Features
Network Functions
iPod
Remote Controls
Input and Output Notes

Features

7-Channel Amplifier: The Harman/Kardon AVR 7550HD features a 7-channel discrete amplifier; each channel is rated at 100 watts RMS into 8Ω, measured from 20-20kHz with no more than 0.07% THD. The seven channels are typically used for 7.1 channel surround in the main room, but the surround back channel outputs can be reassigned to power two speakers in another room (Zone 2) if you prefer.

192 kHz/24-Bit Converters: The receiver uses 192kHz/24-bit converters for digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion. The 192kHz sampling and 24-bit word length capabilities of the DACs allow you to play high-resolution recordings with increased clarity, detail, and dynamic range.

EzSet/EQ II: Harman/Kardon's exclusive EzSet/EQ II feature makes it possible to automatically set the AVR 7550HD's output levels, crossover points, and delay times for each of the 7.2 channels (manual adjustment is also available). EzSet/EQ II will play test sweeps through the speakers and using the included microphone make all necessary adjustments. Settings can be saved for two primary listening positions.

Surround Modes: Harman/Kardon uses dual 32-bit Texas Instruments DA 710 DSP processors to incorporate a wide variety of surround sound options. The surround modes include:

• Dolby Digital: 5.1 multi-channel digital surround format
• Dolby Digital EX: 6.1 multi-channel digital surround format
• Dolby Digital Plus: multi-channel digital surround format that supports up to 7.1- channels with 48kHz sampling rate
• Dolby TrueHD: lossless coding technology that supports up to 7.1 channels of multi-channel surround sound; the reproduced sound is true to the original source bit-for-bit
• Dolby Digital Stereo: 2-channel downmix of Dolby Digital material
• Dolby Pro Logic IIx: expands any existing stereo or 5.1-channel audio for a 6.1- or 7.1-channel playback, creating a seamless, natural surround soundfield; choose from Cinema, Music, or Game formats
• Dolby Pro Logic II: processes any high quality stereo (two-channel) movie or music audio into five playback channels of full-bandwidth surround sound; a matrix surround decoding technology, Dolby Pro Logic II detects the directional cues that occur naturally in stereo content and uses these elements to create a five-channel surround sound playback experience; choose from Cinema, Music, or Game formats
• Dolby Pro Logic: center channel and mono surround information is matrixed into two stereo channels; when reproduced, audio is decoded and output in 4 channel surround sound
• Dolby Virtual Speaker: DVS technology creates a 5.1-channel listening experience from two speakers, useful for locations where space for multiple-speaker setups is limited; choose from DVS Reference and DVS Wide
• DTS: 5.1 multi-channel digital surround sound format used for both commercial/theatrical and consumer grade applications
• DTS-HD: higher resolution version of the conventional DTS; compatible with sampling frequencies of 48 and 96 kHz and up to 7.1-channels of discrete digital sound
• DTS-HD Master Audio: lossless audio format compatible with up to 96 kHz and up to 7.1-channels; the lossless audio coding technology faithfully reproduces the sound of the studio master
• DTS-ES Extended Surround: two 6.1 multi-channel formats:
  • DTS-ES Discrete 6.1: 6.1 discrete channels; adding a surround back channel to the DTS digital surround sound
  • DTS-ES Matrix 6.1: 5.1 discrete channels; inserting a surround back channel to the DTS surround sound through matrix encoding
• DTS Stereo: 2-channel downmix of DTS material
• DTS Neo:6: matrix decoding technology for achieving 6.1-channel surround playback with DTS or 2-channel sources; choose DTS Neo: 6 Cinema or DTS Neo: 6 Music
• Logic 7: a Harman/Kardon proprietary technology for use with 2-channel or matrix encoded recordings; offers 5.1 and 7.1-channel settings and has Movie, Music, and Game modes
• Multi-Channel Stereo: 5.1 and 7.1 settings; stereo played through front, surround, and surround back speakers, summed mono from the center channel

