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AVR 254 7 x 50W 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver
The Harman Kardon® AVR 254 is the most affordable Harman Kardon receiver to feature both Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™ decoding on the audio side, and Faroudja DCDi Cinema™ video processing to 1080p on the video side. But there's plenty more to recommend the AVR 254, including three HDMI™ inputs, connections for external amplifiers, EzSet/EQ™ technology to fine-tune your system to the acoustics of your room and an RS-232 port for future firmware upgrades. Perhaps the highest recommendation of all: Like all Harman Kardon A/V receivers, the AVR 254 features a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth design for maximum fidelity. |
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Support
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| Documentation |
| The latest owner’s manuals, quick start guides, and documents. |
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| FAQs |
| Fast answers to the most commonly asked questions. |
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| Returns |
| Find all the information you need on handling returns. |
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| Product Updates |
| The latest software and firmware upgrades. |
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| Service Center |
| Need service? Find the closest service center to you. |
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Documentation
The latest owner’s manuals, quick start guides, and documents.
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Warranty Information
Get all the details concerning the warranty
for this product.
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FAQs
Fast answers to the most commonly asked questions. |
| Q | Adjusting the LFE Trim setting in the Audio Effects menu has no effect with some sources. What is going on? | |
| A | The LFE Trim setting only affects programs that have an LFE channel. If the audio program has no LFE channel, then this trim setting is fixed and the subwoofer level may be adjusted using either the subwoofer's physical level control (if it is so equipped) or the Level Adjust submenu of the Manual Speaker Setup menu on the AVR. |
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| Q | I am having trouble upgrading my AVR 254, AVR 354 or AVR 3550HD receiver. What could be the problem? | |
| A | If the upgrade is in progress, stop it by clicking on the Cancel button.
Computer Issues
There are a few issues that may stem from the configuration of your computer. Please review these items and make the recommended changes, then download and run the upgrade again.
1. The Microsoft® Windows Vista® operating system may have compatibility issues with this upgrade. If you have access to a computer running the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system, use it to run the upgrade software. When using a USB-to-serial adaptor, always try to use a port directly on the computer, or a hub that has an external power supply. Laptop computers don't provide enough power through the USB output for an RS-232 adaptor to operate properly. If the computer has an RS-232 serial port, use that connection to the AVR.
2. Log onto an account on your computer that has “Administrative Access”. For information on how to log in as an Administrator, check the Windows Help Menus or check with your computer manufacturer or Microsoft Windows support.
3. Some programs that run on the computer in the background can cause issues. Shut down all other programs on the computer before running the upgrade.
Issues with Resetting the AVR
1. The on-screen instructions direct you to reset the AVR several times during the upgrade. Do not skip any of the resets, or the upgrade will not proceed correctly.
2. The Reset button is located on the rear panel of the AVR, to the left of the RS-232 Port. The button is recessed into the rear panel. It may help to use a fine-point pen to press the button, and to press it by “feel” rather than visually. When the button is pressed, you will feel a damped click. You may press the Reset button several times to be sure the reset has taken.
3. The RS-232 Mode button is located to the right of the RS-232 Port, and it is also recessed into the rear panel, even when in the “out” position. It is easier to press than the RS-232 Reset button, and you may practice pressing it several times to see how it recesses further in for Download mode, and pops out for Operate mode. Leave the RS-232 Mode button popped out in Operate mode before beginning the upgrade.
4. It is very important to perform a System Reset as the final step in the upgrade process. After the upgrade has finished, place the AVR in Standby mode by pressing the Standby/On button on the AVR’s front panel, so that the Power Indicator above the Standby/On button turns amber. Press and hold the OK Button on the front panel until the RESET message appears in the AVR’s Message Display. Allow the AVR about 30 seconds to complete its turn-on process, and it should run normally. You will have to re-enter all configuration settings, which you recorded in the worksheets before you began the upgrade process. |
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| Q | I have a multichannel disc player that doesn't output multichannel digital audio through its HDMI™ connector. Rather, it decodes the digital audio and outputs it through the player's multichannel analog audio outputs. How should I use it with the AVR? | |
| A | Although some early printed manuals stated that you could use the Auto Polling feature to select the 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs when there was no output at the HDMI Input, that is a mistake. The correct method is as follows:
Connect both the player's HDMI output and its 6- or 8-channel analog audio outputs to the AVR.
When listening to standard-resolution discs (DVD Video, CD), set the AVR's Audio input from source setting to the HDMI input used for the player.
