  
to scroll up or down through the list of stations  
that have been entered into the preset memory.  
(See page 42 for more information on tuner pro-  
gramming.)  
Input/Output Status Indicators: This LED  
indicator will normally light green to show that  
the front panel Video 5 A/V jacks are  
˜
Remote Sensor Window: The sensor  
Ò
behind this window receives infrared signals from  
the remote control. Aim the remote at this area  
and do not block or cover it unless an external  
remote sensor is installed.  
operating as an input. When these jacks are con-  
figured for use as an output, the indicator will  
turn red to show that the jack may be used for  
recording. (See page 21 for more information on  
configuring the front panel jacks as outputs,  
rather than inputs.)  
$
Stereo Mode Selector / Button: This  
button has two functions: In normal use, pressing  
this selector button cycles through the stereo  
modes, and it is also used to turn off all surround  
processing and place the unit in a traditional  
two-channel Stereo mode. The first press selects  
5-Channel Stereo or 7-Channel Stereo, depend-  
ing on the selection (5.1 or 6.1/7.1) made in the  
surround mode setting, see page 24, and the sec-  
ond selects “SURROUND OFF,which is true  
Stereo.  
¯
Surround Mode Indicators: A green LED  
will light in front of the surround mode or digital  
bitstream format (HDCD, MP3 or PCM) that is  
currently in use.  
Ò
Video 5 Input/Output Jacks: These  
audio/video jacks may be used for temporary  
connection to video games or portable audio/  
video products such as camcorders and portable  
audio players. They may also be configured as  
output jacks (also S-Video) to feed a signal to any  
recording Audio or Video device (see page 37 for  
more information).  
Note that depending of specific combination of  
input sources and surround mode selected, more  
than one indicator may light.  
%
Input Source Selector: Press this button to  
change the input by scrolling through the list of  
input sources.  
6 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Front Panel Information Display  
L K  
J I H  
G
F
A
B
E
C D  
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Upper Display Line  
Lower Display Line  
OSD Indicator  
Multi Indicator  
Speaker/Channel Input Indicator  
Preset Indicator  
Memory Indicator  
Traffic Indicator  
N
O
P
Q
Stereo Indicator  
Tuned Indicator  
Auto Indicator  
192 kHz Indicator  
96 kHz Indicator  
Radiotext Indicator  
Clock Time Indicator  
Program Type Indicator  
RDS Indicator  
A
Upper Display Line: Depending on the  
E
Speaker/Channel Input Indicators: These  
HStereo Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
unit's status, a variety of messages will appear  
here. In normal operation, the current input  
source name will appear on this line.  
indicators are multipurpose, indicating either the  
speaker type selected for each channel or the  
incoming data-signal configuration. The left, cen-  
ter, right, right surround, left surround, right back  
surround and left back surround speaker indica-  
tors are composed of three boxes, while the sub-  
woofer is a single box. The center box lights when  
a “Small” speaker is selected, and the two outer  
boxes light when “Large” speakers are selected.  
When none of the boxes are lit for the center, sur-  
round or subwoofer channels, no speaker has  
been selected for that position. (See page 22 for  
more information on configuring speakers.) The  
letters inside each of the center boxes display  
active input channels. For standard analog inputs,  
only the L and R will light, indicating a stereo  
input. When a digital source is playing, the indica-  
tors will light to display the channels begin  
received at the digital input. When the letters  
flash, the digital input has been interrupted. (See  
pages 24 and 36 for more information on the  
Channel Indicators).  
when an FM station is being tuned in stereo.  
I
Tuned Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
when a station is being received with sufficient sig-  
nal strength to provide acceptable listening quality.  
B
Lower Display Line: Depending on the  
unit's status, a variety of messages will appear  
here. In normal operation, the current surround  
mode name will appear on this line.  
JAuto Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
when the tuner’s Auto mode is in use.  
K192 kHz Indicator: This indicator lights  
when the input source has a 192 kHz bit rate.  
C
OSD Indicator: When the OSD system is in  
use, this indicator lights to remind you that the  
other indicators in this display do not function  
when the On Screen Display is being used.  
L96 kHz Indicator: This indicator lights when  
the input source has a 96 kHz bit rate.  
D
Multiroom Indicator: This indicator lights  
M
TA Traffic Announcement Indicator: This  
when the multiroom system is active. Note that it  
will remain lit when the multiroom system is in  
use even though the main room system is in the  
Standby mode and all other indicators are dark.  
(See page 41 for more information on the  
Multiroom system.)  
indicator illuminates if the RDS station tuned  
somtimes transmits traffic information (see page  
43 for more information on RDS).  
N
RT Text Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
when the RDS station tuned is transmitting  
radiotext (RT) data.  
O
Clock Time Indicator: This indicator illumi-  
nates when the RDS station tuned is transmitting  
the CT (clock time) code, indicating the current  
time of day.  
F
Preset Indicator: This indicator lights when  
the tuner is in use to show that the present num-  
ber for the current station being listened to  
appears in the Upper Display Line. (See page 42  
for more information on tuner presets.)  
P
PTY Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
when the RDS station tuned is transmitting pro-  
gram type data, or during a PTY search.  
G
Memory Indicator: This indicator flashes  
Q
RDS Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
when entering presets and other information into  
the tuner’s memory.  
when the station tuned is transmitting RDS data.  
FRONT PANEL INFORMATION DISPLAY 7  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Rear Panel Connections  
33  
34  
10  
26  
28  
32  
23 25  
24  
27  
8
12  
31  
29  
9
15  
30  
17  
¡
18  
19  
230V/50Hz  
6
13  
16  
14  
6
21  
22  
6
¢
3
16  
14  
5
20  
11  
7
11  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
AM Antenna  
FM Antenna  
Tape Inputs  
Tape Outputs  
Subwoofer Output  
Amplifier Inputs  
CD Inputs  
Surround Back Preamp Outputs  
Front Speaker Outputs  
Multiroom IR Input  
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Coaxial Digital Audio Output  
Optical Digital Audio Output  
DVD Inputs  
Amplifier Trigger Jack  
Video 1/Video 2 Inputs  
Optical Digital Inputs  
Coaxial Digital Inputs  
Video 3/Video 4 Inputs  
Video 1/Video 2 Outputs  
Center Speaker Outputs  
Surround Speaker Outputs  
Switched AC Accessory Outlet  
Unswitched AC Accessory Outlet  
AC Power Cord  
Video 1/Video 2 Component Video Inputs  
Monitor Component Video Outputs  
DVD Component Video Inputs  
Remote IR Output  
Multiroom Outputs  
6-Channel Direct Inputs  
8-Channel Direct Inputs  
Preamp Outputs  
Video Monitor Outputs  
Remote IR Input  
NOTE: To assist in making the correct connec-  
tions for multichannel input/output and speaker  
connections, all connection jacks and terminals  
have been color coded in conformance with the  
latest CEA standards as follows:  
1
FM Antenna: Connect the supplied indoor or  
6
CD Inputs: Connect these jacks to the ana-  
an optional external FM antenna to this terminal.  
log output of a compact disc player or CD chang-  
er or any other audio source.  
2
Tape Inputs: Connect these jacks to the  
PLAY/OUT jacks of an audio recorder.  
7
Multiroom Outputs: Connect these jacks  
to an optional audio power amplifier and moni-  
tor to listen and watch to the source selected by  
the multiroom system in a remote room.  
Front Left:  
Front Right:  
White  
Red  
3
Tape Outputs: Connect these jacks to the  
RECORD/INPUT jacks of an audio recorder.  
Center:  
Green  
Blue  
Gray  
Brown  
Tan  
Purple  
Orange  
Yellow  
4
Subwoofer Output: Connect this jack to  
Surround Left:  
Surround Right:  
Surround Back Left:  
Surround Back Right:  
Subwoofer (LFE):  
Digital Audio:  
Composite Video:  
8
6-Channel Direct Inputs: If an external  
the line-level input of a powered subwoofer. If an  
external subwoofer amplifier is used, connect this  
jack to the subwoofer amplifier input.  
digital audio decoder (DVD Audio, SACD) is used,  
connect the outputs of that decoder to these  
jacks.  
5
Amplifier Inputs: When the jumper pins  
9
8-Channel Direct Inputs: When an op-  
that link the Preamp Outputs with these  
A
tional, external processor or playback device with  
6.1 or 7.1 audio capability (DVD Audio, SACD) is  
in use, connect the Surround Back Left and  
Surround Back Right channel outputs of the play-  
er to these input jacks and all other 6.1/7.1 out-  
puts to the appropriate 6-Channel Direct  
inputs are removed, these jacks may be used to  
connect an external source or the AVR’s multi-  
room system to the internal amplifiers.  
Component Video “Y”: Green  
Component Video “Pr”: Red  
Component Video “Pb”: Blue  
0
AM Antenna: Connect the AM loop antenna  
supplied with the receiver to these terminals. If an  
external AM antenna is used, make connections to  
the AM and GND terminals in accordance with  
the instructions supplied with the antenna.  
Inputs  
8.  
8 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Rear Panel Connections  
A
Preamp Outputs: When the jumper pins  
G
Switched AC Accessory Outlet: This out-  
P
Coaxial Digital Audio Output: Connect  
that link the Amplifier Inputs with these  
outputs are removed, these jacks may be con-  
nected to an external power amplifier.  
5
let may be used to power any device that you  
wish to have turn on when the AVR is turned on  
this jack to the coaxial digital input connector on  
a CD-R/RW, MiniDisc or other digital recorder.  
with the System Power Control switch  
2.  
Q
Optical Digital Audio Output: Connect  
B
Video Monitor Outputs: Connect this jack  
H
Unswitched AC Accessory Outlet: This  
this jack to the optical digital input connector on  
a CD-R/RW, MiniDisc or other digital recorder.  
to the composite and/or S-Video input of a TV  
monitor or video projector to view the on-screen  
menus and the output of any standard Video or  
S-Video source selected by the receiver’s video  
switcher.  
outlet may be used to power any AC device. The  
power will remain on at this outlet regardless of  
whether the AVR is on or off (in Standby), pro-  
R
DVD Inputs: Connect the analog left/right  
audio and composite or S-Video output of a  
DVD player or other video source to these jacks.  
vided that the Main Power switch  
1
is on.  
Note: The total power consumption of all  
devices connected to the accessory outlets  
should not exceed 100 watts from the  
Unswitched Outlet  
Switched Outlet  
S
Amplifier Trigger Jack: Connect this jack  
C
Surround Back Preamp Outputs: When  
to the compatible input trigger jack on a power  
amplifier or other relay controlled device. The  
connected product will turn on when the AVR is  
turned on.  
the AVR is used in the 6.1 or 7.1 configuration,  
connect these jacks to an optional, external  
power amplifier to power the Surround Back  
Channels.  
H and 50 W from the  
G
.
I
AC Power Cord: Connect the AC plug to an  
T
Video 1/Video 2 Inputs: Connect these  
D
Front Speaker Outputs: Connect these  
unswitched AC wall output.  
jacks to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video  
outputs to the matching + or – terminals on  
your left and right speakers. In conformance with  
the new CEA color code specification, the White  
terminal is the positive, or ”+” terminal that  
should be connected to the red (+) terminal on  
Front Left speaker with the older color coding,  
while the Red terminal is the positive, or ”+”  
terminal that should be connected to the red (+)  
terminal on Front Right speaker. Connect the  
black (–) terminals on the AVR to the black (–)  
terminals on the speakers. See page 15 for more  
information on speaker polarity.  
jacks on a VCR or other video source.  
J
Video 1/Video 2 Component Video  
Inputs: Connect the Y/Pr/Pb component video  
outputs of an HDTV Set-top convertor, satellite  
receiver, or other video source device with com-  
ponent video outputs to these jacks.  
U
Optical Digital Inputs: Connect the opti-  
cal digital output from a DVD player, HDTV  
receiver, the S/PDIF output of a compatible com-  
puter sound card playing MP3 files or streams,  
LD player, MD player or CD player to these jacks.  
The signal may be either a Dolby Digital signal, a  
DTS signal, a 2 channel MPEG 1 signal, an MP3  
or HDCD data stream or a standard PCM digital  
source.  
K
Monitor Component Video Outputs:  
Connect these outputs to the component video  
inputs of a video projector or monitor. When a  
source connected to one of the Component  
Video Inputs JL is selected the signal will  
be sent to these jacks.  
V
Coaxial Digital Inputs: Connect the coax  
E
Center Speaker Outputs: Connect these  
digital output from a DVD player, HDTV receiver,  
the S/PDIF output of a compatible computer  
sound card playing MP3 files or streams, LD  
player, MD player or CD player to these jacks.  
The signal may be either a Dolby Digital signal,  
DTS signal, a 2 channel MPEG 1 signal, an MP3  
or HDCD data stream or a standard PCM digital  
source. Do not connect the RF digital output of  
an LD player to these jacks.  
L
DVD Component Video Inputs: Connect  
outputs to the matching + and – terminals on  
your center channel speaker. In conformance  
with the new CEA color code specification, the  
Green Terminal is the positive, or ”+” terminal  
that should be connected to the red (+) terminal  
on speakers with the older color coding. Connect  
the black (–) terminal on the AVR to the black  
negative (–) terminal on your speaker. (See page  
15 for more information on speaker polarity.)  
the Y/Pr/Pb component video outputs of a DVD  
player to these jacks.  
Note: All component inputs/outputs can be  
used for RGB signals too, in the same way as  
described for the Y/Pr/Pb signals, then connected  
to the jacks with the corresponding color.  
RGB connection is not possible if the source out-  
puts a separate sync signal (see page 16).  
W
Video 3/Video 4 Inputs: Connect the  
M
Remote IR Output: This connection permits  
F
Surround Speaker Outputs: Connect  
left/right audio and composite or S Video out-  
puts of a video source such as a VCR, satellite  
receiver, hard drive video recorder or other  
device to these jacks.  
the IR sensor in the receiver to serve other  
remote controlled devices. Connect this jack to  
the “IR IN” jack on Harman Kardon or other  
compatible equipment.  
these outputs to the matching + and – terminals  
on your surround channel speakers. In confor-  
mance with the new CEA color code specifica-  
tion, the Blue terminal is the positive, or ”+” ter-  
minal that should be connected to the red (+)  
terminal on the Surround Left speaker with older  
color coding, while the Gray terminal should be  
connected to the red (+) terminal on the  
Surround Right speaker with the older color cod-  
ing. Connect the black (–) terminal on the AVR  
to the matching black negative (–) terminals for  
each surround speaker. (See page 15 for more  
information on speaker polarity.)  
X
Video 1/Video 2 Outputs: Connect the  
N
Remote IR Input: If the AVR’s front-panel  
left/right audio and composite or S-Video  
Record/Input jacks on a VCR or camcorder to  
these jacks.  
IR sensor is blocked due to cabinet doors or  
other obstructions, an external IR sensor may  
be used. Connect the output of the sensor to  
this jack.  
Note: Either the Video or S-Video output of any  
S-Video source must be connected to the  
AVR, not both in parallel, otherwise the video  
may be disturbed or its performance be adverse-  
ly effected.  
O
Multiroom IR Input: Connect the output of  
an IR sensor in a remote room to this jack to  
operate the AVR’s multiroom control system.  
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS 9  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Main Remote Control Functions  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
Power Off Button  
IR Transmitter Window  
Program/SPL Indicator  
Power On Button  
Input Selectors  
c b a  
44  
AVR Selector  
AM/FM Tuner Select  
6-Channel/8-Channel Direct Input  
Test Button  
Sleep Button  
Surround Mode Selector  
Night Mode  
d
f
43  
e
Channel Select Button  
⁄ ¤  
8
/
Buttons  
g
42  
40  
Button  
41  
9
Set Button  
Digital Select  
Numeric Keys  
Tuner Mode  
Direct Button  
Tuning Up/Down  
OSD Button  
Dolby Mode Select Button  
DTS Digital Mode Selector  
Logic 7 Mode Select Button  
Transport Controls  
Light Button  
Skip Up/Down Buttons  
Stereo Mode Select Button  
DTS Neo:6 Mode Select  
Macro Buttons  
RDS Selector Button  
Preset Up/Down  
Clear Button  
Memory Button  
Delay/Prev. Ch.  
10  
12  
11  
13  
39  
37  
38  
36  
14  
16  
15  
q
14  
r
s
u
35  
33  
31  
Button  
t
v
x
34  
32  
Speaker Select  
Multiroom  
Volume Up/Down  
SPL Indicator Select  
Learn Button  
Mute  
30  
29  
w
46  
EzSet Sensor Microphone  
Tone Mode Button  
THX Mode Select Button  
25  
45  
28  
28  
NOTE: The function names shown here are each  
button’s feature when used with the AVR 8500.  
Most buttons have additional functions when  
used with other devices. See page 50-51 for a  
list of these functions.  
26  
27  
10 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Main Remote Control Functions  
IMPORTANT NOTE: The AVR 8500’s remote  
may be programmed to control up to seven  
devices, including the AVR 8500. Before using  
the remote, it is important to remember to press  
4
Input Selectors: Pressing one of these  
buttons will perform three actions at the same  
time. First, if the AVR is not turned on, this will  
power up the unit. Next, it will select the source  
shown on the button as the input to the AVR.  
Finally, it will change the remote control so that  
it controls the device selected. After pressing one  
of these buttons you must press the  
B
Night Mode: Press this button to activate  
the Night mode. This mode is available only with  
Dolby Digital encoded sources, and it preserves  
dialog (center channel) intelligibilty at low vol-  
ume levels (See page 26 for more information).  
the Input Selector button  
4
that corre-  
sponds to the unit you wish to operate. In addi-  
tion, the AVR’s remote is shipped from the factory  
to operate the AVR 8500 and most Harman  
Kardon CD or DVD players and cassette decks.  
The remote is also capable of operating a wide  
variety of other products using the control codes  
that are part of the remote or by learning com-  
mands from other remotes. Before using the  
remote with other products, follow the instruc-  
tions on pages 44-45 to program the proper  
codes for the products in your system.  
C
Channel Select Button: This button is  
used to start the process of setting the AVR’s  
output levels with an external source. Once this  
⁄ ¤  
AVR Selector button  
AVR’s functions with the remote.  
5
again to operate the  
button is pressed, use the  
/
buttons  
D
to  
select the channel being adjusted, then press the  
Set button  
D
⁄ ¤  
/
5
AVR Selector: Pressing this button will  
F
, followed by the  
buttons  
switch the remote so that it will operate the AVR’s  
functions. If the AVR is in the Standby mode, it will  
also turn the AVR on.  
again, to change the level setting. (See  
page 37 for more information.)  
⁄ ¤  
/
D
Buttons:These multipurpose buttons  
6
AM/FM Tuner Select: Press this button to  
are used to change or scroll through items in the  
on-screen menus or on the front panel or to  
make configuration settings such as digital  
inputs or delay timing. When changing a setting,  
first press the button for the function or setting  
to be changed (e.g., press the Digital Select  
select the AVR’s tuner as the listening choice.  
Pressing this button when the tuner is in use will  
select between the AM and FM bands.  
It is also important to remember that many of  
the buttons on the remote take on different  
functions, depending on the product selected  
using the Input Selector Button  
4. The  
7
6-Channel/8 Channel Direct Input:  
Press this button to select the device connected  
to the 6-Channel Direct Inputs or the  
8-Channel Direct Inputs (the input avail-  
descriptions shown here primarily detail the  
functions of the remote when it is used to oper-  
ate the AVR 8500. (See page 47 for information  
about alternate functions for the remote’s but-  
tons.)  
Button  
G
to change a digital input) and then  
8
press one of these buttons to scroll through the  
list of options or to increase or decrease a set-  
ting. The sections in this manual describing the  
individual features and functions contain specific  
informa-tion on using these buttons for each  
application.  
9
able will depend on the selection 5.1 or 6.1/7.1  
made in the surround mode setting, see page 24  
for more information).  
0
Power Off Button: Press this button to  
place the AVR or a selected device unit in the  
Standby mode. Note that when the AVR is  
switched off this will turn off the main room func-  
tions, but if the Multiroom system is activated, it  
will continue to function.  
8
Test Tone: Press this button to begin the  
sequence used to calibrate the AVR’s output lev-  
els. (See page 26 for more information on  
calibrating the AVR.)  
When the AVR remote is being programmed for  
the codes of another device, these buttons are  
also used in the “Auto Search” process (See page  
44 for more information on programming the  
remote.)  
9
Sleep Button: Press this button to place  
1
IR Transmitter Window: Point this window  
the unit in the Sleep mode. After the time shown  
in the display, the AVR will automatically go into  
the Standby mode. Each press of the button  
changes the time until turn-off in the following  
order:  
towards the AVR when pressing buttons on the  
remote to make certain that infrared commands  
are properly received.  
EButton: This button is used to change  
the menu selection or setting during some of the  
setup procedures for the AVR.  
2
Program/SPL Indicator: This three-color  
90  
80  
70  
60  
50  
F
Set Button: This button is used to enter  
indicator is used to guide you through the  
process of programming the remote or learning  
commands from a remote into the AVR’s remote  
code memory and it is also used as a level indica-  
tor when using the remote’s EzSet capabilities.  
(See page 26 for more information on setting  
output levels, and see page 44 for information on  
programming the remote.)  
min  
min  
min  
min  
min  
settings into the AVR 8500´s memory, to select a  
submenu from the main menu or to return from  
submenus. It is also used in the setup proce-  
dures (without the use of the on screen menus)  
for delay, speaker configuration and channel  
output level adjustment.  
40  
30  
20  
10  
OFF  
min  
min  
min  
min  
Hold the button pressed for two seconds to turn  
off the Sleep mode setting.  
Note that this button is also used to change  
channels on your TV, VCR and Sat receiver when  
the appropriate source is selected, using the  
G
Digital Select: Press this button to assign  
one of the digital inputs UV*Óto a  
source. (See page 35 for more information on  
using digital inputs.)  
device Input Selectors  
4.  
3
Power On Button: Press this button to  
turn on the power to a device selected by pressing  
one of the Input Selectors (except Tape).  
A
Surround Mode Selector: Press this but-  
4
ton to select any of the HALL, THEATER or VMAx  
surround modes. Note that depending on the  
type of input, some modes are not always avail-  
able. (See page 30 for more information about  
surround modes.) Note that this button is also  
used to tune channels on your TV, VCR and Sat  
receiver when the appropriate source is selected  
using the device Input Selector  
4.  
MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 11  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Main Remote Control Functions  
H
Numeric Keys: These buttons serve as a  
N
DTS Digital Mode Selector: When a DTS  
T
DTS Neo:6 Mode Selector: Pressing this  
ten-button numeric keypad to enter tuner preset  
positions. They are also used to select channel  
numbers when TV, VCR or Sat receiver has  
been selected on the remote, or to select track  
numbers on a CD, DVD or LD player, depending  
on how the remote has been programmed.  
source is in use the AVR will select the appropri-  
ate mode automatically.  
Pressing this button will display the mode cur-  
rently selected by the AVR´s decoder, depending  
on the surround material played and the speaker  
selector button cycles the AVR through the vari-  
ous DTS Neo:6 modes, which extract a five- or  
seven-channel surround field from two-channel  
program material (from PCM source or analog  
input signal). The first press selects the last DTS  
Neo:6 surround mode that was in use, and each  
subsequent press selects the next mode in the  
following order:  
setting (see item  
Ú, page 5). When a DTS  
source is not in use, this button has no function.  
(See page 25, 30 for the available DTS options.)  
I
Tuner Mode: Press this button when the  
tuner is in use to select between automatic tun-  
ing and manual tuning. When the button is  
O
Logic 7 Selector: Press this button to  
DTS Neo:6 MUSIC  
pressed so that the AUTO indicator  
out, pressing the Tuning buttons  
will move the frequency up or down in single-  
step increments. When the FM band is in use  
J
K)≠  
goes  
select one of the available Logic 7 surround  
modes. (See page 30 for the available Logic 7  
options.)  
DTS Neo:6  
CINE  
P
Transport Control Buttons: These but-  
U
Macro Buttons: Press these buttons to  
and the AUTO indicator  
J
is on, pressing this  
tons do not have any functions for the AVR, but  
they may be programmed for the forward/  
reverse play operation of a wide variety of CD or  
DVD players, and audio or video- cassette  
recorders. (See page 44 for more information on  
programming the remote.)  
store or recall a “Macro”, which is a pre-pro-  
grammed sequence of commands stored in the  
remote. (See page 46 for more information on  
storing and recalling macros.)  
button will change to monaural reception mak-  
ing even weak stations audible or improving the  
audio performance with noisy stereo stations.  
(See page 42 for more information.)  
V
RDS Select Button: Press this button to  
J
Direct Button: Press this button when the  
display the various messages that are part of the  
RDS data system of the AVR’s tuner. (See page 43  
for more information on RDS).  
tuner is in use to start the sequence for direct  
entry of a station’s frequency. After pressing the  
button simply press the proper Numeric Keys  
Q
Light Button: Press this button to activate  
the remote’s built-in backlight for better legibility  
of the buttons in a darkened room.  
H
to select a station (See page 42 for more  
W
Preset Up/Down: When the tuner is in  
information on the tuner).  
R
Skip Up/Down Buttons: These buttons  
use, press these buttons to scroll through the  
stations programmed into the AVR’s memory.  
When CD or DVD is selected using the Input  
do not have a direct function with the AVR, but  
when used with a compatibly programmed CD  
or DVD player/changer they will change the  
tracks on the disc currently being played.  
K
Tuning Up/Down: When the tuner is in  
use, these buttons will tune up or down through  
the selected frequency band. If the Tuner Mode  
Selector button  
4, these buttons may func-  
tion as Slow Fwd/Rev (DVD) or ”+10” (CD,  
CDR).  
button  
ton  
that the AUTO indicator  
I
has been pressed or the Band but-  
on the front panel was held pressed so  
is illuminated,  
@
S
Stereo Mode Select Button: Pressing  
J
this selector button cycles through the stereo  
modes, and it is also used to turn off all sur-  
round processing and place the unit in a tradi-  
tional two-channel Stereo mode. The first press  
selects 5-Channel Stereo or 7-Channel Stereo,  
depending on the selection (5.1 or 6.1/7.1)  
made in the surround mode setting, see page  
24, and the second selects “SURROUND OFF,”  
which is true Stereo.  
X
Clear Button: Press this button to clear  
incorrect entries when using the remote to  
directly enter a radio station’s frequency.  
pressing either of the buttons will cause the  
tuner to seek the next station with acceptable  
signal strength for quality reception. When the  
Y
Memory Button: Press this button to enter  
a radio station into the AVR’s preset memory. After  
pressing the button the MEMORY indicator  
will flash; you then have five seconds to enter a  
preset memory location using the Numeric  
AUTO indicator  
J
is NOT illuminated, pressing  
these buttons will tune stations in single-step  
increments. (See page 42 for more information.)  
G
L
OSD Button: Press this button to activate  
the On Screen Display (OSD) system used to set  
up or adjust the AVR’s parameters.  
Keys  
H. (See page 42 for more information.)  
Z
Delay/Prev Ch.: Press this button to begin  
M
Dolby Mode Selector: This button is used  
the process for setting the delay times used by  
the AVR when processing surround sound. After  
pressing this button, the delay times are entered  
to select one of the available Dolby Surround  
processing modes. Each press of this button will  
select one of the Dolby Pro Logic II modes, Dolby  
3 Stereo or Dolby Digital. Note that the Dolby  
Digital mode is only available with a digital input  
selected and the other modes only as long as a  
Dolby Digital source is not playing (except Pro  
Logic II with Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings, see  
"Dolby Digital" on page 35). See page 30 for  
the available Dolby surround mode options.  
by pressing the Set button  
F
and then using  
to change the setting.  
⁄ ¤  
the  
/
buttons  
D
Press the Set button again to complete the  
process. (See page 25 for more information.)  
