At CES 2004 Harman Kardon will introduce three advanced-technology audio/video receivers that are among the most significant in the company’s history. The receivers making their debut include the AVR 7300, Harman Kardon’s first audio/video receiver to include built-in progressive-scan digital video processing, and the DPR 2005 and DPR 1005, next-generation digital path receiver models that offer enhanced power, features and operational versatility.
Tom McLoughlin, Harman Kardon president, noted: “Harman Kardon’s 2004 product line is the company’s most innovative ever, incorporating a number of important design and engineering breakthroughs to offer more and better ways to experience home entertainment than ever before. For example, our AVR 7300’s built-in progressive-scan video upconversion gives viewers the ability to enjoy dramatically improved picture quality from all of their analog video sources — a major evolution in home theater receiver functionality. Adding to their appeal, our latest audio/video components and loudspeakers are designed to work together with total synergy and ease of operation.”
Following is an overview of the Harman Kardon receivers that will be introduced at CES 2004.
AVR 7300: First Harman Kardon Audio/Video Receiver With Advanced Digital Video Processing
Harman Kardon once again redefines the state of the art in high-performance audio/video receiver design with the introduction of its AVR 7300 — the company’s first receiver to include built-in video scaling and advanced digital video processing. Achieving a breakthrough in A/V receiver functionality, the 7.1-channel AVR 7300 utilizes a Faroudja integrated processor with patented DCDi (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) technology, to provide upconverted 480p progressive-scan video output from connected interlaced 480i video sources, with extraordinary image quality.
The AVR 7300’s Faroudja processor’s DCDi technology, along with exclusive video decoding and enhancement circuitry, yields superlative progressive-scan image quality from analog video sources such as interlaced-output DVD players, analog cable broadcasts and VCRs that is sharp, clear and virtually free from color and motion artifacts. In addition, the processor accurately reconstructs the 3/2 pull-down process required to transfer film to video, delivering full 60-frame playback with the best-possible progressive-scan image quality when viewing film-based DVD-Video content.
Designed to deliver the ultimate home theater experience, the AVR 7300 incorporates a full complement of additional leading-edge technologies and features, such as a Quadruple-Crossover Bass Manager, which allows the selection of one of six different crossover frequencies for each of the four loudspeaker groups in a 7.1-channel system, plus Dolby* Pro Logic* IIx surround decoding, bi-directional RS-232 connectivity with software and firmware upgradeability, A/V Sync Delay, which assures exact synchronization of audio and video signals in any home entertainment installation, and many additional refinements.
The AVR 7300 is engineered to deliver exceptional sound quality. The receiver utilizes high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth-amplifier sections with discrete output devices to reproduce digital movie soundtracks and high-resolution music discs with outstanding fidelity and dynamic authority. The AVR 7300 delivers massive power output — 7 x 110 watts (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven, 125 watts x 2 in stereo), with a remarkable ±75 amps of high-current capability. It features premium Cirrus Logic 24-bit/192kHz audio D/A converters and a 24-bit, dual-core DSP with 32-bit post-processing, and is compatible with all popular surround sound formats, including the recently introduced Dolby Pro Logic IIx processing. The receiver also incorporates two proprietary Harman technologies, Logic 7 and VMAx, to deliver heightened sonic realism from surround sound and stereo source material.
The AVR 7300 provides extensive connectivity and installation flexibility, with a wide selection of digital and analog audio and video connections and control options. Complementing its innovative digital video upconversion capabilities, the AVR 7300 includes three assignable wide-bandwidth 100MHz, HDTV-compatible component video inputs. Because the receiver provides component video upconversion for all S-Video and composite video signals, it can be connected to a compatible TV set or video display device using just a single set of component video cables, simplifying connection options.
The AVR 7300 offers a wealth of additional useful features, including multiroom/multisource operation with independent, simultaneous operation of two program sources, assignable 7.1- or 5.1-plus-stereo amplifier configuration, and 6/8-channel direct inputs that operate in conjunction with the Bass-Management System, to provide the best-possible sound quality from a connected DVD-Audio, SACD or universal player. The receiver is supplied with a two-line LCD remote control featuring EzSet™ (patent no. 5,386,478) automatic speaker-level calibration and advanced system control capabilities, and a supplied Zone II remote for controlling the second-zone system.
