Harman Kardon Stereo System HK3490 User Manual

HK 3490  
STEREO RECEIVER  
OWNER’S MANUAL  
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SAFETY INFORMATION  
when placing the unit on soft woods or other materials that may be damaged  
by heat or heavy objects. Some surface finishes may be particularly sensitive to  
absorbing such marks, due to a variety of factors beyond our control, including  
Important Safety Information  
Verify Line Voltage Before Use  
the nature of the finish, cleaning materials used, and normal heat and vibration  
caused by the use of the product, or other factors. We recommend that caution  
be exercised in choosing an installation location for the component and in normal  
maintenance practices, as your warranty will not cover this type of damage to furniture.  
Your HK 3490 has been designed for use with 120-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.  
If you have any questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model, or  
about the line voltage in your area, contact your selling dealer before plugging the unit  
into a wall outlet.  
Cleaning  
When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean, soft, dry cloth. If necessary, and only after  
unplugging the AC power cord, wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy  
water, then a fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe it 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 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  
center with a cord meeting factory specifications.  
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.  
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 considerable length of time,  
disconnect the plug from the AC outlet.  
Important Information for the User  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B  
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. The limits are designed to  
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.  
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio-frequency energy and, if not  
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful  
interference to radio communication. However, there is no guarantee that harmful  
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause  
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by  
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following measures:  
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 staple accidentally  
falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately, and consult  
an authorized service center.  
CATV or Antenna Grounding  
If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to this product, be certain that it is  
grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and static charges.  
Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides  
information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure,  
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,  
location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes and requirements  
of the grounding electrode.  
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and  
(2) this device must accept interference received, including interference that may  
cause undesired operation.  
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV  
(cable TV) system installer’s attention to article 820-40 of the NEC, which provides  
guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground  
shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point  
of cable entry as possible.  
NOTE: Changes or modifications may cause this unit to fail to comply with Part 15  
of the FCC Rules and may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.  
Installation Location  
Unpacking  
• To ensure 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.  
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.  
• 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.  
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 place the unit directly on a carpeted surface.  
• Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold locations, or in an area that is exposed  
to direct sunlight or heating equipment.  
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.  
• Avoid moist or humid locations.  
• Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the unit, or place objects  
directly over them.  
It is important that you remove the protective plastic film from the front-panel lens.  
Leaving the film in place will affect the performance of your remote control.  
• Due to the weight of the HK 3490 and the heat generated by the amplifiers,  
there is the remote possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the  
unit’s feet may leave marks on certain wood or veneer materials. Use caution  
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NOTES  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
2 SAFETY INFORMATION  
6 INTRODUCTION  
7 FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS  
9 REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS  
12 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
15 CONNECTIONS  
15  
15  
15  
16  
16  
16  
Speaker Connections  
Subwoofer  
Connecting Source Devices to the HK 3490  
Audio Connections  
Video Connections  
Antennas  
17 SPEAKER PLACEMENT  
18 INSTALLATION  
18  
18  
18  
18  
21  
21  
21  
21  
21  
22  
Step One – Connect the Speakers  
Step Two – Connect the Subwoofer  
Step Three – Connect the Antennas  
Step Four – Connect the Source Components  
Step Five – Connect the Video Display  
Step Six – Connect the Remote IR Input and Output (Optional)  
Step Seven – Connect Optional External Equipment  
Step Eight – Plug In AC Power  
Step Nine – Insert Batteries in Remote  
Step Ten – Turn On the HK 3490  
23 OPERATION  
23  
23  
23  
23  
23  
24  
24  
24  
25  
26  
26  
27  
27  
27  
Turning On the HK 3490  
Volume Control  
Mute Function  
Sleep Timer  
Tone Controls  
Headphones  
Speaker 1/2  
Source Selection  
Using the Tuner  
Using  
Docking Station  
Recording  
WARNING  
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this  
appliance to rain or moisture.  
Dim Function  
Processor Reset  
Memory  
28 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  
29 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
For Canadian model  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian  
ICES-003.  
29  
Trademark Acknowledgments  
30 APPENDIX  
For models having a power cord with a polarized plug:  
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade  
of plug to wide slot, fully insert.  
Modèle pour les Canadien  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme  
à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
Sur les modèles dont la fiche est polarisee:  
ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire  
la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne  
correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu’au fond.  
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INTRODUCTION  
Note: You’ll need the product’s serial number. At the same time, you can choose to be notified about new products  
and/or special promotions.  
WWW.HARMANKARDON.COM  
your iPod or other portable player to the HK 3490, or just enjoy your  
favorite television programs in stereo without firing up your main home  
Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon!  
In the years since Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity receiver,  
we have taken to heart the philosophy of bringing the joy of home  
entertainment to as many people as possible, all the while improving  
performance and adding features. The HK 3490 offers the best in  
traditional analog two-channel audio, including a 30-preset AM/FM  
tuner, an integrated phono preamplifier and a tape monitor loop that  
lets you listen to your tape recordings as they’re being made, while  
adding digital audio inputs, an XM Ready® tuner and a connection  
for The Bridge II docking station, which delivers audio playback and  
control for iPod, iPod touch and iPhone models (not included).  
theater. Whether listening to an LP record pressed in the last century  
or watching a movie you downloaded to your digital media player last  
night, your new HK 3490 delivers the powerful, detailed performance  
you’ve come to expect from Harman Kardon.  
To obtain the maximum enjoyment from your new receiver, we urge you  
to read this manual and refer back to it as you become more familiar  
with its features and their operation.  
If you have any questions about this product, its installation or its operation,  
please contact your retailer or customer installer, or visit our Web site  
If high-performance audio reproduction weren’t enough, we’ve added  
composite video switching. Use the included audio/video cable to connect  
Audio/Video Inputs (Composite Video)  
• Video 1  
• Video 3 (use front- or rear-panel connections)  
• Video 2/DVD  
Outputs  
• Dual Subwoofer Outputs • Headphone  
• Tape/CDR  
• Two sets of Speaker Outputs for  
• Video 1 (Audio and Video)  
• Video Monitor  
• Preamp Outputs  
dual-room use  
• Dual Subwoofer Trigger Outputs  
Harman Kardon® HK 3490 Stereo Receiver  
Audio Section  
• 120 Watts x 2, both channels driven at full power at 8 ohms,  
20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD; 240 watts total  
• 150 Watts x 2, both channels driven at full power at 4 ohms,  
20Hz – 20kHz, <0.2% THD; 300 watts total  
• High-current capability, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design with  
low negative feedback  
Ease of Use  
• Dot-matrix front-panel display  
• Color-coded connections  
• Seven-device system remote control  
• Speaker 1/2 switching  
• Rotary front-panel Tone Controls  
• Remote IR Input and Output  
• Energy-saving Subwoofer Link Switches  
• All-discrete amplifier circuitry  
Audio Inputs  
• AM/FM/XM Ready* Tuner • Main-Amp Inputs  
Supplied Accessories  
• Phono  
• CD  
• Tape-Monitor/CDR  
• The Bridge II-Ready** Connector  
• Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs  
The following accessory items are supplied with the HK 3490. If any  
of these items are missing, please contact Harman Kardon customer  
XM antenna module and subscription to XM service required. Hardware and service  
sold separately. XM service is not available in Alaska or Hawaii.  
*
• System remote control  
• AM loop antenna  
• FM wire antenna  
• Four AAA batteries  
• One 1/8" mini-plug-to-analog-  
audio/composite-video cable  
** Compatible with all iPod models equipped with a dock connector. Not compatible with  
iPod shuffle models. No still-image or video playback.  
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FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS  
Power Indicator: This LED has two modes. When power is  
Tuner Band: Press this button to select the tuner as the source, or  
to select the AM (left side of button) or FM (right side of button) band.  
Each press of the FM side of the button toggles between the FM and  
XM bands.  
turned off, the LED is amber to indicate that the receiver is plugged  
in and ready to be turned on. When the receiver is turned on, the  
LED turns white.  
Power Switch: This electrical switch turns the receiver on for  
playback, or leaves it in Standby mode for quick turn-on using the  
remote control.  
FM Mode: This button toggles between Stereo and Mono modes  
when an FM station is tuned. Mono mode may improve reception of  
weaker signals. When listening to XM radio, each press of this button  
changes the channel search mode as follows:  
Phono/The Bridge Source Selector: Press this button to select  
a turntable connected to the Phono Inputs as the source. Press it again  
to select an iPod docked in the optional Harman Kardon The Bridge II  
docking station as the source. Each additional press switches between  
these two sources.  
‹ ›  
All Channel Search: The Tuning Buttons and the  
the remote may be used to tune any channel.  
‹ ›  
/
Buttons on  
Preset Search: The  
/
Buttons on the remote may be used to  
change the lettered bank of presets.  
Category Search: The Tuning Buttons and the  
‹ ›  
/
Buttons on the  
remote may be used to tune a channel within the current category.  
CD Source Selector: Press this button to select the device  
connected to the CD Inputs as the source.  
Sleep: Press this button to activate the sleep timer, which shuts off the  
receiver after a programmed period of time up to 90 minutes.  
Video Source Selectors: Press any of these buttons to select  
the device connected to the corresponding Audio and Video Inputs for  
playback. Remember to turn on the source device, to connect the Video  
Monitor Output to your video display and to turn on your video display  
and select the correct Video Input.  
DSP Mode: Each press of this button switches the digital signal  
processing mode as follows: Dolby® Virtual Speaker Wide, Dolby Virtual  
Speaker Reference, Stereo.  
Mute: Press this button to mute the HK 3490’s speaker and headphone  
outputs temporarily. To end the muting, press this button or adjust the  
volume. Muting is also canceled when the receiver is turned off.  
NOTE: The Video 3 source device may be connected to either  
the front- or rear-panel connectors. To select the desired device,  
press the Video 3 Source Selector repeatedly to toggle between  
the front and rear inputs.  
Volume Control: Turn this knob to raise or lower the volume, which  
will be shown in decibels (dB) in the Message Display.  
Tape Source Selector: Press this button to select the device  
connected to the Tape/CDR Audio Inputs as the source. If you are  
making a recording using a three-head tape deck or another unit with  
off-head playback, you will be able to monitor the recording as it is  
being made.  
Headphone Jack: Plug a 1/4" headphone plug into this jack for  
private listening.  
Bass Control: Turn the knob clockwise to boost low-frequency output  
by up to 10dB, or counterclockwise to cut low-frequency output by up  
to 10dB. Set the control to suit your taste and room acoustics.  
