If you're looking to pump Blu-ray or HD 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 video through the HDMI (V 1.3a) output. 1080p HD upconversion is achieved with Faroudja DCDi Cinema advanced processing. This technology drastically reduces video noise without sacrificing image quality and sharpness. 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 codecs and Cinema DSP Digital 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.
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 1.3a cables. DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio also offers 7.1 discrete channels of 96KHz/24-bit audio, but only supports bitrates up to 6Mbps.
Cirrus CS 49700 32-Bit DSP Processor
The Cirrus CS 49700 32-bit DSP processing 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.
High-Current Amplification
With its high-current amplification design it features 65W x 7-channels at an ultrawide-bandwidth of 10Hz - 100KHz.
Logic 7 Processing
This processing technique converts, or upmixes, 2-channel stereo signals into 5- or 7-channel audio signals, allowing you to better experience the surrounding ambient sounds that are already in the stereo mixes. It's especially designed to maintain a solid front soundstage, while expanding the perceived ambience beyond the room walls.
iPod or iPhone Connectivity
The optional Bridge III docking station enables you to simply connect your iPod or iPhone to the receiver; your iPod or iPhone 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 portable device.
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready
It is capable of receiving Sirius Satellite digital radio, which provides 100% commercial-free 5.1-channel surround sound music of over 120 digital channels. To listen to Sirius radio programming, you would need an optional docking adapter/tuner and activation of optional Sirius service.
HD Component Video and Digital Audio
With specifications that meet the standards of professionals, it features (2) HD 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.
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.
Superior Sound Quality
With a frequency response of 20Hz - 20KHz, dynamic power output of 7 x 65W, signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, it can reproduce a full musical sound range from deep bass tones to ultra-high trumpet blasts. 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.
Dolby Volume
Dolby Volume offers the ability to maintain consistent and clear sound volume when switching between multiple sources, such as from DVD player or DVR to TV then to music, or one TV station to another or even a low volume TV program to an overly loud commercial.
Multi-Room Capabilities
With a Zone 2 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 system remote.
EzSet/EQ Calibration
For enhanced room acoustics, Harman Kardon's EzSet/EQ calibration system is included with this receiver. This technology automatically detects speakers, and then sets levels, delays and crossovers, as well as measuring room acoustics
IR Input/Output
If you wish to keep this receiver and other components in a closed cabinet or shelving unit, or utilize the sub zone remote control in another zone, simply connect an optional IR receiver (i.e. Xantech unit) to the rear-panel IR jacks.
Subwoofer Output
Enhance the overall bass output by connecting an external powered subwoofer to the receiver's low-frequency RCA output.
Built-In AM/FM Tuner
Enjoy your favorite radio broadcasts with surround sound processing, with the built-in AM/FM wide-band tuner.
USB Port
This port will enable the receiver to receive future firmware/DSP updates and upgrades.
7-Device Remote Control
The included 7-in-1 remote control is learning capable and fully programmable, capable of executing every command on the receiver.
Stylish Design
Its stylish design will complement any home decor with its well-constructed chassis and decorative black finish.
Additional Features
It features 5 and 7-channel Stereo, Hall and Theater surround modes, headphone and virtual speaker surround modes, 4-A/V inputs plus 1-front-panel input, wide range of low-frequency crossover points, quadruple-crossover bass manager, on-screen interface, Compressed Music Tools and programmable power-up volume control.