To listen to high-resolution multichannel discs (Blu-ray Disc®, HD-DVD, DVD Audio, SACD™), change the Audio input from source setting to the 6-/8-Channel Analog Audio Inputs. |
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| Q | I’m having problems with a Blu-ray Disc™ player, PlayStation®3 or Xbox 360™ player that is connected to one of the AVR's HDMI™ inputs. Any suggestions as to a first step?
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| A | Unfortunately, issues with HDMI™ connectivity can be caused by many different things. Before going further, refer to the owner’s manual for your player or game console to learn how to find out the software version of the product. Then, check the manufacturer's web site to see whether the software installed in your unit is the most up-to-date. If a newer version is available, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to download and install the update. In many cases, the new software will solve the problem. If problems persist, contact Harman Kardon® Customer Service for further assistance. |
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| Q | When I switch between analog and digital channels on my cable television set-top box, the picture distorts, but I have no problems when using other sources. How can I resolve the problem? | |
| A | Please check the picture settings on your cable box, particularly the aspect ratio settings, which will vary depending on the brand and model of your cable box and on your local cable provider. You may wish to consult with your cable provider for more information on how to adjust the cable box's settings. Some settings, such as a setting to force an analog channel's native 4:3 aspect ratio to 16:9 widescreen to fit your display, may interfere with the cable system's copy-protection feature and cause distortion. |
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| Q | Why doesn't the AVR respond when I use the remote control, even though my other products work just fine? | |
| A | The remote is only capable of operating one device at a time (unless you have programmed advanced functions such as volume-, channel- or transport-control punch-through).
When you press the Source Selector to operate your other product, such as the DVD player, the remote cannot control any other product, including the AVR, until you press the AVR Button again.
To avoid your problem in the future, always press the AVR Button or appropriate Source Selector before you enter any command. |
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| Q | How do I execute an Activity that I've programmed into the AVR remote control? | |
| A | After you have programmed an Activity (string of commands) into the AVR's remote control as described in the Advanced Functions section of the manual, execute it by pressing the Activity Button, then the Alphanumeric Key (or the AVR Power On Button) into which the Activity was programmed. |
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Product Updates
The latest software and firmware upgrades.
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Software
AVRx54Upgrade.zip
(4.394 MB)
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Update Improvements
Version: AFW v0.98.3.1
Release Date: 5-26-2010
Harman Kardon AVR x54 SOFTWARE UPGRADE
This Harman Kardon® software upgrade will improve the performance of your AVR 254 or AVR 354 by updating its internal operating system, DSP (digital signal processing) firmware and video-processing software. Unlike many consumer products, which are designed with "fixed" memory, these Harman Kardon products feature flash memory that is upgradeable through a standard RS-232 serial port.
This software update includes the following updates for your AVR. Even if you have not encountered any of these issues, we recommend that you install the new software to take advantage of additional minor performance improvements:
- The elimination of random audio dropouts that could occur when listening to the DTS® Neo:6 surround mode.
- Enhancements to the HDCP handshake when using HDMI connections.
- Improvements so that the Lip Sync adjustment works properly with all video input sources.
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Update Eligibility
Important Note:
Harman Kardon has specially designed this software for use with Harman Kardon AVR 254 and AVR 354 receivers. Use with any other models or brands may cause damage to the product. DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE WITH ANY OTHER PRODUCTS.
System Requirements
To install the software upgrade, you will need to purchase a standard RS-232 connection cable. Do not use a "null modem" cable, as it uses connection links that are not compatible with your AVR. If your computer is not equipped with a serial port, you may use one of the USB-to-serial-port adapters listed below that have been tested for interoperability with the AVRs.
- Gigaware™ Model 26-949
- StarTech.com Model ICUSB232
- IOGEAR Model Z-GUC232A
Most brand-name adapters will also work, but due to the wide variety of computers, operating systems and adapters, we cannot guarantee that other adapters will work in all situations. You will also need to have access to a computer that is close enough to be connected to the AVR that you are upgrading. The minimum system requirements for the computer are:
- Processor: Intel® Pentium® II processor or equivalent, or higher
- Operating system: Windows® 2000 SP4 or higher (for Windows 2000 or Windows XP, your system may require you to have "administrator" user rights)
- Hard-drive space: 10MB available
- System RAM: 128MB
- CD-ROM drive (when using the CD-ROM version of the program)
- RS-232 serial port
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Installation Instructions
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Upgrading your receiver is easy; but for the upgrade to work properly, it is important to follow the instructions below precisely. The upgrade will take about
45 minutes. Once it begins, you must complete the entire process in one session. Please allow sufficient time to run through all the steps. PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING.
