Harman Kardon Redefines Audio/Video Receiver Design, Performance and Flexibility
Harman Kardon has announced the first models of its 2008 audio/video receiver lineup will be released in July, marking one of the most significant product introductions in the company’s history. The 7.1-channel AVR355 and AVR255, and the 5.1-channel AVR155 offer an extensive array of industry-leading features and technologies, including HDMI™ 1.3a compatibility, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS® Master Audio decoding, a newly-developed, full-colour, high definition graphical on-screen menu system, and many additional enhancements. The introduction of the 7.2-channel AVR755 and the 7.1-channel AVR655 will finish off this impressive new lineup later this year.
Complementing their best-in-class performance and ease of use, all of the receivers have an elegant, minimalist appearance, with gracefully rounded corners, a gloss-black top panel and dark graphite lower panel, all accented by soft white illumination.
Ultimate-Performance High-Definition Video and Audio Capabilities
The receivers all include HDMI switching with either four or three HDMI inputs (depending on model), are HDMI 1.3-compatible and can pass video signals to 1080p. The AVR355 and AVR255 incorporate leading-edge Faroudja DCDi Cinema™ digital-video processing that provides upscaled and enhanced 1080p output from all video sources, for extraordinary image quality. In addition, the receivers are 12-bit Deep Colour-compatible for use with Deep Colour-capable video components, TVs and display devices.
The AVR355 and AVR255 offer Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, to deliver the ultimate in high-resolution multichannel audio realism from these state-of-the-art lossless (uncompressed) audio formats and compatible HD-DVD and Blu-ray Discs™ and players. They can also process 7.1-channel PCM audio delivered to their HDMI inputs, and feature HDMI repeater functionality, enabling the use of longer HDMI cable lengths.
Newly-Developed On-Screen Menu System Provides Unmatched Ease of Use
The AVR355 and AVR255 incorporate a Harman Kardon exclusive, newly developed high-definition full-colour on-screen menu system that utilises both pictures and text to guide users in setting up their home entertainment system, and in verifying that their components are connected and configured properly. To match the menu system’s ease of use, the receivers feature redesigned remote controls with simplified, yet more flexible operation and a more intuitive ergonomic design.
Advanced Multiroom Audio/Video Connectivity
The AVR355 and AVR255 offer multiroom audio capability with assignable Zone II amplifier sections. In addition, the AVR355 incorporates the A-BUS® system for easy multizone audio connectivity, using a single Cat. 5 cable to connect a receiver in one room to a Harman Kardon AB 2 or AB 1 amplifier in-wall control/amplifier module in a second room, or connect to Harman Kardon ABH 4000 or ABH 4 for multizone / multiroom audio distribution.
Advanced iPod® Home Entertainment with The Bridge II Docking Station for iPod
The AVR355 includes improved iPod connectivity, which provides enhanced iPod audio and video playback and control capabilities. When a compatible iPod model* (not included) is connected using the new The Bridge II** docking station (sold separately), the iPod can be operated by the receiver’s remote control, with menus to operate the iPod shown on a TV (or video display) and the receiver’s front-panel display. The iPod menus are displayed in high-definition and offer fast, easy navigation.
Automated, Easy and Accurate System Setup
The new receivers include the proprietary EzSet/EQ™ automated full range room-equalisation and system calibration, to simplify system setup and achieve optimal audio quality in any listening room. EzSet/EQ automatically measures the frequency response peaks and dips in the listening room and applies a precise, compensating equalisation curve to achieve unprecedented sonic accuracy. EzSet/EQ also calibrates speaker output levels and delay times.
Engineered for Exceptional Sound Quality
The receivers continue the Harman Kardon heritage of uncompromising sound quality. They all incorporate the company’s acclaimed high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier sections, and their power ratings are stated with all channels fully driven to provide an accurate indication of their real-world amplifier performance. The receivers utilise high-speed DSP processors, audiophile-grade D/A converters and comprehensive bass-management systems to reproduce movies and music with remarkable fidelity and dynamic impact; all incorporating proprietary Logic 7® audio technologies for surround sound realism.
The AVR355, AVR255 and AVR155 will be available from July 2008 for the recommended retail prices of $1399, $999 and $799 respectively. The AVR755 and AVR655 will be available later this year with home networking capability one of the many additional features.
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