If I'm already using my surround back speaker connections to bi-amp my front speakers, how do I set up the '3806 to play on a set of stereo speakers in another part of the house?

And, in doing so, will I be limited in any way to the sources (XM, DVD, DBS) I can access or to the types of connections (digital/analog) by which those sources come into the receiver?

I posted this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6868788&&#post6868788) a while back in the hope that someone could confirm this behavior. I'd like to know whether this is indeed a bug in the firmware of the 3806, or something wrong with my unit.

It's easy to try (I swear) and it would help me a lot if someone could try this. Simply turn off the OSD display (first option in the OSD menu) and switch between component inputs. When you do this, see if the video switches properly, or if you have to hit "volume", "setup", or "OSD" to get the video to switch.

Thanks!

Scott,
While the 3806 is a 7.1 ch receiver, I put it in a room with speakers already mounted in a 5.1 configuration that I didn't want to go to the trouble of changing. Normally, Zones 2 & 3 require an external amp UNLESS you choose to run Zone 2 using (in my case) the unused back speakers.

You can use the 3806's menu system to change Zone 1 from 7.1 to 5.1 with a powered 2 channel Zone 2 (using the L/R back speakers). That's what I did.

Chris

BTW thanks in advance for checking in with your Denon guy on this issue!

If I'm already using my surround back speaker connections to bi-amp my front speakers, how do I set up the '3806 to play on a set of stereo speakers in another part of the house?

And, in doing so, will I be limited in any way to the sources (XM, DVD, DBS) I can access or to the types of connections (digital/analog) by which those sources come into the receiver?
Since you're using all 7 channels, you will need a separate amplifier to use the Zone 2 and Zone 3 preouts from the 3806. I don't know if you're limited to the different sources, but it doesn't seem like you would be?

If it's still like the 3805, then zone 2 & 3 will probably be limited to analog input sources.

I'm getting a little nervous just before springing for this system upgrade and I want to make sure I'm making the right choices. I'm already over budget!

My main concern is the receiver. I currently have a 3806 on order but for an additional $420 I can get the 4306. (I could cancel the $300 Furman Elite 15 power conditioner I have on order and use my existing surge protectors.)

I will be watching DVDs of course but also DVDs I will burn from my Panasonic AG-1980 S-VHS deck to my Sony DVD recorder via S-Video (going through the receiver).

Since I'm dropping over six thousand dollars I just want to buy as intelligently as I can (it's hard to buy intelligently when you're ignorant!). I'm not concerned with multi-zones or Ipod connectivity, but rather upscaling to HDMI. I read where analog signals are restricted to 480i on the 3806. Would I get appreciably better results on the 4306?

Any advice would be super appreciated!!!

My order as it stands right now:

Hitachi HDPJ52
Vutec 103" Screen
Denon AVR-3806
Denon DVD-2910
mount, cables, calibration and install
Furman Elite-15 power conditioner

If seeing the volume control on the screen is an issue with you I would go the 4306 route.


With the Hatichi Specifications. 1200 ANSI lumens, 7000:1 contrast, native 16:9 widescreen format, 1280x720 resolution 3x LCD

I would certainly run component and HDMI to the projector. It may choke on some 1080p which I don't think is very far down the road.

My DLP is 1280 x 720 and I was dissipointed when I connected a PC to it. 720 horizonal res just seems to throw some limitations in there.

My point is if the 3806 throws out some native res over HDMI the projector may choke on it unless you switch to Component.
Then again it may work flawless, it's just a crap shoot.

What model Vutec screen did you get?

I posted this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6868788&&#post6868788) a while back in the hope that someone could confirm this behavior. I'd like to know whether this is indeed a bug in the firmware of the 3806, or something wrong with my unit.

It's easy to try (I swear) and it would help me a lot if someone could try this. Simply turn off the OSD display (first option in the OSD menu) and switch between component inputs. When you do this, see if the video switches properly, or if you have to hit "volume", "setup", or "OSD" to get the video to switch.

Thanks!

Sorry, can't help ya.
I only have one component input being used.
I have 2 HDMIs and one composite.

Since you're using all 7 channels, you will need a separate amplifier to use the Zone 2 and Zone 3 preouts from the 3806. I don't know if you're limited to the different sources, but it doesn't seem like you would be?
If I have to get another receiver/amp, what's the advantage of using the '3806 at all for another room? Also, can't the Surround B speaker posts on the '3806 be used as a power source for speakers in another part of the house? :(

There are only 7 amps in the 3806. You can use all seven amps for a 7.1 system; you can use all 7 to bi-amp your front speakers in a 5.1 system (what you say you have done); or you can use 5 amps for a 5.1 system and then use the "extra" 2 amps to drive speakers in Zone 2. But you only get 7. Your choice how to allocate them.

The surround B speaker outputs are for folks with two sets of rear speakers in a 7.1 system. In that case they usually have a set of di/bi-poles for movies, and a set of mono-poles for music. The 3806 can be configured to drive either / or both of the rear speaker based on input source. But the extra set of speaker outputs does not mean another set of amps. The rear amps are switched between them.

The advantage of using Zone 2/3 with a separate amp is that you don't have to duplicate all of your source components (CD player, tape player, etc). The down side of this is that the 3806 will only output "analog" sources on Zone 2 or 3. You need to connect all of your sources to the 3806 with both digital and analog connections if you want to use Zone 2/3.

So your choice seems to be either purchase another amp for Zone 2; or single amp the fronts and use the back amps for Zone 2.

My suggestion: Listen to your front speakers single amped and see if you can really tell much of a difference. Then make a choice.

Greg


If I have to get another receiver/amp, what's the advantage of using the '3806 at all for another room? Also, can't the Surround B speaker posts on the '3806 be used as a power source for speakers in another part of the house? :(

Arthur,

Not clear exactly about your question. Running the S-Video from the tape to the DVD recorder should be identical on 3806 and 4806. I don't believe that the receiver will have any impact on your signal quality in that direction. Playing DVD's made from S-VHS tapes will not give you the same quality as a commercial DVD. But depending on the compression you chose, it should not look too much worse than playing them from the original S-VHS tape. You will lose a little quality in the conversion process, but this has nothing to do with the receiver.

Now am not sure I understand your question about HDMI. The 3806 will not "upscale" to HDMI. The 4806 does have a scaler but I think it only works on output to the display. And don't forget that your display also has a scaler. So I think the question becomes, which scaler is better, the one in the 4806 or the one in your display. Unfortunately, I cannot answer that part. You should search for comments on the scaler in the 4806 to see what people think about it. But I would not expect miracles from it. I don't think Denon has spent a lot of $$$ on this feature, so the scaler is not likely to be a high end component.

Greg


I will be watching DVDs of course but also DVDs I will burn from my Panasonic AG-1980 S-VHS deck to my Sony DVD recorder via S-Video (going through the receiver).

...I'm not concerned with multi-zones or Ipod connectivity, but rather upscaling to HDMI. I read where analog signals are restricted to 480i on the 3806. Would I get appreciably better results on the 4306?

Any advice would be super appreciated!!!

"What model Vutec screen did you get?"

The Vu-Easy 16X9 matte white.

Arthur,

Not clear exactly about your question. Running the S-Video from the tape to the DVD recorder should be identical on 3806 and 4806. I don't believe that the receiver will have any impact on your signal quality in that direction. Playing DVD's made from S-VHS tapes will not give you the same quality as a commercial DVD. But depending on the compression you chose, it should not look too much worse than playing them from the original S-VHS tape. You will lose a little quality in the conversion process, but this has nothing to do with the receiver.

Now am not sure I understand your question about HDMI. The 3806 will not "upscale" to HDMI. The 4806 does have a scaler but I think it only works on output to the display. And don't forget that your display also has a scaler. So I think the question becomes, which scaler is better, the one in the 4806 or the one in your display. Unfortunately, I cannot answer that part. You should search for comments on the scaler in the 4806 to see what people think about it. But I would not expect miracles from it. I don't think Denon has spent a lot of $$$ on this feature, so the scaler is not likely to be a high end component.

Greg

Greg,

That's OK because I don't understand my questions myself! :o I'm just going through a mild panic trying not to screw up on a six grand upgrade. I'm really blown away by the new technology. One fear with the big screen has been the effect it will have on my S-VHS collection (over 600 titles) the most obscure of which I'm burning to DVD. In any case after watching a 48-inch Toshiba for the last ten years I'm sure I'll be in hog heaven by the end of the week when this baby's installed! I think I'll go with the 4306 just to get the latest technology and worry about understanding it later! I just can't seem to find space in my head for this much new information!! :eek:

Thanks for the input.

The easy solution would be to run component from the Motorola box to the 3806 with optical audio until this HDCP stuff gets ironed out.
Yea HDMI is neat and clean but are you going to see the diffrence?
No.

I agree that I will not see the difference, but I paid extra to step up to the 3806 and feel that it should work as claimed. I am a little miffed that the 3806 can only do on screen display at 480i on the HDMI. My TV will not accept less than 480p on the HDMI and I feel that Denon is only minimally supporting HDMI with this. Did not realize how close to the bleeding edge I was walking.

HDMI will be important for the next generation of DVD player...

According to the instructions, if I input Audio to HDMI, then Audio is only present with HDMI.

But, what if I am inputting just Video from DVR (DVI) to AVR (HDMI), can I input Audio to Optical on AVR?

The reason I ask, is my DVR and TV are both DVI, and I will be getting a 3806 with HDMI. So, I don't want to get two DVI-HDMI cables for nothing.

I agree that I will not see the difference, but I paid extra to step up to the 3806 and feel that it should work as claimed. I am a little miffed that the 3806 can only do on screen display at 480i on the HDMI. My TV will not accept less than 480p on the HDMI and I feel that Denon is only minimally supporting HDMI with this. Did not realize how close to the bleeding edge I was walking.

