Harman Kardon Stereo Receiver AVR1550 User Manual

AVR1550 Audio/VideoReceiver  
OWNER’S MANUAL  
®
Power for the Digital Revolution  
 
Introduction  
Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon!  
With the purchase of a Harman Kardon  
AVR 1550 you are about to begin many years of  
listening enjoyment. The AVR 1550 has been  
custom designed to provide all the excitement  
and detail of movie sound tracks and every  
nuance of musical selections. With onboard  
Dolby* Digital and DTSdecoding, the AVR 1550  
delivers six discrete channels of audio that take  
advantage of the digital sound tracks from the  
latest DVD and LD releases and Digital Television  
broadcasts.  
In addition to providing a wide range of listening  
options, the AVR 1550 is easy to configure so  
that it provides the best results with your  
speakers and specific listening-room  
environment.  
The AVR 1550’s powerful amplifier uses  
traditional Harman Kardon high-current design  
technologies to meet the wide dynamic range of  
any program selection.  
Harman Kardon invented the high-fidelity receiv-  
er more than forty-seven years ago. With state-  
of-the-art circuitry and time-honored circuit  
designs, the AVR 1550 is one of the finest  
receivers ever offered by Harman Kardon within  
its price range.  
For the ultimate in flexibility, the AVR 1550  
features connections for three video devices,  
partially with both composite and S-Video  
inputs.  
Two additional audio inputs are available, and a  
total of two digital inputs make the AVR 1550  
capable of handling all the latest digital audio  
sources. A coax digital output is available for  
direct connection to digital recorders.  
I Onboard Dolby Digital and DTS  
Decoding Using Crystal® Chip  
Technology  
To obtain the maximum enjoyment from your  
new receiver, we urge you to take the time to  
read through this manual. This will ensure that  
connections to speakers, source playback units  
and other external devices are made properly. In  
addition, a few minutes spent learning the func-  
tions of the various controls will enable you to  
take advantage of all the power the AVR 1550  
is able to deliver.  
I Dolby Laboratory's latest ProLogic II  
decoding technology  
I Multiple Digital Inputs and Outputs  
I Front-Panel Inputs for Easy Connection  
to Portable Devices and the Latest  
Video Game Consoles  
If you have any questions about this product, its  
installation or its operation, please contact your  
dealer. He is your best local source of informa-  
tion.  
Description and Features  
The AVR 1550 is among the most versatile and  
multi-featured A/V receivers available, incorpo-  
rating a wide range of listening options. In addi-  
tion to Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for digi-  
tal sources, a broad choice of analog surround  
modes are available for use with sources such  
as CD, VCR, TV broadcasts and the AVR’s own  
FM/AM tuner.  
INTRODUCTION 3  
 
Safety Information  
Installation Location  
Important Safety Information  
Unpacking  
I To assure 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.  
Verify Line Voltage Before Use  
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.  
Your AVR 1550 has been designed for use with  
220-240-Volt AC current. Connection to a line  
voltage other than that for which it is intended  
can create a safety and fire hazard and may  
damage the unit.  
I 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.  
If you have any questions about the voltage  
requirements for your specific model, or about  
the line voltage in your area, contact your dealer  
before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.  
To minimize the size of the carton in storage,  
you may wish to flatten it. This is done by  
carefully slitting the tape seams on the bottom  
and collapsing the carton. Other cardboard  
inserts may be stored in the same manner.  
Packing materials that cannot be collapsed  
should be saved along with the carton in a  
plastic bag.  
Do Not Use Extension Cords  
To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord  
attached to your unit. We do not recommend  
that extension cords be used with this product.  
As with all electrical devices, do not run power  
cords under rugs or carpets or place heavy  
objects on them. Damaged power cords should  
be replaced immediately by an authorized  
service depot with a cord meeting factory  
specifications.  
I Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted  
surface.  
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.  
I Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold  
locations, or an area that is exposed to direct  
sunlight or heating equipment.  
I Avoid moist or humid locations.  
I Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the  
top of the unit, or place objects directly over  
them.  
Handle the AC Power Cord Gently  
When disconnecting the power cord from an AC  
outlet, always pull the plug, never pull the cord.  
If you do not intend to use the unit for any con-  
siderable length of time, disconnect the plug  
from the AC outlet.  
Cleaning  
When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean,  
soft, dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it with a soft  
cloth dampened with mild soapy water, then a  
fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe dry  
immediately with a dry cloth. NEVER use  
benzene, aerosol cleaners, thinner, alcohol or any  
other volatile cleaning agent. Do not use  
abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish  
of metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticide near  
the unit.  
Do Not Open the Cabinet  
There are no user-serviceable components inside  
this product. Opening the cabinet may present a  
shock hazard, and any modification to the  
product will void your guarantee. If water or any  
metal object such as a paper clip, wire or a  
staple accidentally falls inside the unit,  
disconnect it from the AC power source  
immediately, and consult an authorized service  
station.  
Moving the Unit  
Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect  
any interconnection cords with other  
components, and make certain that you  
disconnect the unit from the AC outlet.  
4 SAFETY INFORMATION  
 
Front Panel Controls  
ÔÓ  
&
^$#  
*
(
1
2
3 4 5 6  
8 9 ) ! @  
%
7
Main Power Switch  
System Power Control  
Power Indicator  
Headphone Jack  
Remote Sensor Window  
Tone Mode  
Tuner Band Selector  
Selector Buttons  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
)
!
@
#
$
%
^
&
*
(
Ó
Ô
Preset Stations Selector  
Input Source Selector  
RDS Select Button  
Channel Select Button  
Speaker Select Button  
Video 3 input jacks  
Test Tone Selector  
Main Information Display  
Volume Control  
Set Button  
Digital Input Selector  
Delay  
Surround Mode Selector  
Tuning  
1
Main Power Switch: Press this button to  
2
System Power Control: When the Main  
5
Remote Sensor Window: The sensor  
apply power to the AVR 1550. When the switch  
is pressed in, the unit is placed in a Standby  
Power Switch  
turn on the AVR 1550; press it again to turn the  
unit off (to Standby). Note that the Power  
Indicator surrounding the switch  
1
is “ON,” press this button to  
behind this window receives infrared signals  
from the remote control. Aim the remote at this  
area and do not block or cover it unless an  
external remote sensor is installed.  
mode, as indicated by the orange LED  
3
sur-  
. This  
rounding the System Power Control  
2
3
will turn  
button MUST be pressed in to operate the unit.  
To turn the unit off completely and prevent the  
use of the remote control, this switch should be  
pressed until it pops out from the front panel  
so that the word “OFF” may be read at the top  
of the switch.  
green when the unit is on.  
6
Tone Mode: Pressing this button activates  
3
Power Indicator: This LED will be illumi-  
the menu for setting the Bass and Treble  
controls.  
nated in orange when the unit is in the Standby  
mode to signal that the unit is ready to be  
turned on. When the unit is in operation, the  
indicator will turn green.  
NOTE: This switch is normally left in the “ON”  
position.  
4
Headphone Jack: This jack may be used to  
listen to the AVR 1550’s output through a pair  
of headphones. Be certain that the headphones  
have a standard 6.3 mm stereo phone plug.  
Note that the speakers will automatically be  
turned off when the headphones are connected.  
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 5  
 
Front Panel Controls  
7
Surround Mode Selector: Press this but-  
#
Channel Select Button: Press this button  
(
Volume Control: Turn this knob clockwise  
ton to change the surround mode by scrolling  
through the list of available modes. Note that  
Dolby Digital and DTS modes can be selected  
only when a digital input is used (See page 20  
for more information about surround modes.)  
to begin the process of trimming the channel  
output levels using an external audio source.  
(For more information on output level trim  
adjustment, see page 23.)  
to increase the volume, counterclockwise to  
decrease the volume. If the AVR is muted,  
adjusting volume control will automatically  
release the unit from the silenced condition.  
$
Speaker Select Button: Press this button  
Ó
Set Button: When making choices during  
8
Tuning Selector: Press the left side of the  
to begin the process of selecting the speaker  
positions that are used in your listening room.  
(See page 14 for more information on setup and  
configuration.)  
the setup and configuration process, press this  
button to enter the desired setting as shown in  
button to tune lower frequency stations and the  
right side of the button to tune higher frequency  
stations. When a station with a strong signal is  
reached, the TUNED indicator Lwill illuminate  
in the Main Information Display  
(see page 24 for more information on tuning  
stations).  
the Main Information Display  
*
into the  
AVR 1550’s memory. The set button may also be  
used to change the display brightness.  
(See page 23.)  
%
Video 3 Input Jacks: These audio/video  
*
jacks may be used for temporary connection to  
video games or portable audio/video products  
such as camcorders and portable audio players.  
Ô
Digital Input Selector: When playing a  
source that has a digital output, press this  
button to select between the Optical  
Coaxial Digital inputs. (See pages  
21-22 for more information on digital audio.)  
9
Tuner Band Selector: Pressing this button  
F
and  
^
Test Tone Selector: Press this button to  
will automatically switch the AVR to the Tuner  
mode. Pressing it again will switch between the  
AM and FM frequency bands, holding it pressed  
for some seconds will switch between stereo  
and mono receiving and between automatic and  
manual tuning mode (See page 24 for more  
information on the tuner).  
9
begin the process of adjusting the channel out-  
put levels using the internal test tone as a refer-  
ence. (For more information on output level  
adjustment, see page 17.)  
Delay: Press this button to begin the  
sequence of steps required to enter delay time  
settings. (See page 16 for more information on  
delay times.)  
&
Selector Buttons: When you are establish-  
ing the AVR 1550’s configuration settings, use  
these buttons to select from the choices available,  
)
Preset Stations Selector: Press this but-  
as shown in the Main Information Display  
*.  
ton to scroll up or down through the list of sta-  
tions that have been entered into the preset  
memory. (See page 24 for more information on  
tuner programming.)  
*
Main Information Display: This display  
delivers messages and status indications to help  
you operate the receiver. (See pages 7–8 for a  
complete explanation of the Information  
Display.)  
!
Input Source Selector: Press this button  
to change the input by scrolling through the list  
of input sources.  
@RDS Select Button: Press this button to dis-  
play the various messages that are part of the  
RDS data system of the AVR 1550’s tuner. (See  
page 24 for more information on RDS).  
6 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS  
 
Front Panel Information Display  
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
Bitstream Indicators  
Optical Source Indicators  
DTS Mode Indicator  
Dolby Digital Indicator  
Coaxial Digital Input Indicators  
Dolby Pro Logic II Indicator  
Analog Input Indicator  
Dolby 3 Stereo Indicator  
RDS Indicator  
DSP Mode Indicator  
Traffic Program Indicator  
Tuned Indicator  
Auto Indicator  
Speaker/Channel Input Indicators  
Preset Number/Sleep Timer  
Preset Indicator  
Sleep Indicator  
Memory Indicator  
Main Information Display  
Night Mode Indicator  
Stereo Indicator  
A
Bitstream™ Indicators: When the input is a  
J
DSP Mode Indicator: This indicator lights  
Q
Preset Number/Sleep Timer: When the  
digital source, one of these indicators will light to  
display the specific type of signal in use.  
when any of the surround modes created by  
Digital Signal Processing, or DSP are in use.  
These modes include Hall 1, Hall 2, Theater and  
5 Channel Stereo.  
tuner is in use, these numbers indicate the spe-  
cific preset memory location in use. (See page 24  
for more information on preset stations.) When  
the Sleep function is in use, these numbers show  
how many minutes remain before the unit goes  
into the Standby mode.  
B
Optical Source Indicators: These indica-  
tors light to show when a Optical Digital Input  
has been selected.  
K
Traffic Program Indicator: This indicator  
illuminates if the RDS station tuned sometimes  
transmits traffic information (see page 24 for  
more information on RDS).  
C
DTS Mode Indicator: This indicator illumi-  
R
Preset Indicator: This indicator lights when  
the tuner is in use to show that the Preset  
Number/Sleep Timer is showing the sta-  
nates when the DTS mode is selected.  
Q
D
Dolby Digital Indicator: This indicator  
L
Tuned Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
tion’s preset memory number. (See page 24 for  
more information on tuner presets.)  
illuminates when Dolby Digital mode is selected.  
when a station is being received with sufficient sig-  
nal strength to provide acceptable listening quality.  
E
Coaxial Digital Input Indicators: These  
S
Sleep Indicator: This indicator lights when  
indicators light to show when a Coaxial Digital  
Input has been selected.  
M
Main Information Display: This display  
the Sleep function is in use. The numbers in the  
Preset/Sleep Number Indicators will show the  
minutes remaining before the AVR 1550 goes  
into the Standby mode. (See page 19 for more  
information on the Sleep function.)  
shows messages relating to the status, input  
source, surround mode, tuner, volume level or  
other aspects of unit’s operation.  
F
Dolby Pro LogicII Indicator: This indica-  
tor lights when the Dolby Pro Logic II mode has  
been selected.  
NNight Mode Indicator: This indicator  
lights when the AVR 1550 is in the Night mode,  
which preserves the dynamic range of digital  
program material at low volume levels.  
G
Analog Input Indicator: This indicator lights  
TMemory Indicator: This indicator flashes  
when entering presets and other information  
into the tuner’s memory.  
when an analog input source has been selected.  
H
Dolby 3 Stereo Indicator: This indicator  
O
Auto Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
lights when the Dolby 3 Stereo Mode has been  
selected. Only ST(Stereo) will light when  
"Surround Off" has been selected. Then all  
Surround Modes are turned off and the unit will  
play in pure stereo mode.  
U
Stereo Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
when the tuner’s Auto mode is in use.  
when an FM station is being tuned in stereo.  
PSpeaker/Channel Input Indicators: These  
indicators are multipurpose, indicating either the  
speaker type selected for each channel or the  
incoming data-signal configuration. The left, cen-  
ter, right, right surround and left surround speaker  
indicators are composed of three boxes, while the  
subwoofer is a single box. When the letters flash,  
the digital input has been interrupted. (See page  
18 and 27 for more information on the Channel  
Indicators).  
I
RDS Indicator: This indicator illuminates  
when the station tuned is transmitting RDS data.  
FRONT PANEL INFORMATION DISPLAY 7  
 
