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harman/kardon

AVR245
7 X 50W 7.1 CHANNEL A/V RECEIVER

SERVICE MANUAL




CONTENTS

ESD WARNING.....................................2 DISASSEMBLY.....................................34
LEAKAGE TESTING...............................3 UNIT EXPLODED VIEW..........................38
BASIC SPECIFICATIONS.......................4 EXPLODED VIEW PARTS LIST...............39
PACKAGING........................................5 AMP BIAS ADJUSTMENT......................40
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS.....................6 BLOCK DIAGRAM................................41
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS................8 PCB DRAWINGS.................................42
REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS..........11 ELECTRICAL PARTS LIST....................53
CONNECTIONS/INSTALLATION.............14 SEMICONDUCTOR PINOUTS................97
OPERATION.......................................25 SCHEMATICS....................................220
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.................32 WIRING DIAGRAM..............................228
REMOTE & PROCESSOR RESETS..........33


harman/kardon, Inc.
250 Crossways Park Dr.
Woodbury, New York 11797 Rev 1 5/2007
AVR245 harman/kardon




Some semiconductor (solid state) devices can be damaged easily by static electricity. Such components commonly are called

Electrostatically Sensitive (ES) Devices. Examples of typical ES devices are integrated circuits and some field effect transistors and

semiconductor "chip" components.

The following techniques should be used to help reduce the incidence of component damage caused by static electricity.

1. Immediately before handling any semiconductor component or semiconductor-equipped assembly, drain off any electrostatic charge on

your body by touching a known earth ground. Alternatively, obtain and wear a commercially available discharging wrist strap device,

which should be removed for potential shock reasons prior to applying power to the unit under test.

2. After removing an electrical assembly equipped with ES devices, place the assembly on a conductive surface such as aluminum foil, to

prevent electrostatic charge build-up or exposure of the assembly.

3. Use only a grounded-tip soldering iron to solder or unsolder ES devices.

4. Use only an anti-static solder removal device. Some solder removal devices not classified as "anti-static" can generate electrical charges

sufficient to damage ES devices.

5. Do not use freon-propelled chemicals. These can generate electrical change sufficient to damage ES devices.

6. Do not remove a replacement ES device from its protective package until immediately before you are ready to install it. (Most replacement

ES devices are packaged with leads electrically shorted together by conductive foam, aluminum foil or comparable conductive material.)

7. Immediately before removing the protective material from the leads of a replacement ES device, touch the protective material to the

chassis or circuit assembly into which the device will be installed.

CAUTION : Be sure no power is applied to the chassis or circuit, and observe all other safety precautions.

8. Minimize bodily motions when handling unpackaged replacement ES devices. (Otherwise harmless motion such as the brushing together

or your clothes fabric or the lifting of your foot from a carpeted floor can generate static electricity sufficient to damage an ES devices.




Each precaution in this manual should be followed during servicing.

Components identified with the IEC symbol in the parts list are special significance to safety. When replacing a component identified with

, use only the replacement parts designated, or parts with the same ratings or resistance, wattage, or voltage that are designated in the

parts list in this manual. Leakage-current or resistance measurements must be made to determine that exposed parts are acceptably

insulated from the supply circuit before retuming the product to the customer.




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AVR245 harman/kardon


SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The following check should be performed for the continued
protection of the customer and service technician.

LEAKAGE CURRENT CHECK

Measure leakage current to a known earth ground (water
pipe, conduit, etc.) by connecting a leakage current tester
between the earth ground and all exposed metal parts of the
appliance (input/output terminals, screwheads, metal
overlays, control shaft, etc.). Plug the AC line cord of the
appliance directly into a 120V AC 60Hz outlet and turn the
AC power switch on. Any current measured must not exceed
o.5mA.




Reading should
not be above
Leakage
0.5mA
Device current
under tester
test

Test all
exposed metal
surfaces
Also test with
plug reversed
(Using AC adapter Earth
plug as required) ground


AC Leakage Test




ANY MEASUREMENTS NOT WITHIN THE LIMITS
OUTLINED ABOVE ARE INDICATIVE OF A
POTENTIAL SHOCK HAZARD AND MUST BE
CORRECTED BEFORE RETURNING THE APPLIANCE
TO THE CUSTOMER.