HDMI will be important for the next generation of DVD player...

I agree with you 100% I'm very dissipointed that OSD only works at 480i on the entire Denon line below the 4306. It's basically useless.
And if the receiver is not visible (Like in a closet) it's only a matter of time before the system is accidently turned wide open.

I have a Denon 1920 DVD connected to the 3806 and works flawless via HDMI.

The problem is with cable boxes with copy protection that there is no standard that everyone agrees on.

I am a little miffed that the 3806 can only do on screen display at 480i on the HDMI

No it has nothing to do with HDMI it only works at 480i on any output. Not just HDMI.

According to the instructions, if I input Audio to HDMI, then Audio is only present with HDMI.

But, what if I am inputting just Video from DVR (DVI) to AVR (HDMI), can I input Audio to Optical on AVR?

The reason I ask, is my DVR and TV are both DVI, and I will be getting a 3806 with HDMI. So, I don't want to get two DVI-HDMI cables for nothing.

A DVI to HDMI cable will only carry Video as far as I know and will require either Optical, Coaxial, or RCA analog to carry the audio.

My Dish Network 811 High Def box is DVI out.
I go DVI to HDMI into the 3806 and Optical for the audio and map the inputs accordingly.

So, I gether that the OSD is only 480i.

Does that mean when my DVR is using HDMI and Xbox is using Component, since the resolutions of those two sources in greater than 480i, that there will be no OSD?

Or can ithe OSD overlay a 480i image, as long as my TV's HDMI and Component accept 480i?

So, I gether that the OSD is only 480i.

Does that mean when my DVR is using HDMI and Xbox is using Component, since the resolutions of those two sources in greater than 480i, that there will be no OSD?

Or can ithe OSD overlay a 480i image, as long as my TV's HDMI and Component accept 480i?


The OSD is 480i only.

That means that if the picture going to your TV is anything other than 480i there is no OSD. :mad:

Examples:

Composite video from your VCR to the 3806 then HDMI or Component to the monitor... OSD will work

Component video from your DVD in 480p to the 3806 then HDMI or Component to the monitor... no OSD

This applies to:
1905
1906
2106
3805
3806

Does not apply to:

4306
4806
5805

These models have a scailer built in.




Make sence?

Did anyone else happen to see that the Denon AVR-3806 is available at Costco for $200 less than retail. Costco also has the Denon 4806, 2106, 1905 and 1705.


Where do you see these? I only see the 3805 on their website.

I had the same problem of no on-screen display of the set-up menu, even when running an S-Video cable directly from monitor out to the TV. I also couldn't get anything from the HDMI switching. I exchanged my first unit for a new one and now the only problem I have a couple of months later is that it won't switch HDMI video from my HR10-250 DirecTV HD Tivo out to my TV. (I have to run component video in and HDMI out.) But that's a problem that Denon blames on all the STB makers. That may be the case, but something tells me they could have done a little more testing and fixing before releasing the model.
Anyway, I decided to stick with the Denon AVR-3806 because the audio is so superb and because I'm hoping that the next generation of STBs will work with it. You're correct though, that consumers shouldn't have to pay this kind of money for a product that doesn't do all it's supposed to do.


Why would it suddenly not be able to switch after being able to do so for a couple of months? Was it from a over-the-air update from DirecTV or something?

There are authorized dealers you can find online that will ship this product for less than $1000 to your door. You just have to look for them and call.


Would you PM me who your are referring to? I am looking for a pair of 3806s

Why would it suddenly not be able to switch after being able to do so for a couple of months? Was it from a over-the-air update from DirecTV or something?
I didn't say that it was suddenly unable to switch. I said my first receiver, which turned out to be defective, could not do any video switching/handling whatsoever.

The replacement unit does all that it's supposed to do except carry an HDMI feed from my DirecTV HR10-250 out to the TV. (I have to use component out from the STB into the 3806 and then HDMI out to the TV). The 3806 has never been able to do pure HDMI switching for my STB, though it does work with DVD players. I should also reiterate that the HR10-250 works fine when outputting HDMI signals directly to the TV.

The 3806 has never been able to do pure HDMI switching for my STB

That would be copy protection my friend.

If it worked theoretically you could re-route that data to a PC and record it.

That would be copy protection my friend.

If it worked theoretically you could re-route that data to a PC and record it.
How is making a copy on one's PC hard drive different from making an exact copy on the Tivo, itself? :(
And, by the way, I don't understand how sending a video signal through an AV receiver and out to a TV monitor vis-a-vis HDMI switching constitutes copy protection.

I purchased the 3806 with the knowledge of the 480i OSD limitation, but then again, every other major manufacturer had the same issue in the price range.

Now, with the 3806 still being a pretty new model, Denon announces the 2807 which will incorporate a scaler to output the OSD at resolutions other than 480i, and will be cheaper that the 3806! :mad:

I really hope that Denon will stand by their customers who adopted the 3806 instead of the 3805, just so we could get the HDMI switching, only to have a new/better/cheaper product released so shortly after the 3806. A firmware update, trade-in program, anything would be great.

The 3806 is just about perfect in my mind except for the OSD thing... :rolleyes:

[/QUOTE]The replacement unit does all that it's supposed to do except carry an HDMI feed from my DirecTV HR10-250 out to the TV. (I have to use component out from the STB into the 3806 and then HDMI out to the TV). The 3806 has never been able to do pure HDMI switching for my STB, though it does work with DVD players. I should also reiterate that the HR10-250 works fine when outputting HDMI signals directly to the TV.[/QUOTE]



I have the same STB and it IS able to pass a video signal through HDMI to the 3806 and then to my display. It will NOT pass an audio signal through HDMI though. I have to run an optical cable for the audio.

I purchased the 3806 with the knowledge of the 480i OSD limitation, but then again, every other major manufacturer had the same issue in the price range.

Now, with the 3806 still being a pretty new model, Denon announces the 2807 which will incorporate a scaler to output the OSD at resolutions other than 480i, and will be cheaper that the 3806! :mad:
It may be better in a few newer features, but the 3806 should still be a better overall receiver, especially in terms of sound quality, (also power, if needed). It is not like they are replacing the 3806, as it was released just 3 mos. ago.

The OSD is 480i only.

That means that if the picture going to your TV is anything other than 480i there is no OSD. :mad:

Make sence?
Yes, it makes sense. ;)
Thanks :cool:

S2silber,

The problem of switching HDMI from the HR10-250 is most likely a problem with the HR10-250, not the 3806. As explained in earlier posts on this thread, the source device (HR10-250) has to do a different security handshake with an intermediate device (3806) than it does with an end device (display). Many of the STB do not implement that handshake correctly, so they don't work with any HDMI switching receiver, not just the 3806. The Motorola 6412 is known to have the problem, and I suspect your HR10 has it as well. The security parts of the HDMI are normally inplemented in a secure chip, so it is probably not fixable with a firmware download. You will probably have to wait for a newer version of your STB. Anyway, it is not the 3806's problem, as evidenced by its successfully switching your DVD source. Also, if you check threads for the Yamaha, you will see them complaining of the same problems with HDMI switching.

Greg



The replacement unit does all that it's supposed to do except carry an HDMI feed from my DirecTV HR10-250 out to the TV. (I have to use component out from the STB into the 3806 and then HDMI out to the TV). The 3806 has never been able to do pure HDMI switching for my STB, though it does work with DVD players. I should also reiterate that the HR10-250 works fine when outputting HDMI signals directly to the TV.

I made all the connections and attempted to set up my new 3806 last weekend. Before doing this, I read the manual several times, took notes and felt ready to roll. ... Two questions:

1. Are we supposed to see the setup menus on our TV screen? I assumed that's why the manual says to turn on the TV? Nothing is appearing on my set (Samsung HLR5078W).

2. When I run the first step of the setup, I get tones from all speakers (5.1). Yet, I get an error message that there are no R/L surround speakers connected. I checked the connections -- they're connected -- but every retry results in the same message.

Advice? Similar experiences?

Got my 3806 Today and Have it all set up... Absolutely Love It!!!! Looking forward to getting into the menus and making adjustments!!!

3806 can't pass a 720P signal?!! I've got an Oppo 971 DVD player connected to my Denon 3806 and feeding into a Pioneer 4360HD plasma panel. Everything is connected via HDMI. If I shoot a 720P signal from the oppo DVD player to the denon it only comes out at a 540i signal. What gives. If the Denon can't even pass a 720P signal straight through then it is the major suck.

Can anyone offer any feedback on this? Thanks.

Are you sure about that? I was just speaking yesterday with a Denon rep' by the name of Carl who fields alot of the customer calls and passed on to him a comment by a reviewer on CNET who claimed that the 3806's HDMI output only sends out 480i signals. He denied that claim saying that the 3806 passes signals in their native resolution.

3806 can't pass a 720P signal?!! I've got an Oppo 971 DVD player connected to my Denon 3806 and feeding into a Pioneer 4360HD plasma panel. Everything is connected via HDMI. If I shoot a 720P signal from the oppo DVD player to the denon it only comes out at a 540i signal. What gives. If the Denon can't even pass a 720P signal straight through then it is the major suck.

Can anyone offer any feedback on this? Thanks.


I just copied this from the 3806 manual:

• Use an HDMI monitor compatible with an HDMI input resolution of 480i or 576i.
• The video signals input from the HDMI input terminals are output to the HDMI monitor with
their original resolution, so the image will not be displayed if the resolutions of the input signal
and the monitor being used are not matched. In this case, change the setting of the resolution
on the source device (player) to one which the monitor can handle.


So why tell us to use a monitor that accepts 480i or 576i if "are output to the HDMI monitor with
their original resolution" is true?

I just copied this from the 3806 manual:

• Use an HDMI monitor compatible with an HDMI input resolution of 480i or 576i.
• The video signals input from the HDMI input terminals are output to the HDMI monitor with
their original resolution, so the image will not be displayed if the resolutions of the input signal
and the monitor being used are not matched. In this case, change the setting of the resolution
on the source device (player) to one which the monitor can handle.