Speaker 1/2: Press the left side of this button to enable the  
HK 3490 to output audio to the speakers connected to the Speaker 1  
Outputs, and press the right side of the button to enable the Speaker 2  
Outputs. You may enable or disable both sets of speaker outputs  
simultaneously. This feature is a convenient way of hearing audio in  
more than one room at a time, although the same source material will  
be played through both sets of speakers.  
Treble Control: Turn the knob clockwise to boost high-frequency  
output by up to 10dB, or counterclockwise to cut high-frequency output  
by up to 10dB. Set the control to suit your taste and room acoustics.  
Balance Control: Turn the knob to adjust the relative volume of the  
left and right channels, which affects imaging and can compensate for  
room characteristics.  
Tuning: Press either side of this button to tune a radio station. Tap the  
button briefly to tune one frequency step at a time, or press and hold  
the button to seek the next frequency with an acceptably strong signal.  
NOTE: To use the Bass, Treble or Balance Controls, gently press  
the knob until it unlatches. When finished, press the knob again  
to lock it.  
Preset Scan: Press this button once to scan through the stations  
you have previously programmed as presets. Each station will play for  
five seconds before the tuner skips to the next preset station. Press the  
button a second time to select the current station. If no presets have  
been programmed, the 0 PRESET message will be displayed. When  
listening to XM® Radio, each press displays the current playback  
information: channel name and number, category, artist and song title.  
Video 3 A/V Inputs: Connect a source component that will only be  
used temporarily to these jacks, such as a camera or game console, or  
connect an iPod using the supplied audio/video cable.  
Message Display: Various messages appear in this display in  
response to commands. In normal use, the Upper Line will display the  
current source and audio input (analog or one of the digital audio  
inputs). The Lower Line displays the current speaker group (if any are  
active) and the DSP mode. Other messages may appear for some  
sources, such as The Bridge docking station and the tuner.  
Preset Stations: Press this button to select a preset radio station.  
If no presets have been programmed, the 0 PRESET message will be  
displayed. When listening to XM Radio, each press changes the preset  
number within the current lettered bank.  
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REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS  
AM and FM Antenna Terminals: Connect the included AM and  
Switched AC Accessory Outlets: You may plug the AC power  
cord of one source device into each of these outlets, and it will turn on  
whenever you turn on the receiver. Do not use sources that consume  
more than 100 watts of power per outlet.  
FM antennas to their respective terminals for radio reception.  
Video 1, Video 2 and Video 3 Audio/Video Inputs: These  
jacks may be used to connect your video-capable source components  
(e.g., VCR, DVD player, cable TV box) to the receiver.  
Speaker 1 and 2 Outputs: Use two-conductor speaker wire to  
connect each set of terminals to the correct speaker. Observe the  
correct polarity (positive and negative connections). Always connect the  
positive lead to the red or white terminal on the receiver and the red  
terminal on the speaker. Connect the negative lead to the black terminal  
on both the receiver and the speaker. Use the Speaker 1/2 Selectors  
on the front panel or remote to select either or both pairs of speakers  
for playback.  
NOTE: The Video 3 source has inputs on both the front and  
rear panels of the HK 3490, and you may connect different  
devices to each set of inputs. To select between the two sets  
of inputs, press the Video 3 Source Selector repeatedly.  
Video 1 Audio/Video Outputs: These jacks may be used to  
connect your VCR or another recorder.  
Subwoofer Outputs: If you have a powered subwoofer, connect  
these jacks to the line-level inputs on the subwoofer. The same full-  
range signal is output through both jacks. Thus, you have the option  
of connecting each jack to the line-level input on a separate subwoofer  
or to use the full-range outputs to feed a remote room in a distributed-  
audio application. If you have only one subwoofer with a single line-level  
input, connect it to the right Subwoofer Output on the HK 3490.  
Video Monitor Output: If some of your sources use video  
connections, connect the Video Monitor Output to the corresponding  
input on your television or video display to view the sources. No video  
signal will be available when an audio-only source input, such as CD  
or Tape, is selected.  
Remote Infrared (IR) Input and Output: When the remote  
IR receiver on the front panel is blocked, such as when the HK 3490  
is placed inside a cabinet, connect an optional IR receiver to the Remote  
IR Input jack for use with the remote control. The Remote IR Output may  
be connected to the Remote IR Input of a compatible source device  
(or other product) to enable remote control through the HK 3490. When  
several source devices are used, connect them in “daisy chain” fashion.  
Subwoofer Trigger Outputs: Connect these outputs to a  
compatible trigger input on the subwoofer connected to the Subwoofer  
Output immediately to the right of the Trigger Output. Consult the  
owner’s manual for the subwoofer to set its trigger input correctly, and  
the subwoofer will automatically turn on or off when the HK 3490 is  
turned on or off. In addition, the Trigger Outputs are used with the  
Subwoofer Link Switches to conserve energy by powering off the  
subwoofer’s amplifier when it is not needed. The Subwoofer Trigger  
Outputs send a signal of 15 volts DC.  
Update Port: This connection is for authorized service personnel only.  
It is used with a proprietary device in the event that a software update  
for the HK 3490 becomes available in the future. Do not make any  
connections to it.  
Subwoofer Link Switches: Each switch affects the subwoofer  
connected to the jack immediately to the left of the switch. To use the  
switch, first connect the corresponding Subwoofer Trigger Output to  
a compatible trigger input on the subwoofer, and make sure the  
subwoofer’s instructions are followed to activate its trigger input. When the  
Link Switch is on, the HK 3490 will remove the trigger signal whenever  
the corresponding pair of main speakers is not in use, thereby conserving  
energy that would otherwise be used to maintain the subwoofer’s amplifier  
in Standby mode. This feature is activated any time no signal is present at  
the main speaker outputs, including when the Speaker 1/2 Switch turns  
off both speaker pairs, when the HK 3490’s output is muted, or when the  
headphones are plugged in. See Table A2 in the appendix for details.  
Reset Button: In the event that the HK 3490 operates erratically, a  
system reset may restore proper functionality. Place the unit in Standby  
mode by pressing the Power Switch so that the Power Indicator turns  
amber. Then use a fine-point pen or other similar object to press the  
Reset Button.  
The Bridge/DMP Input: Connect the optional Harman Kardon  
or  
docking station to this input for use with  
your iPod, iPod touch or iPhone (not included). Make sure the receiver  
is turned off (in Standby mode) when connecting The Bridge or  
The Bridge II docking station.  
XM Antenna Jack: Plug in an XM antenna module here. The XM  
antenna module is purchased separately, and should specify that it is for  
home use with an XM Ready product. You will need to subscribe to the  
XM service, which is available separately, and activate the service for  
your antenna module. (XM service is not available in Alaska and Hawaii.)  
Main-Amp Inputs and Preamp Outputs: These jacks are  
normally connected directly to each other with an included jumper.  
Some devices, such as equalizers and some loudspeaker systems,  
require connection between the Preamp Outputs and Main-Amp  
Inputs, in which case the jumpers should be removed and stored in a  
safe place for future use. You may also remove the jumpers if you wish  
to connect the Preamp Outputs to an external amplifier, or if you wish  
to connect another device’s line-level output directly to the HK 3490’s  
power amplifier for a special application.  
Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs: If a source has a  
compatible digital audio output, connect it to one of these jacks for  
improved audio performance. Use only one type of digital audio  
connection for each source.  
AC Power Cord: After you have made all other connections, plug  
the AC power cord into an unswitched outlet.  
Tape Outputs: These jacks may be used to connect your CDR or  
another audio-only recorder.  
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REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS  
CD and Tape Inputs: These jacks may be used to connect your  
audio-only source components (e.g., CD player, tape deck). Do not  
connect a turntable to these jacks unless you are using the turntable  
with a phono preamp. When your recorder features three-head or  
off-head playback, you may monitor a recording as it is being made.  
Phono Inputs and Ground: Connect the outputs of your turntable  
or tonearm to these jacks, and connect the ground wire from the  
turntable to this Ground Connector to reduce system hum. Only moving-  
magnet (MM-type) cartridges are compatible with the Phono Inputs. If  
your turntable is equipped with its own onboard phono preamp, you  
may connect it to any of the HK 3490’s other audio inputs.  
Main Power Switch: This mechanical switch turns the power supply  
on or off. It is usually left turned on (push the rocker in at the top), and  
cannot be turned on using the remote control. Turn this switch off when  
connecting or disconnecting source devices or loudspeakers to prevent  
any possibility of damage to components resulting from an unexpected  
power surge.  
11  
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REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
The HK 3490 remote is capable of controlling six devices, including the  
HK 3490 itself. The remote is preprogrammed at the factory to operate  
most Harman Kardon DVD, CD and CDR players. Each time you wish to  
use the codes for any component, first press its Selector Button. This  
changes the button functions to the appropriate codes.  
Source Selectors: Press one of these buttons to select a source  
device, which is a component where a playback signal originates, e.g.,  
DVD, CD or the tuner. This will also turn on the receiver and switch the  
remote to the codes that operate the source device.  
NOTE: The Video 3 source device may be connected to either  
the front- or rear-panel connectors. To select the desired device,  
press the Video 3 Source Selector repeatedly. The VIDEO 3  
message indicates that the rear-panel inputs are active, and the  
VIDEO F message indicates the front-panel inputs have  
been selected.  
Phono: Controls only the HK 3490 when a turntable is in use.  
Video 1: Controls the Harman Kardon DMC 1000 digital media server.  
Video 2 and 3: Controls DVD players. Each source uses a slightly  
different code set. Test the remote on your Harman Kardon DVD player,  
and refer to Table A3 in the appendix. Connect the DVD player to the  
source inputs corresponding to the code set that correctly operates the  
device.  
FM Mode: This button toggles between Stereo and Mono modes  
when an FM station is tuned. When XM Radio is in use, each press  
of this button changes the search mode, which controls how the  
‹ ›  
/
Buttons operate.  
Tape: Controls CD recorders.  
‹ ›  
Preset Search Mode: Each press of the  
/
Buttons changes  
CD: Controls CD players.  
⁄ ¤  
the lettered bank of preset stations. Each press of the  
changes the numbered preset within the bank.  
/
Buttons  
AM/FM: Controls the HK 3490 and its internal tuner only.  
XM: Controls the HK 3490 and its internal tuner only.  
‹ ›  
Category Search Mode: Each press of the  
/
Buttons jumps  
to the next category of stations, e.g., Decades.  
The Bridge: When an optional Harman Kardon The Bridge or The  
Bridge II docking station is connected and an iPod (not included) is  
docked, this mode controls navigation and playback of materials stored  
on the iPod.  
‹ ›  
All Channel Search Mode: The  
/
Buttons do nothing. The  
Buttons change the channel number.  
⁄ ¤  
/
DSP Mode: Each press of this button switches the digital signal  
processing mode as follows: Dolby Virtual Speaker Wide, Dolby Virtual  
Speaker Reference, Stereo.  
