Harman Kardon® Advanced-Technology Audio/Video Receivers Introduced

HDMI™ 1.3a Functionality, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™ Decoding, Exclusive, Easy-To-Use Full-Color On-Screen Menu System Among Advanced Features Included in New Models [The following is a release from Harman Kardon]

June 8, 2008

Harman Kardon, Inc., announced today the introduction of its 7.1-channel AVR 354 and AVR 254 and its 5.1-channel AVR 154 audio/video receivers. The new receivers offer an expanded complement of upgraded features and connectivity options, including HDMI™ 1.3a capability, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, a groundbreaking, proprietary graphical on-screen menu system, an improved interface for iPod® using The Bridge II docking station for iPod from Harman Kardon, and many additional enhancements. In addition, Harman Kardon is introducing its HK 3490 and HK 3390 stereo receivers, which combine superlative sound quality with flexible operation, including video switching for use in home entertainment systems, and iPod and portable music player connectivity. Adding to their appeal, all five receivers have a distinctively elegant, refined appearance, featuring a gloss-black top panel and a dark graphite lower panel, all accented by soft white illumination. Following is an overview of key features and technologies of the new Harman Kardon® audio/video receivers. Ultimate-Performance High-Definition Video and Audio Capabilities All the multichannel receivers include HDMI switching with three HDMI inputs, offer HDMI 1.3a-functionality, and can pass video signals to 1080p. The AVR 354 and AVR 254 incorporate leading-edge Faroudja DCDi Cinema® digital-video processing that provides upscaled and enhanced 1080p output from all video sources, for extraordinary image quality. In addition, the AVR 354 and AVR 254 are Deep Color-compatible for use with Deep Color-capable video sources and display devices. All models (except the AVR 154) offer Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, to deliver the ultimate in high-resolution, multichannel audio realism from these state-of-the-art lossless (uncompressed) audio formats, and from Blu-ray and other high-definition players and discs. All the receivers (except the AVR 154) can process 7.1-channel PCM audio delivered to their HDMI inputs, and feature HDMI repeater functionality, enabling the use of longer HDMI cable lengths. Groundbreaking, High-Definition On-Screen Menu System Provides Unmatched Ease of Use All models (except the AVR 154) incorporate a Harman Kardon-exclusive newly developed high-definition full-color on-screen menu system that utilizes both pictures and text to guide users in setting up their home entertainment system, and in verifying that their components are connected and configured properly. The HD-resolution graphical interface utilizes alpha blending, a technique that allows the menus to be partially transparent and enables the video image to remain visible while using the menus. Complementing the interface's unmatched ease of use, the AVR 354 and AVR 254 feature redesigned backlit remote controls with simplified, yet more flexible operation and a more intuitive ergonomic design. Enhanced iPod Home Entertainment with The Bridge II Docking Station for iPod The AVR 354 includes The Bridge II* docking station at no additional charge. The Bridge II provides enhanced audio and video playback and control capabilities when a compatible iPod or iPhone model** (not included) is connected. The iPod (or iPhone) can be operated by the AVR 354's remote control; operating menus for the iPod (or iPhone) are shown on a TV (or video display) and the receiver's front-panel display. The menus are displayed in high definition and offer fast, easy navigation. The AVR 354 and AVR 254 also offer multiroom audio capability for connected A/V sources, including the iPod and iPhone. They include multiroom preamp outputs, an amplifier section that can be used in either 7.1-channel mode or switched to 5.1-plus-stereo dual-zone configuration, and a Zone II remote control (AVR 354). Automated, Easy and Accurate System Setup The AVR 354 and AVR 254 include proprietary EzSet/EQ™ automated full-range room-equalization and system calibration to simplify system setup and achieve optimal audio quality in any listening room. EzSet/EQ automatically measures the frequency response peaks and dips in the listening room and applies a precise, compensating equalization curve to achieve unprecedented sonic accuracy. EzSet/EQ also calibrates speaker output levels and delay times. XM® Satellite Radio Capability All of these receivers (except the AVR 154) feature XM Ready®*** capability (where available). Once the user connects an XM Satellite Radio antenna module (sold separately) and activates his or her XM subscription, XM Radio stations can be accessed via the receiver's tuner, and stored in the tuner's preset station memory. Engineered for Exceptional Sound Quality The receivers continue the Harman Kardon heritage of uncompromising sound quality. All the receivers incorporate the company's