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INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

9. If you have a camcorder, video game or other
audio/video device that is connected to the AVR
on a temporary, rather than permanent basis,
connect the audio, video and digital audio out-
puts of that device to the Front Panel Inputs
*ÓÔ. A device connected to the Video 4
jacks

Ô is selected as the Video 4 input, and

connected to the digital jacks 

*Ó it is 

selected as "Optical 3" or "Coaxial 3" input.
(See page 17 for more information on input
configuration.)

Video Connection Notes:
• Y/Pr/Pb Component, RGB (see page 13),

or Composite video signals may only be
viewed in their native formats and will not be
converted to the other formats. S-Video signals
will be converted to composite signal. The OSD
can be viewed on the TV screen in any case,
with Video or S-Video input selected on the TV.

• When the component video jacks are used,

the on-screen menus will not be visible. You
must switch to the standard composite or 
S-Video input on your TV to view those menus.

• All component inputs/outputs can be used for

RGB signals too, in the same way as described
for the Y/Pr/Pb signals, then connected to the
jacks with the corresponding color.
But this is only correct as long as only the
three RGB video signals are output by the
video source, with a sync signal in the "G"
signal only, without any sync signal output
separately by the source.

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.

Many european video devices are equipped with
RCA (Cinch) or S-Video jacks only partially, not
for 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 next page).

In that case the following Scart to Cinch
adapters or cables are needed:

• 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).

• 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 signals. Don´t hesitate to con-
sult your dealer, if you are uncertain.

• 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), con-
nected to the SCART input on your TV that is
provided for S-Video.

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

, and the volume on the TV must be

reduced to 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 (and with a VCR connect
the ”Out” plugs to the ”Out” jacks on the VCR).
Note that with some adapter types it may be
just turned around: If no signal is audible/ visible
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-
tions as shown in the diagrams above and in the
instruction attached to the adapter. If uncertain,
don’t hesitate to consult your dealer.

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,
normal video and S-Video In/Outputs (except the
TV, see item below).
When both connections are made, only the 
S-Video signal will be viewed on the screen.

2. Like most common AV units the AVR does not
convert the Video signal to S-Video, only vice
versa. Thus both connections must be made from
the AVR to the TV if both, Video and S-Video
sources, are used, and the appropriate input on
the TV must be selected.

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 
performance S-Video sources should be connect-
ed to the AVR 235 only with their S-Video In/
Outputs, not with their composite video 
connectors too.

1. Connect a VCR’s audio and video Play/Out
jacks to the Video 1 or Video 2 In jacks 

#% on the rear panel. The Audio and Video
Record/In jacks on the VCR should be connected
to the Video 1 or Video 2 Out jacks 

" on the AVR.

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
Video 3

$ jacks.

IMPORTANT: If you are only using the television
as a display device (i.e., if you receive your tele-
vision programs through a cable box or satellite
receiver), do not connect the TV’s outputs to the
Video 3 Audio/Video and S-Video Input
Jacks

$, or to any other inputs on the AVR

235.

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,
MD or DVD player, satellite receiver, cable box or
HDTV converter to the appropriate Optical or
Coaxial Digital Inputs 

 !*Ó.

5. Connect the Composite and S-Video (if 
S-Video device is in use) Monitor Output

jacks on the receiver to the composite and 
S-Video input of your television monitor or video
projector.

6. If your DVD player and monitor both have
component video connections, connect the com-
ponent outputs of the DVD player to the DVD
Component Video Inputs

. Note that even

when component video connections are used
the audio connections must still be made to
either the analog DVD Audio Inputs

 or any

of the Coaxial or Optical Digital Input jacks
 !.

7. If another component video device is avail-
able, connect it to the Video 2 Component
Video Input jacks 

. The audio connections

for this device should be made to either the
Video 2 Input jacks 

# or any of the Coaxial

or Optical Digital Input jacks 

 !.

8. If the component video inputs are used,
connect the Component Video Output

 to

the component video inputs of your TV, projector
or display device.

14 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

Black

Yellow

Red

→ Cinch

Black

Red

Blue

Yellow

Green

White

↔ Cinch

Black

Yellow

Red

→ SCART

→ Cinch

↔ Cinch

→ SCART

1

Important Note for the Use of 
SCART-Cinch Adapters:
When video sources are connected to the TV
directly with a SCART cable, specific control
signals 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
signals automatically turning the TV to 4:3/16:9
format (with 16:9 TVs or with 4:3 TVs with
selectable 16:9 format) 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.

