HK AVR354 Issue - No display

[Faustblix]

The issue I've been having has been for some time now. Unfortunately after relocating a few times, I don't even have the receipt anymore for the receiver.

I can't get any Video Outs to work - ANY.

...and awesomely... with no video out... you have no AVR menu to adjust audio settings. ... I think she's kaput.

My questions are if anyone's encountered this or heard of it being a known issue?

Does video processing typically rely on an independent fuse in receivers?

If not a fuse replacement, when this occurs to most receivers, what is the cause and are you generally 'done for' when outside of warranty?

Really hope to hear from you guys. Money is tight and if I'd really like to repair rather than replace - so I can save for a better replacement when the time comes.

With lots of respect,

Faust

[Faustblix]

Wow, 142 views, nobody? ...pretty brutal community.

[Adam]

I just saw this, but probably like the other folks who saw it earlier, I have no suggestions. I'm just writing so that we seem less "brutal."

[Alex2507]

... with no video out... you have no AVR menu to adjust audio settings. ...

I know that on the older 30 and 35 series you could adjust the channel settings using just the remote and the rec'r's front panel display. Hopefully they didn't do away with that in subsequent models like yours.

[M Code]

When all else fails..
Try a Processor Reset...

Just my $0.02...

[Faustblix]

Yeah, I went with a processor reset for sure... as well as a reset of all default settings I believe. Hard to tell given the limited info the AVR's display shows. Luckily... default settings keep an optical-in on one of the sources... really murders me for balancing the audio for the room without menus.

Thanks Adam for opening it up

Don't suppose we have resident techs here familiar with HK hardware architecture eh?

...going to be fun explaining to the woman why I need to drop 1.4k on a new box lol. There's a thread needs making... "How to convince your spouse you need a new AVR".

Thanks guys. Hope to hear back.

[M Code]

Yeah, I went with a processor reset for sure... as well as a reset of all default settings I believe. Hard to tell given the limited info the AVR's display shows. Luckily... default settings keep an optical-in on one of the sources... really murders me for balancing the audio for the room without menus.

Thanks Adam for opening it up

Don't suppose we have resident techs here familiar with HK hardware architecture eh?

...going to be fun explaining to the woman why I need to drop 1.4k on a new box lol. There's a thread needs making... "How to convince your spouse you need a new AVR".

Thanks guys. Hope to hear back.

HK AVRs use a slip-in ribbon connector for connecting various circuit boards. Once the cover is open and the AC line is unplugged..
You mite want to check these for each board as they can slip out over time..
They simply slide in...

Just my $0.02..

[smurphy522]

I'm guessing you have tried this (from page 35 of the manual):
"Make sure that you have connected a video display to one of the video
monitor outputs on the receiver. When you turn on your display and the
AVR, if the display is connected to the AVR via an analog video (composite,
S-video or component) connection, you may see a plain black
screen. If that happens, press the front-panel Resolution Button, and the
current video output resolution will appear in the Message Display. Use
the ⁄Button to change it to 480i, which should be compatible with all
video displays, then press the OK Button to select the new setting. You
will be prompted to accept or cancel the change; the CANCEL message
will appear on the front panel. Press the ĪButton to view the ACCEPT
option, and then press the OK Button to complete the change to the output
resolution. The Main Menu should appear when you press the AVR
Settings Button on the remote, or the AVR Button on the front panel."

This should reset all of the video stuff - as should a processor reset I suppose. Anyway you should try to connect via an analog signal and just pass it through which this reset scenario assures. Best of luck!

[Ac3d]

Hey man, don't know if your still interested......I have the same issue. AVR354 video processor quit, and no longer outputs any video. If I switch to AM/FM it works fine and gives me audio. My TV's HDMI works fine with all sources in the HDMI1 and 2 ports. The tv won't pick up any HDMI signal, or composite, from the receiver. I was playing CS through my HTPC when it just quit out of the blue. It's had issues for a long time, where I have to switch between inputs, or power cycle the device to get it to pick up inputs. I've never had an issue with the device output going out altogether though. (I know this because I can access the on screen AVR menu).

I'm a tech, so I didn't have an issue digging into it. After I tried the basic troubleshooting, factory reset, discharged the unit, etc, I pulled the case cover and the video processor is literally the very top board. I removed it. It wasn't burnt. No visable signs of damage, but it's impossible to see if a chip is burnt. I didn't (or don't) think that was the issue. I then found this nifty little service bulletin which says the HDMI will go out if this faulty POS fuse blows.......

Add a "w" to this URL.
ww.harmankardon.com/resources/Brands/harmankardon/Products/ProductRelatedDocuments/en-US/ServiceBulletin/AVR254,%20AVR354,%20AVR255,%20AVR355-hk2008-03rev1.pdf[/url]

I'm going to put my money on it being the fuse/jumper in both yours and mine. I'll let you know if this fix works.... Looks like I"m busting out the soldering iron boys. The PDF says, "Note: RoHS-rated* soldering equipment will be required." LOL I'm sure you need an RoHS-rated soldering iron or this fix won't work said nobody to no one ever...rofl





Side note, if you have Comcast cable, you have to modify the video output of your Comcast cable box to get this receiver to pick it up. Comcast tech support didn't know how to get into that menu and I had to find the option online. Royal pain in the comcrapper. I went through 3 cable boxes before I found one that played nice with the AVR354.

I know this isn't a review, but after all the issues I've had with this, it'll be my last Harman Kardon product. 2 HK receivers, and 1 set of HK speakers later...and I've now learned my lesson.

[Ac3d]

I de-soldered and replaced the two 2.5 amp fuses with two 3.15 amp fuses that I was able to order from India... (cough) I mean Harman/Kardon (about 7-8 bucks with shipping). I then soldered the jumper cable in place. It worked like a charm. It fired right up. One word of advise.... Per the directions, do not remove the transformer assembly. I didn't listen, and it was a ***** to put back in, and I work on stuff like this often. The two fuses can be de-soldered from the side without removing that assembly. I'm irritated I had to deal with this, but I will give Harman/Kardon kudos for not hiding the fix from public view like some manufacturers.

I have pictures and a small vid. If I get more energetic I'll upload them.