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. NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV (cable TV) system installers 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.

Installation Location

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. 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. 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. Avoid moist or humid locations. Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the unit, or place objects directly over them. Due to the weight of the AVR 154 and the heat generated by the amplifiers, there is the remote possibility that the rubber padding on the bottom of the

Unpacking

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. 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. 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. 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. 3

a type of surround sound (e.g., multichannel) mode. Choose from the Dolby modes, DTS modes, Logic 7 modes or Stereo modes. Each press of a button will cycle to the next available variant of that mode. Not all modes or mode groups are available with all sources.
Tuning: Press these buttons to tune a radio station. Depending on
whether the tuning mode has been set to manual or automatic, each press will either change one frequency step at a time, or seek the next frequency with acceptable signal strength.
Direct: Press this button before using the Numeric Keys to directly
enter a radio station frequency.
Night Mode: Press this button to activate Night mode with specially
encoded Dolby Digital discs or broadcasts. Night mode compresses the audio so that louder passages are reduced in volume to avoid disturbing others, while dialogue remains intelligible.
Clear: Press this button to clear a radio station frequency you have

started to enter.

Track Skip: These buttons have no effect on the receiver, but are
used with many source components to change tracks or chapters.
Preset Stations Selector: Press these buttons to select a preset

radio station.

Dim: Press this button to partially or fully dim the front-panel display. Transport Controls: These buttons have no effect on the receiver,
but are used to control many source components. By default, when the remote is operating the receiver, these buttons will control a DVD player.
Tone Mode: Press this button to access the tone controls (bass and treble). Use the Navigation Buttons to make your selections. Disc Skip: This button has no effect on the receiver, but is used with
some optical disc changers to skip to the next disc.
INTRODUCTION TO HOME THEATER
The AVR 154 may be the first multichannel surround sound receiver you have owned. Although it has more connections and features than 2-channel receivers, many of the principles are similar and the new concepts are easy to understand. This introductory section will help you to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts, which will make setup and operation smoother. If you are already familiar with home theater, you may skip this section and proceed to the Connections section on page 16. (LFE) channel which is directed only to the subwoofer. The LFE channel packs the punch of an explosion or the power of a rumbling train or airplane, adding realism and excitement to your home theater. Many people use two subwoofers, placed on the left and right sides of the room, for additional power and even distribution of the sound.

There are different theories as to the best way to present surround sound and to distribute soundtrack information among the various speakers. A variety of algorithms have been developed in an effort to accurately reproduce the way we hear sounds in the real world. The result is a rich variety of surround mode options. Some modes are selected automatically, depending on the signal being received from the source. In many cases, you may select a surround mode manually. Several companies have taken surround sound in slightly differing directions. It is helpful to group the numerous surround modes either by their brand name, or by using a generic name: Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Modes Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Virtual Speaker, Dolby Headphone DTS Modes DTS, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24 Harman International (Harman Kardons Parent Company) Logic 7 DSP Modes Generic modes that include Hall 1, Hall 2 and Theater Stereo Modes Generic modes that expand upon conventional 2-channel stereo, including DSP Surround Off, Analog Bypass Surround Off and 5-Channel Stereo Table 2 on pages contains detailed explanations of the differences between the various mode groups, and the mode options available within each group. Digital modes, such as Dolby Digital and DTS, are only available with specially encoded programs, such as DVDs and digital television. Other modes may be used with various digital and analog signals to create a different surround presentation, or to use a different number of speakers. Surround mode selection depends upon the number of speakers in your system, the materials you are watching or listening to, and your personal tastes. Feel free to experiment.
Typical Home Theater System
A home theater typically includes your audio/video receiver, which controls the system; a DVD player; a source component for television broadcasts, which may be a cable box, a satellite dish receiver, an HDTV tuner or simply an antenna connected to the TV; a video display (television); and loudspeakers. All of these components are connected by various types of cables for audio and video signals.

