DVD 50 - Harman Kardon Audio User Guide / Operation Manual

DVD 50  5-Disc DVD Changer

OWNER’S MANUAL

Power for the Digital Revolution.

™

®

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Safety Information

DVD Compatibility & Terminology

Front Panel Controls

Front Panel Information Display

Rear Panel Connections

10 Remote Control Functions
13 Installation and Connections
18 Setup Menu
18

Remote Control Operation

Audio Language Selection

Subtitle Language Selection

Menu Language Selection

Ratings Selection and Password Control

Aspect Ratio

Video Output

DVD Auto Play

Dynamic Range Setting

Digital Audio Out

26 Playback Basics for All Formats
26

Loading Discs

29 DVD Playback
29

Using a DVD’s Menu

Using the On-Screen Menu Bar for 
DVD Playback

Selecting Titles and Chapters

Changing the Audio Track

Changing Subtitle Languages

Changing Camera Angles

32 CD Playback
33 MP3 Playback
34 VCD Playback
35 Programmed Play
35

Random Play

Programmed Play

Bookmarks

38 DVD Language Codes
39 Troubleshooting Guide 
40 Technical Specifications

DVD 50 5-Disc DVD Changer

Typographical Conventions
In order to help you use this manual with the remote control, front panel controls and rear panel
connections, certain conventions have been used.

EXAMPLE – (bold type) indicates a specific remote control or front panel button, or rear panel 
connection jack

EXAMPLE – (OCR type) indicates a message that is visible on the front panel information display 

1 – (number in a square) indicates a specific front panel control

a – (number in an oval) indicates a button or indicator on the remote

¡ – (number in a circle) indicates a rear panel connection

A – (letter in a square) indicates an indicator in the front panel display

– (letter in a triangle) indicates a connection option in the installation process

3 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the Harman Kardon
DVD 50. The DVD 50 is a multipurpose five-disc
player that delivers the highest level of playback
quality from a wide range of optical media for-
mats. Along with conventional DVD and CD
audio discs, the DVD 50 is also compatible with
CD-R and CD-RW discs, discs with HDCD

®

encoding, VCD discs and discs recorded with
audio files in the MP3 format. However, the
DVD 50 does more than simply play discs in this
extensive list of formats, it plays them flawlessly,
and provides output signals that match the
capabilities of the latest audio and video display
technologies.

On the video side, the DVD 50 is one of the first
5-disc changers to offer progressive scan video
outputs for use with digital “HDTV-Ready” dis-
play monitors. Using a high-speed, single-chip
digital processor, the DVD 50 is capable of
reconstructing the 3/2 pulldown effect intro-
duced when film-based programs are trans-
ferred to video. In conjunction with precision
video output DACs, the end result is a full 60-
frame-per-second output that is the closest
thing to film this side of your local cinema. Of
course, traditional Y/Pr/Pb component video,
S-Video and composite video outputs are also
available for use with conventional televisions
and video projectors.

In keeping with our tradition as a leader in
audio technology, Harman Kardon has packed
the DVD 50 with the latest features, including
audiophile-grade Wolfson audio output DACs
and full compatibility with 96kHz audio pro-
gramming. Both coaxial and optical digital out-
puts are available for direct connection to A/V
receivers or surround processors so that you
may take advantage of Dolby Digital* and DTS

®

soundtracks. CD playback is enhanced through
the use of HDCD technology, which provides
optimal playback resolution from HDCD-encoded
discs and enhanced playback of all CDs. Finally,
built-in MP3 decoding allows music discs created
and finalized on a computer to be played back
through your home-theater system for increased
listening pleasure.

A wide range of programming features makes it
easy to program an evening’s worth of enter-
tainment, selecting from tracks on multiple
discs. When playing DVDs, easy-to-understand
on-screen menus and icons make it simple to
change languages, soundtracks, subtitles or
aspect ratio, while a parental-lock function
enables you to control which discs may be
viewed by younger members of the household.

DVD players are among the fastest growing
consumer electronics products ever brought to
market, but this may, nevertheless, be the first
DVD player you’ve owned. Although many of
the features of the DVD 50 resemble those of
standard CD changers or players, there are a
number of functions that you may be unfamiliar
with. To ensure that you are able to take advan-
tage of all the power and flexibility the DVD 50
has to offer, we encourage you to review this
manual. That small investment of your time will
pay major dividends in the enjoyment you will
get from proper use of the DVD 50.

If you have additional questions about this
product, or its installation or operation, that are
not answered in this manual, please contact
your dealer, as he is your best source of 
local information. You may also contact
Harman Kardon via e-mail through our Web 
site at www.harmankardon.com.