Note for RGB signal with SCART:
If you use a unit providing RGB signals on a
SCART output (as e.g. most DVD players do) and
you want to use that RGB signal, this SCART
output must be connected directly to your TV.
Although the AVR can switch three-way video
signals (like component signals Y/Pb/Pr), most
TVs need separate sync signals for RGB (also
with SCART) that cannot be switched and pro-
vided by the AVR.
RGB signals can be pathed through the AVR only
when no separate sync signal is needed (see last
”Video Connection Note” on page 13).

Main Room 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 commands. In
this event, the remote sensor of any Harman
Kardon or other compatible device, not covered
by the door, or an optional remote sensor may
be used. Connect the Remote IR Output of
that device or the output of the remote sensor to
the Remote IR Input 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 IR Input

jack on Harman Kardon or other compatible
equipment.

AC Power Connections
This unit is equipped with two accessory AC
outlets. They may be used to power accessory
devices, but they should not be used with 
high-current draw equipment such as power
amplifiers. The total power draw to the
Unswitched Outlet 

 must not exceed 

100 watts, that to the Switched Outlet 

50 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 a remote control
command.

The Unswitched

 outlet will receive power

as long as the unit is plugged into a powered AC
outlet and the Main Power Switch 

1 is on.

The AVR 235 draws significantly more current
than other household devices such as computers
that use removable power cords. For that rea-
son, it is important that only the cord supplied
with the unit (or a direct replacement of identi-
cal capacity) be used.

Once the power cord is connected, you are
almost ready to enjoy the AVR 235’s incredible
power and fidelity!

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS  15

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When the AVR is used in 5.1-channel operation,
the preferred location for surround speakers is
on the side walls of the room, at or slightly
behind the listening position. In a 7.1-channel
system, both side surround and back surround
speakers are required. The center of the speaker
should face you (see below).

As with the side speakers, rear surround
speakers should be located so that the bottom of
the cabinet is at least two feet higher than the
listeners’ ears. The speakers should be no more
than six feet behind the rear of the seating area.

If dipole-type speakers are used on either the
side or rear walls of the room, please note that if
there are arrows on the speakers they should
face the front of the room for the side speakers,
or toward the center of the wall for the rear
speakers.

It is appropriate to configure the AVR 235 for
either 5.1- or 7.1-channel operation, but not for
6.1 channels. When 6.1-channel program
material or a 6.1-channel processing mode is in
use, material for the surround back channel will
be outputted simultaneously through both the
Surround Back Left and Right Speaker
Outputs

. Connecting only one loudspeaker

to these speaker terminals will not only deprive
you of the benefits of 7.1-channel surround
modes, such as Logic 7, but will also interfere
with the functioning of EzSet speaker calibration,
as described on page 23. It may also put
undesirable strain on the surround back amplifier
circuits and power supplies.

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.

Right Front
Speaker

Left Front

Speaker

No more than 

         60cm

Center Front Speaker

Center Front

Speaker

Rear-Wall Mounting

TV or Projection Screen

Right Front

Speaker

Left Front

Speaker

No more than 6 feet

when rear-mounted

speakers are used

At least 15 cm from celling

At least 60 cm

16 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Once the speakers have been placed in the room
and connected, the remaining steps are to pro-
gram the system configuration memories. With
the AVR two kind of memories are used, those
associated individually with the input selected,
e.g. surround modes, and others working global-
ly for all inputs selected like speaker output lev-
els, crossover frequencies or delay times used by
the surround sound processor.

You are now ready to power up the AVR to begin
these final adjustments.

1. Plug the Power Cable

 into an unswitched

AC outlet.

2. Press the Main Power Switch

1 in until it

latches and the word “OFF” on the top of the
switch disappears inside the front panel. Note
that the Power Indicator

3 will turn

orange, indicating that the unit is in the
Standby mode.

3. Remove the protective plastic film from the

main front-panel lens. If left in place, the film
may affect the performance of your remote
control.

4. Install the three supplied AAA batteries in the

remote as shown. Be certain to follow the (+)
and (–) polarity indicators that are on the top
of the battery compartment.

5. Turn the AVR on either by pressing the System

2 or the Input Source

% on the front panel, or via the

remote by pressing the Power On Button
3, AVR Selector 5 or any of the Input
Selectors

46 on the remote. The Power

3 will turn blue to confirm that the

unit is on, and the Main Information
Display

˜ will also light up.