Multichannel Audio

The main benefit of a home theater system is that several loudspeakers are used in various locations around the room to produce surround sound. Surround sound immerses you in the musical or film presentation for increased realism. The AVR 154 may have up to five speakers connected directly to it (plus a subwoofer). Each main speaker is powered by its own amplifier channel inside the receiver. When more than two speakers are used, it is called a multichannel system. Front Left and Right The main speakers are used the same way as in a 2-channel system. However, you may notice that in many surround modes, these speakers are used more for ambient sound while the main action, especially dialogue, is moved to the center speaker. Center The center speaker is usually placed above or below the video screen, and is used mostly for dialogue in movies and television programs. This placement allows the dialogue to originate near the actors faces, for a more natural sound. Surround Left and Right The surround speakers are used to improve directionality of ambient sounds. In addition, by using more loudspeakers in the system, more dynamic soundtracks may be played without risk of overloading any one speaker. Many people expect the surround speakers to play as loud as the front speakers. Although all of the speakers in the system will be calibrated to sound equally loud at the listening position, most artists use the surround speakers for ambient effects only, and they program their materials to steer very little sound to these speakers. Subwoofer A subwoofer is a special-purpose speaker designed to play only the lowest frequencies (the bass). It may be used to augment smaller, limited-range satellite speakers used for the other channels. In addition, many digital-format programs, such as movies recorded in Dolby Digital, contain a special low-frequency effects

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

Before you begin to connect cables, it is important to place your speakers in their correct locations in the room. Optimally, the speakers should be placed in a circle with the listening position at its center. The distance from the listening position to the video display forms the radius of the circle. See Figure 15. The speakers should be angled so that they directly face the listening position. The center speaker is placed either on top of, below or mounted on the wall above or below the video display screen. The front left and right speakers are placed along the circle, about 30 degrees from the center speaker and angled toward the listener. It is best to place the front left/right and center speakers as close to the same height as possible, preferably at about the same height as the listeners ears. In any event the center speaker should be no more than two feet above or below the left/right speakers. The side surround speakers should be placed 110 degrees from the center speaker, that is, slightly behind and angled toward the listener. If this isnt feasible, place them behind the listener, with each surround speaker facing the opposite-side front speaker. The surround speakers may be placed a little higher than the listeners ears. The subwoofers 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. NOTE: Your receiver will sound its best when the same model loudspeaker is used for all positions (other than the subwoofer). If that isnt possible, try to use speakers made by the same manufacturer.
Video Display Center Front Left Speaker
Subwoofer Front Right Speaker

Surround Left Speaker

Surround Right Speaker
Alternate Placement for Surround Left Speaker
Figure 15 Speaker Placement
Alternate Placement for Surround Right Speaker

INSTALLATION

You are now ready to connect your various components to your receiver. Before beginning, turn off all components, including the AVR 154, and unplug their power cords. Dont plug any of the power cords back in until you have finished making all of your connections. Remember that your receiver generates heat while it is on. Select a location that leaves several inches of space on all sides of the receiver. Avoid completely enclosing the receiver inside an unventilated cabinet. It is preferable to place components on separate shelves rather than stacking them directly on top of the receiver. Some surface finishes are delicate. Try to select a location with a sturdy surface finish.

Connect the Subwoofer Output on the AVR 154 to the line-level input on your subwoofer. See Figure 17. Consult the manufacturers guide for the subwoofer for additional information.
Figure 17 Subwoofer Connection
Choose one digital audio connection: Optical or Coaxial Optional, or where digital audio is not available: Analog audio for making recordings for personal use or as a backup. Analog audio is required for older analog sources that dont have digital audio outputs, such as cassette decks. 20

Video Connections:

(choose only one, and make sure that type is available on your TV) HDMI Component video S-video Composite video
NOTES: Digital audio, HDMI and component video connections are not dedicated to any source input. When any of these physical connections are used, they must be assigned to the desired source input as described in the Initial Setup section. Its possible for a source input to use none of the connectors named for it; e.g., the DVD source may use the Component Video 1 inputs for video and the Coaxial Digital Audio Input 1 for audio, both of which require assignment. If the video display is equipped with an HDMI or DVI digital video input, make sure it is also HDCP-compliant (HighBandwith Digital Content Protection) to display copy-protected materials. If the source or video display has a DVI input, use an HDMIto-DVI adapter (not included), and make separate audio connections. Although the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs are designated as a separate source input, the 6CH button on the remote may not be programmed to operate a source device. The 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs are used with an analog video input (component video, S-video or composite video, but not HDMI) that may also be assigned to another source input, such as DVD. Program the corresponding Input Selector on the remote, e.g., DVD, with the devices product code. To enjoy audio from the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs, first select the source for the video input (DVD, in this example), and then switch the source to the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs. The AVR 154 will use the last-selected analog video input while obtaining audio from the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs.
Figure 19 Connecting an HDMI-Equipped Disc Player
If the player is capable of playing multichannel discs, including DVDAudio, SACD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc, make the following additional connections (see Figure 20): Connect the DVD players component video output to the Component Video 1 Input on the AVR. Connect the DVD players 6-channel analog audio outputs to the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs on the AVR.

Figure 20 Connecting a Multichannel Audio Player
Connect a DVD, SACD, HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc Player
HDMI Video: If the DVD player and the TV both have an HDMI connector, connect the player as follows (see Figure 19):
Connect the DVD players HDMI output to the HDMI 1 Input on the AVR. Connect the DVD players coaxial digital audio output to the Coaxial 2 input on the AVR.
Component Video: If the DVD player or the TV does not have an HDMI connector, but they both have component video connectors, connect the player as follows (see Figure 21):
Connect the DVD players component video output to the Component Video 1 Input on the AVR. Connect the DVD players coaxial digital audio output to the Coaxial 1 input on the AVR.
NOTES: Where a given type of connection is called for, e.g., HDMI, component video or digital audio, you may use any available input of that type. We recommend connections solely because they are assigned by default to certain source inputs. If you wish to make recordings from a DVD, use the DVD S-video or composite video input, and the DVD Analog Audio inputs in addition to any other connections. The AVR cannot make recordings from HDMI or component video sources, and digital audio sources may only be recorded in two channels. You may connect the DVD player to the Video 1, Video 2 or Video 3 source inputs, but you will then be unable to program the AVR remote to operate the player. Connect a Harman Kardon DMC 1000 digital media center to any available HDMI Input for digital video and any available input for digital audio, or to the Video 1 Audio/Video Inputs for analog audio and video. You may make both the analog and digital audio and video connections, depending on your system requirements.
Figure 21 Connecting a Component-Video-Equipped Disc Player
If the player is capable of playing multichannel discs, including DVD-Audio, SACD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc, make the following additional connection (see Figure 20): Connect the DVD players 6-channel analog audio outputs to the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs on the AVR.
Composite/S-Video: If the best video connection common to both the DVD player and the TV is either S-video or composite video, follow these steps (see Figure 22):
Connect the DVD players S-video or composite video output (use one connection only) to the corresponding DVD Video Input on the AVR. Connect the DVD players coaxial digital audio output to the Coaxial 1 input on the AVR. If the player is capable of playing multichannel discs, including DVD-Audio, SACD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc, make the following additional connection (see Figure 22): Connect the DVD players 6-channel analog audio outputs to the 6-Channel Analog Audio Inputs on the AVR.
Connect an Audio/Video Recorder (PVR, DVR or TiVo)
HDMI Video: If the recorder and the TV both have an HDMI connector, connect the recorder as follows (see Figure 23):

