...
When I power on the unit it goes through its several second POST, and when it comes full-on I am greeted by a loud SNAP in all channels.
....UPDATE:
see post 2257

Hello.
Newbie to the forum.
Got a 3806 about a month ago, just set it up for radio because I was waiting to move into a new house...
Now I'm in and tried to begin the setup last night. Just hooked up front speakers and a subwoofer (and the microphone) and tried to run the auto setup. When I hit start, it just goes back to the Auto Setup/Room EQ menu. No test tones, nothing.
Tried rebooting the microprocessor, no luck.
I know you can do all the settings manually, but people said they had good luck with the auto setup, so I wanted to give it a try...
Thanks in advance for any advice...

Does it work with only 3 speakers?

...
Just hooked up front speakers and a subwoofer (and the microphone) and tried to run the auto setup. When I hit start, it just goes back to the Auto Setup/Room EQ menu. No test tones, nothing.
...Yeah, it's bit goofy. Are you doing it with a monitor attached? It's much easier IMO.
The manual helps too - if you don't have it printed it's here:
http://usa.denon.com/AVR3806DFU.pdf

(from memory)
You need to run the setup in multiple locations then "calculate" the values. The book says to do it in a minimum of 6, but I did mine in 3 and it's fine.

They make NO suggestion on where to have the volume. I suggest whatever you plan to play at "loud" levels to you....

You want the room quiet (I had a back door open and it severely skewed the results).

You want the mic at your main listening position to start. At ear level if possible. It has a screw base that fits a standard camera tripod mount. I put mine on a monopod to make it a bit faster.

Go to the setup menu - you will see the left arrow next to start test - you need to hit the left arrow on the remote or front panel (goofy, but that's the missing point). The tones will start to go around the room. There will be an unbearably long silence while it checks the speakers that are not present - be patient.

It will come back to the stating menu eventually, now asking you to start the test from position 2. Move the mic and repeat the above.

After the 3rd testing location you will be presented with a "Calculate" option. You can calculate at this point or, if you have nothing better to do, continue to test a foot down on your couch.
When done, select calculate, wait another eternity, and it will complete. You will then have to MANUALLY save the settings in the menu!

Again, much easier on a monitor, but it can be done on the front panel.

In my case it set my front, center, and rear speaks to "small" and they should have all been "large". I dunno that you can manually set the speaker sizes and THEN run the setup, but it's what I'd try if I were you....

For a 2-speaker setup I'd grab a tape measure and set it manually - you'll be able to listen to Iron Maiden's "Piece of Mind" in its entirety before the auto setup is done.

HTH
Don

I have a 3806 running compnent to a Sharp LCD. The component run is about 35-40 feet from another room. I seem to have syncing issues when programs switch to a commercial or have alot of flashing acitvity in a scene. Is resyncs then is ok until a commercial break or heavy action occurs again.

This occurs using either my HR20-700 and Toshiba DVD.

Any ideas on how to solve it?

Need any additional technical info?

Fatrosen,

welcome to the forum!

Guess you're not using any HDMI cable, correct?

If so, go to the System Setup Menu, press 4. (Video Setup) and press
2. (Component In Assign). Re-check whether you've assigned the proper input (TV, for example). Now, on same window (Video Setup), press 3. (Video Convert). If any of the inputs are ON, change to OFF.

Try that out and return to us:)

Holy cow - I have to hop back in here and send mad props out the Patrick at DAKMart - he convinced Denon to repair my 3806 under warranty! It will come back with a new 90 day warranty as well.

I'm still not thrilled with Denons initial refusal, but I'm grateful that they kept an open mind and were willing to listen to one of their larger retailers and and "do the right thing".

ONE INTERESTING NOTE:
Denon support keeps a call log of EVERY incoming call. So, if you call for assistance from different numbers (as I did - from home, cell, and 2 office numbers) be sure to keep track of the numbers you've called from. One of the reasons Denon agreed to the repair was the fact that I had called numerous times since May on the issue and those calls were a matter of record.....

Hi Avliner,

Great advice!! All of the upconvert options were turned on. With them off, there has been a major imrovment. I'm not quite out of the woods yet, but the system is sooo watchable now.

I left the V.Aux to upconvert as I do run my video cam through there as a composite in and need component out. Would leaving this upconvert on still effect the re-sync when watching DBS component in to component out to the TV?

I get the re-sync during large flashes, but it only happens once in a while now. Not nearly as much as when i had the upconvert on.

Any additional ideas to get rid of the re-sync completely?

Let me know what additional info you want about my hook-up. (you are correct on the all inputs being component..DVD/HR20)

Thanks,
Fatrosen

Hi, I need to know which is the best form to connect: an oppo DVD, The Denon 3806, and the LCD LG TV.
All off them has HDMI
I wish to see TV at 740p, listen DVDA and SACD for 3806.
Can I use HDMI cable only?
Which is the best setting? :confused:
Thanks so much. :)


PLease help ...:confused::confused:

Can anyone confirm if the 3806 can pass a 1080p 24hz signal via HDMI to the display?

Can anyone confirm if the 3806 can pass a 1080p 24hz signal via HDMI to the display?

It will....

I have a quick question...I am looking for a way to hook up a DVD recorder to sit in line between my receiver and my TV. Is there a DVD recorder out there that will accept HDMI in and Ouputs to HDMI? Will it always be bypassed? Or would I always have to have it on? Is there any worries of pictures quality loss by doing this?

Any help is greatly appriciated, thanks

Has anyone had luck with this combination? The HDMI out works from the receiver to TV (I can read the onscreen menus), and the DVR -> TV works fine. But, DVR -> 3806 -> TV does not seem to work.

I have assigned the HDMI video input.

It works with the component input.

The DirecTV HD DVR is a model HR20-100S.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Has anyone had luck with this combination? The HDMI out works from the receiver to TV (I can read the onscreen menus), and the DVR -> TV works fine. But, DVR -> 3806 -> TV does not seem to work.

I have assigned the HDMI video input.

It works with the component input.

The DirecTV HD DVR is a model HR20-100S.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Some DVR's aren't compatable with the 3806. My last Motorolla wasn't compatable through HDMI. Maybe thats the cause.

Some DVR's aren't compatable with the 3806. My last Motorola wasn't compatible through HDMI. Maybe that's the cause.
That is, indeed, the case and it's not the receiver's fault. I just switched from the DirecTV HR10-250 Tivo which only worked through my '3806 via component connection and out through an HDMI/DVI cable to my TV. With my new HR20, though, I'm running HDMI through the '3806 without any problem.:)
BTW, I'm thinking of upgrading to the AVR 3808CI. If anyone's interested in a slightly used, well-running AVR 3806, see my ad on Videogon.

Good Evening All:

I have a probelm all of a sudden with my DVD after 8 months...

Set Up

3806 to TV HDMI
TV to 3806 Component from Comcast Box
DVD to 3806 Component
Audio for both Optical

TV works fine
DVD Audio works fine....NO VIDEO

Tried a different DVD player...same problem...Looked through the setup no changes there.

The only thing I can see is that the audio cable looks broke from the DVD befroe it get to the 3806....Light about 4 inches before the 3806. Not the same on the TV optical cable.

I was going to chang e the optical cable but don't want to spend the money yet...Could this be the problem...Help please.


Thanks!!!!!

I am about to upgrade speakers to Monitor Audio's RS8's.
My net research is showing them to be a bit power hungry, so now I am hoping my Denon 3806 is big enough to drive these things.

Anyone using a similar setup?

I am about to upgrade speakers to Monitor Audio's RS8's.
My net research is showing them to be a bit power hungry, so now I am hoping my Denon 3806 is big enough to drive these things.

Anyone using a similar setup?

I had a similar setup a few months back. The 3806 is more than capable of handling my RS8 5.1 setup at ridiculous levels. The only time the 3806 clipped was when trying to drive electrostats. I strongly advise 12 ga wire though. It seemed to work better than my 16 ga wire at the same lengths.

I had a similar setup a few months back. The 3806 is more than capable of handling my RS8 5.1 setup at ridiculous levels. The only time the 3806 clipped was when trying to drive electrostats. I strongly advise 12 ga wire though. It seemed to work better than my 16 ga wire at the same lengths.

That is exactly what I was hoping to hear!
Thanks for the input.
J

Here is my problem I have the Denon 3806 hooked up to a Panasonic Plasma and DirecTV HR20 and everything was hooked up by a professional in other words that's his line of business anyway because of the Surround Sound we never use the Volume on the TV it's self so when you turn it up there is no volume at all so I just figured it was the TV and I didn't want to take it down because it had just been professionally Calibrated so I didn't want the picture to be moved around and knock out the Calibration anyway so now I just bought another 3806 for downstairs you know if you have one and you need another your not going with anything else because the 3806 is off the hook well I just had a Samsung TV the Denon 3806 and the HR20 all hooked up and now this TV is not working either. I mean the TV sound itself at night my wife is complaining about the base from the Surround Sound at night so I'm trying to get the TV sound back has anyone else had this problem. This 3806 replaced a Denon 3805 and the TV did work so it has to be a hand shake issue some where between the Denon and the HR20 if someone could help me out I would really appreciate it. When I say the TV don't work all I mean is the sound it self is not working.

After writing everything that I just wrote above I went above and read and it seems that not all DVR"s work with the Denon 3806. That must be the case with this because I have DirecTV as my main box but if you switch inputs you go to Comcast that is ran right into the TV and then ran into a Replay TV DVR and the sound works no problem so it must be the HR20 from DirecTV that causes me to get no sound from my TV when it's on DirecTV. So sorry for taking anyones time with this if you have had this problem and we're able to fix it please share with me I would really appreciate it.

A sentence can be a wonderful thing. ;)

I've got a problem which I just can't seem to solve.

WED night I got my new Panny BD-10a blu-ray player.

I got it all hooked up via the 7.1 analogs & I am getting sound out of only 2 channels; the fronts.

I've done everything everyone has said in the Panny menu :

HDMI Audio : OFF
PCM Downmix : OFF
All sound codecs : PCM
Speakers : set to LARGE

I'm at a total loss here. It's either so simple, I've just missed, or I'm beginning to think I've either a defective Denon 3806 or Panny BD-10a.

Can anyone help me out plz? thx for listening

About that sentence you certainly are right. I'm so glad we got guy's like you that can post 15,550 messages and that's all you can come up with. Thanks

;) (wink) :)

I've got a problem which I just can't seem to solve.

WED night I got my new Panny BD-10a blu-ray player.

I got it all hooked up via the 7.1 analogs & I am getting sound out of only 2 channels; the fronts.

I've done everything everyone has said in the Panny menu :

HDMI Audio : OFF
PCM Downmix : OFF
All sound codecs : PCM
Speakers : set to LARGE

I'm at a total loss here. It's either so simple, I've just missed, or I'm beginning to think I've either a defective Denon 3806 or Panny BD-10a.

Can anyone help me out plz? thx for listening

Lets start all over...
Exactly what else do you have connected to it (I recall an HDMI switcher), and what happens when you use HDMI?

I've got the Panny BD-10a connected to the Denon 3806 via 7.1 analogs. I also have a Co-Ax cable hooked up to make sure we could get sound to all speakers via the Co-Ax, & the sound was fine. I've got the HDMI cable connected to the 4:1 switcher which then goes to the projector thru the ceiling.

Video comes thru perfectly.

Sound is another issue. I'm getting only 2 channels. No matter what I've tried, I can't get 7.1 channels thru the Ext-In.

you really don't need instructions (famous last words). I will tell you what kicked my rear end is that i could not get a serial to USB device working with my thinkpad. I tried two high quality USB to serial devices/cables including Belkin and IOGEAR. Good thing my neighbor had an old laptop with a good old fashioned DB9. I really wonder what Denon is thinking. I noticed many other people on this board having the same challenge with USB devices.

I also really under estimated what a pain in the neck it was to reprogram my rather complex setup after the flash upgrade... i thought i could wing it... 2.5 hours later i am back up and running.

I also really under estimated what a pain in the neck it was to reprogram my rather complex setup after the flash upgrade... i thought i could wing it... 2.5 hours later i am back up and running.

For those who have the serial connection working without problem the set-up tool on this site can be quite helpful for backing up and restoring your settings:

http://www.audioproducts.com.au/APGNZEnduser/ShowProducts.aspx?pid=AVR3806BK&type=2

I am new here and hoping for some help. I get a huge variation in volume between different types of broadcasts. When switching between channels you can see the receiver reacting to the different broadcasts and surround settings. When it does it flashes an offset specifically for surround certain receptions. The Offset is -3 and sometimes -7. This is only making the volume differences that much worse. Now if I can figure out how to adjust the offset of volume for each broadcast detected, i would be set. Can someone help me out here.

For information purposes I am running the 3806 with the Pioneer Elite 50 and Dish DVR all via HDMI connects and 7.1 surround.

Yes I am new here as i just found this site. I have a lot of reading to do...

Thanks in advance for your help.

