Harman/Kardon AVR 247 setup - reset required.

[ataushu]

My parents asked me to set up their new receiver(avr 247) for them. They're still using a standard television, which they're going to upgrade to hi-def sometime in the future. Hooked up all their devices using composite cables. Sound works from all devices and the menu displays on the television fine. However cannot get a picture from their cable or dvd (thru the receiver). To get around this I had to hook up the video directly from the sources to the television. Is this the only way I can get the video to display? Does the video through the receiver only work with High-definition televisions? So it works the way I have it setup, I just want to know if there's a "more correct" way to do it.

Thanks for you help.

[57]

Some AVRs (not sure about this one) do not do an internal conversion, so you need to have the same connection from the AVR to the TV as you have for the devices to the AVR. So composite in, composite out, etc. Check on the capabilities in the operating manual. Some AVRs only display the OSD (on-screen display) on certain connections too.

Are you using component video for the DVD?

[ataushu]

composite all the way around. composite in and out of the avr...with the direct connects to the tv, using composite for the dvd, and cable coax for the cable tv.

[57]

Make sure that the composite cable is going to the same DVD input as the audio on the back of the AVR. I assume you're probably using analogue audio connections? It's very easy to plug a cable into the incorrect input when there are so many of them.

I didn't think that AVRs accepted RF-coax input, except for Cable FM, which is being phased out in most places. What is their location and service provider? Do they have a STB, or only analogue cable?

As you have time, check out:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

[ataushu]

when connecting to the avr, I used composite out from everything including the cable box. All the plugs are in the correct place, sound is going throug perfectly, just not the picture, thats why I put coax from cable box to the back of the TV (just to get picture) the rca plugs from cable are still in avr (using both).

[57]

Couple more things?

- I assume that the composite cable is connected from the monitor out of AVR to an input on the TV. (You stated you could see the OSD, so I guess it must be).

- I assume you're on the correct TV input - probably yes since you say you could see the OSD.

Sounds like you have everything correct, but perhaps have someone else, even one of your parents check - sometimes another person can see something that you cannot.

[Kenbo]

I've installed a few AVR's myself, I know the 247 doesn't do upconversion.

One thing I have had first hand experience with is Video output problems on the AVR's. I have replaced a couple of them due to video problems, had to go back to the manufacturer for repair. So, you may want to take it back to the place of purchase and have them verify the problem.

[farscaper]

Does this AVR have assignable inputs?

[ataushu]

Problem resolved. I contacted harman/kardon, and apparently they pull random receivers off the assembly line to test inputs, and they test usually in HDMI mode. When doing that it sometimes locks the receiver in hdmi mode(they say). Had to do a processor reset on the avr, and it corrected the problem. thanks for everyones help.

[m.jeddy]

Ataushu,
Can you please explain how the processor reset procedure is?
I think my AVR3600 is facing the same problem as yours after I disconnected it from the power.

[57]

ataushu hasn't been here in 4 years. The reset procedure is usually outlined somewhere in the operating manual. If not, contact HK like ataushu did.