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Upgrading your unit will erase all system memories. You will lose any configuration settings or tuner presets that you have entered. To reestablish the settings after completing the upgrade, you may wish to write down your current system configurations, using the worksheets that are part of this software package. To print the worksheets, use Windows Explorer or another file-management program to locate the Worksheets.pdf file in the directory where the upgrade files have been saved. Click on the file to open it with the Adobe® Reader® tool, and then print copies as needed.
- Press in the Main Power button on your AVR, but leave the receiver in Standby mode.
- If you are using files downloaded from the Harman Kardon Web site to upgrade the AVR, use Windows Explorer, or any other file-management program, to locate the folder where you have downloaded the upgrade zip file. Unzip the file AVRx54Upgrade.zip and place the file named AVRx54Upgrade.exe on your desktop. Double-click the file and it will then automatically unpack all of the files needed to upgrade your AVR into a folder called AVRx54Upgrade.
- Open the folder called AVRx54Upgrade and double click the file named HK_Upgrader.exe to begin.
- If you are loading the upgrade from a CD-ROM, insert the disc in your computer's drive.
- Locate the directory for the CD-ROM or the downloaded files and click on the file named HK_Upgrader.exe. It is easy to recognize; depending on the display mode for your file manager, the icon will be a stylized version of the volume control knob on your AVR.
- A new window with the "Welcome" screen will open when the loader program starts. Click "Continue" to proceed.
- You will be reminded to record your receiver's settings if you have not already done so. Click "Continue" to proceed.
- The next screen contains the End-User License Agreement for this software upgrade. Please read this important document, using the scroll bar on the right side of the window to move down through the copy. If you agree to the terms of the agreement, click "I accept this license agreement" and then click "Continue" to proceed. Otherwise, click on "I do not accept this license agreement" to cancel the upgrade and exit the Loader program.
- When the screen changes, you will be prompted to enter the location where the files for this upgrade are located. Click "Browse" to open a file-finder window, and then navigate to the correct folder. Click on that folder and then click "Open." Note that the file names will automatically appear in the "Current Selections" window. Click "Continue" to proceed.
- Following the instructions on the next screen, connect the serial cable to both the AVR and your computer (or to the USB-to-serial-port adapter, if you are using one). Next, use the pulldown tab on your screen to select the serial port for the connection between your computer and the AVR. If there is only one serial port, the most common setting is "COM 1," but if there are multiple ports or if you are using a USB-to-serial-port adapter, you may have to select a different COM port. When you have selected a COM port, click "Continue" to proceed. You may have to return to this screen and
choose a different port if the one that you originally selected does not connect properly.
- If your AVR is not already in Standby mode with amber-colored lighting around the Standby/On and Main Power buttons, press the Standby/On button. Click "Continue" when you are ready to proceed.
- The final step before the system upgrade begins is to place your AVR in Download mode and reset it. Using the tip of a pen or an unbent paper clip, press in on the Operate/Download button behind the small hole to the right of the RS-232 connector on the rear panel of the AVR. The button does not protrude from the back panel; if you are in doubt as to whether the button is in the correct position, try pressing it two or three times until you get the feel for whether it is "in" or "out." After placing the AVR in Download mode, press the Reset button on the left side of the RS-232 connector. The Reset button is deeply recessed. Press it by "feel" using the pen or paper clip. When both of these steps have been completed, click "Continue" to proceed.
- When the next screen appears, click "Upgrade" to start the process.
Important Note:
Once the upgrade starts, do not interrupt it by turning your AVR off or exiting the upgrade program on your computer. Doing so may cause the upgrade to fail and possibly damage your receiver.
- Once you click "Upgrade," your computer will take 10 to 15 seconds to establish a communications link with the AVR. After that, the first part of the new DSP firmware will begin to load, as indicated by the movement of the progress bar.
- If the upgrade does not begin within 30 seconds, or if an error message appears inside the loaders dialog box, the most frequent problem is either an incorrect COM-port selection or the position of the Operate/Download button. First, check to make sure that it is in the Download position, press the Reset button and then click "Upgrade" again. If the error message appears again, click "Back" until you are at the "Connect Serial Cable and Select Port" screen. Select a different COM port and then click "Continue," making certain that you reset the AVR when prompted.
- A message inside the loader window will let you know when the first section of the DSP firmware has successfully been loaded into your AVR. As directed, click "Continue" to proceed to the next step.
- As instructed on the next screen, return your AVR to Normal mode by using a pen tip or unbent paper clip to press the Operate/Download button so that it is in the Out position or Operate mode. Next, press the Standby/On button on the front panel to turn the unit back on.
