With its continued excellence in sound reproduction, Harman Kardon has once again created a powerful, very versatile A/V receiver for the HD home theater enthusiast. Boasting high-end features and Blu-ray compatibility, the AVR-3550HD 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver features (3) HDMI (V 1.3a) inputs with repeater technology and 1080p HD upconversion that utilizes Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing. It will take your home theater experience to new heights with its advanced Twin-Core Cirrus 49700 DSP (192KHz/24-bit) audio processing; it creates a wider, more enveloping surround sound experience. Moreover, it offers multi-channel decoding for Dolby Pro-Logic IIx, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24, and Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS High-Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio.

It presents superb functionality and versatility that will be hard to match. The AVR-3550HD features 7 x 75W of power, (3) HD component (assignable) inputs, 5.1 or 7.1-channel discrete audio inputs, remote IR I/O, heavy-duty binding posts, optical/coaxial digital audio inputs, and an AM/FM tuner. And iPod connectivity is achieved with the included Bridge II docking station. EzSet/EQ equalization enables a quick and easy system setup. Its professional flush-panel, streamline chassis design is sure to complement your room's decor.

With multi-room outputs, XM Satellite Radio capabilities, A-BUS room expansion port, 8-in-1 fully programmable remote control, Zone 2 remote and connectivity to virtually any A/V source or playback component you can imagine, your entertainment choices are endless with Harman Kardon's AVR-3550HD.

• 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.

• 7.1-Channel Digital Audio Decoding

It uses specific Dolby Digital/DTS and multi-channel codecs to reproduce an enveloping surround-sound experience. The unit decodes Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix 6.1, and DTS Neo:6. It also decodes the following HD audio formats: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD Master Audio.

The dynamic range of this receiver is so well balanced and matched that the center, front and rear channels blend seamlessly.

• DTS-HD Master Audio and High-Resolution Audio

This powerful receiver is Blu-ray audio compliant; it offers both DTS-HD Master Audio and High-Resolution technologies. DTS-HD Master Audio supports bitrates up to 24.5Mbps, 7.1 discrete channels of 96KHz/24-bit audio, and is ideal for HDMI version 1.3 cables. This technology reproduces true-to-life audio the way the director intended. DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio also offers 7.1 discrete channels of 96KHz/24-bit audio, but only supports bitrates up to 6Mbps.

• 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 (3) 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 (4) optical and (3) coaxial digital audio inputs for high quality audio reproduction. Simply put, your entertainment choices are endless with the AVR-3550HD.

• Superior Sound Quality

The dynamic range of this receiver is so well balanced and matched, that the center, front and rear channels blend effortlessly into a surreal home theater experience. And with a frequency response of 20Hz - 20KHz, dynamic power output of 7 x 75W, 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. This feature is conveniently controlled on the Zone 2 remote control.

• A-BUS Port

This professional interface provides you with audio expansion options and no room in the house need be without music. When connected to optional Expansion Hubs, you can finally close your entertainment doors, conceal your receiver and connected components and their messy wires, and still maintain full control.

• iPod Connectivity

The included Bridge II docking station enables you to simply connect your iPod to your receiver; your iPod effectively becomes another Harman Kardon component flowing through the receiver. It's controllable through the full-function remote control, and aside from playback, the dock is capable of charging your iPod.

• EzSet/EQ Calibration

Enjoy better sound as the automatic EzSet/EQ calibration system adjusts for speaker placement, distance and delay. Just hold the included calibration microphone at your listening position and built-in metering system will analyze room acoustics for the proper balance of your surround sound speakers.

• 6 or 8-Channel Discrete Input

This receiver features convenient 6 or 8-channel (assignable) 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.

• Speaker Channel Indicators

The front-panel conveniently displays speaker channel input indicators, which enables you to monitor your speaker position configuration (i.e., setup, size, and frequency range of each connected speaker).

• 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.

• Front-Panel A/V Inputs

It offers a front-panel A/V inputs, for accessible connectivity for your iPod, MP3 or other portable audio devices and players.

• 8-Device Remote Control

The included 8-in-1 remote control is learning capable and fully programmable; and its buttons are backlit, which comes in handy in when navigating in a dark home theater room. In addition, this receiver features a Zone 2 remote for multi-room audio control.