Tom

I am new here and hoping for some help. I get a huge variation in volume between different types of broadcasts. When switching between channels you can see the receiver reacting to the different broadcasts and surround settings. When it does it flashes an offset specifically for surround certain receptions. The Offset is -3 and sometimes -7. This is only making the volume differences that much worse. Now if I can figure out how to adjust the offset of volume for each broadcast detected, i would be set. Can someone help me out here.

For information purposes I am running the 3806 with the Pioneer Elite 50 and Dish DVR all via HDMI connects and 7.1 surround.

Yes I am new here as i just found this site. I have a lot of reading to do...

Thanks in advance for your help.

Tom

I am also running a Dish DVR, the 622 model with an optical jack to the Denon 3806. Very recently (on NBC broadcasts especially) I have noticed that commercial volume will go up and down. It seems like the center channel just drops off, then comes back. I thought it was because of something weird with recorded material since I rarely watch anything live.

I am interested to see if any one else has the same issues. I didn't notice this until just a couple weeks ago. Been hooked up nearly a year without a problem.

Curious why you are running optical instead of HDMI?


I am also running a Dish DVR, the 622 model with an optical jack to the Denon 3806. Very recently (on NBC broadcasts especially) I have noticed that commercial volume will go up and down. It seems like the center channel just drops off, then comes back. I thought it was because of something weird with recorded material since I rarely watch anything live.

I am interested to see if any one else has the same issues. I didn't notice this until just a couple weeks ago. Been hooked up nearly a year without a problem.

Curious why you are running optical instead of HDMI?

HDMI #1 - Playstation 3
HDMI #2 - HD-DVD Player

(Yes, I'm one of those guys that has to have all the new crap..aka "media whore")
The Denon has also has an Xbox 360, Wii, Dish DVR, and a Media center PC tied into it.

Question for you all that have the 3806. I just got it off of ebay, and while I'm pleased with it, when I set my Pioneer bdp-94hd to 1080/24fps, my projector shows 1080/60hz. Does the 3806 pass 24fps? I have not done the firmware update yet. Does the firmware correct this? Thanks!

I have a question for anyone who has a Denon 3806 and a DirecTV HR20 I have two Denon 3806 both of them are hooked up to HR20's different TV's same HD DVD players same everything and my TV down stairs if you switch inputs it goes to Comcast and that's ran in to a RePlayTV DVR and the TV sound works fine so here is my question does your TV sound system work without the Surround Sound turned on through your DirecTV HR20 because no matter what we do we can not get get sound with DirecTV.
Thanks in advance for any answers you can give me.

I have just bought a Denon AVR 3806 and a Denon DVD 3910 and Pioneeer 42"plasma and am at breaking point......please help.

I am trying to do a simple
HDMI (DVD) >HDMI(AVR) >HDMI (TV)

* To explain the DVD works fine going into the TV through the HDMI (sound and picture)
* The AVR displays the on screen display through the HDMI
* I have the HDMI In Assign on the DVD to HDMI 1 (and it is connected there)
* I have the sound on amp
*I have the component in set to 1-RCA (now when i am in set up mode and press enter on this with the DVD playing the surround sound kicks in and i can hear the film perfectly through all 5 channels, but when i exit the set up i lose this and it says (DVD (and under this) EXT.IN) and I have no sound or picture
* i have the HDMI Out setup "analog to HDMI convert" off

Any ideas?

I have never had a picture from the DVD through the AVR but know the DVD HDMI output is fine and the sound works great when in the setup mode. Please help and sorry if it is a boring question seeing as this AVR and DVD is so old.

Thanks

Graham

I have a question for anyone who has a Denon 3806 and a DirecTV HR20 I have two Denon 3806 both of them are hooked up to HR20's different TV's same HD DVD players same everything and my TV down stairs if you switch inputs it goes to Comcast and that's ran in to a RePlayTV DVR and the TV sound works fine so here is my question does your TV sound system work without the Surround Sound turned on through your DirecTV HR20 because no matter what we do we can not get get sound with DirecTV.
Thanks in advance for any answers you can give me.
I'd like to be able to help you since I have the same two components and everything's working fine together. However, your question is difficult to understand as it's all one long sentence of about 100 words. Please condense and clarify.

I'd like to be able to help you since I have the same two components and every thing's working fine together. However, your question is difficult to understand as it's all one long sentence of about 100 words. Please condense and clarify.

I don't see why it would be so hard to understand the Volume on my TV does not work on either TV in my house unless the Surround Sound is on. Neither TV works through the DirecTV HR20's because like I said on my TV down stairs it has Comcast also and when I switch inputs the TV plays with sound and without the Surround Sound on. So it has to be the HR20 from DirecTV.
Both systems run through the Denon 3806

I am also running a Dish DVR, the 622 model with an optical jack to the Denon 3806. Very recently (on NBC broadcasts especially) I have noticed that commercial volume will go up and down. It seems like the center channel just drops off, then comes back. I thought it was because of something weird with recorded material since I rarely watch anything live.

I am interested to see if any one else has the same issues. I didn't notice this until just a couple weeks ago. Been hooked up nearly a year without a problem.
I'm having the same surround sound problems with a DirecTV HR20 and Denon 3803 using an optical connection. The center channel cuts in/out, volume varies even within a single broadcast. This seems to be more the Denon than the PVR. Has anyone else seen/solved this one?

I'm having the same surround sound problems with a DirecTV HR20 and Denon 3803 using an optical connection. The center channel cuts in/out, volume varies even within a single broadcast. This seems to be more the Denon than the PVR. Has anyone else seen/solved this one?

I learned that this was an NBC specific problem last week. The signal was messed up on thier end so it didn't matter if you had comcast, dish, whatever.... Problem is gone on my end except for the occaisional commercial.
J

I cannot figure out how to set up 5 channel setup while bi amping my B&W 600's. Can one of you help me out ? I know this unit can be BI Amped it says so in the manual but its not clear.
Thanks

Would someone please give me the telephone number of Denon Tech support
I see referances here to someone but can't find a telephone number
Thanks

Can the 3806 take 1080p in fom component?

I cannot figure out how to set up 5 channel setup while bi amping my B&W 600's. Can one of you help me out ? I know this unit can be BI Amped it says so in the manual but its not clear.
Thanks

I'm currently bi-amping my fronts with the AVR-3805 using the procedure outlined in the Audioholics review. I'm assuming the AVR-3806 procedure would be almost identical.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/denon-avr-3805/avr-3806-first-impressions

Can someone please confirm that the HDMI input for the AVR-3806 can receive a decoded LPCM 5.1 HD DD+ and DD True HD stream?

Can it also accept DD and DTS bit streams for decoding within the receiver?

I'm looking upgrading from a 3805 specifically for this capability and am still seeking an option that will export the above mentioned from an HTPC.

Can someone please confirm that the HDMI input for the AVR-3806 can receive a decoded LPCM 5.1 HD DD+ and DD True HD stream?

Can it also accept DD and DTS bit streams for decoding within the receiver?

I'm looking upgrading from a 3805 specifically for this capability and am still seeking an option that will export the above mentioned from an HTPC.

Yes and yes!

I send it PCM from my BD player and it works flawlessly.(up to 7.1)

Yes and yes!

I send it PCM from my BD player and it works flawlessly.(up to 7.1)
Are you sure? Then, why is the newer AVR 3808CI touted for its HDMI 1.3a capability, which is what's needed to decode DolbyTrueHD and the other newer codecs when sent over HDMI?:confused:
I do understand, unless someone tells me otherwise, that the 3806 is capable of receiving those formats when decoded by the player and sent over the multi-channel analogue inputs.

Are you sure? Then, why is the newer AVR 3808CI touted for its HDMI 1.3a capability, which is what's needed to decode DolbyTrueHD and the other newer codecs when sent over HDMI?:confused:
I do understand, unless someone tells me otherwise, that the 3806 is capable of receiving those formats when decoded by the player and sent over the multi-channel analogue inputs.

You need 1.3 only when you are sending bitstream from the player to the receiver, where it is than decoded(by one of those new receivers).
If you decode it first at the player(to PCM), you can then send it via HDMI(1.1 I think) to the receiver.
You just have to make sure your receiver can handle 5.1 PCM or more via HDMI. This Denon can. However, older 3806's need a firmware upgrade in order to get 7.1 PCM.

I have the Denon 3806 and at night I hook up ADVENT wireless headphones so it don't wake up my wife. But after about an hour or so they just stop working I can't get no sound so does anyone know if it could be some kind of setting in the receiver like a sleeper mode or something like that that would be shutting it off. Any help would be appreciated.

You need 1.3 only when you are sending bitstream from the player to the receiver, where it is than decoded(by one of those new receivers).
If you decode it first at the player(to PCM), you can then send it via HDMI(1.1 I think) to the receiver.
You just have to make sure your receiver can handle 5.1 PCM or more via HDMI. This Denon can. However, older 3806's need a firmware upgrade in order to get 7.1 PCM.
Thanks. First, how do you know if your player can decode those formats to PCM? Wouldn't it be better to use multi-channel analogue external inputs for get the "original" codec, e.g., DolbyTrueHD from the player, rather than having it converted into PCM?

Thanks. First, how do you know if your player can decode those formats to PCM? Wouldn't it be better to use multi-channel analogue external inputs for get the "original" codec, e.g., DolbyTrueHD from the player, rather than having it converted into PCM?

Look at the specs on your player. Mine decodes everything except DTS masters(none do yet!).

HDMI is the ideal way to send it. The 3806 will then be able to apply bass management, IIX processing etc... Analog inputs wont let you do any of that!

Where do you get the firmware upgrade? I have a 3806 and checked Denon's site but found nothing as far as updates for the 3806, there are updates for other models but not the 3806. Thanks.



You need 1.3 only when you are sending bitstream from the player to the receiver, where it is than decoded(by one of those new receivers).
If you decode it first at the player(to PCM), you can then send it via HDMI(1.1 I think) to the receiver.
You just have to make sure your receiver can handle 5.1 PCM or more via HDMI. This Denon can. However, older 3806's need a firmware upgrade in order to get 7.1 PCM.

Search this thread, mine was already current(yours might be too!).

I'm seriously considering picking one of these up used for my HT. I plan to get a pair of Onix Reference 1 Monitors and a Reference 100 center. I have a pair of Infinity RS1 bookshelf monitors I can use for surrounds. Not sure about sub yet.

how will this receiver do with the 4ohm/88db sensitivity rating of the onix reference speakers?

Look at the specs on your player. Mine decodes everything except DTS masters(none do yet!).

HDMI is the ideal way to send it. The 3806 will then be able to apply bass management, IIX processing etc... Analog inputs wont let you do any of that!

True enough and I want to upgrade from my AVR-3805 to the 3806 for this very purpose.

However, there are no solutions for decoding and outputting DD+ and TrueHD for the home computer yet.

Hopefully soon..... but not today. If anyone here's of this, please let us all know. I know it's a bit off topic, but I'm getting desparate for a solution.

I have now identified a solution for getting decoded DD+/TrueHD out of my HTPC to the 3806 in multi-channel LPCM format.

However, there are some known issues on certain receivers and I really need a confirmation from someone that this will work from a PC on the 3806.

Here's the issue with PC based solutions as opposed to HD and BD players:
"There are some known quirks already which may or may not get resolved soon-- there's no way to force HDMI audio of 8-channels if your receiver has a malformed EDID and claims to only support 2 (most HD DVD and Blu-ray players ignore the EDID problems and just force 8-channels if you select it, assuming you know what you are doing)."

So only trial and error is going to ensure this works with the Denon AVR-3806. Hopefully somebody out there has tried this before.

It is my understanding form reading this thread that by using a HDMI/HDMI cable from my Samsung BD-P1400 (latest firmware) and my Toshiba HD-A30 (latest firmware) I can get 1080p@26.98 in and 1080P@23.98 out without changing anything in the video stream, just a pass though. But the 3806 will take care of all the new HD and BD audio formats and send them to my Onkyo 6.1 speakers or my Ultrasone HFI-700 headphone. From the 3806 i use a HDMI/DVI v cable to my Lumagen HDP and from there i use a DVI/HDMI to my Pioneer pdp-5010fd TV.
Thanks.

All,

Just updated the firmware in my 3806 (bought Apr 2006) and thought I would quote a couple of other posts just to consolidate some info for people who are just coming to the thread.

It was a very simple procedure, the only problem being that I had to find a computer with a serial port! Since I own Mac computers, I had to borrow a Windows laptop.

1. Download file below
2. Decompress the file (look for a .rar extractor online).
3. There a two files: german language .pdf and an .exe file.
4. Double click the .exe file and it will install and put a shortcut on your desktop.
5. Run the program from the icon on the desktop and you are back in English for the rest of the procedure.
6. It will turn your 3806 off and then back on, updating in three phases, with the third being the longest.
7. It will take about 10-15 min.
8. You will soon be finished and enjoying 7.1 PCM!