Rear Panel Connections  
¢
¤
ª
a
¡
£
·
b
°
§
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
Tape Inputs  
Tape Outputs  
CD Inputs  
Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs  
Coaxial Digital Inputs  
TV Audio Inputs  
Optical Digital Inputs  
AC Power Cord  
DVD Video Inputs  
Video 1 Video Outputs  
Video 1 Video Inputs  
Video 2 Video Inputs  
Video 1 Audio Inputs  
AM Antenna  
Video 1 Audio Outputs  
Video 2 Audio Inputs  
FM Antenna  
Subwoofer Output  
Video Monitor Outputs  
Front/Center Speaker Outputs  
Surround Speaker Outputs  
0
Tape Inputs: Connect these jacks to the  
9
Coaxial Digital Inputs: Connect the coax  
the red (+) terminals on the AVR 1550 to the  
red (+) terminals on the speakers and the black  
(–) terminals on the AVR 1550 to the black (–)  
terminals on the speakers. See page 11 for more  
information on speaker polarity.  
PLAY/OUT jacks of an audio recorder.  
digital output from a DVD player. Do not connect  
the RF digital output of an LD player to these  
jacks.  
1
Tape Outputs: Connect these jacks to the  
RECORD/INPUT jacks of an audio recorder.  
A
Subwoofer Output: Connect this jack to  
2
Video 1 Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks  
the line-level input of a powered subwoofer. If  
an external subwoofer amplifier is used, connect  
this jack to the subwoofer amplifier input.  
E
TV Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks to  
to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a VCR or other  
video source.  
the Audio Out jacks on a TV or other video  
source.  
3
AM Antenna: Connect the AM loop antenna  
B
Video Monitor Outputs: Connect these  
F
Optical Digital Inputs: Connect the opti-  
supplied with the receiver to these terminals. If an  
external AM antenna is used, make connections to  
the AM and GND terminals in accordance with  
the instructions supplied with the antenna.  
jacks to the composite and/or S-Video input of a  
TV monitor or video projector to view the output  
of any video source selected by the receiver’s  
video switcher.  
cal digital output from a DVD player, HDTV  
receiver, LD player, MD player or CD player to  
these jacks. The signal may be either a Dolby  
Digital signal, a DTS signal or a standard PCM  
digital source.  
4
Video 1 Audio Outputs: Connect these  
C
Front/Center Speaker Outputs: Connect  
jacks to the RECORD/INPUT audio jacks on  
a VCR or any other Audio recorder.  
these outputs to the matching + or – terminals  
on your front/center speakers. When making  
speaker connections, always make certain to  
maintain correct polarity by connecting the red  
(+) terminals on the AVR 1550 to the red (+)  
terminals on the speaker and the black (–) ter-  
minals on the AVR 1550 to the black (–) termi-  
nals on the speakers. (See page 11 for more  
information on speaker polarity.)  
G
AC Power Cord: Connect the AC plug to an  
unswitched AC wall output.  
5
Video 2 Audio Inputs: Connect these jacks  
H
DVD Video Inputs: Connect these jacks to  
to the PLAY/OUT audio jacks on a VCR or other  
video source.  
the composite or S-Video output jacks on a DVD  
player or other video source.  
6
FM Antenna: Connect the supplied indoor or  
I
Video 1 Video Outputs: Connect these  
an optional external FM antenna to this terminal.  
jacks to the RECORD/INPUT composite or  
S-Video jack on a VCR.  
7
CD Inputs: Connect these jacks to the ana-  
log output of a compact disc player or CD  
changer.  
D
Surround Speaker Outputs: Connect  
J
Video 1 Video Inputs: Connect these jacks  
these outputs to the matching + or – terminals  
on your left and right surround speakers. When  
making speaker connections always make cer-  
tain to maintain correct polarity by connecting  
to the PLAY/OUT composite or S-Video jacks on  
a VCR or other video source.  
8
CoaxialDigital Audio Outputs: Connect  
this jack to the matching digital input connector  
on a digital recorder such as a CD-R or MiniDisc  
recorder.  
K
Video 2 Video Inputs: Connect these jacks  
to the PLAY/OUT composite jacks on a second  
VCR or other video source.  
8 REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS  
 
Remote Control Functions  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
Power On Button  
IR Transmitter Window  
Mute  
Power Off Button  
Input Selectors  
AVR Selector  
AM/FM Tuner Select  
Test Button  
Sleep Button  
b
a
d
e
f
v
Surround Mode Selector  
Night Mode  
Channel Select Button  
⁄ ¤  
/
Buttons  
g
t
Button  
Enter Button  
Digital Select/Direct Button  
Numeric Keys  
Tuner Mode  
y
s
Volume Up/Down  
Tuning Up/Down  
Speaker Select  
r
o
Transport Controls  
Button  
`
m
RDS Select Button  
Preset Up/Down  
Clear Button  
Memory Button  
Delay  
u
n
w
l
NOTE: The function names shown here are each  
button’s feature when used with the AVR. Most  
buttons have additional functions when used  
with other Harman Kardon devices.  
R
j
q
p
x
7
See page 26 for a list of these functions.  
k
c
8
z
AVR 1550  
IMPORTANT NOTE: The AVR 1550’s remote is  
shipped from the factory to operate the  
AVR 1550 and most Harman Kardon CD or DVD  
players and cassette decks.  
Before using the remote, it is important to  
remember to press the Input Selector button  
0
Power On Button: Press this button to  
3
Power Off Button: Press this button to  
4
that corresponds to the unit you wish to  
turn on the power.  
place the AVR 1550 in the Standby mode.  
operate.  
1
IR Transmitter Window: Point this  
4
Input Selectors: Pressing one of these  
It is also important to remember that many of  
the buttons on the remote take on different  
functions, depending on the product selected  
using the Input Selectors. The descriptions  
shown here primarily detail the functions of the  
remote when it is used to operate the  
window towards the AVR 1550 when pressing  
buttons on the remote to make certain that  
infrared commands are properly received.  
buttons will perform three actions at the same  
time. First, if the AVR is not turned on, this will  
power up the unit. Next, it will select the source  
shown on the button as the input to the AVR.  
Finally, it will change the remote control so that  
it controls the compatible Harman Kardon prod-  
uct selected. After pressing one of these buttons  
2
Mute: Press this button to momentarily  
silence the AVR 1550 or TV set being controlled,  
depending on which device has been selected.  
AVR 1550. (See page 26 for information about  
alternate functions for the remote’s buttons.)  
you must press the AVR Selector button  
5
REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS 9  
 
Remote Control Functions  
⁄ ¤  
/
again to operate the AVR’s functions with the  
remote.  
C
Buttons: These are multi-purpose  
K
Speaker Select: Press this button to  
buttons.They will be used most frequently to select  
a surround mode.These buttons are also used to  
increase or decrease output levels when config-  
uring the unit, to select speaker configuration or  
to select the digital inputs. They are also used to  
enter delay time settings after the Delay button  
begin the process of configuring the  
AVR 1550’s Bass Management System for use  
with the type of speakers used in your system.  
Once the button has been pressed, use the  
⁄ ¤  
5
AVR Selector: Pressing this button will  
switch the remote so that it will operate the AVR’s  
functions. If the AVR is in the Standby mode, it will  
also turn the AVR on.  
/
buttons  
C
to select the channel you  
wish to set up. Press the Enter button  
E
and  
R
has been pressed.  
then select the speaker type (see page 14 for  
more information.)  
6
AM/FM Tuner Select: Press this button to  
select the AVR’s tuner as the listening choice.  
Pressing this button when the tuner is in use will  
select between the AM and FM bands.  
D
Button: This button does not have a  
function with the AVR 1550. When a DVD player  
or TV is selected, it may be used to navigate the  
menus of those devices.  
L
Transport Buttons: These buttons do not  
have any functions for the AVR, but they may be  
used for the forward/reverse play operation of a  
wide variety of compatible Harman Kardon CD  
or DVD players, and audio or video- cassette  
recorders.  
7
Test Tone: Press this button to begin the  
sequence used to calibrate the AVR 1550’s output  
levels. (See page 17 for more information on  
calibrating the AVR 1550.)  
E
Enter Button: This button is used to enter  
settings into the AVR 1550’s memory. It is also  
used in the setup procedures for delay time,  
speaker configuration and channel output level  
adjustment.  
M Button: This button does not have a  
function with the AVR 1550. When a compatible  
Harman Kardon DVD player or TV is selected, it  
may be used to navigate the menus of those  
devices.  
8
Sleep Button: Press this button to place  
the unit in the Sleep mode. After the time shown  
in the display, the AVR 1550 will automatically  
go into the Standby mode. Each press of the  
button changes the time until turn-off in the fol-  
lowing order:  
F
Digital Select/Direct: Press this button to  
assign one of the digital inputs 9F to a  
source. (See page 22 for more information on  
using digital inputs).  
In Tuner-mode, press this button when the tuner  
is in use to start the sequence for direct entry of  
a station’s frequency. After pressing the button  
N
RDS Select Button: Press this button to  
90  
80  
70  
60  
50  
display the various messages that are part of the  
RDS data system of the AVR 1550’s tuner.  
(See page 24 for more information on RDS).  
min  
min  
min  
min  
min  
40  
30  
20  
10  
OFF  
min  
min  
min  
min  
simply press the proper Numeric Keys  
select a station (See page 24 for more informa-  
tion on the tuner).  
G
to  
O
Preset Up/Down:When the tuner is in use,  
Hold the button pressed for two seconds to turn  
off the Sleep mode setting.  
Note that this button is also used to change  
channels on your TV, VCR and SAT receiver when  
selected.  
press these buttons to scroll through the stations  
programmed into the AVR 1550’s memory.  
G
Numeric Keys: These buttons serve as a  
P
Clear Button: Press this button to clear  
ten-button numeric keypad to enter tuner preset  
positions. They are also used to select channel  
numbers when TV, VCR or Sat receiver has  
been selected on the remote, or to select track  
numbers on a compatible Harman Kardon CD,  
DVD or LD player.  
incorrect entries when using the remote to  
directly enter a radio station’s frequency.  
9
Surround Mode Selector: Press this  
button to begin the process of changing  
the surround mode. After the button has  
⁄ ¤  
Q
Memory Button: Press this button to enter  
a radio station into the AVR 1550’s preset  
memory. After pressing the button the MEMORY  
indicator  
onds to enter a preset memory location using  
the Numeric Keys  
information.)  
been pressed, use the  
/
buttons  
C
to  
select the desired surround mode (See page 21  
for more information).  
T
will flash; you then have five sec-  
H
Tuner Mode: Press this button when the  
tuner is in use to select between automatic tun-  
ing and manual tuning. When the button is  
G. (See page 23 for more  
A
Night Mode: Press this button to activate  
the Night mode. This mode is available only with  
Dolby Digital encoded digital sources, and it  
preserves dialog (center channel) intelligibilty at  
low volume levels (See page 22 for more  
information).  
pressed so that the AUTO indicator  
out, pressing the Tuning buttons  
O
goes  
will  
J
8
R
Delay/Prev Ch.: Press this button to begin  
move the frequency up or down in single-step  
increments. When the FM band is in use and the  
the process for setting the delay times used by  
the AVR 1550 when processing surround sound.  
After pressing this button, the delay times are  
AUTO indicator  
O
is on, pressing this button  
will change to monaural reception making even  
week stations audible. (See page 24 for more  
information.)  
entered by pressing the Enter button  
E
and  
B
Channel Select Button: This button is  
⁄ ¤  
then using the  
/
buttons  
C
to change the  
used to start the process of setting the AVR 1550’s  
output levels with an external source. Once this  
⁄ ¤  
setting. Press the Enter button again to com-  
plete the process. (See page 16 for more infor-  
mation.)  
button is pressed, use the  
/
buttons  
C
to  
I
Volume Up/Down: Press these buttons to  
select the channel being adjusted, then press the  
Enter button  
again, to change the level setting. (See page 23 for  
more information.)  
raise or lower the system volume.  
⁄ ¤  
/
E
, followed by the  
buttons  
J
Tuning Up/Down:When the tuner is in use,  
these buttons will tune up or down through the  
selected frequency band. If the Tuner Mode but-  
ton  
@
H
has been pressed or the Band button  
on the front panel was held pressed so that  
is illuminated, pressing  
the AUTO indicator  
O
either of the buttons will cause the tuner to seek  
the next station with acceptable signal strength  
for quality reception. When the AUTO indicator  
O
is NOT illuminated, pressing these buttons will  
tune stations in single-step increments.  
(See page 24 for more information.)  
10 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
 