12 MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Main Remote Control Functions  
aButton: Press this button to change a set-  
ting or selection when configuring many of the  
AVR’s settings.  
h
EzSetSensor Microphone: The sensor  
microphone for the EzSet microphone is behind  
these slots. When using the remote to calibrate  
speaker output levels using EzSet, be sure that  
you do not hold the remote in a way that covers  
these slots. (See page 27 for more information  
on using EzSet).  
b
Speaker Select: Press this button to  
begin the process of configuring the AVR’s Bass  
Management System for use with the type of  
speakers used in your system. Once the button  
⁄ ¤  
has been pressed, use the  
/
buttons  
D
to  
NOTE: With the press of any remote button the  
Input Selector button 45associated  
with the botton pressed will briefly flash red to  
confirm the transmission of the command, as  
long as there is a function for that button with  
the device selected (see function list on pages  
50, 51).  
select the channel you wish to set up.  
Press the Set Button and then select the  
F
speaker type (Large, Small or None) appropriate  
with the speaker in use. (See page 22 for more  
information.)  
c
Multi-Room: Press this button to activate  
the Multiroom system or to begin the process of  
changing the input or volume level for the sec-  
ond zone. (See page 41 for more information on  
the Multiroom system.)  
i
Tone Mode Button: Press this button to  
turn the controls off so that the output is ”flat”,  
or to boost or lower the tone modification.  
The first press of this button shows if the tone  
controls are active or not. Subsequent presses  
enable you to select the treble or bass for  
⁄ ¤  
d
Volume Up/Down: Press these buttons to  
raise or lower the system volume.  
change by pressing the  
/
buttons  
D. Note  
that the tone controls only change the output  
for the front left/right speakers. (See page 32 for  
more information on the tone controls.)  
e
SPL Indicator Select: This button acti-  
vates the AVR’s EzSet function to quickly and  
accurately calibrate the AVR’s output levels.  
During this sequence, EzSet will automatically  
adjust the output levels for all channels until  
they are equal, as shown by the Program  
j
THX Mode Select Button: Press this but-  
ton to select Home THX processing. The AVR will  
automatically select Home THX 5.1 processing,  
named "THX CINEMA" with Dolby Digital  
sources and "THX" with all others, when no  
Surround back speakers are installed or when an  
analog source is playing. When Surround Back  
speakers are installed and any digital multichan-  
nel signal with independent surround channels  
(any Dolby Digital x/2 or DTS source) is playing  
the AVR will automatically select the THX  
Indicator  
2
lighting green for each channel.  
(See page 27 for more information on EzSet.)  
f
Learn Button: Press this button to begin  
the process of “learning” the codes from another  
product’s remote into the AVR’s remote. (See page  
45 for more information on using the remote’s  
learning function.)  
g
Mute: Press this button to momentarily  
Surround EX (7.1) mode, when the button is  
pressed once. It will keep a 5.1 signal or down-  
mix any 6.1 signal to 5.1 and select Home THX  
5.1 when the button is pressed a second time.  
silence the AVR or TV set being controlled,  
depending on which device has been selected.  
When the AVR remote is being programmed to  
operate another device, this button is pressed  
To escape from the THX processing and return to  
the "Non-THX" mode the button for the sur-  
round mode selected previously must be pressed  
again.  
with the Input Selector button  
the programming process. (See page 44 for more  
information on programming the remote.)  
4
to begin  
MAIN REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 13  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Zone II Remote Control Functions  
The Zone II remote may be used in either the  
©
Preset Up/Down Track Skip: When the  
same room where the AVR 8500 is located, or it  
may be used in a separate room with an option-  
al infrared sensor that is connected to the  
AVR’s tuner is selected as the input source, these  
buttons will move up or down through the list of  
stations that have been stored in the preset  
memory. When a CD or DVD player is selected,  
these buttons activate the forward or reverse  
track or chapter skip functions.  
POWER  
OFF  
MUTE  
VID2  
A
B
K
AVR  
VID1  
AVR’s Multi IR input jack  
O.  
AM/FM  
DVD  
VID3  
CD  
VID4  
TAPE  
UP  
C
D
å
Power Off: When used in the room where  
˙
Disc Skip: Press this button to change  
the AVR is located, press this button to place the  
unit in Standby. When it is used in a remote  
room with a sensor that is connected to the  
discs on compatible Harman Kardon CD or DVD  
changers.  
DN  
TUNING  
E
F
G
DN  
UP  
Multi IR jack  
O, this button turns the Multi-  
PRESET  
î
Volume Up/Down: When used in the  
Room system off.  
room where the AVR is located, press this button  
to raise or lower the volume in that room. When  
it is used in a remote room with a sensor that is  
H
DISC SKIP  
DISC SKIP  
AVR Selector: Press this button to turn on  
J
the AVR. The input in use when the unit was last  
on will be selected.  
connected to the Multi IR Jack  
O, this button  
will raise or lower the volume in the remote  
room.  
I
ç
AM/FM Tuner Select: Press this button to  
VOLUME  
select the Tuner as the input to the Multiroom  
system. Press it again to change between the  
AM and FM bands.  
Play Forward/Reverse/Stop: Press these  
buttons to control compatible Harman Kardon  
CD, DVD or cassette players.  
Input Selectors: When the AVR is off,  
˚
Mute: When used in the room where the  
press one of these buttons to turn the unit on  
and to select a specific input. When the unit is  
already in use, pressing one of these buttons will  
change the input.  
AVR is located, press this button to temporarily  
silence the unit. When it is used in a remote  
room with a sensor that is connected to the  
Multi IR Jack  
O, this button will temporarily  
Tuning Up/Down Fast Play: These but-  
silence the feed to the remote room only. Press  
the button again to return to the previous vol-  
ume level.  
tons may be used to change the frequency of  
the tuner. These buttons may also control the  
Fast Play or Fast Reverse functions of compatible  
Harman Kardon CD, DVD or cassette decks in  
the same room, or from a remote room when an  
IR link is connected to the AVR.  
Important Note: No matter in which room the  
Zone II remote is used, as with the main remote  
it is important to remember to press the Input  
Selector button  
that corresponds to the  
ƒ
Record/Pause: Press this button to acti-  
unit you wish to operate befor you change the  
device to be controlled.  
vate the Record or Pause function on compatible  
Harman Kardon CD, DVD or Cassette Deck prod-  
ucts.  
NOTE: The Zone II remote may be used in either  
the same room where the AVR is located, or it  
may be used in a separate room with an option-  
al infrared sensor that is connected to the AVR’s  
Multi IR input jack b. When it is used in the  
same room as the AVR, it will control the func-  
tions of the AVR or any compatible Harman  
Kardon products in that room. When it is used in  
a separate room via a sensor connected to the  
Multi IR Jack b, the buttons for power, input  
source, volume and mute will control the source  
and volume for the second zone, as connected  
to the Multi Out Jacks . (See page 41 for  
complete information on using the Multiroom  
system.)  
å
ç
ƒ
©
˙
î
˚
Power Off  
AVR Selector  
AM/FM Tuner Select  
Input Selectors  
Tuning Up/Down – Fast Play  
Record/Pause  
Preset/Track Skip  
Disc Skip  
Volume Up/Down  
Play Forward/Reverse/Stop  
Mute  
14 ZONE II REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Installation and Connections  
After unpacking the unit, and placing it on a solid  
surface capable of supporting its weight, you will  
need to make the connections to your audio and  
video equipment.  
7. Connect the front, center and surround speak-  
er outputs DEF to the respective speakers.  
passive subwoofer is used, the connection first  
goes to a power amplifier, which will be connect-  
ed to one or more subwoofer speakers. If you are  
using a powered subwoofer that does not have  
line-level input connections, follow the instruc-  
tions furnished with the speaker for connection  
information.  
To assure that all the audio signals are carried to  
your speakers without loss of clarity or resolu-  
tion, we suggest that you use high-quality speak-  
er cable. Many brands of cable are available and  
the choice of cable may be influenced by the dis-  
tance between your speakers and the receiver,  
the type of speakers you use, personal prefer-  
ences and other factors. Your dealer or installer is  
a valuable resource to consult in selecting the  
proper cable.  
Audio Equipment Connections  
We recommend that you use high-quality inter-  
connect cables when making connections to  
source equipment and recorders to preserve the  
integrity of the signals.  
9. If an external multi-channel audio source with  
5.1 outputs such as an external digital proces-  
sor/decoder, DVD-Audio or SACD player is used,  
connect the outputs of that device to the  
When making connections to audio source  
equipment or speakers it is always a good prac-  
tice to unplug the unit from the AC wall outlet.  
This prevents any possibility of accidentally send-  
ing audio or transient signals to the speakers  
that may damage them.  
6-Channel Direct Inputs  
8.  
Regardless of the brand of cable selected, we rec-  
ommend that you use a cable constructed of fine,  
multistrand copper with an area greater than  
2 mm2.  
10. If an external multi-channel audio source  
with 7.1 outputs such as an external digital  
processor/decoder, DVD-Audio or SACD player is  
used, first connect the outputs of that device to  
the 6 Channel Direct Inputs as noted above, and  
then connect the Surround Back Left and  
Cable with an area of 1.5 mm2 may be used for  
short runs of less than 4 m. We do not recom-  
mend that you use cables with an area less than  
1mm2 due to the power loss and degradation in  
performance that will occur.  
1. Connect the analog output of a CD player to  
the CD inputs  
6.  
Surround Back Right output channels of the  
source device to the 8-Channel Direct Inputs  
NOTE: When the CD player has both fixed and  
variable audio outputs it is best to use the fixed  
output unless you find that the input to the  
receiver is so low that the sound is noisy, or so  
high that the signal is distorted.  
9
.
11. If you plan to use a 7.1 channel source or  
wish to take advantage of the 6.1/7.1 channel  
processing modes such as THX Surround EX or  
DTS-ES, you must use an optional audio power  
stereo amplifier for the Surround Back channels.  
Connect the SBL and SBR Preamp Outputs  
Cables that are run inside walls should have the  
appropriate markings to indicate listing with any  
appropriate testing agency standards. Questions  
about running cables inside walls should be  
referred to your installer or a licensed electrician  
who is familiar with the applicable local building  
codes in your area.  
2. Connect the analog Play/Out jacks of a cas-  
sette deck, MD, CD-R or other audio recorder to  
the Tape Input jacks  
Record/In jacks on the recorder to the Tape  
Output jacks on the AVR.  
2. Connect the analog  
C
to the inputs of the amplifier feeding those  
3
channels' speakers.  
When connecting wires to the speakers, be cer-  
tain to observe proper polarity. Note that the  
positive (+) terminal of each speaker connection  
now carries a specific color code as noted on  
page 8. However, most speakers will still use a  
red terminal for the postive (+) connection.  
Connect the “negative” or “black” wire to the  
same terminal on both the receiver and the  
speaker.  
3. Connect the digital output of any digital  
sources such as a CD or DVD changer or player,  
advanced video game, a digital satellite receiver,  
HDTV tuner or digital cable set-top box or the  
output of a compatible computer sound card to  
the Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs  
Video Equipment Connections  
Video equipment is connected in the same manner  
as audio components. Again, the use of high-qual-  
ity interconnect cables is recommended to pre-  
serve signal quality. To ensure best video perform-  
ance S-Video sources should be connected to the  
AVR only with their S-Video In/Outputs, not with  
their composite video connectors too.  
U V *Ó  
.
4. Connect the Coaxial or Optical Digital  
Outputs PQ on the rear panel of the AVR to the  
matching digital input connections on a CD-R or  
MiniDisc recorder.  
NOTE: While most speaker manufacturers  
1. Connect a VCR’s audio and video Play/Out  
jacks to the Video 1/ Video 2 Input Jacks  
on the rear panel. The Audio and Video Record/In  
jacks on the VCR should be connected to the  
adhere to an industry convention of using black  
terminals for negative and red ones for positive,  
some manufacturers may vary from this configu-  
ration. To assure proper phase and optimal per-  
formance, consult the identification plate on your  
speaker or the speaker’s manual to verify polarity.  
If you do not know the polarity of your speaker,  
ask your dealer for advice before proceeding, or  
consult the speaker’s manufacturer.  
T
5. Assemble the AM Loop Antenna supplied with  
the unit as shown below. Connect it to the AM  
Video 1/ Video 2 Output Jacks  
X
on the  
and GND screw terminals  
0.  
AVR.  
2. Connect the analog audio and video outputs  
of a satellite receiver, cable TV converter or  
television set or any other video source to the  
Video 3/ Video 4 Input Jacks  
W
jacks.  
We also recommend that the length of cable  
used to connect speaker pairs be identical. For  
example, use the same length piece of cable to  
connect the front-left and front-right or sur-  
round-left and surround-right speakers, even if  
the speakers are a different distance from the  
AVR.  
3. Connect the analog audio and video outputs  
of a DVD or laser disc player to the DVD  
6. Connect the supplied FM antenna to the FM  
(75 ohm) connection . The FM antenna may  
Inputs  
R
.
1
be an external roof antenna, an inside powered  
or wire lead antenna or a connection from a  
cable system. Note that if the antenna or connec-  
tion uses 300-ohm twin-lead cable, you should  
use a 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter to make the  
connection.  
4. Connect the digital audio outputs of a CD, MD  
or DVD player, satellite receiver, cable box or  
HDTV converter to the appropriate Optical or  
Coaxial Digital Inputs UV*Ó  
.
8. Connections to a subwoofer are normally  
made via a line level audio connection from the  
Subwoofer Output  
4
to the line-level input  
of a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. When a  
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 15  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Installation and Connections  
5. Connect the Composite and S-Video (if  
Important Note for Adapter Cables:  
SCART A/V Connections  
S-Video device is in use) Monitor Output  
B
If the cinch connectors of the adapter you’ll use  
are labeled, connect the Audio and Video ”In”  
plugs with the corresponding Audio and Video  
”In” jacks on the AVR (and with a VCR connect  
the ”Out” plugs to the ”Out” jacks on the AVR).  
Note that with some adapter types it may be  
just turned around: If no signal is audible/ visible  
when the VCR is playing connect the “Out”  
plugs to the ”In” jacks on the AVR and turned  
around. If the adapter plugs are not labeled in  
that way, pay attention to the signal flow direc-  
tions as shown in the diagrams above and in the  
instruction attached to the adapter. If uncertain,  
don’t hesitate to consult your dealer.  
For the connections described above your video  
device needs RCA (cinch) connectors or/and S-  
Video connectors for all Audio and Video signals:  
Any normal video device (Not SVHS or High 8)  
for only playback needs 3 RCA jacks, VCRs for  
record and playback even 6 RCA jacks. Any S-  
Video device (SVHS, High 8) needs 2 RCA  
(Audio) and 1 S-Video jack (Video), if it´s a  
playback unit, or 4 RCA (Audio In/Out) and  
2 S-Video (Video In/Out) jacks, if it´s a recording  
VCR.  
jacks on the receiver to the composite and  
S-Video input of your television monitor or video  
projector.  
6. If your DVD player and monitor both have  
component video connections, connect the com-  
ponent outputs of the DVD player to the DVD  
Component Video Inputs  
L. Note that even  
when component video connections are used the  
audio connections must still be made to either  
the analog DVD Inputs  
R
or any of the  
Coaxial or Optical Digital Input jacks UV  
.
Many european video devices are equipped with  
RCA (Cinch) or S-Video jacks only partially, not  
for all audio and video in/outputs needed as  
described above, but with a so called Scart or  
Euro-AV connector (almost rectangular jack with  
21 pins, see drawings on next page).  
7. If another component video device is available,  
connect it to the Video1/ Video 2 Component  
Important Notes for S-Video connections:  
1. Only the S-Video In/Out of S-Video devices  
must be connected to the AVR, NOT both, nor-  
mal video and S-Video In/Outputs (except the TV,  
see item below).  
Video Inputs  
device should be made to either the Video 1/  
Video 2 Inputs or any of the Coaxial or  
Optical Digital Input jacks UV  
J. The audio connections for this  
T
.
In that case the following Scart to Cinch  
adapters or cables are needed:  
When both connections are made, only the  
S-Video signal will be viewed on the screen.  
8. If the component video inputs are used, con-  
nect the Monitor Component Video Output  
• Units for playback, such as satellite receivers,  
camcorders, DVD or LD players, need an  
adapter from Scart to 3 RCA plugs, see fig. 1  
(normal video devices) or from Scart to 2  
RCA+1 S-Video plugs, see fig. 4 (S-Video  
devices).  
K
to the component video inputs of your TV,  
2. Like most common AV units the AVR does not  
convert the Video signal to S-Video or vice versa.  
Thus both connections must be made from the  
AVR to the TV if both, Video and S-Video  
sources, are used, and the appropriate input on  
the TV must be selected.  
projector or display device.  
9. If you have a camcorder, video game or other  
audio/video device that is connected to the AVR  
on a temporary, rather than permanent basis,  
connect the audio, video and digital audio out-  
puts of that device to the Front Panel Inputs  
*ÓÒ. A device connected to the Video 5  
• HiFi VCRs need an adapter from Scart to 6  
RCA plugs, see fig. 2 (normal video), or from  
Scart to 4 Audio+2S-Video jacks, see fig. 5  
(S-Video VCR). Read carefully the instruction  
attached to the adapter to find which of the  
six plugs is used for the record signal to the  
VCR (connect with the AVR´s Out jacks) and  
for the playback signal from the VCR (connect  
with the AVR´s In jacks). Do not misconnect  
Audio and Video signals. Don´t hesitate to  
consult your dealer, if you are uncertain.  
jacks  
Ò
is selected as the Video 5 input, and  
connected to the digital jacks *Óit is selected  
as ”Optical 4” or ”Coaxial 4” input. (See page  
21 for more information on input configuration.)  
Video Connection Notes:  
• Y/Pr/Pb Component, RGB (see page 17),  
S-Video or Composite video signals may only  
be viewed in their native formats and will not  
be converted to the other formats.  
• If you use only normal video devices the TV  
monitor needs an adapter from 3 RCA plugs  
to Scart (fig. 3) only. If also S-Video devices are  
used an adapter from 2 RCA+1S-Video plugs  
to Scart is needed additionally (fig. 6),  
connected to the SCART input on your TV that  
is provided for S-Video.  
• When the component video jacks are used, the  
on-screen menus will not be visible. You must  
switch to the standard composite or S-Video  
input on your TV to view those menus.  
• All component inputs/outputs can be used for  
RGB signals too, in the same way as described  
for the Y/Pr/Pb signals, then connected to the  
jacks with the corresponding color.  
But this is only correct as long as only the three  
RGB video signals are output by the video  
source, with a sync signal in the ”G” signal  
only, without any sync signal output separately  
by the source.  
Note that only the video plugs (the ”yellow”  
cinch plug in fig. 3 and the S-Video plug in fig.  
6) must be connected to the TV Monitor  
Output  
B, and the volume on the TV must be  
reduced to minimum.  
16 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Installation and Connections  
Important Note for the Use of  
SCART-Cinch Adapters:  
Black  
Figure 1:  
SCART/Cinch-Adapter for  
playback;  
Yellow  
When video sources are connected to the TV  
directly with a SCART cable, specific control sig-  
nals apart from Audio/Video signals will be fed  
to the TV. These specific signals are: With all  
video sources, the signal for automatic input  
selection that switches the TV automatically to  
the appropriate input as soon as the video  
source is started. And with DVD players, the sig-  
nals automatically turning the TV to 4:3/16:9  
format (with 16:9 TVs or with 4:3 TVs with  
selectable 16:9 format) and turning the RGB  
video decoder of the TV on or off, depending on  
the DVD player´s setting. With any adapter cable,  
these control signals will be lost and the appro-  
priate setting of the TV must be made manually.  
Red  
signal flow:  
SCART ¡ Cinch  
Black  
Red  
1  
Blue  
Yellow  
Figure 2:  
SCART/Cinch-Adapter for  
record and playback;  
signal flow:  
1
Green  
White  
SCART Cinch  
Black  
Figure 3:  
Cinch/SCART-Adapter for  
Yellow  
Red  
Note for RGB signal with SCART:  
If you use a unit providing RGB signals on a  
SCART output (as e.g. most DVD players do) and  
you want to use that RGB signal, this SCART  
output must be connected directly to your TV.  
Although the AVR can switch three-way video  
signals (like component signals Y/Pb/Pr), most  
TVs need separate sync signals for RGB (also  
with SCART) that cannot be switched and pro-  
vided by the AVR.  
playback;  
signal flow:  
Cinch ¡ SCART  
Red  
Figure 4:  
SCART/S-Video Adapter  
for playback;  
Black  
S-Video In  
signal flow:  
SCART ¡ Cinch  
Black  
RGB signals can be pathed through  
Red  
the AVR only when no separate sync  
signal is needed (see last ”Video Connection  
Note” on page 16).  
1  
Blue  
Yellow  
Figure 5:  
SCART/S-Video Adapter  
for record and playback;  
signal flow:  
S-Video In  
S-VideoOut  
SCART Cinch  
Red  
Black  
Figure 6:  
SCART/S-Video Adapter  
for playback;  
S-Video Out  
signal flow:  
Cinch ¡ SCART  
1 Also other colours possible, e.g. brown and grey.  
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 17  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Installation and Connections  
Amplifier Trigger Connections  
NOTE: In both options, you may connect an  
optional IR sensor in the remote room to the  
AVR via an appropriate cable. Connect the sen-  
System and Power Connections  
If an optional, external audio power amplifier is  
used, this jack will provide the connection  
needed to automate the amplifier's turn-on.  
Connect this jack to the Trigger Input on a  
compatible amplifer. When this connection is  
made, the amplifier or any other trigger  
controlled device such as a projection screen or  
automatic blinds will be tuned on when the  
AVR is on, and off when the AVR is off.  
The AVR 8500 is designed for flexible use with  
multiroom systems, external control components  
and power amplifiers.  
sor’s cable to the Multiroom IR Input  
O
on  
the AVR and use the Zone II remote to control  
the room volume. Alternatively, you may install  
an optional volume control between the output  
of the amplifiers and the speakers.  
Main Room Remote Control Extension  
If the receiver is placed behind a solid or smoked  
glass cabinet door, the obstruction may prevent  
the remote sensor from receiving commands. In  
this event, the remote sensor of any Harman  
Kardon or other compatible device, not covered  
by the door, or an optional remote sensor may  
be used. Connect the Remote IR Output of  
that device or the output of the remote sensor to  
External Audio Power Amplifier  
Connections  
NOTE: When connecting any device to this jack,  
make certain that proper connection polarity is  
maintained and that the total current draw of  
any device connected does not exceed 500  
milliamps. If you are not familiar with this type  
of connection, we recommend that you consult  
your dealer or installer for more information.  
If desired, the AVR may be connected to option-  
al, external audio power amplifiers or used with  
equalizers or speaker systems that require con-  
nection between the preamp and amplifier sec-  
tions of a receiver.  
the Remote IR Input jack  
N.  
If other components are also prevented from  
receiving remote commands, only one sensor is  
needed. Simply use this unit’s sensor or a remote  
eye by running a connection from the Remote  
To make these connections, remove the jumpers  
that connect the Preamp Out jacks  
A
and  
Multiroom Connections  
Amplifier In jacks for the channels to be  
5
The AVR is equipped with complete multi-zone  
capabilities that allow it to send a separate  
audio/video source to the remote zone from the  
one selected for use in the main room.  
used with external devices. Store the jumpers in  
a safe place so that the AVR may be used in its  
normal mode at a future date, if desired.  
IR Output jack  
M
to the Remote IR Input  
jack on Harman Kardon or other compatible  
equipment.  
Multiroom IR Link  
When an external amplifier is used, connect the  
To view the video output of the source selected  
for multizone operation at the remote location,  
connect the wires connecting to the remote  
video monitor to the Multizone output  
The key to remote room operation is to link the  
remote room to the AVR 8500’s location with  
wire for an infrared receiver, Video signals and  
speakers or an amplifier. The remote room IR  
receiver (this can be an optional IR receiver or  
any other remotable Harman Kardon device in  
the remote room with IR sensor integrated)  
should be connected to the AVR via standard  
coaxial cable. Connect the Remote IR Output  
of the device or of the optional sensor with the  
Preamp Out jacks  
amplifier. When an equalizer or speaker proces-  
sor is used, connect the Preamp Out jacks  
A
to the inputs on the  
A
to the inputs of the processor, and connect the  
outputs of the processor back to the Amplifier  
jacks  
7.  
Depending on the distance from the AVR to  
the remote room, two options are available for  
audio connection:  
In jacks  
5
on the AVR. Note that when external  
amplifiers or devices are used, volume is still  
controlled by the AVR, although additional vol-  
ume controls on the external device may affect  
volume and output levels from the AVR.  
Option 1: Use high-quality, shielded audio  
interconnect phono cable from the AVR’s loca-  
tion to the remote room. In the remote room,  
connect the interconnect cable to a stereo  
power amplifier. The amplifier will be connected  
to the room’s speakers. At the AVR, plug the  
audio interconnect cables into the Multiroom  
Multiroom IR Input jack  
panel.  
O
on the AVR’s rear  
AC Power Outputs  
This unit is equipped with two accessory AC out-  
lets. They may be used to power accessory  
devices, but they should not be used with high-  
current draw equipment such as power ampli-  
fiers. The total power draw to the Unswitched  
If other Harman Kardon compatible source  
equipment is part of the main room installation,  
the Remote IR Output jack  
panel should be connected to the IR IN jack on  
that source device. This will enable the remote  
room location to control source equipment func-  
tions.  
M
on the rear  
Output Jacks  
7
on the AVR’s rear panel.  
Outlet  
the Switched Outlet  
H
must not exceed 100 watts, that to  
50 watts.  
Option 2: Place the amplifier that will provide  
power to the remote location speakers in the  
same room as the AVR, and connect the  
G
The Switched outlet will receive power only  
G
NOTE: All remotely controlled components must  
be linked together in a “daisy chain”. Connect  
the IR OUT jack of one unit to the IR IN of the  
next to establish this chain.  
Multiroom Output jacks  
7
on the rear panel  
when the unit is on completely. This is recom-  
mended for devices that have no power switch  
or a mechanical power switch that may be left in  
the “ON” position.  
of the AVR to the audio input of the remote  
room amplifier. Use the appropriate speaker wire  
to connect the optional power amplifier to the  
remote speakers. High-quality wire of at least  
2.5 mm2 is recommended for long multiroom  
connections.  
NOTE: Many audio and video products go into a  
Standby mode when they are used with  
switched outlets, and cannot be fully turned on  
using the outlet alone without a remote control  
command.  
The Unswitched  
as long as the unit is plugged into a powered AC  
outlet and the Main Power Switch is on.  
H
outlet will receive power  
1
18 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Installation and Connections  
Center Front Speaker  
AC Power Connection  
Depending on the specifics of your room  
acoustics and the type of speakers in use, you  
may find that imaging is improved by moving the  
front-left and front-right speakers slightly  
forward of the center-channel speaker. If  
possible, adjust all front loudspeakers so that  
they are aimed at ear height when you are  
seated in the listening position.  
The AVR 8500 features a removable power cord  
that allows wires to be run to a complex installa-  
tion so that the unit, itself, need not be installed  
until it is ready for connection. When all connec-  
tions described above had been made, connect  
the AC Power cord to the AC Power Cord Jack  
No more than  
60cm  
I
.
Left Front  
Speaker  
Right Front  
Speaker  
Note that the AVR 8500 draws sigificantly more  
current than other household devices such as  
computers that use removable power cords. For  
that reason, it is important that only the cord  
supplied with the unit or a direct replacement of  
identical capacity.  
Using these guidelines, you’ll find that it takes  
some experimentation to find the correct  
location for the front speakers in your particular  
installation. Don’t be afraid to move things  
around until the system sounds correct. Optimize  
your speakers so that audio transitions across  
the front of the room sound smooth.  
A) Front Channel Speaker Installation with  
Direct-View TV Sets or Rear-Screen Projectors  
TV or Projection Screen  
Once the power cord is connected, you are  
almost ready to enjoy the AVR 8500's incredible  
power and fidelity!  
Center Front  
Speaker  
Left Front  
Speaker  
Right Front  
Speaker  
When the AVR is used in 5.1-channel operation,  
the preferred location for surround speakers is  
on the side walls of the room, at or slightly  
behind the listening position. In a 7.1-channel  
system, both side surround and back surround  
speakers are required. The center of the speaker  
should face you (see below).  