The functions specific to the HK 3490 are always available: Main Power  
On and Off, Speaker 1/2, source selection, Mute, Sleep, Dimmer and  
the Volume Controls.  
Auto Preset: The Auto Preset feature enables you to automatically set  
presets for all available FM radio stations in your area with a single button  
press. To start the process, make sure the FM tuner has been selected  
as the source. Press and hold this button. The AUTO PRESET message  
will appear as the HK 3490 tuner scans through all FM stations with  
acceptable signal quality and programs them into the presets. If there are  
fewer than 30 stations, the tuner will cycle through again, filling up the  
higher preset slots with the same stations. The scan will stop when all  
30 presets have been filled, or after two scans through the FM band.  
Any given button may have different functions, depending on which  
component is being controlled. Some buttons are labeled with these  
functions. For example, the Track Skip Buttons are labeled with the  
transport control icons printed on the buttons themselves, and these  
functions are active when a CD or DVD player is in use. The Preset  
indications appear above these buttons, and those commands are  
active when the HK 3490’s tuner is in use. See the appendix for  
listings of the different functions for each type of component.  
IR Transmitter Lens: As buttons are pressed on the remote,  
infrared codes are emitted through this lens. Make sure it is pointing  
toward the component being operated.  
Numeric Keys: Use these buttons to enter radio station frequencies  
when using the tuner (after pressing the Direct Button, except for XM), or  
to select station presets.  
Power Off Button: Press this button to turn off the HK 3490 or  
Direct: Press this button before using the Numeric Keys to directly  
enter a radio station frequency. It is not necessary to press this button  
before using the Numeric Keys to enter an XM Radio channel.  
another device.  
Power On Button: Press this button to turn on the HK 3490 or  
another device.  
Clear: Press this button to clear a radio station frequency you have  
started to enter.  
Speaker 1/2: Press the Speaker 1 Button to enable the HK 3490 to  
output audio to the speakers connected to the Speaker 1 Outputs, and  
press the Speaker 2 Button to enable the Speaker 2 Outputs. You may  
enable or disable both sets of speaker outputs simultaneously. This  
feature is a convenient way of hearing audio in more than one room at  
a time, although the same source material will be played through both  
sets of speakers.  
Memory: After you have tuned a particular radio station, press this  
button, then the Numeric Keys, to save that station as a radio preset.  
When XM Radio is in use, programming presets is somewhat different.  
First, tune to the desired channel. Then, press the Memory Button and  
‹ ›  
the preset indication will flash. Use the  
desired preset bank (A through E), and then use the  
/
Buttons to select the  
⁄ ¤  
/
Buttons  
12  
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IR Transmitter Lens  
Speaker 1  
Speaker 2  
Power On  
Power Off  
Source Selectors  
Auto Preset  
DSP Mode  
FM Mode  
Numeric Keys  
Direct  
Clear  
Memory  
Menu  
OK  
Navigation  
Preset Scan  
Mute  
Disc Menu  
Volume  
Controls  
Tuning  
Pause  
Preset Stations  
Selectors/Track Skip  
Play  
Fast Search  
Record  
Stop  
Dimmer  
Repeat  
Sleep  
A-B  
NOTE: To make it easier to follow the  
instructions throughout the manual that refer to  
this illustration, a copy of this page may be  
downloaded from the Product Support section  
13  
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REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
to select a numbered location (1 through 8) within the bank. Press the  
Memory Button to complete the process and let the HK 3490 return to  
normal operation.  
Button repeatedly until the PRESET SEARCH message appears in the  
‹ ›  
Message Display, and use the  
/
Buttons to change to the desired  
bank. Then use the Preset Stations Selectors to select the numbered  
preset within the bank.  
Menu: This button has no effect on the HK 3490, but is used with  
some source devices to access the source’s setup menus.  
Stop, Record, Pause and Play: These transport controls have no  
effect on the receiver, but are used to control compatible Harman Kardon  
DVD and CD players.  
⁄ ¤ ‹ ›  
Navigation (  
/
/ / ) and OK Buttons: When XM Radio is  
‹ ›  
in use, the  
/
Buttons may be used to change the channel category  
or the lettered bank of presets. As described above, press the FM Mode  
Fast Search: The Fast Search function is available with compatible  
Harman Kardon DVD and CD players.  
⁄ ¤  
Button to select a search mode. Use the  
/
Buttons to change the  
numbered preset within a bank when in Preset Search mode, or to  
change the channel sequentially when in All Channel Search mode.  
These buttons have no other effect on the HK 3490, but are used to  
make selections within the on-screen menu system for some source  
devices. The OK Button transmits the Random Play command when  
used with CD players.  
Dimmer: Press this button to partially or fully dim the front-panel display.  
Repeat (V. Mode): This button has no effect on the HK 3490, but  
issues the Repeat command when used with DVD and CD players. On  
some remotes this button is labeled “V. Mode,” but it still issues the  
Repeat command.  
Preset Scan: Press this button once to scan through the stations  
you have previously programmed as presets. Each station will play for  
five seconds before the tuner skips to the next preset station. Press the  
button a second time to select the current station. If no presets have been  
programmed, the 0 PRESET message will be displayed. When XM Radio  
is in use, this button has nothing to do with preset stations. Instead, each  
press of this button changes the information displayed on the front panel  
as follows: channel name and number, channel category, artist name and  
song title.  
A-B (Source): This button has no effect on the HK 3490, but issues  
the Repeat A-B command when used with DVD and CD players with  
that feature. On some remotes, this button is labeled “Source,” but it  
still issues the Repeat A-B command.  
Sleep: Press this button to activate the sleep timer, which shuts off  
the receiver after a programmed period of time up to 90 minutes.  
Disc Menu: This button has no effect on the HK 3490, but is used  
with some DVD players to access the DVD disc’s menus.  
Volume Controls: Use this control to raise or lower the volume,  
which will be shown in decibels (dB) in the Message Display.  
Mute Button: Press this button to mute the HK 3490’s speaker and  
headphone outputs temporarily. To end the muting, press this button or  
adjust the volume. Muting is also canceled when the receiver is turned  
off. When the Subwoofer Trigger Output is connected to the correct  
input on the subwoofer, and the corresponding Subwoofer Link Switch  
is on, muting the HK 3490 will remove the trigger signal, turning off  
the subwoofer’s amplifier to conserve energy. When normal listening  
resumes, the trigger signal will be reactivated, turning on the subwoofer.  
Tuning: Use this control to tune a radio station. Tap one end of the  
button briefly to tune one frequency step at a time, or press and hold it  
to seek the next frequency with an acceptably strong signal. When XM  
Radio is in use, the digitally tuned channels are always of acceptable  
strength, and thus there is no seek function, although pressing and  
holding the Tuning Buttons scans through the channels faster. When the  
FM Mode Button has been used to activate Category Search Mode, the  
Tuning Buttons will only tune channels within the current category. Press  
the FM Mode Button until All Channel Search Mode has been selected  
to tune any channel.  
Preset Stations Selectors/Track Skip: Press these buttons  
to select a preset radio station, or to change tracks or chapters on  
compatible Harman Kardon DVD and CD players. XM presets are stored  
in one of five lettered banks. To switch banks, press the FM Mode  
14  
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CONNECTIONS  
There are different types of audio and video connections used to  
connect the receiver to the speakers and video display, and to connect  
the source devices to the receiver. To make it easier to keep them all  
straight, the Consumer Electronics Association has established a CEA®  
color-coding standard. Table 1 may be helpful to you as a reference  
while you set up your system.  
1
2
3
Figure 2 – Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Bare Wires  
Table 1 – Connection Color Guide  
The HK 3490 features two sets of speaker connections, with each set  
allowing connection of a left and right loudspeaker. This allows you to  
place a second set of speakers in another room, or even outdoors,  
when weather-resistant loudspeakers are used. You may play both sets  
of speakers simultaneously, one set at a time or neither set when using  
the headphones or making recordings. Use the Speaker 1/2 Buttons to  
activate or deactivate each pair of speakers. It is not possible to select  
different sources for each speaker pair.  
Audio Connections  
Left  
Right  
Front (FL/FR)  
Digital Audio Connections  
Coaxial  
Optical  
Input  
Video Connections  
Composite  
Types of Connections  
Subwoofer  
This section will briefly review different types of cables and connections  
that you may use to set up your system.  
The subwoofer is a specialized type of loudspeaker used to play only  
the low frequencies (bass), which require much more power than the  
other speaker channels. To obtain the best results, most speaker  
manufacturers offer powered subwoofers, in which the speaker contains  
its own amplifier on board. Usually, a line-level (nonamplified) connection  
is made from the receiver’s Subwoofer Output to a corresponding jack  
on the subwoofer, as shown in Figure 3, but sometimes the subwoofer  
is connected to the receiver using the left and right speaker outputs,  
then the left and right speakers are connected to terminals on the  
subwoofer. The same full-range signal is output through both jacks.  
Thus, you have the option of connecting each jack to the line-level input  
on a separate subwoofer. If you have only one subwoofer with a single  
line-level input, connect it to the right Subwoofer Output on the HK 3490.  
Speaker Connections  
Speaker cables carry an amplified signal from the receiver’s speaker  
terminals to each loudspeaker. Speaker cables contain two wire  
conductors, or leads, inside plastic insulation. The two conductors are  
usually differentiated by using different colors, or stripes, or by adding a  
ridge to the insulation. Sometimes the wires are different colors, one  
being copper red and the other silver.  
The differentiation is important because each speaker must be connected  
to the receiver’s Speaker-Output terminals using two wires, one positive  
(+) and one negative (–). This is called speaker polarity. It’s important  
to maintain the proper polarity for all speakers in the system. If some  
speakers have their negative terminals connected to the receiver’s  
positive terminals, performance can suffer, especially for the low  
frequencies.  
Connect the Subwoofer Trigger Output for each subwoofer to the  
corresponding trigger input on its amplifier. This enables the subwoofer to  
turn on or off together with the HK 3490. To further conserve energy,  
when the trigger connection is made, turn the Subwoofer Link Switch on  
to turn the subwoofer off when the corresponding pair of main speakers  
are not being used, such as during muting, when headphones are being  
used, or when the main speakers are turned off using the Speaker 1/2  
switch.  
Always connect the positive terminal on the loudspeaker, which is usually  
colored red, to the positive terminal on the receiver, also colored red.  
Similarly, always connect the black negative terminal on the speaker to  
the black negative terminal on the receiver.  
The HK 3490 uses binding-post speaker  
terminals that can accept banana plugs  
L
or bare-wire cables.  
+
R
Subwoofer  
Banana plugs are simply plugged into the  
hole in the middle of the terminal cap.  