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AVR245 harman/kardon

AVR 245 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Section AM Tuner Section
Stereo Mode Frequency Range 520­1720kHz
Continuous Average Power (FTC) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 45dB
65 Watts per channel, 20Hz­20kHz, Usable Sensitivity Loop 500µV
@ <0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms Distortion 1kHz, 50% Mod 0.8%
Selectivity ±10kHz, 30dB
Five-Channel Surround Modes
Power per Individual Channel
Video Section
Front L&R channels: Television Format NTSC
50 Watts per channel Input Level/Impedance 1Vp-p/75 ohms
@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz­20kHz into 8 ohms Output Level/Impedance 1Vp-p/75 ohms
Center channel: Video Frequency Response
50 Watts @ <0.07% THD, 20Hz­20kHz into 8 ohms (Composite and S-Video) 10Hz­8MHz (­3dB)
Surround (L & R Side, L & R Back) channels: Video Frequency Response
(Component Video) 10Hz­100MHz (­3dB)
50 Watts per channel
@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz­20kHz into 8 ohms General
Input Sensitivity/Impedance Power Requirement AC 120V/60Hz
Linear (High-Level) 200mV/47k ohms Power Consumption 65W idle, 540W maximum
(5 channels driven)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A) 100dB
Dimensions (Product) (Shipping)
Surround System Adjacent Channel Separation Width 17-5/16 inches (440mm) 21-7/8 inches (555mm)
Pro Logic I/II 40dB Height 6-1/2 inches (165mm) 10-1/2 inches (266mm)
Dolby Digital (AC-3) 55dB Depth 15 inches (382mm) 18-5/16 inches (465mm)
DTS 55dB
(Product) (Shipping)
Frequency Response Weight 30.0 lb (13.6kg) 35.0 lb (15.9kg)
@ 1W (+0dB, ­3dB) 10Hz ­130kHz
High Instantaneous Depth measurement includes knobs, buttons and terminal connections.
Current Capability (HCC) ±35 Amps Height measurement includes feet and chassis.
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Transient Intermodulation
Distortion (TIM) Unmeasurable
Harman Kardon, Harman International, EzSet+ and Logic 7 are trademarks of Harman International Industries,
Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Bridge and Designed to Entertain are
The TM




Slew Rate 40V/µsec
trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
FM Tuner Section Dolby, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Frequency Range 87.5­108.0MHz Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Usable Sensitivity IHF 1.3µV/13.2dBf
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mono/Stereo 70/68dB
I
"DTS" and "DTS ES Neo:6" are registered trademarks of DTS, Inc. "96/24" is a trademark of DTS, Inc.
Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic, Inc.
Distortion Mono/Stereo 0.2/0.3%
Stereo Separation 40dB @ 1kHz SACD is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Selectivity ±400kHz, 70dB Apple and iPod are registered trademarks, and Shuffle is a trademark, of Apple Computer, Inc.
Image Rejection 80dB
IF Rejection 90dB Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
HD-DVD is a trademark of the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation (DVD FLLC).
TiVo is a registered trademark of TiVo Inc.
HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.
XM and XM-Ready are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio.
Audiovox is a registered trademark of Audiovox Corporation.




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AVR245 harman/kardon




CPS5A564
CPS5A565




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AVR245 harman/kardon


FRONT-PANEL CONTROLS
Main Power Switch: This is a mechanical switch that turns the Surround Mode: Press this button to select a surround sound (e.g.,
power supply on or off. It is usually left pressed in (On position), and multichannel) mode group. Choose from the Dolby modes, DTS modes,
cannot be turned on using the remote control. Logic 7 modes, DSP modes or Stereo modes.
Standby/On Switch: This is an electrical switch that turns the Surround Select: After you have selected the desired surround
receiver on for playback, or leaves it in standby mode for quick turn-on mode group, press this button to select a specific mode.
using this switch or the remote control.
Surround Mode Indicators: One or more of these icons may light
Power Indicator: This LED has three possible modes. When main up as you select different surround modes. The Message Display also
power is turned off, the LED is dark and the receiver won't respond to indicates the surround mode.
any button presses. When main power is turned on, but before the
Standby/On Switch is used, the LED turns amber to indicate that the Analog Audio, Video and Digital Audio Inputs: Connect a
receiver is in Standby mode and ready to be turned on. When the source component that will only be used temporarily, such as a camera
receiver is turned on, the LED turns blue. or game console, to these jacks. Remember to select only one type of
audio and one type of video connection.
Source Select: Press this button to select a source device, which
is a component where a playback signal originates, e.g., DVD, CD, Speaker/Channel Input Indicators: The box icons indicate
cable TV, satellite or HDTV tuner. which speaker positions you have configured, and the size (frequency
range) of each speaker. When a digital audio input is used, letters will
Source Indicators: The name of the current source input lights up. light inside the boxes to indicate which channels are present in the
The indicated input changes each time the Source Select button is incoming signal.
pressed.
Navigation: These buttons are used together with the following five
Volume Knob: Turn this knob to raise or lower the volume, which will buttons to make selections.
be shown in decibels (dB) in the Message Display.
Tone Mode: Press this button to access the tone controls (bass and
Message Display: Various messages appear in this two-line display treble). Use the Navigation Buttons to make your selections.
in response to commands. When the on-screen display menu system
(OSD) is in use, the message OSD ON will appear to remind you to Speaker: Press this button to configure speaker sizes, that is, the
check the video display. low-frequency-range capability of each speaker.