Speaker Selection  
No matter which type or brand of speakers is  
used, the same model or brand of speaker  
should be used for the front-left, center and  
front-right speakers. This creates a seamless  
front soundstage and eliminates the possibility  
of distracting sonic disturbances that occur when  
a sound moves across mismatched front-channel  
speakers.  
Rear surround speakers are required when a full  
7.1-channel system is installed, and they may  
also be used in 5.1 channel mode as an alterna-  
tive mounting position when it is not practical to  
place the main surround speakers at the sides of  
the room. Speakers may be placed on a rear  
wall, behind the listening position. As with the  
side speakers, the center of the rear surrounds  
should face you. The speakers should be no more  
than 2 meters behind the rear of the seating  
area.  
Speaker Placement  
Rear-Wall Mounting  
The placement of speakers in a multichannel  
home-theater system can have a noticeable  
impact on the quality of sound reproduced.  
B) The distance between the left and right  
speakers should be equal to the distance from  
the seating position to the viewing screen.  
You may also experiment with placing the left  
and right speakers slightly forward of the center  
speaker.  
Depending on the type of center-channel  
speaker in use and your viewing device, place  
the center speaker either directly above or below  
your TV, or in the center behind a perforated  
front-projection screen.  
If dipole type speakers are used on either the  
side or rear walls of the room, please note that if  
there are arrows on the speakers they should  
face towards the front of the room for the side  
speakers, or towards the center of the wall for  
the rear speakers. (see drawing on the right).  
Rear speaker mounting is an alternate location  
for 5.1 systems. It is required for 7.1 operation.  
Once the center-channel speaker is installed,  
position the left-front and right-front speakers so  
that they are as far away from one another as  
the center-channel speaker is from the preferred  
listening position. Ideally, the front-channel  
speakers should be placed so that their tweeters  
are no more than 60cm above or below the  
tweeter in the center-channel speaker.  
Subwoofers produce largely nondirectional  
sound, so they may be placed almost anywhere  
in a room. Actual placement should be based on  
room size and shape and the type of subwoofer  
used. One method of finding the optimal  
location for a subwoofer is to begin by placing it  
in the front of the room, about 15cm from a  
wall, or near the front corner of the room.  
Another method is to temporarily place the  
subwoofer in the spot where you will normally  
sit, and then walk around the room until you  
find a spot where the subwoofer sounds best.  
Place the subwoofer in that spot. You should  
also follow the instructions of the subwoofer’s  
manufacturer, or you may wish to experiment  
with the best location for a subwoofer in your  
listening room.  
They should also be at least 0.5 meter from your  
TV set unless the speakers are magnetically  
shielded to avoid colourings on the TV screen.  
Note that most speakers are not shielded, even  
with complete surround sets only the Center  
speaker may be.  
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 19  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
Once the speakers have been placed in the  
room and connected, the remaining steps are to  
program the system configuration memories.  
With the AVR 8500 two kind of memories are  
used, those associated individually with the  
input selected, e.g. surround modes, and others  
working independently from any input selected  
like speaker output levels, crossover frequencies  
or delay times used by the surround sound  
processor.  
The full OSD system is always available by press-  
ing the OSD button . When this button is  
Using the On-Screen Display  
L
When making the following adjustments, you  
may find them easier to make via the unit’s on-  
screen display system. These easy-to-read dis-  
plays give you a clear picture of the current sta-  
tus of the unit and facilitate speaker, delay, input  
or digital selection you are making.  
pressed the MASTERMENU(Figure 1)  
will appear, and adjustments are made from the  
individual menus. Note that the menus will  
remain on the screen for 20 seconds after the  
latest action was made on the screen menu,  
then they will “time-out” and disappear from  
the screen. The time-out may be increased to as  
much as 50 seconds by going to the  
To view the on-screen displays, make certain you  
have made a connection from the Video  
ADVANCEDSELECTmenu, and  
changing the item titled FULLOSD  
TIMEOUT.  
Monitor Out jack  
B
on the rear panel to the  
First Turn On  
composite or S-Video input of your TV or projec-  
tor. In order to view the AVR’s displays, the cor-  
rect video input must be selected on your video  
display. Note that the on-screen menus are not  
available when a component video display is in  
use.  
You are now ready to power up the AVR 8500 to  
begin these final adjustments.  
The semi-OSD system is also available as a sys-  
tem default, although it may be turned off by  
using the ADVANCEDSELECTmenu.  
(See page 39). With the semi-OSD system, you  
may make adjustments directly, by pressing the  
buttons on the front panel or remote control for  
the specific parameter to be adjusted. For exam-  
ple, to change the digital input for any of the  
1. Make certain that the AC power cord is firmly  
inserted in to the AC Power cord  
Recepticle  
I
and plug the cord into an  
IMPORTANT NOTE: When viewing the on-screen  
menus using a CRT-based projector, plasma display  
or any direct-view CRT monitor or television, it is  
important that they not be left on the screen for  
an extended period of time. As with any video dis-  
play, but particularly with projectors, constant dis-  
play of a static image such as these menus or  
video game images may cause the image to be  
permanently “burned into” the CRT. This type of  
damage is not covered by the AVR 8500 warranty  
and may not be covered by the projector TV set’s  
warranty.  
unswitched AC outlet. To maintian the unit's  
safety rating, DO NOT substitute the power  
cord for one with lower current capacity.  
sources, press the Digital Select Button  
G
2. Press the Main Power Switch  
latches and the word “OFF” on the top of the  
switch disappears inside the front panel. Note  
that the Power Indicator  
orange, indicating that the unit is in the  
Standby mode.  
1
in until it  
¤
and then press the or Buttons  
D
to  
scroll through the list of options as they appear  
in the on-screen display or the Upper Display  
3
will turn  
Line  
A.  
*
MASTER  
MENU  
*
3. Remove the protective plastic film from the  
main front-panel lens. If left in place, the film  
may affect the performance of your remote  
control.  
IN/OUT  
SETUP  
SPEAKER  
SURROUND  
SETUP  
SELECT  
The AVR has two on-screen display modes,  
“Semi-OSD” and “Full-OSD.” When making con-  
figuration adjustments, it is recommended that  
the Full-OSD mode be used. This will place a  
complete status report or option listing on the  
screen, making it easier to view the available  
options and make the settings on the screen. The  
Semi-OSD mode uses one-line displays only.  
DELAY  
ADJUST  
CHANNEL  
BASS  
ADJUST  
PEAK  
LEVEL  
MULTI-ROOM  
ADVANCED  
4. Install the three supplied AAA batteries in the  
remote as shown. Be certain to follow the (+)  
and (–) polarity indicators that are on the top  
of the battery compartment.  
Figure 1  
Note that when the full OSD system is in use,  
the menu selections are not shown in the Infor-  
Settings to be Made Individually  
for Each Input in Use  
mation Display  
system is used, OSD ON will appear in the  
Upper Display Line and the OSD  
Indicator will illuminate to remind you that  
ˆ. When the full OSD menu  
The AVR 8500 features an advanced memory  
system that enables you to establish different  
setting for the speaker configuration, digital  
input and surround mode for each input source.  
This flexibility enables you to custom tailor the  
way in which you listen to each source and have  
the AVR memorize them. This means, for exam-  
ple, that you may associate different surround  
modes and analog or digital inputs with  
different sources, or set different speaker config-  
urations with the resultant changes to the bass  
management system or the use of the center  
speaker and/or the Subwoofer. Once these set-  
tings are made, they will automatically be  
recalled whenever you select that input.  
A
C
a video display must be used.  
5. Turn the AVR 8500 on either by pressing the  
System Power Control  
Source Selector on the front panel, or  
via the remote by pressing the Power On  
Button , AVR Selector or any of the  
Input Selectors 46on the remote. The  
Power Indicator will turn green to con-  
firm that the unit is on, and the Main  
Information Display will also light up.  
2
or the Input  
When the semi-OSD system is used in conjunc-  
tion with the discrete configuration buttons, the  
on screen display will show a single line of text  
with the current menu selection. That selection  
will also be shown in the Upper or Lower  
%
3
5
3
Display Line AB  
.
ˆ
NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector  
buttons to turn the unit on, press the AVR  
to have the remote control the AVR  
4
Selector  
5
functions.  
20 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
The factory default settings for the AVR 8500  
have all inputs configured for an analog audio  
input except for the DVD input, where the  
When using the full-OSD system to make the  
switched to an output for connection to portable  
audio/video recorders. To temporarily switch  
them to outputs, select the IN/OUT  
¤
setup adjustments, press the OSD button  
once so that the MASTERMENU(Figure  
1) appears. Note that the cursor will be next  
to the IN/OUTSETUPline. Press the Set  
L
Coaxial Digital Input  
V
is the default. Once  
SETUPmenu. Press the button  
D
until  
the DSP processing system is used for the first  
time for any input, the speaker settings will  
automatically default to “Small” at all positions  
with the subwoofer set to “LFE.”The default set-  
ting for the surround modes is “Surround Off,or  
two-channel stereo, although Dolby Digital or  
DTS will automatically be selected as appropri-  
ate when a source with digital encoding is in  
use.  
the on-screen cursor is pointing to the  
button  
F
to enter the menu and the  
VIDEO5line. Press the button  
a
so  
IN/OUTSETUPmenu (Figure 2) will  
appear on the screen. Press the /buttons  
Eauntil the desired input name appears in  
the highlighted video, as well as being indicated  
that the word OUTis highlighted. Note that  
the Input/Output Status Indicator  
between the S and Composite video jacks will  
turn red, indicating that the analog Video 5  
in the front panel Input Indicators  
ı
by the  
Jacks  
Ò
are now record outputs.  
green LED next to the desired input name. If the  
input will use the standard left/right analog  
inputs, no further adjustment is needed (except  
with DVD).  
Selection of the jacks as an output will remain  
effective as long as the AVR is on. However, once  
the unit is turned off, the jack will revert to its  
normal use as an input when the unit is turned  
on again.  
Before using the unit, you will probably want to  
change the settings for most inputs so that they  
are properly configured to reflect the use of digi-  
tal or analog inputs, the type of speakers  
installed and the surround mode associated with  
the input. Remember that since the AVR memo-  
rizes the settings for each input individually, you  
will need to make these adjustments for each  
input used. However, once they are made, fur-  
ther adjustment is only required when system  
components are changed.  
*
IN/OUT  
SETUP  
*
The AVR 8500 features electronic bass and  
treble adjustments for the front left and right  
channels for stereo and all surround modes,  
except THX. Accessable either through the on  
screen menu or directly from the remote control,  
the electronic adjustments provide greater  
accuracy than traditonal front panel knobs.  
INPUT  
:VIDEO  
1
DIGITAL  
IN  
:OPTICAL  
1
VIDEO  
TONE  
BASS  
5
:IN  
OUT  
OUT  
MODE  
:IN  
:0dB  
:0dB  
TREBLE  
BACK TO  
MASTER  
MENU  
Figure 2  
To adjust the tone controls through the on-  
screen menu system you must first go to the  
IN/OUTSETUPmenu. If that menu is not  
already on the screen, press the OSD Button  
To make this process as quick and as easy as  
possible, we suggest that you use the full-OSD  
system with the on-screen menus, and step  
through each input. Once you have completed  
the settings for the first input, many settings  
may be duplicated for the remaining inputs.  
If you wish to associate one of the digital inputs  
with the selected input source, press the  
Button  
¤
D
on the remote while the  
L
so that the MASTERMENUappears. As  
IN/OUTSETUPmenu (Figure 2) is on the  
screen, and note that the on-screen cursor will  
drop down to the DIGITALINline.  
‹ ›  
the cursor will already be at the IN/OUT  
menu line, press the Set Button  
the IN/OUTmenu. Next, press the Button  
F
to enter  
The items that follow will describe the individual  
settings required for each input. Remember that  
once the settings are made for one input, they  
must be made for all other input sources in your  
system.  
¤
Press the  
/
Buttons Eauntil the name  
D
until the cursor is next to the TONE  
of the desired digital input appears. To return to  
the Analog input, press the buttons until the  
word ANALOGappears. When the correct  
¤
MODEline.  
‹ ›  
/
At the TONEMODEline press the  
Buttons Eato select OUTif you wish to  
disable any settings for the tone controls. When  
OUTis highlighted the unit is in the ”flat”  
mode and the tone controls have no effect. The  
normal setting is IN, which activates the tone  
controls.  
Input Setup  
input source appears, press the button  
to continue with the In/Out settings.  
D
The first step in configuring the AVR is to select  
an input, i.e. to associate an analog or digital  
input with each input source in use, e.g. CD or  
DVD. Note that once an input is selected, all  
settings for the Digital Input, Speaker  
Configuration and Surround Mode will ”attach”  
themselves to that input and be stored in a non-  
volatile memory. This means that once made, the  
selection of an input will automatically recall  
those settings. For that reason, the procedures  
described below must be repeated for each  
input source so that you have the opportunity to  
custom tailor each source to your specific listne-  
ing requirements. However, once made they  
need not be changed again unless you need to  
alter a setting.  
To associate an analog or digital input with the  
input source currently selected at any time using  
the discrete function buttons, press the Digital  
Input Select Button  
while the full-OSD is not in use. Within five sec-  
onds, make your input selection using the  
7$buttons on the front or the  
Buttons on the remote until the desired digital  
or analog input is shown in the Upper Display  
ÛG  
on the remote  
To adjust either the bass or treble settings for  
⁄ ¤  
the front left and right speakers, press the  
/
‹ ›  
/
D
buttons  
D
until the cursor is to the left of  
⁄ ¤  
/
the setting you wish to adjust. At the line for the  
‹ ›  
/
desired option, press the  
Buttons Ea  
to increase or decrease the bass or treble  
output.  
Line  
A
and in the upper line of the on-screen  
display. Press the Set Button  
new input assignment.  
F
to enter the  
When adjustments have been made, press the  
¤
Button  
D
unil the cursor is next to  
An exclusive Harman Kardon feature is the abili-  
ty to switch front panel Audio/Video jacks from  
their normal use as inputs to output connections  
so that portable recording devices may easily be  
connected. The front panel analog Video 5  
BACKTOMASTERMENUto continue  
with the system configuration.  
Jacks  
Ò
are normally set as an input for use  
with camcorders, video games and other  
portable audio/video products, but they may be  
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 21  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
The tone controls may also be adjusted at any  
• With the currently selected input all speaker  
settings will be copied to all other surround  
modes (as far as speakers are used with them)  
and need not be repeated when another sur-  
round mode is selected with that input.  
Making this selection will set the surround mode  
options for the AVR so that only the correct  
modes for the number of speakers in your specif-  
ic system will be available. Should you change  
your system and add Surround Back speakers at  
a later date, it is important to change this setting  
so that advanced surround modes such as THX  
Surround EX, 7 Channel Stereo, Logic 7/7.1,  
DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete and Matrix, DTS+NEO:6,  
and DTS NEO:6 will be available.  
time by pressing the Tone Mode Button  
8
on the front panel or on the remote control.  
i
The first press will bring up the Tone Mode  
setting in the Semi-OSD on-screen display and in  
‹ ›  
the Lower Display Line  
Buttons 7$on the front panel or  
B
. Press the  
/
• You can select four X-over frequencies: 40Hz,  
60Hz, 80Hz and 100Hz. As the frequency  
selected will affect all speakers which are set  
to "SMALL", you should select that  
frequency fitting the best with the "smallest"  
speaker in your system as per the definitions  
below.  
⁄ ¤  
/
D
on the remote to activate or disable the tone  
controls as shown above.  
To change the tone control settings, press the  
Tone Mode Button  
8i  
until the desired  
Important Note: Moreover this setting is  
linked with the Surround Back Speaker selection  
outlined below, both settings will turn on  
(”6.1/7.1”) or off (”5.1”) these speakers in the  
same manner.  
setting (BASS or TREBLE) appears in the semi-  
OSD on-screen display and in the Lower  
• The default setting for all speakers is  
"SMALL" and the Sub "ON".  
Display Line  
name press the  
B. When you see the correct  
‹ ›  
/
D
Buttons 7$on the front  
on the remote to make the  
⁄ ¤  
/
panel or  
To start with the speaker setting, first select any  
of the DTS Neo:6 modes as with them all speak-  
ers and all speaker modes are available. It is eas-  
iest to select these modes directly, without the  
When the desired selection is made, press the  
adjustments. If no buttons are pressed for five  
seconds the displays will return to their normal  
operation and any changes will be stored in the  
AVR's memory.  
¤
Button  
D
to begin the speaker configura-  
tion process.  
on-screen display, so press the OSD button  
to turn the on-screen display off if it is still visi-  
ble. Then press the DTS Neo:6 button on  
the front panel or on the remote.  
L
3. Once the setting is made for 5.1 or 6.1/7.1  
operation, the on-screen cursor will be at the  
NOTE: Although all other settings in the  
IN/OUTSETUPMenu are specific to the  
input being adjusted, the Tone settings are  
global and will carry through to all input  
sources. There is no need to adjust these settings  
when configuring subsequent inputs.  
&
top of the list of speaker positions, pointing  
toward the LEFT/RIGHTline, which sets  
the configuration for the front left and right  
speakers. If you wish to make a change to the  
‹ ›  
T
1. It is easiest to enter the proper settings for  
the speaker setup through the SPEAKER  
SETUPmenu (Figure 3). So press the OSD  
front speakers’ configuration, press the  
/
Buttons Easo that either LARGEor  
SMALLappears, matching the appropriate  
description from the definitions shown above.  
Button  
L
to bring up the MASTER  
Speaker Setup  
¤
MENU(Figure 1), and then press the  
Button  
SPEAKERSETUPline. At this point,  
press the Set Button to bring up the  
SPEAKERSETUPmenu (Figure 3).  
This menu tells the AVR which type of speakers  
are in use. This is important as it adjusts the  
settings that determine which speakers receive  
low-frequency (bass) information. For each of  
these settings use the LARGEsetting if the  
speakers for a particular position are traditional  
full-range loudspeakers that are capable of  
reproducing sounds below 80Hz. Use the  
SMALLsetting for smaller, frequency-limited  
satellite speakers that do not reproduce sounds  
below 80Hz or 100Hz or mid-size speakers that  
cannot reproduce frequencies below 40 or 60 Hz  
(selectable). Note that when “small” front  
speakers are used, a subwoofer is required to  
reproduce low-frequency sounds. Remember  
that the “large” and “small” descriptions do not  
refer to the actual physical size of the speakers,  
but to their ability to reproduce low-frequency  
sounds. If you are in doubt as to which category  
describes your speakers, consult the  
D
once so that the cursor is on the  
When SMALLis selected, low-frequency front  
channel sounds below the x-over frequency  
selected (see above and item 9 below) will be  
sent only to the subwoofer output. If you choose  
this option and there is no subwoofer connected,  
you will not hear any low-frequency sounds with  
front channel signals.  
F
*
SPEAKER  
SETUP  
*
CH  
CONFIG  
:
5.1 6.1/7.1  
SMALL  
SMALL  
SMALL  
SMALL  
SUB  
LEFT/RIGHT:  
CENTER  
:
:
:
:
SURROUND  
SURR  
BACK  
When LARGEis selected, a full-range output  
will be sent to the front left and front right  
outputs. Depending on the choice made in  
the SUBWOOFERline in this menu (see  
below), the front left and right bass information  
may also be directed to the subwoofer.  
SUBWOOFER  
X-OVER FREQ:  
80  
HZ  
BACK TO MASTER  
MENU  
Figure 3  
2. The first line on the SPEAKERSETUP  
menu allows you to configure the AVR for either  
standard 5.1 or advanced 6.1/7.1 operation.  
Important Note: When a speaker set with a  
subwoofer and two front satellites connected to  
the Sub´s speaker outputs is used, the Sub´s  
inputs must be connected to the Front speaker  
With the on-screen cursor at the CH  
CONFIGline, press the Set Button  
F
and  
outputs  
D
and LARGEmust be selected for  
then press the or Buttons Easo that  
5.1 is highlighted if you have no surround  
back speakers installed, or 6.1/7.1 if you  
have one or two speakers connected to the  
specifications in the speakers’ owner’s manual,  
or ask your dealer.  
the front speakers.  
4. When you have completed your selection for  
Notes:  
¤
the front channel, press the Button  
D
on  
• As the speaker settings need to be made for  
each input individually, you can determine  
which speaker should be used depending on  
the input source selected. So it´s possible e.g.  
to turn off the Center and/or the Sub with any  
music source selected and to use them with  
any movie input source.  
Surround Back Preamp Outputs  
C
through  
the remote to move the cursor to CENTER.  
optional, external power amplifiers.  
22 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
‹ ›  
/
5. Press the  
Buttons Eaon the  
When NONEis selected, surround-sound infor-  
mation will be split between the front left and  
front right outputs. For optimal performance  
when no surround speakers are in use, the Dolby  
3 Stereo mode should be used.  
• If a subwoofer is connected and you wish to  
use it for bass reproduction in conjunction  
with the main front left/right speakers, regard-  
less of the type of program source or Surround  
‹ ›  
remote to select the option that best describes your  
center speaker, based on the speaker definitions  
shown below.  
mode you are listening to, press the  
/
When SMALLis selected, low-frequency  
Buttons Eaon the remote so that  
SUB L/R+LFEappears in the on-  
screen menu. When this option is selected, a  
full-range signal will be sent to the front  
left/right “main” speakers, and also to the LFE  
soundtrack. The subwoofer will receive the  
front left and right bass frequencies under the  
crossover frequency selected in the next option  
setting on this menu, as described below.  
center channel sounds will be sent to the Fronts,  
if they are set to LARGEand Sub is turned off  
(see below). When Sub is on, low frequency cen-  
When you are using surround back speakers  
¤
with your system, press the Button  
D
on  
the remote to move the cursor to SURR  
ter channel sounds will be sent to the subwoofer BACKand set the speaker type for the speak-  
only.  
ers connected to the Surround Back Preamp  
Outputs through an optional, external  
C
When LARGEis selected, a full-range output  
will be sent to the center speaker output, and NO  
center channel signal will be sent to the sub-  
woofer output (except when the Pro Logic II  
Music mode is in use).  
power amplifier. The choices and procedure for  
configuring these speakers are identical to those  
shown above for the main surround speakers.  
10.When you have completed your selection for  
8. When you have completed your selection for  
¤
the subwoofer, press the Button  
D
on the  
¤
the surround channels, press the Button  
on the remote to move the cursor to  
SUBWOOFER.  
D
remote to change the cursor to X-OVER  
FREQ. The crossover setting may only be  
adjusted using the on-screen display system.  
NOTE: If you choose Logic 7 as the surround  
mode for the particular input source for which  
you are configuring your speakers, the AVR will  
not make the LARGE option available for the  
center speaker. This is due to the requirements of  
Logic 7 processing, and does not indicate a  
problem with your receiver.  
‹ ›  
/
9. Press the  
Buttons Eaon the  
At this line, you will select the frequency under  
which bass information is directed to the  
Subwoofer Output and above which the  
remaining signal is directed to all speakers that  
are set to SMALL. When making these selec-  
tions, choose the crossover frequency that is  
closest to the lower frequency limit of your  
smallest speaker in use. This figure is normally  
printed in the owner’s manual or data sheet for  
the speakers; or consult the speaker’s manufac-  
turer.  
remote to select the option that best describes  
your system.  
The choices available for the subwoofer position  
will depend on the settings for the other speak-  
ers, particularly the front left/right positions.  
When NONEis selected, no signals will be sent  
to the center-channel output. The receiver will  
operate in a “phantom” center channel mode.  
Center-channel information will be sent to the  
left and right front channel outputs and the cen-  
ter channel bass will be sent to the subwoofer  
output when SUBL/R+LFEis selected in  
the SUBWOOFERline in this menu (see  
below). This mode is needed if no Center speak-  
er is used. Note that when the Logic 7 Cinema  
surround mode is selected a Center speaker  
must be used, the Logic 7 modes Music and  
Enhance work well without a Center too.  
If the front left/right speakers are set to  
SMALL, the subwoofer will automatically be  
set to SUB, which is the “on” position.  
If the front left/right speakers are set to  
LARGE, three options are available:  
• When you use large full range speakers for all  
channels, able to reproduce bass below 40Hz  
with sufficient power, choose 40Hz, and  
LARGEfor all speakers. In this case the sub-  
woofer will support the front speakers with all  
frequencies below 40Hz.  
• If no subwoofer is connected to the AVR, press  
‹ ›  
/
the  
Buttons Eaon the remote so  
that NONEappears in the on-screen menu.  
When this option is selected, all bass informa-  
tion will be routed to the front left/right  
“main” speakers.  
6. When you have completed your selection for  
• When any of your speakers has been set to  
SMALL, the crossover frequencies 40Hz or  
60Hz should be selected to match typical mid-  
size speakers, that cannot handle lower fre-  
quencies with sufficient level. Or select the fre-  
quencies 80Hzor 100Hzto match  
the typical crossover points of the smaller  
speakers used in satellite speaker systems.  
Choose the option that is closest to your  
speakers’ design. If you are using THX certified  
speakers throughout your system, the  
¤
the center channel, press the Button  
on the remote to move the cursor to  
SURROUND.  
D
• If a subwoofer is connected to the AVR, you  
have the option to have the front left/right  
“main” speakers reproduce bass frequencies  
at all times, and have the subwoofer operate  
only when the AVR is being used with a digital  
source that contains a dedicated Low  
Frequency Effects, or LFE soundtrack. This  
allows you to use both your main and sub-  
woofer speakers to take advantage of the spe-  
cial bass created for certain movies. To select  
‹ ›  
‹ ›  
/
7. Press the  
Buttons Eaon the remote  
to select the option that best describes the sur-  
round speakers in your system based on the  
speaker definitions shown above.  
When SMALLis selected, with all digital sur-  
round modes low-frequency surround channel  
sounds will be sent to the Fronts when Sub is  
turned off or to the subwoofer output when Sub  
is on. With any analog surround mode the rear  
bass feed depends on the mode selected and  
the setting of the Sub and front speakers.  
crossover should be set to 80Hz, all speakers  
set to SMALLand the Subwoofer(s) must be  
connected.  
that option press the  
/
Buttons Ea  
on the remote so that SUB(LFE)  
appears in the on-screen menu.  
11. When the crossover frequency selection has  
¤
been made, press the Button  
D
and then  
When LARGEis selected, a full-range output  
will be sent to the surround channel outputs  
(with all analog and digital surround modes),  
and, except with Hall and Theater modes, NO  
surround channel bass will be sent to the sub-  
woofer output.  
the Set Button  
F
to return to the Main  
menu.  
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 23  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
12. The Speaker Configuration may also be  
changed at any time without using the full-OSD  
on-screen menu system by pressing the  
As an example, in the Figure below, all speakers  
are set for “large,”and a subwoofer is set.  
After the SURROUNDSELECTMENU  
appeared the cursor will be next to the THX  
line. Note that THXis no separate surround  
mode selectable but a post processing for any  
surround mode selected previously (except the  
Logic 7 and Stereo modes).  
Speaker Select button on the remote  
b.  
Once the button is pressed, FNTSPEAKER  
will appear in both the lower third of the video  
display and in the Main Information Display  
To set the THX processing in combination with  
the surround mode for the input selected at first  
select the surround mode as outlined below,  
then move the cursor to the THXline and press  
ˆ
.
Within five seconds, either press /¤ buttons  
on the remote to select a different speaker  
position, or press the Set Button to begin  
D
F
the Set Button  
F. Each of the remaining five  
the adjustment process for the front left and  
right speakers.  
lines on the menu (Figure 4) contains the various  
surround mode categories, and within those  
menus you may choose one of the sub-modes.  
Note that the list of specific sub-modes in some  
categories will vary according to whether 5.1 or  
6.1/7.1 operation is chosen and Dolby Digital  
will appear only when a digital input is selected.  
In addition, the DTS modes (except NEO:6) avail-  
able in the AVR will not appear unless a digital  
source is selected and playing the correct bit-  
stream.  
Surround Setup  
Once the speaker setup has been completed, the  
next step for configuration of the input selected  
is to set the surround mode you wish to use with  
that input. Since surround modes are a matter of  
personal taste, feel free to select any mode you  
wish – you may change it later. The Surround  
Mode chart on page 30 may help you select the  
mode best suited to the input source selected.  