- Once you have turned on the AVR, it will automatically begin to transfer the new firmware into its flash memory. During this process, messages will appear in the AVR's front-panel display as the AVR erases current firmware, reads the new data and writes the new data into its memory, followed by some additional internal processing steps. When a WRITE COMPLETE message appears on the bottom line of the front-panel display, this part of the process is complete. Press the Standby/On button to put the AVR back in Standby mode and then click "Continue" to proceed.
- As directed, place the AVR back in Download mode by once again pressing in on the rear-panel Operate/Download button. Press the Reset button and then click "Continue" to proceed.
- The next screen initiates the loading of the second part of the new DSP firmware. Click "Upgrade" to start the data transfer. As with the first part of the DSP firmware, you will see the progress bar move until the message in the loader box indicates that the upload is successful. Click "Continue" to proceed when instructed.
- As you have done for the first half of the firmware, follow the instructions on the next screen to press in on the Operate/Download button to place it in Operate mode. Press Reset button. Next press the Standby/On button to turn the AVR back on.
- When the AVR is turned on, the AVR will again transfer the new firmware into its flash memory. During this process, you will see the same series of messages in the AVRs front-panel display that appeared while the first part of the DSP software was loading. When the WRITE COMPLETE message appears, the DSP is completely updated. Press the Standby/On button to place the AVR back in Standby mode. Click "Continue" to proceed.
- Place the AVR back in the Download mode by once again pressing in on the rear-panel Operate/Download button. Press the Reset button and then click "Continue" to proceed.
- When the "MCU Upgrade" screen appears, click "Upgrade" to load the new software. When the progress bar moves all the way to the right side of the window and the MCU UPLOAD SUCCESSFUL message appears, click "Continue" to proceed.
- As shown on the next screen, return the AVR to normal operating mode by pressing the Operate/Download button so that it pops out to Operate mode. Next, press the Reset button and then click "Continue" to proceed.
- At the next screen, turn the AVR on by pressing the front-panel Standby/On button. Wait 30 seconds for the unit to reach normal operating status and then click "Continue" to proceed.
- The final data transfer is the new video software. Click "Upgrade" to proceed. During this process, you will see a series of messages in the loader window as the old software is erased and the new software is written to the AVRs flash memory. When the message indicates that the update is complete, click "Continue" to proceed.
- Put the AVR in Standby mode by pressing the front-panel Standby/On button. Click "Continue" to proceed.
- The last step in the upgrade process is to do a system reset by pressing the OK button on the front panel. Press and hold the button for five to 10 seconds; release it when the AVR turns on and the word "RESET" appears in the front-panel display. Click "Continue" to go to the final screen.
- The final screen will remind you that, because the upgrade and reset process erases any of the system configuration data and tuner presets stored in your receiver, it is important that you reenter that data. Follow the instructions shown in your owner's manual to reenter the data copied to the worksheet files supplied with this upgrade package, or to enter new settings. You should also recalibrate the system's speaker and room-equalization settings using the EzSet/EQ™ process.
To check if the upgrade was successful, turn on your AVR and press 1-2-3-0-OK on the remote control to display the version number in the front-panel display. If it reads as shown below, your unit is now loaded with the proper software. If a different number appears, please repeat the upgrade process.
07-01-2010 01
AFW v0.98.3.1
Write this upgrade information in your owner's manual so that you'll have it available for reference. When new software is made available through www.harmankardon.com, it will show the number of the latest version. You will need this information to see if an additional upgrade is required.
CONGRATULATIONS! With the completion of the upgrade process, your Harman Kardon AVR is now not only as good as new - it will perform even better than it did when you first bought it. We wish you many years of happy listening!
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Service Center
Does your Harman Kardon product need service? You can locate the nearest authorized service center here. If you purchased a product directly from us please visit the
Harman Audio Store.
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Returns
Your model might be eligible for direct factory exchange under our warranty program.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR UNIT TO A SERVICE CENTER.
If you purchased your product online or from a local retailer, you may use this form to request an exchange.
IMPORTANT: Physical damage is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. This includes but is not limited to the following: cracked or broken feet/doors/display windows/enclosures; damage caused by water, other liquids, fire, drops, other types of mishandling or abuse. All units with physical damage that is not covered under the warranty will be refused and returned to the original sender. Small scratches, scuffs and minor dents are generally considered acceptable. If you need assistance with repair of physical or cosmetic damages, or if you are not certain if your problem is covered by the manufacturer's warranty, please call our support center at 1.800.422.8027.
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Warranty Exchange Request
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