Video Mode: Using the built-in Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processor all incoming video is scaled, up to 1080p for the HDMI output or up to 1080i for the component video output. The dual 3D comb filters and 10-bit video processing eliminate the jagged edges and moiré patterns seen with less advanced processing. The Torino video processing chip generates on-screen graphics in high definition, and blends it with the incoming video, so you can continue to watch a program while using system menus. There are four video processing modes, or the video processor can be turned off:

• Sports: sporting events with lots of motion
• Nature: programs filmed outdoors
• Movie: typical movies and TV broadcasts
• Custom: manually adjust brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness

Input Setup: The 10 inputs are fully customizable; these settings are programmed independently for each source:

• Audio Effects:
  • Dolby Volume: adjusts dynamics based on volume; choose low, Medium, Max, or Off
  • Tone Control: on/off; adjust bass and treble +/-10 dB
  • LFE Trim: attenuate subwoofer output volume up to 10 dB
  • EQ: turn EQ settings from EzSet/EQ II on/off
  • Speaker Setup: Position 1 or Position 2 from EzSet/EQ II
• Video Mode:
  • Preset Mode: Sports, Nature, Movie, Custom, off
  • Picture Adjust: adjust output aspect ratio
  • Overscan: on/off
• Surround Mode: choose Auto (best mode based on source) or specify what setting to use in virtual, stereo, movie, music, and game modes
• Video Input: select any of the video inputs; HDMI (1-4), Component video (1-4), S-Video (1-3 and front), or Composite video (1-3 and front)
• Audio Input: select any of the audio inputs; HDMI (1-4), Optical digital (1-3 and front), coaxial digital (1-3 and front), Analog (1-5 and front), or 6/8 Channel (multi-channel analog input)
• Resolution to Display: specify the resolution output to the display; 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, or 1080p/24Hz
• HDMI Bypass: an HDMI input is passed directly to the output without processing; on/off; when HDMI Bypass in on the OSD cannot display menu items over the video, the menu will still display but the video will be momentarily interrupted
• Name: program the source name up to 11 characters
• Lip Sync: adjust the audio/video synchronization; up to 180ms
• Level: adjust volume relative to the other sources; +/-10 dB
• Audio Polling: specify an analog input when both digital and analog are used for a source; useful when the source's digital output isn't always active
• Zone 2 Audio: select audio when source is directed to Zone 2; must be analog
• Zone 2 Video: select video when source is directed to Zone 2; must be composite video
• Trigger 2: energize the Trigger 2 output when source is selected; on/off
• Record Out: specify what signal is directed to the analog audio outputs; Analog or DSP Down-mix

Video Converter and Scaler: The AVR 7550HD is equipped with a flexible video switching system that converts video signals in an effort to require only one video connection from receiver to TV. Any analog video input is converted and output through all the monitor outputs, HDMI, component video, S-Video, and composite video. The signal is also scaled to the programmed resolution, up to 1080p/24Hz. HDMI inputs can be converted to other video formats, but only if the source material isn't copy protected (most pre-recorded BDs and DVDs are copy protected).

Assignable Digital Inputs: The AVR 7550HD features 4 optical digital (Toslink) inputs and 4 coaxial digital inputs (3 of each on the rear panel, 1 of each on the front). Each input can be assigned to any of the inputs. There are also digital outputs (1 optical, 1 coaxial) for use with a CD, MD, or other digital recording device.

Zone 2: Two different sources can be played in two locations using the Zone 2 outputs. The receiver has a pair of stereo preamp outputs and a composite video output for Zone 2. Only sources that are connected via analog audio inputs and composite video (if video is to used) can be output to Zone 2. You can control the receiver from the second zone using the supplied remote control when an external infrared sensor is used. The AVR 7550HD's surround back speaker outputs can be re-assigned to Zone 2, so the receiver can power a 5.1-channel system in the main room and a pair of speakers in Zone 2.

Dolby Headphone: Dolby Headphone technology accurately simulates the experience of hearing a 5.1-channel speaker system, and is compatible with conventional headphones. It's ideal for private playback of multi-channel entertainment without disturbing anyone else. Dolby Headphone can be turned off if you prefer.

