Detailed instructions for use are in the User's Guide.
[. . . ] It's here that the integrity of "CD-quality" sound can be degraded. Harman Kardon has dedicated itself to building CD players that, simply put, "sound better. " We use some of the best D/A converters available. That means Burr-Brown 20-bit D/A converters in both the FL 8450 and FL 8370. Couple that with HDCD® processing (more on that below), and the FL Series CD players bring true meaning to the phrase "CD-quality sound. " In addition, the FL 8450 and FL 8370 are both equipped with a coaxial digital output for digital recording (using the new CDR 2 CD recorder). [. . . ] However, the Burr-Brown D/A converters and HDCD processors are only beneficial when an analog connection is used. Therefore, for peak performance from your stereo CDs and HDCD discs, it is best to use the analog outputs/connections of the CD player. (Note: When using a digital output connection, HDCD information from HDCD discs will be passed intact to other equipment such as the CDR 2, or to receivers with HDCD processing onboard, such as the Harman Kardon AVR 7000. )
What about chassis design?
Power supplies and electrical parts can cause a condition known as "stray magnetic radiation. " This condition can interfere with the integrity of digital-quality sound, thereby reducing fidelity and accuracy (signal/noise ratio). Harman Kardon goes to great lengths to reduce stray magnetic radiation by using specially engineered transformers and careful placement within the changer's chassis. This design dramatically reduces field radiation that would normally interfere with the digital signal. This results in significantly increased signal-to-noise figures with greater accuracy and detail.
High Definition Compatible Digital® (HDCD®)
(AVR 7000, FL 8450 & FL 8370)
HDCD overcomes the limitations of the CD.
When the original "Red Book" CD standard was developed, many musical purists and some sound engineers felt that the 16-bit words and 44. 1 kHz sampling rate was limiting the integrity of the original recording session by losing some information. These limitations are overcome in new, higher resolution formats such as DVD Audio and Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD). However, these new technologies are still expensive and it will be a number of years before they'll be featured on a wide array of CD titles. In today's marketplace, High Definition Compatible Digital (HDCD) is the most recognized way to overcome the deficiencies of standard CDs.
The benefits.
HDCD is a sophisticated 20-bit encode/decode process that captures and stores extra data on a standard CD to deliver higher resolution. The digital master recording, with all of the ambience and harmonics of the original recording session, is fed into a professional HDCD encoder, and this CD-compatible data is carried through to the CDs you purchase. And Harman Kardon incorporates in its DVD 5 the same AKM 96kHz/24-bit DACs used in the CDR 2 and the AVR 7000. In addition, Harman Kardon uses high resolution, 10-bit video DACs for crystal-clear video performance. Well, the DVD 5 plays CDs and CD-RW discs as well as DVDs (after all, there's more to life than just movie marathons!). This means that the DVD 5 is ready to be the heart of a complete home-theater and music-entertainment system. The DVD 5 also offers optical, coaxial and analog output connections, allowing it to interface with any system, while offering composite-video, S-video and component-video outputs for the best in video performance.
Why is component video important?
You're only as good as your weakest link. Unfortunately, not all video connections are the same and not every TV has the same video connections. So, the DVD 5 offers all three connection types: composite, S and component, making it universal. Of these three, however, component video offers the very best in video performance. This is accomplished by separating the video signal into separate luminance and color-difference signals, and transmitting them through three separate, shielded cables. This, in turn, delivers the most accurate, distortion-free signal to the television, allowing your customer to tap into the awesome video capabilities of the DVD 5.
AKM 96kHz/24-Bit D/A Converters
(AVR 7000, CDR 2 & DVD 5)
Asahi Kasei Microsystems, Inc. [. . . ] This, in turn, delivers the most accurate, distortion-free signal to the television, allowing your customer to tap into the awesome video capabilities of the DVD 5.
AKM 96kHz/24-Bit D/A Converters
(AVR 7000, CDR 2 & DVD 5)
Asahi Kasei Microsystems, Inc. (AKM), has developed the audio industry's most dynamic and ultraquiet digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The AKM DACs used in Harman Kardon's products feature a dynamic range up to 120dB, twice as much as the previous generation of DACs. All this translates into exceptional sound quality with wide dynamic range from your music CDs and DVD movies, or any other digital source. [. . . ]