So why tell us to use a monitor that accepts 480i or 576i if "are output to the HDMI monitor with
their original resolution" is true?


Because the OSD is 480i/576i only

Mike in Mass So why tell us to use a monitor that accepts 480i or 576i if "are output to the HDMI monitor with their original resolution" is true?
- My guess is that is in reference to the 3806's OSD, which is only output at 480i. If someone's monitor didn't accept the OSD's 480i resolution, then they would not be able to see the OSD and assume something was wrong.

D'oh. Beat to the punch while I was typing. :)

Is bi-amp worth it? I'm considering it.

I've bi-amp'd and I'm glad I did. I wouldn't say that the sense of power and headroom literally doubled, but it did make a noticeable improvement. Of course, you'd be sacrificing the option of a 7.1 speaker set-up or creation of a self-powered Zone 2 option.

3806 can't pass a 720P signal?!! I've got an Oppo 971 DVD player connected to my Denon 3806 and feeding into a Pioneer 4360HD plasma panel. Everything is connected via HDMI. If I shoot a 720P signal from the oppo DVD player to the denon it only comes out at a 540i signal. What gives. If the Denon can't even pass a 720P signal straight through then it is the major suck.

i've got the oppo set up for 720p, running through the 3806 via HDMI and into my 5060, and it works perfectly.

540i??? Isn't that some weirdo pal res or something. Something is not right.

The Denon certainly is not changing it from 720p to 540i......

i've got the oppo set up for 720p, running through the 3806 via HDMI and into my 5060, and it works perfectly.

Sorry, but are you sure? If I check the input res on my 4360 it says 540i (when running through the denon), even when the oppo is outputting 720P or 1080i. I hooked the oppo directly to the 4360 and it dispalys the correct res.

540i??? Isn't that some weirdo pal res or something. Something is not right.

The Denon certainly is not changing it from 720p to 540i......

whatever the equivalent res it, I think it's 540i but I'm at work, and my memory ain't what it used to be.

Hello, I've bought Denon AVR 3806 and I have a lot of problems with configuration of surround central back speaker.
At my first step I had front and central back (one) speakers and everything was working ok.
Than I connected Central and two surround speakers (A) and I lose the sound from my central back. I don't know, what to do?
Speakers are ok, connection is ok too, but my AVR doesn't recognise central back speaker.
And I can't to turn it on in menu - configuration of speakers. Earlier it was possible to push the button down and I could configure it.

Any help is welcome. Regards from Poland, Marcin

Connection HDMI DVD 1920, AVR 3806, panasonic th37pv500 works great in each resolution 450p, 720p i 1080i.

I have a problem when it comes to biamping my B&W 603 on the 3806. It works great when i watch movies in 5.1. But when i want to listen to a cd from the dvd-player i want it in stereo. What happens then it that there is no sound in my tweeters. What should i push on my remote to get sound in both cables? I have tryed different things but i cant get it to work. "pure, d/st, musi" gives me either sourround or only in the midrange and bass. What should i do to get stereosound in both the tweeter , the midrange and the bass?

Quick question....

Will the 3806 output HDMI and Component at the same time and the same
source. I have a 30" CRT and a Projector and I need to output both at the same time.

Example: DVD via HDMI to HDMI on the CRT and DVD via HDMI converted to Component ouput to Projector. Is that possible?

I ran the Audyssey setup and it set all my speakers to Large. I manually went in to the speaker setup and set them all to small and the x-over to 80Hz. Do I need to rerun the Audyssey setup for it to work properly? When Audyssey is engaged does it override the manual settings I have input?

Any help would be appreciated....

Does anyone know if Audyssey will display the corrections that it has applied to the subwoofer. That would be very helpful as I don't think my bfd is needed anymore. I played some Diana Krall last night and the bass was the best I've heard for music from my SVS PB2+. (I disconnected the bfd) Has anyone else with a bfd noticed this?

I will eventually have a 5.1 DD + (Zone 2) 2 ch. Stereo set-up with the 3806. From the manual, I am not clear on how to connect this. I know 5.1 is Front, Center, Surrounds (first).
Does the 2 ch. Stereo get connected to Surround (second) or Surround Back?
Maybe this is Assignable, but that section confuses me.

3806 can't pass a 720P signal?!! I've got an Oppo 971 DVD player connected to my Denon 3806 and feeding into a Pioneer 4360HD plasma panel. Everything is connected via HDMI. If I shoot a 720P signal from the oppo DVD player to the denon it only comes out at a 540i signal. What gives. If the Denon can't even pass a 720P signal straight through then it is the major suck.

Can anyone offer any feedback on this? Thanks.


Yes it can. I have a Denon DVD-756S (same as a 1920) player sending the 3806 a 720P signal via HDMI, out of the 3806 to a Sony KDF-E50A10 via HDMI. The Sony show it's receiving a 720P signal.

I will eventually have a 5.1 DD + (Zone 2) 2 ch. Stereo set-up with the 3806. From the manual, I am not clear on how to connect this. I know 5.1 is Front, Center, Surrounds (first).
Does the 2 ch. Stereo get connected to Surround (second) or Surround Back?
Maybe this is Assignable, but that section confuses me.

Surr. Back can be used to power another Zone. You will change the Power Amp. Assign setting in the configuration to Zone 2, and you'll be all set. You also get preouts for Zone 2 and Zone 3.

Hi, no answer for my previous question :( so maybe anyone can help me, how to turn on my central back speaker? I can't see it from speaker configuration option. Maybe I have something wrong with others settings? Please help me!!!

Hello, I've bought Denon AVR 3806 and I have a lot of problems with configuration of surround central back speaker.
At my first step I had front and central back (one) speakers and everything was working ok.
Than I connected Central and two surround speakers (A) and I lose the sound from my central back. I don't know, what to do?
Speakers are ok, connection is ok too, but my AVR doesn't recognise central back speaker.
And I can't to turn it on in menu - configuration of speakers. Earlier it was possible to push the button down and I could configure it.The only things I could think of were:
1) How do you have the surround back speaker connected? Are you connecting it as the Left Surround Back?
2) For the Power Amp Assign, do you have that selected for Surround Back?
3) When you go through the auto configuration, does it detect all the speakers?

Nobody can answer my question? :(

Will the 3806 output HDMI and Component at the same time and the same
source. I have a 30" CRT and a Projector and I need to output both at the same time.

Example: DVD via HDMI to HDMI on the CRT and DVD via HDMI converted to Component ouput to Projector. Is that possible?

Nobody can answer my question? :(

Will the 3806 output HDMI and Component at the same time and the same
source. I have a 30" CRT and a Projector and I need to output both at the same time.

Example: DVD via HDMI to HDMI on the CRT and DVD via HDMI converted to Component ouput to Projector. Is that possible?

If the source comes into the 3806 as HDMI, it can only be output as HDMI. This is one of the strange, half-done restrictions that I've found with the HDMI support on this receiver. In other words, I don't think that what you've proposed will work.

On the other hand, it *will* output both at the same time as long as you're upconverting component to HDMI. If you pipe the DVD into the 3806 as component, I believe that you'll be able to do what you want.

As a third option, I don't know what happens if you feed both HDMI & component in for the same source. I only have one HDMI source, and I know that it *can't* output both HDMI and component simultaneously. If it could, I don't know if you'd get output from HDMI & component at the same time.

Rob

Sorry, but are you sure? If I check the input res on my 4360 it says 540i (when running through the denon), even when the oppo is outputting 720P or 1080i. I hooked the oppo directly to the 4360 and it dispalys the correct res.
i just checked it: the display tells me that it's receiving 720p. if i hit the DVI button on the oppo it cycles through 480p, (blank), 720p and 1080i.

i don't know if there is a difference for euro models, though.

The only things I could think of were:
1) How do you have the surround back speaker connected? Are you connecting it as the Left Surround Back?
2) For the Power Amp Assign, do you have that selected for Surround Back?
3) When you go through the auto configuration, does it detect all the speakers?

1)Yes, it's connected to Left Surround Back (but it doesn't matter in my opinion)
2)No, I can't make any selection.
3)No, It doesn't detect my Surround Back speaker.

Thanks for traying. Any suggestion? Regards

Please help, I can't get in speaker config (2.1 option) Sp. Back.
Cable connection is ok.
I don't know, what can I do?
Maybe is in this AVR Reset button, or something. I'm asking because earlier I can turn it on, and everything was correct.

Any help would be appreciated....

The only things I could think of were:
1) How do you have the surround back speaker connected? Are you connecting it as the Left Surround Back?
2) For the Power Amp Assign, do you have that selected for Surround Back?
3) When you go through the auto configuration, does it detect all the speakers?

1)Yes, it's connected to Left Surround Back (but it doesn't matter in my opinion)
2)No, I can't make any selection.
3)No, It doesn't detect my Surround Back speaker.

Thanks for traying. Any suggestion? Regards1) For some reason it does matter -- or at least the manual says if you only have one speaker, to connect it to the Left Surr. Back channel.
2) Are we talking about the same option? It should be under menu option 6.1. And it should be set to S. Back. Could this be the problem? What is this option set to?
3) If the Power Amp Assign (6.1) setting is on something like Zone 2 or Zone 3, it will be skipped during Auto Configuration. Verify that option 6.1 is set to S. Back.

Because the OSD is 480i/576i only
Please what is OSD? Is it On Screen Display? On technical specifications it is written that signal via HDMI is the same as the original resolution.

Well a 3806 is on the way but want some comments overall on sound .....Certain magazines unfortunately said that it did not reach the quality of the 3805.....

Regarding video via HDMI one cannot expect the output as a native digital source as say from DVD1920 especially if the input video is via composite(yellow)....But would like to hear other comments on this as well if there are.