Tuner Band: Press this button to select the tuner as the source, to Channel Level Adjust: Press this button to set the output level for
switch between the AM and FM bands, or to select XM satellite radio. each channel so that all speakers sound equally loud at the listening
position.
Tuning: Press either side of this button to tune a radio station or XM
channel. Digital Input Select: Press this button to select the specific digital
audio input (or analog audio input) you used for the current source.
Tuning Mode: This button toggles between manual (one frequency
step at a time) and automatic (seeks frequencies with acceptable signal Delay: Press this button to set delay times that compensate for plac-
strength) tuning mode. It also toggles between stereo and mono modes ing the speakers at different distances from the listening position.
when an FM station is tuned.
When XM Radio is in use, pressing this button repeatedly displays the
channel name, category, artist and track title in the lower line of the
Message Display. For traffic-and-weather channels, this button displays
the city, channel name, local weather and local temporature.
Preset Stations: Press this button to select a preset radio station.
Headphone Jack/EzSet+ Microphone Input: Plug a 1/4"
headphone plug into this jack for private listening.
This jack is also used to connect the supplied microphone before begin-
ning the EzSet+ procedure described in the Initial Setup section. To
begin EzSet+, plug the supplied microphone into this jack, place the
microphone at the listening position, and follow the directions given in
the EzSet+ on-screen menu.




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AVR245 harman/kardon


Source Digital Input
Speaker Size Tone Mode Message Display Indicators Select
Setup
Channel Level Navigation Surround Mode Indicators Speaker/Channel Delay Volume
Adjust Input Indicators




Power Surround Tuning Preset Stations Headphone Digital
Jack/Ezet+ Analog Audio
Indicator Mode Audio Inputs
Microphone Inputs
Standby/On Main Power Surround Tuner Band Source Input Tuning Video Inputs
Switch Switch Select Select Mode


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 at
www.harmankardon.com.




7
AVR245 harman/kardon


REAR-PANEL CONNECTIONS
AM and FM Antenna Terminals: Connect the included AM and Video 1, Video 2, Video 3 and DVD Audio/Video Inputs:
FM antennas to their respective terminals for radio reception. These jacks may be used to connect your video-capable source
components (e.g., VCR, DVD player, cable TV box) to the receiver.
XM Antenna Jack: Plug in an XM antenna module here. The XM Remember to use only one type of video connection for each source.
antenna module is purchased separately, and should specify that it is for See the Connections section for more information on audio and video
home use with an XM-Ready® product. You will need to subscribe to the connection options for each source component.
XM service, which is available separately, and activate the service for
your antenna module. (XM service is not available in Alaska and Hawaii.) Video 1 Audio/Video Outputs: These jacks may be used to
connect your VCR or another recorder.
Front, Center and Surround Speaker Outputs: Use two-con-
ductor speaker wire to connect each set of terminals to the correct Composite and S-Video Monitor Outputs: If any of your
speaker. Remember to observe the correct polarity (positive and nega- sources use composite or S-video connections, you may need to
tive connections). Always connect the positive lead to the colored termi- connect one or both of these monitor outputs to the corresponding
nal on the receiver and the red terminal on the speaker. Connect the inputs on your television or video display in order to view the sources
negative lead to the black terminal on both the receiver and the speaker. and to view the on-screen displays. If your video display is equipped
See the Connections section for more information on connecting your with component video inputs, you may take advantage of the AVR 245's
speakers. transcoding capability, which transcodes composite and S-video signals
to component video, allowing for only a single video connection from
Surround Back/Multiroom Speaker Outputs: These speaker the AVR to the video display. However, the on-screen displays are not
outputs may be used either for the surround back channels in a 7.l- available using component video.
channel home theater, or they may be reassigned to a remote room for
use with a multiroom system. When these outputs are reassigned for HDMI Inputs and Output: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
multiroom operation, only a 5.1-channel configuration will be available in Interface) is a newer type of connection for transmitting digital audio and
the main listening room. Use the on-screen menu system to configure video signals between devices. Although the AVR 245 is not capable of
these channels as desired. processing HDMI signals, if your video display is HDMI-capable, you may
connect up to two HDMI sources here, and then connect the HDMI out-
As with the other speaker outputs, remember to observe proper polarity put to your video display for improved video performance. It is recom-
by connecting the positive and negative output terminals to the corre- mended that you disable the HDMI audio function of your video display,
sponding terminals on each speaker. and make a separate digital audio connection from the source device to
Subwoofer Output: If you have a powered subwoofer, connect it to one of the AVR's coaxial or optical digital audio inputs to benefit from
this jack. the AVR 245's multichannel audio processing.