For example you may select Dolby Pro Logic II or  
Logic 7 for most analog inputs and Dolby Digital  
for inputs connected to digital sources. In the  
case of inputs such as a CD Player, Tape Deck or  
Tuner, you may wish to set the mode to Stereo, if  
that is your preferred listening mode for stan-  
dard stereo sources, where it is unlikely that sur-  
round encoded material will be used.  
When the Set button  
F
has been pressed and  
the system is ready for a change to the front  
speaker setting, the on-screen display and Main  
Information Display  
ˆ
will read FRONT  
LARGEor FRONTSMALLdepending  
on the current setting. Press the /¤ buttons  
D
on the remote until the desired setting is  
shown, using the instructions for “large” or  
“small” shown earlier, then press the Set button  
F
.
Note: When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is  
selected and playing, the AVR will select the  
appropriate surround mode automatically, no  
matter which surround or Logic 7 mode was  
selected for that input as default. Then no other  
surround modes will be available, except VMAx  
with Dolby Digital recordings and all Pro Logic II  
modes with Dolby Digital 2 channel (2.0) record-  
ings (see page 35). Also THX or Logic 7 process-  
ing can be added (see above).  
If another speaker position needs to be changed,  
press the /¤ buttons on the remote to  
select a different speaker position, press the Set  
button and then the /¤ buttons  
on the remote until the correct speaker setting is  
D
F
D
shown and press the Set button  
F
again to  
Alternatively, the 5 Channel Stereo or Logic 7  
Music mode may also be a good choice for  
stereo-only source material.  
confirm the selection.  
To assist in making these settings, the icons in  
the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators  
E
When selecting surround modes, please remem-  
ber that in the case of digital surround program  
material, the AVR will always examine the data  
stream and automatically switch to the correct  
surround mode (Dolby Digital or DTS) regardless  
of any setting made in the menu system. You  
may then add the THX processing by pressing  
To select the mode that will be used as the ini-  
will change as the speaker type is selected at  
each position. When only the inner icon box is  
lit, the speaker is set for “small.” When the inner  
box and the two outer boxes with circles inside  
them are lit, the speaker is set for “large.” When  
no indicator appears at a speaker location, that  
position is set for “none” or “no” speaker. When  
6.1/7.1 system configuration has been selected  
the Surround Back icons SBL/SBR will only turn  
on when the surround mode selected provides  
for surround back signals, i.e. with DTS Neo:6  
without THX, Dolby Digital with THX  
⁄ ¤  
tial default for an input, first press the  
buttons  
/
D
until the on-screen cursor is next to  
the desired mode’s master category name, such  
as Dolby, DTS, DSP (SURR), etc. Next, press the  
Set Button  
F
to view the sub-menu. Press  
‹ ›  
the  
/
Buttons Eato scroll through the  
any of the Home THX Buttons  
front panel or remote.  
6
j
on  
¤
available choices, and then press the  
Button  
D
so that the cursor is next to BACK TO  
SURRSELECTto return to the surround  
select menu.  
It is easiest to complete the surround setup  
using the full-OSD on-screen menus. From the  
⁄ ¤  
MASTER menu (Figure 1), press the  
/
The THX sub-menu will only have one choice  
when the mode is selected, as there may only be  
a single option once the 5.1 or 6.1/7.1 version  
of the mode is selected. In the case of other  
modes, such as Dolby, DTS, Logic 7, DSP and  
STEREO there will be multiple options or choices.  
buttons  
D
until the cursor is next to the  
(THX Surround EX) and DTS.  
SURROUNDSELECTmenu. Press the Set  
Button so that the SURROUND  
SELECTmenu (Figure 4) is on the screen.  
Note: These icons are available only when  
making setup changes without the use of the  
full OSD mode.  
F
**  
SURROUND  
SELECT  
**  
To set the THX processing for the current input  
after the surround mode was selected as  
described above, move the cursor to the THX  
THX  
DOLBY  
DTS  
LOGIC  
7
DSP  
(SURR)  
line and press the Set Button  
F.  
STEREO  
BACK  
TO  
MASTER  
MENU  
Figure 4  
24 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
The THX menu appearing will show the current  
surround mode processed, see figure 5 below,  
and no other selection is available. Note that the  
same messages will also appear in the Lower  
Display Line on the front panel or the semi on  
screen display when the full on screen display  
system is not in use.  
On the DTSmenu, the selection choices made  
31 for a complete explanation of the DSP sur-  
round modes. Note that the Hall and Theater  
modes are not available when a Dolby Digital or  
DTS soundtrack is played.  
‹ ›  
with the  
/
Buttons Eaon the remote  
are determined by a combination of the type of  
DTS program material in use and whether the  
5.1 or 6.1/7.1 speaker output configuration is in  
use. When either of the speaker configurations is  
in use, you may select either the Neo:6 Music or  
Neo:6 Cinema mode when an analog source is  
playing to deliver an enhanced 5.1-channel or  
even 7.1 channel sound field.  
On the STEREO menu, the selection choices  
‹ ›  
/
made with the  
Buttons Eaon the  
remote may either turn the surround processing  
off for a traditional two-channel stereo presenta-  
tion, or select 5 Stereo or 7 Stereo  
depending on whether the 5.1 or 6.1/7.1 output  
is in use. The latter modes feed the stereophonic  
input signal to both front speakers, to the rear  
speakers and to both surround back speakers (if  
in use), while the monophonic signal parts are  
spread over all speakers, also the Center. See  
page 31 for a complete explanation of the 5  
Stereo and 7 Stereo modes.  
The THX menu will vary according to the speaker  
configuration for your system and the surround  
mode selected:  
When the 5.1 configuration is in use the AVR  
will automatically select the 5.1 version of DTS  
processing when a DTS data stream is received.  
When the 6.1/7.1 mode is selected, the DTS-ES  
Discrete mode will automatically be activated  
when a DTS source with the ES Discrete “flag” is  
in use. When a non-ES DTS disc is in use, when  
the 6.1/7.1 mode is chosen the unit automati-  
cally will select the DTS + NEO:6 mode to create  
a full eight-speaker surround mode. See page  
30, 34 for a complete explanation of the DTS  
modes.  
When the system is configured for 5.1 channel,  
the MODEline on the THXmenu will read  
THXCINEMAwhen Dolby Digital mode is  
selected. When the 6.1/7.1 channel system is  
configured, the menu will read THXSURR  
EXwhen the Dolby Digital or DTS mode is  
selected. In all other cases, no matter if with 5.1  
or 6.1/7.1 configuration, the current surround  
mode will be shown with the term +THX  
added behind.  
After the selections are made in the Dolby, DTS,  
Logic 7, DSP (Surround) or Stereo menus, press  
⁄ ¤  
the  
/
buttons  
D
so that the cursor moves  
to the BACK TO MASTERMENUline and  
press the Set Button  
When the selection of the surround mode and  
the THX processing is completed, press the  
⁄ ¤  
F
.
On the Logic 7 menu, the selection choices  
/
buttons  
D
until the cursor is next to  
Adjustments for Other Inputs  
‹ ›  
/
made with the  
Buttons Eaon the  
BACKTOMASTERMENUand press the  
Set Button to continue the setup process.  
After one input has been adjusted for analog or  
digital input, speaker type and surround mode,  
return to the IN/OUTSETUPline on the  
MASTERmenu and enter the settings for each  
input that you will use. In most cases, only the  
digital input and surround mode may be differ-  
ent from one input to the next, while the speak-  
er type will usually be the same and may easily  
be entered by copying the speaker settings from  
the first input adjusted. But if prefered you can  
also select different speaker types or turn speak-  
ers on or off individually for each input in use.  
remote are determined by whether the 5.1 or  
6.1/7.1 speaker output configuration is in use. In  
either case, the selection of a Logic 7 mode  
enables Harman Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7 pro-  
cessing to create fully enveloping, multichannel  
surround from either two-channel Stereo or  
Matrix-encoded programming such as VHS cas-  
settes, laserdiscs or television broadcasts pro-  
duced with Dolby surround.  
F
The following few paragraphs detail the  
instructions needed for modes with multiple  
choices.  
On the Dolby menu (Figure 5), the selection  
choices include Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II  
Music, Dolby Pro Logic II Cinema, Dolby Pro  
Logic II Emulation and Dolby 3 Stereo. A com-  
plete explanation of these modes is found on  
Page 30. Note that when the Dolby Digital mode  
is selected there are additional settings available  
for the Night mode that are associated with the  
surround mode only, not with the input. That´s  
why these settings must be made only once, not  
with each input in use. They are described later  
in the next main chapter (see below).  
In the 5.1 configuration you may select the Logic  
7/5.1 Music, Cinema or Enhanced modes. They  
work best with two-channel music, surround-  
encoded programs or standard two-channel pro-  
gramming of any type, respectively. When the  
6.1/7.1 mode is selected, the Logic 7/7.1 Music  
or Cinema modes are available, then the output  
will be in a full eight-channel sound field, with  
pure stereo or surround encoded programs. Note  
that the Logic 7 modes are not available when  
either Dolby Digital or DTS Digital soundtracks  
are in use.  
Settings Independent of  
the Input Selected  
After the settings described above have been  
made for all input sources in your system, the  
following settings, made with any input, will  
remain in effect independent of the input select-  
ed. In order to make these settings as easy as  
possible, the OSD menu system should be used.  
**  
THX  
TO SURR  
THX  
SURR  
SELECT  
**  
MODE:  
BACK  
EX  
Delay Settings  
On the DSP (SURR) menu, the selection  
Due the different distances between the listen-  
ing position for the front channel speakers and  
the surround speakers, the amount of time it  
takes for sound to reach your ears from the front  
or surround speakers is different. You may com-  
pensate for this difference through the use of  
the delay settings to adjust the timing for the  
specific speaker placement and acoustic condi-  
tions in your listening room or home theater.  
‹ ›  
choices made with the  
/
Buttons Ea  
on the remote select one of the DSP surround  
modes that are designed for use with two-chan-  
nel stereo programs to create a variety of sound  
field presentations. The choices available are Hall  
1, Hall 2, Theater, VMAx Near and VMAx Far. The  
Hall and Theater modes are designed for multi-  
channel installations, while the two VMAx  
modes are optimized for use in delivering a full  
surround field when only the front left and front  
right speakers are installed. See pages 30 and  
Figure 5  
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 25  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
⁄ ¤  
/
Only for any Dolby or DTS surround mode using  
all speakers you´ve configured (see below), you  
will need to adjust the delay setting. The delay  
settings for all other Dolby and DTS modes will  
be made automatically. Note that the delay time  
is not adjustable for any other modes.  
Now press the  
buttons  
D
to move the  
To adjust the Night mode setting, make certain  
that the cursor is on the NIGHTline of the  
‹ ›  
cursor subsequently through each speaker and  
‹ ›  
/
press the  
Buttons Eato adjust the  
distance measured previously with each speaker  
position.  
DOLBYmenu. Next, press  
/
Buttons  
Eato choose between the following set-  
tings.  
Continue with the setting until the distance for  
the subwoofer is adjusted. Next press the  
twice, then Set button  
return to the Master Menu.  
OFF: When OFF is highlighted, the Night mode  
will not function.  
¤
Important Note: Once the delay setting has  
been made with any input it will be effective  
with all other inputs too.  
buttons  
D
F
to  
MID: When MID is in the highlighted video, a  
mild compression will be applied.  
To re-synchronize the front, center and surround  
channels at first measure and note the distance  
from the listening/viewing position to the front,  
center, surround and surround back (if any)  
speakers in meters.  
Now you´ve adjusted the delay for all speakers  
installed and all surround modes.  
MAX: When MAX is in the highlighted video, a  
more severe compression algorithm will be  
applied.  
Note that the delay settings may also be  
adjusted when any Dolby or DTS mode is in use  
at any time (when the full on screen display is  
When you want to use the Night mode feature,  
we recommend that you select the MID setting  
as a starting point and change to the MAX set-  
ting later, if desired.  
The Delay setting for all speakers configured for  
your system will be available only (with 5.1 or  
with 6.1/7.1 configuration) when any Dolby or  
DTS surround mode is selected using all speak-  
ers you´ve configured. The speakers used by any  
surround mode will be shown by the Speaker/  
not in use) by pressing the Delay Button  
Z
⁄ ¤  
on the remote. Then press the  
/
buttons  
D
on the remote to select the appropriate  
channels for adjustment, followed by a press of  
When the setting has been made, press the  
⁄ ¤  
⁄ ¤  
/
the Set button  
buttons  
figure appears in the Main Information  
Display or the semi OSD and press the Set  
button twice to confirm the setting and  
F
. Next, press the  
/
buttons  
D
so that the cursor is next  
D
on the remote until the desired  
to BACKTOSURRSELECT, and press  
the Set button to return to the SUR-  
Channel Input Indicator  
E
on the front  
F
display.  
ˆ
F
ROUNDSELECTmenu.  
To start with the delay settings at first select any  
input associated with such a Dolby or DTS mode.  
Next, continue within the MASTER  
Note that the Night mode may be adjusted  
directly any time that Dolby Digital surround  
mode is selected (without THX processing and  
with the OSD not in use) by pressing the Night  
return to the normal display.  
Night Mode Settings  
MENU(Figure 1). If the system is not already  
The Night mode is a feature of Dolby Digital that  
uses special processing to preserve the dynamic  
range and full intelligibility of a movie sound  
track while reducing the peak level. This prevents  
abruptly loud transitions from disturbing others,  
without reducing the sonic impact of a digital  
source. Note that the Night mode is only  
available when the Dolby Digital surround mode  
is selected.  
at that point, press the OSD button  
bring up the master menu. Press the Button  
Lto  
button  
B. When the button is pressed, the  
¤
words D-RANGEfollowed by the current set-  
ting (MID, MAX, OFF) will appear in the  
lower third of the video screen and in the Main  
⁄ ¤  
D
three times or until the on-screen cursor  
is pointing at the DELAYADJUSTline.  
Press the Set Button to call up the menu.  
F
Information Display  
ˆ. Press the  
/
but-  
tons  
D
within five seconds to select the  
desired setting, then press Set  
F
to confirm  
**  
DELAY  
ADJUST  
**  
the setting.  
FL  
:10  
:10  
:10  
FT  
FT  
FT  
FT  
SBR :10  
SBL :10  
FT  
FT  
FT  
FT  
CEN  
FR  
To adjust the Night mode setting from the menu  
Output Level Adjustment  
Output level adjustment is a key part of the  
SL  
SUB :12  
METER  
:
3
press the OSD Button  
MASTERmenu appears. Then press the  
button twice and press Set to select  
L
so that the  
SR  
:
3
UNIT :FEET  
¤
configuration of any surround-sound product. It  
is particularly important for a digital receiver  
such as the AVR, as correct outputs ensure that  
you hear sound tracks with the proper  
directionality and intensity.  
BACK TO  
MASTER  
MENU  
D
F
the SURROUNDSELECTmenu. Again  
¤
press the button  
D
once and press Set  
Figure 6  
F
to select the DOLBYmenu (see fig. 7).  
NOTE: Listeners are often confused about the  
operation of the surround channels. While some  
assume that sound should always be coming  
from each speaker, most of the time there will  
be little or no sound in the surround channels.  
This is because they are only used when a  
movie director or sound mixer specifically places  
sound there to create ambience, a special effect  
or to continue action from the front of the room  
to the rear. When the output levels are properly  
set, it is normal for surround speakers to oper-  
ate only occasionally. Artificially increasing the  
volume to the rear speakers may destroy the  
illusion of an enveloping sound field that dupli-  
cates the way you hear sound in a movie theater  
or concert hall.  
The menu will show all speakers installed in the  
following way: FL/R (Front Left/Right), CEN  
(Center), SR/L (Surround Left/Right) and SBR/SBL  
(Surround Back Left/Right) and the Sub. Behind  
each speaker´s term you will find the default  
setting for the distance between speaker and  
listener.  
**  
MODE:  
DOLBY  
DOLBY  
**  
DIGITAL  
OFF MID  
SURR  
NIGHT:  
BACK TO  
MAX  
SELECT  
Press the button  
cursor to the UNITline and press the  
D
twice to move the  
‹ ›  
/
Figure 7  
Buttons Eato select the unit for distances  
approriate for your country, feet or meter.  
26 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
IMPORTANT NOTE: The output level can be  
adjusted for each digital and analog surround  
mode individually. This allows you to compen-  
sate for level differences between speakers, that  
may also vary with the surround mode selected,  
or to increase or decrease the level of certain  
speakers intentionally, depending on the sur-  
round mode selected. Note that adjustments  
made for any surround mode are effective with  
all inputs associated with the same surround  
mode.  
6. Press and hold the SPL Indicator Select  
Button for three seconds. Release it  
when the Program/SPL Indicator  
stops flashing and remains lit. Press the 5  
Button on the remote if your system is  
configured for 5.1 operation with standard  
speakers or when it is configured for 7.1 oper-  
ation but the surround back speakers are not  
in use with the surround mode currently  
level is too low. When the indicator is green,  
the level is correct, and the test noise will  
move to the next channel.  
e
2
• While adjustments are being made, the red  
LED under the AVR Selector fwill flash.  
This is normal, and indicates that EzSet is  
operating.  
H
9. After the test noise has circulated once  
through each channel, it will send the tone  
to each channel once again, to verify the set-  
tings.  
selected. Press the 7 Button  
H
on the  
remote only if your system is configured for  
6.1/7.1 operation with a full speaker comple-  
ment including rear surround speakers and  
the surround back speakers are in use with  
the surround mode selected. Note that all  
speakers currently in use always are indicated  
Before beginning the output level adjustment  
process, make certain that all speaker connec-  
tions have been properly made. The system  
volume should be turned down at first. While the  
AVR 8500 allows you to set output levels manu-  
ally, we recommend that EzSet system be used  
when the AVR is first installed to establish the  
initial level settings.  
10. After two complete circulations of the tone,  
the levels are set. The Program/SPL  
Indicator  
channel. Upon completion of the second cir-  
culation, the Program/SPL Indicator  
2
will remain green at each  
by the Speaker/Channel Indicators  
E
in  
2
the front panel display. Once the correct chan-  
nel configuration button has been pressed the  
test noise will be heard from the front left  
speaker.  
will flash green twice and then go out. The  
tone will stop and the AVR will return to nor-  
mal operation.  
Using EzSet  
Harman Kardon’s exclusive EzSet remote makes  
it possible to quickly and accurately set the  
AVR’s output levels without the use of a sound  
pressure meter, although manual adjustment is  
also available. However, for the easiest set-up,  
follow these steps while seated in the listening  
position that will be used most often:  
Manual Output Level Adjustment  
7. At this point, EzSet will take over, adjusting  
the output level of each channel so that when  
the process is complete all levels will be equal  
and at the set reference point. This process  
may take a few minutes, depending on the  
extent of adjustment required.  
Output levels may also be adjusted manually,  
either to set them to a specific level with an SPL  
meter, or to make fine tuning adjustments to the  
levels obtained using the EzSet remote.  
Manual output level adjustment is most easily  
done through the CHANNELADJUST  
menu (Figure 8). If you are already at the main  
¤
8. During the adjustment, you will see the loca-  
tion of the channel position being adjusted  
appear in the on-screen display (if connected)  
1. Make certain that all speaker positions have  
been properly configured for their “large” or  
“small” settings (as outlined above).  
menu, press the Button  
D
until the on-  
screen cursor is next to the CHANNEL  
ADJUSTline. If you are not at the main  
menu, press the OSD Button vto bring up  
the MASTERMENU(Figure 1), and then  
¤
and in the Main Information Display  
ˆ,  
alternating with a readout of the output set-  
ting, relative to the reference volume level. As  
the adjustment proceeds, a few things will  
happen simultaneously:  
2. Turn off the OSD system if it is in use.  
3. Select any input associated with the surround  
mode for which you want to adjust the output  
levels. Remember that the same adjustments  
must be made with all other surround modes  
you´ve in use.  
press the Button  
on-screen cursor is next to the CHANNEL  
D
four times so that the  
• The channel position being adjusted will flash  
in the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators  
ADJUSTline. Press the Set Button  
bring the CHANNELADJUSTmenu (Figure  
F
to  
E
. If the test noise is heard from a channel  
8) to the screen.  
4. The AVR 8500 features a specific Test Tone  
generator for the Subwoofer, that should be  
switched off for a proper level alignment by  
other than the one shown in the Indicator, the  
on-screen display or the front panel display,  
there is an error in the speaker connections. If  
*
CHANNEL  
ADJUST  
*
FL  
:
:
:
:
0dB  
0dB  
0dB  
0dB  
SBR  
SBL  
SL  
:
:
:
:
0dB  
0dB  
0dB  
0dB  
ON  
the EzSet system. Press the OSD Button  
L
CEN  
FR  
this is the case, press the Test Button  
8
to open the MASTERMENU, select the  
CHANNELADJUSTline and press Set  
TWICE to stop the adjustment. Then, turn the  
unit off and verify that all speakers are con-  
nected to the proper Outputs DEF and  
that any connections made to rear surround  
speakers powered by optional amplifiers  
through the Surround Back Preamp  
SR  
SUB  
CHANNEL  
RESET:OFF  
:OFF  
TEST  
SUB  
TONE  
ON  
button  
F
to open that menu. Make sure  
TEST  
TONE:OFF  
ON  
that OFFis highlighted in the SUBTEST  
TONEline; if not, select that line and press  
‹ ›  
BACK  
TO  
MASTER  
MENU  
/
Buttons Eaonce to turn the Tone  
off. Then return to the MASTERMENU.  
Outputs  
A
are correct. Afterwards start the  
Figure 8  
adjusting process again from the beginning.  
5. Hold the remote in front of you, being sure  
not to cover the EzSet Sensor Microphone  
Once the menu appears on your video screen,  
• As the individual channels are set, the channel  
name and the adjustment offset will appear in  
the on-screen display (if connected) and the  
first use the Button  
screen cursor so that it is next to the TEST  
D
to move the on-  
h
at the top of the remote and aim it at the  
AVR, don´t hold it vertically (like a micro-  
phone).  
‹ ›  
TONE line. Press the  
/
Buttons Ea  
Main Information Display  
level is changing, the Program/SPL  
Indicator will change colors to reflect  
ˆ. While the  
so that ON is highlighted.  
2
the output level in relation to the reference. A  
red indication shows that the level is too high,  
while an orange indication shows that the  
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 27  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
You will hear a test noise circulate from speaker  
to speaker in a clockwise direction around the  
room. The test noise will play for two seconds in  
each speaker before circulating, and a blinking  
on-screen cursor will appear next to the name of  
each speaker location when the sound is at that  
speaker.  
You may also adjust the output levels manually  
while using the level indication feature of the  
EzSet remote. To activate the sensor and indica-  
tor, simply press and release the SPL Indicator  
The output levels may also be adjusted at any  
time using the remote control and semi-OSD sys-  
tem. To adjust the output levels in this fashion,  
press the Test Button  
8. As soon as the but-  
Select Button  
e
on the remote while the  
ton is pressed, the test tone will begin to circu-  
late as indicated earlier. The correct channel from  
which the test noise should be heard will be  
shown in the lower third of the video screen and  
test tone is circulating.  
The Program/SPL Indicator  
2
will change  
color to indicate the level. Adjust the level using  
NOTE: Remember to verify that the speakers  
have been properly connected. As the test noise  
circulates, listen to make certain that the sound  
comes from the speaker position shown in the  
‹ ›  
/
the  
Buttons Eaon the remote until  
in the Main Information Display  
ˆ. While  
the LED lights green for all channels. When it is  
red, the level is too high; when it is orange, the  
level is too low. Press the SPL Indicator Select  
the test noise is circulating, the proper channel  
position will also be indicated in the Speaker/  
Channel Input Indicators  
E
by a blinking  
Main Information Display  
ˆ. If the sound  
e
button when you are finished to turn the  
letter within the correct channel.  
comes from a speaker location that does NOT  
match the position indicated in the display, turn  
sensor and Indicator off.  
⁄ ¤  
/
To adjust the output level, press the  
but-  
the AVR off using the Main Power Switch  
1
NOTE: The Subwoofer level is not adjustable  
when the normal test tone is in use as proper  
subwoofer adjustment requires a different test  
tone. With the AVR 8500 a specific THX  
Subwoofer-Test tone can be activated in the  
Channel Adjust Menu. This tone can be used to  
set your subwoofer´s gain in the following way:  
tons until the desired level is shown in the  
D
and check the speaker wiring or connections to  
external power amplifiers to make certain that  
each speaker is connected to the correct output  
terminal.  
display or on screen. Once the buttons are  
released, the test noise will begin to circulate  
again in five seconds.  
When all channels have the same output level,  
After checking for speaker placement, let the  
test noise circulate again, and listen to see  
which channels sound louder than the others.  
Using the front left speaker as a reference, press  
‹ ›  
turn the Volume  
d
down to about -40dB,  
otherwise the listening level may be too high as  
soon as the source’s music starts to play. After-  
When the Channel Adjust Menu is on the  
screen, move the cursor to the line SUB  
‹ ›  
wards press the Test Tone Selector  
8
but-  
the  
/
Buttons Eaon the remote to  
TESTTONE, then press the  
/
Buttons  
ton again to turn the test tone off and complete  
the process.  
bring all speakers to the same volume level.  
Eato turn the Sub Test Tone on (or off).  
When done, the Sub Test Tone will not be turned  
on at once but it will be included into the  
"normal" test tone loop through speakers as  
described above for the Manual Output Level  
Adjustment. Note that this specific Sub Test  
Tone should not be used with the automatic or  
manual level alignment while using the EzSet  
system of the remote (see page 27 and above).  
The Subwoofer output level may also be adjust-  
ed when the channel levels are being trimmed to  
a program source rather than the test tone, as  
shown on page 37.  
‹ ›  
/
When one of the  
buttons is pushed, the test  
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Output level adjust-  
ment made will be effective for all inputs, but  
only for the actual surround mode selected. To  
be effective for any other mode select that mode  
(with any input) and repeat the level adjustment  
described above. This will also allow you to com-  
pensate level differences between speakers, that  
may be different with each surround mode, or to  
increase or decrease the level of certain speakers  
intentionally, depending on the surround mode  
selected.  
noise circulation will pause on the channel being  
adjusted to give you time to make the adjust-  
ment. When you release the button, the circula-  
tion will resume after five seconds. The on-screen  
cursor and the test noise can also be moved  
directly to the speaker to be adjusted by press-  
⁄ ¤  
/
ing the  
buttons  
D
on the remote.  
Continue to adjust the individual channels until  
the volume level sounds the same from each  
speaker. Note that adjustments should be made  
‹ ›  
with the  
/
Buttons Eaon the remote  
Note: Output level adjustment is also available  
for the VMAx or Surround Off mode, allowing to  
compensate level differences between left and  
right channels (Balance control) with all modes  
selected.  
only, NOT the main volume controls.  
When all channels have an equal volume level,  
the adjustment is complete. Now turn the  
Volume  
d
down to about -40dB, otherwise  
the listening level may be too high as soon as  
the source’s music starts to play. To exit this  
⁄ ¤  
menu, press the  
screen cursor is next to the BACKTO  
MASTER MENUline, and then press the  
/
buttons  
D
until the on-  
Set Button  
F
to return to the MASTER  
MENU.  
28 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
System Configuration  
Bass Peak Limiter  
As indicated in the menu, when you start the  
process a special test tone will be heard through  
the subwoofer or front/left right speakers,  
depending on your system's configuration. Press  
The AVR 8500 includes a bass peak level limiter  
as part of the THX Ultra program to protect your  
subwoofer from being damaged by excessive  
levels. Note that if you are using full range front  
left/right speakers instead of a conventional  
subwoofer, the settings for the Bass Peak Limiter  
will apply to those speakers.  
the Volume Up Button  
d
until the sound  
from the subwoofer or front speakers' low  
frequency drivers sounds distorted or crackly.  
At that point IMMEDIATELY press the Set  
Button  
F.  
