Does anyone have a Harman Kardon AVR-354?

[BillBauman]

If you have this receiver and have used its HDMI inputs, can you please let me know?

[powerwindow]

I can't recall if I have the 354 or 355 and I'm not at home to check. However, I can let you know regardless of which one I have, I am using the HDMI inputs and output. I have an OPPO BDP -83 and a Dish VIP 722 both going HDMI for audio/video to HK. No problems. I am, however, using an external DAC for Redbook CD's on the Oppo going RCA to the 7.1 inputs on the HK.
That being said everything seems to work well.
I am following the UMC status as I'm on preorder and currently using the HK just for pre/pro duties and even at that the thing gets extremely HOT. I have paid closer attention to audio drop outs w/ all those reported w/ the UMC and in fact do notice a very, very slight drop if FF recorded DVR material. I don't think I ever was aware of it until the reports associated w/ the UMC. Seems like what I have noticed is what Lonnie and folks anticipated w/ the UMC, but others and yourself included, have experienced longer dropouts than is acceptable. I could live w/ what I currently experience; however, I'm not as excited about the UMC as I was originally. I don't think I would experience dropouts w/ CD playback because I would utilize the same setup I have currently running RCA's to the UMC's 7.1 inputs bypassing the Cirrus chip. However, the few SACD's I tried to play using HDMI would probably be affected and it seems a shame that a "more advanced" processor and chip would lose the begining of songs on a CD/SACD. Very poor design it seems.
Anyway, sorry to write such a lengthy reply to a simple question. I'll keep watching all of your trials w/ the UMC and keep my fingers crossed for a positive outcome. I have waited some time to go separates and was encouraged by the reports of the UMC's SQ. They just need to iron out some of these quirks.
Sips

[2muchht]

I've got an AVR 3550HD, which I believe is very similar to the AVR 354. Use the HDMI inputs for a TivoHD, Vudu and PS3 (original 60GB fat) and have no problems with acquisition/lock time if that is what you are looking for. If not, what can I do for you?

[moe]

I have a 354,and it's works slightly better than the UMC.It can't even get close to the musicality of the UMC,and HK is my favorite mass mrkt avr for music.It is slightly quirky but things that are minor don't bother me,I care mostly about sound quality.I do use all the hdmi inputs and 1 component,and after a second or two everything switches and works.I sold my Onkyo 805 and replaced it with the HK,I consider it a big step up in musicality and it sounds about as powerful despite a big difference in stated power.