Features
Remote Control
Inputs and Outputs

Features

THX Ultra Certification: This unit has been built and tested to conform to the high standards of sound and build quality set by the THX Ultra Certification program. This receiver is equipped with a "THX Cinema" mode that may be used to process movie soundtracks so they are heard as the movie directors intended them to be heard. All THX Select Certified receivers include Re-Equalization, Timbre Matching, Adaptive Decorrelation, Bass Management, Bass Peak Level Manager, and Loudspeaker Position Time Synchronization (delay). These adjustments are made in addition to the surround mode in use.

THX Surround EX 7.1 Decoding: THX Surround EX soundtracks have an additional surround channel signal matrix encoded into the standard surround channel signals of a Dolby Digital soundtrack. When a THX Surround EX soundtrack is decoded and played through a 7.1 channel system, you will hear more detailed imaging behind you; this feature brings more depth, spacious ambience and sound localization to the home theater experience than ever before. Although THX Surround EX decoding produces the best results with soundtracks that have been recorded with THX Surround EX processing, the THX Surround EX 7.1 Decoding feature can be used, with varying results, with 5.1 channel Dolby Digital soundtracks. THX Surround EX 7.1 playback requires a total of 4 surround speakers; one pair of surround speakers should be placed to the sides of the listening position, and the other pair of surround speakers behind the listening position. This receiver is equipped with amplification for 2 surround speakers and preamp outputs for the other 2.

Dolby Pro Logic II: Enjoy 2-channel stereo recordings in stunning 5.1-channel surround playback. The Dolby Pro Logic II decoder reproduces dynamic 5.1-channel surround sound from 2-channel sources. Dolby Pro Logic II uses matrix decoding technology that has been dramatically improved over Pro Logic. With Pro Logic II, for instance, the Surround (Rear) channels are in stereo (only mono with Pro Logic) and playback covers the full frequency range (only up to 7 kHz with Pro Logic). These improvements let you enjoy a wide variety of 2-channel sources with the exciting effects of 5.1-channel surround sound. In Dolby Pro Logic II, there is a Movie mode that creates a sound space suitable for movies, a Music mode that does the same for music, and a Pro Logic emulation feature that reproduces sound effects in the way that conventional Pro Logic does. In addition, you can also add the soundfield effects of THX Post Processing to Dolby Pro Logic II in Movie mode to brilliantly enhance the excitement of 2-channel A/V sources.

• DTS-ES Discrete 6.1: Discrete 6.1 utilizes the digital discrete method to record all 6.1 channels, including the newly-added surround back channel, as independent channels. Since the surround left, surround right, and surround back channels are fully independent, sound can be freely designed and sound images can move freely and rapidly amongst each other within a background sound that envelopes the room from all sides.  
• DTS-ES Matrix 6.1: In the Matrix 6.1 format, the surround back channel is matrix encoded in advance to the surround left and surround right channels, and when a matrix decoder plays them back, they are decoded into separate surround left, surround right, and surround back channels.

DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 + THX Post Processing: By adding THX Post Processing to the localized sound and spatial expression of DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, your listening room is almost completely transformed into a full-featured cinema.

DTS Neo:6 Surround: Featuring the newest DTS matrix processing technology, the DTS Neo:6 function provides up to 6.1-channel surround sound from conventional stereo sources, and can be used with virtually any 2-channel stereo source, analog or digital. Two modes are provided: Neo:6 Cinema is optimized for surround encoded stereo movie soundtracks, while Neo:6 Music mode is optimized for superior surround sound with stereo music sources.

DSP: The latest 24-bit, twin-core Crystal DSP engine is used for all of the surround sound processors.

HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) Decoding: The AVR 8000 is equipped with an HDCD decoder to ensure that you get the full benefit of CDs recorded using HDCD encoding. Although HDCD encoded CDs can be played on any CD player, the high definition benefits of the HDCD encoding process can only be heard when an HDCD encoded CD is played through a unit equipped with an HDCD decoder. Note that HDCD is available in two channel stereo only.