Hi, thanks you Wuttuptae for cooperation,

1) of course u have right, it does matter - the connection for a normal work of avr (i was thinking about detection of speaker) and i've done this accurately to the left.
2) i'm affraid that we're talking about these same menu option 6.1
s.back : <s.back>, and moreover i can't change this option even if I want it
3) in speaker setup, speaker config, 2.1, in surround part, I can't see S.Back any options (1 or 2 speaker), earlier I could and I changed it and it was working.

Really I don't know, I checked cables, speaker and everything is ok.

Thank you for everything. Regards

Please what is OSD? Is it On Screen Display? On technical specifications it is written that signal via HDMI is the same as the original resolution.

Yes OSD is "On Screen Display"

Please what is OSD? Is it On Screen Display? On technical specifications it is written that signal via HDMI is the same as the original resolution.


That is very true. The problem is that the On Screen Display's native resolution is 480i. :(

I have:
Arcam DV29
Denon 3806
Pioneer 50XDE

Connected everything via HDMI and through denon. At the beginning all worked fine than the DVD fried. I took it back, they gave me a temporary replacement (denon 2910), it worked for 1 day than sound disappeared, and later DVD player stopped working.
Has anyone experienced anything similar?
What are the solutions:
connect dvd via hdmi to tv?
Connect dvd via hdmi to denon but audio via coaxial?

Any help greatly appreciated!!

Guido

I've bi-amp'd and I'm glad I did. I wouldn't say that the sense of power and headroom literally doubled, but it did make a noticeable improvement. Of course, you'd be sacrificing the option of a 7.1 speaker set-up or creation of a self-powered Zone 2 option.

When you bi-amp'd, do you connect the high pass to front and low pass to surround back? Does matter how you connect it?

No, I didn't -- at least I didn't make a conscious effort to do so. I had asked a Denon factory rep' that question and he told me it didn't matter. If anyone knows or believes anything to the contrary, I'd welcome your comments.

Anybody knows how to return AVR to factory's settings (key code)? (settings reset), thx

Anybody knows how to return AVR to factory's settings (key code)? (settings reset), thx

Page 60 of owners menu...Initialization of the microprocessor

1 Switch off the unit using the main unit’s POWER
switch.
2 Hold the following PURE DIRECT button and
NIGHT button, and turn the main unit’s POWER
switch on.
3 Check that the entire display is flashing with an
interval of about 1 second, and release your
fingers from the 2 buttons.

• The microprocessor will be initialized.
• If step 3 does not work, start over from step 1.
• If the microprocessor has been reset, all the settings are reset
to the default values (the values set upon shipment from the
factory).

Anyone from Audyssey (or anyone else for that matter) care to take a shot at any of these questions?

"I ran the Audyssey setup and it set all my speakers to Large. I manually went in to the speaker setup and set them all to small and the x-over to 80Hz. Do I need to rerun the Audyssey setup for it to work properly? When Audyssey is engaged does it override the manual settings I have input?
"

"Does anyone know if Audyssey will display the corrections that it has applied to the subwoofer. That would be very helpful as I don't think my bfd is needed anymore. I played some Diana Krall last night and the bass was the best I've heard for music from my SVS PB2+. (I disconnected the bfd) Has anyone else with a bfd noticed this?"

Thanks!

Note to anyone who works for Denon:

FIRE THE WRITERS OF YOUR MANUALS

Thank You.

:eek:

Anyone from Audyssey (or anyone else for that matter) care to take a shot at any of these questions?

"I ran the Audyssey setup and it set all my speakers to Large. I manually went in to the speaker setup and set them all to small and the x-over to 80Hz. Do I need to rerun the Audyssey setup for it to work properly? When Audyssey is engaged does it override the manual settings I have input?"


No. If you re-run set-up, it will reset your speakers as large. Just set them as small and change the cross-over.


"Does anyone know if Audyssey will display the corrections that it has applied to the subwoofer. That would be very helpful as I don't think my bfd is needed anymore. I played some Diana Krall last night and the bass was the best I've heard for music from my SVS PB2+. (I disconnected the bfd) Has anyone else with a bfd noticed this?"

Thanks!

You can display the corrections made by auto set-up. I forget which screen, but it will show you the equalizer settings. But I don't think it equalizes for the Subwoofer. If I remember correclty, the lowest equalization band displayed is 67Hz.

Greg

Thank you everyone for helping. Reset helps. Right now everything is correct. Rgds

But I don't think it equalizes for the Subwoofer. If I remember correclty, the lowest equalization band displayed is 67Hz.
I believe I've read that it does equalize below 67Hz but, as you said, it doesn't display that low.

Thanks for the response gfbuchanan! But it leads me to other questions. If the Audyssey doesn't eq the sub why does it sound so flat? By flat, I mean it sounds very nice for music, but for movies its like my sub is crippled. It has lost is kick. Additionally I have my sub pre-out split for my PB2+ and my buttkicker amp. After I ran the Audyssey, I had to turn up the amp on the buttkicker. If the system is not eqing the sub channel, what is happening?

Hey

Anybody really look at the new 2807 verses the 3806 ???

Best of CES award and boast it fixes the 3806 HDMI issues.

Please post any differences you note.

Hey

Anybody really look at the new 2807 verses the 3806 ???

Best of CES award and boast it fixes the 3806 HDMI issues.


Who or where does it say that it "fixes the 3806 HDMI issues"?

believe I've read that it does equalize below 67Hz but, as you said, it doesn't display that low.

For sure it does EQ the sub all the way down, it doesnt display it however. On mine, I ran sine wave test tones before and after eq-ing. On my setup audessey cuts my 20~30 hz output by 8 db ! ..Without eq I have a bit of a natural house curve down low but auddesey cuts the lower freqs so its more of a flat response all the way to 20 hz..
Now actually I like a bit of a house curve down low so my dilema was that I liked the auddesey eq-ing but didnt like it cutting my lower bass freq down low. I have a bfd, so my solution was to go ahead and apply auddesey eq but use my bfd to boost back up my lower freqs for more of a house curve.
Also, audessey di give me a flatter bass response below 80 hz BUT still wasnt totally flat ( had a hump at 40 and 80 hz )...I still use the bfd to adjust my 80 hz and below response ( in combination with audessey ) ..

Thanks for the info psujohny! So you are saying that Audyssey correctly eq'ed the sub flat, but you put the house curve back in with your bfd? I have a bfd and will probably do the same. Audyssey has made a great improvement in the sound of my home theater except for the sub. I like a little house curve. Looks like I'll need to manually apply that with the bfd. It would be nice if the unit would display the sub channel eq and all adjustments.

Does anyone know how Audyssey affects the real low frequencies (5-15Hz)? I want to know if it is adversely affecting my buttkicker's range because I cannot eq with the bfd that low.

So you are saying that Audyssey correctly eq'ed the sub flat, but you put the house curve back in with your bfd?

Yea, it actually kinda made a slight downward decline from 30 hz down to 20 hz ( versues my natural housecurve without audessey ) ..I dont like audessey doing that to my bass down low..
You know, they say not to try and make boosts down low with the bfd ..But I figure it this way, Since audessey is actually attenuating the signal by 8 db from 30 to 20 hz ..That boosting it back up using the bfd is no problem whatsoever ( because if you think about it..your not really boosting the signal 8 db with the bfd, your just getting it back to were it naturally was to begin with.

Also, audessey TRIED to flatten the sub from 80 hz down but like I said..after running sine waves it was apparent that audessey still needed some help from the bfd ( it lowered a hump at 80 and 40 hz BUT it was still around 4 db to high, this is were I added the bfd to cut those freqs by another 4 db )

It seems that my HDMI connection went out on the 3806. I was in the process of switching over to a DVD from Cable, and nothing show up on the TV. THen I futzed around with it, and I still got nothing. Just to level set, I bought my 3806 around xmas time. It has been working fine for the month. Then I noticed that I could not even bring up the OSD on the TV. THen I switched back to Comcast (Component to HDMI, and that did not work either. Just to confirm that it wasn't the TV, I plugged the Comcast box, hdmi right into the TV, and that worked. Pretty strange. I recyled everything, and still no picture on the TV. I went back in and verified all the settings were right for the DVD, and the Cable box. Has anyone had this type of problem with their 3806. I"m going to call Myer Emco today, but I thought I would ask on the forum first.

Thanks.
Sony

I'm having some bizarre HDMI problems with my 3806. I can't get the HDMI switching to work to save my life. I have my DVD player (oppo971) plugged into HDMI 1, I have DVD set to HDMI 1, but no output on the HDMI out. I can't figure it out. I stayed up 'till 1am last night trying to get it to work. I have my Xbox360 set up in component 1 and it will output via HDMI on the 3806 just fine. Can anyone offer any insight. I'm about ready to reset the whole thing but I REALLY don't want to. I'm pretty sure I've got it all set up correctly though, so the fact it doesn't work is really making me mad.

HELP HELP HELP!



It seems that my HDMI connection went out on the 3806. I was in the process of switching over to a DVD from Cable, and nothing show up on the TV. THen I futzed around with it, and I still got nothing. Just to level set, I bought my 3806 around xmas time. It has been working fine for the month. Then I noticed that I could not even bring up the OSD on the TV. THen I switched back to Comcast (Component to HDMI, and that did not work either. Just to confirm that it wasn't the TV, I plugged the Comcast box, hdmi right into the TV, and that worked. Pretty strange. I recyled everything, and still no picture on the TV. I went back in and verified all the settings were right for the DVD, and the Cable box. Has anyone had this type of problem with their 3806. I"m going to call Myer Emco today, but I thought I would ask on the forum first.