In common with all of the company’s receivers for 2004, the AVR 7300 features Harman Kardon’s striking new receiver design, featuring a gloss-black upper panel, a volume control surrounded by blue illumination, a contrasting silver lower panel and a two-line dot-matrix display.
The Harman Kardon AVR 7300 will be available in March 2004 at a suggested retail price of $2,199.
The AVR 7300 joins the currently available models in Harman Kardon’s AVR Series lineup to create a comprehensive selection of high-performance audio/video receivers for every home entertainment application. Other AVR Series models include the 7.1-channel AVR 630, winner of an Innovations 2004 Design and Engineering Award (SRP: $1,299); the 7.1-channel AVR 430 (SRP: $999) and 7.1-channel AVR 330 (SRP: $799); the 6.1-channel AVR 230 (SRP: $549) and the 5.1-channel AVR 130 (SRP: $449).
DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 Digital Path Receivers: Upgraded Performance, Design and Functionality
At CES 2004, Harman Kardon will introduce its next-generation DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 digital path receivers, innovative 7.1-channel audio/video receivers that take Harman Kardon’s groundbreaking digital path receiver platform to new levels of performance and functionality. The sleek, distinctively styled DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 utilize a fully digital signal path from input to output, and are of totally new design, incorporating the company’s latest features and technologies, more powerful digital amplifier sections and many additional refinements.
Both models offer an outstanding combination of superb sound, ease of use and operational flexibility, and their striking appearance makes them ideal for design-conscious consumers who want to integrate a true high-performance audio/video receiver into a stylish and elegant home entertainment system.
The DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 incorporate redesigned digital-amplifier sections to deliver high-power output with superior low-impedance drive capability, enabling the receivers to drive even difficult loudspeaker loads to ample volume levels. The DPR 2005 provides 7 x 120 watts power output (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.15% THD, all channels driven), while the DPR 1005 delivers 7 x 70 watts (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.15% THD, all channels driven).
The receivers’ digital-amplifier technology provides significant advantages in performance and physical design. In both the DPR 2005 and DPR 1005, the digital signal from sources such a DVD player, HDTV set-top box, or CD player is routed directly to the receiver’s DSP section and then to the digital-amplifier section, while remaining completely in the digital domain from input to the final amplifier output stage. This topology maintains maximum digital signal purity by eliminating multiple stages of A/D and D/A conversion, and the resulting distortion and noise that can occur in conventional amplifier designs.
In addition to their advanced-technology engineering, the DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 share most of the same industry-leading control capabilities, connectivity and features as Harman Kardon’s AVR 7300 receiver, such as the Quadruple-Crossover Bass-Management System, bi-directional RS-232 connectivity, which also enables flash-memory upgradeability, a remote control with EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration, and many additional enhancements. Both receivers are compatible with all popular surround sound formats, and feature assignable wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs to facilitate their use in the most-sophisticated home entertainment systems and custom installations.
The receivers are restyled with a sleek, distinctively elegant industrial design, featuring a gloss-black upper panel, accented by a volume control surrounded by blue illumination, a contrasting silver lower panel and a two-line dot-matrix display. The design perfectly complements Harman Kardon’s audio/video components and loudspeakers, as well as home entertainment systems based around plasma displays and high-tech TV sets. Their compact size provides an additional advantage, enabling them to be used in locations where a traditional audio/video receiver could not be accommodated.
The Harman Kardon DPR 2005 digital path receiver will be available in February 2004 at a suggested retail price of $1,699. The Harman Kardon DPR 1005 digital path receiver will be available in February 2004 at a suggested retail price of $1,399.
In addition to the AVR 7300, DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 audio/video receivers making their debut, Harman Kardon recently introduced a host of innovative products. Following is an overview of selected components from the company’s 2004 lineup.
DVD 31 and DVD 22: Breakthrough Pixel-by-Pixel Video Processing
Harman Kardon’s DVD 31 progressive-scan DVD audio/video and DVD 22 progressive-scan DVD video players incorporate the company’s most-advanced digital video and audio technologies to deliver unsurpassed performance and operational flexibility, including innovative pixel-by-pixel video processing, which provides remarkably realistic image quality, and 24-bit/192kHz audio D/A conversion for high-resolution sound. The pixel-by-pixel reconstruction is accomplished by an integrated digital signal processor that provides vastly superior picture quality compared to line-by-line progressive-scan methods, yielding smoother, more realistic images with exceptional detail and contrast.