I used a standard serial cable from Radio Shack.

To check firmware:
1. Turn on amp
2. ON/STBY steady green
3. Press small on/off
4. Hold both STATUS and ROOM EQ while turning on
5. Release STATUS/ROOM EQ
6. Press STATUS for mode AVR
7. Press STATUS again.

Before update, mine was:

Main - 00.56
Sub - 00.42
DSP - 00.43

After update:

Main - 00.76
Sub - 00.56
DSP - 00.45

I would like to thank Dutchman01 and aaronwt for their links and informative posts throughout this thread. Hope this helps somebody.

Take care,

Jim

For all customers,

Here is the latest AVR-3806 firmware that is posted on the Europe Denon Support Site

Update's to MAIN 00.76 SUB 00.56 DSP 00.45
http://rapidshare.com/files/16593896/Firmware_3806.rar

It adds 7.1 pcm over HDMI and the Firmware is al in english.
unzip, instal and execute program, follow the screens.

UPDATE GOES TRUE THE RS-232 POORT (no other way)

Good luck Upgrading.
Use it at own risk. (Flashing is always a risk)

The 3806 does sound excellent with 7.1 PCM. Better than the 2807. I was apprehensive about doing the upgrade at first, but now that I hear the results, I'm glad I did it. It upgraded in three sections. The first two went very quickly but third section took a few minutes to finish. When you start the upgrade the first thing it does is go in what looks like standby mode where the power light turns red. It says something like reboot for upgrade on the screen. So don't be alarmed when it does that. And it stays that way throughout the update.

I need 3806 help again. :eek:

I've lost all sound from the R&L main speakers.

Problem solved. It was only the power switch being off on the external amp that drives the main speakers. It's the type of switch that dusting can cause to release into the off position. It's clear that I'm not very smart at 1:00AM when I was trying to figure out what was wrong.

I've lost all sound from the R&L main speakers and also from the sub. Mode is
set to "Auto" and the only thing that I know that I've changed is that a new
center channel speaker was connected yesterday, but I made no changes to the
3806. I'm not aware that any setting have been changed on the 3806.
I had the same problem and had to call the people who set my whole system up anyway it was just a button that had got pushed and I don't know how it got pushed but anyway all they did was push ( Denon 3806 Manual ) number 21 which if you open up the front of your receiver it is the first button next to the headphone jack to the right on the bottom well I hope it works for you.

I had the same problem and had to call the people who set my whole system up anyway it was just a button that had got pushed and I don't know how it got pushed but anyway all they did was push ( Denon 3806 Manual ) number 21 which if you open up the front of your receiver it is the first button next to the headphone jack to the right on the bottom well I hope it works for you.Thanks for your reply. :)

(NOTE: See my previous post for the solution.)

Number 21 is the "Input Mode" button, and I've already had that problem. :rolleyes:

The folks in this thread told me about it. In that case, all sound was missing because the "Mode" setting wasn't in "Auto". Your suggestion would have been perfect in that situation.

What I'm missing now is just the sound from the R&L front speakers. The "Input Mode" button is already set to "AUTO".

I have a Toshiba HD DVD player (XA2) firmware 2.7 1080p/24 enabled. I also have a Pioneer 6010 that accepts and displays 1080p/24 properly. When I play a HD DVD disc the display on the Pioneer only displays 1080p. I have posted this question on the Pioneer Plasma thread as well. I thought the 6010 should display 1080p/24.

I am thinking it may be the 3806 that is the problem as I am running both audio/video through the 3806 via HDMI. Does the fact that the Denon is HDMI 1.2 and the Toshiba and Pioneer is HDMI 1.3 causing the problem?

I have a Toshiba HD DVD player (XA2) firmware 2.7 1080p/24 enabled. I also have a Pioneer 6010 that accepts and displays 1080p/24 properly. When I play a HD DVD disc the display on the Pioneer only displays 1080p. I have posted this question on the Pioneer Plasma thread as well. I thought the 6010 should display 1080p/24.

I am thinking it may be the 3806 that is the problem as I am running both audio/video through the 3806 via HDMI. Does the fact that the Denon is HDMI 1.2 and the Toshiba and Pioneer is HDMI 1.3 causing the problem?

I hope not, cause Ive been waiting to pick up a BD player to send to my 1080/24 display.
Everything Ive ever read says it passes exactly whats there.
Hope Im not wrong!

I hope not, cause Ive been waiting to pick up a BD player to send to my 1080/24 display.
Everything Ive ever read says it passes exactly whats there.
Hope Im not wrong!

So do I:D It is probably user error.:D

I have the unfortunate curse of upgradeitus. Just looking for a excuse to upgrade to a 3808 Denon! Shamus do I see you on the blu forums or the HD DVD forums...name sounds familiar...regardless, your posts always have logicical thought.

When I tried it, 1080P24 through my 3806 worked fine.

When I tried it, 1080P24 through my 3806 worked fine.


aaronwt: thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

I got an HDMI splitter finally, and tried hooking it up tonight to my Denon 3806. I have 3 HDMI sources feeding the box, and the box outputting on channel A to the 3606.

Video goes through the receiver fine and out the video monitor channel just fine to the projector.

But sound is NOT coming through on any of the sources to the Speakers hanging off of the receiver. I thought maybe I would have to go in to each source and tell em to switch from Optical out to HDMI out. So I tried it on the PS3, and when I select HDMI audio out the PS3 tells me that its not legal to set that selection!

I have the HDMI set to the 'DBS' input and DBS set to look for HDMI audio in that setup option.

Any clues?

So do I:D It is probably user error.:D

I have the unfortunate curse of upgradeitus. Just looking for a excuse to upgrade to a 3808 Denon! Shamus do I see you on the blu forums or the HD DVD forums...name sounds familiar...regardless, your posts always have logicical thought.

Blu forum!:D
Did you try running the player directly to the TV?

Blu forum!:D
Did you try running the player directly to the TV?

Will try that on Turkey day. I will have plenty of time to get the cables bundled, cable maintenance time!

FWIW: I am a "red" guy but I forgive you anyway.:D

Seriously, thanks for taking the time and your input.

I got an HDMI splitter finally, and tried hooking it up tonight to my Denon 3806. I have 3 HDMI sources feeding the box, and the box outputting on channel A to the 3606.

Video goes through the receiver fine and out the video monitor channel just fine to the projector.

But sound is NOT coming through on any of the sources to the Speakers hanging off of the receiver. I thought maybe I would have to go in to each source and tell em to switch from Optical out to HDMI out. So I tried it on the PS3, and when I select HDMI audio out the PS3 tells me that its not legal to set that selection!

I have the HDMI set to the 'DBS' input and DBS set to look for HDMI audio in that setup option.

Any clues?

I've used several Monoprice and a Connectgear HDMI switches with my 3806 over the past year without any problems. I also used a Connectgear and Monoprice splitter on the output without any problems. Alot depends on tyhe components.

I'm having a problem with using headphones at night. I plug them in the front of my Denon 3806 and after awhile they stop working. I thought it was the set I had so I went to Tweeter and bought a new set and now there doing it also. It would almost seem like it was a sleeper mode but from what I'm looking at I can't seem to find out why it's happening. Can anyone help me out with any ideas?

I have a Toshiba HD DVD player (XA2) firmware 2.7 1080p/24 enabled. I also have a Pioneer 6010 that accepts and displays 1080p/24 properly. When I play a HD DVD disc the display on the Pioneer only displays 1080p. I have posted this question on the Pioneer Plasma thread as well. I thought the 6010 should display 1080p/24.

I am thinking it may be the 3806 that is the problem as I am running both audio/video through the 3806 via HDMI. Does the fact that the Denon is HDMI 1.2 and the Toshiba and Pioneer is HDMI 1.3 causing the problem?

With the HDMI inputs, the pioneer does not specifically indicate 1080p24 on the screen , but you can tell its getting 1080p24 because the cinema modes (standard,smooth, advanced) are selectable. When the pioneer gets 1080p60, the modes are greyed out.

I have both the PS3 and A30 providing 1080p24 through the 3806 to the pioneer display.

With the HDMI inputs, the pioneer does not specifically indicate 1080p24 on the screen , but you can tell its getting 1080p24 because the cinema modes (standard,smooth, advanced) are selectable. When the pioneer gets 1080p60, the modes are greyed out.

I have both the PS3 and A30 providing 1080p24 through the 3806 to the pioneer display.

Thank you. I am enjoying 1080p24 through my 3806 now. The only regret is that it should have at least 4 HDMI inputs and minimum 2 HDMI outputs. Technology marches on but I do love Denon. I can't find a reason to upgrade my 3806 yet, but I DO love to upgrade. :D Thank you again.

Hello everyone, I have been reading these forums for some time now and have gained a lot of info on this site, thanks. I have a Denon 3806 that I had to send in to get the HDMI repaired. A few months ago lightning struck near my house and knocked out my HDMI inputs on the receiver and my PS3. I had everything plugged in to my surge protector but the coax cable, which is where the surge went. It went through the HDMI in the cable box through to the receiver and PS3. Everything else worked on it except the HDMI, strange. Anyway when I sent it in I asked them to update the firmware to the newest and this is what I got. Main-00.56, Sub-00.56, Dsp-00.45. Seems weird to me that they did not update the Main. My old version was Main-00.56, Sub-00.42, Dsp-00.43. Any ideas as to why?

I've been searching around and find that this unit doesn't convert analog to HDMI. I hear that there are some firmware to fix some HDMI issue. Is this part of the issue that was address or is the 3806 just wouldn't do Analog to HDMI upconvert at all?

I have a Denon 3802, which is 4 years old, I watch movies, hear music using my Kef Q series ( 4 years old 65.2 mains, 55.2 surrounds, reference 100 (center), SVS PB ultra plus) setup and I am very pleased with my setup.

I was wondering, what's the normal lifetime of a receiver ? How do you know the receiver is failing ? The main reason, I even think about it is,

From time to time, my center speaker would sound weird, for most part it's great for music and movies, but when volume is high on the center for certain dialoges, it gets strained. As a result, I keep it a 1-2 db below the reference levels

I would like to know whether my center speaker is bad, is it a crossover problem, is it having problems in matching with my fronts, or is the denon 3802 having problems with the center channel, etc.

thanks for information!!

If it's my receiver, I am open for suggestions for a warm receiver in the 1000-1500$ tange

I've been searching around and find that this unit doesn't convert analog to HDMI. I hear that there are some firmware to fix some HDMI issue. Is this part of the issue that was address or is the 3806 just wouldn't do Analog to HDMI upconvert at all?
This is untrue. The AVR 3806 will convert analog video signals, i.e., composite, S-Video and component for HDMI output. What it does not do is "upscale" the signals beyond their respective native resolutions. That means, for example, that a 480i signal from a composite or S-Video cable will be the same resolution when converted and output through HDMI. A 1080 or 720 HD signal through component video cables will remain in HD when passed through HDMI.

This is untrue. The AVR 3806 will convert analog video signals, i.e., composite, S-Video and component for HDMI output. What it does not do is "upscale" the signals beyond their respective native resolutions. That means, for example, that a 480i signal from a composite or S-Video cable will be the same resolution when converted and output through HDMI. A 1080 or 720 HD signal through component video cables will remain in HD when passed through HDMI.

reason I asked is I have an HK-745 now that I'm about to return. It does everything I want except for 1 main thing. Playing 5 channel Stereo using optical inputs while my 3802 did thi snicely. The setup on the 745 is confusing. The upconverting of Analog to 1080i is not that great of a deal. After all I started to venture into HDMI is for the 1 cable solution from AV to my 1080p monitor.

Is the Faroudja upconverting worth an extra few hundred bucks for a higher end Denon? I watch all of my HD needs through my HTPC which also have HDMI outs.

I have a 3806 connected to my Panny 50" but I can't get the menu for the receiver to display on the set. They are connected via HDMI. I was under the impression that the 3806 would not pass 480i via HDMI. Is my assumption wrong? What may I be doing wrong and is there a fix?

Thanks.

This is untrue. The AVR 3806 will convert analog video signals, i.e., composite, S-Video and component for HDMI output. What it does not do is "upscale" the signals beyond their respective native resolutions. That means, for example, that a 480i signal from a composite or S-Video cable will be the same resolution when converted and output through HDMI. A 1080 or 720 HD signal through component video cables will remain in HD when passed through HDMI.

Is your set able to accept a 480i signal over HDMI? Some can't.

Is your set able to accept a 480i signal over HDMI? Some can't.


According to the owner's manual it will accept 480i over HDMI. The set is Panasonic TH-50PX6U.

I have a 3806 connected to my Panny 50" but I can't get the menu for the receiver to display on the set. They are connected via HDMI. I was under the impression that the 3806 would not pass 480i via HDMI. Is my assumption wrong? What may I be doing wrong and is there a fix?

Thanks.Are you referring to the 3806's setup menus?