MP3 Audio Playback: By offering MP3 decoding, the AVR 8000 is able to deliver precise conversion of the digital signals to an analog output in addition to the obvious the benefits of listening to the MP3 audio through the AVR 8000's high-current amplifier and the speakers from your surround system, rather than the smaller speakers and low-powered amplifiers typically used with computers. When an MP3 digital bitstream is received, playback automatically reverts to 2-channel stereo.

6/8 Channel Input: Although this unit features built-in Dolby Digital and DTS processing, it also has an 8-channel RCA input for use with external multi-channel decoders.

Preamp Output/Amp Input Loops: The left, right, center, left rear and right rear channels have preamp out/main amp in loops with jumper pins shorting them together. This loop could be used to add an outboard processor to any of those channels (ex: Bose 901s with active equalizer).

On-Screen Display (OSD): An OSD can be displayed on your television for easy system setup. The OSD also displays whenever the volume, input, surround mode, or tuner frequency is changed.

Assignable Digital Inputs: Each of the input sources can have any of the eight digital inputs (3 coax and 3 optical on the rear, 1 coax and 1 optical on the front) or its analog input assigned to it in the set up menu.

Front Panel Input/Output: The Video 5 inputs are on the front of the unit and they can be changed to outputs if needed. The optical digital 5 input and an optical digital output along with the coaxial digital 5 input and a coaxial digital output are also on the front panel.

24-bit, 192 kHz D/A Converters: The AVR-8000 uses 24-bit, 192 kHz D/A converters to handle digital input from any digital source. Most digital sources don't offer digital output at this high a sampling rate, so the Harman Kardon is ready for future digital sources. 

Surround Modes: In addition to standard Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic/Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS playback, you can choose from the following modes:

• Home THX Cinema: this mode applies processing (Re-Equalization, Adaptive Decorrelation, Timbre Matching, etc.) to recreate the exact sound the movie director intended you to hear, can be used in addition to many of the surround modes
• THX Surround EX: THX Surround EX soundtracks have an additional surround channel signal matrix encoded into the standard surround channel signals of a Dolby Digital soundtrack, by adding a surround back channel, this mode gives you more detailed imaging behind you, allowing for 360-degree surround sound effects
• DTS ES Discrete 6.1 and DTS ES Matrix 6.1: DTS ES Matrix 6.1 performs matrix decoding to create a rear center speaker, DTS ES Discrete 6.1 features digital discrete recording of all channels including the surround back channel
• DTS NEO:6: creates a "6.1 like" effect from a stereo source, has Cinema and Music modes
• Logic 7: exclusive to Harman Kardon A/V receivers, extracts maximum surround information from surround encoded material and standard stereo material, available in cinema, music, and enhance modes, also adds bass enhancement (40-120 Hz) to the front L/R and rear speakers to lessen the localization on the soundstage so it appears wider
• Dolby 3 Stereo: mixes the rear channel information into the front channels, for use when no rear speakers are available
• Theater: recreates the feeling of a live performance theater
• Hall 1/Hall 2: recreates the feeling of a small (Hall 1) or medium-sized (Hall 2) concert hall
• VMAx: delivers a 3-demensional surround image when only two speakers are used, has a near setting (listening position 5 feet or less from the speakers) and a far setting (listening position more than 5 feet from the speakers)
• 5Ch/7Ch Stereo: the front left channel signals are output to the surround and surround back signal left channels, the front right channel signals are output to the surround and surround back signal right channels, and the in-phase component of the left and right channels is output to the center channel, often used for background stereo sound

System Configuration Memory: The System Configuration Memory function automatically memorizes the surround mode, input, speaker settings, output level, bass, treble, and bass management settings selected for the different input sources. When an input source is selected, the modes stored in memory for that source are automatically recalled.

Bass Management and Speaker Setup: Various speaker size settings are available to ensure that small speakers do not receive full-range signals and to tell the receiver where to send signals.