See Figure 1.  
Figure 3 – Subwoofer  
Connecting Source Devices to the HK 3490  
Figure 1– Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Banana Plugs  
Bare-wire cables are installed as follows (see Figure 2):  
The HK 3490 is designed to process audio and video input signals,  
playing back the audio and displaying the video on a television or  
monitor connected to it. These signals originate in what are known as  
“source devices,” including your DVD player, CD player, DVR (digital  
video recorder) or other recorder, tape deck, game console, cable or  
satellite television box, or MP3 player. Although the tuner is built into the  
1. Unscrew the terminal cap until the pass-through hole in the collar  
is revealed.  
2. Insert the bare end of the wire into the hole.  
3. Screw the cap back into place until the wire is held snugly.  
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CONNECTIONS  
HK 3490, it also counts as a source, even though no external  
connections are needed, other than the FM and AM antennas and  
the XM module.  
Video Connections  
Although some sources only produce an audio signal (e.g., CD player,  
tape deck), many sources output both audio and video signals (e.g.,  
DVD player, cable television box, HDTV tuner, satellite box, VCR, DVR).  
In addition to the audio connection, make a video connection for each  
of these sources.  
Separate connections are required for the audio and video portions  
of the signal.  
Audio Connections  
The composite video jack is usually color-coded yellow, and looks like  
an analog audio jack, although it is important never to confuse the two.  
Do not plug a composite video cable into an analog audio jack, and  
vice versa. Both the chrominance (color) and luminance (intensity)  
components of the video signal are transmitted using a single cable.  
See Figure 7.  
There are two formats for audio connections: digital and analog. Digital  
audio signals offer improved quality, free of distortion and with greater  
detail and presence. The HK 3490 uses two types of digital audio  
connections: coaxial and optical. Either type of digital audio connection  
may be used for each source device, but never both simultaneously for  
the same source. However, it’s alright to make both analog and digital  
audio connections to the same source.  
Composite video  
Composite  
video cable  
Digital Audio  
Figure 7 – Composite Video  
Coaxial digital audio jacks are usually color-coded in orange. Although  
they look similar to analog jacks, they should not be confused, and you  
should not connect coaxial digital audio outputs to analog inputs or  
vice versa. See Figure 4.  
Antennas  
The HK 3490 uses separate terminals for the included FM and AM  
antennas that provide proper reception for the tuner.  
Coaxial  
The FM antenna uses a 75-ohm F-connector. See Figure 8.  
Coaxial digital  
audio cable  
Figure 4 – Coaxial Digital Audio  
Optical digital audio connectors are normally covered by a shutter to  
protect them from dust. The shutter opens as the cable is inserted.Input  
connectors are color-coded using a black shutter, while outputs use a  
gray shutter. See Figure 5.  
Figure 8 – FM Antenna  
The AM loop antenna needs to be assembled. Connect the two leads  
to the spring terminals on the receiver. The AM antenna leads are  
polarized, and it is important to color-match the leads and terminals  
to maintain the proper polarity. See Figure 9.  
Optical  
Optical digital  
audio cable  
Figure 5 – Optical Digital Audio  
Analog Audio  
Analog connections require two cables, one for the left channel (white)  
and one for the right channel (red). These two cables are often attached  
to each other for most of their length. See Figure 6. Most sources that  
have digital audio jacks also have analog audio jacks, although some  
older types of sources, such as tape decks, have only analog jacks. For  
sources that are capable of both digital and analog audio, you may wish  
to make both connections. If you wish to record materials from DVDs  
or other copy-protected sources, you may only be able to do so using  
analog connections. Remember to comply with all copyright laws if you  
choose to make a copy for your own personal use.  
Figure 9 – AM Antenna  
To enjoy XM satellite radio, purchase an XM antenna module designed  
for use with XM Ready devices and a subscription to the XM service.  
We recommend the XM Mini-Tuner and Home Dock Bundle, available  
compatible with the HK 3490, but it may no longer be available in  
your area.  
L
Analog audio  
An XM Ready-compatible module uses the special connector on  
the HK 3490’s rear panel that allows you to use the receiver’s tuner,  
including its 40 preset station locations and remote control. Although  
you may use a module with standard audio connections, which may  
be indicated for “car and home use,” you will not be able to enjoy the  
HK 3490’s ease of control.  
cable (RCA)  
R
Figure 6 – Analog Audio  
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SPEAKER PLACEMENT  
Before you begin to connect cables, it is important to set up your  
speakers in their correct locations in the room. See Figure 10.  
Optimally, the front left and right speakers are placed the same distance  
from each other as from the listening position, or about 60 degrees  
apart, and angled toward the listener.  
The subwoofer’s location is less critical, since low-frequency sounds are  
omnidirectional. Placing the subwoofer close to a wall or in a corner will  
reinforce the low frequencies and may create a “boomy” sound. You  
may wish to experiment over time by placing the subwoofer where the  
listener normally sits and then walking around the room until the low  
frequencies sound best. Place the subwoofer in that spot.  
Video Display  
(Optional)  
Subwoofer  
Front Left  
Speaker  
Front Right Speaker  
30°  
30°  
Figure 10 – Speaker Placement  
17  
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INSTALLATION  
muting, when headphones are being used, or when the speakers are  
turned off using the Speaker 1/2 Switch. See Figure 12. Consult the  
manufacturer’s guide for the subwoofer for additional information.  
You are now ready to connect your various components to your receiver.  
Before beginning, make sure that all components, including the HK 3490,  
are turned completely off and their power cords are unplugged. Don’t  
plug in any of the power cords until you have finished making all  
of your connections.  
The receiver generates heat while it is on. Select a location that leaves  
several inches of space on all sides of the receiver. It is preferable to  
avoid completely enclosing the receiver inside a cabinet. It is also  
preferable to place components on separate shelves rather than directly  
on top of the receiver. Some surface finishes are delicate. Try to select  
a location with a sturdy surface finish.  
HK 3490  
SUB  
Step One – Connect the Speakers  
Figure 12 – Subwoofer Connection  
If you have not yet done so, place your speakers in the listening room  
as described in the Speaker Placement section.  
Step Three – Connect the Antennas  
Connect the FM and AM antennas to their terminals, and plug the XM  
antenna module (not included) into its connector. The XM module is  
purchased separately, and must be activated at the time you purchase  
a subscription. See Figure 13.  
Connect the front left and right loudspeakers to the Speaker 1 speaker  
terminals on the HK 3490. Maintain the proper polarity by always  
connecting the positive and negative terminals on each speaker to the  
positive and negative terminals on the receiver. You may place a second  
pair of speakers in another room, or in the same room for additional  
sound power, connecting those speakers to the Speaker 2 Outputs  
and maintaining polarity. Use the Speaker 1/2 Selector on the front  
panel or remote to activate either or both pairs of speakers  
simultaneously. See Figure 11.  
HK 3490  
XM  
HK 3490  
FM  
AM  
Figure 13 – Antenna Connections  
Right (Spkr 1)  
Right (Spkr 2)  
Left (Spkr 2)  
Left (Spkr 1)  
Step Four – Connect the Source Components  
Figure 11 – Speaker Connections  
Use the worksheets in the appendix to note which connections you will  
use for each of your source devices.  
Step Two – Connect the Subwoofer  
For each source, select a source input (Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, etc.).  
In Table A1 in the appendix, we recommend connecting certain types  
of sources to certain source inputs to make it easier to use the remote  
control.  
Connect the Subwoofer Outputs on the HK 3490 to the line-level inputs  
on your subwoofer. The same full-range signal is output through both jacks.  
Thus, you have the option of connecting each jack to the line-level input  
on a separate subwoofer. If both pairs of main speaker outputs are in use in  
different locations, you may install a separate subwoofer with each speaker  
pair. If you have only one subwoofer with a single line-level input, connect  
it to the right Subwoofer Output on the HK 3490. For optional auto turn-  
on/turn-off control over the subwoofer, connect the Subwoofer Trigger  
Output for each subwoofer to the corresponding trigger input on its  
amplifier. This enables the subwoofer to turn on or off together with the  
HK 3490. To further conserve energy, when the trigger connection is made,  
turn the Subwoofer Link Switch on to turn the subwoofer off when the  
corresponding pair of main speakers is not being used, such as during  
The remote is preprogrammed to operate certain Harman Kardon  
components, as shown in Table A1. However, you may connect any  
component with analog audio and/or composite video outputs to  
any source input on the HK 3490, with the exception of the Phono  
Inputs, and you may use the original remote control supplied with  
the component. It is not possible to reprogram the HK 3490 remote,  
or to change the device type associated with any source input.  
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INSTALLATION  
We recommend you follow the guidelines in Table A1 when connecting  
various source components to the HK 3490. However, due to the  
limitations in the design of the HK 3490 remote control, when using  
source components manufactured by other brands, use the device’s  
original remote control to operate it.  
Tape  
The Tape source is used for audio recorders, such as a CDR, MiniDisc  
or cassette deck.  
Connect the output jacks on your recorder to the Tape/CDR Audio  
Input jacks on the HK 3490, and the input jacks on your recorder to  
the Tape/CDR Output jacks on the HK 3490. See Figure 16.  
For each audio-only source, such as a CD player, connect the left and  
right analog audio outputs of the source device to the corresponding  
inputs on the HK 3490.  
For sources that have a digital audio output, connect it to the corresponding  
Optical or Coaxial Digital Audio Input on the HK 3490. You may connect  
a source’s analog and digital audio outputs at the same time; only one  
connection is active at a time. To select the digital audio input, press and  
hold the front-panel Source Selector and simultaneously press the T-Mon  
Selector to change the audio input as follows: Analog, Optical, Coaxial.  
HK 3490  
Figure 16 – Tape/CDR Audio Inputs and Outputs  
To listen to the Tape/CDR source, press the Tape Mon Button. The upper  
line of the Message Display will indicate the last-selected source, which is  
always available at the Tape/CDR Outputs for recording. The T-Mon message  
will flash in the lower line, indicating that the HK 3490 is playing the signal  
present at the Tape/CDR inputs. When the recorder is in Playback-Only  
mode, this signal will originate in the recorder, e.g., when playing a  
commercial CD. If the recorder is in recording mode and has off-head  
playback capability, you may monitor recording of the source displayed  
in the upper line. If the recorder does not have off-head playback, you will  
not be able to monitor the recording. To hear the original source, press the  
Tape Mon Button to stop monitoring the recording.  
For audio/video devices, such as a cable television set-top box, in addition  
to the audio connections, connect the composite video output on the  
set-top box to the corresponding video input jack on the HK 3490.  