I'm passing a 480i signal from our Toshiba A30 HD-DVD player via HDMI through the 3806 to a Pioneer PDP-6010FD Kuro with no difficulty.

I'm using the 3806's VCR01 S-Video connection to the Pioneer for the setup menus.

Hi guys,
I've bought 3806 a few days ago.It's good to see so much people have it!:)
I'm planning to use 3806 with my PC.My monitor is Samsung 940BW which has dvi input.How can i connect 3806 to my lcd monitor for displaying setings etc on monitor screen?Not just for displaying settings but also for watching films and everything...
Consider this is my first AVR, so everything is much complicated for now:rolleyes:
Thanks

Should it be this way? :

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/4f7c42fa7f.jpg

Are you referring to the 3806's setup menus?

I'm passing a 480i signal from our Toshiba A30 HD-DVD player via HDMI through the 3806 to a Pioneer PDP-6010FD Kuro with no difficulty.

I'm using the 3806's VCR01 S-Video connection to the Pioneer for the setup menus.

Yes, I'm referring the 3806 set up menu. I know I can use one of the other outputs (VCR or any of the s-video or composite out) but can the hdmi outs pass the set up menu to the display? My display says it can handle 480i via hmdi but I can't make that happen and am wondering if the 3806 is the problem.

Yes, I'm referring the 3806 set up menu. I know I can use one of the other outputs (VCR or any of the s-video or composite out) but can the hdmi outs pass the set up menu to the display? My display says it can handle 480i via hmdi but I can't make that happen and am wondering if the 3806 is the problem.

You have to enable it in the menu under video settings I think...

You have to enable it in the menu under video settings I think...


Not to ask a stupid question, but which menu are you referring to? The receiver's or the display's?

Not to ask a stupid question, but which menu are you referring to? The receiver's or the display's?

Receiver....check the manual.

Thanks Shamus, when all else fails read the manual. OSD now works as it should.

Thanks Shamus, when all else fails read the manual. OSD now works as it should.

Great!

I buy a 3806 today.
Im happy with the receiver;)

I have Samsung 1400 Blu Ray and Toshiba XA2, both via HDMI to 3806 and HDMI to LCD.
¿How configure the players?, ¿Bitstream or PCM audio out?...for PCM Uncompressed and Dolby True.

In the 3806 setup is Auto.

Thanks.

HTPC users need your help,

I recently upgraded my HTPC connected via DVI-HDMI to one of the inputs on my 3806. I upgraded from a Nvidia 7950GT to a 8800GT. The 7950GT would display the post or bios screen without issue, however with my 8800GT I get nothing until Windows starts booting. I tried to do some digging, my card vendor says the card merely takes whatever EDID information it receives. I suspect that my 8800GT is trying to use some strange resolution that's not supported by my projector. I can't seem to force it to use 640x480 like most video cards either. Anyone else in the same boat?

HTPC users need your help,

I recently upgraded my HTPC connected via DVI-HDMI to one of the inputs on my 3806. I upgraded from a Nvidia 7950GT to a 8800GT. The 7950GT would display the post or bios screen without issue, however with my 8800GT I get nothing until Windows starts booting. I tried to do some digging, my card vendor says the card merely takes whatever EDID information it receives. I suspect that my 8800GT is trying to use some strange resolution that's not supported by my projector. I can't seem to force it to use 640x480 like most video cards either. Anyone else in the same boat?

Yes. Vista Premium OS, Nvidia 8600 and HP MD6580N. I get an unsynched boot screen at some strange resolution and achieve synch, only at the log in screen. No fix yet. This does not have anything to do with the Denon, since I get the same problem when I connect PC HDMI directly to the PC.

I have a doubt...

My connection is:

Samsung 1400 BR---HDMI---3806---HDMI---LCD

The 1400 is setting in PCM audio out, and in the 3806 display shows "Multichannel in" in PCM Uncompressed and D.True tracks...It is correct?

Thanks.

I have a doubt...

My connection is:

Samsung 1400 BR---HDMI---3806---HDMI---LCD

The 1400 is setting in PCM audio out, and in the 3806 display shows "Multichannel in" in PCM Uncompressed and D.True tracks...It is correct?

Thanks.

Thats it!

Thats it!


Thanks!

I'm considering upgrading the firmware on my AVR-3806 so that it can handle 7.1 pcm through the HDMI inputs; however, I'm concerned that doing so might eliminate the XM functionality. I noted that the firmware came from Denon's Europe site, and the Europe version obviously never had XM capability. Does anyone know the answer to this? Many thanks in advance!

I'm considering upgrading the firmware on my AVR-3806 so that it can handle 7.1 pcm through the HDMI inputs; however, I'm concerned that doing so might eliminate the XM functionality. I noted that the firmware came from Denon's Europe site, and the Europe version obviously never had XM capability. Does anyone know the answer to this? Many thanks in advance!


My receiver had no problems with XM after I updated to the firmware that made it capable of 7.1 pcm.
Although I had never used XM with the receiver before the update, I started using XM with the receiver last Summer and had no problems with it. I just replaced it this week with a 3808. The Network updates are much easier than with a serieal cable and a pc with the 3806.

My receiver had no problems with XM after I updated to the firmware that made it capable of 7.1 pcm.
Although I had never used XM with the receiver before the update, I started using XM with the receiver last Summer and had no problems with it. I just replaced it this week with a 3808. The Network updates are much easier than with a serieal cable and a pc with the 3806.

Besides the internal decoding and Ipod stuff, any reason to upgrade to the 3808?

Besides the internal decoding and Ipod stuff, any reason to upgrade to the 3808?


Better GUI, Easier firmware updates, plus there is an improvement in the audio quality.

Better GUI, Easier firmware updates, plus there is an improvement in the audio quality.

thanks

HTPC users need your help,

I recently upgraded my HTPC connected via DVI-HDMI to one of the inputs on my 3806. I upgraded from a Nvidia 7950GT to a 8800GT. The 7950GT would display the post or bios screen without issue, however with my 8800GT I get nothing until Windows starts booting. I tried to do some digging, my card vendor says the card merely takes whatever EDID information it receives. I suspect that my 8800GT is trying to use some strange resolution that's not supported by my projector. I can't seem to force it to use 640x480 like most video cards either. Anyone else in the same boat?

stoked,

Did you ever get the boot screen to show? I did not but did find this work around useful. I hook up the MD6580N to HDMI and VGA simultaneously. This hows the boot screen on the VGA port up to the Windows Log In screen.

stoked,

Did you ever get the boot screen to show? I did not but did find this work around useful. I hook up the MD6580N to HDMI and VGA simultaneously. This hows the boot screen on the VGA port up to the Windows Log In screen.

Yeah I've done that but it doesn't help me as I don't have a VGA screen permanently in my theatre room.

My receiver had no problems with XM after I updated to the firmware that made it capable of 7.1 pcm.
Although I had never used XM with the receiver before the update, I started using XM with the receiver last Summer and had no problems with it. I just replaced it this week with a 3808. The Network updates are much easier than with a serieal cable and a pc with the 3806.

Aaron,

What did you do with your 3806? I was thinking about going the same route, but the cost of the 3808 in relation to how much I can get for the 3806 is quite a bit.

Jim

Aaron,

What did you do with your 3806? I was thinking about going the same route, but the cost of the 3808 in relation to how much I can get for the 3806 is quite a bit.

Jim
I haven't done anything with it yet. I plan on selling it sometime this month.

¿Which is the ideal setting in the subwoofer level in the 3806?
The setting is -12 to +12.

Thanks.

What aspects of bass management, if any, are performed on the 5.1 analog inputs (EXT. IN) ? I know the individual speaker trim is still accessible when using the EXT. IN, but what about the size, crossovers and speaker distance settings?

Thanks.

¿Which is the ideal setting in the subwoofer level in the 3806?
The setting is -12 to +12.

Thanks.

0

What aspects of bass management, if any, are performed on the 5.1 analog inputs (EXT. IN) ? I know the individual speaker trim is still accessible when using the EXT. IN, but what about the size, crossovers and speaker distance settings?

Thanks.

none

I haven't done anything with it yet. I plan on selling it sometime this month.

I was thinking about the same. Looks like they are going for about $600 on eBay. Now, I have to convince the wife I need to get a 3808!

I just received a used 3806 yesterday and set it all up. I used the auto-setup, so I adjusted the subwoofer levels on my Klipsch RP-5's as directed at half volume and full Crossover. Setup went fine, and it sounds great, but upon power off of the receiver, I get a "thump thump thump from the subwoofers in the RP-5's. Any ideas on the cause?
I have my LFE split to both RP-5's, and the Line out for Front Right and the Line out for Front Left to each respected speaker, as well.

This didn't happen with my previous receiveers, a denon 3300 and denon 3805.

Just checked, and it seems to be coming from the LFE pre-out, not the front channel pre-outs. I even removed the split and it still occurs.

On power-on, there is a small thump, and then shutdown is 2-3 thumps.

I was thinking about the same. Looks like they are going for about $600 on eBay. Now, I have to convince the wife I need to get a 3808!

Just did this yesterday... 3808 now plugged in and happy :)
J

I just received a used 3806 yesterday and set it all up. I used the auto-setup, so I adjusted the subwoofer levels on my Klipsch RP-5's as directed at half volume and full Crossover. Setup went fine, and it sounds great, but upon power off of the receiver, I get a "thump thump thump from the subwoofers in the RP-5's. Any ideas on the cause?
I have my LFE split to both RP-5's, and the Line out for Front Right and the Line out for Front Left to each respected speaker, as well.

This didn't happen with my previous receiveers, a denon 3300 and denon 3805.

What does auto have your sub volume set to?

Just did this yesterday... 3808 now plugged in and happy :)
J

Ben,

Did you buy the 3808 after selling the 3806? And if so, how much did you get for the 3806?

Thanks,

Jim

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forums, so I hope to explain everything right, and forgive me if this has already been answered but I've been searching the forums for hours without finding a resoltuion...

The following is my setup:
- MacMini connected to Denon 3806 via DVI to HDMI cable
- Wii connected to Denon 3806 via Component Cable
- Denon 3806 connected to Epson TW2000 projector via HDMI cable

When the projector is OFF the Denon recognises the Dolby signals from the Mac Mini and plays them correctly. It also plays the sound from the Wii without an issue.

When the projector is ON the Denon no longer recognises the Dolby signals and plays the MacMini sound on every input chanel (ie. Wii, VCR2, DVD etc).

It appears the HDMI out to the projector is causing issues, but I cannot for the life of me work out what they are.

Also, the on screen menu does not work at all, with HDMI converting on or off (and yes I've ensured the setting is correct in the Options).

This has frustrated me to no end as the Denon 3806 is supposed to convert all these signals correctly and apparently everything should work, but it's just not

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Happy to answer any Q's you may have to help with a resolution!

Cheers.

A

I upgraded the firmware on my 3806 the other day to get 7.1.

I have a panny Bd 30. The "hairspry" dvd has DTS 7.1 audio. I am unable to get the 7.1 audio.

I set the panny to pcm and to bitstream without luck, The panny manual does state if you set it for pcm and if your receiver does not handle 7.1 it will output to 5.1.

It says with bitstream it will be determinded by what your receiver can handle.

Is there something I am doing wrong to get 7.1?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

I upgraded the firmware on my 3806 the other day to get 7.1.

I have a panny Bd 30. The "hairspry" dvd has DTS 7.1 audio. I am unable to get the 7.1 audio.

I set the panny to pcm and to bitstream without luck, The panny manual does state if you set it for pcm and if your receiver does not handle 7.1 it will output to 5.1.

It says with bitstream it will be determinded by what your receiver can handle.

Is there something I am doing wrong to get 7.1?

Any thoughts are appreciated.
The 3806 doesnt decode any new audio codecs (and either does the BD30). You will need a player that can do all the decoding(nothing that does it all yet).

Thanks for the reply-

What was the point of the firmware upgrade then?

What kind of 7.1 input would the firmware upgraded 3806 play?

...
What kind of 7.1 input would the firmware upgraded 3806 play?PCM over HDMI.
Just buy the right player...

BTW: When I lived in the United States I had an appartment in Belmont.

PCM over HDMI.
Just buy the right player...

BTW: When I lived in the United States I had an appartment in Belmont.

What he said...
You need a player that can do the decoding.

Thanks drseehas and shamus,

Who makes a bd player that would work?

...
Who makes a bd player that would work?AFAIK nobody at the moment.
The Panasonic DMP-BD10 decodes everything but dts-HD Master Audio.
The coming Panasonic DMP-BD50 shall have all decoders.

AFAIK nobody at the moment.
The Panasonic DMP-BD10 decodes everything but dts-HD Master Audio.
The coming Panasonic DMP-BD50 shall have all decoders.

and denon 3800

Maybe this should go in the 3808 thread, but I'm not sure what kind of response I would get from that thread.

Has anyone considered the build quality (exterior visual) on the newer 3808 is cheaper than the 3806? I knocked on the front panel and it rattles and sounds like plastic. The 3806 however isn't much better, but definitely not worse.

