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x Direct/Random Buttons: When the AVR’s
tuner is in use, press this button to enter a sta-
tion’s frequency directly into the tuner. After the
button has been pressed, press the Numeric
Keys o to enter the frequency. When a CD or
DVD player is in use, this button is used to acti-
vate the Random-Play function.

y Slow-Play Buttons: These buttons do not
have any function on the AVR but when a DVD
is in use they operate the Slow-Play Forward
and Reverse functions.

z Delay Button: Press this button to begin
the process for setting the delay times used by
the AVR 200RDS when processing surround
sound. After pressing this button, the delay
times are entered by pressing the Set button
t and then using the 

‹

›

selector buttons

r to change the setting. Press the Set button
again to complete the process. (See page 18–19
for more information.)

` Preset Up/Channel-Up Button: When
the AVR’s tuner is in use, press this button to
scroll up through the list of stations that have
been entered into the preset memory. When a
CD or DVD player is in use, this button is the
Skip-Forward function.

Tune Up/Fast-Forward Button: When

the AVR’s tuner is in use, press this button to
tune up through the frequency band in use to
select another station. Press the button for a
few seconds and then release it to automati-
cally tune to the next station with a signal that
provides acceptable reception. This button 
is also used as the fast-forward button for many
CD players, DVD players and cassette players.

Menu/CDR Button: This button does not

have any function for the AVR but when a CDR
recorder is in use, it selects the record transport.
When a many menu-driven DVD player is in use,
it operates the functions associated with the
Menu button.

RDS Display Button: Press this button to

view the various displays of the RDS options
that are available when a station is transmitting
RDS data. (See pages 23 for more information
on RDS tuning.)

RDS PTY Button: Press this button to

start a search for a specific PTY type using the
RDS capabilities of the AVR200 RDS. (See pages
24 for more information on RDS tuning.)

Master Volume Up/Down: Press these

buttons to raise or lower the system volume.

Mute: Press this button to momentarily

silence the AVR 200RDS.

Surround Mode Selectors: Press these

buttons to change the AVR’s surround mode.
(See page 20 for more information on surround
mode selection).

Open/Close Button: This button does

not have any function for the AVR but when a
CD or DVD player is in use, pressing it will open
or close the disc drawer.

Source Power Controls: Press these

buttons to turn on or off any additional 
products (CD, Tape, DVD) selected by the Device
Selectors a formerly.

6-Ch. Direct Inputs: Press this button to

select the component connected to the 6-Ch.
direct input · as the source.

Program/Command Indicator: This LED

will flash briefly when a button is pushed to
confirm that a command has been transmitted.
Note that occasionally the light will not flash
when a button is pushed. In most cases this
indicates that no function is associated with
that button. If the light does not flash when
ANY button is pushed, the batteries should be
replaced.

12 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

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 recommend that you use high-quality inter-
connect cables when making connections to
source equipment and recorders to preserve the
integrity of the signals.

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
sending audio or transient signals to the speak-
ers that may damage them.

1. Connect the analog output of a CD player to
the CD inputs ¶.

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.

2. Connect the analog Play/Out jacks of a cas-
sette deck, MD, CD-R or other audio recorder to
the Tape In jacks •. Connect the analog
Record/In jacks on the recorder to the Tape Out
jacks ª on the AVR 200RDS.

3. Connect the output of any digital sources 
to the appropriate input connections on the
AVR 200RDS rear panel. Note that the Optical
and Coaxial digital inputs fi› may be 
used with a Dolby Digital source or the output
of a conventional CD or LD player’s PCM 
(S/P-DIF) output.

4. Assemble the AM Loop Antenna supplied with
the unit as shown below. Connect it to the AM
and GND screw terminals ¡ .

5. Connect the supplied FM antenna to the FM
(75 ohm) connection ™. The FM antenna may
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.

6. Connect the front, center and surround-
speaker outputs ⁄ to the respective speakers.

To assure that all the audio signals are carried
to your speakers without loss of clarity or reso-
lution, 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.

Regardless of the brand of cable selected, we
recommend that you use a cable constructed of
fine, multistrand copper. Wire of 1.5mm

2

should

be used for short runs of less than 5 meters,
and wire of 2.5mm

2

or greater should be used

for longer runs.

Cables that are run inside walls should have the
appropriate markings to indicate listing with
UL, CSA or other appropriate testing agency
standards. 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.

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 like terminals on the
AVR 200RDS and speaker.

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 are a different distance from the
AVR 200RDS.

NOTE: While most speaker manufacturers
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.

7. Connections to a subwoofer are normally
made via a line level audio connection from the
Subwoofer Output ∞ 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 
connection information.

Note that a speaker set with two front satellites
and a passive subwoofer must be connected to
the front speaker outputs ⁄ rather than to the
Subwoofer Output ∞.

Video equipment is connected in the same man-
ner as audio components. Again, the use of
high-quality interconnect cables is recommend-
ed to preserve signal quality.

1. Connect a VCR’s audio and video Play/Out
jacks to the Video 1 In jacks ‡ on the rear
panel. The Audio and Video Record/In jacks on
the VCR should be connected to the Video 1
Out jacks ° on the AVR 200RDS.

2. Connect the analog audio and video outputs
of a satellite receiver, cable TV converter or 
television set or any other video source to the
Video 2 In jacks fl.

3. Connect the analog audio and video 
outputs of a DVD or laser disc player to the
DVD jacks §.

4. Connect the digital audio outputs of a CD or
DVD player, satellite receiver, cable box or HDTV
converter to the appropriate Optical or Coaxial
Digital Inputs fi›.

5. Connect the Video Monitor Out ‚ jacks
on the receiver to the composite Video input of
your television monitor or video projector.