To set the Bass Peak Limiter you must be at the  
BASSPEAKLEVELMENU(figure 9). If  
that menu is not on the screen, press the OSD  
¤
At this point the maximum setting will be  
entered, the test noise will stop and the unit will  
return to the MASTERMENU.  
Button  
L
and then press the Button  
D
until the on-screen cursor is next to BASS  
When all settings and adjustments have been  
made, press the OSD Button  
normal operation of the AVR.  
PEAKLEVEL. Press the Set Button  
Fto  
L
to return to  
display that menu.  
*
BASS  
PEAK  
LEVEL  
:OFF  
*
Once the settings outlined on the previous  
pages have been made, the AVR is ready for  
operation. While there are some additional  
settings to be made, these are best done after  
you have had an opportunity to listen to a  
variety of sources and different kinds of program  
material. These advanced settings are described  
on pages 39 to 40 of this manual. In addition,  
any of the settings made in the initial  
configuration of the unit may be changed at any  
time. As you add new or different sources or  
speakers, or if you wish to change a setting to  
better reflect your listening taste, simply follow  
the instructions for changing the settings for  
that parameter as shown in this section.  
PEAK  
LIMITER  
ON  
YES  
dB)  
SETTING  
START:NO  
(PEAK  
LIMIT :--  
BACK  
TO  
MASTER  
MENU  
Figure 9  
‹ ›  
/
If you wish to use the Limiter, press the  
Buttons Easo that ONis highlighted while  
the on-screen cursor is at the PEAK  
LIMITERline. Next, press the Button  
¤
D
once so that the cursor is on the  
‹ ›  
/
SETTING STARTline. Press the  
Note that any settings changed at any time, also  
when the discrete buttons are used only, will be  
stored in memory in the AVR, also if it´s turned  
off completely, unless it will be reset (see page  
52). The settings will either depend on the input  
(Speaker configuration, analog/digital input  
selection, surround mode) or on the surround  
mode selected (speaker output level) or be  
independent from any input or surround mode  
(crossover, only depending on the front speaker  
configuration), as described on previous pages.  
Buttons Easo that YESis highlighted to  
start the processing of setting the peak level.  
Note that the menu will change to provide  
additional instructions as show in figure 10.  
*
BASS  
PEAK  
LEVEL  
*
PEAK  
LIMITER  
:
OFF  
ON  
SETTING  
START:NO  
YES  
dB)  
(PEAK  
BACK  
LIMIT  
:-30  
TO MASTER  
MENU  
Turn up the volume with  
master =VOL UP= button.  
When distortion is aud-  
ible push =SET= button.  
Having completed the setup and configuration  
process for your AVR, you are about to  
experience the finest in music and home-  
theater listening. Enjoy!  
Figure 10  
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 29  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
Surround Mode Chart  
MODE  
FEATURES  
DELAY RANGE  
DOLBY DIGITAL  
Surround EX,  
THX Surround EX  
Dolby Digital Surround EX™ was developed jointly by Lucasfilm THX and Dolby Laboratories.  
Dolby Digital Surround EX describes the encoding system and is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.  
Dolby Digital Surround EX encoding was developed to provide the sound mixer greater  
opportunities for the placement of sounds to the rear as well as the sides of the listener.  
THX Surround EX processing is the decoding scheme to correctly decode a Dolby Digital Surround EX  
encoded movie soundtrack for use in consumer applications. It decodes the previously encoded third  
surround channel (“Surround Back”) from the traditional two surround channels (Surround Left and  
Surround Right) which act as a carrier. This decoding is performed by a dematrixing circuit similar to  
Dolby 3 Stereo. In addition, products with THX Surround EX will include appropriate THX post  
processing and a defined Bass Management System. But with the AVR8500 the THX Surround EX  
decoding is available also with many other surround formats, see "THX Processing" below.  
see Dolby Digital;  
Surround Back like  
Surround  
THX Processing  
THX processing may be selected with an analog source to enhance the presentation of matrix surround- delay adjust the  
encoded programs with either Dolby Pro Logic II or DTS Neo:6 as the basic surround processor by use of same as with  
the THX processing (Re-EQ, Timbre Matching). When a digital source is in use, the proper THX 5.1 or  
7.1 mode will be selected, depending on the speaker configuration in your system. For 5.1 systems  
THX Cinema is available for Dolby Digital sources and THX 5.1 for DTS sources. For 7.1 systems,  
THX Surround EX is available with Dolby Digital (5.1 or 5.1EX) and with DTS (5.1) sources to create rear  
surround channels using specially encoded information within a movie´s soundtrack. With DTS 6.1 Discrete  
or Matrix recordings THX Surround is available too to enhance the presentation with help of the  
THX processing (Re-EQ, Timbre Matching).  
surround modes  
that will be  
THX processed  
DOLBY DIGITAL  
Available only with digital input sources encoded with Dolby Digital data. It provides  
up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated Low Frequency Effects  
channel.  
Fronts/Center: 0 m - 9 m  
Initial Setting – 3.6 m  
Surround: 0 m - 9 m  
Initial Setting – 3 m  
Subwoofer: 0 m - 9 m  
Initial Setting: 3.6 m  
DTS 5.1  
When the speaker configuration is set for 5.1-channel operation, the DTS 5.1 mode is  
available when DVD, audio-only music or laserdiscs encoded with DTS data are played.  
DTS 5.1 provides up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated  
low-frequency channel.  
see Dolby Digital  
DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix  
When the speaker configuration is set for 6.1/7.1 operation, playback of a DTS-encoded program  
see Dolby Digital;  
Surround Back like  
Surround  
DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete source will automatically trigger the selection of one of the two DTS-ES modes. Newer discs with  
special DTS-ES discrete encoding will be decoded to provide six discrete, full-bandwidth channels  
plus a separate low-frequency channel. All other DTS discs will be decoded using the DTS-ES Matrix  
mode, which creates a 6.1-channel sound field from the original 5.1-channel soundtrack.  
DOLBY PRO LOGIC II Dolby Pro Logic II is the latest version of Dolby Laboratory’s benchmark surround technology  
see Dolby Digital  
MOVIE  
MUSIC  
EMULATION  
that decodes full-range, discrete left, center right, right surround and left surround channels  
from matrix surround encoded programs and conventional stereo sources when  
an analog input or a digital input with PCM or Dolby Digital 2.0 recordings is in use. The  
Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode is optimized for movie soundtracks that are recorded with matrix  
surround, by creating separate center, rear left and rear right signals. while the Pro Logic II Music  
mode should be used with musical selections that are recorded with matrix surround or even with  
normal stereo mode, creating separate rear left and rear right signals  
in any case. The Pro Logic II Emulation mode creates compelling five-channel surround sound from  
conventional stereo recordings.  
30 OPERATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
Surround Mode Chart  
MODE  
FEATURES  
DELAY RANGE  
Logic 7 Cinema  
Logic 7 Music  
Logic 7 Enhance  
Exclusive to Harman Kardon for AV receivers, Logic 7 is an advanced mode that extracts the  
maximum surround information from either surround-encoded programs or conventional stereo  
material. Depending on the number of speakers in use and the selection made in the SURROUND  
SELECT menu, the “5.1” versions of Logic 7 modes are available when the 5.1 option is chosen,  
while the “7.1” versions of Logic 7 produce a full sound field presentation, including back surround  
speakers when the “6.1/7.1” option is chosen. The Logic 7 C (or Cinema) mode should be used  
with any source that contains Dolby Surround or similar matrix encoding. Logic 7 C delivers  
increased center-channel intelligibility, and more accurate placement of sounds with fades and pans  
that are much smoother and more realistic than with former decoding techniques. The Logic 7 M or  
Music mode should be used with analog or PCM stereo sources. Logic 7 M enhances the listening  
experience by presenting a wider front soundstage and greater rear ambience. Both Logic 7 modes  
also direct low-frequency information to the subwoofer (if installed and configured) to deliver  
maximum bass impact. The Logic 7 E (or Enhance) mode is an extension of the Logic 7 modes that is  
primarily used with musical programs and is available with the 5.1 surround mode option selected  
only. Logic 7 E adds additional bass enhancement that circulates low frequencies in the 40Hz to 120Hz  
range to the front and surround speakers to deliver a less localized soundstage that appears broader  
and wider than when the subwoofer is the sole source of bass energy.  
Delay not adjustable  
DTS Neo:6 Cinema  
DTS Neo:6 Music  
These two modes are available when any analog source is playing to create a six-channel  
surround presentation from conventional Matrix-encoded and traditional Stereo sources. Select  
the Cinema version of Neo:6 when a program with any type of analog Matrix surround encoding  
is present. Select the Music version of Neo:6 for optimal processing when a nonencoded,  
two-channel stereo program is being played.  
see Dolby Digital  
DOLBY 3 STEREO  
Uses the information contained in a surround-encoded or two-channel stereo program to  
create center-channel information. In addition, the information that is normally sent to the  
rear-channel surround speakers is carefully mixed in with the front-left and front-right  
channels for increased realism. Use this mode when you have a center-channel speaker  
but no surround speakers.  
Delay not adjustable  
THEATER  
The THEATER mode creates a sound field that resembles the acoustic feeling of a  
standard live performance theater, with stereo and even pure mono sources.  
Delay not adjustable  
Delay not adjustable  
Delay not adjustable  
HALL 1  
HALL 2  
The two Hall modes create sound fields that resemble a small (HALL1) or  
medium sized (HALL 2) concert hall, with stereo and even pure mono sources.  
VMAx Near  
VMAx Far  
When only the two front-channel loudspeakers are used, Harman’s patented VMAx mode  
delivers a three-dimensional sound space with the illusion of “phantom speakers” at the  
center and surround positions. The VMAx N, or “Near Field” mode should be selected when  
your listening position is less than 1,5 m from the speakers. The VMAx F, or “Far Field” mode  
may be selected when your listening position is greater than 1,5 m from the speakers.  
The VMAx modes are also available using the Headphones Output 4. When headphones  
are being used, the Far Field mode will push the sound field away from your ears,  
reducing the “inside the head” sensation often experienced when using headphones.  
5-Channel Stereo  
7-Channel Stereo  
This mode takes advantage of multiple speakers to place a stereo signal at both the front and  
back of a room. Depending on whether the AVR has been configured for either 5.1 or 6.1/7.1  
operation, one of these modes, but not both, is available at any time. Ideal for playing music in  
situations such as a party, this mode places the same signal at the front-left and surround-left,  
and at the front-right and surround-right speakers. The center channel is fed a summed mono  
mix of the in-phase material of the left and right channels.  
No delay available in  
these modes  
SURROUND  
OFF (STEREO)  
This mode turns off all surround processing and presents the pure left- and right-  
channel presentation of two-channel stereo programs.  
Delay not adjustable  
OPERATION 31  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
When the programmed sleep time has elapsed,  
the unit will automatically turn off (to Standby  
mode). Note that the front panel display will dim  
to one half brightness when the Sleep function is  
programmed. To cancel the Sleep function, press  
• When a composite or S-Video source is selected,  
its audio signal will be fed to the speakers and  
the video signal for that input will be routed to the  
Basic Operation  
Once you have completed the setup and configu-  
ration of the AVR 8500, it is simple to operate  
and enjoy. The following instructions should be  
followed for you to maximize your enjoyment of  
your new receiver:  
appropriate Monitor Output Jack  
B
and will be  
viewable on a TV monitor connected to the AVR.  
If a component video source is connected to the  
and hold the Sleep Button  
9
until the infor-  
mation display returns to normal brightness and  
the Sleep indicator numbers disappear and the  
words SLEEPOFFappear in the Lower  
DVD  
will be routed to the Component Video  
Outputs . Make certain that your TV is set to  
L
or Video 2  
J
Component Inputs, it  
Turning the AVR On or Off  
• When using the AVR 8500 for the first time, you  
must press the Main Power Switch  
front panel to turn the unit on. This places the unit  
in a Standby mode, as indicated by the amber color  
K
Display Line  
B.  
the proper input to view the appropriate video sig-  
nal (composite, S-Video or component video, see  
Notes for S-Video on page 16).  
1
on the  
Source Selection  
• To select a source, press any of the Source  
Selector buttons on the remote 467  
of the Power Indicator  
Standby, you may begin a listening session by  
pressing the System Power Control or the  
Source button on the front panel or the AVR  
Selector . Note that the Power  
Indicator will turn green. This will turn the  
unit on and return it to the input source that was  
last used. The unit may also be turned on from  
Standby by pressing any of the Source Selector  
3. Once the unit is in  
Controls and Use of Headphones  
ç∂  
.
2
• Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using  
%
NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector  
buttons to turn the unit on, press the AVR  
Selector to have the remote control the  
AVR functions.  
the front panel Volume Control  
Ù
or remote  
5
3
4
Volume Up/Down dîbuttons.  
5
• To temporarily silence all speaker outputs press  
the Mute button . This will interrupt the  
g
˚
• The input source may also be changed by  
pressing the front-panel Input Source Selector  
output to all speakers and the headphone jack,  
but it will not affect any recording or dubbing  
that may be in progress. When the system is  
muted, the word MUTEwill appear in the Main  
buttons on the remote 4567  
button  
%. Each press of the button will move  
çor the Source button  
%
on the front  
the input selection through the list of available  
inputs.  
panel.  
Information Display  
ton again to return to normal opera-  
tion.  
ˆ. Press the Mute but-  
NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector  
buttons 67(except VID5) to turn the unit on,  
g
˚
• As the input is changed, the AVR will automati-  
cally switch to the digital input (if selected), sur-  
round mode and speaker configuration that were  
entered during the configuration process for that  
source.  
press the AVR Selector  
5to have the  
remote control the AVR functions.  
• During a listening session you may turn the  
tone controls for the left front/right speakers off  
or adjust the bass and treble settings using  
remote control, rather than the front panel knobs  
used on many audio products. To adjust the tone  
settings, first press the Tone Mode Button  
To turn the unit off at the end of a listening ses-  
sion, simply press the System Power Control  
• The front-panel Video 5 Inputs  
Digital 4 Input or the Coaxial Digital 4  
Input may be used to connect a device such  
Ò, Optical  
2
on the front panel or the Power Off Button  
on the remote. Power will be shut off to  
any equipment plugged into the rear panel  
Switched AC Outlets and the Power  
Indicator will turn orange.  
*
0
å
Ó
i
. The first press of this button shows if the  
as a video game or camcorder to your home  
entertainment system on a temporary basis.  
G
tone controls are active or not. When the default  
setting of TONE IN appears, all tone controls will  
be active. When you want to bypass any tone  
⁄ ¤  
3
When the Video 5 Inputs  
Ò
are configured as  
When the remote is used to turn the unit “off” it  
is actually placing the system in a Standby mode,  
as indicated by the orange color of the Power  
outputs (see page 37) you can also connect an  
audio or video recorder (composite or S-Video)  
for recording the source selected.  
controls, press the  
/
Buttons  
D
so that  
TONEOUTappears on the Lower Display  
Line and in the semi-OSD display. To adjust  
the Bass or Treble settings, press the Tone Mode  
Button until the current Bass or Treble sta-  
Indicator  
3.  
B
• As the input source is changed, the new input  
name will appear momentarily as an on-screen  
display in the lower third of the video display. The  
input name will also appear in the Main  
When you will be away from home for an  
extended period of time it is always a good idea  
to completely turn the unit off with the front  
i
tus appears in the Lower Display Line  
B
and  
⁄ ¤  
then press the  
/
Buttons  
D
to raise or  
panel Main Power Switch  
1.  
Information Display  
light next to the selected input’s name in the  
front-panel Input Indicators  
ˆ
and a green LED will  
lower the settings. When all tone mode adjust-  
ments are complete, simply wait a few seconds  
until the display returns to normal operation as  
your indication that the settings have been  
accepted by the AVR's memory. Note that the  
tone controls only change the output for the  
front left/right speakers.  
NOTE: All preset memories may be lost if the  
unit is left turned off with the Main Power  
ı
.
Switch  
1
for more than two weeks.  
• When a pure audio input (CD, Tuner, Tape, 6/8  
Channel Input) is selected, the last video input  
used remains routed to the Video 1/Video 2  
Using the Sleep Timer  
• To program the AVR for automatic turn-off, press  
X
(except from its own Video 1/2 source) and  
the Sleep Button  
9
on the remote. Each press  
Video Monitor Output  
B. This permits simul-  
of the button will increase the time before shut  
down in the following sequence:  
• For private listening, plug the 6.3 mm stereo  
phone plug from a pair of stereo headphones  
taneous viewing and listening to different  
sources.  
90  
80  
70  
60  
50  
into the front panel Headphone Jack  
4. Note  
min  
min  
min  
min  
min  
that when the headphone’s plug is connected,  
the word HEADPHONEwill scroll once  
40  
30  
20  
10  
OFF  
min  
min  
min  
min  
across the Lower Display Line  
B
and all  
The sleep time will be displayed in the Lower  
Display Line and it will count down until  
the time has elapsed.  
speakers will be silenced. When the headphone  
plug is removed, the audio feed to the speakers  
will be restored.  
B
32 OPERATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
Even when a program is not listed as carrying  
intentional surround information, you may find  
that the Dolby Pro Logic II Music, DTS NEO:6  
Music or Logic 7 Music or Enhanced modes often  
deliver enveloping surround presentations through  
the use of the natural surround information pres-  
ent in all stereo recordings.  
Note that the Dolby Digital or DTS modes (except  
DTS Neo:6) may only be selected when a digital  
input is in use. In addition, when a digital source  
is present, the AVR will automatically select and  
switch to the correct mode (Dolby Digital or  
DTS), regardless of the mode that has been pre-  
viously selected. For more information on selecting  
digital sources, see the following section of this  
manual.  
Surround Mode Selection  
One of the most important features of the  
AVR 8500 is its ability to reproduce a full multi-  
channel surround sound field from digital  
sources, analog matrix surround encoded pro-  
grams and standard stereo or even mono pro-  
grams.  
However, for stereo programs without any sur-  
round information the Theater, Hall and 5/7CH  
Stereo modes should be tried (effective particularly  
with old ”extreme” stereo recordings) and for  
mono programs, we suggest that you try the  
Theater or Hall modes. And when you use only  
two front channel speakers you should select  
Harman’s patented VMAx mode, delivering a virtu-  
ally three dimensional sound space with two  
speakers only.  
Selection of a surround mode is based on personal  
taste, as well as the type of program source mate-  
rial being used. For example, CDs, motion pictures  
or TV programs bearing the logo of one of the  
major surround-encoding processes, such as Dolby  
Surround should be played in either the Dolby Pro  
Logic II Movie (with movies) or Music (with  
music) surround mode, with any DTS NEO:6  
mode or with Harman Kardon´s exclusive Logic 7  
Movie Mode, to create a full range 5.1 channel  
or (with Logic 7 and DTS NEO:6) even 7.1 chan-  
nel surround signal from surround encoded pro-  
grams, with a stereophonic left and right rear sig-  
nal, just as it was recorded (e.g. sound being  
recorded from left rear side will be heard from  
that side only, for more details see chart on page  
30). In addition the THX Mode may be used with  
both analog and digital soundtracks to provide  
optimal reproduction.  
To listen to a program in traditional two-channel  
stereo, using the front left and front right  
speakers only (plus the subwoofer, if installed and  
configured), press the Stereo Button  
$S  
until SURROFFappears in the Main  
Information Display ˆ.  
Depending on the number of speakers selected for  
your system configuration, you may also select a  
”five channel stereo” or ”seven channel stereo”  
mode which places the two-channel stereo signal  
in all speakers, rather than just those at the front  
of the room. To select this mode, simply press the  
Surround modes are selected using either the  
front panel controls or the remote. First deter-  
mine which of the surround mode categories you  
wish to choose from and press the button corre-  
sponding to that category: Dolby modes  
or DTS Surround from digital sources,  
DTS Neo:6 from analog sources, Logic  
y, DSP modes or Stereo  
5M  
Stereo Button  
$S  
until the desired mode  
ÚN  
name appears in the Main Information Display ˆ  
and in the semi-OSD display.  
&T  
7
7
9A  
$S.  
Note that no surround mode is available when an  
HDCD or MP3 source is being decoded.  
As you press any of the Mode Select Buttons  
AMN ST579$&Ú  
the surround mode name will appear in the Main  
When no rear speakers are in use, the Dolby 3  
Stereo mode should be selected with all surround  
recordings.  
y
Digital Audio Playback  
Information Display  
ˆ. and in the on-screen  
Digital audio is a major advancement over older  
analog surround processing systems such as Dolby  
Pro Logic. It delivers five or six discrete channels:  
left front, center, right front, left surround and right  
surround and with DTS ES (see below) even sur-  
round back (with identical signals for left and  
right). Each channel reproduces full frequency  
range (20Hz to 20kHz) and offers dramatically  
improved dynamic range and significant improve-  
ments to signal-to-noise ratios. In addition, digital  
systems have the capability to deliver an additional  
channel that is specifically devoted to low-frequen-  
cy information. This is the .1” channel referred to  
when you see these systems described as “5.1,  
“6.1” or “7.1. The bass channel is separate from  
the other channels, but since it is intentionally  
bandwidth-limited, sound designers have given it  
that unique designation.  
display.  
Note that when Dolby Digital 2.0 signals (e.g.  
”D.D. 2.0” tracks from DVD), that are encoded  
with Dolby Pro Logic information, are received  
via any digital input, the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie  
mode will be selected automatically (in addition  
to the Dolby Digital mode) and will decode a full  
range 5.1 channel surround sound even from  
those recordings (see also ”Dolby Digital” on  
page 35).  
The THX modes involve specialized postprocess-  
ing techniques that optimize the audio signals  
after they have been decoded. Thus, when select-  
ing a THX mode, the AVR will automatically  
examine the signal to see whether it is analog or  
digital and apply Dolby Digital or DTS decoding if  
needed. The special THX circuits will then be acti-  
vated. To select a THX mode, press the Home  
THX button  
6j  
on the front or remote and  
To create wide, enveloping sound field environ-  
ments and defined pans and flyovers with all  
analog stereo recordings select the Dolby Pro  
Logic II Music or Emulation mode or Harman  
Kardon’s exclusive Logic 7 Music mode for a dra-  
matic improvement in comparison to the Dolby  
Pro Logic (I) mode of former times.  
the proper THX mode for the active input will be  
activated. For further information on THX pro-  
cessing see surround mode table on page 30.  
When the 6-Channel/8-Channel direct inputs are  
in use there is no surround processing, as these  
inputs take the analog output signals from an  
optional, external DVD-Audio or SACD player or  
another source device and carry them straight to  
the volume control without any further digital  
processing.  
NOTE: Once a program has been encoded with  
matrix surround information, it retains the sur-  
round information as long as the program is  
broadcast in stereo. Thus, movies with surround  
sound may be decoded via any of the analog sur-  
round modes such as Pro Logic II Cinema, Logic 7  
Cinema or DTS Neo:6 Cinema, when they are  
broadcast via conventional TV stations, cable, pay-  
TV and satellite transmission. In addition, a grow-  
ing number of made-for-television programs,  
sports broadcasts, radio dramas and music CDs  
are also recorded in surround sound. You may  
view a list of these programs at the Dolby  
As the surround modes change, one or two green  
LEDs will light next to the current mode in the  
Surround Mode Indicators  
¯
list on the  
front panel.  
OPERATION 33  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
Dolby Digital  
Please note that some DVD players are shipped  
with their output set for Dolby Digital only. To  
insure that DTS data is being sent to the AVR,  
please check the setup menu system on your  
DVD player to make certain that DTS data output  
is enabled.  
When a CD with the HDCD recording is played,  
the AVR is able to take advantage of the special  
recording process that is used in the creation of  
HDCD disc. The special circuitry enables audio  
with extraordinary fidelity, stunning resolution  
and the highest possible overall quality.  
Dolby Digital (originally known as AC-3®) is  
a standard part of DVD, and is available on  
specially encoded LD discs and satellite broadcasts  
and it is a part of the new high-definition television  
(HDTV) system.  
Dolby Digital Surround EX  
PCM Audio Playback  
As long as a digital input and the pure Stereo  
mode (Surround Off) are selected, the AVR will  
automatically sense that it is an HDCD recording  
and the green LED next to the letters HDCD will  
light on the front panel to remind you that an  
HDCD disc is playing.  
Dolby Digital Surround EX is an enhanced encod-  
ing that was developed to provide the sound  
mixer greater opportunities for the placement of  
sounds to the rear as well as the sides of the lis-  
tener, while THX Surround EX processing is the  
decoding scheme to correctly decode a Dolby  
Digital Surround EX encoded movie. For more  
info on Dolby Digital and Surround EX formats  
see table on page 30.  
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) is the non- com-  
pressed digital audio system used for compact  
discs, Non-Dolby Digital/DTS Laserdiscs and some  
special PCM encoded DVDs. It is also the format  
used as an output by audio transcoders such as  
the Harman Kardon DAL 150. The digital circuits  
in the AVR are capable of high quality digital-to-  
analog decoding, and they may be connected  
directly to the digital audio output of your  
CD/DVD or LD player (LD only for PCM or DTS  
programs, for Dolby Digital laser discs an RF  
adapter is needed, see ”Dolby Digital” above).  
It is important to note that the HDCD process is  
completely compatible with standard recordings.  
Indeed, the high-quality digital-to-analog  
circuitry that is part of HDCD and the HDCD  
decoder chip, replacing the monolithic digital  
filters used in conventional DACs, will enable  
enhanced performance also with normal,  
non-HDCD encoded program material.  
Note that an optional, external RF demodulator  
is required to use the AVR to listen to the Dolby  
Digital sound tracks available on laser discs.  
Connect the RF output of the LD player to the  
demodulator and then connect the digital output  
of the demodulator to the Optical or Coaxial  
inputs UV*Óof the AVR. No demodulator  
is required for use with DVD players or DTS-  
encoded laser discs.  
Connections may be made to either the Optical  
or Coaxial inputs UV on the rear panel or the  
front panel Digital Inputs *Ó  
MP3 Audio Playback  
.
The AVR 8500 is one of the few A/V receivers to  
provide on-board decoding for the MP3 audio  
format used on specific computer audio files. By  
offering MP3 decoding, the AVR is able to deliver  
more precise conversion of the digital signals to  
an analog output, along with the benefits of lis-  
tening to MP3 audio through the AVR’s high cur-  
rent amplifier and the speakers from your sur-  
round system, rather than the smaller speakers  
and low powered amplifiers typically used with  
computers.  
To listen to a PCM digital source, first select the  
input for the desired source (e.g., CD) to feed its  
video signal (if any) to the TV monitor and to  
provide its analog audio signal for recording.  
DTS  
Next press the Digital Select button  
Û
on the  
G
⁄ ¤  
/
DTS is another digital audio system that is capa-  
ble of delivering 5.1 channel audio or 6.1 matrix  
or discrete channel sound (DTS ES, for more info  
see table page 30). Although both DTS and  
Dolby Digital are digital, they use different meth-  
ods of encoding the signals, and thus they  
require different decoding circuits to convert the  
digital signals back to analog.  
and then use the  
buttons  
D
remote, or the Selector buttons7$on the  
front panel, until the desired choice appears in the  
Main Information Display  
Set button Fto confirm the choice.  
ˆ, then press the  
When a PCM source is playing, the green LED  
will light next to the DIGITAL indication in the  
Surround Mode/Bitstream Indicators  
To take advantage of the AVR’s MP3 capabilities,  
simply connect the digital (SPDIF) output of a  
computer sound card able to feed the MP3 for-  
mat to its digital output, to either the rear panel  
Digital Inputs UV or the front panel Digital  
Inputs . When the digital MP3 signal is  
received, the green LED next to the MP3 indica-  
¯.  
DTS-encoded sound tracks are available on select  
DVD and LD discs, as well as on special audio-  
only DTS CDs. You may use any LD, DVD or CD  
player equipped with a digital output to play  
DTS-encoded special audio-only CDs with the  
AVR, but DTS-LDs can be played on LD players  
and DTS-DVDs on DVD players only. All that is  
required is to connect the player’s digital output  
to either the Optical or Coaxial input on the  
During PCM playback you may select any sur-  
round mode except Dolby Digital or DTS. When  
an HDCD encoded disc is being played (see  
below) and the CD player is connected to the  
AVR via a digital connection, select Surround Off  
as the Surround mode to enjoy the benefits of  
the HDCD process.  
tion in the Surround Mode Indicators  
¯,  
will light and the audio will begin playing.  