Installation and Connections  
After unpacking the unit, and placing it on a solid  
surface capable of supporting its weight, you will  
need to make the connections to your audio and  
video equipment.  
We also recommend that the length of cable  
used to connect speaker pairs be identical. For  
example, use the same length piece of cable to  
connect the front-left and front-right or sur-  
round-left and surround-right speakers, even if  
the speakers have a different distance from the  
AVR 1550.  
Audio Equipment Connections  
We recommend that you use high-quality inter-  
connect cables when making connections to  
source equipment and recorders to preserve the  
integrity of the signals.  
6. Connect the supplied FM antenna to the FM  
(75 ohm) connection . The FM antenna may  
8. Connections to a subwoofer are normally  
made via a line level audio connection from the  
6
be an external roof antenna, an inside powered  
or wire lead antenna or a connection from a  
cable system. Note that if the antenna or con-  
nection uses 300-ohm twin-lead cable, you must  
use a 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter to make the  
connection.  
Subwoofer Output  
A
to the line-level input  
of a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier. When a  
passive subwoofer is used, the connection first  
goes to a power amplifier, which will be con-  
nected to one or more subwoofer speakers. If  
you are using a powered subwoofer that does  
not have line-level input connections, follow the  
instructions furnished with the speaker for con-  
nection information.  
When making connections to audio source  
equipment or speakers it is always a good prac-  
tice to unplug the unit from the AC wall outlet.  
This prevents any possibility of accidentally send-  
ing audio or transient signals to the speakers  
that may damage them.  
7. Connect the front, center and surround speak-  
er outputs CD to the respective speakers.  
Important Note : In order to clearly identify all  
connectors and simplify nstallation, as per the  
new EIA/CEA-863 standard, all connections are  
colour coded as follows:  
For Speakers and Audio In/Outputs: White (Left,  
speakers front) and Red (Right, speakers front).  
For Speakers: Green (Center), Blue (Left  
Surround) and Grey (Right Surround).  
To assure that all the audio signals are carried to  
your speakers without loss of clarity or resolu-  
tion, we suggest that you use high-quality  
speaker cable. Many brands of cable are avail-  
able and the choice of cable may be influenced  
by the distance between your speakers and the  
receiver, the type of speakers you use, personal  
preferences and other factors. Your dealer or  
installer is a valuable resource to consult in  
selecting the proper cable.  
Note: Speaker sets with two front satellites and  
a passive subwoofer must be connected to the  
front speaker outputs  
C
only rather than to the  
Subwoofer Output  
A.  
Video Equipment Connections  
For Audio Output: Purple (Subwoofer).  
For Composite Video In/Outputs: Yellow.  
For Digital Audio In/Outputs: Orange.  
Video equipment is connected in the same man-  
ner as audio components. Again, the use of high-  
quality interconnect cables is recommended to  
preserve signal quality. To ensure best video per-  
formance S-Video sources should be connected  
to the AVR 1550 only with their S-Video In/  
Outputs, not with their composite video connec-  
tors too.  
Regardless of the brand of cable selected, we  
recommend that you use a cable constructed of  
fine, multistrand copper with an area greater  
than 2 mm2.  
Cable with an area of 1.5 mm2 may be used for  
short runs of less than 4 m. We do not recom-  
mend that you use cables with an area less than  
1mm2 due to the power loss and degradation in  
performance that will occur.  
1. Connect the analog output of a CD player to  
the CD inputs  
7.  
NOTE: When the CD player has both fixed and  
variable audio outputs it is best to use the fixed  
output unless you find that the input to the  
receiver is so low that the sound is noisy, or so  
high that the signal is distorted.  
1. Connect a VCR’s audio and video Play/Out  
jacks to the Video 1 or Video 2 In jacks  
25JK on the rear panel. The Audio and  
Video Record/In jacks on the VCR should be con-  
nected to the Video 1 jacks 4I on the  
AVR 1550.  
2. Connect the analog Play/Out jacks of a cas-  
sette deck, MD, CD-R or other audio recorder to  
Cables that are run inside walls should have the  
appropriate markings to indicate listing with UL,  
CSA or other appropriate testing agency stan-  
dards. Questions about running cables inside  
walls should be referred to your installer or a  
licensed electrical contractor who is familiar with  
the applicable local building codes in your area.  
the Tape Input jacks  
Record/In jacks on the recorder to the Tape  
Output jacks on the AVR 1550.  
0. Connect the analog  
2. Connect the analog audio and video outputs  
of a satellite receiver, cable TV converter or tele-  
vision set or any other video source to the  
1
3. Connect the digital output of any digital  
device to the appropriate input connections on  
the AVR 1550 rear panel. Note that the  
Optical and Coaxial digital inputs 9F may  
be used with a Dolby Digital or DTS source or  
the output of a conventional CD, MD or LD  
player’s PCM (S/P-DIF) output.  
Video 2 5K (if not in use) or Video 3  
%
jacks.  
When connecting wires to the speakers, be cer-  
tain to observe proper polarity. Remember to  
connect the “negative” or “black” wire to the  
same terminal on both the receiver and the  
speaker. Similarly, the “positive” or “red” wire  
should be connected to the same terminals on  
the AVR 1550 and speaker.  
3. Connect the video outputs of a DVD or laser  
disc player to the DVD jacks  
H
.
4. Connect the Video Monitor Out  
B
jacks on  
the receiver to the composite and S-Video input  
of your television monitor or video projector.  
4. Connect the Coaxial Digital Outputs  
8
on  
the rear panel of the AVR to the matching digital  
input connections on a CD-R or MiniDisc recorder.  
Video Connection Note:  
NOTE: While most speaker manufacturers  
• S-Video or Composite video signals may only  
be viewed in their native formats and will not  
be converted to the other format.  
adhere to an industry convention of using black  
terminals for negative and red ones for positive,  
some manufacturers may vary from this configu-  
ration. To assure proper phase and optimal per-  
formance, consult the identification plate on  
your speaker or the speaker’s manual to verify  
polarity. If you do not know the polarity of your  
speaker, ask your dealer for advice before pro-  
ceeding, or consult the speaker’s manufacturer.  
5. Assemble the AM Loop Antenna supplied with  
the unit as shown below. Connect it to the AM  
and GND screw terminals  
3.  
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 11  
 
Installation and Connections  
SCART A/V Connections  
Black  
Figure 1:  
SCART/Cinch-Adapter for  
playback;  
Yellow  
For the connections described above your video  
device needs RCA (cinch) connectors or/and  
S-Video connectors for all Audio and Video  
signals: Any normal video device (Not SVHS or  
High 8) for only playback needs 3 RCA jacks,  
VCRs for record and playback even 6 RCA jacks.  
Any S-Video device (SVHS, High 8) needs 2 RCA  
(Audio) and 1 S-Video jack (Video), if it’s a play-  
back unit, or 4 RCA (Audio In/Out) and 2 S-Video  
(Video In/Out) jacks, if it´s a recording VCR.  
Red  
signal flow:  
SCART ¡ Cinch  
Black  
Red  
1  
Blue  
Yellow  
Figure 2:  
SCART/Cinch-Adapter for  
record and playback;  
signal flow:  
1
Green  
Many european video devices are equipped with  
RCA (Cinch) or S-Video jacks only partially, not  
with all audio and video in/outputs needed as  
described above, but with a so called Scart or  
Euro-AV connector (almost rectangular jack with  
21 pins, see drawings on this page).  
White  
SCART Cinch  
Black  
Figure 3:  
Cinch/SCART-Adapter for  
playback;  
Yellow  
Red  
In that case the following Scart to Cinch adapters  
or cables are needed:  
signal flow:  
Cinch ¡ SCART  
• Units for playback, such as satellite receivers,  
camcorders, DVD or LD players, need an adapter  
from Scart to 3 RCA plugs, see fig. 1 (normal  
video devices) or from Scart to 2 RCA+1 S-  
Video plugs, see fig. 4 (S-Video devices).  
Red  
Figure 4:  
SCART/S-Video Adapter  
for playback;  
Black  
S-Video In  
signal flow:  
SCART ¡ Cinch  
• HiFi VCRs need an adapter from Scart to 6 RCA  
plugs, see fig. 2 (normal video), or from Scart to  
4 Audio+2S-Video jacks, see fig. 5 (S-Video  
VCR). Read carefully the instruction attached to  
the adapter to find which of the six plugs is  
used for the record signal to the VCR (connect  
with the AVR´s Out jacks) and for the playback  
signal from the VCR (connect with the AVR´s In  
jacks). Do not misconnect Audio and Video sig-  
nals. Don´t hesitate to consult your dealer, if you  
are uncertain.  
Black  
Red  
1  
Blue  
Yellow  
Figure 5:  
SCART/S-Video Adapter  
for record and playback;  
signal flow:  
S-Video In  
S-VideoOut  
SCART Cinch  
Red  
Figure 6:  
SCART/S-Video Adapter  
for playback;  
Black  
• If you use only normal video devices the TV  
monitor needs an adapter from 3 RCA plugs to  
Scart (fig. 3) only. If also S-Video devices are  
used an adapter from 2 RCA+1S-Video plugs to  
Scart is needed additionally (fig. 6), connected  
to the SCART input on your TV that is provided  
for S-Video.  
S-Video Out  
signal flow:  
Cinch ¡ SCART  
1 Also other colours possible, e.g. brown and grey.  
Important Note for the Use of  
SCART-Cinch Adapters:  
tions as shown in the diagrams above and in the  
instruction attached to the adapter. If uncertain,  
don’t hesitate to consult your dealer.  
Note that only the video plugs (the "yellow"  
cinch plug in fig. 3 and the S-Video plug in fig. 6)  
must be connected to the TV Monitor Output  
When video sources are connected to the TV  
directly with a SCART cable, specific control sig-  
nals apart from Audio/Video signals will be fed  
to the TV. These specific signals are: With all  
video sources, the signal for automatic input  
selection that switches the TV automatically to  
the appropriate input as soon as the video  
source is started. And with DVD players, the sig-  
nals automatically turning the TV to 4:3/16:9  
format (with 16:9 TVs or 4:3 TVs with 16:9  
capability) and turning the RGB video decoder of  
the TV on or off, depending on the DVD player´s  
setting. With any adapter cable, these control  
signals will be lost and the appropriate setting  
of the TV must be made manually.  
B, and the volume on the TV must be reduced to  
Important Notes for S-Video connections:  
1. Only the S-Video In/Out of S-Video devices  
must be connected to the AVR, NOT both, nor-  
mal video and S-Video In/Outputs (except the TV,  
see item 2).  
minimum.  
Important Note for Adapter Cables:  
If the cinch connectors of the adapter you’ll use  
are labeled, connect the Audio and Video ”In”  
plugs with the corresponding Audio and Video  
”In” jacks on the AVR 1550 (and with a VCR con-  
nect the ”Out” plugs to the ”Out” jacks on the  
AVR). Note that with some adapter types it may  
be just turned around: If no signal is audible/ visi-  
ble when the VCR is playing connect the “Out”  
plugs to the ”In” jacks on the AVR and turned  
around. If the adapter plugs are not labeled in  
that way, pay attention to the signal flow direc-  
2. Like most common AV units the AVR 1550  
does not convert the Video signal to S-Video or  
vice versa. Thus both connections must be made  
from the AVR 1550 to the TV if both, Video and  
S-Video sources, are used, and the appropriate  
input on the TV must be selected.  
12 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS  
 
Installation and Connections  
Center Front Speaker  
Depending on the specifics of your room  
acoustics and the type of speakers in use, you  
may find that imaging is improved by moving the  
front-left and front-right speakers slightly  
forward of the center-channel speaker. If  
possible, adjust all front loudspeakers so that  
they are aimed at ear height when you are  
seated in the listening position.  
Speaker Selection  
No matter which type or brand of speakers is  
used, the same model or brand of speaker  
should be used at least for the front-left, center  
and front-right speakers. This creates a seamless  
front soundstage and eliminates the possibility  
of distracting sonic disturbances that occur when  
a sound moves across mismatched front-channel  
speakers.  
No more than  
60cm  
Left Front  
Speaker  
Right Front  
Speaker  
Using these guidelines, you’ll find that it takes  
some experimentation to find the correct  
location for the front speakers in your particular  
installation. Don’t be afraid to move things  
around until the system sounds correct. Optimize  
your speakers so that audio transitions across  
the front of the room sound smooth.  
A) Front Channel Speaker Installation with  
Direct-View TV Sets or Rear-Screen Projectors  
Speaker Placement  
The placement of speakers in a multichannel  
home-theater system can have a noticeable  
impact on the quality of sound reproduced.  
TV or Projection Screen  
Center Front  
Speaker  
Depending on the type of center-channel  
speaker in use and your viewing device, place  
the center speaker either directly above or below  
your TV, or in the center behind a perforated  
front-projection screen.  
Left Front  
Speaker  
Right Front  
Speaker  
Surround speakers should be placed on the side  
walls of the room, at or slightly behind the  
listening position. The center of the speaker  
should face you.  
If side-wall mounting is not practical, the  
speakers may be placed on a rear wall, behind  
the listening position. The speakers should be no  
more than two meters behind the rear of the  
seating area.  
Once the center-channel speaker is installed,  
position the left-front and right-front speakers so  
that they are as far away from one another as  
the center-channel speaker is from the preferred  
listening position. Ideally, the front-channel  
speakers should be placed so that their tweeters  
are no more than 60cm above or below the  
tweeter in the center-channel speaker.  
Subwoofers produce largely nondirectional  
sound, so they may be placed almost anywhere  
in a room. Actual placement should be based on  
room size and shape and the type of subwoofer  
used. One method of finding the optimal  
location for a subwoofer is to begin by placing it  
in the front of the room, about 15cm from a  
wall, or near the front corner of the room.  
Another method is to temporarily place the  
subwoofer in the spot where you will normally  
sit, and then walk around the room until you  
find a spot where the subwoofer sounds best.  
Place the subwoofer in that spot. You should  
also follow the instructions of the subwoofer’s  
manufacturer, or you may wish to experiment  
with the best location for a subwoofer in your  
listening room.  
They should also be at least 0.5 meter from your  
TV set unless the speakers are magnetically  
shielded to avoid colourings on the TV screen.  
Note that most speakers are not shielded, even  
with complete surround sets only the Center  
speaker may be.  
Optional Rear-Wall Mounting  
B) The distance between the left and right  
speakers should be equal to the distance from  
the seating position to the viewing screen.  
You may also experiment with placing the left  
and right speakers slightly forward of the center  
speaker.  
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 13  
 