NOTE: After pressing one of the Input Selector
buttons

4 to turn the unit on, press the AVR

5 to have the remote control the AVR

functions.

When making the following adjustments, you
may find them easier to make via the unit’s on-
screen display system. These easy-to-read
displays give you a clear picture of the current
status of the unit and facilitate speaker, delay,
input or digital selection you are making.

To view the on-screen displays, make certain you
have made a connection from the Video Monitor
Out jack 

 on the rear panel to the composite

or S-Video input of your TV or projector. In order
to view the AVR’s displays, the correct video input
must be selected on your video display. Note that
the on-screen menus are not available when a
component video display is in use.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When viewing the on-screen
menus using a CRT-based projector, plasma display
or any direct-view CRT monitor or television, it is
important that they not be left on the screen for an
extended period of time. As with any video display,
but particularly with projectors, constant display of
a static image such as these menus or video game
images may cause the image to be permanently
“burned into” the CRT. This type of damage is not
covered by the AVR warranty and may not be cov-
ered by the projector TV set’s warranty.

The AVR has two on-screen display modes,
“Semi-OSD” and “Full-OSD.” When making con-
figuration adjustments, it is recommended that
the Full-OSD mode be used. This will place a
complete status report or option listing on the
screen, making it easier to view the available
options and make the settings on the screen. The
Semi-OSD mode uses one-line displays only.

Note that when the full OSD system is in use, the
menu selections are not shown in the Infor-
mation Display

˜. When the full OSD menu

system is used,

OSD O N

will appear in the

˜ to remind you

that a video display must be used.

When the semi-OSD system is used in conjunc-
tion with the discrete configuration buttons, the
on screen display will show a single line of text
with the current menu selection. That selection
will also be shown in the Main Information
Display

˜.

The full OSD system can always be turned on or
off by pressing the OSD button 

L. When this

button is pressed the 

MASTER MENU

(Figure 1) will appear, and adjustments are made
from the individual menus. Note that the menus
will remain on the screen for 20 seconds after the
latest action was made on the screen menu, then
they will “time-out” and disappear from the
screen. The time-out may be increased to as
much as 50 seconds by going to the

ADVANCED SELECT

menu, and changing

the item titled 

FULL OSD TIME OUT

.

The semi-OSD system is also available as a sys-
tem default, although it may be turned off by

using the 

ADVANCED SELECT

menu. (See

page 34). With the semi-OSD system, you may
make adjustments directly, by pressing the but-
tons on the front panel or remote control for the
specific parameter to be adjusted. For example, to
change the digital input for any of the sources,
press the Digital Select Button

Û

G and

then any of the Selector buttons

‹

/

›

7 or

⁄

/

¤

D on the front panel or remote.

The AVR 235 features an advanced memory sys-
tem that enables you to establish different con-
figurations for the speaker configuration, digital
input, surround mode, delay times, crossover fre-
quencies and speaker setting for each input
source. To ease the speaker setting, the same
speaker setting can also be made for all inputs.
This flexibility enables you to custom tailor the
way in which you listen to each source and have
the AVR memorize them. This means, for example,
that you may associate different surround modes
and analog or digital inputs with different
sources, or set different speaker configurations
with the resultant changes to the bass manage-
ment system or the use of the center speaker
and/or the Subwoofer. Once these settings are
made, they will automatically be recalled
whenever you select that input.

The factory default settings for the AVR 235 have
all inputs configured for an analog audio input
except for the DVD input, where the Coaxial
Digital Input

! is the default. Once the DSP

processing system is used for the first time for
any input, the speaker settings will automatically
default to “Small” at all positions with the sub-
woofer set to “LFE.” The default setting for the
surround modes is Logic 7 Music, although Dolby
Digital or DTS will automatically be selected as
appropriate when a source with digital encoding
is in use.

Before using the unit, you will probably want to
change the settings for most inputs so that they
are properly configured to reflect the use of digi-
tal or analog inputs and the surround mode asso-
ciated with the input. Remember that since the
AVR memorizes the settings for each input indi-
vidually, 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.

    *   M A S T E R   M E N U   *

I N P U T   S E T U P

S U R R O U N D   S E T U P

S P E A K E R   S E T U P

D E L A Y   A D J U S T

C H A N N E L   A D J U S T

A D V A N C E D