Phono (Turntable)  
Connect the audio outputs of your turntable or tonearm with a moving-  
magnet (MM-type) cartridge to the Phono Inputs, and connect the  
ground wire to the Ground Terminal immediately below the Phono Inputs  
(not the AM Antenna Ground Terminal). If the cartridge is a moving-coil  
(MC-type) cartridge, it requires a separate phono preamp (available at  
your local electronics store) before you connect it to the Phono Inputs.  
See Figure 14.  
NOTE: To make recordings, insert blank media in the recording  
device and set it in Recording mode. The fact that a signal  
is always available at the Tape/CDR Outputs doesn’t mean  
recording is taking place if the recorder is not set to record.  
Video 1 Source  
Since this source includes audio and video recording output jacks, it is  
best suited to a video recorder, such as your VCR or DVR, even though  
the remote codes are programmed to operate the DMC 1000. Simply  
use your video recorder’s original remote.  
HK 3490  
Figure 14 – Phono Inputs and Ground  
If your turntable has an MM-type cartridge and a built-in phono preamp,  
do not connect it to the Phono Inputs. Use one of the other available  
audio input sources on the HK 3490.  
Connect your recorder to the Video 1 Audio Inputs and Outputs. Then  
connect the recorder to the Video 1 Composite Video Input and Output.  
See Figure 17.  
Compact Disc (CD) Player  
Connect the analog audio outputs of your CD player (or another audio-  
only device) to the CD Audio Inputs. See Figure 15.  
HK 3490  
Figure 17 – Video 1 A/V Inputs and Outputs  
Remember to connect the audio and video output jacks on your  
recorder to the Video 1Input jacks on the HK 3490, and the audio  
and video input jacks on your recorder to the Video 1Output jacks  
on the HK 3490.  
HK 3490  
Figure 15 – CD Audio Inputs  
19  
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INSTALLATION  
Video 2 Source  
The Video 2 source is used only for playback. Since the remote is  
preprogrammed to operate a Harman Kardon DVD player when the  
Video 2 source is selected, we recommend that you connect a DVD  
player to the Video 2 Inputs.  
HK 3490  
You may have observed that the HK 3490 does not feature surround  
sound decoding, other than Dolby Virtual Speaker. If you prefer the  
complete home theater experience, you may wish to consider  
purchasing a full-featured Harman Kardon AVR Series audio/video  
receiver. However, we hope you will find that using a DVD player with  
the HK 3490 in smaller settings, such as a bedroom or den, surpasses  
the audio performance of most televisions, including those with onboard  
stereo speakers.  
Figure 19 – Front- and Rear-Panel Video 3 A/V Inputs  
Connect the left and right analog audio outputs of the DVD player to  
the Video 2 Audio Inputs on the HK 3490. Then connect the composite  
video output of the DVD player, usually colored yellow, to the Video 2  
Video Input. See Figure 18.  
To connect an iPod to the Video 3 Inputs, insert the 1/8" mini plug on  
the A/V cable included with the HK 3490 into the headphone jack of  
the iPod. Insert the left and right analog audio plugs on the other end of  
the A/V cable into the Video 3 Audio Inputs on the front of the receiver.  
If the iPod is capable of playing videos or displaying images, insert the  
composite video plug of the A/V cable into the Video 3 Video Input.  
NOTE: The iPod classic, iPod touch and iPhone require a special  
cable (not included) for video playback through the HK 3490.  
The cable features a dock receptacle at one end, and conventional  
A/V plugs at the other end that may be connected to the  
information about the cable.  
HK 3490  
Figure 18 – Video 2 Audio and Video Inputs  
When the front-panel inputs and tone controls are not in use, place the  
supplied covers over them for a cleaner appearance by snapping the  
covers in place. To remove the covers, gently press on the left side of  
each cover so that it pivots out.  
NOTE: If you receive your television programming using your  
TV with an antenna or direct cable connection, connect the TV’s  
analog audio outputs (if available) to the Video 2 Analog Audio  
Inputs. Do not connect any video output on the television set to  
any Video Input on the receiver. See Step Five for information on  
connecting the receiver’s Video Monitor Outputs to the television.  
Since the remote is preprogrammed to operate a Harman Kardon DVD  
player when the Video 3 source has been selected, use the source  
device’s original remote to control other components, or operate an  
iPod using its own controls.  
Video 3 Source  
The Video 3 source is used only for playback.The Video 3 source has  
two sets of input jacks, one located on the HK 3490’s rear panel and  
one set on the front panel. If you wish to connect a video device more  
or less permanently, you may prefer to connect it to the rear-panel  
inputs for a neater appearance. You may prefer to reserve the front-  
panel inputs for devices connected on a temporary basis, such as an  
iPod (not included), a camcorder, a game console, or another type of  
media player with analog audio and/or video outputs.  
Docking Station  
With the optional The Bridge II docking station, you can listen to audio  
or view videos stored on your iPod, iPod touch or iPhone (not included),  
use your HK 3490 remote control to operate the iPod, and even charge  
the iPod while it’s docked in The Bridge II docking station. Simply plug  
the proprietary cable from The Bridge II unit into the special connector  
on the rear of the HK 3490. See Figure 20. Refer to the owner’s  
manual for The Bridge II model for more information.  
You may connect devices to both the front- and rear-panel inputs  
simultaneously. To select either device, press the Video 3 Source Selector  
on the HK 3490’s front panel or remote repeatedly. When VIDEO 3  
appears on the front panel of the HK 3490, the rear-panel inputs are  
active. When VIDEO F appears, the front-panel inputs are active.  
Connect the left and right analog audio outputs of your device to the  
corresponding Video 3 Inputs on either the front or rear panel, and  
if available, connect the composite video output of the device to the  
Video 3 Video Input on the same panel. See Figure 19.  
HK 3490  
Figure 20 – The Bridge II Connection  
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INSTALLATION  
Step Five – Connect the Video Display  
Only video connections should be made between the receiver and  
your video display (TV), unless your TV is the source for your television  
programming (see note below Figure 18).  
Step Seven – Connect Optional External  
Equipment  
If you wish to use the HK 3490 with an external power amplifier,  
remove the jumpers connecting the Preamp Outputs and Main-Amp  
Inputs. Store the jumpers in a safe place in case they are needed in the  
future. Connect the left and right Preamp Outputs of the HK 3490 to  
the analog audio inputs on the external power amplifier. See Figure 23.  
To view video or images played by your source devices, connect the  
Video Monitor Output of the HK 3490 to a Composite Video Input on  
your television or video display. See Figure 21. Consult the manual for  
your TV so that you understand how to select the correct video input.  
HK 3490  
Figure 23 – Preamp Outputs and Main-Amp Inputs  
HK 3490  
Figure 21 – Video Monitor Output  
You may adjust the Volume and Tone Controls using the HK 3490’s  
front panel or remote (volume only).  
Step Six – Connect the Remote IR Input and  
Output (Optional)  
The HK 3490 is equipped with a Remote IR Input and a Remote IR  
Output to facilitate use of your system with a remote control in a variety  
of situations.  
If you wish to install an external processor, such as an equalizer, connect  
it to the Preamp Outputs and Main-Amp Inputs. Remove the jumpers  
and store them in a safe place. Connect the HK 3490’s Preamp Outputs  
to the processor’s analog audio inputs, and then connect the processor’s  
analog audio outputs to the Main-Amp Inputs on the HK 3490.  
When the HK 3490 is placed in such a way that aiming the remote at  
the front-panel IR sensor is difficult, such as inside a cabinet or facing  
away from the listener, you may connect an external IR receiver, such  
as the optional Harman Kardon HE 1000, to the Remote IR Input jack.  
Alternatively, you may connect the external processor to the HK 3490’s  
Tape Monitor Loop. See Figure 16.  
Step Eight – Plug In AC Power  
If any of your source devices are equipped with a compatible Remote IR  
Input, use a 1/8" mini-plug interconnect cable (not included) to connect  
the HK 3490’s Remote IR Output to the source device’s Remote IR  
Input, which will pass any applicable remote signals transmitted through  
the HK 3490 to the source device. This enables you to control your  
sources even when the HK 3490 itself is controlled via an external  
IR receiver.  
Having made all of your wiring connections, it is now time to plug each  
component’s AC power cord into a working outlet.  
You may plug two devices into the AC Switched Accessory Outlets on  
the rear of the HK 3490. See Figure 24. Make sure each device draws  
no more than 100 watts. The devices should have their mechanical or  
master power switches turned on, and they will power on any time the  
HK 3490 is turned on.  
To control more than one source device using the Remote IR Output,  
connect all sources in “daisy chain” fashion, with the HK 3490’s Remote  
IR Output connected to the first device’s Remote IR Input, that device’s  
Remote IR Output connected to the next device’s Remote IR Input, and  
so forth. See Figure 22.  
HK 3490  
Figure 24 – AC Switched Accessory Outlets  
Step Nine – Insert Batteries in Remote  
The HK 3490 remote control uses four AAA batteries, which are included.  
HK 3490  
Figure 22 – Remote IR Input and Output  
To remove the battery cover located on the back of the remote,  
squeeze the tab and lift the cover.  
NOTE: Not all remote-controllable devices are equipped with  
compatible IR inputs and outputs. Check with the manufacturer  
of the source device for more information on the type of IR  
signal expected. The HK 3490 will output a “stripped carrier”  
IR signal.  
Insert the batteries as shown in the diagram, making sure to observe  
the correct polarity. See Figure 25.  
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INSTALLATION  
Figure 25 – Remote Battery Compartment  
When using the remote, point the lens toward the front panel of  
the HK 3490. Make sure no objects, such as furniture, are blocking  
the remote’s path to the receiver. Bright lights, fluorescent lights and  
plasma video displays may interfere with the remote’s functioning.  
The remote has a range of about 20 feet, depending on the lighting  
conditions. It may be used at an angle of up to 30 degrees to either  
side of the HK 3490.  
If the remote seems to operate intermittently, then make sure the batteries  
have been inserted correctly, or replace the batteries with fresh ones.  
Step Ten – Turn On the HK 3490  
Place the HK 3490 in Standby mode by turning on the Main Power Switch  
on the rear panel. The Power Indicator will turn amber. The HK 3490 may  
be turned on from Standby mode by pressing the Power Switch or any  
Source Selector on either the front panel or the remote. See Figures 26  
and 27.  
Figure 26 – Front-Panel Power Switch  
Figure 27 – Remote Control Power Switch  
22  
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OPERATION  
Now that you have installed your system components, you are ready  
to begin enjoying your new audio system.  
in use and the Subwoofer Link Switch is on, muting will turn off the  
subwoofer’s amplifier to conserve energy. The MUTE message will flash  
in the display as a reminder. To restore normal audio, either press the  
Mute Button again, or adjust the volume. Turning off the HK 3490 will  
also end muting.  
