• 3x HDMI (V 1.3a) Switching with 1080p Upscaling

If you're looking to pump high-definition DVD playback into your HD displays or projectors, this receiver will do the job. It has a high-bandwidth processor capable of upconverting 1080p HD through the HDMI (V 1.3a) output. 1080p HD upconversion is achieved with Faroudja DCDi advanced processing. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable.

• Faroudja DCDi Cinema Processing

Harman Kardon incorporates Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing into this receiver. This technology removes video artifacts such as jagged edges and stair-stepping by converting standard interlaced signals into progressive scan signals, resulting in unsurpassed video imagery.

• Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Processing

It features built-in processors to handle the multi-channel decoders for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio processing. It employs the use of multiple DSPs to decode the multi-channel streams of the wide array of audio formats; outputting the signal in bitstream form (via HDMI output) with no degradation.

• Advanced Cirrus DSP

The Cirrus CS 49700 DSP chip is the backbone to the unit's exceptional multi-channel audio conversion. By executing an accurate sound-field reproduction and reducing analog noise in the signal path, it is capable of reproducing an enveloping audio signal that is unsurpassed.

• HD Component and Digital Audio

With specifications that meet the standards of professionals, it features (2) HD (100MHz) component video inputs, and (1) output for high-resolution low-distortion video playback. It achieves greater color accuracy and high resolution playback capability when connected via the component output to your projector, plasma and/or LCD/CRT televisions. In addition, enjoy (3) optical and (3) coaxial digital audio inputs for high quality audio reproduction. Simply put, your entertainment choices are endless with the AVR-254.

• Exceptional Digital Surround-Sound

It offers built-in Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24 decoders capable of advanced 24-bit processing. The dynamic range of this system is so well balanced and matched, that the center, front and rear channels blend effortlessly into a surreal home theater experience.

• Superior Sound Quality

With a frequency response of 20Hz - 20KHz, dynamic power output of 7 x 50W, signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, it can reproduce a full musical sound range from deep bass tones to ultra-high trumpet blasts.

• XM Satellite Radio Ready

This is an XM-Ready receiver, capable of receiving uninterrupted XM (optional service) radio programming. XM Satellite Radio offers XM-HD Surround, which provides 5.1-channel surround sound audio of over 150 digital channels.

• Multi-Room Capabilities

With Powered Zone 2 speaker output, this unit is capable of reproducing surround sound entertainment in your main room while distributing stereo audio into another room or zone.

• iPod Connectivity

This receiver enables you to simply connect your iPod via the mini-jack input; your iPod effectively becomes another Harman Kardon component flowing through the receiver.

• 6 or 8-Channel Discrete Input

This receiver features convenient 6 or 8-channel discrete audio input jacks for connectivity to additional multi-channel components. Front (Left, Center, Right), Rear (Surround Left & Right, Surround Back Left & Right) and Subwoofer.

• Built-In AM/FM Tuner

Enjoy your favorite radio broadcasts with surround sound processing, with the built-in AM/FM wide-band tuner.

• RS-232 Control

This port will enable the receiver to communicate with personal computers or home automation systems.