Thanks.
Sony

I am having same prob (few posts above yours). In my case, it actually works for few hours than messes up completely the dvd player. With Arcam DVD it just stopped playing any DVD, with a Denon 2910, the sound went first than the DVD stopped working. I am waiting for new player to plug it in directly to TV, but from other posts it looks like the Denon has a problem. You can find some explanation on hometheatrehifi under forum "manufacturers'corner" "problems with hdmi". It looks like it's not just a prob with denon...what dvd do you have ?
But I was hoping for solutions.....

I have the OPPO DVD player.

I have a complaint, I am listening to XM on the 3806, while listening I want to turn down the sub channel, but I can't. Why would they not give you access to the channel levels while on XM? I have to switch inputs, adjust the levels, and switch back to XM. Odd.

So I just re-set the microprocessor and guess what?! Still doesn't work. Can anyone offer any guidance on this issue? At this point the receiver can't even pass through a HDMI signal. That absolutely sucks.

Just to be clear: it will send out a HDMI signal (i.e. the OSD works, setup works) and it will convert component to HDMI and keep the resoution (720p, etc.) but if I plug in my DVD player via HDMI to the 3806 it won't pass back out that signal via HDMI. That's pretty basic, but it doesn't work.

I'm having some bizarre HDMI problems with my 3806. I can't get the HDMI switching to work to save my life. I have my DVD player (oppo971) plugged into HDMI 1, I have DVD set to HDMI 1, but no output on the HDMI out. I can't figure it out. I stayed up 'till 1am last night trying to get it to work. I have my Xbox360 set up in component 1 and it will output via HDMI on the 3806 just fine. Can anyone offer any insight. I'm about ready to reset the whole thing but I REALLY don't want to. I'm pretty sure I've got it all set up correctly though, so the fact it doesn't work is really making me mad.

HELP HELP HELP!

So I just re-set the microprocessor and guess what?! Still doesn't work. Can anyone offer any guidance on this issue? At this point the receiver can't even pass through a HDMI signal. That absolutely sucks.

Just to be clear: it will send out a HDMI signal (i.e. the OSD works, setup works) and it will convert component to HDMI and keep the resoution (720p, etc.) but if I plug in my DVD player via HDMI to the 3806 it won't pass back out that signal via HDMI. That's pretty basic, but it doesn't work.

I have been advised that the best way is to plug the DVD via HDMI to the TV and audio via digital to the receiver.

Yes, that would work but it still = broken receiver. If I wanted a receiver that didn't pass HDMI I would have kept my 3803. This is a load of BS.

I have been advised that the best way is to plug the DVD via HDMI to the TV and audio via digital to the receiver.

Isnt there any AUDIO guys left on this forum ?

I keep coming back to see if I can pick up new info on Audessey or anything else audio related. If I didnt know any better, Id think the Denon 3806 was just a big hdmi switcher :) from reading this thread

Oh well...Sorry for the audio related interuption, Now Back to hdmi programming.

Excellent point, but for those that bought the 3806 for HDMI switching it's a huge deal. Kind if like if you bought it for the Audessey equalization and the Audessey didn't work. So until Denon gives us some answers about the HDMI problem that issues is going to dominate the forum. Sorry.

Isnt there any AUDIO guys left on this forum ?

I keep coming back to see if I can pick up new info on Audessey or anything else audio related. If I didnt know any better, Id think the Denon 3806 was just a big hdmi switcher :) from reading this thread

Oh well...Sorry for the audio related interuption, Now Back to hdmi programming.

lentiman, I would bet that your issue is caused by user error or some other kind of problem with you Oppo DVD player (firmware possibly) Not your Denon. This problem is more than likely the result of your Oppo DVD or television not conforming 100% with the HDMI Repeater Functionality, which is required if you wish to take advantage of the HDMI switching(repeating) in your receiver. I also know for a fact that the 3806 will pass 720P with out doing anything to the signal.
The HDMI output on the 3806 is a straight pass through, so whatever is going in will be the exact same resolution coming out...whether it is 480i/p, 720P, 1080i, or 1080P. Again I would point to user error or problems with your other equipment.

A couple of links with some half decent HDMI Q&As

http://usa.denon.com/FAQ.asp
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/forum/showthread.php?p=20930#post20930

Well my previous question about 720p/etc I figured was due to user error. That I'll give you, but this is now different (connections, etc.) The oppo passes a HDMI signal to my TV just fine and is an excellent dvd player HDCP compliant AND most of all, others with the same setup report it working just fine. BUT just for extra troubleshooting I'll go out and get a Sony NS70 and hook it up. I swear if you came to my house and did it yourself you'd not be able to get it to work. PM me, if it is user error I'd love to email you and maybe we can figure it out. I'd love the help. I've set everything up so many times now though that I really feel I could do it blindfolded underwater and get all the settings correct. I came from a 3803 so I'm pretty familiar with setting up a Denon. There seems to be a growing number of people reporting this same problem. Anyway, help is appreciated! I'd love to be wrong!

Setup: Denon 3806, Oppo 971 DVD player, Pioneer PDP4360HD plasma (20 days old).


lentiman, I would bet that your issue is caused by user error or some other kind of problem with you Oppo DVD player (firmware possibly) Not your Denon. This problem is more than likely the result of your Oppo DVD or television not conforming 100% with the HDMI Repeater Functionality, which is required if you wish to take advantage of the HDMI switching(repeating) in your receiver. I also know for a fact that the 3806 will pass 720P with out doing anything to the signal.
The HDMI output on the 3806 is a straight pass through, so whatever is going in will be the exact same resolution coming out...whether it is 480i/p, 720P, 1080i, or 1080P. Again I would point to user error or problems with your other equipment.

A couple of links with some half decent HDMI Q&As

http://usa.denon.com/FAQ.asp
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/forum/showthread.php?p=20930#post20930

I'm having some bizarre HDMI problems with my 3806. I can't get the HDMI switching to work to save my life. I have my DVD player (oppo971) plugged into HDMI 1, I have DVD set to HDMI 1, but no output on the HDMI out. I can't figure it out. I stayed up 'till 1am last night trying to get it to work. I have my Xbox360 set up in component 1 and it will output via HDMI on the 3806 just fine. Can anyone offer any insight. I'm about ready to reset the whole thing but I REALLY don't want to. I'm pretty sure I've got it all set up correctly though, so the fact it doesn't work is really making me mad.

HELP HELP HELP!

Check that you have the video setup > HDMI video convert turned off,

The biggest gotcha with the 3806 is that the video conversion and on screen menus are both output at 480i, and a lot of televisions do not support 480i over their HDMI connection. Everytime I turned the video conversion on, the picture died on the television. I ended up returning it and getting a Yamaha V2600 that has real upconversion of analog signals to 480p, 720p, and 1080i. Plus the onscreen menu doesn't look like it was made on a commodore 64.

Thanks, but I do have it set to off.

Check that you have the video setup > HDMI video convert turned off,

The biggest gotcha with the 3806 is that the video conversion and on screen menus are both output at 480i, and a lot of televisions do not support 480i over their HDMI connection. Everytime I turned the video conversion on, the picture died on the television. I ended up returning it and getting a Yamaha V2600 that has real upconversion of analog signals to 480p, 720p, and 1080i. Plus the onscreen menu doesn't look like it was made on a commodore 64.

I have a complaint, I am listening to XM on the 3806, while listening I want to turn down the sub channel, but I can't. Why would they not give you access to the channel levels while on XM? I have to switch inputs, adjust the levels, and switch back to XM. Odd.Why would you have the sub active on XM radio? (Be gentle -- I know nothing about XM, but I just assumed you be listening in one of the stereo modes?)

Why would you have the sub active on XM radio? (Be gentle -- I know nothing about XM, but I just assumed you be listening in one of the stereo modes?)


I run a sub-small sat speaker set, so no sub=no bass. With XM on it shows 2.1 on the output display.

Short story: I finally got the HDMI pass through to work. I changed... nothing.

Long story: Went to CircuitCity to pick up a Sony NS70, they didn't have any. So I went to Best Buy to pick up a NS70, grabbed one, went back home. Plugged the NS70 into the HDMI2 position, fired it up, set the DVD input to HDMI2. It worked! So I'm thinking, dang, I guess it was the Oppo, that POS. So with everything still hot, I unplug the Sony and plug in the Oppo, just to double check. It worked! I sit there stunned for awhile. Then I go into the setup menu on the 3806 and change the digital input for the DVD to optical. It worked! So at the point the Oppo is passing through a HDMI signal through the 3806 with audio coming through optical input 2. And it all worked!

So what did I change? Absolutely NOTHING!!! This is how I had it set up the previous night. I turned the whole thing on and off again about 4 times and it still works. That's bizarre though and I'm not very happy about it, BUT it is working now, and I am happy about that. So the NS70 goes back to BestBuy tomorrow and I suppose life is good.

Moral of the story? I don't think Denon implemented the HDMI on the 3806 very well. Maybe the HDCP on the Opps isn't very good? Maybe the Sony 'initialized' the 3806's HDCP circuitry so it would work correctly and then the Oppo was able to work. That doesn't make any sense to me either, but there it is. Anyway, life goes on. Now I just wish Denon would make the freaking speaker terminals a standard width apart so I could use dual banana plugs for each speaker. Oh well. Complaint session over, thanks for listening. Comments? Questions? Accolades?

Short story: I finally got the HDMI pass through to work. I changed... nothing.

Long story: Went to CircuitCity to pick up a Sony NS70, they didn't have any. So I went to Best Buy to pick up a NS70, grabbed one, went back home. Plugged the NS70 into the HDMI2 position, fired it up, set the DVD input to HDMI2. It worked! So I'm thinking, dang, I guess it was the Oppo, that POS. So with everything still hot, I unplug the Sony and plug in the Oppo, just to double check. It worked! I sit there stunned for awhile. Then I go into the setup menu on the 3806 and change the digital input for the DVD to optical. It worked! So at the point the Oppo is passing through a HDMI signal through the 3806 with audio coming through optical input 2. And it all worked!