Other than that, the front display design is awkward with the dip in the center. But, that's just my opinion.

It is a cheaper build. Especially the volume control. But I almost never use any buttons on the unit itself. And looking from a distance it looks like my 3806, 2807, and 3805 did. I really have no complaints with the receiver. I've had my 3808 for a month now and have been throughly satisfied.

stoked,

Did you ever get the boot screen to show? I did not but did find this work around useful. I hook up the MD6580N to HDMI and VGA simultaneously. This hows the boot screen on the VGA port up to the Windows Log In screen.

Just curious, but are you running the latest firmware on your 3806? I have the pre-7.1 firmware, was thinking about upgrading to see if it might change anything.

Just curious, but are you running the latest firmware on your 3806? I have the pre-7.1 firmware, was thinking about upgrading to see if it might change anything.

Yes I am running the latest Firmware on the 3806. It's been a while since i upgraded the FW but as I recall, there were no problems upgrading thru a USB based serial connection.

Just curious, but are you running the latest firmware on your 3806? I have the pre-7.1 firmware, was thinking about upgrading to see if it might change anything.

Yeah I've done that but it doesn't help me as I don't have a VGA screen permanently in my theatre room.

What I meant on this was that I have a Video card with both an HDMI and VGA port, which I connect simultaneously to my HP MD6580N. I start up with TV input set to VGA. In that mode, I can see the boot screen clearly. When the PC gets to the Vista log in screen, I switch the TV to HDMI 2. This boots cleanly into Windows with no problems. It's a little tedious bt a lot better than having to put up with the unsynched boot screen.

a question for all the owners of 3806

can anyone tell me if i can hook up my xbox 360 through component to the 3806 and connect it via HDMI to my HDTV to get 1080p support? my tv only accepts 1080i through component (my tv supports 1080p of course but only through HDMI) and my 360 does not have a hdmi port since it's the older premium model. would not be a nice surprise to buy the receiver and notice that it only supports 1080i through component too!

thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out! sorry if the question is dumb but this is the first receiver im planning to buy :)

a question for all the owners of 3806

can anyone tell me if i can hook up my xbox 360 through component to the 3806 and connect it via HDMI to my HDTV to get 1080p support? my tv only accepts 1080i through component (my tv supports 1080p of course but only through HDMI) and my 360 does not have a hdmi port since it's the older premium model. would not be a nice surprise to buy the receiver and notice that it only supports 1080i through component too!

thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out! sorry if the question is dumb but this is the first receiver im planning to buy :)

The 3806 can digitize the analogue component video and put it out on the HDMI port, yes. But it can not upscale the video input rez. So 480I in gives 480I out etc.
You set all of this up using the unit's input assign feature.

[QUOTE=jimrobinette;12224920]All,

Just updated the firmware in my 3806 (bought Apr 2006) and thought I would quote a couple of other posts just to consolidate some info for people who are just coming to the thread.

It was a very simple procedure, the only problem being that I had to find a computer with a serial port! Since I own Mac computers, I had to borrow a Windows laptop.

1. Download file below
2. Decompress the file (look for a .rar extractor online).
3. There a two files: german language .pdf and an .exe file.
4. Double click the .exe file and it will install and put a shortcut on your desktop.
5. Run the program from the icon on the desktop and you are back in English for the rest of the procedure.
6. It will turn your 3806 off and then back on, updating in three phases, with the third being the longest.
7. It will take about 10-15 min.
8. You will soon be finished and enjoying 7.1 PCM!

I used a standard serial cable from Radio Shack.

To check firmware:
1. Turn on amp
2. ON/STBY steady green
3. Press small on/off
4. Hold both STATUS and ROOM EQ while turning on
5. Release STATUS/ROOM EQ
6. Press STATUS for mode AVR
7. Press STATUS again.

Before update, mine was:

Main - 00.56
Sub - 00.42
DSP - 00.43

After update:

Main - 00.76
Sub - 00.56
DSP - 00.45

I would like to thank Dutchman01 and aaronwt for their links and informative posts throughout this thread. Hope this helps somebody.

Take care,

Jim.

Here is the latest AVR-3806 firmware that is posted on the Europe Denon Support Site

Update's to MAIN 00.76 SUB 00.56 DSP 00.45
http://rapidshare.com/files/16593896/Firmware_3806.rar

It adds 7.1 pcm over HDMI and the Firmware is all in english.
unzip, instal and execute program, follow the screens.

UPDATE GOES TRUE THE RS-232 POORT (no other way)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a long time i'm back in the forum here and read back al the reactions after i did make the Upgrade for al off you possible by uploading it to rappidhare.

I'm glad that lot's of people did Upgrade the receiver with the new firmware and it is nice to read that it give you more enjoy of it.
(almost 550 time's downloaded yet.)

The bad thing after all, Denon did not bring bettter product support outsite europe yet for the 06 products and lower.
It seems that after the launch of the 08 serie's support goes a lot better for the new models.

Also i want to say tanks to all of you, for all the nice words and compliments you give me.

Have a nice day,

Dutchman01

While watching Ratatouille it seemed to be messing up the mix dramatically horribly, as non centered voices and effects were ridiculously muffled and sounded like they were under a blanket. Switching over to the DD soundtrack it sounded amazing, one of the best mixes I've heard from Pixar. I checked my PS3, I currently have all of the 5.1 options checked off up to 192Khz, I assume that using my PS3 via HDMI to my Denon 3806 this is all supported, and since I do not have a 7.1 setup all of those options are unchecked.

I originally thought the problem was uncompressed tracks, even tho they sounded great on my HD DVD Deck, but I narrowed the problem down! It isnt uncompressed stuff thats a problem, its 7.1 tracks. I think with the 7.1 boxes unchecked it is supposed to downmix on the PS3 to 5.1 when it encounters a 7.1 track, but it isnt doing this. Is there a way for me to tell my 3806 that I only have a 5.1 setup and not 7 speakers?

Sam

Ratatouille only has a 5.1 track. There will be no downmixing going on in the PS3. It will output the 5.1 PCM channels to the 3806 just fine. When I was using my 3806 I had no problems, although I was using a 7.1 setup it shouldn't make a difference. The 3806 setup menu has the options for 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 depending on your setup.

Thanks to all. Updated today with the PS3 DTS-MA update coming next week wanted to make sure I was set. Forgot I was going to have to re-set up everything ( assignments, etc. ). All working flawlessly.

Ok, maybe someone here has an idea.
With all the improvements being made to the PS3 and Gran Turismo 5 prolouge coming, I decided to go ahead and buy one instead of waiting for the new BD50 panny. I figured I'll just let the PS3 decode and stream the PCM to my 3806.

So, I get it all set up today, and I am not able to get any working audio out of my 3806. It is passing video, and it is seeing the audio tracks because the front display is showing Multi Ch. Direct and the PCM and DIG lights are lit up. It looks as though everything is working, but the only sound i get it scratchy white noise sound.

Any ideas on what could possibly be going on? I even flashed it with the new firmware as I bought this thing when it first came out, and the update worked perfectly. I have checked and rechecked all my settings, and I hooked the PS3 directly to the TV through HDMI and the sound worked perfectly! I am a bit dissapointed as I thought this would allow me to extend my use of my 3806 vs. buying a new receiver. I am using an overpriced monster cable, so its a decent cable also, I know its not causing the problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Question...

So I have the Denon 3806 and just bought the PS3 player. Now if I buy a newer HDTV, one capable of 1080P/24 am I set to go? I have 7.1 set up, and just need to update the firmware, but I wanted to make sure that I am getting the best of whats out there. PCM 7.1, 5:5 pulldown etc.

The PS3 is only capable of 5.1 surround.


Question...

So I have the Denon 3806 and just bought the PS3 player. Now if I buy a newer HDTV, one capable of 1080P/24 am I set to go? I have 7.1 set up, and just need to update the firmware, but I wanted to make sure that I am getting the best of whats out there. PCM 7.1, 5:5 pulldown etc.

The PS3 is only capable of 5.1 surround.

Are you sure? When I was looking under the advanced output tab on the PS3 it had options for 7.1, and with the DTS MA update and the HDMI 1.3 capability, I don't see why it couldn't output at 7.1 PCM.

I've had a DENON3801 for years and been very happy...I just acquired a 3806 this week from a relative who is stepping up to bigger gear.......
It looks like I have 80 pages of forum discussion to catch up on!
Now the fun really begins!
wish me luck? lol.....................................nascar03

I stand corrected.

Input connectors on the TV or AV amplifier (receiver) PS3™ system output connectors Channels that can be used for output
2 Ch. 5.1 Ch. 7.1 Ch.
HDMI HDMI OUT connector *1 *2
Digital Out (Optical) Digital Out (Optical) connector -
Audio Input Connector / SCART / AV MULTI AV MULTI OUT connector - -
*1 A device compatible with Linear PCM 7.1. Ch. is required to output 7.1 Ch. audio from the HDMI OUT connector.

*2 The system does not support output from DTS-HD 7.1 Ch.
DTS-HD 7.1 Ch. audio is output from 5.1 or a lower channel.




Are you sure? When I was looking under the advanced output tab on the PS3 it had options for 7.1, and with the DTS MA update and the HDMI 1.3 capability, I don't see why it couldn't output at 7.1 PCM.

And the 3806 is can accept 7.1 pcm over HDMI with the proper firmware. I had no problem getting 7.1 from the PS3 when I was using my 3806 after I updated the firmware last year.

I stand corrected.

Input connectors on the TV or AV amplifier (receiver) PS3™ system output connectors Channels that can be used for output
2 Ch. 5.1 Ch. 7.1 Ch.
HDMI HDMI OUT connector *1 *2
Digital Out (Optical) Digital Out (Optical) connector -
Audio Input Connector / SCART / AV MULTI AV MULTI OUT connector - -
*1 A device compatible with Linear PCM 7.1. Ch. is required to output 7.1 Ch. audio from the HDMI OUT connector.

*2 The system does not support output from DTS-HD 7.1 Ch.
DTS-HD 7.1 Ch. audio is output from 5.1 or a lower channel.

My computer lacks a Serial port so I will need to buy a USB adapter of some sort. I've been reading that some are incompatable with Vista. Is there anyone here who has used a USB adapter? If so, which did you use?

Thanks.

Edit: I also understand that I need to adjust the buffer on the port, is there a magic number, or is each cable it's own little tweak job.

Ok so to clear it up and simplify it for some people.
1. Bought a USB to Serial adapter at Radio Shack
2. Downloaded an updated driver for Vista through windows. Provided CD did not work.
3. Located the Port specified through the Hardware dialog box
4. Opened the properties tab of the specidied port.
5. Changed numbers to match one that I found on earlier post.
"Successfully updated my firmware using USB to Serial adapter (Monoprice Product ID 2067 which is made by Prolific Technology).
Changes from default port settings I used were:
Bits per Second – 115200
and under Advanced:
Receive Buffer – 8
Transmit Buffer – 10"
6. Wrote down all my settings. (They get erased upon updating)
7. Ran through the install steps
". Extract the setup files from the Firmware_3806.rar file to a desired directory.
2. Run the FWCV_AVR3806_V0027_SETUP.exe setup program to install application.
3. Connect the female/male serial cable from the PC to the 3806.
4. Turn ON the receiver.
5. Run the FWCV_AVR3806_V0027.exe file.
6. Hit the [Check communication] button. I believe it cycles through all the coms.
7. Select a com and hit the [Update] button. Cycle through all the com for one that works. You should see some prompt boxes showing the status.
8. Wait for the receiver to do it's thing, such as turn on/off/on.
9. A final prompt box should say similar to, "Update is complete".
10. Hit the [Quit] button."
8. Updated settings.
And then I was finished. Hope this make it a little clearer for some folks.

Now if I buy a newer HDTV, one capable of 1080P/24 am I set to go?


Anyone have an answer to this? I recently purchased a tv capable of 1080P/24 and am waiting for my HDMI cables to arrive. If I use my 3806 to output to the TV, am I losing out on anything? (Using the PS3 as my player...)

Also, the latest FW for the 3806, does it offer any other improvements other than 7.1 pcm?

Thanks.

- D.

The keyspan adaptors for serial to USB (on Amazon for about $29) are generally easier to work with than those that use Prolific chips. I gave up on my Prolific adaptor and went to keyspan and was much happier. I have a 3806, which I have not updated. I also have an Onkyo 905, which has a similar update process to the Denon unit. At least with Vista I had to give up on the Prolific the second time I updated my Onkyo.

Anyone have an answer to this? I recently purchased a tv capable of 1080P/24 and am waiting for my HDMI cables to arrive. If I use my 3806 to output to the TV, am I losing out on anything? (Using the PS3 as my player...)

Also, the latest FW for the 3806, does it offer any other improvements other than 7.1 pcm?

Thanks.

- D.