NOTE: Many European video devices are not
equipped with phono sockets for all audio and
video channels (3 jacks for playback units, 6
jacks for VCRs for record/ playback are needed)
but with a so called Scart or Euro-AV connector
(almost rectangular jack with 21 pins).

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS  13

14 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

In that case the following Scart to phono
adapters or cables are needed for connecting
the Scart connector of these devices with the
AVR200RDS:

• Units for playback (satellite receivers, cable TV

converters, DVD or LD players a.s.o.) need an
adapter from Scart to 3 phono sockets (Fig. 1).

• The TV monitor needs an adapter from 3

phono sockets  to scart (fig. 2). Only the video
RCA plug (the yellow one in the drawing)
should be connected to the AVR’s TV Moni-
tor Out ‚, and the volume of the TV must
be reduced to minimum level.

• VCRs for record and playback need adapters

from Scart to 6 phono sockets, see fig. 3 (3 for
record, 3 for playback). Read carefully the
instruction attached to the adapter to find
which of the six plugs is for the record signal
(connect with the AVR’s Video 1 Rec Out jacks)
and the playback signal (connect with the
AVR’s Video 1 Play In jacks) and differ
between the Audio and Video signals.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note the type and
signal flow direction of the adapter when order-
ing it or consult your dealer.

Black

Yellow

Red

Figure 1:

SCART/phono-Adapter

for playback;

signal flow:

SCART → phono

Black

Red

Blue

Yellow

Green

White

Figure 3:

SCART/phono-Adapter

for record and playback;

signal flow:

SCART ↔ phono

Black

Yellow

Red

Figure 2:

Phono/SCART-Adapter

for playback;

signal flow:

Phono → SCART

The AVR 200RDS is designed for flexible use
with external control components and power
amplifiers.

Remote Control Extension
If the receiver is placed behind a solid or
smoked-glass cabinet door, the obstruction may
prevent the remote sensor from receiving com-
mands. In this event, an optional remote sensor
may be used. Connect the output of the remote
sensor to the Remote Cont. In jack £.

If other components are also prevented from
receiving remote commands, only one sensor is
needed. Simply use this unit’s sensor or a remote
eye by running a connection from the Remote
IR Output jack ¢ to the Remote In jack on
Harman Kardon or other compatible equipment.

External Audio Decoder Connection
To provide for ultimate flexibility, the AVR
200RDS may be used in conjunction with
optional, external decoders for digital audio sys-
tems other than the AVR 200RDS’s own built-in
Dolby Digital decoding system. If an external
decoder is used, connect the output jacks of the
decoder to the 6-Channel Direct inputs ·,
making sure to match channels.

These jacks may also be used for connections to
devices such as DVD players or High Definition
Television (HDTV) sets or decoders that feature
built-in digital surround decoders. Although the

digital decoding system in the AVR 200RDS will
typically provide audio performance that is
superior to other decoders, you may use these
jacks to provide an additional 6-channel input
for connection to a DVD player or HDTV set with
a built-in decoder and discrete 6-channel ana-
log outputs.

AC Power Connections
This unit is equipped with one accessory AC out-
let. It may be used to power accessory devices,
but it should not be used for high-current draw
equipment such as power amplifiers. The total
power draw to the outlet may not exceed 100
watts.

The Switched ¤ outlet will receive power only
when the unit is on completely. This is recom-
mended for devices that have no power switch
or a mechanical power switch that may be left
in the “ON” position.

NOTE: Many audio and video products go into a
Standby mode when they are used with
switched outlets, and cannot be fully turned on
using the outlet alone without using that prod-
uct’s remote control.

Finally, when all connections are complete, plug
the power cord into a nonswitched 230-volt AC
wall outlet. You’re almost ready to enjoy the 
AVR 200RDS!

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  15

When all audio, video and system connections
have been made, there are a few configuration
adjustments that must be made. A few minutes
spent to correctly configure and calibrate the
unit will greatly add to your listening experi-
ence.

The placement of speakers in a multichannel
home-theater system can have a noticeable
impact on the quality of sound reproduced.

No matter which type or brand of speakers is
used, the same model or brand of speaker
should be used 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.

Depending on the type of center-channel speak-
er 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.

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 pre-
ferred listening position. Ideally, the front-chan-
nel speakers should be placed so that their
tweeters are no more than 60 cm above or
below the tweeter in the center-channel speak-
er.

They should also be at least 50 cm from the TV
set to avoid colourings on the TV screen when
the front left/right speakers are not magnetically
shielded.

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 possi-
ble, adjust all front loudspeakers so that they
are aimed at ear height when you are seated in
the listening position.

Using these guidelines, you’ll find that it takes
some experimentation to find the correct loca-
tion for the front speakers in your particular
installation. Don’t be afraid to move things
around until the system sounds correct. Opti-
mize your speakers so that audio transitions
across the front of the room sound smooth.

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 speak-
ers may be placed on a rear wall, behind the lis-
tening position. The speakers should be no more
than 2 meters behind the rear of the seating
area.

Subwoofers largely produce 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 loca-
tion for a subwoofer is to begin by placing it in
the front of the room, about 15 cm 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 manufactur-
er, or you may wish to experiment with the best
location for a subwoofer in your listening room.

Right Front
Speaker

Left Front

Speaker

No more

than 60cm

Center Front Speaker

A) Front-Channel Speaker Installation with
Direct-View TV Sets or Rear-Screen Projectors

Center Front

Speaker

Optional Rear-Wall Mounting

TV or Projection Screen

Right Front

Speaker

Left Front

Speaker

No more than 2 m 

when rear-mounted

speakers are used

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.