NOTES:  
HDCD  
• The AVR is only capable of playing signals in  
the MP3 (MPEG 1/Layer 3) format. It is not com-  
patible with other computer audio codecs.  
HDCD, which stands for High Definition  
Compatible Digital®, is a sophisticated process  
that enables the AVR to deliver outstanding digi-  
tal-to-analog decoding of PCM signals from any  
DVD or CD player, connected to a digital input on  
the AVR even when normal, non-HDCD-compati-  
ble players are used (only a digital output is  
needed).  
rear panel UV or front panel *Ó  
.
In order to listen to DVDs encoded with DTS  
sound tracks, the DVD player must be compatible  
with the DTS signal as indicated by a DTS logo  
on the player’s front panel. Note that early DVD  
players may not be able to play DTS- encoded  
DVDs. This does not indicate a problem with the  
AVR, as some players cannot pass the DTS signal  
through to the digital outputs. If you are in doubt  
as to the capability of your DVD player to handle  
DTS DVDs, consult the player’s owner’s manual.  
• The MP 3 DSP mode found in the new  
AVR requires an MP3 SPDIF stream. Presently,  
only a few units provide this but in the coming  
generations of motherboards and operating sys-  
tem updates this will follow, since SPDIF is the  
standard for audio & video hardware.  
, HDCD®, High Definition Compatible Digital® and Pacific Microsonicsare either registered trademarks or trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc., in the United  
States and/or other countries. HDCD System manufactured under license from Pacific Microsonics, Inc.  
34 OPERATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
• The digital audio input signal may be either  
optical or coaxial, but the signal must be in the  
MP3 SPDIF format. Direct connection of USB or  
serial data outputs is not possible, even though  
the signals are in the MP3 format. If you have  
any questions about the data output format from  
your computer or a sound card, check with the  
device’s Owner’s Manual or contact the manufac-  
turer’s technical support area.  
When the digital source is playing, the AVR will  
automatically detect which type of digital data  
stream is being decoded and display that infor-  
mation in the Main Information Display ˆ  
and/or with the Surround Mode/Bitstream  
Indicators ¯(see below).  
When the Dolby Digital signal is only two channel  
(”2.0”) these two channels (l and r) often con-  
tain Pro Logic surround informations. With those  
tracks the AVR automatically switches to the  
Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode (in addition to the  
Dolby Digital mode), but you may also select the  
Vmax mode. When the D.D. 2.0 signal contains  
no Pro Logic information, the pure Dolby Digital  
mode will be selected automatically, but you may  
also select any Pro Logic II mode (only Music or  
Emulation should be used then) or any Vmax  
mode. When the Pro Logic II Mode was selected  
with Dolby Digital tracks (automatically or manu-  
ally) the green LED next to the Dolby Pro Logic II  
Indicator ¯will light (together with the Dolby  
Digital LED).  
Note that a digital input (e.g. coaxial) remains  
associated with any analog input (e.g. DVD) as  
soon as it is selected, thus the digital input needs  
not be re-selected each time the appropriate  
input choice (e.g. DVD) is made.  
• If your computer or sound card’s digital output  
is not capable of direct connection to the AVR or  
if the output is not capable of delivering MP3  
data stream, you may use an optional, external  
transcoder, such as those available from Harman  
Kardon (DAL 150) to convert the USB output of a  
computer to a format compatible with the AVR.  
Contact your Harman Kardon dealer for addition-  
al details.  
Digital Bitstream Indicators  
When a digital source is playing, the AVR senses  
the type of bitstream data that is present. Using  
this information, the correct surround mode will  
automatically be selected. For example, DTS bit-  
streams will cause the unit to switch to DTS  
decoding, and Dolby Digital bitstreams will enable  
Dolby Digital decoding. When the unit senses  
PCM data, from CDs and LDs and some music  
DVDs or certain tracks on normal DVDs, it will  
allow the appropriate surround mode to be select-  
ed manually. Since the range of available surround  
modes depends on the type of digital data that is  
present, the AVR uses a variety of indicators to let  
you know what type of signal is present. This will  
help you to understand the choice of modes and  
the input channels recorded on the disc.  
DTS: When the green LED next to the DTS logo  
lights, a DTS bitstream is being received. When the  
unit senses this type of data, only the applicable  
DTS mode may be used. But you may add the THX  
processing as described on page 33, than the LED  
next to the THX or THX Surr EX logo (depending on  
5.1 or 6.1/7.1 configuration) will light as well.  
• Due to the wide variation in MP3 formats and  
encoding speeds, it is possible that the AVR may  
not be compatible with all MP3 input signals.  
Some may produce unacceptable results and  
some may not be decoded. This is not a fault of  
either the computer or the AVR, but rather a  
by-product of the unpredictable nature of MP3  
playback.  
PCM: When the green LED next to the word DIGI-  
TAL is lit, a standard Pulse Code Modulation, or  
PCM, signal is being received. This is the type of  
digital audio used by conventional compact disc  
and laser disc recordings. When a PCM bitstream  
is present, all modes except Dolby Digital and DTS  
are available.  
Selecting a Digital Source  
To utilize either digital mode you must have prop-  
erly connected a digital source to the AVR.  
Connect the digital outputs from DVD players,  
HDTV receivers, satellite systems or CD players to  
the Optical or Coaxial inputs on the rear or  
front panel UV. In order to provide a  
backup signal and a source for analog stereo  
recording, the analog outputs provided on digital  
source equipment should also be connected to  
their appropriate inputs on the AVR rear panel  
(e.g., connect the analog stereo audio output  
To help you see which type of digital source is  
playing, the Surround Mode Indicators  
¯
also serve as bitstream indications to show which  
type of bitstream present, as well as the surround  
mode in use, if applicable.  
HDCD: When the green LED next to the letters  
HDCD is lit the CD that is playing is encoded  
using the special High Definition Compatible  
Digital® process. HDCD® discs use 20-bit encod-  
ing and other proprietary processing to provide  
the ultimate in CD listening. Note that HDCD pro-  
cessing is only available in the Stereo (Surround  
Off) mode.  
Dolby Digital: When the green LED next to the  
Dolby Digital logo is lit, a Dolby Digital bitstream  
is being received. Depending on the audio track  
selected on the source player and number of  
channels on the disc, different surround modes  
are possible. Note that only one channel without  
subwoofer, called ”1.0” audio, or all five chan-  
nels with subwoofer (”5.1” audio) or all steps  
between can be encoded on Dolby Digital audio  
tracks.. With all those tracks, except ”2.0” audio,  
from a DVD to the DVD Audio inputs  
R
on the  
MP3: When the green LED next to MP3 is lit, a  
compatible MPEG 1/Layer 3 digital signal is being  
received. This is the popular audio format used by  
many computer programs for recording com-  
pressed audio files. When an MP3 bitstream is  
rear panel when you connect the source’s digital  
outputs).  
To select a digital source such as DVD, first select  
its input using the remote or front panel Input  
Selector  
4
%
as outlined in this manual in  
only the Dolby Digital and VMAx modes are avail- present, the sound will automatically be played in  
able. With all Dolby Digital tracks you can add the the stereo (Surround Off) mode. The surround  
order to feed its video signal (if any) to the TV  
monitor and to provide its analog audio signal for THX processing as described on page 33, than  
modes are not available during MP3 playback.  
recording. When the digital input associated with  
the input selected (e.g. “DVD”) is not selected  
automatically (due to the input settings made  
earlier during the system configuration, see page  
21), select the digital source by pressing the  
the LED next to the THX or THX Surr EX logo  
(depending on 5.1 or 6.1/7.1 setup and on chan-  
nels encoded) will light as well.  
Note that there are many different forms of MP3  
encoding available and the format is used at a  
number of different bit rates. The AVR 8500 may  
not be compatible with all forms of MP3,  
particularly when the data file is encoded above  
128 kb/s.  
Digital Input Selector button  
G
Û
and  
⁄ ¤  
then using the  
/
buttons  
D
on the remote  
or the Selector buttons 7$on the front panel  
to choose any of the OPTICALor  
COAXIALinputs, as they appear in the  
Main Information Display ˆ, or on-screen  
display. To confirm the selection press the Set  
Button  
F
on the remote.  
OPERATION 35  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
Speaker/Channel Indicators  
views of special material will only be recorded in  
2.0 audio, while the main feature is available in  
5.1 audio. As long as your DVD player is set for  
6-channel output, the AVR will automatically  
sense changes to the bitstream and channel  
count and reflect them in these indicators.  
The Night mode may also be selected to always  
be on as soon as the Dolby Digital mode is acti-  
vated at either level of compression using the  
options in the DOLBYmenu. See page 26 for  
information on using the menus to set this  
option.  
In addition to the Bitstream Indicators, the  
AVR features a set of unique channel-input indi-  
cators that tell you how many channels of digital  
information are being received and/or whether  
the digital signal is interrupted. (See Figure 9.)  
Important Note: When a digital surround  
source (Dolby Digital, DTS) is played, the letters  
SBL/SBR for the Surround Back channels will  
appear only when a DTS ES DISCRETE 6.1 source  
is played. Then this surround mode will be indi-  
IMPORTANT NOTES ON DIGITAL PLAYBACK:  
• When the digital playback source is stopped, or  
in a pause, fast forward or chapter search mode,  
the digital audio data will momentarily stop, and  
the channel position letters inside the Speaker/  
cated in the Lower Display Line  
B
on the  
Channel Indicators  
E
will flash. This is normal  
front panel. With all other recordings the icons  
for the surround back speakers may light (when  
those speakers have been configured) to indicate  
that a signal will be fed to them but no letters  
inside will light as the unit will not receive an  
input signal for the surround back channels.  
and does not indicate a problem with either the  
AVR or the source machine. The AVR will return  
to digital playback as soon as the data is avail-  
able and when the machine is in a standard play  
mode.  
Figure 9  
• Although the AVR will decode virtually all DVD  
movies, CDs and HDTV sources, it is possible that  
some future digital sources may not be compatible  
with the AVR.  
The letters used by the Speaker/Channel Input  
Indicators  
E
also flash to indicate when a bit-  
These indicators are the L/C/R/LFE/SL/SR/SBL/SBR  
letters that are inside the center boxes of the  
Speaker/Channel Input Indicators  
stream has been interrupted. This will happen  
when a digital input source is selected before the  
playback starts, or when a digital source such as  
a DVD is put into a Pause mode. The flashing  
indicators remind you that the playback has  
stopped due to the absence of a digital signal  
and not through any fault of the AVR. This is nor-  
mal, and the digital playback will resume once  
the playback is started again.  
E
ˆ
in the  
.
• Note that not all digitally encoded programs  
and not all audio tracks on a DVD contain full  
5.1 or 6.1 channel audio. Consult the program  
guide that accompanies the DVD or laser disc to  
determine which type of audio has been record-  
ed on the disc. The AVR will automatically sense  
the type of digital surround encoding used, indi-  
cate it in the Surround Mode/Bitstream  
front panel Main Information Display  
When a standard analog stereo or matrix sur-  
round signal is in use, only the “Land “R” indi-  
cators will light, as analog signals have only left  
and right channels.  
Dolby Digital signals, however, may have one,  
two, five, six or seven separate channels, depend-  
ing on the program material, the method of  
transmission and the way in which it was encod-  
ed. When a digital signal is playing, the letters in  
these indicators will light in response to the spe-  
cific signal being received. It is important to note  
that although Dolby Digital, for example, is  
referred to as a “5.1” system, not all Dolby  
Digital DVDs or audio tracks selected on DVD or  
other Dolby Digital programs are encoded for  
5.1. Thus, it is sometimes normal for a DVD with  
a Dolby Digital soundtrack to trigger only the “L”  
and “R” indicators.  
Night Mode  
Indicators  
¯
and Channel Input Indicators  
A special feature of Dolby Digital is the Night  
mode, which enables Dolby Digital input sources  
to be played back with full digital intelligibilty  
while reducing the maximum peak level and  
lifting the low levels by 1/4 to 1/3. This prevents  
abruptly loud transitions from disturbing others  
without reducing the impact of the digital source.  
The Night mode is available only when the Dolby  
Digital mode is selected.  
E
and adjust to accommodate it.  
• When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is playing,  
you normally may not be able to select some of  
the analog surround modes such as Dolby Pro  
Logic II, Dolby 3 Stereo, Hall, Theater, 5CH/7CH  
Stereo or Logic 7, except with specific Dolby  
Digital 2.0 recordings that can be played with  
the Pro Logic II modes too (see page 35).  
The Night mode may be engaged when the  
Dolby Digital Surround mode is selected by press-  
• When a digital source is playing, it is not possi-  
ble to make an analog recording using the Tape  
ing the Night Button  
press the /¤ buttons  
middle range or full compression versions of the  
Night mode. To turn the Night mode off, press  
B
D
on the remote. Next,  
to select either the  
3
or Video 1 or Video 2  
X
record outputs, if  
NOTE: Many DVD discs are recorded with both  
“5.1” and “2.0” versions of the same sound-  
track. When playing a DVD, always be certain to  
check the type of material on the disc. Most discs  
show this information in the form of a listing or  
icon on the back of the disc jacket. When a disc  
does offer multiple soundtrack choices, you may  
have to make some adjustments to your DVD  
player (usually with the “Audio Select” button or  
in a menu screen on the disc) to send a full 5.1  
feed to the AVR or to select the appropriate  
audio track and thus language. It is also possible  
for the type of signal feed to change during the  
course of a DVD playback. In some cases the pre-  
the source is connected to any digital input of  
the AVR only. But the analog two channel signal  
of that source, the ”Downmix” to Stereo or  
Dolby Surround, can be recorded by connecting  
its analog audio outputs to the appropriate ana-  
log inputs (e.g. DVD) of the AVR, even if the  
digital input of the AVR remains selected.  
Additionally, the digital signals will be passed  
through to the Digital Audio Outputs  
the /¤ buttons  
D
until the message in the  
lower third of the video display and in the  
Lower Display Line  
OFF.  
B
reads D-RANGE  
PQ(Ô  
.
36 OPERATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
Note that once the setting is made, the  
Press the Set button  
desired channel appears in the Main  
Information Display and on-screen dis-  
play, and follow the instructions shown above to  
adjust the level.  
F
when the name of the  
Tape Recording  
Input/Output Status Indicator will turn  
red, indicating that the jacks are now an output,  
instead of in the default setting as an input.  
Once changed to an output, the setting will  
remain as long as the AVR is turned on, unless  
the setting is changed in the OSD menu system,  
as described above. Note, however, that once the  
AVR is turned off, the setting is cancelled. When  
the unit is turned on again, the front panel jacks  
will return to their normal default setting as an  
input. If you wish to use the jacks as an output at  
a future time, the setting must be changed again  
using the OSD menu system, as described above.  
In normal operation, the audio or video source  
selected for listening through the AVR is sent to  
the record outputs. This means that any program  
you are watching or listening to may be recorded  
simply by placing machines connected to the out-  
ˆ
Repeat the procedure as needed until all chan-  
nels requiring adjustment have been set. When  
all adjustments have been made and no further  
adjustments are made for five seconds, the AVR  
will return to normal operation.  
puts for Tape Outputs  
3
or Video 1 or 2  
Outputs in the record mode.  
X
When a digital audio recorder is connected to  
any of the Digital Audio Outputs PQ(Ô  
you are able to record the digital signal using a  
CD-R, MiniDisc or other digital recording system.  
Note that all digital signals will be passed  
through to both, coaxial and optical, digital out-  
puts simultanously, no matter which kind of digi-  
tal input was selected.  
,
If you are using a disc with noise test signals or  
an external signal generator as the source from  
which to trim the output levels, you may use the  
EzSet feature of the remote to guide you to the  
correct SPL level. To use the remote for this pur-  
pose, start the test tone from the source and  
press and quickly release the SPL Indicator  
Output Level Adjustment  
With Source Signals  
Normal output level adjustment for the  
NOTES:  
Select  
While the test tone is played, the Program/SPL  
Indicator will change color to indicate the  
e
to activate the sensor.  
AVR 8500 is established using the test tone, as  
outlined on page 26. In some cases, however, it  
may be desirable to adjust the output levels  
using program material such as a test disc, or a  
selection you are familiar with. Note that all  
adjustments made with any input will be effec-  
tive with all inputs selected, just as it is the case  
with the adjustment using the test tone.  
• The digital outputs are active only when a digital  
signal is present, and they do not convert an ana-  
log input to a digital signal, or change the format  
of the digital signal (e.g. Dolby Digital to PCM or  
vice versa, but coaxial digital signals are converted  
to optical signals and vice versa). In additon, the  
digital recorder must be compatible with the out-  
put signal. For example, the PCM digital output  
from a CD player may be recorded on a CD-R or  
MiniDisc, but Dolby Digital or DTS signals may not.  
2
level. When it is red, the level is too high; when it  
is orange, the level is too low. To set the refer-  
ence level, open the Volume Control  
d
until  
the SPL Indicator´s LED lights green when the  
test signal is fed to the left front speaker. Then  
adjust the level of all other speakers, while they  
are receiving the test signal, until the LED lights  
green for all channels. After the output levels for  
all channels are aligned, press the SPL  
To adjust the output levels using program materi-  
al, first select the surround mode for which you  
want to trim the speakers (see NOTE below), start  
your program material source and set the refer-  
ence volume for the front left and front right  
• To make an analog recording from any digital  
source is not possible, if the source is connected  
to a digital input of the AVR only. But the analog  
two channel signal of that source can be record-  
ed (see ”Important Notes on Digital Playback”  
above).  
Indicator Select  
e
to turn the sensor and  
indicator off.  
channels using the Volume Control  
dî.  
The channel output may also be adjusted using  
the full-OSD on-screen menu system. First, set  
the volume to a comfortable listening level using  
Once the reference level has been set, press the  
Channel Select button and note that  
FRONT L LEVwill appear in the Main  
Information Display and on-screen dis-  
play. To change the level, first press the Set but-  
ton , and then use the buttons to  
C
the Volume Control  
the OSD button to bring up the MAS-  
TER MENU(Figure 1). Press the Button  
four times until the on-screen cursor is  
next to the CHANNELADJUSTline.  
Press the Set Button to activate the  
CHANNELADJUSTmenu (Figure 10).  
Ùdî. Then, press  
Front Panel In/Outputs  
ˆ
L
¤
In addition to the rear panel digital outputs, the  
AVR 8500 offers Harman Kardon’s exclusive con-  
figurable front panel output jack feature. For easy  
connection of portable devices, you may switch  
the front panel Video 5 jacks  
to an output by following these steps:  
F
/
¤
D
D
raise or lower the level. DO NOT use the volume  
control, as this will alter the reference setting.  
F
Ò
from an input  
Once the change has been made, press the Set  
button  
to select the next output channel location  
that you wish to adjust. To adjust the subwoofer  
level, press the /¤ buttons until  
WOOFER LEVappears in the Main  
Information Display or on-screen display  
(only available if the subwoofer is turned on).  
F
and then press the /¤ buttons  
*
CHANNEL  
ADJUST  
*
D
1. Press the OSD button  
MASTERMENU(Figure 1).  
L
to view the  
FL  
:
:
:
:
0dB  
0dB  
0dB  
0dB  
SBR  
SBL  
SL  
:
:
:
:
0dB  
0dB  
0dB  
0dB  
ON  
CEN  
FR  
D
SR  
SUB  
2. Press the Set button Fto enter the  
IN/OUTSETUPmenu (Figure 2).  
CHANNEL  
RESET:OFF  
:OFF  
TEST  
SUB  
TONE  
ON  
ˆ
TEST  
TONE:OFF  
ON  
¤
3. Press the button  
D
so that the on-screen  
BACK  
TO  
MASTER  
MENU  
cursor is next to VIDEO5jacks Ò.  
‹ ›  
/
Figure 10  
4. Press either of the  
buttons  
E
/a  
so  
that the word OUTis highlighted.  
5. Press the OSD button Lto exit the menus  
and return to normal operation.  
OPERATION 37  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Operation  
When the menu appears, the internal test tone  
will be turned off. This will allow you to use your  
external test disc or other source material as the  
⁄ ¤  
6-Channel/8-Channel Direct Input  
Memory Backup  
The AVR 8500 is equipped for future expansion  
through the use of optional, external adapters  
for formats that the AVR may not be capable of  
processing or to allow connection to the output  
of high-resolution optical audio playback systems  
such as DVD-Audio or SACD. When a device with  
six-channel outputs (5.1 audio) is used, connect  
the source device to the 6-Channel Direct  
This product is equipped with a memory backup  
system that preserves tuner presets and system  
configuration information if the unit is turned off  
completely, accidentally unplugged or subjected  
to a power outage. This memory will last for  
approximately two weeks, after which time all  
information must be reentered.  
test signal. Then, use the  
/
Buttons  
D
to  
select the channels to be adjusted. At each  
‹ ›  
/
channel position use the  
Buttons Ea  
to change the output level.  
Remember, when you are using a disc with test  
signal (e.g. pink noise) or an external signal gen-  
erator as the source, the goal is to have the out-  
put level at each channel be equal when heard  
at the listening position, with any surround  
mode selected. When your test source is a nor-  
mal disc with music signals, you may adjust the  
level for each channel and surround mode as  
you prefer, e.g. you may lower the center chan-  
nel level when you find it to be too high or  
increase the level of the rears when you find it  
to be too low with specific surround modes.  
Inputs  
8. When a device with eight-channel  
outputs (7.1) audio is used, connect the addition-  
al Surround Back Left (SBL) and Surround Back  
Right (SBR) outputs to the 8-Channel Direct  
Inputs  
press the 6-Channel/8-Channel Direct  
Button on the front panel or remote or  
the Input Source Selector on the front  
9
on the AVR. To select these inputs,  
@7  
%
panel until the desired input configuration  
appears in the Main Information Display  
ˆ.  
If you wish to reset all the levels to their original  
Note that when the 6-Channel or 8-Channel  
Direct Input is in use, you may not select a sur-  
¤
factory default of 0dB offset, press the  
/
Buttons so that the on-screen cursor is  
D
round mode, as the external decoder determines  
the processing in use. In addition, there is no  
signal at the record outputs or bass manage-  
ment when the 6-Channel or 8-Channel Direct  
Input is in use and the Tone Mode buttons  
next to the CHANNEL RESET line and  
‹ ›  
/
press the  
Buttons Easo that the  
word ON is highlighted. After the levels are  
reset, resume the procedure outlined above to  
reset the levels to the desired settings. When all  
⁄ ¤  
8i  
will not function.  
adjustments are done, press the  
/
Buttons  
D
to move the on-screen cursor so that it is  
next to BACKTOMASTERMENU  
and then press the Set Button if you wish  
F
to go back to the main menu to make other  
adjustments. If you have no other adjustments to  
make, press the OSD Button  
L
to exit the  
menu system.  
NOTE: The output levels may be separately  
trimmed for each digital and analog surround  
mode. If you wish to have different trim levels for a  
specific mode, select that mode and then follow  
the instructions in the steps shown above.  
38 OPERATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Advanced Features  
The AVR 8500 is equipped with a number of  
advanced features that add extra flexibility to  
the unit’s operation. While it is not necessary to  
use these features to operate the unit, they pro-  
vide additional options that you may wish to  
use.  
To change the brightness setting, at the  
At the ADVANCEDmenu make certain that  
the on-screen cursor is next to the VOLUME  
ADVANCEDmenu, make certain that the  
⁄ ¤  
on-screen cursor is next to the VFDline,  
DEFAULTline by pressing the  
D
/
buttons  
so  
and press the Button  
a
until the desired  
as needed. Next, press the button  
a
brightness level is highlighted in the video dis-  
play. When FULLis highlighted, the display is  
at its normal brightness. When HALFis high-  
lighted, the display is at half the normal bright-  
ness level. When OFFis highlighted, all of the  
indicators in the Main Information Display  
that the word ONis highlighted in the video  
¤
display. Next, press the button  
D
once so  
that the on-screen cursor is next to the  
DEFAULTVOLSETline. To set the  
‹ ›  
Speaker Reset  
desired turn-on volume, press the  
/
buttons  
In some cases you may wish to reset the speaker  
configuration to the factory settings. To restore  
those settings you will need to make an adjust-  
ment in the ADVANCEDmenu. To start the  
Eaor hold them pressed until the desired  
volume level is shown on the DEFAULT  
VOLSETline. Note that this setting may  
NOT be made with the regular volume controls.  
ˆ
will go dark. Note, however, that the green  
LEDs for the Input Indicators and the  
Surround Mode Indicators , as well as for  
the Power Indicator , will always remain lit  
ı
¯
adjustment, press the OSD button  
L
to bring  
3
the MASTER MENUto the screen. Press the  
NOTE: Since the setting for the turn-on volume  
cannot be heard while the setting is being made,  
you may wish to determine the setting before  
making the adjustment. To do this, listen to any  
source and adjust the volume to the desired  
to remind you that the unit is turned on.  
Button  
D
twice, until the on-screen cur-  
sor is next to the ADVANCEDline. Press  
the Set Button to enter the  
ADVANCEDmenu (Figure 11).  
Once the desired brightness level is selected, it  
will remain in effect until it is changed again or  
until the unit is turned off.  
F
level using the regular volume controls  
When the desired volume level to be used at  
turn-on is reached, make a note of the setting as  
it appears in the lower third of the video screen  
or in the Main Information Display  
dî.  
If you wish to make other adjustments in the  
*
ADVANCED  
*
⁄ ¤  
menu, press the  
screen cursor is next to the desired setting or  
/
Buttons  
D
until the on-  
VFD  
:FULL  
HALF  
OFF  
ON  
SET:ꢀ25dB  
VOLUME  
DEFAULT:OFF  
VOL  
:OFF  
TIME  
DEFAULT  
the BACKTOMASTERMENUline  
SEMI  
SEMI  
FULL  
BACK  
OSD  
ON  
ˆ.  
OSD  
OSD  
TO  
OUT:  
35  
and press the Set button  
other adjustments to make, press the OSD  
Button to exit the menu system.  
F. If you have no  
TIME  
OUT:205  
MENU  
A typical volume level will appear as a negative  
number such as -25dB. When making the adjust-  
‹ ›  
MASTER  
L
ment, use the  
setting.  
/
buttons Eato enter this  
Turn On Volume Level  
Figure 11  
Unlike some of the other adjustments in this  
menu, the turn-on volume default will remain in  
effect even when the unit is turned off  
completely, unless it is changed or turned off in  
this menu.  
As is the case with most audio/video receivers,  
when the AVR 8500 is turned on, it will always  
return to the volume setting in effect when the  
unit was turned off. However, you may prefer to  
always have the AVR turn on at a specific set-  
ting, regardless of what was last in use when  
the unit was turned off. To change the default  
condition so that the same volume level is  
always used at turn-on, you will need to make  
an adjustment in the ADVANCEDmenu. To  
To reset the speaker configuration to the factory  
default, press the Button  
a
so that the  
word ONis highlighted and then press the Set  
Button  
F
.
If you wish to make other adjustments in the  
Once the speaker settings are reset you may  
⁄ ¤  
menu, press the  
/
Buttons  
D
until the on-  
¤
press the Buttons  
D
to continue with  
screen cursor is next to the desired setting or  
adjustments on this menu. If no other  
adjustments are needed, press the OSD Button  
the BACKTOMASTERMENUline  
and press the Set button  
other adjustments to make, press the OSD  
Button to exit the menu system.  
F. If you have no  
L
to exit the menu system.  
start the adjustment, press the OSD button  
L
to bring the MASTER MENU(Figure 1) to  
L
Display Brightness  
the screen. Press the button  
D
twice, until  
the on-screen cursor is next to the  
The AVR 8500’s front panel Main Information  
ADVANCEDline. Press the Set button  
F
Display  
ˆ
is set at a default brightness level  
to enter the ADVANCEDmenu (Figure 11).  
that is sufficient for viewing in a normally lit  
room. However, in some home theater installa-  
tions, you may wish to occasionally lower the  
brightness of the display, or turn it off completely.  