Preamp Outputs: Connect these jacks to an external amplifier if The AVR 245 will not convert other types of video to HDMI, and you will
more power is desired. not be able to view the on-screen displays using the HDMI connection.

Surround Back/Multiroom Preamp Outputs: These outputs CD and Tape Audio Inputs: These jacks may be used to connect
may be used with an external amplifier either to power the surround audio-only source components (e.g., CD player, tape deck). Do not con-
back channels, or to power the speakers in the remote zone of a multi- nect a turntable to these jacks without a phono preamp.
channel system. Use the on-screen menu system to configure these Tape Outputs: These jacks may be used to connect a CDR or
channels as desired. another audio-only recorder.
Remote Infrared (IR) Input and Output: When the remote IR Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs: If a source has a
receiver on the front panel is blocked, such as when the AVR is placed compatible digital audio output, connect it to one of these jacks for
inside a cabinet, connect an optional IR receiver to the Remote IR Input improved audio performance. Remember to use only one type of digital
jack for use with the remote control. The Remote IR Output may be audio connection for each source.
connected to the Remote IR Input of a compatible source device (or
other product) to enable remote control through the AVR. This is particu- Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Outputs: If a source is also
larly useful in multiroom applications, when you wish to control the an audio recorder, you may connect a compatible digital audio output to
source device from the remote room (when used with the Multiroom IR the recorder's input for improved recording quality.
Input). When several source devices are used, connect them in "daisy
chain" fashion. The Bridge/DMP Input: Connect the optional Harman Kardon
The
Bridge
TM




to this input for use with your iPod (not included). Make
Multiroom Infrared (IR) Input: Connect a remote IR receiver sure the receiver is turned off (in Standby mode) when connecting
located in the remote zone of a multiroom system to this jack to control The Bridge.
the AVR and any source devices connected to the Remote IR Output
from the remote zone.


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AVR245 harman/kardon



6-/8-Channel Inputs: Connect the analog audio outputs of a DVD-
Audio, SACDTM, Blu-ray DiscTM or HD-DVDTM player (or any other external
decoder) to these jacks to enjoy these proprietary formats.
Component Video Inputs: If both a video source (e.g., DVD player
or HDTV tuner) and your television or video display have analog compo-
nent video (Y/Pb/Pr) capability, then you may connect the component
video outputs of the source to one of the two component video inputs.
Do not make any other video connections to that source.
Component Video Monitor Outputs: If you are using either
of the Component Video Inputs and your television or video display is
component-video-capable, you may connect these jacks to the corre-
sponding inputs on your video display. You will also need to connect
the composite and/or S-video monitor outputs to your video display
to view the AVR 245's on-screen displays.
RS-232 Serial Port: This specialized connector may be used with
your personal computer in case Harman Kardon offers a software
upgrade for the receiver at some time in the future.
RS-232 Mode: Leave this switch popped out in the Operate position
unless the AVR 245 is being upgraded.
RS-232 Reset: This switch is only used during a software upgrade.
A standard processor reset is performed by pressing and holding the
front-panel Tone button.
Switched AC Accessory Outlet: You may plug the AC power
cord of one source device into this outlet, and it will turn on whenever
you turn on the receiver. Do not use a source that consumes more than
50 watts of power.
AC Power Cord: After you have made all other connections, plug the
AC power cord into an unswitched outlet.




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AVR245 harman/kardon


Component Coaxial Digital
Video 3 Video 1 Video XM Audio
A/V A/V DVD A/V Inputs Antenna Inputs RS-232 AC Power RS-232
FM Antenna Inputs Outputs Inputs (1, 2 & 3) Jack (1 & 2) Reset Cord Serial Port
Component The HDMI 1 HDMI HDMI 2
Video 2 Video 1 Video Video Bridge/ Input Output Input
A/V A/V Monitor Monitor DMP RS-232
AM Antenna Inputs Inputs Outputs Outputs Input Mode




Tape Remote Preamp Surround Front Speaker 6-/8- Coaxial Switched AC Optical Digital
Outputs IR Input Outputs Back/ Outputs Channel Digital Accessory Audio Inputs (1 & 2)
Multiroom Inputs Audio Outlet
Preamp Output
Outputs
Tape CD Multiroom Subwoofer Remote Surround Surround Center Speaker Optical Digital
Inputs Inputs IR Input Output IR Output Back/Multiroom Speaker Outputs Audio Output
Speaker Outputs Outputs




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 at
www.harmankardon.com.