System Configuration  
Once the speakers have been placed in the  
room and connected, the remaining steps are to  
program the system configuration memories.  
With the AVR 1550 two kind of memories are  
used, those associated individually with the  
input selected, e.g. surround modes, and others  
working independently from any input selected  
like speaker output levels, or delay times used  
by the surround sound processor.  
Input Setup  
The first step in configuring the AVR 1550 is to  
select an input. This may be done by pressing  
the front panel Input Source Selector  
until the desired input’s name appears momen-  
tarily in the Main Information Display  
The input may also be selected by pressing  
the appropriate Input Selector on the  
Settings to be Made With Each  
Input Used  
The AVR 1550 features an advanced memory  
system that enables you to establish different  
settings for the speaker configuration, digital  
input and surround mode for each input source.  
This flexibility enables you to custom tailor the  
way in which you listen to each source and have  
the AVR 1550 memorize them. This means, for  
example, that you may associate different sur-  
round modes and analog or digital inputs with  
different sources, or set different speaker config-  
urations with the resultant changes to the bass  
management system or the use of the Center  
speaker. Once these settings are made, they will  
automatically be recalled whenever you select  
an input.  
!
M
.
remote control 46  
.
The second step is to associate one of the digital  
inputs with the selected input source (if this is  
needed, otherwise the selected analog input will  
remain). Press the Digital Input Select button  
First Turn On  
You are now ready to power up the AVR 1550 to  
begin these final adjustments.  
ÔF  
on the front panel or the remote. Within  
five seconds, make your input selection using the  
Selector buttons on the front panel or the  
/¤ buttons on the remote until the  
desired digital or analog input is shown in the  
Main Information Display . Then press the  
to enter the new digital input  
1. Plug the Power Cable  
G
into an un-  
switched AC outlet.  
&
2. Press the Main Power Switch  
1
in until it  
C
latches and the word “OFF” on the top of the  
switch disappears inside the front panel. Note  
The default settings for the AVR 1550, as it is  
shipped from the factory, have all inputs set for  
an analog source (except for the DVD input,  
M
that the Power Indicator  
3
will turn orange,  
Enter button  
assignment.  
E
indicating that the unit is in the Standby mode.  
which has the Coaxial Digital Input 1  
9
as  
3. Remove the protective plastic film from the  
front-panel lens. If left in place, the film may  
affect the performance of your remote control.  
After the setting has been made with one input,  
repeat as described above with all inputs in use.  
The digital input associated with the input  
selected can also be changed at any time later  
and the AVR 1550´s memory system will keep  
the settings until they are changed again.  
the default), with stereo as the surround mode,  
the front left and right speakers set to “large”  
(with surround modes other speakers to  
”small”), and a subwoofer connected. Before  
using the unit, you will probably want to change  
these settings for most inputs so that they are  
properly configured to reflect the use of digital  
or analog inputs, the type of speakers installed  
and the surround mode associated with the  
input. Remember, since the AVR 1550’s memory  
system keeps the settings for each input sepa-  
rate from the other inputs, you will need to make  
these adjustments for each input used. However,  
once they are made, further adjustment is only  
required when system components are changed.  
4. Install the three supplied AAA batteries in the  
remote as shown. Be certain to follow the (+)  
and (–) polarity indicators that are on the  
bottom of the battery compartment.  
Speaker Setup  
This setup tells the AVR 1550 which type of  
speakers are in use. This is important as it  
adjusts the settings that determine which  
speakers receive low frequency (bass) informa-  
tion and whether a Center speaker should be  
used or not, separately for each input used.  
For each of these settings use the LARGE  
setting if the speakers for a particular position  
are traditional full-range loudspeakers that are  
capable of reproducing sounds below 100Hz.  
Use the SMALLsetting for smaller,  
frequency-limited satellite speakers that do not  
reproduce sounds below 100Hz. Note that  
when “small” front (left and right) speakers are  
used, a subwoofer is required to reproduce low  
frequency sounds. If you are in doubt as to  
which category describes your speakers, consult  
the specifications in the speakers’ owner’s  
manual, or ask your dealer. Remember that each  
speaker setup that differs from the default  
settings (see above) must be made individually  
for each input in use.  
5. Turn the AVR 1550 on either by pressing the  
To make this process as quick and as easy as  
possible, we suggest that with each of these set-  
tings to be made you step through each input.  
Once you have completed the settings for the  
first input, many settings may be duplicated for  
the remaining inputs.  
System Power Control  
Source Selector on the front panel, or via  
the remote by pressing the AVR Selector  
or any of the Input Selectors 46 on the  
remote. The Power Indicator will turn green  
to confirm that the unit is on, and the Main  
Information Display will also light up.  
2
or the Input  
!
5
3
The items that follow will describe the individual  
settings required for each input.  
*
It is best to select the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie  
mode for speaker setup. Then with the currently  
selected input all speaker settings will be copied  
to other surround modes too (as far as possible)  
and need not be repeated with any other mode.  
14 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
 
System Configuration  
With the AVR 1550 turned on, follow these  
steps to configure the speakers:  
When SMALLis selected, low frequency cen-  
ter channel sounds will be sent to the Fronts, if  
they are set for LARGE and Sub is turned off.  
When Sub is on, low frequency center channel  
sounds will be sent to the subwoofer only.  
9. When you have completed your selection for  
the surround channel, press the Enter button  
E
the front  
on the remote control, or the Set button on  
1. Put the AVR 1550 in the Dolby Pro Logic II  
Movie mode by pressing the Surround Mode  
⁄ ¤  
Ó, and then press the  
/
buttons  
C
on the remote or the Selector buttons  
&
Selector button  
7
on the front or  
9
and  
on the front panel to change the display to  
S-WSPKR.  
⁄ ¤  
then the  
/
buttons  
C
on the remote, until  
When LARGEis selected, a full-range output  
will be sent to the center speaker output, and  
with analog and digital surround modes (except  
with the Pro Logic II Music mode) NO center  
channel signal will be sent to the subwoofer out-  
put.  
DOLBYPROLOGICIIMOVIE  
appears in the Main Information Display  
and the PRO LOGIC II indicator lights.  
M
10. Press the Enter button  
E
on the remote  
F
control, or the Set button on the front  
Ó, and  
⁄ ¤  
then press the  
/
buttons  
C
on the remote  
2. Press the Speaker button on the  
K
$
or the Selector buttons  
&
on the front panel  
remote or front panel. The words FNT  
SPKRwill appear in the Main Information  
to select the option that best describes your  
Subwoofer system.  
When NONEis selected, no signal will be sent  
to the center channel output. The receiver will  
operate in a “phantom” center channel mode  
and center channel information will be sent to  
the left and right front channel outputs and its  
bass will be sent to the subwoofer output too as  
long as SUB L/R+LFE is selected in the SUB-  
WOOFER line in this menu (see below). This  
mode is needed if no Center speaker is used.  
Display  
M.  
The choices available for the subwoofer position  
will depend on the settings for the other speak-  
ers, particularly the front left/right positions.  
3. Press the Enter button  
E
on the remote  
control, or the Set button on the front  
Ó.  
⁄ ¤  
/
4. Press the  
buttons  
C
on the remote or  
If the front left/right speakers are set to  
SMALL, the subwoofer will automatically be  
set to SUB, which is the “on” position.  
the Selector buttons  
&
on the front panel  
until either F-LARGEor F-SMALL  
appears, matching the type of speakers you have  
at the left-front and right-front positions, as  
described by the definitions shown in preceding  
section.  
If the front left/right speakers are set to  
LARGE, three options are available:  
7. When you have completed your selection for  
the center channel, press the Enter button  
E
on the remote control, or the Set button on the  
• If no subwoofer is connected to the AVR 1550,  
⁄ ¤  
front  
Ó
, and then press the  
/
buttons  
C
on  
When SMALLis selected, low frequency front  
channel sounds will be sent only to the subwoofer  
output. Note that if you choose this option and  
there is no subwoofer connected, you will not  
hear any low frequency sounds from the front  
channels.This setting is not available with stereo  
mode to ensure purest sound by bypassing the  
crossovers of the DSP´s.  
press the arrow buttons  
C
&
so that  
on the remote or the Selector buttons  
the front panel to change the display to  
SURSPKR.  
&
NONEappears in the display. When this  
option is selected, all bass information will be  
routed to the front left/right “main” speakers.  
8. Press the Enter button  
E
on the remote  
• If a subwoofer is connected to the AVR 1550,  
you have the option to have the front left/right  
“main” speakers reproduce bass frequencies at  
all times, and have the subwoofer operate only  
when the AVR 1550 is being used with a digital  
source that contains a dedicated Low Frequency  
Effects, or LFE soundtrack. This allows you to use  
both your main and subwoofer speakers to take  
advantage of the special bass created for certain  
movies. To select that option press the arrow  
control, or the Set button on the front  
Ó
C
⁄ ¤  
/
again, and then use the  
buttons  
on the  
remote or the Selector buttons  
&
on the front  
panel to select the option that best describes  
your system based on the Surround speaker  
definitions shown in preceding section.  
When LARGEis selected, a full-range output  
will be sent to the front left and front right out-  
puts. Depending on the subwoofer configuration  
(see below), the front left and right bass informa-  
tion may also be directed to a subwoofer.  
When SMALLis selected, with all digital sur-  
round modes low frequency surround channel  
sounds will be sent to the Fronts, when Sub is  
turned off, or to the subwoofer output when Sub  
is on. With the analog surround modes the rear  
bass feed depends on the mode selected and  
the setting of the sub and front speakers.  
Important Note: When a speaker set with two  
front satellites and a passive subwoofer is used,  
connected to the front speaker outputs  
the fronts must be set for LARGE.  
buttons  
C
&
so that SUB(LFE) appears  
in the display.  
C,  
• If a subwoofer is connected and you wish to  
use it for bass reproduction in conjunction with  
the main front left/right speakers, regardless of  
the type of program source or surround mode  
you are listening to, press the arrow buttons  
5. When you have completed your selection for  
the front channels, press the Enter button  
When LARGEis selected, a full-range output  
will be sent to the surround channel outputs  
(with all analog and digital surround modes),  
and, except with Hall and Theater modes, NO  
surround channel bass will be sent to the sub-  
woofer output.  
E
on the remote control, or the Set button on the  
⁄ ¤  
front  
Ó
, and then press the  
/
buttons  
C
on  
C
&
so that L/R+LFEappears in the  
on the remote or the Selector buttons  
the front panel to change the display to  
CENSPKR.  
&
display. When this option is selected, a “com-  
plete” feed will be sent to the front left/right  
“main” speakers, and the subwoofer will receive  
the front left and right bass frequencies under  
the crossover frequency 80 Hz, additionally to  
the LFE soundtrack (see above).  
When NONEis selected, surround sound  
information will be split between the front-left  
and front-right outputs. Note that for optimal  
performance when no surround speakers are in  
use, the Dolby 3 Stereo mode should be used  
instead of Dolby Pro Logic.  
6. Press the Enter button  
E
on the remote  
control, or the Set button on the front  
Ó
⁄ ¤  
again, and use the  
/
buttons  
C
&
on the  
remote, or the Selector buttons  
on the  
11. When all speaker selections have been made  
for the input selected, Press the Enter button  
front panel, to select the option that best  
describes your system based on the Center  
speaker definitions shown in preceding section.  
E
on the remote control, or the Set button on  
the front twice or simply wait for three  
Ó
seconds until the display returns to the normal  
mode.  
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 15  
 
System Configuration  
To assist in making these settings, the icons in  
Surround Setup  
Making Settings independent of  
selected Input  
the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators  
P
Once the speaker setup has been completed, the  
next setup step is to set the surround mode you  
wish to use with each input. Since surround  
modes are a matter of personal taste, feel free to  
select any mode you wish – you may change it  
later. The Surround Mode chart on page 20 may  
help you select the mode best suited to the input  
source selected. However, to make it easier to  
establish the initial parameters for the AVR 1550,  
it is best to select any Dolby Pro Logic II mode for  
most analog inputs and Dolby Digital for inputs  
connected to digital sources. In the case of inputs  
such as a CD Player, Tape Deck or Tuner, you may  
wish to set the mode to Stereo, if that is your  
preferred listening mode for standard stereo  
sources, where it is unlikely that surround encod-  
ed material will be used.  
will change as the speaker type is selected at  
each position. When only the inner icon box is lit,  
the speaker is set for “small.” When the inner box  
and the two outer boxes with circles inside them  
are lit, the speaker is set for “large." When no  
indicator appears at a speaker location, that  
position is set for “none” or “no” speaker.  
After the settings described above have been  
made for all input sources in your system, the fol-  
lowing settings, made with any input, will remain  
in effect independent of the input selected.  
Delay Settings  
Only for the Dolby Digital or Dolby Pro Logic II  
modes, you will need to adjust the delay time  
setting. Note that the delay time is not  
adjustable for any other modes.  
As an example, in the Figure below, the left front  
and right front speakers are set for “large,” the  
center, left surround and right surround speakers  
are set for small, and a subwoofer is set.  
Important Note: Once the delay time is set  
with any input it will be effective with all other  
inputs too. Moreover the surround delay time  
setting must be made only for either the Dolby  
Pro Logic II or the Dolby Digital mode. The other  
setting will be set automatically.  
After the speaker setting has been made with  
one input, repeat as described above with all  
inputs you will use. In most cases, the speaker  
type will be the same and may be quickly entered  
by entering the same data used for the original  
input. But with some music sources you may  
prefer to listen to your surround system without  
using a Center speaker, particularily when a small  
Center is in use with an audio performance not  
matching perfectly with the main front speakers.  
With these sources selected the Center speaker  
will then be turned off automatically (enter  
NONE for the Center setting), while its signal will  
be fed to the left and right Fronts.  
To set the surround mode you wish to use with  
the input selected, press the Surround Mode  
Due to the different distances between the lis-  
tening position for the front channel speakers  
and the surround speakers, the amount of time it  
takes for sound to reach your ears from the front  
or surround speakers is different. You may com-  
pensate for this difference through the use of the  
delay settings to adjust the timing for the specific  
speaker placement and acoustic conditions in  
your listening room or home theater.  
Selector button  
/¤ buttons  
desired surround mode´s name appears in the  
Main Information Display  
7
on the front or  
on the remote until the  
9
and the  
C
M.  
Note that Dolby Digital and DTS will only appear  
as choices when a digital input has been  
selected.  
The speaker setting mode can also be changed at  
any time later, and the AVR 1550´s memory  
system will keep these settings for the input  
selected, until they are changed again.  
After the surround mode setting has been made  
with the current input, repeat the setting with all  
inputs you will use. The surround mode can also  
be changed at any time later, and the AVR 1550´s  
memory system will keep the settings for the  
input selected, until they are changed again.  
The factory setting (see Surround Mode Chart  
page 20) is appropriate for most rooms, but  
some installations create an uncommon distance  
between the front and surround speakers that  
may cause the arrival of front channel sounds to  
become disconnected from surround channel  
sounds.  
C
L
R
To resynchronize the front, center and surround  
channels, follow these steps:  
1. Measure the distance from the listening/  
viewing position to the front speakers in  
meters.  
SL  
SR  
LFE  
2. Measure the distance from the listening/  
viewing position to the surround speakers.  
3. Subtract the distance to the surround speakers  
from the distance to the front speakers and  
multiply the result by 3.  
a. When setting the delay time for the Dolby  
Digital surround modes, the optimal delay time  
is the result of that subtraction. For example, if  
the front speakers are 3 m away and the sur-  
round speakers are 1 m away, the optimal  
delay time is figured as (3–1)x3=6. Thus, in  
this example, the delay time for Dolby Digital  
should be set at six milliseconds.  
b. When setting the delay time for any Dolby Pro  
Logic II mode, take the result of the calculation  
above and add 15 to obtain the optimal delay  
time.  
For example, if the front speakers are 3 m  
away and the surround speakers are 1 m away,  
16 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
 