So what did I change? Absolutely NOTHING!!! This is how I had it set up the previous night. I turned the whole thing on and off again about 4 times and it still works. That's bizarre though and I'm not very happy about it, BUT it is working now, and I am happy about that. So the NS70 goes back to BestBuy tomorrow and I suppose life is good.

Moral of the story? I don't think Denon implemented the HDMI on the 3806 very well. Maybe the HDCP on the Opps isn't very good? Maybe the Sony 'initialized' the 3806's HDCP circuitry so it would work correctly and then the Oppo was able to work. That doesn't make any sense to me either, but there it is. Anyway, life goes on. Now I just wish Denon would make the freaking speaker terminals a standard width apart so I could use dual banana plugs for each speaker. Oh well. Complaint session over, thanks for listening. Comments? Questions? Accolades?

Sounds like it may have been a problem with your HDMI cable.....poor contact maybe? Highly doubt there is or was anything wrong with any of your equipment.

Can anyone tell me if the 3806 passes the correct resolution from a component in to the HDMI out? For example, would a 720p input coming through component be passed out through the HDMI as 720p? I've read posts stating that it works with HDMI to HDMI, and posts stating that it does work with component, and posts stating that it is limited to 480i on component. Has anyone been able to do this successfully?

Thanks!

Yes, this works fine. I have my xobx 360 hooked up via component to my 3806 using 720p. It passes this out just fine at 720p via the HDMI output.


Can anyone tell me if the 3806 passes the correct resolution from a component in to the HDMI out? For example, would a 720p input coming through component be passed out through the HDMI as 720p? I've read posts stating that it works with HDMI to HDMI, and posts stating that it does work with component, and posts stating that it is limited to 480i on component. Has anyone been able to do this successfully?

Thanks!

Hi everyone, excellent forums here. I've had the 3806 for several months now and am very happy with the fantastic sound and excellent picture. I've hooked it up with Pardigm Reference all around and an Infocus 5700 DLP projector. But the user interface on the Denon is literally killing me. It's taking years off my life.

My biggest problem is getting my HTPC to display through the HDMI out of the Denon. I can see the computer boot up on the "big-screen" but as soon as Windows loads the picture goes dark. My PC resolution is set to 1280 x 720 and refresh is 60hz.

When I connect the PC directly to the the Infocus it works flawlessly.

The video card in the HTPC is not fully HDCP compliant (are there any?). But the fact that I can see the boot up screen leads me to believe HDCP is not the issue. Does the 3806 have issues displaying computer monitors?

Thanks.

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but does the 3806 do any video scaling? I have a Dell w5001c, Denon 1920 DVD Player and Comcast signal coming in through a Moto 6412 STB. I have both the STB and DV1920 set to 1080i, but was wondering if the AVR had anything to say about that - or does it just passively let the signal through?

The 3806 does not do any video scaling. The more expensive models do, though (4306, 4806, 5805).

That's right. As you say, it just "passively lets the signal through." It will, however, transcode, a signal output from analog cables (component, S-Video, composite) for pass through to your display via HDMI.

Try as I might, I cannot get either picture or sound to my TV. I am using HDMI out from a Denon 1920 DVD player and HDMI out to a Pioneer Elite. I've set the mode to HDMI for both, but no luck! And as for the manual, extremely difficult to follow is the nicest thing I can say about it and setup in general.

Help please!

Have you checked the settings on your DVD player to make sure the signal is being output from its HDMI output, rather than any of its analog outputs? Also, in the 3806's video and audio menu, do you have the correct HDMI input selected (1 or 2)? Actually before you look into any of that, try running the HDMI directly from the player to the TV to see if it works. That will tell you whether the player is configured correctly. The other possibility is that there's something wrong with your HDMI cable. On the Denon website there's an FAQ about certified HDMI cable brands.
Finally, see the post before about making sure that video conversion is turned on.

Can anyone tell me if the 3806 passes the correct resolution from a component in to the HDMI out? For example, would a 720p input coming through component be passed out through the HDMI as 720p? I've read posts stating that it works with HDMI to HDMI, and posts stating that it does work with component, and posts stating that it is limited to 480i on component. Has anyone been able to do this successfully?

Thanks!

Make sure video convert is turned on for any sources other than HDMI if your output is HDMI Per page 68 of the instructions.
For a source comming in via anything other than HDMI when the output is HDMI the video convert must be turned on.

Hello,

I am seriously considering this receiver it seems to have everything I am looking for. Could someone tell me how the multiple zones works? Can I send 5.1 to two TVs? The DVD output to one TV and the TiVo output to another?

Thank you in advance for any help.

David

What is the Denon Link all about? I have a Denon 2910 DVD and it doesn't have a Denon Link connection that I can locate. What is it for if other Denon products don't even have compatibility?

The 3910 had denon link

Now I just wish Denon would make the freaking speaker terminals a standard width apart so I could use dual banana plugs for each speaker. Oh well. Complaint session over, thanks for listening. Comments? Questions? Accolades?

You can use dual bananas. You just have to connect the left and right plus leads to one dual and the left and right negatives to the second dual. Avoid confusion by using single color duals. Use onne dual RED for the plus leads and one dual Black for the negatives. Go here, for example, to see this part:

Pomona model MDP-02

http://www.pomonaelectronics.com

Hello,

Well, got the 3806 and love it. Monitor is tied in with HDMI as well as Denon DVD. Problem that I am having is with the STB and VCR. I get the audio to work on both, but when I tie s-video and component I get no video on the monitor. Just audio out the speakers. I have been going thru the manual with no luck.

Could someone please tel me why my AVR is not switching the video out the HDMI output to go to my monitor? Can this be done? I would assume so with the amount of money I have spent.

Thanks,
Paul

Did you set the Analog-to-HDMI conversion to "On" for the STB and VCR?

You have to tell the 3806 to use the HDMI output.
You have to tell the 3806 to convert the analog videos to HDMI.
You have to tell the 3806 which inputs you are using for STB and VCR.

And finally, your monitor has to support the 480i on the HDMI for the VCR to work. Some monitors will not support 480i on the HDMI.

First thing to try is to see if the 3806 On Screen Display (OSD) displays on the monitor? The OSD is in 480i. If not, then either you have not turned on the HDMI output on the 3806, you have a bad HDMI connection (bad cable or not plugged in well) or your monitor does not support 480i input on the HDMI.

If the OSD displays correctly, then you just need to make sure you have told the 3806 which input is used for the STB and VCR, and make sure the convert to HDMI is turned on.

Greg


Hello,

Well, got the 3806 and love it. Monitor is tied in with HDMI as well as Denon DVD. Problem that I am having is with the STB and VCR. I get the audio to work on both, but when I tie s-video and component I get no video on the monitor. Just audio out the speakers. I have been going thru the manual with no luck.

Could someone please tel me why my AVR is not switching the video out the HDMI output to go to my monitor? Can this be done? I would assume so with the amount of money I have spent.

Thanks,
Paul

md_climber

Sorry, but zone 2 and 3 only output analog signals. They will not output 5.1.

Greg

Hello,

I am seriously considering this receiver it seems to have everything I am looking for. Could someone tell me how the multiple zones works? Can I send 5.1 to two TVs? The DVD output to one TV and the TiVo output to another?

Thank you in advance for any help.

David

Sorry to sidetrack...but I remember a couple months ago when several members commented on the "Multi" indicator light that would not go away on the front display panel. Did/has anybody figured out how to get rid of it, or what it means? Its not bothersome since it is so small, but it is a little odd...that random little icon.

Thanks
Andrew

Ok..the time is here. I will be purchasing this receiver in a week...maybe two at the maximum.

My problem is this...I'm trying to save as much $$ as I can and I'm trying to figure out whether Dakmart is reliable. I've seen a few posts here and there with comments about them but I just don't know

Any suggestions/comments would be helpful.

Hum, I use to know a Paul Fox that worked for Dolgencorp. That you? Pm sent

Paul, I looked at Dakmart, too, but isn't their shipping fee like $50 or $60? It kind of negated their otherwise-discounted price. In the end, I went with Crutchfield for a new unit and either got free shipping or $.01 shipping.

Ok..the time is here. I will be purchasing this receiver in a week...maybe two at the maximum.

My problem is this...I'm trying to save as much $$ as I can and I'm trying to figure out whether Dakmart is reliable. I've seen a few posts here and there with comments about them but I just don't know

Any suggestions/comments would be helpful.

Try "Hippos".

I have just hooked up the 3806 to my home system and once I figured out the proper set up I am very pleased. I have a comcast box that required componenet cables and 1 coax cable running to the 3806 and then converting it and running a HDMI cable to the tv (very pleased to only have 1 cable going to monitor). player is the 1920 and also have only the hdmi cable going to reveiver then via HDMI to monitor. The biggest problem was syncing the cable box to get picked up by the 3806 then converting to the monitor. Have Klipsch speakers in front, center and will be hooking up rear speakers and sub once the room is complete. Overall I am very pleased with the 3806, however, the manaul is very basic to say it mildly and the remote is a step behind, but the Pronto NEO is great (another story). Anyone know when comcast will get around to having a HDMI box? I am waiting for a reply from their company to that effect. :)

Question on upscaling. I have still not determined if I would be better off buying a Denon 4306 receiver(then the 3806). Do I need upscaling. I don't really care about how the OSD is displayed. 99% of what I will use this for is watching DVD, and Comcast Cable box. Will I get any advantage for having upscaling? My TV is the JVC 70 1080P TV. I'm not sure if that factors in to the answer or not. I've read around quite a bit on this forum, and I haven't really heard an answer on this. Any help anyone can provide would be great. Since I have 90 days to upgrade, I would probably do it, if I get some benefit in my TV watching expereience.

Paul E. Fox, II: I agree with Whilst, check hipposaudiovideo for their number and give them a call, they will give you a great price and ship it fast and are an authorized dealer.