Figure 25 Connecting a Video Recorder
NOTE: If S-video or composite video is the only video connection, you may also use any available digital audio connection.
Figure 27 Connecting a Component-Video-Equipped Set-Top Box
Composite/S-Video: If the best video connection common to both the set-top box and the TV is either S-video or composite video, follow these steps (see Figure 28):
Connect the set-tops S-video or composite video output (use one connection only) to the corresponding Video 2 Input on the AVR. Connect the set-tops optical digital audio output to the Optical 1 Input on the AVR (if available). For fully analog set-top boxes, connect the boxs analog audio outputs to the AVRs Video 2 Audio Inputs.
To make analog audio recordings, connect the recorders left and right analog audio outputs to the Tape Inputs on the AVR, and the recorders analog audio inputs to the AVRs Tape Outputs. No video connection is required, although the AVR will display the lastselected analog video source when the Tape source is selected. See Figure 30.
Figure 30 Connecting an Audio Recorder
Connect a Portable Audio Player
For audio-only playback from a portable CD player, cassette deck, MP3 player or other device equipped with a 1/8-inch headphone jack, use a stereo 1/8-inch mini-plug interconnect (not included) to connect the devices headphone jack to the AUX Input on the AVR. Use the devices own controls to operate it. See Figure 31.
Figure 28 Connecting a Set-Top Box
Connect a CD Player or Any Audio-Only Device
If the CD player or other component has a digital audio output, connect it to any available digital audio input on the AVR. If not, connect the CD players left and right analog audio outputs to the CD Audio Inputs. No video connection is required, but the AVR will display the last-selected analog video source when the CD source is selected. See Figure 29.
Figure 31 Connecting a Portable Audio Player
Alternatively, use an interconnect with a stereo 1/8-inch mini-plug at one end and two RCA plugs at the other end to connect the player to the Video 3 Audio Inputs on the AVRs front panel (see Figure 32).
Connecting a Game Console, Camera or Other Device
Figure 29 Connecting a CD Player
NOTE: A turntable may only be connected to the AVR if it is equipped with an internal phono preamp, or if you supply an external phono preamp, available at some audio specialty stores or through the Harman Kardon Parts Dept. You may then connect it to any set of analog audio inputs.
If a device will only be connected temporarily, you may use the Video 3 Inputs on the front panel. When not in use, place the supplied covers over the Video 3 jacks 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.
Connect a Tape Deck or Any Audio-Only Recorder

5. Enter a code from number 1 above. a) If the device turns off, then press the Input Selector again to accept the code; it will flash. The remote will exit the Program mode. b) If the device does not turn off, try entering another code. If you run out of codes, you may search through all of the codes in the remotes library for that product type by pressing the or Button repeatedly until the device turns off. When the device turns off, enter the code by pressing the Input Selector; it will flash. The remote then exits Program mode. 6. Once you have programmed a code, try using some other functions to control the device. Sometimes manufacturers use the same Power code for several different models, while other codes vary. Repeat this process until youve programmed a satisfactory code set that operates most of the functions you frequently use. 7. Find out which code number you have programmed by pressing and holding the Input Selector to enter the Program mode. Press the OK Button, and the Program Indicator LED will flash in the code sequence. One flash represents 1, two flashes for 2, and so forth. A series of many fast flashes represents 0. Record the codes programmed for each device in Table A7 in the Appendix. If you are unable to locate a code set that correctly operates your source device, it will not be possible to use the AVR remote to control that device. You may still connect the source to the AVR 154 and operate it using the devices original remote control. Most of the button labels on the remote describe the buttons function when used to control the AVR 154. However, the button may perform a very different function when used to control another device. Refer to
the Remote Control Function List, Table A9 in the Appendix, for each buttons functions with the various product types. You may program Macros, which are preprogrammed code sequences that execute many code commands with a single button press. You may also program punch-through codes, which allow the remote to operate the volume, channel or transport controls of another device without having to switch the remotes device mode. See pages 44 through 45 for instructions on these advanced programming functions. NOTE: The AVR 154 remote is preprogrammed to operate the transport controls of Harman Kardon DVD players when the AVR or the Video 2 (cable/satellite) or Video 3 (TV) source is selected. You may change this punch-through programming at any time.
Step Nine Turn On the AVR 154
Two steps are required the first time you turn on the AVR 154. 1. Gently press the Master Power Switch until the word OFF is no longer visible. The Power Indicator above the two power switches should light up in amber, indicating that the AVR is in Standby mode and is ready to be turned on. See Figure 38. Normally, you may leave the Master Power Switch in the ON position, even when the receiver is not being used.