10
AVR245 harman/kardon

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The AVR 245 remote is capable of controlling 11 devices, including the IR Transmitter Lens: As buttons are pressed on the remote,
AVR itself and an iPod docked in the optional The Bridge accessory. infrared codes are emitted through this lens. Make sure it is pointing
During the installation process, you may program the codes for each toward the component being operated.
of your source components into the remote. Each time you wish to use
the codes for any component, you will need to first press the Selector Power On Button: Press this button to turn on the AVR or another
button for that component. This changes the button functions to the device. The Master Power Switch on the AVR 245's front panel must
appropriate codes for that product. first have been switched on.

NOTE: Several of the Input Selectors are shared between two Mute Button: Press this button to mute the AVR 245's speaker and
devices. Each press of those Input Selectors will toggle between headphone outputs temporarily. To end the muting, press this button
the device whose name is printed on the button and the device or adjust the volume. Muting is also canceled when the receiver is
whose name is printed above the button. turned off.

Each Input Selector has been preprogrammed to control certain types Program Indicator: This LED lights up or flashes in one of three colors
of components, with only the codes specific to each brand and model as the remote is programmed with codes.
changing, depending on which product code is programmed. The Power Off Button: Press this button to turn off the AVR 245 or
device types programmed into each selector may not be changed. another device.
DVD: Controls DVD players and recorders. AVR Selector: Press this button to switch the remote to the codes
CD: Controls CD players and recorders. that operate the receiver.

Tape: Controls cassette decks. Input Selectors: Press one of these buttons to select a source
device, which is a component where a playback signal originates, e.g.,
Video 1: Controls VCRs, TiVo and DVRs. DVD, CD, cable TV, satellite or HDTV tuner, or an iPod docked in the
optional The Bridge. This will also turn on the receiver and switch the
Video 2: Controls cable and satellite television set-top boxes. remote to the codes that operate the source device.
Video 3: Controls televisions and other video displays. XM Radio Button: Press this button to select XM Satellite Radio as
Video 4: Controls any device connected to the front-panel inputs. the source. You will need to have purchased and activated an XM antenna
module, and you will also need to subscribe to the XM Radio service.
HDMI 1 and 2: Each code set controls a source device (such as a Visit www.xmradio.com for more information.
DVD player) connected to one of these two inputs.
AM/FM Button: Press this button to select the tuner as the source,
XM: Controls the AVR functions for XM Satellite Radio. or to switch between the AM and FM bands, or XM Radio.
The Bridge/DMP: Controls an iPod docked in The Bridge. 6-/8-Channel Input Selector: Press this button to select the
For example, if you have inserted a disc in your CD player and you 6-/8-Channel Inputs as the audio source. The receiver will use the video
would like to skip ahead three tracks, but you then find that the volume input and remote control codes for the last-selected video source.
is too loud, you would follow this procedure: Test Tone: Press this button to activate the test tone for manual out-
1. Press the CD Input Selector to switch to the codes that control your put-level calibration.
CD player. TV/Video: This button has no effect on the receiver, but is used to
2. Press the Play Button (in the Transport Controls section) if the disc is switch video inputs on some video source components.
not already playing. Sleep Button: Press this button to activate the sleep timer, which
3. Press the Skip Up Button three times to advance three tracks. turns off the receiver after a programmed period of time of up to
90 minutes.
4. Press the AVR Button so that you can access the Volume Controls.
Volume Controls: Press these buttons to raise or lower the volume,
5. Press the Volume Down Button until the volume level is satisfactory. which will be shown in decibels (dB) in the Message Display.
Any given button may have different functions, depending on which DSP Surround: Press this button to select a DSP surround mode
component is being controlled. Some buttons are labeled with these (Hall 1, Hall 2, Theater).
functions. For example, the Sleep and DSP Surround Buttons are
labeled for use as Channel Up/Down Buttons when controlling a televi- On-Screen Display (OSD): Press this button to activate the on-
sion or cable box. See Table A8 in the appendix for listings of the screen menu system.
different functions for each type of component.


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AVR245 harman/kardon

IR Transmitter Lens

Power On Mute
Program Indicator Power Off
AVR Selector Input Selectors

AM/FM 6-Channel Input Selector
XM Radio
Test Tone TV/Video
Sleep
Volume Control
DSP Surround
On-Screen Display Not Used

Channel Level Speaker Setup


Set
Digital Input
Delay


Numeric Keys


Tuning Mode Memory
Direct Station Entry Clear
Tuning Preset Stations Selectors
Tone Mode Disc Skip
Macros

Surround Mode Selectors
Night Mode
Dim
Track Skip
Transport Controls




NOTE: To make it easier to follow the instruc-
tions throughout the manual that refer to this
illustration, a copy of this page may be down-
loaded from the Product Support section at
www.harmankardon.com.