XM Satellite Ready: The optional XM Direct 2 Home Tuner (220XHD2H1, sold separately) lets you enjoy XM Satellite Radio through the XM-ready receiver. Simply connect the XM direct 2 Home Tuner to the XM jack on back of the receiver, place and aim the included antenna for optimum reception, and you are ready to start enjoying commercial-free music, plus live sports, new, talk, and exclusive entertainment. The channel number and channel name are listed on the AVR 7550HD's display; the song title, artist, and channel category are also displayed on the connected video monitor. There are 40 discrete XM station presets, recalled using the numeric keys on the remote.

USB Terminal: The front panel USB terminal allows playback of MP3 and WMA audio files and JPEG still image files from a USB flash drive. Still images can be played as a slideshow with background music from the same drive.

7.1 Multi-Channel Input: The AVR 7550HD is equipped with a 7.1-channel input to accommodate present and future multi-channel formats.

Binding Post Speaker Terminals: All of the receiver's speaker terminals are binding posts. They are not 5-way binding posts because they are positioned too far apart to be used with dual banana plugs.

7.2 Multi-Channel Pre-Out: The receiver features a 7.2-channel preamp output (two subwoofer outputs) for connection to external power amplifiers.

Back-Up Memory: The unit is equipped with a back-up memory that provides approximately four weeks of memory storage when power is disconnected.

Sleep Timer: This function allows you to automatically set the power to standby after a predetermined time; from 10 to 90 minutes in 10 minute increments.

Network Functions

Network Playback: The AVR 7550HD is capable of playing MP3 and WMA audio files stored on a computer when both are connected to the same network. With a video monitor connected you can browse the content on the computer using the receiver's remote control. Note: Though video files may appear in the menu, they cannot be played through the network connection.

Computer Compatibility:

• PC: must be running Windows Media Player 11 or later, Windows Media Center version 2.0 or 3.0, or Intel Media Server
• Macintosh: must be running DLNA compliant software

Internet Radio: Internet radio refers to broadcasts distributed over the web; stations from around the world can be tuned in. The AVR 7550HD is equipped with an Ethernet port that lets you connect the receiver to the internet via a high speed connection using your home network. When you select the Network source the receiver automatically accesses the radioharmankardon portal and allows you to navigate by preset (30 Internet Radio presets available), favorites, location, genre, new stations, most popular, and podcasts.

iPod

iPod Compatibility: Using the included Bridge II dock you can integrate your iPod with the AVR 7550HD. Song titles appear on the receiver's display panel and the song title, artist, album, and elapsed/total time (song) appear on the connected video monitor. The iPod is controlled using the buttons on the receiver and the main remote control. The system is Made for iPod compatible and supports the following models and functions (note that iPhone is not compatible):

Remote Controls

System Remote Control: The receiver's main remote control features a back-lit LCD panel and illuminated buttons for operation of the AVR 7550HD and up to six other devices. In addition to major brand remote codes being pre-programmed into the remote, individual buttons can also learn codes from another remote. A switch on the remote allows control of the main room or Zone 2. Up to 11 macro functions can be programmed with up to 20 commands each.

Zone 2 Remote Control: The included Zone 2 remote control can be used from another room with an IR receiver connected to the Zone 2 IR Input on the rear panel of the AVR 7550HD. It will control Zone 2's power, volume, input, and mute functions, and control a Harman/Kardon source connected to one of the receiver's remote IR outputs.

Input and Output Notes

Remote Jacks: The receiver has 3.5mm mini-jack inputs and outputs (two each) for use with external IR receivers (input) and other compatible components (output). One input is specifically for Zone 2 control and one output is labeled carrier out, which outputs the full infrared signal as received by the receiver's IR sensor, including the carrier frequency.

Trigger Outputs: Two 3.5mm mini-jack outputs will trigger other compatible components to turn on/off along with the AVR 7550HD, without using the receiver's switched AC outlet for power. The connected component must respond to the presence of a 6-volt control signal. The Trigger 2 output can be programmed to energize only when specific input sources are selected.

Switched AC Outlet: There is a switched AC outlet on the rear panel; the maximum output is 100 watts.

RS-232C Port: The AVR 7550HD includes an RS-232 serial port for connection to an external computer or control system, from companies such as AMX or Crestron, to allow the external device to control the receiver. The port is bidirectional, so the receiver can transmit status updates to the control device.