• Front Speakers: set to "Large" (full range) or "Small" (100 Hz and up)
• Center Speaker: set to "Large", "Small", or "None"
• Surround Speakers: set to "Large", "Small", or "None"
• Surround Back Speakers: set to "Large" or "Small" if in the 6.1/ 7.1 channel configuration
• Subwoofer: set to "Sub LFE" (only receives dedicated Low Frequency Effects channel information), "Sub LFE+L/R" (receives LFE and left and right channel bass information), or "None" (bass directed to main left and right speakers)
• Delay Time: the delay time for each channel (each of the seven channels individually) is adjusted from 0 to 30 feet in 1 foot increments (Note: the maximum difference between any two speakers is 20 feet)
• Test Tone: the test tone feature allows you to independently adjust the volume level of each channel
• Bass Peak Level: the bass peak level may be set to prevent distortion and possible damage to your subwoofer

Re-Equalization: (THX circuit) The tonal balance of a film soundtrack will be excessively bright and harsh when played back over audio equipment in the home because film soundtracks are designed to be played back in large movie theaters using very different professional equipment. Re-Equalization restores the correct tonal balance for watching a movie soundtrack in a small home environment.

Timbre Matching: (THX circuit) The human ear changes our perception of a sound depending on the direction from which the sound is coming. In a movie theater, there is an array of surround speakers so that the surround information is all around you. In a home theater, only two speakers located to the side of your head are used. The Timbre Matching feature filters the information going to the surround speakers so that they more closely match the tonal characteristics of the sound coming from the front speakers. This ensures seamless panning between the front and surround speakers.

Adaptive Decorrelation: (THX circuit) In a movie theater, a large number of surround speakers help create an enveloping surround sound experience, while in a home theater there are usually only two speakers. This can make the surround speakers sound like headphones that lack spaciousness. When monaural the surround sounds will also collapse into the closest speaker as you move away from the middle seating position. Adaptive Decorrelation slightly changes one surround channel's time and phase relationship with respect to the other surround channel. This expands the listening position and creates, with only two speakers, the same spacious surround experience as in a movie theater.

Night Mode: Motion picture soundtracks have tremendous dynamic range (the contrast between very soft and very loud sounds). For listening late at night, or whenever the maximum sound level is lower than usual, the Night Mode allows you to hear all of the sounds in the soundtrack (but with reduced dynamic range). This only works when playing program sources recorded in Dolby Digital. You can select middle range of full compression.

Component Video Switching: In addition to composite and S-Video switching, this unit can switch between three component video sources. There are 3 component video inputs and 1 component video output; each input and output has gold-plated jacks labeled "Y", "PB/CB" and "PR/CR". This feature allows you to connect, and switch between, high resolution video sources equipped with component video outputs. The three component video inputs and one component video output offer wideband (HDTV ready) switching.

Last Function Memory: This unit is equipped with a last function memory, which stores the input and output setting conditions as they were immediately before the power was switched off. 

EzSet: Harman Kardon's exclusive EzSet remote makes it possible to quickly and accurately set the AVR 8000's output levels without the use of a sound pressure meter. Manual adjustment is also available. Using the sensor microphone at the top of the remote, EzSet will adjust the output level of each channel so that when the process is complete all levels will be equal and at the set reference point.

Multi-Zone Output: With the AVR-8000's Multi Zone Output and Select functions, you can output a different program source to the second zone. This second zone (Multi) has variable pre-amp output along with video (both composite and S-video). In addition, the receiver includes a Zone II remote and a Zone II remote input on the back panel for use with an optional remote sensor in the second room.

Remote IR Input/Output: An optional IR sensor can be connected to the remote IR input if the front panel IR sensor is blocked. Other compatible Harman Kardon equipment can be daisy chained using the remote IR output.

Turn-On Volume Level: As is the case with most audio/video receivers, when the AVR 8000 is turned on, it will always return to the volume setting in effect when the unit was turned off. However, you may prefer to always have the AVR 8000 turn on at a specific setting, regardless of the volume when the unit was turned off. This feature allows you to change the default condition so that the same volume level is always used at turn-on.

Display Dimmer: The display brightness may be set to full intensity, half intensity or off.

Memory Backup: This unit is equipped with a memory backup system that preserves the system configuration information and tuner presets if the unit is accidentally unplugged or subjected to a power outage. This memory will last for approximately two weeks, after which time all information must be reentered.

Sleep Timer: The sleep timer is adjustable in 10 minute increments up to 90 minutes.