12
AVR245 harman/kardon


REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Channel Level: Press this button to adjust the output levels for each Tuning: Press these buttons to tune a radio station or XM Radio chan-
channel so that all speakers sound equally loud at the listening position. nel. Depending on whether the tuning mode has been set to manual or
Usually this is done while playing an audio selection, such as a favorite CD, automatic, each press will either change one frequency step at a time,
after you have calibrated the levels using EzSet+, as described in the Initial or seek the next frequency with acceptable signal strength.
Setup section.
Direct: Press this button before using the Numeric Keys to directly
Speaker Setup: Press this button to configure speaker sizes, that is, enter a radio station frequency (AM or FM bands only).
the low-frequency capability of each speaker. Usually this is done using
the on-screen menu system, as described in the Initial Setup section. Clear: Press this button to clear a radio station frequency you have
started to enter.
Navigation (//¤/) and Set Buttons: These buttons are
used to make selections within the on-screen menu system, or when Preset Stations Selector: Press these buttons to select a preset
accessing the functions of the four buttons surrounding this area of the radio station.
remote ­ Channel Level, Speaker Setup, Digital Input or Delay. For XM Radio, first press the Set Button repeatedly until PRESET SEARCH
Digital Input Select: Press this button to select the specific digital appears and then use the //¤ Buttons to select the letter of the
audio input (or analog audio input) you used for the current source. desired bank of presets.

Delay: Press this button to set delay times that compensate for placing Tone Mode: Press this button to access the tone controls (bass and
the speakers at different distances from the listening position, or to treble). Use the Navigation Buttons to make your selections.
resolve a "lip sync" issue that may be caused by digital video process- Disc Skip: This button has no effect on the receiver, but is used with
ing. This is done using the on-screen menu system, as described in the some optical disc changers to skip to the next disc.
Initial Setup section.
Macros: These buttons may be programmed to execute long com-
Numeric Keys: Use these buttons to enter radio station frequencies mand sequences with a single button press. They are useful for pro-
or to select station presets. When the AM or FM band is in use, press gramming the command to turn on or off all of your components, or for
the Direct button before entering the station frequency. accessing specialized functions for a different component than you are
When listening to XM Radio, you may enter channel numbers without currently operating.
first pressing the Direct Button; however, to access the preset stations, Surround Mode Selectors: Press any of these buttons to select
you will need to use the Preset Stations Selectors. To access another a type of surround sound (e.g., multichannel) mode. Choose from the
bank of XM presets, press the Set Button repeatedly until PRESET Dolby modes, DTS modes, Logic 7 modes or Stereo modes. Each
SEARCH appears, then use the //¤ Buttons to select the letter press of a button will cycle to the next available variant of that mode.
of the desired bank. Not all modes or mode groups are available with all sources.
Tuning Mode: This button toggles between manual (one frequency Night Mode: Press this button to activate Night mode with specially
step at a time) and automatic (seeks frequencies with acceptable signal encoded Dolby Digital discs or broadcasts. Night mode compresses the
strength) tuning mode. It also toggles between stereo and mono modes audio so that louder passages are reduced in volume to avoid disturbing
when an FM station is tuned. others, while dialogue remains intelligible.
When listening to XM Radio, press the Tuning Mode Button once to view Track Skip: These buttons have no effect on the receiver, but are
the category name of the current channel. Additional presses will display used with many source components to change tracks or chapters.
the artist, song title and channel name.
Dim: Press this button to partially or fully dim the front-panel display.
Memory: After you have tuned a particular radio station, press this
button, then the numeric keys, to save that station as a radio preset. Transport Controls: These buttons have no effect on the receiver,
but are used to control many source components. By default, when the
For XM Radio, the procedure for saving a preset is a little different. To remote is operating the receiver, these buttons will control a DVD player.
save the current channel in one of the 40 available preset locations,
press the Set Button repeatedly until PRESET SEARCH appears. Use
the //¤ Buttons to select a letter (A through E) representing one of
the five banks of preset memory slots. Then press the Memory button,
followed by a Numeric Key (1 through 8) for the precise preset memory
location you wish to save the channel in.