■ Plays a wide range of video and audio

■ High-quality video playback 10-bit

■ Dolby Digital and DTS data signal out-

■ Audiophile-grade Wolfson output DACs

■ Easy-to-use on-screen navigation 

■ Playback of MP3 audio discs with text

■ HDCD decoding for optimal playback

■ Extensive programming capability for

■ Parental lock controls prevent 

■ Multiple options for language,

■ Multiple-angle capabilities with 

■ Bookmark function for easy return to

■ Backlit, ergonomically designed

■ Five-disc-capacity changer with 

NOTE: This player is designed and 
manufactured for compatibility with Region
Management Information that is encoded on
most DVD discs. This player is designed only for
playback of discs with Region Code 1, or for
discs that do not contain Region Code informa-
tion. If there is any other Region Code on a
disc, that disc will not play on the DVD 50.

1

CAUTION: To prevent electric shock,

 do not use this (polarized) 

plug with an extension cord, 

receptacle or other outlet 

unless the blades can 

be fully inserted to 

prevent blade exposure.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, 
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to 
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated 

“dangerous voltage” within the product’s 

enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a 
risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral 
triangle is intended to alert the user to the 
presence of important operating and 
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the 

literature accompanying the appliance.

4 SAFETY INFORMATION

Verify Line Voltage Before Use
Your DVD 50 has been designed for use with
120 – 230-volt AC current, but the plug is
specifically designed for 120-volt applications.
Connection to a line voltage other than that for
which it is intended can create a safety and fire
hazard and may damage the unit.

If you have any questions about the voltage
requirements for your specific model, or about
the line voltage in your area, contact your sell-
ing dealer before plugging the unit into a wall
outlet.

Do Not Use Extension Cords
We do not recommend that extension cords be
used with this product. As with all electrical
devices, do not run power cords under rugs or
carpets or place heavy objects on them.
Damaged power cords should be replaced
immediately by an authorized service depot
with cords meeting factory specifications.

Handle the AC Power Cord Gently
When disconnecting the power cord from an
AC outlet, always pull the plug, never pull the
cord. If you do not intend to use the unit for
any considerable length of time, disconnect the
plug from the AC outlet.

Do Not Open the Cabinet
There are no user-serviceable components
inside this product. Opening the cabinet may
present a shock hazard, and any modification
to the product will void your guarantee. If water
or any metal object such as a paper clip, wire
or a staple accidentally falls inside the unit, dis-
connect it from the AC power source immedi-
ately, and consult an authorized service station.

■ To ensure proper operation, and to avoid the

potential for safety hazards, place the unit
on a firm and level surface. When placing
the unit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf
and any mounting hardware can support the
weight of the product.

■ Make certain that proper space is provided

both above and below the unit for ventila-
tion. If this product will be installed in a cab-
inet or other enclosed area, make certain
that there is sufficient air movement within
the cabinet.

■ Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted

surface.

■ Avoid moist or humid locations.

■ Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold

locations, or an area that is exposed to
direct sunlight or heating equipment.

■ Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the

top of the unit, or place objects directly 
over them.

Cleaning
When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean,
soft, dry cloth. If necessary, wipe it with a soft
cloth dampened with mild soapy water, then a
fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe immediately
with a dry cloth. NEVER use benzene, aerosol
cleaners, thinner, alcohol or any volatile clean-
ing agent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they
may damage the finish of metal parts. Avoid
spraying insecticide near the unit.

Unpacking
The carton and shipping materials used to pro-
tect your new receiver during shipment were
specially designed to cushion it from shock and
vibration. We suggest that you save the carton
and packing materials for use in shipping if you
move, or should the unit ever need repair.

To minimize the size of the carton in storage,
you may wish to flatten it. This is done by care-
fully slitting the tape seams on the bottom, and
collapsing the carton down to a more two-
dimensional appearance. Other cardboard
inserts may be stored in the same manner.
Packing materials that cannot be collapsed
should be saved along with the carton in a
plastic bag.

If you do not wish to save the packaging mate-
rials, please note that the carton and other sec-
tions of the shipping protection are recyclable.
Please respect the environment and discard
those materials at a local recycling center.

Moving the Unit
Before moving the unit, be certain to discon-
nect any interconnection cords with other com-
ponents, and make certain that you disconnect
the unit from the AC outlet.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To avoid damage to the
DVD 50 that may not be covered by the war-
ranty, be certain that all discs are removed from
the unit before it is moved. Once the DVD 50 is
installed, discs may be left in the unit when it 
is turned off, but the unit should NEVER be
moved with discs left in any of the positions of
the disc tray.

Important Information for the User
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
The limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio-frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communication. However, there is no
guarantee that harmful interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equip-
ment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be deter-
mined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interfer-
ence by one or more of the following measures:

■ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

■ Increase the separation between the equip-

ment and receiver.

■ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

■ Consult the dealer or an experienced

radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harm-
ful interference, and (2) this device must accept
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: Changes or modifications may cause
this unit to fail to comply with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and may void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.

CAUTION: The DVD 50 uses a laser system. To
prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do
not open the cabinet enclosure or defeat any of
the safety mechanisms provided for your pro-
tection. DO NOT STARE INTO THE LASER BEAM.
To ensure proper use of this product, please
read this Owner’s Manual carefully and retain it
for future use. Should the unit require mainte-
nance or repair, please contact your local
Harman Kardon service station. Refer servicing
to qualified personnel only.