Question on upscaling. I have still not determined if I would be better off buying a Denon 4306 receiver(then the 3806). Do I need upscaling. I don't really care about how the OSD is displayed. 99% of what I will use this for is watching DVD, and Comcast Cable box. Will I get any advantage for having upscaling? My TV is the JVC 70 1080P TV. I'm not sure if that factors in to the answer or not. I've read around quite a bit on this forum, and I haven't really heard an answer on this. Any help anyone can provide would be great. Since I have 90 days to upgrade, I would probably do it, if I get some benefit in my TV watching expereience.

I would think that the scaler in your TV would be of a higher quality that what Denon had put in the 4306. If you do not care about the OSD, then I don't think that you would see enough of a bennifit in features to justify the extra ~ $700.00

I have just hooked up the 3806 to my home system and once I figured out the proper set up I am very pleased. I have a comcast box that required componenet cables and 1 coax cable running to the 3806 and then converting it and running a HDMI cable to the tv (very pleased to only have 1 cable going to monitor). player is the 1920 and also have only the hdmi cable going to reveiver then via HDMI to monitor. The biggest problem was syncing the cable box to get picked up by the 3806 then converting to the monitor. Have Klipsch speakers in front, center and will be hooking up rear speakers and sub once the room is complete. Overall I am very pleased with the 3806, however, the manaul is very basic to say it mildly and the remote is a step behind, but the Pronto NEO is great (another story). Anyone know when comcast will get around to having a HDMI box? I am waiting for a reply from their company to that effect. :)

I have a similar configuration and Comcast service. I did get a Motorola 6412 model III from Comcast last October and IT DOES have HDMI out. BUT, the Moto firmware is buggy and, although it will feed HDMI directly to a monitor, it will NOT support HDMI pass through our 3806s. Moto claims that firmware release 12.27 will fix this....and Comcast says they have 12.27 in test in their labs now. My contact in Comcast says he will let me beta test it's pass through capability if it passes their regular quality testing.

A quick question for people - does the AVR-3806 cope with more than 2 channel audio via HDMI??

I mean in theory I should be able to connect a 3806 to a HDMI DVD player, and not need an optical audio lead as well, to transfer the 5.1/7.1 sound to the amp?

Kevin,

Sorry dude, that wasn't me. I've been in WV nearly my entire life.

Thanks for the tips guys.

A quick question for people - does the AVR-3806 cope with more than 2 channel audio via HDMI??

I mean in theory I should be able to connect a 3806 to a HDMI DVD player, and not need an optical audio lead as well, to transfer the 5.1/7.1 sound to the amp?

Yes HDMI will do it all. My DVD-1920 connects exclusively through HDMI.

But...... Remember if you also want to use that source on zone 2 it will require an analog audio signal.

Yes HDMI will do it all. My DVD-1920 connects exclusively through HDMI.

But...... Remember if you also want to use that source on zone 2 it will require an analog audio signal.

If I'm not mistaken Scott is correct unless the source is SACD. In this case you have to go through Denon Link. You need HDMI revision 1.2 and later to allow SACD and the 3806 is 1.1 compliant

Let me clarify the HDMI statement. The 3806 will accept digital audio over HDMI but the source has to have that abuility.

My DVD-1920 wouldn't do it until I called tech support and found out it has to be enabled in the 1920 setup.

I have a similar configuration and Comcast service. I did get a Motorola 6412 model III from Comcast last October and IT DOES have HDMI out. BUT, the Moto firmware is buggy and, although it will feed HDMI directly to a monitor, it will NOT support HDMI pass through our 3806s. Moto claims that firmware release 12.27 will fix this....and Comcast says they have 12.27 in test in their labs now. My contact in Comcast says he will let me beta test it's pass through capability if it passes their regular quality testing.

Well Comcast did send me Moto 6412 III Firmware version 12.27 and I just tested it. It still DOES NOT support HDMI content repeaters. I get the following message: " Set top does not support HD Content Protection Repeaters. Please use component interface" when I use HDMI between the Moto and the Denon 3806. I dropped back to component video/spdif audio to the 3806 and HDMI 3806 to the display. Comcast tells me that Motorola is telling them to expect yet another release of firmware in late Feb to early Mar that will address the pass through issue. :mad:

sorry if it's already been asked, i don't have the energy to read 30 pages, what is the A/B surround for ?

sorry if it's already been asked, i don't have the energy to read 30 pages, what is the A/B surround for ?Sorry to hear about your disability. Maybe you could look at the picture on page 7 of your manual -- if you're not too tired from reading this.

This may be a stupid question, but I've looked at this receiver's manual online before buying and it doesn't mention anything about being able to set the "power amp assign" mode to bi-amp. The 1906 and 2106 models specifically call this setting out in their manuals, even go to length showing how to connect the speakers in bi-amp mode, but the 3806 does not.

I was wondering if anyone has looked through that menu to see if a bi-amp option is available. I hope they didn't decide to drop that feature from this model.

This may be a stupid question, but I've looked at this receiver's manual online before buying and it doesn't mention anything about being able to set the "power amp assign" mode to bi-amp. The 1906 and 2106 models specifically call this setting out in their manuals, even go to length showing how to connect the speakers in bi-amp mode, but the 3806 does not.

I was wondering if anyone has looked through that menu to see if a bi-amp option is available. I hope they didn't decide to drop that feature from this model.


It is on page 72 of the menu.

I haven't tried the Audyssey set-up yet, but I had a quetion before I do. If your sub has both frequency and volume adjustment knobs, does it matter what you set them at before letting Audyssey do the tests and settings?

It is on page 72 of the menu.
*smacks head* thanks, I dunno why I missed it before. The other two models' manuals show the setting much closer to the beginning. Thanks...I'm a tard.

edit: another quick q, about the predecessor (3805): Does it also have bi-amplification? I've been told there's some "hack" to make it do it...anyone know about it? I can get that model at a nice discount, but really want the bi-amp option.

edit2: Nevermind about the above, I found a review (http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/Denon-AVR3805_review04.php) on the 3805 that gives the hack to bi-amp it. I think I don't like the hack...but to save $400 it may be worth a shot...hummm.

I'm now on my third Denon receiver that hasn't worked for me with video switching. I want a Denon sooooo bad because they sound great, but despite making use of professional installers (yes reputable ones), for the life of me I can't get consistent workable video switching. There always seems to be a problem: from cable to DVD, DVD Audio to Cable, or Analogue Cable to Digital, or Digital Cable to HDTV, or HDTV to Digital. I have turned off my system to reset my equipment so many times now, I am worried that I am going to damage my equipment. I wasn't able to get workable video switching with the AVR-2106 (2 of them). So I then upgraded to the 3806, but I haven't gotten video switching to work consistently with my most recent setup for my new AVR 3806, which is:

DENON 2910 to 3806 w/HDMI
MOTO 6412 to 3806 w/component
3806 to SONY 50A10 w/HDMI

I would like advice on how to bypass my 3806 all for any video purposes. It just has become too much of hassle - and my wife is hammering me for all the money I have spent!!!

Is the best option given my TV only has one HDMI hookup the following setup?

Moto 6412 directly to my SONY 50A10 using HDMI
Denon 2910 to Sony 50A10 using Component
Then send audio for my DVD and Moto to the 3806 audio via optical.

Funny, in the meantime, I have also purchased a separate amplifier for more power (Outlaw 7125 7 x 125). So I'm beginning to wonder, what I am actually using my Denon receiver for at this point? I'm not using the amplifier and I am not routing my video through it. I think given all my issues, I have slowly worked myself out of the usefulness of the Denon. AARRGH!! Or is there at least some audio processing that I am still making use of with the Denon?

In any case, just to get some stable video with my setup, is the above work around the best route or is the a better way to route video around the Denon? Thanks for advice you are willing to share.

Denon Wannabe....

Leadercrat

What ya want for the 3806? I can find a happy home for it. :D

Very happy with mine.

AVR-3806

DVD-1920 Via HDMI
Dish 811 Via DVI/HDMI

Mitsubishi WD-52628 Via HDMI

Klipsch RB-35 Fronts
Klipsch RC-25 Center
Klipsch RSX-4 Surrounds
Klipsch RSW-12 Sub

DENON 2910 to 3806 w/HDMI
MOTO 6412 to 3806 w/component
3806 to SONY 50A10 w/HDMI

Leadercrat


Odd, this is almost my same setup to a tee (DVD-1920 instead of the 2910). It works fine for me, so I'm not sure whats wrong. What kind of issues are you having? No picture at all?

leadercrat,
I'm curious why you went with th Outlaw, rather than just getting the Denon 3805 and a external video switch? Or were you not happy with the power of the Denon 3806? I have had one problem with the Denon 3806, and I've had the receiver switched out, because the HDMI switcher stopped sending output to the HDTV on HDMI. I've had it for about 1.5 weeks, and it seems to be working. I also thought about dropping the 3806, and going with a 3805 with a DVI switcher, or something. Not sure if this is a smart move. I wuld have to re-invest in a long DVI cable, which would set me back $120.

Let me know how things proceed for you.
Sony

Odd, this is almost my same setup to a tee (DVD-1920 instead of the 2910). It works fine for me, so I'm not sure whats wrong. What kind of issues are you having? No picture at all?