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AVR245 harman/kardon


CONNECTIONS
There are different types of audio and video connections used to con- Bare wire cables are installed as follows (see Figure 2):
nect 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 1. Unscrew the terminal cap until the pass-through hole in the collar is
straight, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has established a revealed.
color-coding standard. Table 1 may be helpful to you as a reference 2. Insert the bare end of the wire into the hole.
while you set up your system.
3. Hand-tighten the cap until the wire is held snugly.
Audio Connections
Left Right
Front (FL/FR)
Center (C)
Surround (SL/SR)
Surround Back (SBL/SBR)
Subwoofer (SUB)

Digital Audio Connections
1 2 3
Coaxial
Optical Input Output Figure 2 ­ Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Bare Wires
Video Connections
Component Y Pb Pr
Composite Subwoofer
S-Video

HDMI Connections (switching only)
TM The subwoofer is a specialized type of loudspeaker that is usually con-
HDMI nected in a different way. The subwoofer is used to play only the low
frequencies (bass), which require much more power than the other
Table 1­ Connection Color Guide
speaker channels. In order to obtain the best results, most speaker
manufacturers offer powered subwoofers, in which the speaker contains
Types of Cables its own amplifier on board. Sometimes the subwoofer is connected to
This section will briefly review different types of cables and connections the receiver using the front left and right speaker outputs, and then the
that you may use to set up your system. front left and right speakers are connected to terminals on the sub-
woofer. More often, a line-level (nonamplified) connection is made
Speaker Cables from the receiver's Subwoofer Output to a corresponding jack on the
subwoofer, as shown in Figure 3.
Speaker cables carry an amplified signal from the receiver's speaker ter-
minals to each loudspeaker. Speaker cables contain two wire conduc- Although the subwoofer output looks similar to the analog audio jacks
tors, or leads, inside plastic insulation. The two conductors are usually used for the various components, it is filtered and only allows the low
differentiated in some way, by using different colors, or stripes, or even frequencies to pass. Don't connect this output to any other devices.
by adding a ridge to the insulation. Sometimes the actual wires are dif- Although doing so won't cause any harm, performance will suffer.
ferent, one being copper-colored and the other silver.
The differentiation is important because each speaker must be connected Preout Subwoofer
to the receiver's speaker-output terminals using two wires, one positive
(+) and one negative (­). This is called speaker polarity. It's important Figure 3 ­ Subwoofer
to maintain the proper polarity for all speakers in the system. If some
speakers have their negative terminals connected to the receiver's positive Connecting Source Devices to the AVR
terminals, performance can suffer, especially for the low frequencies.
The AVR 245 is designed to process audio and video input signals,
Always connect the positive terminal on the loudspeaker, which is usually playing back the audio and displaying the video on a television or moni-
colored red, to the positive terminal on the receiver, which is colored as tor connected to the AVR. These signals originate in what are known as
shown in the Connection Color Guide (Table 1). Similarly, always con- "source devices," including your DVD player, CD player, DVR (digital
nect the black negative terminal on the speaker to the black negative video recorder) or other recorder, tape deck, game console, cable or
terminal on the receiver. satellite television box or MP3 player. Although the tuner is built into the
AVR, it also counts as a source, even though no external connections
The AVR 245 uses binding-post speaker are needed, other than the FM and AM antennas and the XM antenna
terminals that can accept banana plugs module.
+
or bare-wire cables. Banana plugs are
simply plugged into the hole in the mid- Separate connections are required for the audio and video portions of
dle of the terminal cap. See Figure 1. the signal. The types of connections used depend upon what's available
on the source device, and for video signals, the capabilities of your
Figure 1 ­ Binding-Post Speaker Terminals With Banana Plugs
video display.