System Configuration  
⁄ ¤  
the optimal delay time is figured as  
(3–1)x3+15=21. Thus, in this example, the  
Pro Logic II delay should be set at twenty  
milliseconds.  
6. Press the  
once, so that CDELAYappears in the Main  
Information Display  
/
buttons  
C
on the remote  
Output Level Adjustment  
Output level adjustment is a key part of the con-  
figuration process for any surround sound prod-  
uct. It is particularly important for a Dolby Digital  
receiver such as the AVR 1550, as correct outputs  
will ensure that you hear sound tracks with the  
proper directionality and intensity.  
M.  
7. Press the Enter button  
control, or the Set button on the front  
E
on the remote  
NOTE: The DTS, 5CH Stereo, Hall and Theater  
modes use a fixed, nonadjustable delay time.  
Ó.  
⁄ ¤  
/
8. Press the  
buttons  
C
on the remote  
The Dolby Digital Mode also includes a separate  
setting for the center channel delay mode, since  
the discrete nature of these signals makes the  
location of the center channel speaker more criti-  
cal. To calculate the delay for the center channel,  
measure the distance from the preferred listening  
position in the center of the room to both the  
center channel speaker and either the left or  
right speaker.  
until the desired delay time for the center chan-  
nel appears in the display.  
NOTE: Listeners are often confused about the  
operation of the surround channels. While some  
assume that sound should always be coming  
from each speaker, most of the time there will be  
little or no sound in the surround channels. This  
is because they are only used when a movie  
director or sound mixer specifically places sound  
there to create ambiance, a special effect or to  
continue action from the front of the room to  
the rear. When the output levels are properly set  
it is normal for surround speakers to operate  
only occasionally. Artificially increasing the  
volume to the rear speakers may destroy the  
illusion of an enveloping sound field that  
duplicates the way you hear sound in a movie  
theater or concert hall.  
9. Press the Enter button  
control, or the Set button on the front  
E
on the remote  
to  
Ó
enter the setting into the AVR 1550’s memory.  
You have now completed the delay time settings  
for all surround modes and inputs.  
Night Mode Settings  
If the distances are equal, no further adjustment  
is required and the center delay should be left  
zero. If the distance to the front speakers is  
greater than the distance to the center speaker,  
you may wish to reposition the speakers by  
moving the front left and front right speakers  
closer to the listening position or the center  
speaker further away from the listening position.  
The Night mode is a feature of Dolby Digital that  
uses special processing to preserve the dynamic  
range and full intelligibility of a movie sound  
track while reducing the peak level. This prevents  
abruptly loud transitions from disturbing others,  
without reducing the sonic impact of a digital  
source. Note that the Night mode is only avail-  
able when the Dolby Digital surround mode is  
selected.  
IMPORTANT NOTE: The output level can be  
adjusted for each digital and analog surround  
mode separately. This allows you to compensate  
for level differences between speakers, that may  
also vary with the surround mode selected, or to  
increase or decrease the level of certain speakers  
intentionally, depending on the surround mode  
selected. Note that adjustments made for any  
surround mode are effective with all inputs  
associated with that surround mode.  
If repositioning of the speakers is not possible,  
adjust the center delay time, adding one milli-  
second of center channel delay for every 30 cm  
closer to the listening position the center speaker  
is than the front speakers. For example, if the  
front left and front right speakers are each 3 m  
from the listening position and the center chan-  
nel speaker is 2.4 m away, the delay is figured as  
300 cm –240 cm=60 cm, suggesting an optimal  
center delay of 2 milliseconds.  
To adjust the Night mode setting press the Input  
Source Selector  
!
on the front or  
4
on the  
remote and select an input that is associated  
with a digital input and the Dolby Digital sur-  
round mode.  
Next press the Night button  
A
on the remote.  
When the button is pressed, the words D-R  
(Dynamic Range) followed by the current setting  
(MID, MAX, OFF) will appear in the Main  
Before beginning the output level adjustment  
process, make certain that all speaker connec-  
tions have been properly made. The system  
volume should be turned down at first.  
Information Display  
M.  
C
To set the delay time, follow these steps:  
⁄ ¤  
Press the  
/
buttons  
within five seconds  
1. To make the delay settings for the Dolby  
Digital mode (this will include the Center delay  
setting, and the surround delay for the  
to select the desired setting:  
To adjust and calibrate the output levels, follow  
these steps. For accurate calibration, it is a good  
idea to make these adjustments while seated in  
your favorite listening position. As the adjust-  
ment must be made for each surround mode, it is  
best to select any input associated with any  
Dolby Pro Logic II mode, make the adjustment for  
that surround mode, then step through all inputs  
you´re using (and thus through all surround  
modes associated with the inputs) and repeat  
the adjustment when any surround mode  
OFF: When OFF is shown in the display, the  
Night mode will not function.  
Pro Logic II mode will be set automatically), press  
the Input Source Selector  
!
on the front or  
MID: When MID is shown in the display, a  
mild compression will be applied.  
4
on the remote and select any input now that  
is associated with a digital input and the Dolby  
Digital surround mode.  
MAX: When MAX is shown in the display, a  
more severe compression algorithm will be  
applied.  
2. Press the Delay button  
or front panel. The words SDELAYappear in  
the Main Information Display  
R
on the remote  
When you want to use the Night mode feature,  
we recommend that you select the MID setting  
as a starting point and change to the MAX  
setting later, if desired.  
M.  
3. Press the Enter button E on the remote  
appears that has not yet been adjusted.  
control, or the Set button on the front  
Ó.  
1. Select any input associated with any  
Dolby Pro Logic II surround mode by pressing the  
⁄ ¤  
/
4. Press the  
buttons  
C
on the remote or  
When any Night mode is selected, the NIGHT  
the Selector buttons  
&
on the front panel until  
Mode Indicator  
the selection press the Enter button  
remote control, or the Set button on the front  
or wait for some seconds until the display  
returns to the normal mode.  
N
will illuminate. To confirm  
Input Source Selector  
!
4
until the  
the desired rear delay time for the Dolby Digital  
mode, calculated using the formula for Dolby  
Digital above (item a.), appears in the display.  
E
on the  
Pro Logic II in the display light up.  
F
2. Press the Test Tone button  
7
^
on the  
Ó
remote. The words TESTFLwill appear in the  
Main Information Display  
5. Press the Enter button  
control, or the Set button on the front  
enter the setting into the AVR 1550’s memory.  
E
on the remote  
M.  
Ó
to  
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 17  
 
System Configuration  
3. The test noise will immediately begin to circu-  
late in the speakers in a clockwise rotation,  
pausing at each position for two seconds. As the  
test noise rotates the speaker positions FL,  
CEN, FR, SR, SL(Front Left, Center, Front  
Right, Surround Right, Surround Left) will be  
After checking for speaker placement, let the  
test noise circulate again, and listen to see  
which channels sound louder than the others.  
Using the front left speaker as a reference, press  
⁄ ¤  
Once the settings outlined on the previous  
pages have been made, the AVR 1550 is ready  
for operation. While there are some additional  
settings to be made, these are best done after  
you have had an opportunity to listen to a vari-  
ety of sources and different kinds of program  
material. These advanced settings are described  
on page 23 of this manual. In addition, any of  
the settings made in the initial configuration of  
the unit may be changed at any time.  
As you add new or different sources or speakers,  
or if you wish to change a setting to better  
reflect your listening taste, simply follow the  
instructions for changing the settings for that  
parameter as shown above. Note that any set-  
tings changed at any time, will be stored in  
memory in the AVR 1550, also if it´s turned off  
completely, unless it will be reset (see page 27).  
The settings will either depend on the input  
(Speaker configuration, analog/digital input  
selection, surround mode) or on the surround  
mode selected (speaker output level), as  
described on previous pages.  
the  
/
buttons  
C
on the remote to bring all  
speakers to the same volume level. Note that  
⁄ ¤  
/
shown in the Main Information Display  
M.  
when one of the  
buttons is pushed, the  
As an added assist, while the test noise is circu-  
lating, the proper channel position will also be  
indicated in the Speaker/Channel Indicators  
test noise circulation will pause on the channel  
being adjusted to give you time to make the  
adjustment. When you release the button, the cir-  
culation will resume after five seconds.  
P
by a blinking letter within the correct chan-  
nel. Turn up the volume now until you can hear  
the noise clearly.  
Continue to adjust the individual speakers until  
they all have the same volume. Note that adjust-  
⁄ ¤  
IMPORTANT NOTE: Because this test noise will  
have a much lower level than normal music, the  
volume must be lowered after the adjustment  
for all channels is made, BEFORE you turn the  
test tone off.  
ments should be made with the  
/
buttons  
C
on the remote only, NOT the main volume  
controls.  
NOTE: The subwoofer output level is not  
adjustable using the test tone. To change the  
subwoofer level, follow the steps for Output  
Level Trim Adjustment on page 23.  
NOTE: This is a good time to verify that the  
speakers have been properly connected. As the  
test noise circulates, listen to make certain that  
the sound comes from the speaker position  
shown in the Main Information Display. If the  
sound from a speaker location does NOT match  
the position indicated in the display, turn the  
AVR 1550 off using the Main Power Switch  
1and check the speaker wiring to make cer-  
tain that each speaker is connected to the cor-  
rect output terminal.  
When all channels have the same output level,  
turn the Volume  
(I  
down to about -40dB,  
Having completed the setup and configuration  
process for your AVR 1550, you are about to  
experience the finest in music and home theater  
listening. Enjoy!  
otherwise the listening level may be too high as  
soon as the source’s music starts to play. After-  
wards press the Test Tone Selector  
^7  
button again to turn the test tone off and com-  
plete the process.  
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Output level adjust-  
ment made will be effective for the surround  
mode currently selected, also when other inputs  
are selected using the same surround mode. To  
adjust the output level with all other surround  
modes used, step through all inputs you´re using  
by pressing the Source Selector buttons  
!
on the front panel or the appropriate Input  
Selectors  
4
on the remote. When the indica-  
tor for any surround mode for which the level  
adjustment has not yet been made lights in the  
Main Information Display  
M, repeat the  
level adjustment described above. This will also  
allow you to compensate level differences  
between speakers, that may be different with  
each surround mode, or to increase or decrease  
the level of certain speakers intentionally,  
depending on the surround mode selected.  
18 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
 