The DVD 31 and DVD 22 also offer unique capabilities for enjoying movies, music and images. Along with spectacular DVD playback, including both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW discs, both players accommodate Windows Media Audio (WMA), CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 discs and JPEG file discs. Easy access to disc titles, chapters, tracks, files and folders is provided thanks to Harman Kardon’s exclusive navigational interface, and both players provide a full complement of advanced performance and convenience features, along with total connection flexibility, for outstanding performance in any custom installation and home entertainment system. In addition, the DVD 31 provides ultimate-quality multichannel DVD-Audio playback, enabling audiophiles and discriminating music lovers to enjoy an extraordinary DVD-Audio listening experience.
Both players are striking in appearance, with an ultraslim, functional design that enables them to be easily installed virtually anywhere and complement any home entertainment system.
The Harman Kardon DVD 31 DVD audio/video player and DVD 22 DVD video player will be available in early 2004 at suggested retail prices of $349 and $249, respectively.
HKTS 14 and HKTS 7 Home Theater Loudspeaker Systems: Excellence in Design and Performance
Harman Kardon’s HKTS 14 and HKTS 7 home theater loudspeaker systems are complete, compact 5.1-channel home theater solutions that combine striking appearance with outstanding surround sound performance. The HKTS 14 is the recipient of a 2004 iF Design Award, sponsored by International Forum Design and one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions.
The HKTS 14 and HKTS 7 each include four two-way satellite speakers, a two-way center channel speaker and a powered subwoofer, and deliver clear, expansive and detailed sound quality. Both systems utilize advanced-technology tweeters and woofers, and a subwoofer that incorporates a unique light, yet highly rigid, honeycomb material for exceptional articulation and resolution. Additional satellite speaker pairs (Models HKS 4 and HKS 3) are available to create a complete 7.1-channel speaker system.
The systems’ satellite and center channel speakers are video-shielded so they may be placed on or near a TV set. The satellites are also ideal for placement on a shelf or in a cabinet, or mounted on a wall with the hardware included with the system, and their distinctive design complements any interior. Both systems perfectly match Harman Kardon audio/video components, and today’s high-tech video displays.
The Harman Kardon HKTS 14 and HKTS 7 systems are currently available at suggested retail prices of $649 and $449, respectively.
HK 3480, HK 3380 Stereo Receivers: Ideal for Music and Home Entertainment
Consumer demand for stereo receivers continues to remain strong, either for primary- or second-location listening, and Harman Kardon is meeting that demand with its HK 3480 and HK 3380, high-fidelity receivers that offer superlative sound quality along with control flexibility, including video switching, and Harman Kardon’s distinctive audio/video component design. The HK 3480 and HK 3380 deliver true audiophile-quality sonic performance, incorporating Harman Kardon’s renowned high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth-amplifier stages, with generous power outputs of 2 x 120 watts (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.07% THD) and 2 x 80 watts (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.07% THD), respectively.
The HK 3480 and HK 3380 include a host of performance and convenience features such as a subwoofer output and remote-controlled speaker A/B switching, and provide numerous inputs and outputs to accommodate a variety of program sources, including turntables. In addition, the HK 3480 offers VMAx audio processing to deliver a realistic surround sound experience using just two loudspeakers.
The Harman Kardon HK 3480 and HK 3380 stereo receivers have suggested retail prices of $449 and $349, respectively, and will be available in January 2004.
AB 1 In-Wall Amplified Module: Ultracompact for Custom-Installation Convenience
The Harman Kardon AB 1 amplified in-wall module is a highly compact, in-wall-mountable stereo amplifier module for A-BUS applications that is designed for easy installation in multiroom audio systems. Featuring a built-in stereo amplifier to power, without the need for additional equipment, a pair of speakers, the AB 1 connects to a compatible Harman Kardon A/V receiver, such as the AVR 7300, AVR 630, AVR 430, DPR 2005, DPR 1005 or other A-BUS Ready component, via a single Cat.5 cable. The AB 1 fits into a standard electrical J-Box or plaster ring, and accepts a Decora cover plate to match other in-wall devices.
In addition, the AB 1 includes an integrated IR sensor that relays commands from Harman Kardon Zone II remotes to the connected receiver or component via its A-BUS connection, without the need for additional devices or wires.
The Harman Kardon AB 1 in-wall amplified module is currently available at a suggested retail price of $129.