The 3806 only supports HDMI 1.1 which is incapable of passing 1080p
So regardless of the fw revision I don't think that you will get 1080p out of the 3806 :(

The 3806 only supports HDMI 1.1 which is incapable of passing 1080p
So regardless of the fw revision I don't think that you will get 1080p out of the 3806 :(

Don't know what you're talking about. I'm getting 1080p/24 and 1080p/60 from my 3806.

Don't know what you're talking about. I'm getting 1080p/24 and 1080p/60 from my 3806.

Yes you are right! At first your response took me by surprise and I checked Denon's website (http://www.denon.co.uk/site/popup/index.php?Pid=238&action=start&ver=). I guess by using HDMI 1.3 cables in a pass through mode you would get 1080p (24, 50 and 60Hz)

Yes you are right! At first your response took me by surprise and I checked Denon's website (http://www.denon.co.uk/site/popup/index.php?Pid=238&action=start&ver=) I guess by using HDMI 1.3 cables in a pass through mode you would get 1080p (24, 50 and 60Hz)

1080p doesn't require HDMI 1.3 anything.

I would also note that cable ratings (for things like HDMI 1.3) are somewhat suspect. I have some cheapo cables that work better than the fancy cables (yes, all are the same length).

Yes, but then you introduce an unknown factor, that cannot be measured in this forum.
Our statements are in good faith that all things work as rated (for the most of us, I believe)

OK, I'm about at my wits end with this but I've gotta try one more time.

I plugged a brand new Panasonic 10A BD deck in to another tv by composite, and I checked the menu and it shows the HDMI connection as being on, but it won't handshake right with my setup. I have the deck plugged via HDMI to a Denon 3806 and output on HDMI to a Panasonic AE900u. It will play the sound via HDMI but no video gets through.

I had this problem before with a few HDMI selectors I tried and none worked, so I had to simply go HDMI direct with the PS3 and the Toshiba HD DVD decks I was using. This is the first time I've had the problem with a direct connected component. Any idea what I might be able to do to force the handshaking to work?

Sam
BTW, F the HDCP handshaking bullshit, its one more example of trying to foil pirates but only screwing real paying customers like me with headaches like this. I doubt patching to the latest firmware would help but I dont see anything else I can do besides throwing this deck off my roof in frustration now. If anyone has any ideas I'm all ears.

OK, I'm about at my wits end with this but I've gotta try one more time.

I plugged a brand new Panasonic 10A BD deck in to another tv by composite, and I checked the menu and it shows the HDMI connection as being on, but it won't handshake right with my setup. I have the deck plugged via HDMI to a Denon 3806 and output on HDMI to a Panasonic AE900u. It will play the sound via HDMI but no video gets through.

I had this problem before with a few HDMI selectors I tried and none worked, so I had to simply go HDMI direct with the PS3 and the Toshiba HD DVD decks I was using. This is the first time I've had the problem with a direct connected component. Any idea what I might be able to do to force the handshaking to work?

Sam
BTW, F the HDCP handshaking bullshit, its one more example of trying to foil pirates but only screwing real paying customers like me with headaches like this. I doubt patching to the latest firmware would help but I dont see anything else I can do besides throwing this deck off my roof in frustration now. If anyone has any ideas I'm all ears.

Do you have an early version 3806? Older models don't support 1080p. If so, set the BD10 to 1080i and search this thread for the firmware to output 1080p and 7.1 audio.
I used to have the 3806 and BD10 and had no issues.

I'll look into that but I am 99% certain I have the HDMI limited to max out at 1080i.

My brother has a ps3 hooked up by hdmi to a denon 3806. This goes out to a pioneer elite rptv. He gets video but no sound out of the denon. Any suggestions? I have a ps3 but output to an Anthem preamp, so I'm not sure if there is some setting in the denon he is missing.
thanks,
John

Perhaps a more relevant question is required. Does the Denon 3806 accept sound through hdmi or just pass the video through?
thanks,
John

Perhaps a more relevant question is required. Does the Denon 3806 accept sound through hdmi or just pass the video through?
thanks,
John
The AVR-3806 does accept sound through HDMI. I do not have a PS3 connected, but I do run audio via HDMI from my OPPO DVD and DISH DVR.

Does he have HDMI selected as the audio source for the PS3's input?

Is he trying to pass the audio through to the TV via HDMI or does he have speakers directly connected to the AVR?

ps3 hdmi cable connected to Denon. Out of denon into TV. Hdmi selected in ps3 menu for both audio and video. Must be something in the denon setup menu he is missing. Seems odd to get video and no audio.

I've got just the reverse on my Panny BD deck and my cure was to put it on the Component outs. I think the problem is in the receiver but I didnt have the patience to figure it out. HDCP can kiss my ass.

Hi I am using the 3806 with a 5.1 speaker set from Deftech.

I recently noticed that when I am using the following:
a) Satellite TV
b) Ipod
c) Aux Audio inputs

all of which are connected in a L/R stereo connection to the 3806, the AL24 indicator is not lighting up. This is after I am using these in the Pure Direct, Direct/ Stereo modes, as advised by the Manual.

My question is that in this case, is the AL24 processing working at all ? The manual clearly states that if I was to use the connections as defnied above, the AL 24 should light up in the main display.

Please help me since I am not sure if I am getting the true processing of this recvr

When I turn my 3806 on the led around the standby button flashes green for a couple seconds then goes to solid green. Display does not come on and there is no sound. External display also doesn't work.

10 minutes before this happened I had just started using an extern NAD amp for the center and left channels.

Sequence of events:
1) powered everything off, hooked up NAD 2400 THX to center and left pre-out
2) Turned everything on, ran Auto-Setup for six positions
3) started watching Star Wars III, sounded great
4) Noticed Room EQ not enabled, used remote to switch to Audassey Room EQ
5) Immediately heard ear splitting noise from what seemed like all the speakers although I can't be sure
6) several seconds later receiver "turned off" and standby button was red
7) unplugged, waited 10 minutes plugged back in and now just get flashing green standby button with no display

Could there be an internal fuse blown or is this thing toast?

I took the cover off the 3806 and looked for fuses. I found three I could see and did a continuity check on all of them with my crappy $10 volt meter. Bingo. The first 8A fuse right where the power plugs in was blown. I put a nail in its place and now the front panel display works. I'll go to Radio Shack and get a replacement fuse and then plug all the speakers back in. I'm hoping this will fix the problem.

Still not sure why using Audaysey caused the ear splitting sound.

Gregg

:eek:A nail!:eek:

I would not run that unit without the correct fuse in place.

Abso - freakin' -lutely!

I just hooked up my new HP8400 desktop with the HDMI cable coming from the back of the comp. Obviously computer hdmi doesnt include audio. I hooked the computer through its coax cable to the denon. I see the computer desktop but no audio. any thoughts? or how to reset the remote to a different set-up
thanks

Did you set that audio input for that specific video input?

the computer automactically sets it up as the recognized output. I think the problem is that the denon was set-up for a dvd in the hdmi input and i pulled it out to use a computer. the audio in the denon is probably set up for that hdmi and I need help changing the set-up so it reads the hdmi and the coax.

Will the 3806, using HDMI, pass a 12-bit 4:4:4 signal without modifications to a display?

Will the 3806, using HDMI, pass a 12-bit 4:4:4 signal without modifications to a display?

I dont think so.

I dont think so.I don't either, but I was hoping that I was wrong. :rolleyes:

All - wanted to relay this tidbit about my experience with 3806 and HDMI cables betweeen DVR/DVD/PS3. We could get video but no audio. After exhausting every possible fix (many hours), someone in this forum mentioned the possibility of mistakenly hitting the input mode button (next to earphone jack - item #21 in manual) may cause the problem..and it was! All work great now ...thanks!

Help!!!

It appears as if I have the same issue as DevilDog from a couple of pages ago.

I have a Denon 3806 that I recently updated the firmware per the instructions given on this board. I just bought a PS3 for use as a blu-ray player and have them connected by an hdmi cable. I do not get any sound from PCM out of the PS3. The only time I get sound from the PS3 is when there is a dvd menu and the audio is in stereo or when I set the audio output to bitstream and I only get standard DD and DTS. Also, every once in a while I get some really loud crackling and popping. The denon shows that it is getting a 7.1 signal. As of this moment, I have toggled through the "input modes" and done everything I can imagine to get this to work. So I guess my question are: What are some settings from systems that are working? What could I possibly be missing that would prevent this from working? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon

Help!!!

It appears as if I have the same issue as DevilDog from a couple of pages ago.

I have a Denon 3806 that I recently updated the firmware per the instructions given on this board. I just bought a PS3 for use as a blu-ray player and have them connected by an hdmi cable. I do not get any sound from PCM out of the PS3. The only time I get sound from the PS3 is when there is a dvd menu and the audio is in stereo or when I set the audio output to bitstream and I only get standard DD and DTS. Also, every once in a while I get some really loud crackling and popping. The denon shows that it is getting a 7.1 signal. As of this moment, I have toggled through the "input modes" and done everything I can imagine to get this to work. So I guess my question are: What are some settings from systems that are working? What could I possibly be missing that would prevent this from working? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon

Have you tried a different HDMI cable to rule it out?

Yes I have tried different HDMI cables. I should also mention that I do not get any sound from games as well. My receiver shows that it is receiving a 7.1 signal and lights up the Dig., PCM, AL24, Multi, and Auto lights. Like I said before, on movies blu-ray or otherwise, I get sound only when it the movie calls for stereo sound, i.e. when it is in the menus. Video works fine.

Please help.

Jon

Hello,

I would like to hear if someone could help me with a 1080p problem?

I have a 3806 connected to a Sony 46X3500 LCD via HDMI.

My Xbox 360 are connected to the 1. component input.

I can set the Xbox 360 to output 1080i and it upconverts the signal and sends it throug HDMI out... BUT!

If I switch the Xbox 360 display settings to 1080p then all I get is a black screen?

Any help?

Thanks

Edit: Is it posible just to pass the Component -> HDMI without image processing? Like HDMI passthrough? (No change in picture quality)

Look at page 98 of the manual. It shows what outputs are active for specific input resolutions. It shows the HDMI output has no signal with a 1080P component input.

Hello,

I would like to hear if someone could help me with a 1080p problem?

I have a 3806 connected to a Sony 46X3500 LCD via HDMI.

My Xbox 360 are connected to the 1. component input.

I can set the Xbox 360 to output 1080i and it upconverts the signal and sends it throug HDMI out... BUT!

If I switch the Xbox 360 display settings to 1080p then all I get is a black screen?

Any help?

Thanks

Edit: Is it posible just to pass the Component -> HDMI without image processing? Like HDMI passthrough? (No change in picture quality)

Look at page 98 of the manual. It shows what outputs are active for specific input resolutions. It shows the HDMI output has no signal with a 1080P component input.
Thanks for the reply,

I did see that page in the manual, but didn't think it could be true...

And there are no firmware updates that allow component 1080p convertion to HDMI?

EDIT:
Since the 3806 can't mix a audio signal into the HDMI then I have one more question... Is it posible to to "down convert" audio... let me explain...

Example: I have the DVD hooked up with a optical cable and the 3806 connected to TV via HDMI and RCA/Phono cable.

So I want to watch something but I just want the sound from the TV... How can I do that?

The 3806 should actually convert the OPTICAL 1 IN -> VCR 1 OUT (RCA)

Hi all, I'm semi-new here (lurked for a good while, first post though). I bought a demo model 3806 some months ago, and I've been using it with relative success. The one thing that's been bugging me that I haven't yet been able to figure out is that my remote won't select certain inputs; and that it won't access the setup menu. So I can select my "TV" input, "CD", "Phono", and a handful of others to which I have nothing connected (and which are set to "off" in the audio input assign menu) - but I can't select my "DVD" or two other inputs that I've renamed (Tape renamed to iPod; VDP renamed to SNES). When I use the knob on the front of the unit, however, I can select everything no problem. In the same vein, I can't get to the system setup menu (OSD) using the remote - but I can do so with the "system setup" button on the unit itself. Once in the menu, the remote functions just fine.
I've tried doing a full reset of the remote (as per the manual); and that didn't change anything. Anybody else have this problem? I haven't been able to find any information about it here or elsewhere.
Maybe the store gave me the wrong remote, considering it was a floor model and it could easily have gotten switched? It looks like the right remote, but are there other models which use the same (looking) remote?

Thanks in advance!

-Bob

Also, to ujn2:

Yes, the Denon can "downconvert" the digital audio to analog RCA - just use the preamp outputs, and you shouldn't need to adjust any settings!

-Bob

The 3806 should actually convert the OPTICAL 1 IN -> VCR 1 OUT (RCA)
The 3806 cannot do that. The only analog outputs that can be converted from a digital input are the 7.1-channel pre-amp outputs and the 2-channel headphone output.

One way to get around this limitation is to connect an analog L/R audio cable from the DVD player to the 3806 (in addition to the optical cable that you already connected), and the 3806 will pass it through to all of the analog L/R outputs, including the one that goes to the TV.

