Harman Kardon AVR 254, Service Manual

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19
CONNECTIONS
Audio Connections
There are two formats for audio connections: digital and analog. Digital
audio signals are required for listening to sources encoded with digital
surround modes, such as Dolby Digital and DTS, or for non-compressed
PCM digital audio. There are three types of digital audio connections:
HDMI, coaxial and optical. Any type of digital audio connection may be
used for each source device, but never more than one for the same
source. However, it’s okay to make both analog and digital audio con-
nections to the same source.
NOTE: Since HDMI signals may carry both audio and video, if
your video display device has an HDMI input, make a single HDMI
connection from your source device (such as a DVD player) to
the AVR. No separate digital audio connection is usually required.
Make sure to turn the volume on your television all the way down.
Digital Audio
The AVR 254 is equipped with three HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
Interface) inputs, and one output. HDMI technology enables digital audio
and video information to be carried using a single cable, thus delivering
the highest quality picture and sound.
There are different HDMI versions, depending on the capability of
the source device and the type of signal it is capable of transmitting.
In addition, receivers and processors such as the AVR 254 may handle
the incoming signal in several different ways, depending on their capability
as well. The AVR 254 uses HDMI version 1.3a, and is capable of
processing both the audio and video components of the HDMI data,
minimizing the number of cable connections in your system. Thanks to
the higher bandwidth and speed of HDMI version 1.3a, the AVR 254
implements Deep Color, which increases by an order of magnitude the
shades of color that can be displayed; and the latest lossless multichannel
audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
NOTE: Some DVD-Audio, SACD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc
players, output mulitchannel audio only through the source’s
multichannel analog outputs. For those devices, make a sepa-
rate analog audio connection in addition to the HDMI connec-
tion, which is still used for video and to listen to Dolby Digital,
DTS or PCM materials that may be stored on the disc.
In addition, the AVR 254 will convert analog video signals to the HDMI
format, upscaling to high-definition 1080p resolution. You may view the
AVR 254’s own on-screen display menus using the HDMI output.
The physical HDMI connection is simple. The connector is shaped for
easy plug-in (see Figure 4). If your video display has a DVI input and is
HDCP-compliant, you may use an HDMI-to-DVI adapter (not included)
to connect it to the AVR’s HDMI Output, but a separate audio connection
is required. HDMI cable runs are usually limited to about 10 feet,
depending on the type of cable used.
Figure 4 – HDMI Connection
If your video display or source device is not HDMI-capable, use one of
the analog video connections (composite, S- or component video) and,
if available on your source device, either a coaxial or optical digital audio
connection.
Coaxial digital audio jacks are usually color-coded in orange. Although
they look similar to analog jacks, they should not be confused, and you
should not connect coaxial digital audio outputs to analog inputs or
vice versa. See Figure 5.
Figure 5 – Coaxial Digital Audio
Optical digital audio connectors are normally covered by a shutter to
protect them from dust. The shutter opens as the cable is inserted. Input
connectors are color-coded using a black shutter, while outputs use a
gray shutter. See Figure 6.
Figure 6 – Optical Digital Audio
Analog Audio
Analog connections require two cables, one for the left channel (white)
and one for the right channel (red). These two cables are often attached
to each other for most of their length. See Figure 7.
Most sources that have digital audio jacks also have analog audio jacks,
although some older types of sources, such as tape decks, only have
analog jacks. For sources that are capable of both digital and analog
audio, you may make both connections.
The analog audio connection is strongly recommended if you intend to
use the source with the multizone system. It’s required if you will be
using the multizone preamp outputs with an external amplifier to power
your remote speakers, as the AVR 254’s multizone system is not capa-
ble of converting the digital signal to analog format. It’s suggested that
you also use the analog audio connections when using the Surround
Back/Zone 2 speaker outputs, in case another two-channel digital audio
source is in use in the main listening area. The AVR 254 is only capable
of processing one PCM source at a time.
You may only record materials from DVDs or other copy-protected
sources, using analog connections. Remember to comply with all copy-
right laws, if you choose to make a copy for your own personal use.
Figure 7 – Analog Audio
Multichannel analog connections are used with some high-definition
sources where the copy-protected digital content is decoded inside the
source. These types of connections are usually used with DVD-Audio,
SACD, Blu-ray Disc, HD-DVD and other multichannel players. See
Figure 8. However, the multichannel analog audio connection is not
L
R
Analog audio
cable (R
C A)
Optical
Optical digital
audio cable
C oaxial
C oaxial digital
audio cable
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AVR254
harman/kardon