Remote Control

EzSet Multibrand A/V Remote: The AVR 8000 comes with a powerful remote control that will control not only the receiver's functions, but also most popular brands of audio and video equipment, including CD players, DVD players, TV sets, cable boxes, VCRs, satellite receivers, and other home-theater equipment. It's designed to control up to eight components, is programmed with the remote codes of most major brands, and the buttons are individually programmable to learn code directly from another remote. The remote has a light button at the bottom, when pressed all the buttons on the remote are backlit. Using the sensor microphone at the top of the remote, the EzSet feature, discussed above in the "Features" section, allows you to quickly and accurately set the AVR 8000's output levels without the use of a sound pressure meter.

Macros: Five macros can be programmed into this remote. With the press of a single button, each macro will perform a series of up to 19 button operations in sequence.

Zone II Remote: The AVR 8000 includes a second remote control for use with the multi-room output. When a remote infrared sensor (sold separately) is connected to the Multi-room IR input on the back of the receiver,  the Zone II remote may be used to control the receiver's multi room outputs from the second room.

Inputs and Outputs

Front Panel:

• Headphone jack: standard gold-plated headphone jack
• Video 5 input/output: stereo RCA, RCA composite video and S-video (can be switched between input and output)
• Optical digital input 4: Toslink jack with plastic protective plug
• Optical digital output: Toslink jack with plastic protective plug
• Coaxial digital input 4: gold-plated RCA jack
• Coaxial digital output: gold-plated RCA jack

Rear Panel:

• AM Loop Antenna Input: two thumb screw connections
• FM 75-ohm Antenna input: threaded "F" type connector
• Tape Input/Output: stereo RCA jacks
• Video 4 Input: stereo RCA jacks, RCA composite video jack and S-video jack
• Video 3 Input: stereo RCA jacks, RCA composite video jack and S-video jack
• Video 2 Input/Output: stereo RCA jacks, RCA composite video jacks and S-video jacks for input and output
• Video 1 Input/Output: stereo RCA jacks, RCA composite video jacks and S-video jacks for input and output
• DVD Input: stereo RCA jacks, RCA composite video jack, and S-video jack
• CD Input: stereo RCA jacks
• Monitor Output: RCA composite video jack and S-video jack
• 8 Channel Direct Input: 8 RCA jacks (front left, front right, surround left, surround right, center, subwoofer, surround back left, and surround back right) allowing you to connect an external decoder (6- or 8-channel)
• Preamp Outputs: 8 RCA jacks (front left, front right, surround left, surround right, center, subwoofer, surround back left, and surround back right)
• Main Amp Inputs: beside the preamp outputs for the front left, front right, surround left, surround right, and center are corresponding main amp inputs with jumper pins shorting the two together
• Multi Out: stereo RCA jacks, RCA composite video jack and S-video jack, can be connected to a separate amplifier and TV in a second room
• Digital Optical 1 Input: standard Toslink digital input with a plastic protective plug
• Digital Optical 2 Input: standard Toslink digital input with a plastic protective plug
• Digital Optical 3 Input: standard Toslink digital input with a plastic protective plug
• Digital Coax 1 Input: standard coaxial digital jack
• Digital Coax 2 Input: standard coaxial digital jack
• Digital Coax 3 Input: standard coaxial digital jack
• Digital Optical Output: standard Toslink digital output with a plastic protective plug
• Digital Coax Output: standard coaxial digital jack
• Component Video DVD: component video input (3 RCA jacks labeled Pr, Pb, and Y)
• Component Video 1: component video input (3 RCA jacks labeled Pr, Pb, and Y)
• Component Video 2: component video input (3 RCA jacks labeled Pr, Pb, and Y)
• Component Video MON: component video output (3 RCA jacks labeled Pr, Pb, and Y)
• Remote Control In/Out Jacks: one mini-jack input and one mini-jack output, input can be used with an optional IR sensor
• Amp Trigger: mini-jack output, triggered when the AVR 8000 is turned on to turn an outboard amplifier or other relay controlled devise
• Multi-Room IR Input: mini-jack input for use with an optional IR sensor to control the Multi-room Outputs
• Speaker Outputs: binding post outputs for front left, front right, surround left, surround right, and center speakers that are color-coded (posts are not 5-way binding posts, because each post has a plastic collar that prevents used with spade lugs and the posts are too far apart to use dual banana plugs)
• AC Outlets: one unswitched AC outlet and Two switched AC outlet