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AVR245 harman/kardon


CONNECTIONS
Audio Connections The analog audio connection is strongly recommended if you intend to
use the source with the multiroom system. It's required if you will be
There are two formats for audio connections: digital and analog. Digital using the multiroom preamp outputs with an external amplifier to power
audio signals are of higher quality, and are required for listening to your remote speakers, as the AVR 245's multiroom system is not capa-
sources encoded with digital surround modes, such as Dolby Digital and ble of converting the digital signal to analog format. It's suggested that
DTS. There are two types of digital audio connections: coaxial and opti- you also use the analog audio connections when using the surround
cal. Either type of digital audio connection may be used for each source back/multiroom speaker outputs, in case another two-channel digital
device, but never both simultaneously for the same source. However, it's audio source is in use in the main listening area. The AVR 245 is only
okay to make both analog and digital audio connections at the same capable of processing one PCM source at a time.
time to the same source.
If you wish to record materials from DVDs or other copy-protected
NOTE: Although HDMI cables are capable of carrying digital sources, you may only do so using analog connections. (Remember to
audio signals, the AVR 245 is not designed to process those comply with all copyright laws, if you choose to make a copy for your
signals. Therefore, if your source and video display are both own personal use.)
HDMI-capable, use the HDMI connections for video only. You
will need to make a separate audio connection from the source Analog audio
L
device to the AVR 245, and you should make sure to turn the cable (RCA) R
volume on your television all the way off.
Figure 6 ­ Analog Audio
Digital Audio
Multichannel analog connections are used with advanced sources where
Coaxial digital audio jacks are usually color-coded in orange. Although the digital content is copy-protected and all surround processing is per-
they look similar to analog jacks, they should not be confused, and you formed inside the source. These types of connections are usually used
should not connect coaxial digital audio outputs to analog inputs or with DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD and other advanced
vice versa. See Figure 4. players. See Figure 7.
Coaxial digital Coaxial
audio cable
Front Surround Center
Figure 4 ­ Coaxial Digital Audio Multichannel
analog audio
Optical digital audio connectors are often covered by a shutter to protect cable (RCA)
them from dust. The shutter opens as the cable is inserted. Input con- Subwoofer
nectors are color-coded using a black shutter, while outputs use a gray
shutter. See Figure 5.
Figure 7 ­ Multichannel Analog Audio
Optical
Optical digital
audio cable
Figure 8 ­ The Bridge
Figure 5 ­ Optical Digital Audio
Harman Kardon receivers also include a proprietary, dedicated audio
Due to the nature of digital signals as binary bits, they aren't subject connection called "The Bridge/DMP". If you own an iPod with a dock
to signal degradation the way analog signals are. Therefore, the quality connector, you may separately purchase The Bridge and connect it to
of coaxial and optical digital audio connections should be the same, The Bridge/DMP port on the receiver. See Figure 8. Dock your iPod
although it is important to limit the length of the cable. Whichever type of (not included) in The Bridge, and you may listen to your audio materials
connection you choose, Harman Kardon recommends that you always through your high-performance audio system. You may even use the
select the highest quality cables available within your budget. AVR 245 remote to control the iPod, with navigation messages dis-
played on the front panel and on a video display connected to the AVR.
Analog Audio
Analog connections require two cables, one for the left channel (white) Video Connections
and one for the right channel (red). These two cables are often attached Although some sources produce an audio signal only (e.g., CD player,
to each other for most of their length. See Figure 6. tape deck), many sources output both audio and video signals (e.g.,
Most sources that have digital audio jacks also have analog audio jacks, DVD player, cable television box, HDTV tuner, satellite box, VCR, DVR).
although some older types of sources, such as tape decks, have only In addition to the audio connection, you will need to connect one type of
analog jacks. For sources that are capable of both digital and analog video connection for each source (never more than one at the same
audio, you may wish to make both connections. time for any source).


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AVR245 harman/kardon


CONNECTIONS
Digital Video Connections
The AVR 245 is equipped with two HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Figure 11 ­ S-Video
S-video cable
Interface) inputs, and one output. HDMI is capable of carrying digital
audio and video information using a single cable, thus delivering the Component video separates the video signal into three components ­
highest possible quality picture and sound. one luminance ("Y") and two sub-sampled color signals ("Pb" and "Pr") ­
that are transmitted using three separate cables. The "Y" cable is color-
There are different versions of HDMI, depending on the capability of the coded green, the "Pb" cable is colored blue and the "Pr" cable is col-
source device and the type of signal it is capable of transmitting via the ored red. See Figure 12.
HDMI connection.
In addition, receivers and processors such as the AVR 245 may handle
the incoming signal in several different ways, depending on their capabil-
ity as well. The AVR 245 is only capable of switching the HDMI data. Component
That is, the incoming audio and video data will be passed directly to video cable
Figure 12 ­ Component Video
your HDMI-capable video display, without the AVR 245 processing any
of the data. Although this enables the AVR 245 to be compatible with If it's available on your video display, HDMI is recommended as the best
virtually any HDMI-capable source device and video display, it requires a quality connection, followed by component video, S-video and then
separate audio connection for each source since the AVR 245 doesn't composite video.
have access to the audio data in the HDMI stream.
The AVR 245 will not convert analog video signals to the HDMI format,
Antennas
and the on-screen displays are not visible when using an HDMI source. The AVR 245 uses separate terminals for the included FM and AM
Therefore, you will need to connect the component, composite or S- antennas that provide proper reception for the tuner.
video monitor output to your video display (or both, depending on which
video connections your sources use). The FM antenna uses a 75-ohm F-connector. See Figure 13.

The physical HDMI connection is simple. The connector is shaped for
easy plug-in (see Figure 9). If your video display has a DVI i