acclaimed high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier sections, and their power ratings provide an accurate indication of their real-world amplifier performance. The receivers utilize high-speed DSP processors, audiophile-grade 192kHz/24-bit D/A converters and comprehensive bass-management systems to reproduce movies and music with remarkable fidelity and dynamic impact; all incorporate proprietary Logic 7® audio technologies for enhanced surround sound realism. Suggested retail pricing for the audio/video receivers is as follows: AVR 354, $899; AVR 254, $649; AVR 154, $399. All models will be available in late spring 2008. HK 3490 and HK 3390 Stereo Receivers: Ideal for Music and Home Entertainment Also being introduced are the Harman Kardon HK 3490 and HK 3390 stereo receivers, which combine superlative sound with a host of useful features and a striking industrial design. Both receivers have an elegant and distinctive minimalist appearance with gracefully rounded corners, a gloss-black and dark-graphite front panel, and soft white illumination. The HK 3490 and HK 3390 incorporate powerful, high current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier sections (2 x 120 watts and 2 x 80 watts, respectively, into 8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, <0.07% THD) and provide video as well as audio connections to accommodate a variety of program sources, including turntables. The HK 3490 also offers coaxial and optical digital audio inputs for 2-channel PCM sources, XM Satellite Radio compatibility and iPod audio connectivity (iPod not included) using The Bridge II docking station (sold separately), as well as Dolby Virtual Speaker and Dolby Headphone processing to deliver surround sound audio from a pair of loudspeakers or from headphones. The HK 3490 and HK 3390 stereo receivers will be available in May 2008 at suggested retail prices of $499 and $399 respectively. Harman Kardon Audio/Video Receivers: Main Features Power Output AVR 354, 7 x 75 watts; 2 x 75 watts in stereo; and ±35 amps of high-current capability AVR 254, 7 x 50 watts; 2 x 65 watts in stereo; and ±35 amps of high-current capability AVR 154, 5 x 30 watts; 2 x 40 watts in stereo; and ±25 amps of high-current capability All power outputs rated into 8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, <0.07% THD; all receivers feature high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier sections Audio and Video Connectivity Exclusive, high-definition on-screen menu system (all models except AVR 154) and simplified remote control operation Three-input HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color video switching (AVR 354, AVR 254) Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS Master Audio capability (all models except AVR 154) Multichannel PCM digital audio output from compatible HDMI program sources (AVR 354, AVR 254) AVR 354 and AVR 254 provide HDMI repeater functionality to enable longer HDMI cable lengths between receiver and video display Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing and scaling to 1080p (all models except AVR 154) Capable of passing 1080p signals via HDMI and component video outputs Extensive array of additional digital and analog video and audio inputs, outputs and switching facilities Cross-conversion to component video from composite- and S-video sources (all models except AVR 154) AVR 354 is supplied with The Bridge II docking station for iPod from Harman Kardon for iPod audio and video playback, control and charging; AVR 254 and AVR 154 feature mini-jack input for iPod audio playback AVR 354 and AVR 254 offers multizone/multisource audio capability, including iPod audio playback (using The Bridge II) Rear amplifier channels are assignable to multizone system Automatic Setup and Advanced Audio Functionality EzSet/EQ for automated system calibration and room equalization (AVR 354, AVR 254) Lip Sync Delay to compensate for the delay that can occur between the audio and video signals in some home entertainment systems Quadruple-Crossover Bass Manager (all models except AVR 154) or Triple-Crossover Bass Manager (AVR 154) enables optimal bass performance for all loudspeakers in the main home-theater room Exclusive Logic 7 surround-enhancement technology for enhanced sonic realism from matrix-encoded and stereo audio sources; the receivers offer compatibility with popular surround formats Additional Performance and Convenience Features Proprietary Harman Kardon high-definition, color graphical menu system guides users through system setup and automatically verifies when components are properly configured; on-screen menus are partially transparent, enabling video image to remain visible while menus are in use (AVR 354, AVR 254) Input-titling feature enables users to customize the receiver's on-screen and front-panel displays Redesigned remote controls with simplified operation and control layouts (AVR 354, AVR 254) Stunning appearance, with a gloss-black upper panel and a dark graphite lower panel, all accented by soft white illumination

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