25
INSTALLATION
If any source devices are equipped with a compatible Remote IR
Input, use a 1/8-inch mini-plug interconnect cable (not included)
to connect the AVR’s Remote IR Output to the source device’s
Remote IR Input.
The AVR 7550HD outputs a “stripped carrier” IR signal through the
Remote IR Output, but a full-carrier IR signal is available at the
Carrier Remote IR Output. The Carrier Remote IR Output is only
available to one sender at a time, which is assigned in the AVR’s
Zone 2 menu. Depending on whether you select Zone 2, Front or
A-BUS, the Carrier Remote IR will only transmit commands received
from the Zone 2 IR Input, the front-panel IR receiver or the A-BUS
system to a device connected to it. This avoids having conflicting
control commands sent to a device from listeners in different areas
of the home.
To control more than one source device through the Remote IR
Output, connect all sources in “daisy chain” fashion, connecting
each device’s IR output to the next device’s IR input, starting with
the AVR. Connect devices expecting a full-carrier IR signal to the
Carrier Remote IR Output, and assign the desired sending zone in
the Zone 2 menu. Use the Remote IR Output for devices expecting
a stripped signal.
STEP ELEVEN – Install a Multizone System
The AVR 7550HD offers several methods of distributing audio to
other areas in your home, and it also features video distribution.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:
Installing a multizone
system typically requires running cables inside walls. Always
comply with the appropriate safety codes when installing
concealed wiring, particularly all applicable state and local
building codes and the NEC (National Electrical Code). Failure
to do so may present a safety hazard. If you have any doubt
about your ability to work with electrical and telecommunica-
tions wiring, hire a licensed electrician or custom installer to
install the multizone system.
When the system is installed using method B or C below, multizone
operation takes over the Surround Back / Zone 2 amplifier channels,
limiting the system in the main listening room to 5.2 channels.
Select one or all of these methods for audio
distribution:
A. Connect an external amplifier to the Zone 2
Audio Outputs.
It is recommended that you place the amplifier
in the same room as the AVR 7550HD so that a shorter length of
interconnect cable is used with a long run of speaker wire to the
remote room. A long run of interconnect cable would be subject to
signal degradation. Depending on your amplifier, distribute the
audio signal to a single pair of speakers, or to several pairs placed
in different rooms.
The Zone 2 Audio Outputs offer the benefit of 7.2-channel audio in
the main room simultaneously with multizone operation. However,
the benefit is achieved with the expense of an additional compo-
nent, i.e., the amplifier.
B. Connect the remote room’s speakers directly
to the Surround Back/Zone 2 Speaker Outputs.
Reassign the Surround Back amplifier channels to power the
speakers (see page 47).
Your main system will be limited to 5.2 channels, affecting playback
of programs recorded in 6.1 or 7.1 channels.
C. Connect an external amplifier to the Surround
Back/Zone 2 Preamp Outputs.
This method requires an
additional amplifier, but may increase the total number of remote
rooms when used with methods A and B.
D. Connect an A-BUS hub or other A-BUS com-
ponents to the A-BUS port.
Use Category 5/5e cable,
as described in the instructions for your A-BUS components. The
A-BUS system carries the audio signal to the remote components,
while receiving IR control codes. A hub may distribute audio to
many remote rooms. To control source devices exclusively from the
remote A-BUS module, connect the AVR’s Carrier Remote IR Output
to a compatible IR input on the source, and assign the full-carrier
output to the A-BUS system in the AVR’s Zone 2 menu. This avoids
having conflicting control commands sent to a source intended for
the A-BUS system.
IR commands received from the A-BUS system are also
distributed to the AVR’s other IR outputs. Visit the Web site
at www.harmankardon.com for information on available
Harman Kardon hubs, the ABH 4 and ABH 4000, and amplified
in-wall modules, the AB 1 and AB 2.
Connect a Video Display Device or
Switcher
To add video distribution to your multiroom system, connect the
Multizone Video Output either directly to the video display in the
remote room or to any optional video distribution switchers or
amplifiers that may be required.
NOTES:
• Only composite video is output to the multizone system.
• S-video, component or HDMI video sources may not be routed
through the multizone system. Make a second, composite
video connection for the multizone system.
• When connecting the AVR 7550HD to the remote room’s
video display, distance limitations may exist for composite
video connections. Although the use of low-loss coax cables
may reduce signal loss, optional distribution amplifiers may
occasionally be required when long cable runs are used.
Connect IR Control Devices to the Zone 2
IR Input
For methods A, B and C, connect an IR control device to the Zone 2
IR Input for remote-room control of the multizone system, source
devices and volume in the remote zone. An A-BUS system does
not require a separate IR control connection.
NOTE:
Only analog audio sources are available to the multi-
zone system. For digital sources, make a second, analog audio
connection. The USB, The Bridge II and Internet Radio sources
are available to the multizone system.
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 25
