Harman Kardon AVR 350 Owners Manual - Page 21

CONNECTIONS 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 7. 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. 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 using the multiroom preamp outputs with an external amplifier to power your remote speakers, as the AVR 350's multiroom system is not capable of converting the digital signal to analog format. It's suggested that you also use the analog audio connections when using the surround back/multiroom speaker outputs, in case another two-channel digital audio source is in use in the main listening area. The AVR 350 is only capable of processing one PCM source at a time. If you wish to record materials from DVDs or other copy-protected sources, you may only do so using analog connections. Remember to comply with all copyright laws, if you choose to make a copy for your own personal use. Analog audio L cable (RCA) R Figure 7 - Analog Audio Multichannel analog connections are used with some high-definition sources where the copy-protected digital content is decoded inside the source. These types of connections are usually used with DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD and other multichannel players. See Figure 8. However, the multichannel analog audio connection is not required for DVD-Audio players compliant with HDMI version 1.1 or better, or HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc players that decode the digital audio internally and output linear PCM signals in digital format. Consult the owner's guide for your disc player for more information. Multichannel analog audio cable (RCA) Front Surround Center Subwoofer Figure 8 - Multichannel Analog Audio Harman Kardon receivers also include a proprietary, dedicated audio connection called "The Bridge/DMP". If you own an iPod with a dock connector, you may separately purchase The Bridge and connect it to The Bridge/DMP port on the receiver. See Figure 9. Dock your iPod (not included) in The Bridge, and you may listen to your audio materials through your high-performance audio system. If your iPod is photoor video-capable, you may view still images or video materials stored on the iPod using your home theater system. You may even use the AVR 350 remote to control the iPod, with navigation messages displayed on the front panel and on a video display connected to the AVR. The Bridge outputs analog audio to the AVR 350, and it is available to the multiroom system. Figure 9 - The Bridge Video Connections Although some sources produce an audio signal only (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, you will need to connect one type of video connection for each source (never more than one at the same time for any source). Digital Video If you have already connected a source device to one of the HDMI inputs as explained in the Digital Audio Connections section, then you have automatically made a video connection at the same time, as the HDMI signal includes both digital audio and video components. If the source device is not capable of transmitting its digital audio signal through the HDMI connection, then use one of the coaxial or optical digital audio inputs for the source. If a multichannel analog audio connection is required for certain lossless formats (e.g., DVD-Audio, SACD, HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc), you may make both audio connections, but you must also make an analog video connection. To listen to the multichannel disc, first select the analog video source input, then select the 6-/8-channel analog audio inputs, and the AVR will retain the last video source you selected other than HDMI. The AVR 350 is Simplay HD-verified for compatibility via the HDMI connection with other Simplay HD-verified products. Figure 4 (repeated) - HDMI Connection Analog Video There are three types of analog video connections: composite video, S-video and component video. Composite video is the basic connection most commonly available. The 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 or coaxial digital audio jack, or vice versa. Both the chrominance (color) and luminance (intensity) components of the video signal are transmitted using a single cable. See Figure 10. Composite video cable Figure 10 - Composite Video 21 21