AVR 255 & AVR 355 FAQ: Page 1/2
Audio stream unlock: if there is no PCM signal coming through the HDMI cable, the AVR's processor unlocks and starts searching in result first small part of next detected audio being muted.
Answer: Harman are working on a solution to improve this behavior.
Audio dropout on some Blu-Ray movies:
Answer: In few cases HD sound from blu-ray material could cause dropouts.
Harman has confirmed the issue and will be fixed in next software release.
Detect wrong Audio mode on some PS3 Games :
Answer: Harman has confirmed the issue and will be fixed in next software release.
HDMI syncing issues: The AVR may some time have trouble syncing to a new HDMI device when switching between sources. E.g.- when switching between a PS3 and cable box, or Xbox 360. Screen tends to flash green and/or pink.
Answer: Harman investigate but has not confirmed these issues
"Processor: Off" functionality: When selecting "Processor: Off", the AVR 255 and AVR 355 does not actually stop processing the signal. It continues de-interlacing and working on the signal.
Answer: Yes AVR255 and AVR355 does not support a pass through option.
Processor OFF disables all filters but the signal is still processed.
AVR655/755 has pass through
Output 1080p/24 from AVR 255 and AVR 355:
Answer: If the option 1080p/24 if grayed out and unselect able in the menu it is caused by one of the component in the setup is not compatible. As long as BOTH the Source & Display (along with material) support 1080p/24, then the AVR should always recognize that and will allow the user to select to output 1080p/24.
Picture Juddering on PS3 games or NTSC material:
Answer: It has come to our attention that in certain configurations, our new Harman Kardon AVR 255 and AVR 355 show a juddered picture. This is the case when playing PS3 games or other 60Hz frame rate material over the video processor inside of the AVR. The default video output setting of the AVR 255 and AVR 355 is set to 50Hz.
Harman Kardon engineers are at the moment testing a software fix for this issue. This software fix should be available for download from the Harman Kardon website shortly.
In the meantime, there is a temporary solution ensuring judder-free playback of sources with a fixed 60Hz frame rate output, such as PS3 games:
- in standby mode, press the "Back/Exit-" button on the front panel, until the unit switches on and shows "PAL TO NTSC" on the front panel display. The AVR will now output a 60Hz frame rate. For correct playback of any 50Hz frame rate source material (normal European DVD, Blu-ray) the AVR needs to be reset to output 50Hz:
- in standby mode, press the "Back/Exit-" button on the front panel, until the unit switches on and shows "NTSC TO PAL" on the front panel display. The AVR will now output a 50Hz frame rate.
Again, this is a temporary solution that will soon be replaced by an available software update for AVR 255 and AVR 355.
AVR 255 & AVR 355 FAQ: Page2/2
Noticeable fan noise under a specific temperature: Under some condition noticeable sound is heard from the AVR.
Answer: The sound is from the two fans running in different speed. There is no hazard or any defect component related to this. Harman has changed the design in production to avoid this - for already sold unit refer to service bulletin posted.
No Sound detection: Occasionally when changing source or audio mode change from source no audio stream is recognize and the speaker icons on the front display is flashing.
Answer: Harman has confirmed the issue and will be fixed in next software release.
6/8 ch. direct in Audio auto polling. When listen to DVD-AUDIO or SACD from a player with HDMI version 1.0 or 1.1 there is no HD sound in the HDMI that is why I like to set the auto polling to 6/8channel so the AVR automatically go to this input when play these materials.
Answer: The auto polling function to analog 6/8 channel input will not function as HDMI players output a bit stream or PCM while playing HD sound there will keep the AVR to the HDMI input.
It is possible to listen to HD analog sound on the AVR by set up other input on the AVR for 6/8 channel input.
Support 1080p pass-through?
Answer: AVR 255 and AVR 355 does not support a pass through.
AVR 655 and AVR 755 will have pass through
BTB and WTW pass-through? I’ve seen reports in various on-line forums that the new Harman Kardon products AVR 255 and AVR 355 do not pass what is referred to as “Whiter than White” (WTW) and “Blacker than Black” (BTB) information with certain output configurations from sources such as the PlayStation3. Is this true?
Answer: Both the AVR 255 and AVR 355 are fully compliant with the HDMI 1.3.a specifications which state that YCrCb components shall always be Limited Range, while RGB components may be either Full Range or Limited Range. In order to provide compatibility with the greatest number of displays for all standard consumer video formats, we have currently implemented only the Limited Range option, as many video displays are not capable of handling this “WTW” and “BTB” information. However, in response to requests from consumers, we have developed a software upgrade that will allow pass-through of Full Range video signals as they are sent to an AVR via HDMI and output via HDMI from the AVR to your display. We are testing this upgrade now, and plan to release it for download from harmankardon.com.
In the mean time, please note that this issue does not impact sources other than high definition disc playback and should not be visible on most program material. To optimize image quality while we prepare and verify the upgrade, please configure your PS3 or Blu-ray playback source for “Limited Range” until the upgrade is available.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and assure you that our goal
is to provide you with products that enhance your home entertainment experience..
How will the update be installed?
Answer: the firmware update will be a program similar to the AVR 247-347 upgrade programs. It will be done through the RS232 port. Suggested USB-RS232 adaptors:
ATEN USB to Serial Bridge
Airlink USB to Serial
BAFO USB to Serial COMM Port
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