Harman Kardon DVD 50 Owners Manual - Page 3

Introduction Thank you for choosing the Harman Kardon DVD 50. The DVD 50 is a multipurpose five-disc player that delivers the highest level of playback quality from a wide range of optical media formats. Along with conventional DVD and CD audio discs, the DVD 50 is also compatible with CD-R and CD-RW discs, discs with HDCD® encoding, VCD discs and discs recorded with audio files in the MP3 format. However, the DVD 50 does more than simply play discs in this extensive list of formats, it plays them flawlessly, and provides output signals that match the capabilities of the latest audio and video display technologies. On the video side, the DVD 50 is one of the first 5-disc changers to offer progressive scan video outputs for use with digital "HDTV-Ready" display monitors. Using a high-speed, single-chip digital processor, the DVD 50 is capable of reconstructing the 3/2 pulldown effect introduced when film-based programs are transferred to video. In conjunction with precision video output DACs, the end result is a full 60frame-per-second output that is the closest thing to film this side of your local cinema. Of course, traditional Y/Pr/Pb component video, S-Video and composite video outputs are also available for use with conventional televisions and video projectors. In keeping with our tradition as a leader in audio technology, Harman Kardon has packed the DVD 50 with the latest features, including audiophile-grade Wolfson audio output DACs and full compatibility with 96kHz audio programming. Both coaxial and optical digital outputs are available for direct connection to A/V receivers or surround processors so that you may take advantage of Dolby Digital* and DTS® soundtracks. CD playback is enhanced through the use of HDCD technology, which provides optimal playback resolution from HDCD-encoded discs and enhanced playback of all CDs. Finally, built-in MP3 decoding allows music discs created and finalized on a computer to be played back through your home-theater system for increased listening pleasure. A wide range of programming features makes it easy to program an evening's worth of entertainment, selecting from tracks on multiple discs. When playing DVDs, easy-to-understand on-screen menus and icons make it simple to change languages, soundtracks, subtitles or aspect ratio, while a parental-lock function enables you to control which discs may be viewed by younger members of the household. DVD players are among the fastest growing consumer electronics products ever brought to market, but this may, nevertheless, be the first DVD player you've owned. Although many of the features of the DVD 50 resemble those of standard CD changers or players, there are a number of functions that you may be unfamiliar with. To ensure that you are able to take advantage of all the power and flexibility the DVD 50 has to offer, we encourage you to review this manual. That small investment of your time will pay major dividends in the enjoyment you will get from proper use of the DVD 50. If you have additional questions about this product, or its installation or operation, that are not answered in this manual, please contact your dealer, as he is your best source of local information. You may also contact Harman Kardon via e-mail through our Web site at www.harmankardon.com. Special Features s Plays a wide range of video and audio formats, including DVD-Movie discs, VCD, standard CD audio discs, CD-R/RW audio discs, MP3 discs and HDCDencoded discs s High-quality video playback 10-bit DACs, progressive scan and component video outputs CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, do not use this (polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. s Dolby Digital and DTS data signal output through both optical and coaxial digital audio connections s Audiophile-grade Wolfson output DACs for the finest audio reproduction s Easy-to-use on-screen navigation system s Playback of MP3 audio discs with text display s HDCD decoding for optimal playback of HDCD-encoded discs and superior reproduction of all CDs s Extensive programming capability for audio and video discs s Parental lock controls prevent unauthorized viewing of restricted movies s Multiple options for language, soundtrack and subtitle selection s Multiple-angle capabilities with specially encoded DVD discs s Bookmark function for easy return to favorite scenes s Backlit, ergonomically designed remote control s Five-disc-capacity changer with play-exchange feature NOTE: This player is designed and manufactured for compatibility with Region Management Information that is encoded on most DVD discs. This player is designed only for playback of discs with Region Code 1, or for discs that do not contain Region Code information. If there is any other Region Code on a disc, that disc will not play on the DVD 50. 1 3 INTRODUCTION