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CONNECTIONS
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 multichan-
nel analog outputs. Make a separate analog audio connection 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 3550HD 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 3550HD’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 listening area. The AVR 3550HD
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 com-
pliant 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 3550HD also includes a proprietary, dedicated audio con-
nection for The Bridge II docking station for iPod. If you own a docking
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 3550HD 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 3550HD, 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., 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.
Multichannel
analog audio
cable (RCA)
Front Surround Center
Subwoofer
L
R
Analog audio
cable (RCA)
Optical
Optical digital
audio cable
Coaxial
Coaxial digital
audio cable