ADVANCED FEATURES 39  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Advanced Features  
Note that this setting is temporary and will  
remain active only until it is changed or until the  
AVR is turned off. Once the unit is turned off, the  
semi-OSD displays will remain activated, even if  
they were switched off for the previous listening  
session.  
Semi-OSD Settings  
Full-OSD Time Out Adjustment  
The semi-OSD system places one line messages  
at the lower third of the video display screen  
whenever the Volume, Input Source, Surround  
mode or tuner frequency of any of the configura-  
tion settings are changed. The semi-OSD system  
is helpful in that enables you to have feedback  
on any control changes or remote commands  
using the video display when it is difficult to  
view the front-panel displays. However, you may  
occasionally prefer to turn these displays off for  
a particular listening session. You may also want  
to adjust the length of time the displays remain  
on the screen. Both of those options are possible  
with the AVR.  
The FULLOSDmenu system is used to sim-  
plify the setup and adjustment of the AVR using  
a series of on-screen menus. The factory default  
setting for these menus leaves them on the  
screen for 20 seconds after a period of inactivity  
before they disappear from the screen or Time  
Out. This Time Out is a safety measure to prevent  
the menu text from burning into the CRTs in  
your monitor or projector, which might happen if  
they were left on indefinitely. However, some  
viewers may prefer a slightly longer or shorter  
period before the Time Out display.  
To change the length of time that the semi-OSD  
displays remain on the screen, go to the  
ADVANCEDMenu as outlined earlier, and  
⁄ ¤  
press the  
/
buttons  
D
as needed, until the  
on-screen cursor is next to the SEMI-  
OSDTIMEOUTline. Next, press the  
‹›  
/
Buttons Eauntil the desired time in sec-  
onds is displayed. Note that unlike most of the  
other options in this menu, this is a permanent  
setting change, and the time-out entry will  
remain in effect until it is changed, even when  
the unit is turned off.  
To change the Full-OSD Time Out, you will need  
to make an adjustment in the ADVANCED  
Menu (Figure 1). To start the adjustment, press  
To turn off the semi-OSD system, you will need  
to make an adjustment in the ADVANCED  
menu (Figure 11). To start the adjustment, press  
the OSD button  
MENUto the screen. Press the button  
L
to bring the MASTER  
D
the OSD button  
L
to bring the MASTER  
twice, until the on-screen  
¤
cursor is next to the  
If you wish to make other adjustments in the  
MENUto the screen. Press the Button  
D
ADVANCEDline. Press the Set Button  
to enter the ADVANCEDMenu (Figure 11).  
F
⁄ ¤  
menu, press the  
/
Buttons  
D
until the on-  
twice, until the on-screen cursor is next to the  
screen cursor is next to the desired setting or  
ADVANCEDline. Press the Set Button  
to enter the ADVANCEDmenu.  
F
the BACKTOMASTERMENUline  
At the ADVANCEDmenu make certain that  
the on-screen cursor is next to the FULL  
OSDTIMEOUTline by pressing the  
⁄ ¤  
and press the Set button  
other adjustments to make, press the OSD  
Button to exit the menu system.  
F. If you have no  
At the ADVANCEDmenu make certain that  
the on-screen cursor is next to the SEMI  
⁄ ¤  
L
/
Buttons  
D
as needed. Next, press the  
OSDline by pressing the  
/
buttons  
a
D
as  
‹›  
/
buttons Eauntil the desired time is  
needed. Next, press the button  
so that  
displayed in seconds. Note that unlike most of  
the other options in this menu, this is a perma-  
nent setting change, and the time-out entry will  
remain in effect until it is changed, even when  
the unit is turned off.  
the word OFFis highlighted in the video  
display.  
If you wish to make other adjustments in the  
⁄ ¤  
menu, press the  
/
Buttons  
D
until the on-  
screen cursor is next to the desired setting or  
the BACKTOMASTERMENUline  
and press the Set button  
other adjustments to make, press the OSD  
Button to exit the menu system.  
F. If you have no  
L
40 ADVANCED FEATURES  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Multiroom Operation  
‹›  
/
The AVR 8500 is fully equipped to operate as the  
control center for a multiroom system with  
optional external remote Infrared (IR) sensors,  
video device, speakers and power amplifiers.  
Although some multi-room installations will  
require the services of a specially trained  
installer, it is possible for the average do-it-your-  
self hobbyist to install a simple remote room sys-  
tem.  
At the MULTIINline, press the  
but-  
As long as an IR feed to the AVR has been  
established from the remote room, using any of  
the buttons on either remote will control the  
tons Eauntil the desired Audio/Video input  
to the multi-room system appears in the high-  
lighted video. Note that the tuner and all  
sources connected with any analog input of the  
AVR (except the 6-channel/8-channel input) can  
be configured as source for the multiroom sys-  
tem. When the selection has been made, press  
remote location volume  
tuner frequency  
preset or mute the output  
d
î
, change the  
Kè, change the tuner  
W
©
g˚.  
If the Remote IR Output jack  
M
on the AVR is  
connected to an IR Input jack on compatible  
Harman Kardon audio components such as CD,  
DVD or cassette players, the transport functions  
of those machines may also be controlled using  
the Transport Controls PRɃ  
©˙on either remote control.  
¤
the button  
D
once so that the on-screen  
cursor is next to the MULTIVOLline.  
Installation  
‹›  
/
The key to remote room operation is to link the  
remote room to the AVR’s location with wire for  
an infrared receiver, Video signals and speakers  
or an amplifier. For complete installation instruc-  
tions for Multiroom use, see page 18.  
At the MULTIVOLline, press the  
buttons Eaor hold them pressed until the  
desired volume level for the multi-room system  
is entered. DO NOT use the regular volume con-  
trol knobs for this setting. When all settings for  
the multiroom setup have been made, press the  
To turn the system off from the remote room,  
press the Power-Off button  
0å.  
Multiroom Setup  
Remember that the AVR may be turned on or off  
from the remote room regardless of the  
system’s operation or status in the main room.  
¤
buttons  
D
once so that the on-screen  
Once the audio, video and IR link connections  
have been made, the AVR needs to be configured  
for multiroom operation using the steps below.  
cursor is next to the BACKTOMASTER  
MENUline and press the Set button . If  
you have no other adjustments to make, press  
the OSD button to exit the menu system.  
F
NOTE: When the tuner is selected as the source  
for the remote zone, any change to the frequen-  
cy or preset will also change the station being  
listened to in the main room, if the tuner is in  
use there. Similarly, if someone in the main room  
changes the station, the change will also impact  
the remote room.  
Press the OSD button  
L
to bring the MAS-  
L
TERMENU(Figure 1) to the screen. Press the  
button  
D
twice, until the on-screen cur-  
All configurations for the multiroom system as  
described above can be made without the use of  
the full on-screen display too: At first, press the  
on the remote. Next,  
to select the  
parameter to be changed until the desired mes-  
sage, Multi On/Off, Multi Input or Multi Level  
appears on the front panel and on screen dis-  
F. Press the  
to change the selected  
parameter as desired, for example to turn the  
multiroom feed on or off. When the multiroom  
sor is next to the MULTI-ROOMline.  
Press the Set button to enter the  
MULTI-ROOMmenu (Figure 12).  
F
Multiroom button  
c
⁄ ¤  
press the  
/
buttons  
D
*
MULTI-ROOM  
*
When the multiroom system is turned on, the  
input selected using the Multiroom Menu will be  
MULTI-ROOM:OFF ON  
MULTI IN  
:FM PRESET 01  
fed to the Multiroom Output jacks  
7
on the  
MULTI VOL :ꢀ25dB  
BACK TO MASTER MENU  
play. Next press the Set button  
rear panel. The volume will be as set in the same  
menu, although it may also be adjusted using an  
optional IR sensor and the Zone II remote in the  
remote location or on the optional audio power  
amplifier connected to the Multiroom Output  
⁄ ¤  
/
buttons  
D
system is on, the Multi indicator  
the Main Information Display  
D
ˆ
will light in  
, and the  
jacks  
7.  
Figure 12  
Main Information Display  
display MULTION. Press the Set button  
once to enter the setting or twice to leave  
ˆ
or OSD will  
Once the multiroom system is turned on, it will  
remain on even if the AVR is placed in the  
Standby mode in the main room by pressing the  
When the MULTI-ROOMmenu appears,  
the on-screen cursor will be at the  
MULTI-ROOMline. Since this line is used  
to turn the system on and off, do not make an  
adjustment here unless you wish to turn the sys-  
tem on at this time. To turn the system on, press  
F
the multiroom setup system.  
Power Off Button  
0or the System Power  
Multiroom Operation  
Control on the front panel. To turn off the  
2
When operating the AVR from a remote room  
location where an IR sensor link has been con-  
nected to the AVR’s rear panel Multiroom IR  
multiroom system from the main listening room,  
when the AVR is on press the Multiroom but-  
the button  
a
so that ONis highlighted. If  
ton  
the  
tor  
c
⁄ ¤  
and then the Set button  
F
. Press  
you do not wish to turn the system on at this  
time or to proceed to the next step, press the  
Input  
O, you may use either the Main remote  
/
buttons  
D
so that the Multi indica-  
¤
control or the Zone II remote. To turn on the  
multiroom feed, press any of the Input  
Selector buttons on the Zone II remote  
∫çor the Main remote 456  
D
in the Main Information Display  
ˆ
Button  
D
once so that the on-screen cursor  
goes out, and the Main Information Display  
or OSD will display MULTIOFF.  
is next to the MULTIINline.  
ˆ
.
Even when the AVR is turned off (to Standby  
mode) and the multiroom system is turned off  
too, the multiroom system may be turned on at  
any time by pressing the Multiroom button  
Press the AVR Selector  
5
to turn the  
unit on to the last source, or any of the other  
Selector buttons to turn on to a specific source.  
c
, or any of the Selector buttons  
∫çin the remote room.  
MULTIROOM OPERATION 41  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Tuner Operation  
5. Stations may also be tuned directly by pressing  
the Direct button , and then pressing the  
Numeric Keys that correspond to the sta-  
tion’s frequency. Note that for entering numbers  
higher than 100 you need to enter only the ”1”  
rather than ”10, the first ”0” will be added  
automatically. The desired station will automati-  
cally be tuned after the latest number is entered.  
If you press an incorrect button while entering a  
Preset Tuning  
Basic Tuner Operation  
J
H
Using the remote, up to 30 stations may be  
stored in the AVR’s memory for easy recall using  
the front panel controls or the remote.  
The AVR 8500’s tuner is capable of tuning AM,  
FM and FM Stereo broadcast stations and receiv-  
ing RDS data. Stations may be tuned manually, or  
they may be stored as favorite station presets and  
recalled from a 30 position memory.  
To enter a station into the memory, first tune the  
station using the steps outlined above. Then:  
1. Press the Memory button  
Note that MEMORYindicator  
nate and flash in the Main Information  
Display  
Y
on the remote.  
will illumi-  
Station Selection  
G
1. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select button  
on the remote to select the tuner as an input. The  
tuner may be selected from the front panel by  
6
direct frequency, press the Clear button  
X
to  
start over.  
ˆ
.
NOTE: When the FM reception of a stereo  
station is weak, audio quality will be increased  
by switching to Mono mode by pressing the  
2. Within five seconds, press the Numeric Keys  
corresponding to the location where you  
either pressing the Input Source Selector  
until the tuner is active or by pressing the Tuner  
Band Selector at any time.  
%
H
wish to store this station’s frequency. Once  
entered, the preset number will appear in the  
Main Information Display  
!
Tuner Mode button  
ing the Band Selector  
pressed for 3 seconds until the STEREO  
and AUTO indicators go out.  
I
!
on the remote or hold-  
on the front panel  
2. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select button  
6
ˆ.  
or Tuner Band Selector again to switch  
!
H
3. Repeat the process after tuning any additional  
stations to be preset.  
between AM and FM so that the desired frequen-  
cy band is selected.  
J
Recalling Preset Stations  
• To manually select a station previously entered  
in the preset memory, press the Numeric Keys  
3. Press the Tuner Mode button  
remote or hold the Band Selector  
front panel pressed for 3 seconds to select manu-  
al or automatic tuning.  
I
on the  
on the  
!
H
that correspond to the desired station’s  
memory location.  
When the AUTO indicator  
Main Information Display  
J
is illuminated in the  
the tuner will  
• To manually tune through the list of stored pre-  
set stations one by one, press the Preset  
ˆ
only stop at those stations that have a strong  
enough signal to be received with acceptable  
quality.  
Stations Selector buttons  
#
W
on the front  
panel or remote.  
When the AUTO indicator  
J
is not illuminated,  
the tuner is in a manual mode and will stop at  
each frequency increment in the selected band.  
4. To select stations press any Tuning button  
. When the AUTO indicator is illumin-  
)
K
J
ated, press the button to cause the tuner to  
search for the next highest or lowest frequency  
station that has an acceptable signal or hold the  
button pressed to tune fastly and release it to  
start the auto search. In the Auto mode the tuner  
will play each station in stereo or mono mode,  
just as the program is transmitted. If the AUTO  
indicator  
button  
ment at a time, or press and hold it to locate a  
J
is not illuminated, tap the Tuning  
)
K
to advance one frequency incre-  
specific station. When the TUNED indicator  
illuminates, the station is properly tuned and  
should be heard with clarity.  
I
42 TUNER OPERATION  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Tuner Operation  
accuracy of the time data is dependent on the  
radio station, not the AVR.  
TRAVEL: Travel and Touring  
LEISURE: Leisure and Hobby  
JAZZ: Jazz Music  
RDS Operation  
The AVR 8500 is equipped with RDS (Radio Data  
System), which brings a wide range of  
Some RDS stations may not include some of  
these additional features. If the data required for  
the selected mode is not being transmitted, the  
information to FM radio. Now in use in many  
countries, RDS is a system for transmitting station  
call signs or network information, a description  
of station program type, text messages about the  
station or specifics of a musical selection, and  
the correct time.  
COUNTRY: Country Music  
NATIONAL: National Music  
OLDIES: Oldies Music  
Main Information Display  
ˆ
will show a  
NOTYPE, NOTEXTor NOTIME  
message after the individual time out.  
In any FM mode the RDS function requires a  
strong enough signal for proper operation. If you  
receive a partial message, or any of the RDS,  
PTY, CT or RT Indicators QPONgoing  
on and off, try slowly adjusting the antenna or  
tune to another stronger RDS station.  
As more FM stations become equipped with RDS  
capabilities, the AVR will serve as an easy-to-use  
center for both information and entertainment.  
This section will help you take maximum  
advantage of the RDS system.  
FOLKM: Folk Music  
DOCUMENT: Documentary Programs  
TEST: Emergency Test  
Program Search (PTY)  
RDS Tuning  
When an FM station is tuned in and it contains  
RDS data, the RDS Indicator  
after some time also the indicators for all other  
RDS services received (see below), and the AVR  
will automatically display the station’s call sign or  
other program service in the Main Information  
ALARM: Emergency Broadcast Information  
An important feature of RDS is its capability of  
encoding broadcasts with Program Type (PTY)  
codes that indicate the type of material being  
broadcast. The following list shows the  
abbreviations used to indicate each PTY, along  
with an explanation of the PTY:  
G
will illuminate,  
You may search for a specific Program Type (PTY)  
by following these steps:  
1. Press the RDS button  
rent PTY is shown in the Main Information  
Display  
^V  
until the cur-  
ˆ
.
Display  
ˆ.  
• (RDS ONLY)  
2. While the PTY is shown, press the Preset  
Up/Down button or hold them pressed  
RDS Display Options  
#W  
• (TRAFFIC)  
The RDS system is capable of transmitting a  
wide variety of information in addition to the ini-  
tial station call sign that appears when a station  
is first tuned. In normal RDS operation the dis-  
play will indicate the station name, broadcast  
network or call letters. Pressing the RDS button  
to scroll through the list of available PTY types,  
as shown above starting with the PTY currently  
received. To simply search for the next station  
transmitting any RDS data, use the Preset  
NEWS: News  
AFFAIRS: Current Affairs  
INFO: Infomation  
Up/Down button  
#W  
until RDSONLY  
appears in the display.  
^
V
enables you to cycle through the various  
SPORT: Sports  
3. Press any of the Tuning Up/Down buttons  
, the tuner begins to scan the FM band  
upwards or downwards for the first station that  
has RDS data that matches the desired selec-  
tion, and acceptable signal strength for quality  
reception.  
data types in the following sequence:  
)K  
EDUCATE: Educational  
DRAMA: Drama  
• The station’s call letters (with some private  
stations other information too).  
• The station’s frequency.  
CULTURE: Culture  
• The Program Type (PTY) as shown in the list  
4. While the PTY Indicator  
P
flashes in the  
SCIENCE: Sciencek  
below. The PTY Indicator  
P
will illuminate  
display, the tuner will make up to one complete  
scan of the entire FM band for the next station  
that matches the desired PTY type and has  
acceptable reception quality. If no such station is  
found, the display will read NONEfor some  
seconds and the tuner will return to the last FM  
station in use before the search.  
when this data is being received.  
VARIED: Varied Speech Programs  
POPM: Popular Music  
NOTE: Many stations do not transmit a specific  
PTY. The display will show NONE, when such a  
station is selected and PTY is active.  
ROCKM: Rock Music  
• A “text” message (Radiotext, RT) containing  
special information from the broadcast station.  
Note that this message may scroll across the  
display to permit messages longer than the eight  
positions in the display. Depending on signal  
quality, it may take up to 30 seconds for the text  
message to appear; in that time, the word  
M.O.R.M.: Middle-of-the-Road Music  
LIGHTM: Classical Music  
CLASSICS: Serious Classical Music  
OTHERM: Other Music  
NOTE: Some stations transmit constant traffic  
information. To identify as traffic station, they  
transmit a specific traffic code constantly, which  
causes the TA Indicator  
M
to light in the dis-  
play. These stations can be found by selecting  
TRAFFIC, the option in front of NEWSin  
the list. The AVR RDS will find the next appropri-  
ate station, even if it is not broadcasting traffic  
information when the search is made.  
TEXTwill flash in the Information Display when  
WEATHER: Weather Information  
FINANCE: Financial Programs  
CHILDREN: Children’s Programs  
SOCIAL A: Social Affairs Programs  
RELIGION: Religious Broadcasts  
PHONE IN: Phone-In Programs  
RT is selected. The RT Indicator  
N
will  
illuminate when text data is being received and  
ready to be displayed.  
• The current time of day (CT). Note that it may  
take up to two minutes for the time to appear, in  
that time the word TIMEwill flash in the  
information display when CT is selected. The  
CTIndicator  
O
will illuminate when time  
data is being received. Please note that the  
OPERATION 43  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Programming the Remote  
The AVR 8500 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’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.  
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  
Auto-Search Method  
If the unit you wish to include in the AVR’s  
remote is not listed in the code tables in the  
booklet 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:  
the Input Selector  
4
again 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  
3 must be repeated first):  
1. Turn on the product that you wish to include in  
the AVR remote.  
Programming the Remote  
with Codes  
2. Press and hold both the Input Selector  
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  
turns amber and begins flashing, release the but-  
tons. It is important that you begin the next step  
within 20 seconds.  
4
a. Enter the first three-digit code number using  
g
the Numeric buttons  
H
and press the  
As shipped from the factory, the remote is fully  
programmed for all AVR functions, as well as those  
of most Harman Kardon CD changers, DVD play-  
ers, CD players and cassette decks. In addition, by  
following one of the methods below, you may pro-  
gram the remote to operate a wide range of  
devices from other manufacturers.  
2
Input Selector again. Press the remote  
4
button of any transport function remotable  
with the unit, e.g. Pause or Play  
P. If  
the unit being programmed starts that func-  
tion, the correct code has been entered.  
3. To find out if the code for your unit is pre-pro-  
grammed, point the AVR remote towards the unit  
to be programmed, and press and hold the but-  
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.  
Direct Code Entry  
This method is the easiest way to program your  
remote to work with different products.  
ton  
the remote’s built-in data base, with each flash of  
the red light under the Input Selector indi-  
D. This will send out a series of codes from  
4
1. Use the tables in the separate booklet 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 differ-  
ent choices.  
cating that a code has been sent. When the device  
to be programmed turns off,immediately release  
the button  
D. Note that it may take one  
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.  
minute or more until the right code is found and  
the unit turns off.  
4. When the button was not released in time  
2. Turn on the unit you wish to program into the  
AVR remote.  
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  
3. Press and hold both the Input Selector  
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  
4
Input Selector  
button  
4
still lights red, press the  
¤
D
once, than the button  
D
once  
g
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  
7. If the unit does not react to any code en-  
tered, if the code for your product does not  
appear in the tables in the booklet, or if not all  
functions operate properly, try programming the  
remote with the Auto Search Method.  
2
turns amber and begins flashing, release the but-  
tons. It is important that you begin the next step  
within 20 seconds.  
4
¤
still lights red, press (not hold pressed) the  
repeatedly to step backwards  
button  
D
4. If the unit you wish to program into the  
AVR remote has a remotable Power on/off func-  
tion, follow these steps:  
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.  
Note on Using the AVR 8500 remote with  
a Harman Kardon CD Recorder.  
As shipped from the factory. the remote is pro-  
grammed for controlling Harman Kardon CD  
players. It can also control most functions of the  
Harman Kardon CD-Recorders (see function list  
on page 50) too after the code ”002” is  
a. Point the AVR’s remote towards the unit to be  
programmed, and enter the first three-digit  
5. Press the Input Selector  
note that the red light will flash three times  
before going dark to confirm the entry.  
4
again, and  
code number using the Numeric buttons  
H.  
If the unit being programmed turns off, the cor-  
rect code has been entered. Press the Input  
entered on the CD Selector button  
2
as  
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.  
Selector  
4
again, and note that the red  
described above. For returning to the CD player  
control commands the code ”001” must be  
entered.  
light under the Input Selector will flash three  
times before going dark to confirm the entry.  
44 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Programming the Remote  
NOTE: If the Program/SPL Indicator  
2
turns  
Code Readout  
Learning Codes from a Remote  
red steadily during Step 5, the programming was  
not successful. Repeat the steps to see if the  
code will “take.”If the indicator keeps flashing  
red in step 5, this code cannot be taught.  
When the code has been entered using the Auto  
Search method, it is always a good idea to find  
out the exact code so that it may be easily  
reentered if necessary. You may also read the  
codes to verify which device has been  
programmed to a specific Control Selector  
button.  
In addition to using codes from the remote’s  
internal code library, the AVR’s remote is able to  
“learn” codes from remotes that may not be in  
the code library. In addition, you may use this  
function to “learn over” the codes from a prepro-  
grammed device to add functions not included in  
the preprogrammed codes. To learn or transfer  
codes from an IR remote to the AVR’s remote,  
follow these steps:  
6. Repeat steps 4 though 5 for each button on  
the source remote that you wish to transfer to  
the AVR remote.  
7. Once all codes have been transferred from the  
original source remote to the AVR remote, press  
1. Press and hold both the Input Selector  
for the device you wish to find the code for and  
the Mute button at the same time. Note  
that the Program/SPL Indicator will ini-  
4
the Learn button  
f. This will turn off all LEDs  
g
1. Place the front of the original remote with the  
code being sent so that it is facing the IR  
and turn off the learning mode.  
2
tally turn amber and begin flashing. Release the  
buttons and begin the next step within 20 sec-  
onds.  
Transmitter Window  
“head-to-head.”The remotes should be between  
2 and 4cm apart.  
1
on the AVR remote  
8. Repeat Steps 1 through 7 for any additional  
remotes you wish to “teach” into the AVR  
Remote.  
2. Press the Set button  
F
. The Program/SPL  
2. Select the button on the remote that you wish  
to use as the device selector for the codes about  
to be entered. This must be any of the Input  
Erasing Learned Codes  
Indicator will then blink green in a sequence  
2
that corresponds to the three-digit code, with a  
one-second pause between each digit. Count the  
number of blinks between each pause to deter-  
mine the digit of the code. One blink is the number  
1, two blinks is the number 2, and so forth. Note  
that a rapid sequence of three blinks is used to  
indicate a “0.”  
The AVR’s remote allows you to remove or erase  
the code learned into a single button for a single  
device, to remove or erase all the codes that have  
been learned for a single device, or to erase all  
commands that have been learned to all devices.  
Selectors  
4
or the AVR Selector  
5. Note  
that when new codes are learned with the AVR  
5
Selector, they may no longer control the  
AVR.  
3. Press the Input Selector 45button  
chosen and the Learn Button at the same  
time. Hold these buttons until the Program/SPL  
Indicator flashes amber and the light  
To erase a single learned code from  
within a single devices settings, follow  
these steps:  
1. Press and hold both the Input Selector  
45within which the individual button to be  
erased has been programmed and the Learn but-  
f
Example: One blink, followed by a one-second  
pause, followed by six blinks, followed by a one-  
second pause, followed by four blinks indicates  
that the code has been set to 164.  
2
under the device selector button turns red.  
Release the buttons. It is important that you  
begin the next step within 20 seconds.  
ton  
f.  
For future reference enter the Setup Codes for the  
equipment in your system here:  
4. Press the button on the AVR remote that you  
wish to program. Note that the Program/  
2. When the red LED under the Input Selector  
turns red and the Program/SPL Indicator  
flashes amber, release the buttons.  
2
SPL Indicator  
2
will stop flashing.  
DVD ____________ CD ________________  
VID1/VCR ________ VID2/TV __________  
VID3/CBL/SAT ______________________  
VID4 ______________________________  
TAPE ______________________________  
Important Note: Codes cannot be taught to all  
buttons on the remote. The buttons with the  
following numbers are not learnable (for  
3. Press and release the Input Selector 45  
again for the device within which the individual  
button to be erased has been programmed.  
numbers, see drawing on page 10):  
4
,
,
c
7
,
4. Press the 7 button  
H
three times.  
8
f
,
B
,
I
,
O
,
Q
,
S
,
Y
,
e,  
. In these cases the Program/SPL  
5. Press and release the individual button for  
which the code is to be erased. The Program/SPL  
Indicator  
2
keeps flashing after the button  
was released.  
Indicator  
2
will blink green two times and  
then return to amber.  
5. As long as the Program/SPL Indicator  
2
is on steadily (for five seconds), press and hold  
the button on the original remote that you wish  
to “teach” into the AVR remote. If you pressed  
the button too late or no command was received  
within five seconds, the Program/SPL  
6. To erase other buttons within the same device,  
press them as noted in Step 5.  
7. When all buttons to be erased have been  
pressed, press the Learn button  
f
to complete  
the process.  
Indicator  
then amber, then simply repeat step four. When  
the Program/SPL Indicator turns green,  
2
will flash red three times and  
To erase all codes within a single device,  
follow these steps:  
1. Press and hold both the Input Selector  
45for which you wish to erase the codes  
2
release the button on the original remote. Note  
that the Program Indicator will then begin to  
flash amber again.  
and the Learn button  
f.  
2. When the red LED under the Input Selector  
turns red and the Program/SPL Indicator  
2
flashes amber, release the buttons.  
PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 45  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Programming the Remote  
3. Press and release the same Input Selector  
45again for the device whose codes you  
wish to erase.  
• Press the VID 3 Input Selector button  
to indicate the next command is for “Sat-  
Receiver”.  
4
Macro Programming  
Macros enable you to easily repeat frequently  
used combinations of commands with the press  
of a single button on the AVR’s remote control.  
Once programmed, a macro will send out  
up to 19 different remote codes in a pre-deter-  
mined sequential order enabling you to automate  
the process of turning on your system, changing  
devices, or other common tasks. The AVR’s  
• Press the Mute  
g
button to store the Sat-  
4. Press the 8 button  
H
three times.  
Receiver Power On command.  
• Press the Sleep/Channel Up button  
complete the process and store the macro  
sequence.  
9
to  
5. The Program/SPL Indicator  
2
will turn off,  
the red light under the Input Selector will flash  
on and off once and the Program/SPL  
Indicator  
2
will flash green three times to  
After following these steps, each time you press  
the Macro 1 button , the remote will send  
all Power On commands.  
indicate that the codes have been erased.  