The 3806 cannot do that. The only analog outputs that can be converted from a digital input are the 7.1-channel pre-amp outputs and the 2-channel headphone output.

One way to get around this limitation is to connect an analog L/R audio cable from the DVD player to the 3806 (in addition to the optical cable that you already connected), and the 3806 will pass it through to all of the analog L/R outputs, including the one that goes to the TV.

But why not just go direct from the L/R pre-amp outs to the TV? That way, you wouldn't need the extra cables from the DVD to the 3806; and you could have the analog audio available on the TV from any of your other digital inputs (like a cable box, for example).

But why not just go direct from the L/R pre-amp outs to the TV?
If the TV's speakers are the only FL/FR speakers that you use, then I think it would be fine to connect the FL/FR pre-outs to the TV. Otherwise, if you sometimes use a different pair of FL/FR speakers, then you might have a problem, because you typically calibrate the 3806 for just one particular pair, in terms of the speaker distances, crossovers, levels, equalization, etc. Also, if you want all of the sounds to come from the TV, then you would have to disable all of the other speakers in the 3806's configuration menu.

I have a 3806 (second hand) coming in a week or so, Im trying to work out if it will be ready to accept 7.1 PCM playback or if I need to update the firmware.

The current owner says

I have been running 6.1 LPCM from my PS3 without any problems

Does this mean it will work with 7.1 ?

Many thanks

Stephen

I have a 3806 (second hand) coming in a week or so, Im trying to work out if it will be ready to accept 7.1 PCM playback or if I need to update the firmware.

The current owner says



Does this mean it will work with 7.1 ?

Many thanks

Stephen

That was the case with mine. It couldn't handle anything above 5.1 pcm until I uprgraded the firmware. After the firmware upgrade, it could handle, 6.1 and 7.1 pcm.

Thanks aaronwt, seems I have less to work out than I thought.

The only other concern I have is with the On Screen Display, I read a review that said this amp outputs the OSD @ 480i over HDMI ...

My amp wont accept 480i over HDMI - What are my options here ?

Many thanks

I thought of adding an external multi channel amp to my 3806. Has anyone with a firmware-upgraded 3806 tried to pre-out PCM signals (sent by PS3 via HDMI) into an external multi channel amp? I have not been able to get the pre-out to work...sadly.

In addition, does the bass management work on the pre-outs of the 3806?

Thanks for sharing

Thanks aaronwt, seems I have less to work out than I thought.

The only other concern I have is with the On Screen Display, I read a review that said this amp outputs the OSD @ 480i over HDMI ...

My amp wont accept 480i over HDMI - What are my options here ?

Many thanks


I rarely used my OSD when I used my 3806. I did have the composite or Svideo monitor out into one of the inputs of the TV so I could see the OSD when doing the more elaborate menu functions. The OSD is one of the many reasons I upgraded to the 3808.

Greetings,

I came home today to a family that could not get the DVD player to work. After trying several things and several HDMI cables I have concluded that HDMI port 2 has stopped working after about a year of reliable performance. Yes, the DVD player works on HDMI 1 and into the TV HDMI ports. I can hear the relay clicking as usual when changing ports. Before I call tech support, has anyone got any reset/reboot ideas in case some bit got flipped somewhere?

Thanks in advance.

searaydriver, I had my PS3 connected to my 3806 via HDMI, in the HDMI 2 port, and when I turn on the PS3 I hear several relay clicking(4 or 5 times) and then work fine, but...is usual this?...

I have a 3806 that has always performed poorly in the voice frequencies.. In fact my TV sounds clearer. I have a B&W HTM7 center speaker and The rest of my system is B&W also. I have tried other speakers with the same results. Yes, I set it up with with the auto setup function. Can anyone help me?

I have a 3806 that has always performed poorly in the voice frequencies.. In fact my TV sounds clearer. I have a B&W HTM7 center speaker and The rest of my system is B&W also. I have tried other speakers with the same results. Yes, I set it up with with the auto setup function. Can anyone help me?

I use the auto setup, but the result are not satisfactory to me, and change somes parameters, the center channel level is one, in the auto setup is +3, and I change for +6,5 or 7,5 and the voice is ok for me.

I use the auto setup, but the result are not satisfactory to me, and change somes parameters, the center channel level is one, in the auto setup is +3, and I change for +6,5 or 7,5 and the voice is ok for me.I used the auto setup which gave me results that were mushy. We've had UMR calibrate our video and audio, and that made all the difference. You can read the report that I wrote in the flat panel calibration list that's linked at the bottom of my post.

I used the auto setup which gave me results that were mushy. We've had UMR calibrate our video and audio, and that made all the difference. You can read the report that I wrote in the flat panel calibration list that's linked at the bottom of my post.


Thanks!!!:)

I read about an update that fixed the EDID bug with Denon receivers. Does anyone know if there was a firmware upgrade released for the 3806? I'm thinking about purchasing the Intel G45 mobo but the EDID bug in the Denon receivers doesn't play nicely with the Intel G35/G45.

Just picked up one secondhand until I get through some storm damage issues (yeah FAY!)--and was told the HDMI out port was not working. I believe it's a handshaking issue with the newer 1.3 TVs and the older 1.1 of the receiver. It just doesn't seem like only that would die on it. HDMI ins are fine for audio and video.

Anyway...I have not updated the firmware on it yet w/ the fix here (ironically the MAIN firmware revision is .76 already, but the SUB and DSP are 42 and 43. Would that help at all with the handshaking? Also, I though of another thing---if I were to take the HDMI from my PS3 and run it through a Monoprice 1-2 splitter (3094)....sending one feed to the receiver for audio and the other to the TV for video...would that work?

Is it just me, or is this whole HDMI thing quite a debacle...

Thanks

Can someone please confirm whether the new firmware for 3806 improves as well the Audessey EQ sound quality.

I have only 5 speakers so I do not need 7.1 pcm playback.

Thanks

Is is possible to display volume control from the 3806 on a display connected using HDMI?

I'm putting our components into another room.

Is is possible to display volume control from the 3806 on a display connected using HDMI?

I'm putting our components into another room.
I believe that the OSD only works at 480i over HDMI and the volume bar does not display at any res over HDMI

I believe that the OSD only works at 480i over HDMI and the volume bar does not display at any res over HDMIThanks. I'll just have to control volume without any visual clues. :(

What are your speaker channel levels set to? With auto seetings, I have FR -3.0 Center -4.5 and FL -5.5db

Are they set too low? As sometimes when watching a film from satellite via optical audio, I have to watch it with master volume almost full. I do not expect so from such an amp. Any ideas?

Thanks

Wow...it really does work (after I found the proper serial cable). Went from saying Multi-Channel PCM in to Multi-Channel PCM 7.1 in on the front panel--and two more speaker lights were added. The 7.1-coded 'Nightmare Before Xmas' sounds fantastic now. I really can't afford a newer model at the moment (3808) and 'm almost there now--I just need to get the HDMI out to work with my TV. After the FW update, now it alternates between a black/grey and white noise picture--and the 3806 display flickers in and out with lock-on to the HDMI component (PS3). I can't tell if the HDMI out needs fixing or if it is a handshake issue with the TV.

Does anyone use a Sony a3000 (KDS-55a3000) SXRD with this Denon model and get a 1080p picture?

Hi Scott,

could you please tell me how did you do the FW on your AVR?

Regards, Chuck

Is it feasible to drive the 3806 with another pre-amp?

Greetings,

Two questions after reading all these HDMI problems on this thread.

1. Does this unit now pass video and audio from ps3 without problems now
2. Are modern calbe boxes now compatible with the 3806 such as Scientific Atlanats HD DVR explorer?

Thanks.

Greetings,

Two questions after reading all these HDMI problems on this thread.

1. Does this unit now pass video and audio from ps3 without problems now
2. Are modern calbe boxes now compatible with the 3806 such as Scientific Atlanats HD DVR explorer?

Thanks.


I don't have a PS3, but I never had a problem with the Scientific Atlantic 8300HD DVR box from Time Warner I had before switching to satelite. The Time Warner box was running the Passport software at the time...though I think many TW regions have switched to their own in-house software for these units.

Hi, I have a 3806 with the original Firmware, I can conect a Ps3 over HDMI at port 2, Is this configuration correct? Can I obtein Audio an Video correctly? Mi speaker configuration is 5.1
Please Help.
Thanks.

System
TV LCD LG 42LC2RR TIME MACHINE
DVD - OPPO 980
AV Receiver - DENON 3806
Front Polk RTi10
Cent. Polk Csi3
Rear Polk Fxi A4
SW Polk 404

Greetings,
In an effort to get lossless Audio I took a gamble and got a avr-988 and lost. The 988 was not up the task of making my lower sensitivity speakers sound as nice as my aVR-3805 was. There was a noticeable difference between the two. I clearly enjoyed my AVR-3805 more. Funny, Dobly Digital on the 3805 sounded much better (better soundstage, clearer dialouge, fuller sound) than uncompressed blu ray on the 988 with my speakers.:confused:

Therefore I am considering the AVR-3806. But i've heard many HDMI compatibility problems with it. I will be feeding an HDMI from PS3 and my HDMI cable box to AVR. HDMI out from AVR to TV. Nothing else.

I am scared though about the sonics since I was disapointed with the 988 and was completely happy with the 3805. Throughout this thread I've heard poeple complain about their center channel sounding weak. I'm wondering if this was a trait with Audyssey? I really liked what my 3805's auto setup did with the flat setting. Has anyone been able to compare the sonics of the AVR-3805 and 3806? If so what were your impressions?


Maybe, I'm overanalyzing and maybe I don't need the losseless Blue ray audio. Maybe, if If I was happy with my 3805 then why change, right? But I thought since I have a PS3 why not, right?

Greetings,

Two questions after reading all these HDMI problems on this thread.

1. Does this unit now pass video and audio from ps3 without problems now
2. Are modern calbe boxes now compatible with the 3806 such as Scientific Atlanats HD DVR explorer?

Thanks.

Ive had no problems passing audio and video HDMI from my ps3 before or after firmware update but no 7.1 pcm until after

When I used my 3806 for BD playback with my PS3 I had no problems at all running audio and video(1080P60/1080P24) over HDMI through my 3806. I also had installed the firmware that allowed 7.1 PCM over HDMI and had no problems with that either. IT also worked fine with the HD DVD players sending multichannel PCM.

I had a 3805 when I went to a 2807. The 2807 didn't sound right compared to the 3805 so I then got a 3806 which then sounded like the 3805 did. You won't be disappointed in sound quality going from a 3805 to a 3806. They both sounded superb, but it was the 2807 that was lacking something when I tried it.

How do I get the firmware upgrade for the avr-3806.
also
I don't hear any audio at all in the DTS mode.
and on auto it defaults to dts-neo 6, is that a discrete mode?
Terry
I just bought this unit used, I have lots of questions and, would like to talk to someone who has used it for a while.
I can offer lots of grateful dead and Dave matthews sbd cd's in trade.
tbmc@townisp.com:)

Hi all, just picked up a 3806 second-hand and it looks brand new :)

Anyhow, I was not too successful in my initial attempt to use HDMI for my Scientific Atlantic HD Cable box and HTPC sources.

The receiver could not make up its mind as to what audio mode to use which resulted in a lot of clicking and the video looked horrible including red dots all over the display.

After reading through this thread I attempted the Firmware upgrade. I was shocked to see how old the Firmware was on my receiver compared to others who have upgraded.

My Original Firmware:
Main - 00.52
Sub - 00.41
DSP - 00.43

Original Firmware from other members who upgraded:
Main - 00.56
Sub - 00.42
DSP - 00.43

After update:
Main - 00.76
Sub - 00.56
DSP - 00.45

The upgrade went flawlessly and now the receiver no longer has any HDMI issues.

Coming from a Harman Kardon AVR525 I am blown away by the way this unit sounds.

Next I need to look into upgrading my speakers. I am using my old Acoustic Research AR-318PS Mains, AR-216PS Rears, and AR-C225PS Center.

Later,
Michael

I have a question around Digital PCM signal for TV on non Dolby channels. What are the differences, and what would do you recommend for a 5.1 surround set up:

5 channel stereo
Dolby PLII Cinema
DTS Neo 6

I have been using 5 channel steroe for a year, but wonder if I am missing out on something.

I am not an expert but I can offer a rational approach
Two things
First, if the movie you are watching has Dolby content or DTS content, then you will get better sound than 5 channel stereo
Secondly, simply switch between the different modes and see for yourself what pleases you more

For those of you with intermittent hdmi handshake problems, did the software upgrade resolve these issues?
I have a tosh xa-2 and scientific atlanta dvr cable box and both have issues
being switched through the 3806. If I use an oppo hdmi switcher directly to my projector everything is fine. Only problem is I have to use coax for my audio.
Any thoughts would be appreciated

The new firmware fixed the handshake issues I had with my HDTV
Is it going to fix yours? who knows
I can promise it wont break anything though
Give it a try

how do I get the firmware upgrade?
how do I install it?
Terry McNamara

Ditto exactly the same for me. Never had a problem with either PS3 BD or HD-DVD before or after the firmware upgrade.