Figure 38 Power Switches

2. There are several ways in which the AVR 154 may be turned on from Standby mode. a) Press the Standby/On Switch on the front panel. See Figure 38. b) Press the Source Select Button on the front panel. See Figure 39.

Figure 39 Source Select Button
c) Using the remote, press any one of these buttons: AVR, DVD, CD, TAPE, AUX, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, VID1, VID2, VID3, AM/FM or 6CH. See page 13. NOTE: Any time you press one of the Input Selectors, the remote will switch to the corresponding device mode and will only operate that device. To control the receiver, press the AVR Button to return the remote to AVR mode.

INITIAL SETUP

Before you begin enjoying your new receiver, a few adjustments should be made to configure the AVR 154 to match your actual system. Make sure that you have connected a video display to either the S-video or composite video monitor output on the receiver. When you turn on your display and the AVR, you should see a blue screen. A message may appear briefly at the bottom of the screen. This message is part of the on-screen display system, and is referred to as the semi-OSD. The semi-OSD is activated any time you send a command to the AVR, and any time the AVR detects a change in the incoming signal. Semi-OSD messages are overlaid on top of any video signal, so that you may continue to watch your program while making adjustments to the AVR. Although its possible to configure the AVR using only the remote and the semi-OSD messages, we recommend that you use the full-screen menu system, known as the full-OSD.
Figure 41 Master Menu Screen
If you are an experienced home theater user, you may prefer to use the menus in this order: 1. System Setup (described in Advanced Functions section) 2. Manual Setup (described here and in Advanced Functions) 3. Input Setup (described in this section) 4. Surround Select (see Advanced Functions section) We recommend that most users follow the instructions in this INITIAL SETUP section to configure a basic home theater system. You may return to these menus at any time to make additional adjustments. Record your configuration settings in the appropriate places in Tables A2 through A8 in the Appendix, in case you need to reenter them after a system reset, or if the AVRs Master Power Switch is turned off or the unit is unplugged for more than four weeks. This section requires that you complete all of the steps in the Installation section that apply to your receiver. You should have connected all of your loudspeakers and a video display, as well as your source devices. You should be able to turn on the receiver and view a blue screen on your video display. If necessary, reread the Installation Section before continuing.
Using the On-Screen Menu System
The full-OSD system is accessed by pressing the OSD Button on the remote. See Figure 40. While the full-OSD system is in use, it isnt possible to see any video programming. In addition, an OSD ON message will appear on the front panel of the receiver to remind you to use a video display.

Figure 40 Navigation Buttons
Press the OSD Button to display the Master Menu. Use the / Buttons to point the cursor to different lines in the menu. Press the OK Button to select one of the submenus listed in the Master Menu, or to return to a previous menu. Within the submenus, after positioning the cursor at a particular line item, use the / Buttons to change a setting. When the desired setting appears, use the / Buttons to navigate to another line item. Except for the TITLE setting in the INPUT SETUP menu, there is no need to press the OK Button after your desired setting appears. The Master Menu allows access to four submenus: Input Setup, Surround Select, Manual Setup and System Setup. See Figure 41. NOTE: Your menus appearance may vary, but the functions remain the same.
Step One Determine Speaker Size
The AVR 154 cant detect how many speakers youve connected to it; nor can it determine their capabilities. For this part of the system setup, consult the owners guide for each of your speakers. If you dont have the guide, obtain the speakers technical specifications from the manufacturers Web site, or by contacting the manufacturer directly. This information is needed to program the receivers bass management, which determines which speakers the receiver will use to play back the low-frequency (bass) portion of the source program. If the lowest notes are played by small satellite speakers, they wont sound their best, and they may damage the speaker by going beyond its capabilities. If the highest notes are played by the special-purpose subwoofer, they may not be heard at all.
With proper bass management, the AVR 154 divides the source signal at a crossover point. All information above the crossover point is played through the satellite speaker (front left/right, center or surround left/right), and all information below the crossover point is played through the subwoofer. This enables each loudspeaker in your system to perform at its best, delivering an enjoyable sound experience. Find the speakers frequency response, which is usually given as a range, e.g., 100Hz 20kHz (3dB). This specification tells you whether the speaker is able to play sounds that are very high- or low-pitched, represented by the high and low frequencies. We are concerned with the lowest frequency that each of your main speakers is capable of playing, which is 100Hz in this example. Use the Table A6 worksheet in the Appendix to note this number as the crossover for that speaker (not the same as the crossover frequency listed in the speakers specifications). The subwoofers frequency response includes only the lowest frequencies, since the subwoofer is only designed to play bass materials. A typical frequency response for a subwoofer is 25Hz 150Hz. In this case, the higher number is most important and should be noted in the worksheet.