Turning On the HK 3490  
After you plug the power cord into an AC outlet and turn on the Main Power  
Switch on the rear panel, the Power Indicator should light up in amber. This  
indicates that the HK 3490 is in Standby mode and is ready to be turned  
on. See Figure 26.  
The HK 3490 may be turned on by pressing the Power Switch or any  
Source Selector on the front panel or the remote. See Figures 26 and 27.  
Figure 29 – Mute Buttons  
Sleep Timer  
The Power Indicator will turn white to indicate that the HK 3490 is on.  
If the PROTECT message appears in the Message Display, unplug the  
receiver from AC power and check all of your wires and connections.  
Make sure no speaker wires are shorting out by touching each other,  
and that there are no breaks in the insulation covering any of the speaker  
wires, interconnects or the power cord. If the PROTECT message still  
appears when you plug in the HK 3490 and try to turn it on again,  
bring the receiver to an authorized Harman Kardon service center for  
assistance.  
You may program the HK 3490 to play for up to 90 minutes and then  
turn off automatically using the sleep timer.  
Press the Sleep Button on the front panel or remote, and the time until  
turn-off will be displayed. Each additional press of the Sleep Button will  
reduce the time until turn-off by 10 minutes, until the OFF setting is  
reached, which disables the sleep timer. See Figures 30 and 31.  
To turn the receiver off, press the Power Switch on the front panel,  
or press the Power Off Button on the remote. When the HK 3490 is  
left unplugged, any settings you have programmed, including system  
configuration and preset radio stations, will be preserved indefinitely.  
Figure 30 – Front-Panel Sleep Button  
Figure 31 – Remote Control Sleep Button  
When the sleep timer has been set, the front-panel display will  
automatically dim to half-brightness. If you press any button on the  
remote or front panel, the display will return to full-brightness. The  
display will dim again several seconds after your last command.  
Volume Control  
The volume may be adjusted either by turning the knob on the front  
panel (clockwise to increase volume or counterclockwise to decrease  
volume), or by pressing the Volume Control Buttons on the remote. See  
Figure 28. The volume is displayed as a negative number of decibels  
(dB) below the 0dB reference point. Unlike some volume controls on  
other products, 0dB is the maximum volume for the HK 3490. Although  
it’s physically possible to turn the volume to a higher level, doing so may  
damage your hearing and your speakers. For certain more-dynamic  
audio materials, even 0dB may be too high, allowing for damage to  
equipment.  
If you press the Sleep Button after the timer has been set, the remaining  
time until turn-off will be displayed. You may press the Sleep Button to  
change the time until turn-off. Pressing and holding the Sleep Button will  
disable the sleep timer, and the SLEEP OFF message will appear.  
Tone Controls  
You may boost or cut either the treble or the bass frequencies by up  
to 10dB.  
The Bass and Treble Tone Controls may be adjusted using the knobs on  
the front panel. Remove the front-panel covers if necessary, then gently  
press the desired control knob until it unlatches and pops out. Turn the  
appropriate knob counterclockwise to reduce the levels of the low  
frequencies (Bass Control) or the high frequencies (Treble Control), and  
turn it clockwise to increase the levels for the low or high frequencies.  
See Figure 32.  
Figure 28 – Volume Controls  
The HK 3490 is designed to reproduce audio with a minimum amount  
of distortion. This clarity may lead you to believe that your hearing and  
the equipment can handle higher volumes. We urge caution with regard  
to volume levels.  
Mute Function  
Figure 32 – Tone Controls  
To temporarily mute all speakers and the headphones, press the Mute  
Button on the front panel or remote. See Figure 29. Any recording in  
progress will not be affected. If the Subwoofer Trigger Outputs are  
You may also adjust the balance to compensate for speaker placement  
or the acoustic characteristics of your listening room. Ideally, the audio  
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OPERATION  
should be heard most clearly at a point exactly midway between the left  
and right speakers, unless the artist has mixed the recording in a way  
that pans sounds to one side or the other. If your speakers are not  
placed the same distance from the listening position, or if your room has  
other unusual characteristics, gently press the Balance Control knob until  
it unlatches and pops out. Then turn it counterclockwise to move the  
sound toward the left speaker or clockwise to move the sound toward  
the right speaker. See Figure 33.  
Switch is on, the trigger signal will be deactivated, turning off the  
subwoofer amplifier and conserving energy when the subwoofer is  
not needed.  
Source Selection  
Select a source device connected to the HK 3490 for playback by  
pressing its associated button on the front panel or remote control.  
See Figure 36.  
Figure 33 – Balance Control  
The Balance Control reduces the level of the speaker opposite the  
pointer. For example, turning the knob from the midpoint toward “R”  
reduces the level of the left speaker, leaving the right speaker unaffected.  
If two pairs of speakers are connected to the HK 3490, then both will  
be affected.  
Figure 36 – Source Selectors  
To enjoy video sources, make sure to connect the device’s composite  
video output to the correct Video Input on the HK 3490. In addition,  
connect the HK 3490’s Video Monitor Output to an input on your  
television or video display.  
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not attempt to install the front-panel  
covers with the Tone and Balance Control knobs in the unlatched  
position. Gently press each knob until it latches. When locked,  
the controls cannot be adjusted, preventing inadvertent changes  
to your desired settings.  
To select whether the source will use its analog audio input or one of  
the digital audio inputs, press and hold the front-panel Source Selector  
and simultaneously tap the front-panel T-Mon Button repeatedly until the  
desired input appears in the Message Display. Audio input selection  
requires use of the front-panel controls and cannot be selected using  
the remote control.  
Headphones  
Plug the 1/4" plug on a pair of headphones into the headphone jack on  
the front of the receiver for private listening. See Figure 34.  
To select a device connected to either the front- or rear-panel Video 3  
Inputs, press the front-panel or remote Video 3 Source Selector  
repeatedly to toggle between the front- and rear-panel Video 3 Inputs,  
as indicated in the front-panel display. When the front-panel inputs are  
not in use, you may snap the supplied cover over them. Remove the  
cover by pressing on the left side until it pivots outward.  
Figure 34 – Headphone Jack  
If you have connected a three-head tape deck to the Tape/CDR Inputs,  
you may monitor a recording while it is being made so that you can  
confirm that the correct program material is being recorded and make any  
necessary adjustments to the recording level. Press the T-Mon Button on  
the front panel to hear playback from the tape deck’s playback head.  
When the recording is being monitored, the T-MON message will flash.  
Press the T-Mon Button again to hear the original source.  
Speaker 1/2  
The HK 3490 may be used with up to two pairs of speakers for  
additional sound power in the main listening room or if you wish to  
place the second pair of speakers in another room, or even outdoors  
(when you select weather-resistant loudspeakers). Select each pair of  
speakers by pressing its associated button on either the front panel or  
remote. See Figure 35.  
NOTES:  
• The HK 3490 is not an audio/video surround sound receiver.  
It is only capable of playing source programs in one- or two-  
channel formats, and any information encoded in additional  
channels will be lost. The HK 3490 cannot decode digital  
surround-sound programs. If you have connected the analog  
audio and composite video outputs of a DVD player to the  
HK 3490, remember to select two-channel audio in the DVD  
player and disc menus. However, you may press the DSP  
Surround Button to select a Dolby Virtual Surround mode  
(Reference or Wide) to expand the presentation of the sound  
field even though only two main loudspeakers are in use.  
Figure 35 – Speaker 1/2 Buttons  
Press the button a second time to deactivate that pair of speakers. You  
may activate both speaker pairs simultaneously, or deactivate both pairs  
for private listening through the headphones. When either of the speaker  
pairs are deactivated, if the corresponding Subwoofer Trigger Output is  
connected to the subwoofer and the corresponding Subwoofer Link  
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OPERATION  
• The HK 3490 does not switch the last-selected video source  
when an audio-only source, such as Phono, CD or Tape/CDR,  
is selected subsequently. It is not possible to view video while  
listening to an audio-only source.  
Using the Tuner (AM, FM and XM Modes)  
The HK 3490’s built-in tuner may be selected in one of two ways  
(see Figure 37):  
Figure 38 – Tuning a Station  
1. Press the front-panel AM or FM Button. The front-panel FM Button  
toggles between the FM and XM bands.  
When an FM station has been tuned, pressing the FM Mode Button will  
switch between stereo and mono tuning, which may improve reception  
of weaker stations. See Figure 39.  
2. Press the AM, FM or XM Button on the remote.  
Figure 37 – Tuner Input Selection  
Figure 39 – FM Mode Button  
Radio stations may be selected in one of five ways (see Figures 3840):  
To store a station in one of the 30 AM/FM presets (see Figure 40):  
1. Tune the desired station.  
1. If you know the frequency number, enter it directly by first pressing  
the Direct Button on the remote, and then using the Numeric Keys. It  
is not necessary to press the Direct Button when XM Radio is in use.  
2. Press the Memory Button on the remote.  
2. After you have programmed preset stations (see below), either enter  
the preset number (1 through 30) using the remote or use the front-  
panel Preset Stations Button to scroll through the list of presets.  
When XM Radio is in use, first press the FM Mode Button repeatedly  
‹ ›  
3. Use the Numeric Keys to enter the desired preset number.  
To clear a station from the preset memory:  
1. Tune the preset station using any of the methods described above.  
2. Press the Memory Button.  
to select Preset Search mode. Then use the  
/
Buttons to select  
a lettered bank of presets. To select a numbered preset within a  
bank, make sure the HK 3490 is in Preset Search mode, then use  
⁄ ¤  
3. Within five seconds, press the Clear Button.  
the Numeric Keys, the  
/
Buttons or the Preset Stations Buttons.  
3. In Auto Tuning mode, press and hold the Tuning Buttons (front-panel  
or remote) to scan in the chosen direction until a station with  
acceptable signal strength is detected.  
4. In Manual Tuning mode, with each press of the Tuning Buttons the  
HK 3490 will tune the next frequency increment (0.1MHz for FM,  
or 10kHz for AM) in the selected direction.  
NOTE: When XM Radio is in use, there are no auto or manual  
⁄ ¤  
tuning modes. Use the Tuning Button or  
/
Buttons (only  
when in All Channel Search mode) to select a channel. Press  
and hold the button to search faster.  
5. Press the Preset Scan Button on the front panel or remote to scan  
through the previously programmed preset stations. The tuner will  
pause for five seconds at each frequency before tuning to the next  
preset. Press the Preset Scan Button again to select the current  
station and stop scanning. When XM Radio is in use, this button is  
used to change the display as follows: channel name and number,  
category, artist and song title.  
Figure 40 – Programming Presets  
When XM Radio is in use, programming presets is somewhat different.  