Operation  
The sleep time will be displayed in the Preset  
Number/Sleep Timer Indicator and it will  
count down until the time has elapsed.  
Basic Operation  
Controls and Use of Headphones  
Q
Once you have completed the setup and configu-  
ration of the AVR 1550, it is simple to operate  
and enjoy. The following instructions should be  
followed for you to maximize your enjoyment of  
your new receiver:  
• Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using  
the front panel Volume Control  
Volume Up/Down buttons.  
(
or remote  
When the programmed sleep time has elapsed,  
the unit will automatically turn off (to Standby  
mode). Note that the front panel display will dim  
to one half brightness when the Sleep function  
is programmed. To cancel the Sleep function,  
I
• To temporarily silence all speaker outputs  
press the Mute button . This will interrupt  
2
Turning the AVR 1550 On or Off  
• When using the AVR 1550 for the first time, you  
must press the Main Power Switch  
front panel to turn the unit on. This places the unit  
in a Standby mode, as indicated by the orange  
the output to all speakers and the headphone  
jack, but it will not affect any recording or dub-  
bing that may be in progress. Press the Mute  
press and hold the Sleep Button  
8
until the  
1
on the  
information display returns to normal brightness  
and the Sleep indicator numbers return to "0" in  
button  
2
again to return to normal operation.  
the Main Information Display  
M.  
• To set the output of the AVR 1550 so that the  
output is “flat,” with the Tone controls de-acti-  
color of the Power Indicator  
is in Standby, you may begin a listening session by  
pressing the System Power Control or the  
Source button on the front panel or the AVR  
Selector . Note that the Power Indicator  
will turn green. This will turn the unit on and  
3. Once the unit  
Source Selection  
vated, press the Tone Mode button  
6
button  
2
once or twice so that the words ToneOut  
appear momentarily in the Main Information  
• To select a source, press any of the  
Source Selector buttons on the remote  
456  
!
5
Display  
M. To return the tone controls to an  
.
3
active condition, press the Tone Mode  
6
but-  
return it to the input source that was last used.  
The unit may also be turned on from Standby by  
pressing any of the Source Selector buttons on  
NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector  
buttons you must press the AVR Selector  
to have the remote control the AVR functions.  
ton once or twice so that the words Tone  
Inmomentarily appear in the Main  
4
5
Information Display  
Once ToneInis shown in the Display,  
press the Set Button on the front panel to  
select the Bass Control. Adjustments can be  
made with the Selector Buttons on the  
M.  
the remote 456  
.
• The input source may also be changed by  
pressing the front-panel Input Source  
NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector  
Ó
buttons to turn the unit on, press the AVR  
4
Selector button  
!. Each press of the button  
Selector  
5
to have the remote control the AVR  
&
will move the input selection through the list of  
available inputs.  
functions.  
front panel. Pressing the Set button again  
selects the Treble Control. Make your adjust-  
To turn the unit off at the end of a listening ses-  
sion, simply press the System Power Control  
• As the input is changed, the AVR 1550 will  
automatically switch to the digital input (if  
selected), surround mode and speaker configura-  
tion that were entered during the configuration  
process for that source.  
ments with the Selector Buttons  
&.  
2
on the front panel or the Power Off  
• For private listening, plug the 6.3 mm stereo  
phone plug from a pair of stereo headphones  
Button on the remote.  
3
To switch off both the AVR 1550 and compatible  
Harman Kardon DVD or CD Player, first press the  
Input Selector button  
into the front panel Headphone Jack  
4. Note  
that when the headphone’s plug is connected,  
the word HEADPHONEwill scroll once  
• The front-panel Video 3 Inputs  
%
may be  
4
3
and after press  
. After that press  
, followed by the  
used to connect a device such as a video game  
or camcorder to your home entertainment  
system on a temporary basis.  
the Power Off Button  
across the Main Information Display  
M
and  
the AVR Selector Button  
Power Off Button  
5
all speakers will be silenced. When the head-  
phone plug is removed, the audio feed to the  
speakers will be restored.  
3
.
• As the input source is changed, the new input  
name will appear in the Main Information  
When the remote is used to turn the unit “off” it  
is actually placing the system in a Standby mode,  
as indicated by the orange color of the Power  
Display  
M.  
Indicator  
3.  
• When a pure audio source (Tuner, CD, Tape) is  
selected, the last video input used remains rout-  
When you will be away from home for an  
extended period of time it is always a good idea  
to completely turn the unit off with the front  
ed to the Video 1 Outputs  
own Video 1/2 source) and Video Monitor  
Output . This permits simultaneous viewing  
I
(except from its  
B
panel Main Power Switch  
1.  
and listening to different sources.  
NOTE: All preset memories may be lost if the  
unit is left turned off with the Main Power  
• When a Video source is selected, its audio sig-  
nal will be fed to the speakers and the video sig-  
nal for that input will be routed to the appropriate  
Switch  
1
for more than two weeks.  
Using the Sleep Timer  
• To program the AVR 1550 for automatic turn-  
off, press the Sleep Button  
Monitor Output jack  
B
and will be viewable on  
a TV monitor connected to the AVR 1550.  
8
on the remote.  
Each press of the button will increase the time  
before shut down in the following sequence:  
90  
80  
70  
60  
50  
min  
min  
min  
min  
min  
40  
30  
20  
10  
OFF  
min  
min  
min  
min  
OPERATION 19  
 
Operation  
Surround Mode Chart  
MODE  
FEATURES  
DELAY TIME RANGE  
DOLBY DIGITAL  
Available only with digital input sources encoded with Dolby Digital data. It provides  
up to five separate main audio channels and a special dedicated Low Frequency Effects  
channel.  
Center: 0 ms – 5 ms  
Initial Setting – 0 ms  
Surround: 0 ms 15 ms  
Initial Setting – 0 ms  
DTS  
Available only with digital input sources encoded with DTS data. Available on special  
DVD, LD and audio-only discs, DTS provides up to five separate main audio channels and  
a special dedicated low frequency channel.  
Delay time not adjustable  
DOLBY PRO LOGIC II Dolby Pro Logic II is the latest version of Dolby Laboratory's benchmark surround technology that  
creates or decodes full range, discrete left, center, right, right surround and left surround channels  
from either matrix surround encoded programs and conventional stereo sources. The Dolby  
ProLogic II Movie mode is optimized for movie soundtracks that are recorded with matrix  
surround, by creating true rear left, center and right signals. The ProLogic II Music mode  
should be used with musical selections, that are recorded with matrix surround or with normal  
stereo mode, creating discrete rear left and right signals. The ProLogic II Emulation mode creates  
compelling five-channel surround from conventional stereo recordings.  
Movie and Emulation:  
10 ms - 25 ms,  
Initial Setting - 10 ms,  
Music:  
0 ms - 15 ms,  
Initial Setting - 0 ms  
DOLBY 3 STEREO  
Uses the information contained in a surround encoded or two channel stereo program to  
create center channel information. In addition, the information that is normally sent to the  
rear channel surround speakers is carefully mixed in with the front left and front right  
channels for increased realism. Use this mode when you have a center channel speaker  
but no surround speakers.  
No surround channels  
THEATER  
The THEATER mode creates a sound field that resembles the acoustic feeling  
of a standard live performance theater, with stereo and even pure mono sources.  
Delay time not adjustable  
Delay time not adjustable  
HALL 1  
HALL 2  
The two Hall modes create sound fields that resemble a small (HALL 1) or  
medium sized (HALL 2) concert hall, with stereo and even pure mono sources.  
5-Channel Stereo  
This mode takes advantage of multiple speakers to place a stereo signal at both the front and  
back of a room. Ideal for playing music in situations such as a party, it places the same signal  
at the front-left and surround-left, and at the front-right and surround-right speakers. The center  
channel is fed a summed mono mix of the in-phase material of the left and right channels.  
No delay is available for  
this mode  
SURROUND  
OFF (STEREO)  
This mode turns off all surround processing and presents the pure left and right  
channel presentation of two channel stereo programs.  
No surround channels  
20 OPERATION  
 
Operation  
Surround modes are selected using either the  
front panel controls or the remote. To select a  
surround mode from the front panel, press the  
Dolby Digital  
Surround Mode Selection  
Dolby Digital (originally known as AC-3®) is  
a standard part of DVD, and is available on  
specially encoded LD discs and satellite broad-  
casts and it is a part of the new high-definition  
television (HDTV) system.  
One of the most important features of the  
AVR 1550 is its ability to reproduce a full  
multichannel surround sound field from digital  
sources, analog matrix surround encoded  
programs and standard stereo or even mono  
programs. In all, a total of eleven listening  
modes are available on the AVR 1550.  
Surround Mode Selector  
7
to scroll through  
the list of available modes. To select a surround  
mode using the remote, press the Surround  
Mode Selector  
buttons  
9
, and then press the  
/
¤
Note that an optional, external RF demodulator  
is required to use the AVR 1550 to listen to the  
Dolby Digital sound tracks available on laser  
discs. Connect the RF output of the LD player to  
the demodulator and then connect the digital  
output of the demodulator to the Optical or  
Coaxial inputs 9F of the AVR 1550.  
No demodulator is required for use with DVD  
players or DTS-encoded laser discs.  
C
to change the mode. As you press  
the buttons, the Surround mode name will  
Selection of a surround mode is based on person-  
al taste, as well as the type of program source  
material being used. For example, motion pic-  
tures, CD’s or TV programs bearing the logo of  
one of the major surround encoding processes,  
such as Dolby Surround should be played in either  
the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie (with movies) or  
Music (with music) surround mode.  
appear in the Main Information Display  
M,  
and an individual mode indicator will also light  
up C D F H J. Regard that any time a  
surround mode is changed it remains associated  
with the input just selected until another choice  
is made.  
NOTE: The name of each Surround Mode will  
scroll through the Main Information Display  
DTS  
When no rear speakers are in use, the Dolby 3  
Stereo mode should be selected with all  
surround recordings.  
M
while the modes are being selected. To avoid  
DTS is another digital audio system that is capa-  
ble of delivering 5.1 audio. Although both DTS  
and Dolby Digital are digital, they use different  
methods of encoding the signals, and thus they  
require different decoding circuits to convert the  
digital signals back to analog.  
exiting from the surround mode selection  
process, be certain to push the  
/
¤
buttons  
C
while a mode name is still visible.  
Note that when Dolby Digital 2.0 signals (e.g.  
"D.D. 2.0" tracks from DVD), that are encoded  
with Dolby Pro Logic information, are received  
via any digital input, the Dolby Pro Logic II  
Movie mode will be selected automatically (in  
addition to the Dolby Digital mode) and will  
decode a full range 5.1 channel surround sound  
even from those recordings (see also "Dolby  
Digital" on page 22).  
Note that the Dolby Digital or DTS modes may  
only be selected when a digital input is in use. In  
addition, when a digital source is present, the  
AVR 1550 will automatically select and switch to  
the correct mode (Dolby Digital or DTS), regard-  
less of the mode that has been previously select-  
ed. For more information on selecting digital  
DTS-encoded sound tracks are available on  
select DVD and LD discs, as well as on special  
audio-only DTS CDs. You may use any LD, DVD  
or CD player equipped with a digital output to  
play DTS-encoded special audio-only CDs with  
the AVR 1550, but DTS-LDs can be played on LD  
players and DTS-DVDs on DVD players only. All  
that is required is to connect the player’s output  
to either the Optical or Coaxial input on the  
sources, see the following section of this manual.  
To create wide, enveloping sound field  
To listen to a program in traditional two channel  
stereo, using the front left and front right speak-  
ers only (plus the subwoofer if installed and con-  
figured), follow the instructions shown above for  
using the remote until SURROFFappears  
environments and defined pans and flyovers  
with all analog stereo recordings select the  
Dolby Pro Logic II Music or Emulation mode.  
rear panel 9F  
.
NOTE: Once a program has been encoded with  
matrix surround information, it retains the sur-  
round information as long as the program is  
broadcast in stereo. Thus, movies with surround  
sound may be decoded via any of the analog  
surround modes such as Dolby Pro Logic II,  
when they are broadcast via conventional TV  
stations, cable, pay TV and satellite transmission.  
In addition, a growing number of made-for-tele-  
vision programs, sports broadcasts, radio dramas  
and music CDs are also recorded in surround  
sound. You may view a list of these programs at  
the Dolby Laboratories Web site at  
in the Main Information Display  
M.  
Digital Audio Playback  
Digital audio is a major advancement over older  
analog matrix surround systems. It delivers five  
discrete channels: left front, center, right front,  
left surround and right surround. Each channel  
reproduces full frequency range (20Hz to 20kHz)  
and offers dramatically improved dynamic range  
and significant improvements to signal-to-noise  
ratios. In addition, digital systems have the  
capability to deliver an additional channel that is  
specifically devoted to low frequency informa-  
tion. This is the “.1” channel referred to when  
you see these systems descibed as “5.1”.  
The bass channel is separate from the other  
channels, but since it is intentionally bandwidth  
limited, sound designers have given it that  
unique designation.  
Even when a program is not listed as carrying  
intentional surround information, you may find  
that the Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby 3 Stereo  
modes often deliver enveloping surround  
presentations through the use of the natural  
surround information present in all stereo  
recordings.  
However, for stereo programs without any  
surround information the Theater, Hall and 5CH  
Stereo modes should be tried (effective particu-  
larly with old ”extreme” stereo recordings) and  
for mono programs, we suggest that you try the  
Theater or Hall modes.  
OPERATION 21  
 
