Harmon KardonÆ Showcases Expanded Home Theatre Receiver Lineup At ICES ë99
Harmon Kardon is now shipping four new home theatre receivers. The new Harmon Kardon AVR65, AVR45 and AVR35 DolbyÆ Digital receivers and AVR5 Dolby ProLogicÆ receiver feature digital processing circuitry, high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth, multichannel amplification and a host of performance and convenience features. As Tom McLoughlin, Harmon Kardon President, noted: ""The beginning of DTV broadcasting and the skyrocketing popularity of DVD and DBS satellite systems are creating unprecedented demand for high-performance home theatre receivers. In order to enjoy the full benefits of Dolby Digital and DTSÆ program sources, the quality of the surround-sound audio experience needs to be at the same level of excellence as the latest digital video technologies. Our new line of home theatre receivers was created to maximize the home-movie-watching experience by providing unmatched surround-sound realism - at prices that offer exceptional value to the consumer."" The new Harmon Kardon AVR65, AVR45 and AVR35 uses the CrystalÆ Semiconductor CS4923 digital engine, as well as high-quality Dolby ProLogic decoding and a variety of surround modes, including enhanced stereo from two-channel sources. In addition, the AVR65 features Crystal Semiconductor DTS decoding circuitry for full 5.1 channel reproduction from DTS multichannel audio discs and LaserDiscs and DTS-encoded DVD discs. All three receivers feature Harmon Kardon's hallmark high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier. According to the company, the receiversí high current capability enables them to drive even difficult loudspeaker loads with ease, while their ultrawide bandwidth provides far superior phase linearity, lower distortion, greater high-frequency headroom and more accurate frequency response in the audible range. The receivers also feature equal power output into all five main channels - especially important for accurate reproduction of discrete full-range 5.1-channel Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround soundtracks and DTS music discs with full-bandwidth rear-channel program material. The Harmon Kardon AVR65 The Harmon Kardon AVR65 offers Dolby Digital and DTS decoding and includes a six-channel direct input to accommodate future digital audio decoding systems or connection to outboard surround sound decoders. The Harmon Kardon AVR65 delivers 65 watts into 8 ohms (20Hz - 20kHz less than 0.07% THD, all channels driven) of high current, ultrawide-bandwidth powers (plus or minus 40 amps) into each of the five main channels. The AVR65 features five sets of audio/video inputs and three audio inputs, including front panel A/V inputs for easy connection to camcorders, video games and portable audio players. S-Video and composite video switching is provided, as well as coaxial and optical digital inputs. The AVR65 also includes a high-quality AM/FM tuner with 30-preset-station memory and offers a full range of additional performance and convenience features, such as a bass-management system that allows the user to tailor the sound to any home-theatre-speaker configuration, and preamp outputs that allow connection to external power amplifiers. The AVR65ís backlit, programmable remote control offers direct access to all of the AVR65's key functions, as well as the ability to control up to seven additional audio/video components. The unit features a built-in multiroom control system provides independent dual-zone operation; a second audio source can be fed to a remote room location while a different source plays in the main room. The Harmon Kardon AVR65 is available at a suggested retail price of $1,199. The Harmon Kardon AVR45 The Harmon Kardon AVR45 home theatre receiver incorporates many of the key features of the AVR45, including its Crystal Semiconductor Dolby Digital decoding, Dolby ProLogic decoding and wide selection of surround modes including enhanced stereo. The AVR45 provides 55 watts into 8 ohms (20Hz - 20kHz less than 0.07% THD, all channels driven) into each of the main channels and includes four audio-video inputs, front A/V inputs, two audio-only inputs, coaxial and optical digital inputs and an AM/FM tuner with 30 preset memory locations. To ensure compatibility with the future digital surround-sound decoders, the AVR45 includes six-channel direct inputs to accommodate outboard surround sound decoders. These inputs can also be used for direct connection to DVD players with built-in Dolby Digital decoders and HDTV sets with built-in digital decoding. The AVR45 also features preamp outputs for connection to external amplifiers, a wide variety of additional convenience features, and is supplied with the same backlit, programmable remote as the AVR65. The Harmon Kardon AVR45 is available at a suggested retail price of $899. The Harmon Kardon AVR35 The Harmon Kardon AVR35 Dolby Digital receiver features Semiconductor DSP technology, 40 watts into 8 ohms (20Hz - 20kHz less than 0.07% THD, all channels driven) to each of the five main channels, a full compliment of inputs, outputs and switching facilities and preamp outputs for connection to external amplifiers. The AVR35 features a on-screen menu and includes a multidevice programmable remote control. The Harmon Kardon AVR35 is available at a suggested retail price of $699. The Harmon Kardon AVR5 Recognizing that not every consumer is ready to make the move to digital audio right away, Harmon Kardon offers its new AVR5 digital ready Dolby ProLogic home theatre receiver. The AVR5 provides surround-sound decoding from Dolby ProLogic-encoded program material, and its six-channel inputs allow the user to add an external Dolby Digital or DTS decoder if future upgrading is desired. These inputs can also be used for direct connection with DVD players and HDTV sets with built-in digital decoding. The Harmon Kardon AVR5 delivers 35 watts into 8 ohms (20Hz - 20kHz less than 0.08% THD, all channels driven) to each channel and its many features include four audio/video inputs and four audio-only inputs, preamp outputs for connection to external amplifiers, a phono input and an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets. The included programmable remote is capable of operating up to three additional audio/video components in addition to the AVR5.