1. Tune to the desired channel.  
2. Press the Memory Button on the remote.  
‹ ›  
3. Use the  
4. Use the  
/
Buttons to select the desired preset bank (A through E).  
⁄ ¤  
/
Buttons to select a numbered location (1 through 8).  
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OPERATION  
5. Press the Memory Button on the remote to complete the process  
and let the HK 3490 return to normal operation.  
In normal operation, information from the iPod will appear in the HK 3490’s  
Message Display. While a track is playing, its title will scroll once on the  
upper line, and the elapsed and remaining track times will appear on the  
lower line. While navigating the iPod, the menu title or current setting will  
appear on the upper line, and the current menu line or setting option will  
appear on the lower line.  
To delete an XM Radio preset, tune to the preset station and press the  
Clear Button. To delete all XM Radio presets in all banks, press and hold  
the Clear Button until the ALL DELETED message appears. Table 2 may  
be helpful to you as a reference while using the XM Radio tuner.  
Table 3 summarizes the controls available when The Bridge II unit is in use.  
Table 2 – Using the XM Radio Tuner  
Table 3 – Using The Bridge II  
XM Radio Function  
Remote Control Key  
Front-Panel Button  
iPod Function  
Play  
Remote Control Key Front Panel-Button  
Toggle Search Modes  
FM Mode  
FM Mode  
Play ( )  
Pause ( || )  
Menu  
Preset Scan  
Preset Scan  
FM Mode  
Preset Up/Up Arrow (  
Preset Down/Down Arrow  
Tuning Up  
)
¤
Preset Up  
Preset Down  
Tuning Up  
Scroll Preset Numbers (18)  
Channel Search  
(
)
Pause  
Menu  
Tuning Down  
Tuning Down  
Select  
OK  
Preset Scan  
Preset Up  
Display Mode  
Preset Scan  
Preset Scan  
Scroll Reverse  
Scroll Forward  
Forward Search/Next Track  
Up Arrow (  
)
Exit All Channel Search  
Changes Category  
Changes Preset Group  
Enter/OK  
¤
Down Arrow (  
)
Preset Down  
Tuning Up  
Left/Right Arrow ()  
/
N/A  
Right Arrow ( › › )  
l
Reverse Search/Previous Track Left Arrow ( )  
Tuning Down  
l
OK  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
Switch between normal operation Press and hold Menu Press and hold  
and iPod Manual mode FM Mode Button  
Preset Memory Mode  
Memory  
When the HK 3490 is in Standby mode, the iPod is not charged.  
It is not possible to view videos or still images stored on the iPod.  
Clear Preset Memory Mode Clear  
Clear All Preset Memories  
Enter Numeric Numbers  
Press and Hold Clear  
09 Numeric Keys  
To access the full functions of the iPod, press and hold the Menu Button  
(FM Mode Button on front panel) to switch it to Manual mode. You may  
navigate the iPod using the HK 3490 remote while viewing its menus on  
the iPod screen. Manual mode allows access to functions such as Repeat  
and Shuffle. Although the audio portion of video content may be played,  
it will not be possible to view the content on a video display connected  
to the HK 3490. To return to normal operation, press and hold the Menu  
Button again until the check mark appears on the screen of the iPod.  
Auto Preset (FM Only)  
You may automatically program all FM radio stations in your area that  
are received with acceptable signal strength into the HK 3490’s presets.  
Press and hold the Auto Preset Button until the Memory and Preset  
Indicators flash in the front-panel display. The tuner will automatically  
scan through the entire FM band, entering all stations with acceptable  
signal strength into the presets until either all 30 presets have been  
filled, or the tuner has scanned the band twice.  
Recording  
NOTE: If there are a large number of FM stations in your area,  
Auto Preset will overwrite any presets you programmed previously.  
Stations with exceptionally strong signals may be programmed  
into more than one preset.  
Two-channel analog audio signals, as well as composite video signals,  
are normally available at the appropriate recording outputs. Thus, to  
make a recording, you need only make sure to connect your audio  
or video recorder to the appropriate output jacks, as described in the  
Installation section, insert blank media and make sure the recorder is  
turned on and recording while the source is playing.  
Using  
Docking Station  
You may monitor your recording if your recorder has separate record  
and playback heads. Press the front-panel T-Mon Button to monitor the  
recording using the playback head, indicated by the T-MON message  
flashing. This will not affect the recording being made from the original  
source. To hear the original source again, press the T-Mon Button again.  
The Bridge II docking station is an optional unit that may be used with a  
compatible iPod, iPod touch or iPhone (not included). When The Bridge II  
docking station is connected to its proprietary input on the HK 3490  
and the iPod is docked, you may play the audio materials on your iPod  
through your high-quality audio system, operate the iPod using the HK 3490  
remote or the HK 3490’s front-panel controls, and charge the iPod.  
If your recorder does not have off-head playback, then you will not hear  
anything when you press the T-Mon Button, unless the recorder is being  
used for playback.  
Either press the front-panel Phono Selector repeatedly until the  
DMP/THE BRIDGE IS CONNECTED message scrolls across the front  
panel, or press The Bridge Button on the remote to select The Bridge II  
docking station as the input source.  
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OPERATION  
NOTE: Please make certain that you are aware of any copyright  
restrictions on any material you record. Unauthorized duplication  
of copyrighted materials is prohibited by federal law.  
Dim Function  
Some people find the front-panel messages distracting and would prefer  
to dim them or turn them off altogether.  
To dim the display, press the Dim Button on the front panel or remote.  
Each button press will cycle through the three settings of:  
VFD FULL: Normal brightness  
VFD HALF: Display is dimmed but still visible; the light inside the  
volume knob goes dark  
VFD OFF: Display goes completely dark except for Power Indicator  
to remind you that the receiver is turned on  
NOTE: When the remote is in the device mode for either the  
Video 1 or Video 2 source, the Dimmer Button on the remote  
will only affect the source device (if compatible), and will not  
affect the HK 3490.  
Processor Reset  
If you wish to fully reset the HK 3490 to its factory defaults, or if it  
behaves erratically after a power surge, first turn the Master Power  
Switch off and unplug the AC power cord for at least three minutes.  
Plug the cord back in and turn the receiver back on. If this doesn’t  
help, you may want to try a system reset.  
NOTE: A system reset erases all user configurations, including tuner  
presets. After a reset, you will need to reenter all of these settings.  
Place the receiver in Standby mode by pressing the Power Switch so  
that the Power Indicator turns amber. Simultaneously press and hold the  
front-panel Preset Scan and Mute Buttons for at least five seconds until  
the software version number, followed by the RESET message, appears  
in the display.  
The unit will return to Standby mode, and you may power it on.  
You may reset the HK 3490 by using a sharp object to press the rear-  
panel Reset Button. This method does not erase user configurations.  
If the receiver still does not function correctly after a processor reset,  
contact an authorized Harman Kardon service center for assistance.  
Memory  
If the HK 3490 is unplugged or experiences a power outage, it will  
retain user settings indefinitely.  
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  
SYMPTOM  
CAUSE  
SOLUTION  
Unit does not function when Main  
Power Switch is pushed  
• No AC power  
• Make certain AC power cord is plugged into  
a live outlet  
• Check to see whether outlet is switch-controlled  
Display lights, but there’s no  
sound or picture  
• Intermittent input connections  
• Make certain that all input and speaker connections  
are secure  
• Mute is on  
• Press Mute Button  
• Volume Control is down  
• Desired source not selected  
• Speakers deactivated  
• Headphones are in use  
• Turn up Volume Control  
• Press correct Source Selector  
• Press Speaker 1 or Speaker 2 Button  
• Unplug headphones  
• Jumper pins between Preamp Outputs • Replace jumper pins or, if external amplifier  
and Main-Amp Inputs were removed  
is in use, make sure it is turned on  
No sound from any speaker;  
light around Power Switch is red  
• 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 center  
Unit does not respond to  
remote commands  
• Weak batteries in remote  
• Remote sensor is obscured  
• Change remote batteries  
• Make certain front-panel sensor is visible to remote  
or connect an optional remote sensor  
Intermittent buzzing in tuner  
• Local interference  
• Move unit or antenna away from computers, fluorescent  
lights, motors or other electrical appliances  
Audio sources sound distorted  
• CD player or other audio device  
incorrectly plugged into Phono Inputs  
• Only plug a device into the Phono Inputs if it is a  
turntable with a moving-magnet cartridge, or if it is a  
turntable with a moving-coil cartridge with a phono preamp  
• Turntable not plugged into Phono Inputs • Do not use a turntable with any inputs other than the Phono  
Inputs, unless it has a moving-magnet-type cartridge and  
includes a phono preamp  
No video image  
• Source device’s video output not  
connected to HK 3490  
• Connect the source’s composite video output to  
the correct video input on the HK 3490  
• Wrong source selected  
• Video Monitor Output not connected  
to display  
• Wrong video input on video  
display selected  
• Audio-only source selected  
• Press the correct Source Selector on the HK 3490  
• Connect the HK 3490’s Video Monitor Output to a composite  
video input on your television or video display  
• Consult the manual for your television for instructions on  
selecting the correct video input  
• It is not possible to view video while listening to the  
Phono, Tape/CDR or CD sources or to the tuner  
In addition to the items shown above, additional information on troubleshooting possible problems with your HK 3490, or on installation-related issues,  
28  
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HK 3490 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
Audio Section  
Stereo Mode:  
Continuous Average Power (FTC):  
AM Tuner Section  
Frequency Range:  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  
Usable Sensitivity:  
Distortion:  
520 – 1720kHz  
>40dB  
Loop 500µV/M  
1kHz, 50% Mod 0.8%  
10kHz, >25dB  
120 Watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz,  
@ <0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms  
150 Watts per channel, 20Hz – 20kHz  
Selectivity:  
@ <0.2% THD, both channels driven into 4 ohms  
Video Section  
Input Sensitivity/Impedance  
Linear (High-Level):  
Television Format:  
Signal Format:  
Input Level:  
NTSC/PAL/SECAM  
Composite  
1Vp-p  
200mV/47k ohms  
95dB  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A):  
Input Impedance:  
Sync Polarity:  
Output Level:  
75 Ohms, unbalanced  
Negative  
1Vp-p  
Frequency Response @ 1W (+0dB, –3dB): 10Hz 110kHz  
High Instantaneous Current Capability (HCC):  
45 Amps  
Transient Intermodulation  
Distortion (TIM):  
Rise Time:  
Output Impedance:  
Video Frequency Response:  
75 Ohms, unbalanced  
10Hz – 10MHz  
Unmeasurable  
16 µsec  
Slew Rate:  
40V/µsec  
General  
Power Requirement:  
Power Consumption:  
AC 120V/60Hz  
FM Tuner Section  
Frequency Range:  
Usable Sensitivity:  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  
Distortion:  
<
1W standby, 310W maximum  
87.5 – 108.0MHz  
IHF 1.3µV/13.5dBf  
Mono/Stereo 73/72dB  
Mono/Stereo 0.3/0.4%  
40dB @ 1kHz  
400kHz, 65dB  
>80dB  
>100dB  
(both channels driven)  
Dimensions:  
Width:  
Height:  
(Product)  
(Shipping)  
17-3/8" (442mm)  
6-3/8" (163mm)  
15" (382mm)  
(Product)  
22" (560mm)  
10-5/8" (270mm)  
18-5/16" (465mm)  
(Shipping)  
Stereo Separation:  
Selectivity:  
Image Rejection:  
IF Rejection:  
Depth:  
Weight:  
23 lb (10.4kg)  
27.3 lb (12.4kg)  
Tuner Output Level:  
1kHz, 100kHz, Dev 500mV  
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 trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the  
United States and/or other countries. Designed to Entertain and The Bridge logo are trademarks  
of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.  