Operation  
PCM Audio Playback  
the digital signal is Dolby Digital, DTS or PCM.  
Note that a digital input (e.g. coaxial) remains  
associated with any analog input (e.g. DVD) as  
soon as it is selected, thus the digital input need  
not be re-selected each time the appropriate  
input choice (e.g. DVD) is made.  
that the PCM signal format can be selected on  
the DVD player with any audio track, even with  
Dolby Digital tracks (but not with Dolby Digital  
decoding). So, if selected, even ”2.0” D.D. audio  
tracks can be played with all surround modes.  
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) is the non- com-  
pressed digital audio system used for compact  
discs, Non-Dolby Digital/DTS Laserdiscs and  
some special PCM encoded DVDs. The digital cir-  
cuits in the AVR 1550 are capable of high quality  
digital-to-analog decoding, and they may be con-  
nected directly to the digital audio output of your  
CD/DVD or LD player (LD only for PCM or DTS  
programs, for Dolby Digital laser discs an RF  
adapter is needed, see ”Dolby Digital” above).  
In addition to the Bitstream Indicators, the  
AVR 1550 features a set of unique channel input  
indicators that tell you how many channels of  
digital information are being received and if the  
digital signal is interrupted.  
Digital Status Indicators  
When a digital source is playing, the AVR 1550  
senses the type of bitstream data that is present.  
Using this information, the correct surround  
mode will automatically be selected. For exam-  
ple, DTS bitstreams will cause the unit to switch  
to DTS decoding, and Dolby Digital bitstreams  
will enable Dolby Digital decoding. When the unit  
senses PCM data, from CDs and LDs and some  
music DVDs or certain tracks on normal DVDs, it  
will allow the appropriate surround mode to be  
selected manually. Since the range of available  
surround modes depends on the type of digital  
data that is present, the AVR 1550 uses a variety  
of indicators to let you know what type of signal  
is present. This will help you to understand the  
choice of modes and the input channels recorded  
on the disc.  
These indicators are the L/C/R/SL/SR/LFE letters  
that are inside the center boxes of the  
Connections may be made to either the Optical  
or Coaxial inputs 9F on the rear panel.  
Speaker/Channel Input Indicators  
P
in the  
To listen to a PCM digital source, first select the  
input for the desired source (e.g., CD) to feed its  
video signal (if any) to the TV monitor and to  
provide its analog audio signal for recording.  
front panel Main Information Display  
*.  
When a standard analog stereo or matrix  
surround signal is in use, only the “Land “R”  
indicators will light, as analog signals have only  
left and right channels, respectively, even  
surround recordings, carry surround information  
on the left and right channels only.  
Next press the Digital Select button  
Ô
on the  
on the front  
F
and then use the  
/
¤
buttons  
C
&
remote, or the Selector buttons  
panel, until the desired choice appears in the  
Main Information Display , then press the  
Enter button on the remote control, or the  
Digital signals, however, may have one to six  
separate channels, depending on the program  
material, the method of transmission and the  
way in which it was encoded. When a digital  
signal is playing, the letters in these indicators  
will light in response to the specific signal being  
received. It is important to note that although  
Dolby Digital, for example, is referred to as a  
“5.1” system, not all Dolby Digital DVD or audio  
tracks selected on DVD or other Dolby Digital  
programs are encoded for 5.1. Thus, it is some-  
times normal for a DVD with a Dolby Digital  
soundtrack to trigger e.g. only the “Land “R”  
indicators.  
M
E
Set button on the front  
choice.  
Ó
to confirm the  
When a digital source is playing, a Bitstream  
Indicator  
signal is playing:  
: When the DOLBY D indicator lights, a  
A
will light to show which type of  
When a PCM source is playing, the PCM indica-  
tor will light. During PCM playback you may  
A
select any surround mode as described on pages  
20 and 21 except Dolby Digital or DTS.  
Dolby Digital bitstream is being received.  
Depending on the audio track selected on the  
source player and number of channels on the  
disc, different surround modes are possible. Note  
that only one channel without subwoofer, called  
”1.0” audio, or all five channels with subwoofer  
(”5.1” audio) or all steps between can be  
recorded on digitally surround encoded audio  
tracks (see NOTE below). With all those tracks,  
except ”2.0” audio, only the Dolby Digital mode  
is available. When the Dolby Digital signal is only  
two channel (”2.0”) these two channels (l and r)  
often contain Pro Logic surround informations.  
With those tracks the AVR 1550 automatically  
switches to the Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode  
(in addition to the Dolby Digital mode). When  
the D.D. 2.0 signal contains no Pro Logic infor-  
mation, the pure Dolby Digital mode will be  
selected automatically, but you may also select  
any Pro Logic II mode (only Music or Emulation  
should be used then).  
Selecting a Digital Source  
To utilize either digital mode you must have  
properly connected a digital source to the  
AVR 1550. Connect the digital outputs from  
DVD players, HDTV receivers, satellite systems or  
CD players to the Optical or Coaxial inputs on  
Night Mode  
the rear panel 9F  
.
A special feature of Dolby Digital is the Night  
mode, which enables Dolby Digital input sources  
to be played back with full digital intelligibilty  
while reducing the maximum peak level and lift-  
ing the low levels by 1/4 to 1/3. This prevents  
abruptly loud transitions from disturbing others  
without reducing the impact of the digital  
source. The Night mode is available only when  
Dolby Digital mode is selected.  
When playing a digital source such as DVD, first  
select its input using the remote or front panel  
controls as outlined in this manual in order to  
feed its video signal (if any) to the TV monitor  
and to provide its analog audio signal for  
recording. When the digital input appropriate  
with the DVD player is not selected automatical-  
ly (due to the input settings made earlier during  
the system configuration, see page 14), select  
the digital source by pressing the Digital Input  
The Night mode may be engaged when a Dolby  
Digital DVD is playing by pressing the Night  
⁄ ¤  
Selector button  
F
Ô
and then using the  
on the remote or the  
on the front panel to  
Button  
A
on the remote. Next, press the  
/
⁄ ¤  
/
buttons  
C
buttons  
C
to select either the middle range or  
DTS:When the DTS indicator lights, a DTS  
bitstream is being received. When the unit senses  
this type of data, only the DTS mode may be  
used.  
Selector buttons  
&
full compression versions of the Night mode. To  
⁄ ¤  
choose any of the OPTICALor  
COAXIALinputs, as they appear in the  
Main Information Display  
Indicators BE. When the digital source is  
playing, the AVR 1550 will automatically detect  
whether it is a multichannel Dolby Digital, DTS  
source or a conventional PCM signal, which is  
the standard output from CD players.  
turn the Night mode off, press the  
/
buttons  
C
until the message in the lower third of  
the video display and the Main Information  
Display reads D-ROFF.  
When the Night mode is active, the Night  
Mode Indicator will also illuminate.  
M
and Display  
M
PCM:When the PCM indicator lights, a standard  
Pulse Code Modulation, or PCM, signal is being  
received. This is the type of digital audio used by  
conventional compact disc and laser disc record-  
ings. When a PCM bitstream is present, all modes  
except Dolby Digital and DTS are available. Note  
O
A Bitstream Indicator  
Main Information Display  
A
will light in the  
to confirm that  
*
22 OPERATION  
 
Operation  
IMPORTANT NOTES ON DIGITAL  
PLAYBACK:  
1. When the digital playback source is stopped,  
or in a pause, fast forward or chapter search  
mode, the digital audio data will momentarily  
stop, and the channel position letters inside the  
PCM or vice versa, but optical digital input signals  
are converted to coaxial signals). In additon, the  
digital recorder must be compatible with the out-  
put signal. For example, the PCM digital output  
from a CD player may be recorded on a CD-R or  
MiniDisc, but Dolby Digital or DTS signals may  
not.  
Press the Enter button  
control, or the Set button on the front  
the name of the desired channel appears in the  
Main Information Display and on-screen  
display, and follow the instructions shown above  
to adjust the level.  
E
on the remote  
Ó
when  
M
Speaker/Channel Indicators  
P
will flash.  
Repeat the procedure as needed until all  
channels requiring adjustment have been set.  
When all adjustments have been made press the  
This is normal and does not indicate a problem  
with either the AVR 1550 or the source machine.  
The AVR 1550 will return to digital playback as  
soon as the data is available and when the  
machine is in a standard play mode.  
Output Level Trim Adjustment  
Normal output level adjustment for the  
AVR 1550 is established using the test tone, as  
outlined on pages 17 and 18. In some cases,  
however, it may be desirable to adjust the out-  
put levels using program material such as a test  
disc, or a selection you are familiar with.  
Additionally, the output level for the subwoofer  
and those for the Stereo mode can only be  
adjusted using this procedure.  
Enter button  
Set button on the front  
E
on the remote control, or the  
twice, the AVR 1550  
Ó
will return to normal operation.  
2. Although the AVR 1550 will decode virtually all  
DVD movies, CDs and HDTV sources, it is possible  
that some future digital sources may not be com-  
patible with the AVR 1550.  
NOTE: The output levels may be separately  
trimmed for each digital and analog surround  
mode. If you wish to have different trim levels for a  
specific mode, select that mode and then follow  
the instructions in the steps shown above.  
3. Note that not all digitally encoded programs  
and not all audio tracks on a DVD contain full  
5.1-channel audio. Consult the program guide  
that accompanies the DVD or laser disc to deter-  
mine which type of audio has been recorded on  
the disc. The AVR 1550 will automatically sense  
the type of digital surround encoding used, indi-  
Changing the levels by the trim adjustment as  
described above will automatically change the  
level settings shown during the Output Level  
Adjustment (see page 17) correspondingly (and  
vice versa) and will remain in the AVR 1550´s  
memory system, even when the unit is turned  
off. With Stereo mode the adjustment procedure  
described above is the only way to trim the out-  
put level.  
To adjust the output levels using program mate-  
rial, first select the surround mode for which you  
want to trim the speakers (see NOTE below) by  
selecting the appropriate input, associated with  
the desired surround mode, start your program  
material source and set the reference volume for  
the front left and front right channels using the  
cate it in the Bitstream Indicators  
A
and  
Channel Input Indicators  
P
and adjust to  
accommodate it.  
Volume Control  
(I.  
4. When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is playing,  
you normally may not be able to select some of  
the analog surround modes such as Dolby Pro  
Logic II, Dolby 3 Stereo, Hall, Theater or 5CH  
Stereo, except with special audio tracks  
(see indication ”Dolby Digital” on previous  
page) or data format selected (see ”PCM” on  
previous page).  
Once the reference level has been set, press the  
Channel Select button and note that  
FLLEVELwill appear in the Main  
Information Display for five seconds. To  
change the level, first press the Enter button  
on the remote control, or the Set button on  
B
#
Display Brightness  
The AVR 1550’s front panel Main Information  
M
Display  
*
is set at a default brightness level  
that is sufficient for viewing in a normally lit  
room. However, in some home theater installa-  
tions, you may wish to occasionally lower the  
brightness of the display, or turn it off completely.  
E
the front  
tons  
Ó
or the  
, and then use the Selector but-  
⁄ ¤  
&
/
buttons  
C
to raise or  
5. When a Dolby Digital or DTS source is playing,  
it is not possible to make an analog recording  
lower the level. DO NOT use the volume control,  
as this will alter the reference setting.  
The display brightness may be changed by  
using the Tape  
1
or Video 1  
4
record out-  
pressing and holding the Set button  
front for three seconds until the message in the  
Main Information Display reads VFD  
Ó
on the  
Once the change has been made, press the  
puts, if the source is connected to any digital  
input of the AVR 1550 only.  
Enter button  
Set button on the front  
Selector buttons or the  
E
on the remote control, or the  
M
Ó
and then press the  
FULL. Within five seconds, press the front  
⁄ ¤  
Tape Recording  
&
/
buttons  
C
‹ ›  
/
panel  
buttons  
&
until the desired bright-  
to select the next output channel location that  
you wish to adjust. To adjust the subwoofer  
In normal operation, the audio or video source  
selected for listening through the AVR 1550 is  
sent to the record outputs. This means that any  
program you are watching or listening to may be  
recorded simply by placing machines connected  
ness display level is shown. At that point, press  
the Set button again to enter the setting.  
Ó
level, press the Selector buttons  
&
or the  
⁄ ¤  
/
buttons  
C
until SWLEVELappears  
(only  
Memory Backup  
in the Main Information Display  
M
This product is equipped with a memory backup  
system that preserves tuner presets and system  
configuration information if the unit is turned off  
completely, accidentally unplugged or subjected  
to a power outage. This memory will last for  
approximately two weeks, after which time all  
information must be reentered.  
available if the subwoofer was selected during  
the speaker configuration, see page 14).  
to the outputs for Tape Outputs  
1
or Video  
1 Outputs 4I in the record mode.  
When a digital audio recorder is connected to  
the Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs  
8, you  
are able to record the digital signal using a  
CD-R, MiniDisc or other digital recording system.  
Note that all digital signals will be passed  
through to the coaxial digital output, no matter  
which kind of digital input was selected.  
NOTES:  
• The digital outputs are active only when a digi-  
tal signal is present, and they do not convert an  
analog input to a digital signal, or change the for-  
mat of the digital signal (e.g. Dolby Digital to  
OPERATION 23  
 
Operation  
holding the Band Selector  
panel pressed for 3 seconds until the  
9
on the front  
Tuner Operation  
RDS Operation  
The AVR 1550’s tuner is capable of tuning AM,  
FM and FM Stereo broadcast stations and  
receiving RDS data. Stations may be tuned  
manually, or they may be stored as favorite  
station presets and recalled from a 30 position  
memory.  
The AVR 1550 is equipped with RDS (Radio Data  
System), which brings a wide range of informa-  
tion to FM radio. Now in use in many countries,  
RDS is a system for transmitting station call  
signs or network information, a description of  
station program type, text messages about the  
station or specifics of a musical selection, and  
the correct time.  
STEREOindicator  
U
goes out.  
Preset Tuning  
Using the remote, up to 30 stations may be  
stored in the AVR 1550’s memory for easy recall  
using the front panel controls or the remote.  
To enter a station into the memory, first tune the  
station using the steps outlined above. Then:  
Station Selection  
1. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select button  
on the remote to select the tuner as an input.  
The tuner may be selected from the front  
panel by either pressing the Input Source  
6
RDS Tuning  
When an FM station is tuned in and it contains  
RDS data, the RDS Indicator  
and the AVR 1550 will automatically display the  
station’s call sign or other program service in the  
1. Press the Memory button  
remote. Note that MEMORYindicator  
illuminate and flash in the Main Information  
Display  
Q
on the  
T
will  
I
will illuminate  
Selector  
!
until the tuner is active or by  
*
.
pressing the Tuner Band Selector  
9
at any  
2. Within five seconds, press the Numeric Keys  
corresponding to the location where you  
wish to store this station’s frequency. Once  
entered, the preset number will appear in the  
time.  
Main Information Display  
M.  
G
2. Press the AM/FM Tuner Select button  
or Tuner Band Selector again to switch  
between AM and FM so that the desired frequen-  
cy band is selected.  
6
RDS Display Options  
In normal RDS operation the display will indi-  
cate the station name, broadcast network or  
call letters. Pressing the RDS button  
enables you to cycle through the various data  
types in the following sequence:  
9
Preset Number/Sleep Time Display  
Q.  
@N  
3. Repeat the process after tuning any additional  
stations to be preset.  
3. Press the Tuner Mode button  
remote or hold the Band Selector  
H
on the  
on the  
9
Recalling Preset Stations  
• To manually select a station previously entered  
in the preset memory, press the Numeric Keys  
front panel pressed for 3 seconds to select  
manual or automatic tuning.  
• The station’s call letters (with some private sta-  
tions other information too).  
When the AUTO indicator  
Main Information Display  
O
is illuminated in the  
the tuner will  
G
that correspond to the desired station’s  
• The station’s frequency.  
M
memory location.  
only stop at those stations that have a strong  
enough signal to be received with acceptable  
quality.  
• The Program Type (PTY) as shown in the list  
below.  
• To manually tune through the list of stored  
preset stations one by one, press the Preset  
• A “text” message (Radiotext, RT) containing  
special information from the broadcast station.  
Note that this message may scroll across the dis-  
play to permit messages longer than the eight  
positions in the display. Depending on signal  
quality, it may take up to 30 seconds for the text  
message to appear; in that time, the word  
TEXTwill flash in the Information Display  
when RT is selected.  
Stations Selector buttons  
front panel or remote.  
)
O
on the  
When the AUTO indicator  
the tuner is in a manual mode and will stop at  
each frequency increment in the selected band.  
O
is not illuminated,  
4. To select stations press any Tuning button  
. When the AUTO indicator is illumin-  
8
J
O
ated, press the button to cause the tuner to  
search for the next highest or lowest frequency  
station that has an acceptable signal or hold the  
button pressed to tune more quickly and release  
it to start the auto search. In the Auto mode the  
tuner will play each station in stereo or mono  
mode, just as the program is transmitted. If the  
• The current time of day (CT). Note that it may  
take up to two minutes for the time to appear,  
in that time the word TIMEwill flash in the  
information display when CT is selected.  
Please note that the accuracy of the time data is  
dependent on the radio station, not the  
AVR 1550.  
AUTO indicator  
O
J
is not illuminated, tap the  
to advance one frequen-  
Tuning button  
8
cy increment at a time, or press and hold it to  
locate a specific station. When the TUNED  
Some RDS stations may not include some of  
these additional features. If the data required  
for the selected mode is not being transmitted,  
indicator  
L
illuminates, the station is properly  
tuned and should be heard with clarity.  
5. Stations may also be tuned directly by press-  
the Main Information Display  
M
will show  
ing the Direct button  
the Numeric Keys  
F
, and then pressing  
a NOTYPE, NOTEXTor NOTIME  
message after the individual time out.  
G
that correspond to the  
station’s frequency. The desired station will auto-  
matically be tuned after the latest number is  
entered. If you press an incorrect button while  
entering a direct frequency, press the Clear  
In any FM mode the RDS function requires a  
strong enough signal for proper operation.  
If you receive a partial message, or the  
RDS Indicator  
I
going on and off, try slowly  
button  
P
to start over.  
adjusting the antenna or tune to another  
stronger RDS station.  
NOTE: When the FM reception of a stereo  
station is weak, audio quality will be increased  
by switching to Mono mode by pressing the  
Tuner Mode button  
H
on the remote or  
24 OPERATION  
 