The third number is used for the LFE channel: 0 indicates no LFE channel.1 indicates that an LFE channel is present.
Audio Processing and Surround Sound
Audio signals generated by sources are encoded in a variety of formats that can affect not only the quality of the sound but the number of speaker channels and the surround mode. You may also manually select a different surround mode, although for certain types of audio signals, the modes available will be limited in certain ways, as described below.

Analog Audio Signals

Analog audio signals usually consist of two channels left and right. While the AVR can handle 5.1-channel analog signals, their content generally is encoded with a proprietary surround scheme and it isnt possible to adjust the surround mode for the AVRs 6-Channel Inputs. The AVR 154 offers three basic options for playback of analog audio: 1. Analog Bypass Mode: In this mode, the 2-channel signal is passed directly to the volume control, without being digitized or undergoing any processing for bass management or surround sound. The requirements for selecting analog bypass mode are: a) The analog audio inputs for the source must be selected. If necessary, press the Digital Button on the remote and use the / Buttons to make the selection. b) The tone controls must be disabled by setting TONE MODE to OUT. Either use the Input Setup menu in the full-OSD system to make this change, or press the Tone Mode Button and use the / Buttons until the TONE OUT message appears. c) The Surround Off mode must be selected. The easiest way to select the Surround Off mode is to press the Stereo Button on the remote until the Surround Off icon is lit (and the DSP icon is not lit) in the front-panel display. 2. DSP Surround Off Mode: The DSP Surround Off mode digitizes the incoming signal and applies the bass management settings, including speaker configuration, delay times and output levels. This mode is desirable when your front speakers are small, limited-range satellites and you are using a subwoofer. Both the DSP and Surround Off icons will be lit when this mode is active. Press the Stereo Button on the remote repeatedly to select this mode. 3. Analog Surround Modes: One of the main benefits of a surround receiver such as the AVR 154 is its ability to process 2-channel audio signals to produce multichannel surround sound in a variety of modes, even when no surround sound has been encoded in the recording. Among the available modes are the Dolby Pro Logic II modes, the Dolby Virtual Speaker modes, the DTS Neo:6 modes, the Logic 7 modes, the Hall and Theater modes and the Stereo modes.

