Harman Kardon AVR 347 Home Theater Receiver with iPod Control and HDMI connectivity

Harman Kardon's AVR-347 receiver incorporates a number of genuine engineering breakthroughs, including innovative iPod connectivity and HDTV and multi-room capabilities that take audio/video receiver design to new levels of performance and functionality. It features an exclusive iPod interface that, with a compatible iPod connected via The Bridge (Harmon Kardon's optional iPod docking station), displays menus on a connected TV or video display and the receiver's front panel display. The iPod can also be operated via the receiver's remote control. It pumps 55 Watts of power through each of its 7 channels, employing Logic 7 processing and EzSet/EQ technology to ensure that you always have crisp Dolby Digital audio. With two-input Simplay HD-verified HDMI switching and a wealth of digital audio inputs, the AVR-346 lets you connect and command virtually any home theater source.
Customer Review: Not Bad
This is my second Harman Kardon AVR 347. The first brand new receiver stopped passing the video signal of my surround sound set up within 6 months. I had originally hooked up the system using component video cables since I did not have an HD television and was watching SD television. I returned the product and Harman Kardon replaced it with a refurbished AVR347. I was disappointed that it was not a new receiver since I had it for less than 6 months. I sent an email to Harman Kardon to that effect, they chose not to respond to me. I now have my surround sound connected via HDMI cables and so far the refurbish AVR347 is working well.
Customer Review: Great Looking, Incovenient Use
I love the way the Harman Kardon receivers look. The transparent front that looks black when powered off and the blue lighted button really make my theater system look sweet. There are a few things about this receiver that really irritate me. First, the HDMI situation. I bought an HDMI capable receiver for the point of eliminating wires while maintaining my high def sound and picture. If you run the HDMI through the receiver, you can only use 720p. Thats a pretty noticeable difference on my 65" 1080p television. Now I have to plug my HDMI devices (PS3, Computer, and Cable Box) directly into the TV and still run my optical cable to the receiver for sound. That means I have to use the TV remote to switch between devices, as well. The worst part is, to adjust the sound, I have to switch back to my TVs component source to see the on screen display. That wouldn't be so bad if this info displayed on the front of the receiver, but it doesn't. On screen only. I cant even adjust the bass or channel levels without having to go through a whole ordeal. That is a major pain when I happen to flip to a bassy channel or cheesy action movie. It also makes a load popping noise when you pause a Bluray or DVD. Apparently the optical cable quits sending the surround sound signal when you pause it, so the receiver searches for a signal code. While it is doing this, it makes a popping noise really loud through the speakers every few seconds. Then, when you restart the movie, you have to switch your surround mode back to 7.1. You have to switch it every time you start a DVD or Bluray, too, since it doesn't remember your preferences. It comes with a microphone that you can plug, set in the middle of the room and it will automatically adjust your levels and distance settings. All I will say it that it doesn't adjust them correctly at all. You can buy an extra Ipod attachment, which I did. You can kind of use the remote to control you Ipod, but it doesn't work very good and the song title displays on screen (not the receiver display) for like 5 seconds before it disappears. Unless having a nice little charging stand for your Ipod is important, don't bother. Just get 3.5 to RCA adapter and an AC adapter. If you didn't understand the technical aspects of this review, then you don't need something this complicated. Pioneer, Sony, and Yamaha make pretty decent products for the price and are much easier to use. If you have HD, I would look for something HDMI friendly. That can be deceiving, though. It was with this receiver. If you want something high end, like Harmon Kardon, I would tell you go with Onkyo, Denon, or comparable. They do look hideous compared to the HK, but are so much more user friendly. You would be much happier. This receiver is a real pain in the rear. The features are a train wreck. I hate it. But its pretty.


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