Operation  
Program Search (PTY)  
JAZZ: Jazz Music  
Remote  
An important feature of RDS is its capability of  
encoding broadcasts with Program Type (PTY)  
codes that indicate the type of material being  
broadcast. The following list shows the abbrevia-  
tions used to indicate each PTY, along with an  
explanation of the PTY:  
The AVR 1550 is equipped with a powerful  
remote control that will control not only the  
receiver’s functions, but also compatible Harman  
Kardon CD and DVD players.  
COUNTRY: Country Music  
NATIONAL: National Music  
OLDIES: Oldies Music  
To switch between operating the AVR 1550 and  
compatible Harman Kardon products, press the  
Input Selectors to select either the AVR 1550  
FOLK M: Folk Music  
• (RDS ONLY)  
DOCUMENT: Documentary Programs  
TEST: Emergency Test  
• (TRAFFIC)  
5
or a different source  
4. Some of the  
remote control functions will work no matter if  
the AVR 1550 or compatible Harman Kardon DVD  
player is selected. (See page 26). Pressing another  
input source than DVD will change the  
AVR 1550's input to this source. After that press  
the AVR Input Selector button  
NEWS: News  
ALARM: Emergency Broadcast Information  
AFFAIRS: Current Affairs  
INFO: Infomation  
You may search for a specific Program Type  
(PTY) by following these steps:  
5
again to  
SPORT: Sports  
be able to control the AVR 1550.  
1. Press the RDS button  
rent PTY is shown in the Main Information  
Display  
@
N
until the cur-  
EDUCATE: Educational  
DRAMA: Drama  
M.  
2. While the PTY is shown, press the Preset  
Up/Down button or hold them pressed  
)
O
CULTURE: Culture  
to scroll through the list of available PTY types,  
as shown above.  
SCIENCE: Science  
3. Press any of the Tuning Up/Down buttons  
VARIED: Varied Speech Programs  
POPM: Popular Music  
8J, the tuner begins to scan the FM band  
upwards or downwards for the first station that  
has RDS data that matches the desired selec-  
tion, and acceptable signal strength for quality  
reception.  
ROCKM: Rock Music  
M.O.R.M.: Middle-of-the-Road Music  
LIGHTM: Classical Music  
CLASSICS: Serious Classical Music  
OTHERM: Other Music  
4. The tuner will make up to one complete scan  
of the entire FM band for the next station that  
matches the desired PTY type and has accept-  
able reception quality. If no such station is  
found, the display will read NONEfor some  
seconds and the tuner will return to the last FM  
station in use before the search.  
WEATHER: Weather Information  
FINANCE: Financial Programs  
CHILDREN: Children’s Programs  
SOCIAL A: Social Affairs Programs  
RELIGION: Religious Broadcasts  
PHONE IN: Phone-In Programs  
TRAVEL: Travel and Touring  
LEISURE: Leisure and Hobby  
NOTE: Many stations do not transmit a specific  
PTY. The display will show NONE, when such a  
station is selected and PTY is active.  
NOTE: Some stations transmit constant traffic  
information. To identify as traffic station, they  
transmit a specific traffic code constantly, which  
causes the TA Indicator  
K
to light in the dis-  
play. These stations can be found by selecting  
TRAFFIC, the option in front of NEWS in the list.  
The AVR 1550 will find the appropriate station,  
even if it is not broadcasting traffic information  
when the search is made.  
OPERATION 25  
 
Function List  
No.  
1
Button Name  
Power On  
AVR Function  
Power On  
DVD Function  
Power On  
2
Power Off  
Power Off  
Power Off  
3
4
AVR  
DVD  
AVR Select  
DVD Select  
AVR Select  
DVD Select  
1
2
5
6
7
8
CD  
TAPE  
VID 1  
VID 2  
VID 3  
TV  
FM/AM  
Audio  
Subtitle  
On/Off  
Play  
Pause  
Stop  
Status  
Tune Down  
Tune Up  
Preset Down  
Preset Up  
Slow Reverse  
Slow Forward  
Step Reverse  
Step Forward  
Repeat  
Random  
Tun-M/Check  
Volume Up  
Speaker/Menu  
Memory/Prog.  
Enter  
Volume Down  
CD Input Select  
Tape Input Select  
Video 1 Select  
Video 2 Select  
Video 3 Select  
TV Input Select  
Tuner Select  
3
7
4
8
5
9
6
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
41  
42  
43  
44  
45  
46  
47  
48  
49  
50  
51  
52  
53  
54  
55  
56  
57  
58  
10  
14  
18  
Audio Track Select  
Subtitle Select  
Subtitle On/Off  
Play  
Pause  
Stop  
Status Select  
R. Search  
F. Search  
Skip Previous  
Skip Next  
Slow Reverse  
Slow Forward  
Step Reverse  
Step Forward  
Repeat  
Random Play  
Check  
Volume Up  
Menu  
Program  
Enter  
Volume Down  
Up  
Left  
Right  
Down  
11  
15  
12  
16  
13  
17  
19  
23  
27  
31  
20  
24  
28  
32  
21  
25  
29  
33  
22  
26  
30  
34  
Tune Down  
Tune Up  
Preset Down  
Preset Up  
35  
38  
Tuner Mode  
Volume Up  
Speaker Adjust  
Tuner Memory  
36  
37  
Set  
Volume Down  
Move/Adjust Up  
Move/Adjust Left  
Move/Adjust Right  
Move/Adjust Down  
Surround Select  
Digital Input Select/Direct  
Channel Trim  
Delay Adjust  
1
2
3
Test Tone  
4
5
6
Night Mode Select  
7
8
9
Sleep  
RDS  
0
Clear  
Mute  
39 40 41 42  
43 44 45 46  
47 48 49 50  
51 52 53 54  
55 56 57 58  
¤
Surround Select  
Digital  
Channel/Title  
Delay  
1
2
3
Test  
4
Title  
Open/Close  
1
2
3
4
5
6
5
6
Night  
7
8
7
8
9
AVR 1550  
9
Sleep  
RDS  
0
Clear  
Mute  
Setup Menu  
0
Clear  
26 FUNCTION LIST  
 
Troubleshooting Guide  
SYMPTOM  
CAUSE  
SOLUTION  
Unit does not function when  
• No AC Power  
• Make certain AC power cord is plugged  
into a live outlet  
Main Power Switch  
1
is pushed  
• Check to see if outlet is switch controlled  
Display lights, but no sound  
or picture  
• Intermittent input connections  
• Make certain that all input and speaker  
connections are secure  
Mute is on  
• Press Mute button  
2
• Volume control is down  
• Turn up volume control  
Sound is heard, but Front-Panel  
Display does not light  
• Display brightness is turned off  
• Follow the instructions in the Display Brightness section  
on page 23 so that the display is set to VFD FULL  
No sound from any speaker;  
light around Power switch  
• Amplifier is in protection mode  
due to possible short  
• Check speaker-wire connections for shorts at receiver  
and speaker ends  
2
is red  
• Amplifier is in protection mode  
due to internal problems  
• Contact your local Harman Kardon service depot  
No sound from surround or  
center speakers  
• Incorrect surround mode  
• Incorrect configuration  
• Select a mode other than Stereo  
• Check speaker mode  
• Stereo or Mono program material  
• With (analog or digital) Dolby surround modes, the surround  
decoder may not create rear-channel  
information from non-encoded programs  
• Check speaker-wire connections or use test tone  
to verify connections (see page 18)  
• Speakers not properly connected  
Unit does not respond to  
remote commands  
• Weak batteries in remote  
• Wrong device selected  
• Change remote batteries  
• Press the AVR selector  
5
Remote sensor  
5
is obscured  
• Make certain front-panel sensor is visible to remote or  
connect remote sensor  
Intermittent buzzing in tuner  
• Local interference  
• Move unit or antenna away from computers, fluorescent lights,  
motors or other electrical appliances  
Letters flash in the Channel Indicator  
Display and Digital Audio stops  
• Digital audio feed paused  
• Resume play for DVD  
• Check that Digital Signal is fed to the Digital Input selected  
P
To clear the AVR 1550’s entire system memory  
including tuner presets, output level settings,  
delay times and speaker configuration data, first  
NOTE: Resetting the processor will erase any  
configuration settings you have made for speak-  
ers, output levels, surround modes, digital input  
assignments as well as the tuner presets. After a  
reset the unit will be returned to the factory  
presets, and all settings for these items must be  
reentered.  
Processor Reset  
In the rare case where the unit’s operation or the  
displays seem abnormal, the cause may involve  
the erratic operation of the system’s memory or  
microprocessor.  
put the unit in Standby by pressing the System  
Power Control button  
2. Next, press the  
Tone Mode  
6
and the RDS buttons simul-  
@
taneously.  
To correct this problem, first unplug the unit from  
the AC wall outlet and wait at least three min-  
utes. After the pause, reconnect the AC power  
cord and check the unit’s operation. If the system  
still malfunctions, a system reset may clear the  
problem.  
The unit will turn on automatically and display  
the RESETmessage in the Main  
If the system is still operating incorrectly, there  
may have been an electronic discharge or severe  
AC line interference that has corrupted the  
memory or microprocessor.  
Information Display  
M. Note that once you  
have cleared the memory in this manner, it is nec-  
essary to re-establish all system configuration  
settings and tuner presets.  
If these steps do not solve the problem, consult  
an authorized Harman Kardon service depot.  
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 27  
 
Technical Specifications  
Audio Section  
Stereo Mode  
FM Tuner Section  
Frequency Range  
87.5108MHz  
IHF 1.3 µV/13.2dBf  
Mono/Stereo: 70/65dB (DIN)  
Mono/Stereo: 0.15/0.3%  
35dB @ 1kHz  
300kHz: 65dB  
80dB  
90dB  
Continuous Average Power (FTC)  
Usable Sensitivity  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio  
Distortion  
Stereo Separation  
Selectivity  
50 Watts per channel, 20Hz–20kHz,  
@ < 0.07% THD, both channels driven into 8 ohms  
Five-Channel Surround Modes  
Power Per Individual Channel  
Image Rejection  
IF Rejection  
Front L&R channels:  
40 Watts per channel,  
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms  
AM Tuner Section  
Frequency Range  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio  
Usable Sensitivity  
Distortion  
5201611kHz  
45dB  
Loop: 500µV  
1kHz, 50% Mod: 0.8%  
9kHz: 30dB  
Center channel:  
40 Watts, @ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms  
Surround channels:  
40 Watts per channel,  
@ < 0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms  
Selectivity  
Input Sensitivity/Impedance  
Video Section  
Video Format  
Linear (High Level)  
200mV/47kohms  
90dB  
PAL/NTSC  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A)  
Input Level/Impedance 1Vp-p/75 ohms  
Output Level/Impedance 1Vp-p/75 ohms  
Video Frequency  
Surround System Adjacent Channel Separation  
Analog Decoding  
(Pro Logic, etc.)  
Dolby Digital (AC-3)  
DTS  
40dB  
Response  
10Hz–8MHz (–3dB)  
55dB  
55dB  
General  
Power Requirement  
Power Consumption  
AC 220-240V/50Hz  
72W idle, 580W maximum  
(2 channels driven)  
Frequency Response  
@ 1W (+0dB, –3dB)  
10Hz65kHz  
25 Amps  
High Instantaneous  
Current Capability (HCC)  
Dimensions (Max)  
Width  
440mm  
166mm  
435mm  
11 kg  
Transient Intermodulation  
Distortion (TIM)  
Height  
Depth  
Weight  
Unmeasurable  
Depth measurement includes knobs, buttons and terminal connections.  
Height measurement includes feet and chassis.  
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.  
Harman Kardon is a registered trademark, and Power for the digital revolution is a  
trademark, of Harman International Industries, Inc.  
*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.  
“Dolby,” “Pro Logic II, AC-3” and the Double-D symbol are  
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished  
Works. ©1992–1999 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.  
DTS and DTS Surround are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.  
††  
UltraStereo is a trademark of UltraStereo Corp.  
Crystal is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Corp.  
28 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
 
29  
 
250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797  
Harman Consumer International:  
2, route de Tours, 72500 Château-du-Loir, France  
© 2002 Harman Kardon, Incorporated  
Part No.: 55498730  
 

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