Default Modes

During initial use or after a processor reset, the AVR 154 defaults to the Logic 7 Music mode for all analog and PCM audio inputs. Subsequently, when a source input is selected and an analog or PCM signal is received, the AVR will switch to the last surround mode used for that source input/incoming signal combination.
Dolby Digital and DTS digital signals are handled slightly differently. Consult Table 2 for the alternate surround modes available when one of these digital signals is detected. For example, you may prefer Dolby Digital Stereo when a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal is present if only two speakers are connected to the AVR. By default, the AVR selects the mode encoded in the incoming bitstream, i.e., Dolby Digital 5.1 in the example. To change the AVRs default behavior so that it always selects the alternate mode when the digital bitstream is present: 1. Select the desired alternate mode when the digital mode is present. In this case, play a Dolby Digital 5.1 DVD and press the Dolby Surround Mode Button on the remote repeatedly to select Dolby Digital Stereo mode. 2. Change the DEFAULT SURR MODE setting in the System Setup menu to OFF. Table 2 provides descriptions of all surround modes available on the AVR 154, along with the incoming bitstreams or signals that the particular mode may be used with. Feel free to experiment and simply cycle through all of the available modes at any time; you cannot cause any problems for the AVR 154 by doing so.
Figure 65 Dolby Surround Menu Screen
CENTER WIDTH: This setting affects how vocals sound through the three front speakers. A higher number (up to 7) focuses the vocal information tightly on the center channel. Lower numbers broaden the vocal soundstage across the three speakers. DIMENSION: This setting affects the depth of the surround presentation, allowing you to move the sound toward the front or rear of the room. The setting of 0 is a neutral default. Setting F-3 moves the sound mostly toward the front of the room, while setting R-3 moves the sound mostly toward the rear. PANORAMA: With the Panorama mode turned ON, some of the sound from the front speakers is moved to the surround speakers, creating an enveloping wraparound type of effect. NIGHT MODE: Night mode is available with some Dolby Digital programs, if it has been encoded in the material. It compresses the peak sound levels, maintaining the intelligibility of the dialogue and quieter passages, while reducing the loudness of special effects and louder passages to avoid disturbing others. Three levels of compression are available: OFF: At this setting, there is no compression, as the Night mode is deactivated. MID: A mild compression is applied. MAX: More compression is applied. We suggest that you experiment with the modes to find a setting that meets your needs. The Night mode may also be adjusted without using the full-OSD menu system. With a Dolby Digital program encoded with Night mode playing, press the Night Button on the remote. Each press of the button will cycle through the three settings, with the selected setting being displayed on the front panel and in the semi-OSD display. UPSAMPLING: The last line of the Surround Select menu activates upsampling, only available with the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie, Dolby Pro Logic II Music and Dolby Pro Logic modes. Normally set to OFF, upsampling, when activated, processes digital sources at a higher resolution for improved sound quality. This feature can be useful to eliminate distortion in some low-resolution sources.

Resetting the Remote

To reset the remote to its factory defaults, simultaneously press and hold any Input Selector and the 0 Numeric Key. When the Program LED flashes in amber, enter the code 333. When the green LED goes out, the remote will have been fully reset.

Processor Reset

There may be instances when you wish to fully reset the AVR 154 to its factory defaults, or if the unit behaves erratically after a power surge. To correct erratic behavior, first turn the Master Power Switch off and unplug the AC Power Cord for at least 3 minutes. Plug the cord back in and turn the receiver back on. If this doesnt help, try a system reset. NOTE: A system reset erases all user configurations, including speaker and level settings and tuner presets. After a reset, you must re-enter all of these settings. If the unit is able to display the configuration settings, note them in the worksheets in the Appendix to facilitate reentry after the reset. To reset the AVR 154, place the receiver in Standby mode (press the front-panel Standby/On Switch so that the Power Indicator turns amber). Press and hold the front-panel Surround Mode Button for 5 to 10 seconds until the RESET message appears in the display. If the receiver still does not function correctly after a processor reset, contact an authorized Harman Kardon service center for assistance. Service centers may be located by visiting our Web site at www.harmankardon.com.

Macros

Macros are used to program sequences of up to 19 commands that are executed with a single button press. Macros are well suited for power on and off commands, or to send out a favorite multidigit channel number with one button press, or to have the ability to send out a code sequence to control a device while the remote is operating another device, but with more flexibility than the built-in punch-through controls. Some commands may not be programmed into macros: Mute, Dim, Channel Up/Down or any of the surround mode commands. NOTE: Use caution when programming complicated macros. It isnt possible to program a pause or delay before sending commands after Power On, and the component may not be ready to respond to commands instantaneously after powering on. To program, or record a macro, follow these steps: 1. Simultaneously press one of the four Macro Buttons or the Power On Button and the Mute Button to enter program mode. 2. Press the Input (or AVR) Selector for each device before you enter commands to be transmitted to that device. This step counts as one of the 19 commands allowed for each macro. 3. For the Power On command, DO NOT press the Power On Button. Press the Mute Button instead. 4. Press the Power Off Button to program the Power Off command. 5. Press the Sleep Button to end the programming process. It isnt possible to edit a command within a macro. However, you may erase the macro as follows: 1. Simultaneously press and hold the Mute Button and the Macro Button containing the macro until the LED flashes. 2. Press the Surround Button to erase the macro.