Surround Sound Separates Made Easy

Remote Controls

The RCP 2 system remote control is learning capable and has built-in codes for most other manufacturers' equipment. It also has Macro capability, a feature that outputs several commands with the touch of one button. Some keys are back-lit for easy viewing in a dark room. The remote control is mostly intuitive and can be customized to accomodate users’ needs.

For example, if you are controlling the DVD player, the default programming requires you to press the “AVR” button on the remote before the receiver volume can be adjusted. This functionality (and other aspects of the remote’s operation) can be reprogrammed, enabling the volume commands to be used to adjust the volume of the receiver even when the remote was set to operate the DVD player. The Zone 2 remote control includes commands for power on/off, volume, source selection, AM/FM tuning, and basic DVD player functions.

Video Quality

The quality of the video switching in the AVR 335 was excellent, with no apparent deterioration of picture quality. Colors were distinct and contrast was excellent. The receiver has composite, S-video, and component video inputs with one output for each, but  does not offer video conversion or transcoding from one type to another. While partially a picture quality issue, it also means that multiple video connections from the receiver to the television might be necessary based on the video outputs of the components in your system.

Conclusion

The Harman Kardon CP 35 is a highquality home theater system worthy of consideration. It offers competitive audio and video performance, although it does not have all of the features that some systems or separate components might offer; i.e., it does not support automatic system equalization (which could help if you have an "acoustically challenged" listening room), multiroom video, or SACD playback. But are these features actually important to you? If not, consider the CP 35. It's a simple, solid performerone not laden with tons of features that you may not even use.