U
remote can store up to five separate macro com-  
mand sequences, one that is associated with the  
To erase all codes that have been  
programmed to all devices in the remote,  
follow these steps:  
Power On button  
3, and four more that are  
Erasing Macro Commands  
accessed by pressing the Macro buttons  
U
.
To remove the commands that have been pro-  
grammed into one of the Macro buttons, follow  
these steps:  
1. Press any Input Selector 45and also  
1. To start programming a macro, press the  
Mute button and the Macro button  
to be programmed or the Power-On button  
at the same time. Note that the latest  
selected Input Selector will light red, and the  
Program/SPL Indicator will flash amber.  
the Learn button  
f.  
g
U
2. When the red LED under the Input Selector  
1. Press the Mute button  
g
and the Macro  
turns red and the Program/SPL Indicator  
2
3
button that contains the commands you  
U
flashes amber, release the buttons.  
wish to erase.  
2
3. Press and release the same Input Selector  
45again.  
2. Note that the Program/SPL Indicator  
will flash amber, and the red LED under the  
Input Selector 45last used will turn on.  
2
2. Enter the steps for the macro sequence by  
pressing the button for the actual command  
step. Although the macro may contain up to 19  
steps, each button press, including those used to  
change devices, counts as a step.  
The Program/SPL Indicator  
green twice to confirm each button press as you  
enter commands.  
4. Press the 9 button  
H
three times.  
3. Within ten seconds, press the Surround  
Mode Selector/Channel Down button  
5. The Program/SPL Indicator  
2
will turn off,  
A.  
the red light under the Input Selector will flash  
on and off once and the Program/SPL  
2
will flash  
4. The red LED under the Selector will go out,  
Indicator  
2
will flash green three times after  
and the Program/SPL Indicator will turn  
2
some seconds to indicate that the codes have  
been erased.  
green and flash three times before it goes out.  
NOTE: While entering commands for Power On  
of any device during a macro sequence, press the  
5. When the Program/SPL Indicator  
2
goes  
out, the Macro has been erased.  
Mute button  
button  
g. DO NOT press the Power ON  
3
.
• Remember to press the appropriate Input  
Selector button before functions are  
changed to another device. This is also needed  
for the AVR Selector button itself, as long  
4
5
as it’s not lit red and AVR functions shall be pro-  
grammed.  
3. When all the steps have been entered, press  
the Sleep button  
9
to enter the commands.  
The red light under the Input Selector  
45will blink and then turn off and the  
Program/SPL Indicator  
2
will flash green  
twice to confirm the macro to be programmed.  
Example: To program the Macro 1 Ubutton  
so that it turns on the AVR, TV and a Sat-Receiver,  
follow these steps:  
• Press the Macro 1 button  
U
and Mute  
g
buttons at the same time and then release them.  
• Note that the Program/SPL Indicator will  
flash amber.  
• Press the AVR Selector  
• Press the Mute button to store the AVR’s  
power on command.  
• Press the VID 2 Input Selector button  
indicate the next command is for “TV”.  
• Press the Mute button to store the TV  
Power On Command.  
5.  
g
4
to  
g
46 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Programming the Remote  
Notes on Using the AVR 8500  
Remote With Other Devices.  
Programmed Device Functions  
Volume Punch-Through  
Once the AVR’s remote has been programmed for  
the codes of other devices, press the appropriate  
The AVR 8500’s remote may be programmed to  
• Manufacturers may use different code sets for  
the same product category. For that reason, it is  
important that you check to see if the code set  
you have entered operates as many controls as  
possible. If it appears that only a few functions  
operate, check to see if another code set will  
work with more buttons.  
operate the Volume Control  
d
and the Mute  
Input Selector  
4
to change the remote from  
gfrom either the TV or the AVR in conjunction  
control over the AVR to the additional product.  
When you press any of these buttons, it will briefly  
flash in red to indicate that you have changed the  
device being controlled.  
with any of the devices controlled by the remote.  
For example, since the AVR will likely be used as  
the sound system for TV viewing, you may wish to  
have the AVR’s volume activated although the  
remote is set to run the TV.  
When operating a device other than the AVR, the  
controls may not correspond exactly to the func-  
tion printed on the remote or button. Some com-  
mands, such as the volume control, are the same  
as they are with the AVR. Other buttons will  
change their function so that they correspond to a  
secondary label on the remote. For example, the  
Sleep and Surround mode selector buttons also  
function as the Channel Up and Channel Down  
buttons when operating most TV sets, VCRs or  
Sat-Receivers.  
• Depending on the brand and product type used  
the functions listed in the Function List tables  
may not correspond with the function the unit  
reacts on the command. In these cases it’s a  
good idea to edit the reaction of the unit into the  
corresponding line of the table or to set up a  
separate list.  
Either the AVR or TV volume control may be  
associated with any of the remote´s devices.  
To program the remote for Volume Punch-  
Through, follow these steps:  
1. Press the Input Selector  
wish to have associated with the volume control  
and the Mute button at the same time until  
the red light illuminates under the Input Selector  
4
for the unit you  
g
• When a button is pressed on the AVR remote,  
the red light under the Input Selector  
4
for  
4
2
and note that the Program/SPL Indicator  
will flash amber.  
the product being operated should flash briefly. If  
the Device Control Selector flashes for some but  
not all buttons for a particular product, it does  
NOT indicate a problem with the remote, but  
rather that no function is programmed for the  
button being pushed.  
For some products, however, the function of a  
particular button does not follow the command  
printed on the remote. In order to see which  
function a button controls, consult the Function  
List tables printed on page 50. To use those  
tables, first check the type of device being con-  
trolled (e.g., TV, VCR). Next, look at the remote  
control diagram on page 50. Note that each but-  
ton has a number on it.  
2. Press the Volume Up button  
that.the Program/SPL Indicator  
d
2
and note  
will stop  
flashing and stay amber.  
3. Press either the AVR Selector  
5
or the  
• The remote was pre-programmed with codes  
for units of the latest generation, but some codes  
may differ from those needed for earlier units.  
When your device doesn’t react as listed in the  
function list (page 50/51), let the AVR 8500  
remote learn the appropriate codes from the  
original remote (learning codes see page 45).  
Input Selector , depending on which sys-  
4
tem’s volume control you wish to have attached  
for the punch-through mode. The Program/SPL  
Indicator  
2
will blink green three times and  
then go out to confirm the data entry.  
To find out what function a particular button has  
for a specific device, find the button number on  
the Function List and then look in the column for  
the device you are controlling. For example, but-  
ton number 46 is the”Direct” button for the  
AVR 8500, but it is the “Favorite” button for  
many cable television boxes and satellite  
receivers. Button number 32 is the Delay button  
for the AVR 8500, but the Open/Close button for  
CD players.  
Example: To have the AVR’s volume control acti-  
vated even though the remote is set to control  
the TV, first press the Video/TV Input Selector  
4
and the Mute button  
Next, press the Volume Up button  
by the AVR Input Selector  
g
at the same time.  
d
, followed  
5
.
NOTE: Should you wish to return the remote to  
the original configuration after entering a Volume  
Punch-Through, you will need to repeat the steps  
shown above. However, press the same Input  
Selector in steps one and three.  
Note that the numbers used to describe the but-  
ton functions above and on page for the pur-  
50  
poses of describing how a button operates are a  
different set of numbers than those used in the  
rest of this manual to describe the button func-  
tions for the AVR 8500.  
PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 47  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Programming the Remote  
1. Press the Input Selector  
you wish to have the channel control associated  
with and the Mute button at the same time  
until the red light illuminates, under the Input  
Selector and the Program/ SPL Indicator  
flashes amber.  
4
for the device  
Channel Control Punch-Through  
Reassigning Device-Control  
Selectors  
The AVR 8500’s remote may be programmed to  
operate so that the channel control function,  
g
Although any of the Input Selectors  
4
is nor-  
performed with the Sleep  
9
and Surround  
mally assigned to the category of product shown  
on the remote, it is possible to reassign one of  
these buttons to operate a second device of  
another type. For example, if you have two VCRs  
4
A
buttons, for either the TV, cable or satellite  
2
receiver used in your system may be used in con-  
junction with one of the other devices controlled  
by the remote. For example, while using and  
controlling the VCR, you may wish to change  
channels on a cable box or satellite receiver  
without having to change the device selected by  
the AVR 8500 or the remote. To program the  
remote for Channel Control Punch-Through, fol-  
low these steps:  
2. Press the Play button  
P. The Program/SPL  
Indicator 2will stop flashing and stay amber.  
but no tape, you may program the TAPE  
4
button to operate a second VCR. Before you can  
start you must find out the three-digit code  
number for your second device (your second  
VCR) to operate, as outlined on page 45. Then  
3. Press and release the AVR  
5
or Input  
Selector button for the device that will be  
used to change the channels. The Program/SPL  
Indicator will blink green three times and  
4
2
reassign the TAPE  
4
button with the following  
then go out to confirm the data entry.  
steps:  
Example: To control the transport of a CD player  
while the remote is set to control the TV, press the  
1. Press the Input Selector button  
device you wish to have the channel control asso-  
ciated with and the Mute button at the  
same time until the red light illuminates under the  
Input Selector and the Program/SPL  
Indicator flashes amber.  
4
for the  
1. Press the Input Selector  
reassign and the Mute button  
time until the red light illuminates under the  
Input Selector and the Program/SPL  
Indicator flashes amber.  
4
you wish to  
g
at the same  
VID 2/TV Input Selector button  
Mute button at the same time. Next,  
release them and press the Play button  
followed by the CD Input Selector button  
4
and the  
g
g
4
P
,
4
2
2
4
.
2. Press the Input Selector  
4
for the device,  
2. Press the Volume Down button  
d
.The  
whose function you wish to program into the  
reassigned button.  
NOTE: To remove the Channel Control Punch-  
Through and return the remote to its original con-  
figuration, repeat the steps shown in the example  
above. However, press the same Input Selector  
in Steps 1 and 3.  
Program/SPL Indicator  
2
will stop flashing  
and stay amber.  
3. Enter the three-digit code for the specific  
model you wish the reassigned button to oper-  
ate.  
3. Press and release the AVR  
Selector button for the device that will be  
used to change the channels. The Program/SPL  
Indicator will blink green three times and  
5
or Input  
4
NOTE: Before programming the remote for  
Volume, Channel or Transport Punch-Through,  
make certain that any programming needed for  
the specific TV, CD, DVD, Cable or Satellite  
Receivers has been completed.  
4. Press the same Input Selector  
4
pressed  
2
in Step 1 once again to store the selection. The  
red LED under the re-assigned Input Selector will  
flash three times and then go out.  
then go out to confirm the data entry.  
Example: To control the channels using your TV  
while the remote is set to control the VCR, first  
press the VID 1/VCR Input Selector button  
Example: To use the TAPE  
ate a second VCR, first press the TAPE Input  
Selector and the Mute button at the  
same time until the red light glows under the  
TAPE button. Press the VCR button,  
4
button to oper-  
4
and the Mute button  
Next, release them and press the Volume Down  
button , followed by the same Input  
Selector button  
g
at the same time.  
4
g
d
4
4
4
.
followed by the three-digit code for the specific  
NOTE: To remove the Channel Control Punch-  
Through and return the remote to its original con-  
figuration, repeat the steps shown in the example  
above. However, press the same Input Selector  
in Steps 1 and 3.  
model you wish to control. Finally, press the TAPE  
4
button again.  
Important Note: Only those Input Selector  
buttons can be reassigned that replace  
4
other buttons for devices of the same kind. So  
the bottons for DVD, CD, TAPE and VCR (devices  
with transport functions) can replace one anoth-  
er as the Selectors for TV, CBL/SAT, and VID 4.  
Transport Control Punch-Through  
The AVR 8500’s remote may be programmed to  
operate so that the Transport Control  
To remove the Reassign function and return the  
remote to its original configuration, repeat steps  
1, 3 and 4 above (not 2), however, press the  
Functions  
P
(Play, Stop, Fast Forward,  
Rewind, Pause and Record) for a VCR, DVD or CD  
will operate in conjunction with one of the other  
devices controlled by the remote. For example,  
while using and controlling the TV, you may wish  
to start or stop your VCR or DVD without having  
to change the device selected by the AVR or the  
remote. To program the remote for Transport  
Control Punch-Through, follow these steps:  
same Input Selector button  
4
in steps 1  
and 4 (i.e. re-program the button with its origi-  
nal code).  
48 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Programming the Remote  
Resetting the Remote Memory  
As you add components to your home-theater sys-  
tem, occasionally you may wish to totally repro-  
gram the remote control without the confusion of  
any commands, macros or ”Punch-Through“ pro-  
gramming that you may have done. To do this, it is  
possible to reset the remote to the original factory  
defaults and command codes by following these  
steps. Note, however, that once the remote is  
reset, all commands or codes that you have  
entered will be erased and will need to be  
re-entered:  
1. Press any of the Input Selector buttons  
4
and the Obutton at the same time until  
H
the Program/SPL Indicator  
2
begins to flash  
amber.  
2. Press the 3button  
H
three times.  
3. The red LED under the Input Selector  
go out and the Program/SPL Indicator  
stop flashing and turn green.  
4
2
will  
will  
4. The Program/SPL Indicator  
2
will remain  
green until the remote is reset. Note that this may  
take a while, depending on how many commands  
are in the memory and need to be erased.  
5. When the Program/SPL Indicator  
2
goes  
out, the remote has been reset to the factory set-  
tings.  
PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 49  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Function List  
No.  
Button Name  
AVR Function  
DVD  
CD/CDR  
1
2
3
Power On  
Power Off  
Mute  
Power On  
Power Off  
Mute  
Power On  
Power Off  
Power On  
Power Off  
2
3
1
4
5
6
7
8
9
AVR  
DVD  
CD  
Tape  
VID 1  
VID 2  
VID 3  
VID 4  
AVR Select  
DVD Input Select  
CD Input Select  
Tape Input Select  
Video 1 Select  
Video 2 Select  
Video 3 Select  
Video 4 Select  
Video 5 Select  
Tuner Select  
DVD Select  
CD Select  
6
4
8
5
9
7
10  
14  
11  
15  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
41  
42  
43  
44  
45  
46  
47  
48  
49  
50  
51  
52  
53  
54  
55  
56  
57  
58  
59  
60  
61  
62  
63  
64  
65  
66  
67  
68  
69  
70  
71  
13  
12  
VID 5  
AM/FM  
6/8 Ch. Select  
Learn  
Sleep  
Test  
6/8 Ch Input Select  
17  
21  
18  
22  
16  
20  
19  
23  
Sleep  
Test Tone  
SPL  
Volume Up  
Surround Mode Select  
Night Mode Select  
Multi-Room Select  
Volume Down  
Channel Trim  
Move/Adjust Up  
Speaker Adjust  
Move/Adjust Left  
-/Input Select  
SPL  
Volume Up  
Surround Select  
Night  
Multi Room  
Volume Down  
Channel/Guide  
-/CDR Select  
-/CDP Select  
26  
Subtitle on/off  
24  
25  
Title  
Up  
Menu  
Left  
Enter  
Right  
Open/Close  
Down  
Return  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
29  
27  
27  
31  
Speaker/Menu  
Set  
Intro/-  
Set  
32  
30  
Move/Adjust Right  
Digital Input Select  
Move/Adjust Down  
Delay Adjust  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Tuner Mode  
9
0
Memory  
Tune Up  
Direct Tuner Entry  
Clear  
Preset Tune Up  
Tune Down  
OSD  
Digital/Exit  
¤
Delay/Prev. Ch.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Tun-M  
9
0
Memory  
Tune Up  
Direct  
Clear  
Preset Up  
Tune Down  
OSD  
RDS  
Preset Down  
M1  
M2  
M3  
Open/Close  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
33  
34  
35  
39  
43  
47  
51  
55  
36  
40  
44  
48  
52  
56  
37  
41  
45  
49  
53  
38  
42  
46  
50  
54  
8
8
Chapter  
9
0
Audio  
Next Chapter  
Angle  
Clear  
Slow Forward  
Prev Chapter  
Repeat  
9
0
Time/CDR Display  
57  
58  
60  
59  
Random  
Clear  
+10/-  
-/Track Increment  
Program  
Disc Skip  
61  
63  
62  
64  
66  
67  
65  
69  
68  
71  
RDS  
Disc Skip  
Slow Rev  
Preset Tune Down  
70  
M4  
Dolby  
Dolby Modes  
DTS SURR  
DTS Neo:6  
Logic 7  
Home THX  
Stereo  
Skip Down  
Skip Up  
Rewind  
Tone Mode  
Play  
DTS Digital Modes  
DTS Neo:6 Select  
Logic 7 Select  
THX Modes Select  
Stereo Mode Select  
Skip –  
Skip +  
R. Search  
Skip –  
Skip +  
R. Search  
Tone Mode Select  
Play  
F. Search  
Play  
Fast Forward  
Record  
Stop  
F. Search  
-/Record  
Stop  
Stop  
Pause  
Pause  
Pause  
50 FUNCTION LIST  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Function List  
No.  
Button Name  
Tape  
VCR (VID 1)  
TV (VID 2)  
CBL (VID 3)  
SAT(VID 3)  
1
2
3
Power On  
Power Off  
Mute  
Power On  
Power Off  
Power On  
Power Off  
Power On  
Power Off  
Mute  
Power On  
Power Off  
Power On  
Power Off  
4
AVR  
5
DVD  
6
CD  
7
Tape  
Tape Select  
8
VID 1  
VCR Select  
9
VID 2  
TV Select  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
41  
42  
43  
44  
45  
46  
47  
48  
49  
50  
51  
52  
53  
54  
55  
56  
57  
58  
59  
60  
61  
62  
63  
64  
65  
66  
67  
68  
69  
70  
71  
VID 3  
VID 4  
VID 5  
AM/FM  
6/8 Ch. Select  
Learn  
Sleep  
Test  
VID 3 Select  
VID 3 Select  
Channel +  
Channel –  
Channel +  
Channel +  
Channel –  
Channel +  
Channel –  
SPL  
Volume Up  
Surround Select  
Night  
Multi Room  
Volume Down  
Channel/Guide  
Volume Up  
Channel –  
Volume Down  
Info/Guide  
Up  
Menu  
Left  
Enter  
Right  
Exit  
Down  
Info/Guide  
Up  
Menu  
Left  
Enter  
Right  
Exit  
Down  
Up  
Menu  
Left  
Enter  
Right  
Exit  
Up  
Menu  
Left  
Enter  
Right  
Exit  
Down  
Prev Channel  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Speaker/Menu  
Set  
Digital/Exit  
¤
Down  
Delay/Prev. Ch.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Prev Channel  
Prev Channel  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
Tun-M  
9
0
Memory  
Tune Up  
Direct  
Clear  
Preset Up  
Tune Down  
OSD  
RDS  
Preset Down  
M1  
M2  
M3  
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
Sleep  
Clear  
FAV  
Bypass  
Music  
FAV  
Next  
Alt  
Clear  
OSD  
OSD  
OSD  
OSD  
M4  
Dolby  
DTS SURR  
DTS Neo:6  
Logic 7  
Home THX  
Stereo  
Skip Down  
Skip Up  
Rewind  
Tone Mode  
Play  
Scan –  
Scan +  
Rewind  
Rewind  
Play  
Play  
Fast Forward  
Record  
Stop  
Fast Fwd  
Record/Rec.Pause  
Stop  
Fast Fwd  
Record  
Stop  
Day +  
Day +  
Pause  
Pause  
FUNCTION LIST 51  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Troubleshooting Guide  
SYMPTOM  
CAUSE  
SOLUTION  
Unit does not function when Main • No AC Power  
• Make certain AC power cord is plugged into a live outlet  
• Check to see if outlet is switch controlled  
Power Switch  
1
is pushed  
Display lights, but no sound  
or picture  
• Intermittent input connections  
Mute is on  
• Make certain that all input and speaker connections are secure  
• Press Mute button  
g
Units turns on, but Front-Panel  
Display does not light  
• Display brightness is turned off  
• Follow the instructions in the Display Brightness section  
on page 39 so that the display is set to VFD FULL  
No sound from any speaker; light  
• Amplifier is in protection mode due to possible short  
• Amplifier is in protection mode due to internal problems  
• Check speaker-wire connections for shorts at receiver  
and speaker ends  
• Contact your local Harman Kardon service depot  
around Power switch  
2
is red  
No sound from surround or  
center speakers  
• Incorrect surround mode  
• Input is mono  
• Select a mode other than Stereo  
• There is no surround information from mono sources  
(except with Theater and Hall surround modes)  
• Check speaker mode configuration  
• Incorrect configuration  
• Stereo or Mono program material  
• Some surround modes may not create rear-channel  
information from nonencoded programs  
Unit does not respond to  
remote commands  
• Weak batteries in remote  
• Wrong device selected  
• Change remote batteries  
• Press the AVR Selector  
5
Remote sensor  
˜
is obscured  
• Make certain front-panel sensor is visible to remote or  
connect remote sensor  
Intermittent buzzing in tuner  
• Local interference  
• Move unit or antenna away from computers, fluorescent  
lights, motors or other electrical appliances  
Letters flash in the  
• Digital audio feed paused  
• Resume play for DVD  
Channel IndicatorDisplay  
and Digital Audio stops  
E
• Check that Digital Signal is fed to the Digital Input selected  
HDCD encoded disc does  
not trigger HDCD indicator  
• Surround mode in use  
• Analog feed in use  
• Select “Surround Off” mode  
• Connect and select digital connection to CD player  
Error message "NO SURR BACK"  
appears on front display.  
• You´ve pressed the Home THX button twice to activate  
the 7.1 THX processing mode with a 5.1 speaker  
configuration while a Dolby Digital source is played.  
• THX 7.1 processing is not possible with a 5.1 speaker setup.  
Error message "INCOMPATIBLE  
SOURCE" is scrolled over front  
display.  
• You´ve pressed the Home THX button twice to activate  
the 7.1 THX processing mode with a 7.1 speaker  
configuration while a 2-channel Dolby Digital source  
(2/0) is played.  
• THX 7.1 processing is incompatible with a digital signal  
without discrete left/right surround channels.  
Message like "DIALNORM OFFSET • AVR activates the Auto-balance feature to compensate  
• Is activated automatically after the AVR has decoded the  
imbalanced signal. No failure with the unit.  
+4dB" appears on front panel  
display.  
for any imbalance at the input of the decoder between  
left/right channels with Dolby Digital signals and to  
improve the dialog (center channel) intelligibilty.  
To clear the AVR’s entire system memory includ-  
ing tuner presets, output level settings, delay  
times and speaker configuration data, first put  
the unit in Standby by pressing the System  
NOTE: Resetting the processor will erase any  
configuration settings you have made for speak-  
ers, output levels, surround modes, digital input  
assignments as well as the tuner presets. After a  
reset the unit will be returned to the factory  
presets, and all settings for these items must be  
re-entered.  
Processor Reset  
In the rare case where the unit’s operation or the  
displays seem abnormal, the cause may involve  
the erratic operation of the system’s memory or  
microprocessor.  
Power Control button  
2. Next, press the  
Tone Mode  
8
and the RDS buttons simul-  
^
taneously.  
To correct this problem, first unplug the unit from  
the AC wall outlet and wait at least three min-  
utes. After the pause, reconnect the AC power  
cord and check the unit’s operation. If the system  
still malfunctions, a system reset may clear the  
problem.  
The unit will turn on automatically and display  
the RESETmessage in the Main  
If the system is still operating incorrectly, there  
may have been an electronic discharge or severe  
AC line interference that has corrupted the  
memory or microprocessor.  
Information Display  
ˆ. Note that once you  
have cleared the memory in this manner, it is nec-  
essary to re-establish all system configuration  
settings and tuner presets.  
If these steps do not solve the problem, consult  
an authorized Harman Kardon service depot.  
52 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Technical Specifications  
Audio Section  
Stereo Mode  
FM Tuner Section  
Frequency Range  
87.5108MHz  
IHF 1.3 µV/13.2dBf  
Mono/Stereo: 70/65dB (DIN)  
Mono/Stereo: 0.15/0.3%  
35dB @ 1kHz  
300kHz: 65dB  
80dB  
90dB  
Continuous Average Power (FTC)  
Usable Sensitivity  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio  
Distortion  
Stereo Separation  
Selectivity  
125 Watts per channel, 20Hz–20kHz,  
@ < 0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms  
Five-Channel Surround Modes  
Power Per Individual Channel  
Image Rejection  
IF Rejection  
Front L&R channels:  
110 Watts per channel,  
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms  
AM Tuner Section  
Frequency Range  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio  
Usable Sensitivity  
Distortion  
522–1611kHz  
45dB  
Loop: 500µV  
1kHz, 50% Mod: 0.8%  
9kHz: 30dB  
Center channel:  
110 Watts, @ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms  
Surround channels:  
110 Watts per channel,  
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms  
Selectivity  
Input Sensitivity/Impedance  
Video Section  
Linear (High Level)  
200mV/47kohms  
95dB  
Video Format  
PAL/NTSC  
1Vp-p/75 ohms  
1Vp-p/75 ohms  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A)  
Input Level/Impedance  
Output Level/Impedance  
Video Frequency Response  
(Composite and S-Video) 10Hz–8MHz (–3dB)  
Video Frequency  
Surround System Adjacent Channel Separation  
Analog Decoding  
(Pro Logic, etc.)  
Dolby Digital (AC-3)  
DTS  
40dB  
55dB  
55dB  
Response (Component)  
10Hz-35MHz (-3dB)  
Frequency Response  
@ 1W (+0dB, –3dB)  
10Hz100kHz  
85 Amps  
General  
Power Requirement  
Power Consumption  
AC 220-240V/50Hz  
119W idle, 694W maximum  
(2-channel driven)  
High Instantaneous  
Current Capability (HCC)  
Transient Intermodulation  
Distortion (TIM)  
Trigger Output  
6V DC @ 500mA  
Unmeasurable  
16 µsec  
Dimensions (Max)  
Width  
Rise Time  
Slew Rate  
440mm  
196mm  
519mm  
24.1 kg  
40V/µsec**  
Height  
Depth  
Weight  
Depth measurement includes knobs, buttons and terminal connections.  
Height measurement includes feet and chassis.  
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.  
Harman Kardon is a registered trademark, and Power for the digital revolution is a  
trademark, of Harman International Industries, Inc.  
TM  
is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.  
(Patent No. 5,386,478).  
*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.  
“Dolby,” “Pro Logic,” “Pro Logic II” and the Double-D symbol are  
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished  
Works. ©1992–1999 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.  
DTS and DTS Surround, DTS-ES and DTS Neo:6 are trademarks of Digital Theater  
Systems, Inc.  
THX and THX Ultra are manufactured under license from Lucasfilm Ltd., Lucasfilm,  
THX and THX Ultra are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd.  
Surround EX is a jointly developed technology of THX and Dolby Laboratories, Inc., and  
is a trademark of Dolby. Used under authorization.  
VMAx is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc., and is an  
implementation of Cooper Bauck Transaural Stereo under patent license.  
Logic 7 is a registered trademark of Lexicon, Inc.  
Crystal is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Corp.  
HDCD is a registered trademark of Pacific Microsonics, Inc.  
**Without input anti slewing and output isolation networks.  
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 53  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797  
Harman Consumer International:  
2, route de Tours, 72500 Château-du-Loir, France  
© 2002 Harman Kardon, Incorporated  
Part No.: 5527 9750  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

Hamilton Beach Iron 19900 User Manual
Hamilton Beach Kitchen Grill 840092400 User Manual
Harbor Freight Tools Automobile Battery Charger 65063 User Manual
Harbor Freight Tools Automobile Parts 95967 User Manual
Harbor Freight Tools Water Pump 65836 User Manual
Hotpoint Stove GA 630 RTX User Manual
Hotpoint Washer AQ9L 292 U User Manual
HP Hewlett Packard Photo Printer Z6600 User Manual
IBM Computer Drive 37L1388 User Manual
Ice O Matic Ice Maker ICE0500 User Manual