Best of luck.

When I used my 3806 for BD playback with my PS3 I had no problems at all running audio and video(1080P60/1080P24) over HDMI through my 3806. I also had installed the firmware that allowed 7.1 PCM over HDMI and had no problems with that either. IT also worked fine with the HD DVD players sending multichannel PCM.

Terry,

If you look through the thread, you will find many examples of how to upgrade. I also posted a summary thread a few months back. Not to hard to find.

Best of luck with the upgrade.

Jim

how do I get the firmware upgrade?
how do I install it?
Terry McNamara

I can get everything to work fine except video on my kid's Wii and Xbox 360. Audio comes through fine.

All of this works fine, audio and video.
3806 -> hdmi -> Panasonic 50'' plasma monitor (Amperion speakers, work fine)
directtv HR21 -> hdmi -> 3806
sony DVD -> hdmi -> 3806

I've had to run component video strainght to my Panasonic for video to work on the xbox360. The audio is run via optical to the 3806. Just plugged the Wii in to the v.aux on the front of the 3806; audio works only.

I've read as much as I could through the forum and haven't found my solution yet. I have not done the firmware update as I only have 5.1 and am concerened I turn my denon into a paper weight.

Any help would be awesome.

...

I've had to run component video strainght to my Panasonic for video to work on the xbox360. The audio is run via optical to the 3806. Just plugged the Wii in to the v.aux on the front of the 3806; audio works only.

I've read as much as I could through the forum and haven't found my solution yet. I have not done the firmware update as I only have 5.1 and am concerened I turn my denon into a paper weight.

Any help would be awesome.

Are you sure that wii is connected via composite on the 3806, because v.aux is only composite

Thanks for the response.

Yes, connected to v.aux with compostite. I even went and bought component cables for the wii. Hooked it up to vcr-2 and assigned rca1 in component video in setup, conversion on, conversion on in HDMI out too. Still no vid. Color set to YCbCr. What gives? Help!!

I have the Wii hooked up to VCR1 using genuine Nintendo component cable with component --> HDMI turned on with no issues. Looks great!

I would go through your settings with a fine tooth comb.

Do you have a DVD player with component out that you could put on that input to test the video?
Does the Wii work hooked directly to you TV?

Thanks for the response.

Yes, connected to v.aux with compostite. I even went and bought component cables for the wii. Hooked it up to vcr-2 and assigned rca1 in component video in setup, conversion on, conversion on in HDMI out too. Still no vid. Color set to YCbCr. What gives? Help!!

What does yours say if you press the "status" button the front of the reviever when you have your wii on? Specifically the HDMI Monitor Info (press it a couple times); mine has 480p1080i720p576p.

Page 16 in the manual has a note that says "Use an HDMI monitor compatible with an HDMI input resolution of 480i or 576i."

I'm hoping that doesn't mean what I think it means. The lowest res. my panny will accept over HDMI is 480p.

What does yours say if you press the "status" button the front of the reviever when you have your wii on? Specifically the HDMI Monitor Info (press it a couple times); mine has 480p1080i720p576p.

Page 16 in the manual has a note that says "Use an HDMI monitor compatible with an HDMI input resolution of 480i or 576i."

I'm hoping that doesn't mean what I think it means. The lowest res. my panny will accept over HDMI is 480p.


480i/p1080i720p1080p

My display accepts all resolutions over HDMI, and when I check my display's current mode it is 480p.

I think I remember having to tell the Wii to output 480p in the setup screens - so the out of the box default is probably 480i. 480p is only an option when using the component cables, but you will need a display capable of 480i/p input over component to change the output.

Yea, that's what I had to do. I hooked the Wii directly to my tv via component and changed the output to 480p. Then I hooked it back to my 3806 and now it works. I feel a little silly for not figuring that out but oh well, it works now. I think this is the same kind of issue I was having with my xbox 360.

Thanks for the help!!

Now if I can just get my sub to start booming I'll be in business. I'll try and read the manual a little before I waste anybody else's time.

Thanks again.

Yea, that's what I had to do. I hooked the Wii directly to my tv via component and changed the output to 480p. Then I hooked it back to my 3806 and now it works. I feel a little silly for not figuring that out but oh well, it works now. I think this is the same kind of issue I was having with my xbox 360.

Thanks for the help!!

Now if I can just get my sub to start booming I'll be in business. I'll try and read the manual a little before I waste anybody else's time.

Thanks again.


No problem. Glad you got it working.

As for the sub - make sure you have "Main+LFE" selected in the Denon's setup. Forget which screen it is on...

Can anyone help w/ a 3806 question.

My 3806 has the VCR analog ouputs sending signals to another receiver that feeds speakers in another room. So the tuner, phono etc plays in the other room.

My DVD player has both optical and analog feeds to the Denon.

The optical feed will only play through the denon speakers and not feed the VCR analog output (the analog works).

Is there any way to get optical inputs to feed the VCR analog output?

thanks

Very few receivers will downconvert digital audio inputs for analog output, whether it's the record outputs (like VCR out) or Zone 2 outs. 3806 does not have this capability, it's only analog in > analog out for recording/zone2. You need an analog audio input in addition to the digital input, as you've found, and this is totally normal behavior for this model.

On a side note, is there a reason you are using the VCR Out and not just Zone 2 outs?

Can anyone help w/ a 3806 question.

My 3806 has the VCR analog ouputs sending signals to another receiver that feeds speakers in another room. So the tuner, phono etc plays in the other room.

My DVD player has both optical and analog feeds to the Denon.

The optical feed will only play through the denon speakers and not feed the VCR analog output (the analog works).

Is there any way to get optical inputs to feed the VCR analog output?

thanks

If I am not mistaken it's macrovision that blocks digital outputs going to anything other than amps speakers. The same applies for Tape and DVD recordables, again if I'm not mistaken.
I had as front speakers Bose 901's which require signal to go through their analog equalizer for optimum performance. No digital input would go through

Thanks for the replies.

It's what I thought.

Batpig I do use zone 2 outs as well for music in my basement.

Like all things electronic if I had waited a year I would have had a 3808, and my panny projector would be 1080p and I would be getting the most out of my blu ray.

Oh well dont have the money to upgrade for now.

I have a 3806 and am looking into getting a Blu-Ray player. Will I be missing out on some of the sound features because the 3806 doesn't decode some of the newer codecs? Is it a noticable difference? I hate the idea of shelling out for a new receiver, although one that is more user friendly would be nice!

no, you won't miss out on anything as long as you get a blu ray player that has all the codecs internally. there will be no sonic loss with the multichannel PCM from the BDP.

What would be potentially lost with the video from a blu-ray player? Can the 3806 pass 1080p through HDMI?
Thanks

nothing should be lsot, I don't think there are any issues as Denon's have always had good HDMI implementation. It should just take the video and pass it through to the TV untouched. I know for a fact on my old 2307ci (same HDMI implementation as 3806 I think) the HDMI video came through totally untouched.

you should search for "1080p" on this thread though and do a little research just in case. Maybe a 3806 owner can chime in to confirm.

Yes it will pass 1080p, but you need the latest firmware.

Thanks guys. Since my post, I did search for 1080p as you suggested and found that it looks like you are correct. Once you get the latest firmware, it will pass 1080p just fine. I've found some good posts on how to upgrade the firmware, but do you know how to tell what firmware version you currently have?
Thanks

Never mind, I just found a post that explains how to check the firmware. I'll keep doing more research through this thread before I ask my next question.

no, you won't miss out on anything as long as you get a blu ray player that has all the codecs internally. there will be no sonic loss with the multichannel PCM from the BDP.


Thanks for the quick reply. That makes me feel better. So, if I understand correctly, I don't need a player that transmits "lossless" audio. Is that correct?

nothing should be lsot, I don't think there are any issues as Denon's have always had good HDMI implementation. It should just take the video and pass it through to the TV untouched. I know for a fact on my old 2307ci (same HDMI implementation as 3806 I think) the HDMI video came through totally untouched.

you should search for "1080p" on this thread though and do a little research just in case. Maybe a 3806 owner can chime in to confirm.

I'm sure others can chime in here as well, but I don't know why you would feed the video through the receiver unless you had limited inputs on the TV. I've always thought that the more direct the connection, the better. I usually plug my DVD player diectly to the TV via HDMI.

normally, you are totally correct. the two reasons to feed video through the receiver are:

1. simplicity of hook-up -- all the switching (audio and video) is handled by the receiver, this is especially helpful if you have to run wires in the wall and you only want to run a single hdmi/component cable to the tv/projector

2. for blu ray / hd dvd, the HDMI cable is the only way to get the lossless audio to the receiver. the receiver gets the HDMI audio+video signal, strips the audio (multichannel PCM in this case), and then passes the video to the display untouched.

the idea that "the most direct connection is the best" is often true for analog but irrelevant for digital. it's like how the 100th copy of a CD is identical to the first, unlike taking recordings of old cassette tapes. all it does is take the digital video info and pass it along.


So, if I understand correctly, I don't need a player that transmits "lossless" audio. Is that correct?

no, you are still getting lossless audio, it will just be decoded by the player first, and passed over HDMI to the 3806 as multichannel PCM. the "buzz word" you want to look for is "internally decoded audio" in the blu ray player, as opposed to "bitstreaming" the audio to the receiver for decoding. make sure the player you purchase has the "Dolby TrueHD" and "DTS-MA" logos so you know it can internally decode.

normally, you are totally correct. the two reasons to feed video through the receiver are:

1. simplicity of hook-up -- all the switching (audio and video) is handled by the receiver, this is especially helpful if you have to run wires in the wall and you only want to run a single hdmi/component cable to the tv/projector

2. for blu ray / hd dvd, the HDMI cable is the only way to get the lossless audio to the receiver. the receiver gets the HDMI audio+video signal, strips the audio (multichannel PCM in this case), and then passes the video to the display untouched.

the idea that "the most direct connection is the best" is often true for analog but irrelevant for digital. it's like how the 100th copy of a CD is identical to the first, unlike taking recordings of old cassette tapes. all it does is take the digital video info and pass it along.




no, you are still getting lossless audio, it will just be decoded by the player first, and passed over HDMI to the 3806 as multichannel PCM. the "buzz word" you want to look for is "internally decoded audio" in the blu ray player, as opposed to "bitstreaming" the audio to the receiver for decoding. make sure the player you purchase has the "Dolby TrueHD" and "DTS-MA" logos so you know it can internally decode.

Thanks, Batpig. The buzz words are exactly what I was looking for. I'm looking at the Sony's and it looks like the 550 decodes DTS-HD and the 350 only decodes Dolby HD but bitstreams DTS HD. I'm not sure what other differences there are. Is this a big enough deal to justify $100 price difference? Any thing else I should be considering?

I think the only difference would be on DTS-MA discs, in which case you would get the 1.5mbps DTS "core" track. It would be identical for Dolby TrueHD, DD+, and DTS-HD. Whether that's worth $100.... only you can decide, I don't know how flexible your budget is.

also consider the PS3, which decodes everything and is a perfect match for an HDMI receiver that can only take PCM. this discussion, however, belongs in the BDP forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=149

Never mind, I just found a post that explains how to check the firmware. I'll keep doing more research through this thread before I ask my next question.

The 3806 is a great receiver. If you dont need all the bells and whistles, you would have to go up to the 4308 to hear a big difference in sound.

Just make sure your BD player "internally decodes" the audio. Same thing, just a different way of getting it. PS3 is a good option along with others that decode all (just make sure it does DTS MA also).

I can't understand why on the Owners Instruction Manual it says that the max. volume obtainable is +18 dB and the max volume I can get is from +1.5 dB to +5.0 dB (depending on the source).The max. volume limiter is set to off.
Please help me..

Thats a normal problem that is usually the result of Audyssey or speaker levels. Whats your speaker levels set at?

it also depends on your speaker trims and your source level offsets. for example, if max vol. is +18dB, but audyssey set your center channel to +8dB, the max volume would now be +10dB. if you have leveled your source volumes (for example set your DVD player to +10dB because it's so much louder than the TV input) you would now have a max volume of 0 (118 minus +8 for the center minus +10 for the source level trim).

Ok..Thank's guys :)

Hey guys - I'm trying to follow the procedure way back in post # 2381 to upgrade the firmware in my 3806.

I got the file and the serial cable, installed the program on a laptop and connected to the RS-232 port on the AVR.

Every time I try to run the program, it says Communication error. Any ideas? I tried 2 different cables and 2 different laptops - same result.

DE

Successful 3806 Firmware Update using info in post #2381. I was surprised at how easy it was.

Before update, mine was:

Main - 00.52
Sub - 00.41
DSP - 00.43

After update:

Main - 00.76
Sub - 00.56
DSP - 00.45