CEA is a registered trademark of the Consumer Electronics Association.  
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.  
iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other  
countries. iPhone and Shuffle are trademarks of Apple Inc.  
XM and XM Ready are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio.  
At the same time, you can choose to be notified about new products and/or special promotions.  
29  
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APPENDIX  
Table A1 – Remote Control Device Types  
Source Input  
Phono  
Remote Control Device Type  
Operates HK 3490 only  
Video 1  
Video 2  
Video 3  
Tape/CDR  
CD  
Harman Kardon DMC 1000  
Harman Kardon DVD player  
Harman Kardon DVD player  
Harman Kardon CD recorder  
Harman Kardon CD player  
Operates HK 3490 only  
AM/FM  
Table A2 – Subwoofer Trigger Output Operation  
Subwoofer Link Switch Status  
Main Speaker Signal Status  
Trigger Output Status  
Subwoofer Output Status  
Subwoofer Output Audio Signal Status  
Switch  
Status  
Speaker Pair  
Audio Signal Status  
Trigger Output  
Status  
High  
Low  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
OFF  
1
2
1
2
ON  
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
High  
Low  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
High  
High  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
High  
High  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
Note: Each switch only affects its correspondingly numbered Subwoofer Output and Trigger Output.  
30  
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APPENDIX  
Table A3 – Remote Control Function List  
Button  
Phono  
VID 1  
VID 2  
VID 3/VID Front  
DVD Player  
Control Codes  
Tape MON/CDR  
CD Recorder  
Control Codes  
CD  
AM  
FM  
XM  
The Bridge  
Contols  
iPod/iPhone  
Controls  
DMC 1000  
Control Codes  
DVD Player  
Control Codes  
CD Player/Changer  
Control Codes  
Controls  
Controls  
HK 3490 only  
Controls  
HK 3490 only  
HK 3490 only  
HK 3490 only  
Power On  
Power Off  
Speakers 1  
Speakers 2  
Phono  
System Power On  
System Power Off  
System/DMC Power On  
System/DMC Power Off  
System/DVD Power On  
System/DVD Power Off  
Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off  
Phono Select  
System/DVD Power On System/CDR Power On  
System/DVD Power Off System/CDR Power Off  
System/CD Power On  
System/CD Power Off  
Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off  
Phono Select  
System Power On  
System Power Off  
Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off  
Phono Select  
System Power On  
System Power Off  
Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off  
Phono Select  
System Power On  
System Power Off  
Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off  
Phono Select  
System Power On  
System Power Off  
Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off  
Phono Select  
Speakers 1 On/Off Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off Speakers 2 On/Off  
Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off  
Phono Select  
Speakers 1 On/Off  
Speakers 2 On/Off  
Phono Select  
Phono Select  
Phono Select  
CD  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
CD Select/CD  
Power On  
VID 1  
VID 2  
VID 3  
VID 1 Select/DMC VID 1 Select/DMC  
VID 1 Select/DMC  
Power On  
VID 1 Select/DMC  
Power On  
VID 1 Select/DMC  
Power On  
VID 1 Select/DMC  
Power On  
VID 1 Select/DMC  
Power On  
VID 1 Select/DMC  
Power On  
VID 1 Select/DMC  
Power On  
VID 1 Select/DMC  
Power On  
Power On  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 2 Select/DVD  
Power On  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
VID 3 Select/VID  
Front Select  
FM  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
FM Select  
AM Select  
AM  
Tape Mon.  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
Tape, Mon/CDR  
Select/CDR  
Power On  
XM  
XM Select  
XM Select  
XM Select  
XM Select  
XM Select  
XM Select  
The Bridge Select  
CD Time Display Mode  
DSP Mode  
CD Program Check  
CD 1  
XM Select  
XM Select  
XM Select  
XM Select  
The Bridge  
The Bridge Select  
The Bridge Select  
The Bridge Select  
The Bridge Select  
The Bridge Select  
The Bridge Select  
The Bridge Select  
The Bridge Select  
Search Mode  
DSP Mode  
The Bridge Select  
FM Mode  
DMC Status  
DVD Status  
DVD Playlist  
MP3  
FM Mode  
DSP Mode  
DSP Mode  
DSP Mode  
DSP Mode  
DSP Mode  
DSP Mode  
DSP Mode  
DSP Mode  
DSP Mode  
Auto Preset  
DMC Subtitle  
DVD Subtitle  
DVD Subtitle On/Off  
CDR Program Check  
Auto Preset  
Auto Preset  
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
2
2
2
2
CD 2  
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
CD 3  
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
CD 4  
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
CD 5  
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
CD 6  
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
CD 7  
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
CD 8  
8
8
9
9
9
9
9
CD 9  
9
9
Direct  
0
DMC Info  
0
DVD Info  
0
DVD Chapter  
0
CDR Auto/Manual  
0
CD + 10  
CD 0  
Frequency Direct  
0
Frequency Direct  
0
0
Clear  
Memory  
1
DMC Clear  
DVD Clear  
DVD Audio  
DVD Up  
DVD Clear  
DVD Return  
DVD Up  
CDR Clear  
CDR Program  
CDP Select  
CD Clear  
CD Program  
Clear  
Clear  
Clear Preset  
Memory  
Preset Tuning Up/  
Channel Up  
Memory/Store  
Preset Tuning Up  
Memory/Store  
Preset Tuning Up  
DMC Up  
Scroll Reverse  
Menu  
DMC Setup/Main Menu  
DMC Left  
DVD Setup  
DVD Left  
DVD Setup  
DVD Left  
CDR Level Indicator  
CDP Level Indicator  
Menu  
Search Reverse  
CD Volume Down  
Preset Bank Down/  
Category Channel Down  
7
OK  
DMC Enter  
DMC Right  
DVD Enter  
DVD Right  
DVD Enter  
DVD Right  
CDR Random Play  
CD Random Play  
CD Volume Up  
OK  
Select  
CDR Track Increment  
Preset Bank Up/  
Category Channel Down  
Search Forward  
3
Preset Scan  
DMC Title  
DMC Down  
DVD Title  
DVD Down  
DVD Intro Scan  
DVD Down  
CDP Intro Scan  
CDR Select  
CD Intro Scan  
Preset Scan  
Preset Tuning Down  
Preset Scan  
Preset Tuning Down  
Display Info  
Preset Tuning Down/  
Channel Down  
Scroll Forward  
5
Disc Menu  
Volume Up  
Mute  
DMC Disc Menu  
Volume Up  
DVD Disc Menu  
Volume Up  
DVD Disc Menu  
Volume Up  
CDR Intro Scan  
Volume Up  
CD Display  
Volume Up  
Audio Mute  
Volume Up  
Volume Up  
Volume Up  
Volume Up  
Volume Up  
Audio Mute  
Audio Mute  
Audio Mute  
Audio Mute  
Audio Mute  
Audio Mute  
Audio Mute  
Audio Mute  
Audio Mute  
Tuning Up  
DVD Zoom  
DVD Page +  
Volume Down  
DVD Page –  
DVD Prev/Step  
CDR Display  
Volume Down  
CDP Display  
CDR Skip Down  
CD Disc Skip +  
Volume Down  
CD Disc Skip –  
CD Track Skip Down  
Tuning Up  
Tuning Up  
Channel Up  
Volume Down  
Tuning Down  
Preset Down |  
Volume Down  
Volume Down  
DMC Audio  
Volume Down  
DVD Audio Mode  
DVD Prev/Step  
Volume Down  
Tuning Down  
Preset Tuning Down  
Volume Down  
Tuning Down  
Preset Tuning Down  
Volume Down  
Channel Down  
Preset Tuning Down  
Volume Down  
DMC Prev/Step  
Track Skip Down  
Pause  
77  
Pause ||  
DMC Pause  
DVD Pause  
DVD Pause  
CDR Pause  
CD Pause  
33  
Preset Up  
|
DMC Next/Step  
DVD Next/Step  
DVD Next/Step  
CDR Skip Up  
CD Track Skip Up  
Preset Tuning Up  
Preset Tuning Up  
Preset Tuning Up  
Channel Down  
Track Skip Up  
Search  
Backward  
DMC Search/Slow  
Reverse  
DVD Search/Slow  
Reverse  
DVD Search/Slow  
Reverse  
CDR Search Reverse  
CD Search Reverse  
77  
Play  
DMC Play  
DVD Play  
DVD Play  
CDR Play/Select  
CD Play  
Play  
Search  
Forward 33  
Rec  
DMC Search/Slow  
Forward  
DVD Search/Slow  
Forward  
DVD Search/Slow  
Forward  
CDR Search Forward  
CD Search Forward  
Channel Up  
DMC Record  
DMC Stop  
DVD Video Off  
DVD Stop  
DVD Video Off  
DVD Stop  
CDP Text Readout  
CDR Stop  
Stop  
CD Stop  
Dimmer  
Dimmer  
DMC Dimmer  
DMC Video Mode  
DVD Dimmer  
DVD Repeat  
DVD A-B Repeat  
DVD Angle  
Dimmer  
Dimmer  
Dimmer  
Dimmer  
Dimmer  
Dimmer  
Dimmer  
Repeat (V. Mode)  
A-B (Source)  
Sleep  
DVD Repeat  
DVD A-B Repeat  
Sleep Timer  
CDR Repeat  
CDR A-B Repeat  
Sleep Timer  
CD Repeat  
CD A-B Repeat  
Sleep Timer  
Sleep Timer  
Sleep Timer  
Sleep Timer  
Sleep Timer  
Sleep Timer  
Sleep Timer  
31  
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250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797  
© 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.  
Part No. CQX1A1328Z  
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