19
CONNECTIONS
of the HDMI data, minimizing the number of cable connections
in your system. The AVR 7550HD implements Deep Color, which
increases by an order of magnitude the shades of color that can
be displayed, and the latest lossless multichannel audio formats,
including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
NOTE:
Some DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD
players only output multichannel audio through their multi-
channel analog outputs. Make a separate analog audio con-
nection in addition to the HDMI connection, which is still used
for video and to listen to Dolby Digital, DTS or PCM materials
that may be stored on the disc.
The AVR 7550HD converts analog video signals to the HDMI format,
including its on-screen menus, upscaling to high-definition 1080p
resolution.
The HDMI connector is shaped for easy plug-in (see Figure 4). If
your video display has a DVI input and is HDCP-compliant, use an
HDMI-to-DVI adapter (not included). A separate audio connection is
required. HDMI cable runs are limited to about 10 feet.
Figure 4 – HDMI Connection
If your video display or source device is not HDMI-capable, use one
of the analog video connections (composite, S- or component video)
and a separate audio connection.
Coaxial digital audio jacks are usually color-coded in orange.
Although they look similar to analog jacks, you should not connect
coaxial digital audio outputs to analog inputs or vice versa. See
Figure 5.
Figure 5 – Coaxial Digital Audio
Optical digital audio connectors are normally covered by a shutter
to protect them from dust. The shutter opens as the cable is inserted.
Input connectors are color-coded using a black shutter, while outputs
use a gray shutter. See Figure 6.
Figure 6 – Optical Digital Audio
Analog Audio
Analog connections require two cables, one for the left channel
(white) and one for the right channel (red). These two cables are
often attached to each other. See Figure 7.
For sources that are capable of both digital and analog audio, you
may make both connections.
The analog audio connection is required for multizone operation,
as the AVR 7550HD’s multizone system is not capable of converting
a digital signal to analog format. Use the analog audio connections
even with the Surround Back/Zone 2 speaker outputs, in case
another 2- channel digital audio source is in use in the main listen-
ing area. The AVR 7550HD is only capable of processing one PCM
source at a time.
You may only record materials from DVDs or other copy-protected
sources using analog connections. Remember to comply with all copy-
right laws, if you choose to make a copy for your own personal use.
Figure 7 – Analog Audio
Multichannel analog connections are used with high-definition
sources that decode the copy-protected digital content, such as
some DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players. See
Figure 8. The multichannel analog audio connection is not required
for players compliant with HDMI version 1.1 or better, or that output
linear PCM signals via an HDMI connection. Consult the owner’s
guide for your disc player for more information.
Figure 8 – Multichannel Analog Audio
The AVR 7550HD also includes a proprietary, dedicated audio con-
nection for The Bridge II docking station for iPod. If you own a dock-
ing iPod (most models, 4G or later), connect The Bridge II (included)
to The Bridge II port on the receiver. See Figure 9. Dock your iPod
(not included) in The Bridge II, and you may listen to your audio
materials through your high-performance audio system. You may
view still images or video materials stored on a photo- or video-
capable iPod that supports video browsing. Use the AVR 7550HD
remote to control the iPod, with navigation messages displayed on
the front panel and on a video display connected to the AVR. The
Bridge II outputs analog audio to the AVR 7550HD, and is available
to the multiroom system.
Figure 9 – The Bridge II port
Video Connections
Many sources output both audio and video signals (e.g., Blu-ray
Disc or DVD player, cable television box, HDTV tuner, satellite box,
VCR, DVR). In addition to the audio connection, make one type of
video connection for each of these sources (only one at a time for
any source).
Digital Video
If you have already connected a source device to one of the HDMI
inputs, you have automatically made a video connection, as the
HDMI signal includes both digital audio and video components.
Analog Video
There are three types of analog video connections: composite video,
S-video and component video.
THE BRIDGE
Multichannel
analog audio
cable (RCA)
Front Surround Center
White
Red
Gray
Purple
Blue
Green
Subwoofer
L
R
Analog audio
cable (RCA)
Optical
Optical digital
audio cable
C
oaxial
Coaxial digital
audio cable
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