Specifically right now, my most consistent issue with my current set up is changing back and forth between HDTV channels and non HDTV channels. I would say about 30% of the time when I go from an analog or digital comcast channel to an HD comcast channel, I just get a garbled signaled. It is a patterned garbled signaled. Like maybe 20 rows of compressed screens. You can see the colors of the channel but it is very garbled. The audio is fine. This problem gets fixed when I shut all my equipment down (except my Moto 6412, I leave that on). However, this is just the current issue. As I mentioned in my first post, I have been through other types of problems as well, though not all with the 3806, some were with my 2106s. So given the pattern, I expect to encounter a different problem before long. All of my problems are video related.

leadercrat,
I'm curious why you went with th Outlaw, rather than just getting the Denon 3805 and a external video switch? Or were you not happy with the power of the Denon 3806? I have had one problem with the Denon 3806, and I've had the receiver switched out, because the HDMI switcher stopped sending output to the HDTV on HDMI. I've had it for about 1.5 weeks, and it seems to be working. I also thought about dropping the 3806, and going with a 3805 with a DVI switcher, or something. Not sure if this is a smart move. I wuld have to re-invest in a long DVI cable, which would set me back $120.

Let me know how things proceed for you.
Sony

You mentioned.... " I have had one problem with the Denon 3806, and I've had the receiver switched out, because the HDMI switcher stopped " Could I just be unlucky and have a similar problem with my Denon 3806? The first two 2106s were confirmed as defective. My dealer says they have had only 1 Denon returned in the past couple of years. Yet I could now have THREE! I do still believe in DENON I want one, but I have had to work so hard on this and still the basics don't work. Certainly, assuming that I get these problems resolved, my DENON experience is permanently tainted. I will be hard pressed to recommend their products to friends or family. Despite my desire to still own DENON.

So why did I end up with a 3806 and Outlaw?
I went with the 3806 Outlaw combo for the following reasons. BTW, I am upgrading the Outlaw 7125 to 7700 due to the improvements with the 7125 - I just want more audio quality improvement.

Key reasons at the time:
- Price delta of '05 vs '06 from my Retailer/Installer was only $250. I've got several thousand dollars wrapped up in my system and I saw this as only an incremental cost increase.
- Audyssey MultEqxt Room Eq. in the '06 but not in '05. My research says this is all goodness.
- Integrated XM Radio. My wife loves this, and it was one of the few things that I could hang my hat on to justify my system with my wife.
- Room size shifted me to have a separate amplifier, and I was also heading towards swapping out my Monitor 7s to Monitor 11s. Which I have since pulled the trigger on. So a separate focused amp seemed the route to go and now makes upgrading to the 7700 even more sense in my mind.
- HDMI in '06 vs '05. Though this now seems to be a mute point.
- I was not up to speed, nor am I now up to speed on video switching hardware. I probably should research and evalute options in this area. In fact, any counsel or learnings from you would be great.

In general, I would suggest you check out Outlaw Audio. Sweet products. You will see my posts there in the Hideout. In fact, they too questioned why I would want a Denon receiver at this point. Their Model 990 Preamp/Processor is increasingly looking good...

Signed,
Still a DENON Wannabe

Leadercrat

I would say about 30% of the time when I go from an analog or digital comcast channel to an HD comcast channel, I just get a garbled signaled. It is a patterned garbled signaled. Like maybe 20 rows of compressed screens. You can see the colors of the channel but it is very garbled.
I much prefer to set the 6412 to output HD on all channels, whether going through the Denon or straight to the TV. Channel switching is faster because the TV doesn't have to resynch.

Well, this is interesting...

On a whim, I purchased the Digi-media 4-port HDMI switch from Monoprice. I removed all HDMI runs from my 3806 and re-routed them through the new switch. I'm now successfully passing the HDMI signal from a Motorola DCT-6412iii (seriously!), a JVC HM-DH5U, a Pioneer DV-79AVi, and a Denon DVD-2910.

The 3806 never passed the Comcast box or the JVC via HDMI. With that said, I'm again considering that Motorola/Comcast may *not* be at fault for their HDMI implementation afterall, and perhaps it's Denon who should be working on this problem.

It could be that the HDMI switch you bought, like the Motorola box, is in non-compliance with HDMI repeater protocol and, thus, is passing the signal.

Well, this is interesting...

On a whim, I purchased the Digi-media 4-port HDMI switch from Monoprice. I removed all HDMI runs from my 3806 and re-routed them through the new switch. I'm now successfully passing the HDMI signal from a Motorola DCT-6412iii (seriously!), a JVC HM-DH5U, a Pioneer DV-79AVi, and a Denon DVD-2910.

The 3806 never passed the Comcast box or the JVC via HDMI. With that said, I'm again considering that Motorola/Comcast may *not* be at fault for their HDMI implementation afterall, and perhaps it's Denon who should be working on this problem.

INTRIGUING!! Let me see.... Non-compliant hook ups that produce results vs. technically compliant hook ups that don't work. i think i will try a similar setup. i would do anything for consistency at this point. no matter who is to blame. I will order a switcher tonight! would you mind outlining your hook up setup in more detail for me, just to give me a guideline. i realize i have different equipment, but it will give me a starting point. i will post my results. would be nice to identify a denon/motorola switching problem workaround. cheers!

m.b.

Pete and Leadercrat: According to the Digi-Media's specs, the switch is indeed HDCP compliant. I'll re-read the HDMI specs, but from my understanding and logic, two wrongs (i.e. two faulty HDCP devices) shouldn't make a right (i.e. working properly) in the repeater/switch world. Ahhh, it's fun being an early adopter.

Leadercrat: I'm running either coax or toslink from each device's audio output into the 3806. All four video feeds are running into the switch and then out to one of my DLP's HDMI inputs. For what it's worth, I turned off the video inputs in the 3806, as well as the hdmi inputs and transcoding. The downside to that is that I have no more OSD for setup, but the 3806's LED is more than adequate for making changes. Other than that, there's not much to it.

If it were only the Comcast box that wouldn't work with the 3806, I'd be less concerned with the 3806's HDCP implementation. However, since the receiver also barfs on my HDCP-compliant JVC 5u (but the Digi-Media does not), I'm again raising an eyebrow at who is and who isn't HDCP-compliant.

Earlier today I was changing some connectors in the back of my '3806 and must have touched the wrong cables together because the receiver turned itself off. After reconnecting the cables I was working with, doing a hard shut-off and turning the receiver back on, everything was fine. Can anyone tell me what actually happened electronically, and if I may have caused any permanent damage. :eek: Thoughts?

Pete and Leadercrat: According to the Digi-Media's specs, the switch is indeed HDCP compliant. I'll re-read the HDMI specs, but from my understanding and logic, two wrongs (i.e. two faulty HDCP devices) shouldn't make a right (i.e. working properly) in the repeater/switch world. Ahhh, it's fun being an early adopter.

Leadercrat: I'm running either coax or toslink from each device's audio output into the 3806. All four video feeds are running into the switch and then out to one of my DLP's HDMI inputs. For what it's worth, I turned off the video inputs in the 3806, as well as the hdmi inputs and transcoding. The downside to that is that I have no more OSD for setup, but the 3806's LED is more than adequate for making changes. Other than that, there's not much to it.

If it were only the Comcast box that wouldn't work with the 3806, I'd be less concerned with the 3806's HDCP implementation. However, since the receiver also barfs on my HDCP-compliant JVC 5u (but the Digi-Media does not), I'm again raising an eyebrow at who is and who isn't HDCP-compliant.

Thanks Nathan_R,

I think I will have a work around on the OSD. As I have a separate composite video feed to my TV. Couldn't you do that too? Just run a line from the composite out 3806 to one of your TV composites in? I am making use of a universal remote. My current set up has one button OSD no matter what video feed I have on the screen. So I should still be able to get OSD making use of the switcher. I did order the switcher last night, so hopefully I will be able to set up it up soon. I'm trying to avoid placing blame on either manufacturer as much as I can, as it seems to result in getting FLAMED by someone in the community.

I just know that my DENON/MOTO 6412 doesn't work. And I want consisent video switching that does work.

My general sense is that corporation's take a very long time to own up to problems, as integrity is not the rule of the day - just revenue. So I'm not hopeful that anyone is going to own up to anything any time soon.

Thanks for the hook up advice. One clarification -- you are running your 6412 HDMI to the switcher, right?

I will update the group soon. It will likely be a few days, if not weeks. I may have my installer do the work around, as he has programmed some fairly sophisticated macros in my universal remote. Cheers!

Leadercrat

Yes, the Moto is running HDMI to my tv via the switch. :)

The Denon's OSD isn't a really a necessity in my book, though it's nice to have. I forgot about my X-Box's outputs, which I reconnected this afternoon to the Denon via component. I'm again using the Denon to transcode that output via HDMI to my tv's other HDMI input, so in effect I do have the OSD when I want it. It's just a matter of switching inputs on my tv. I'm not trilled with having to switch inputs on my tv (that was the point of having the receiver do all the switching anyway) and in an ideal world the switch would have one more port, but it's a feasible and welcomed work-around.

Earlier today I was changing some connectors in the back of my '3806 and must have touched the wrong cables together because the receiver turned itself off. Thoughts?

Yeah.. That you should NOT be changing or swapping any cables or connections while the unit is turned on!

I thought I'd post on a couple of topics that I've read about in this very, very useful thread. It's nice to know I'm not alone. :)

I recently purchased and installed:

- Denon 3806 receiver
- Panasonic S97 DVD player (connected via HDMI/HDMI) outputting 720p
- Comcast/Moto DCT34xx HD DVR cable box (connected via component) outputting 1080i
- Sharp XV-Z2000 DLP projector (connected via DVI/HDMI cable)

My experiences so far have consisted of the following...

HDMI switching on the 3806 is flaky at best.
When I try to play a DVD in the Pana S97, 98% of the time I get a "U70-2" error on the DVD player which refers to an incompatible HDMI signal between itself and the connecting device. The strange part is that if I turn off the 3806, I can start playing a DVD (the error is gone with the receiver is off) on the S97 and wait about 10 seconds, then turn on the 3806. Occasionally this will result in normal DVD operation with A/V working fine, but most of the time the "U70-2" error just pops up again and it's back to square one.

Are others having problems connecting DVD players with HDMI/HDMI to the 3806?

2/12 UPDATE The HDMI issue has been resolved. The HDMI cable that came with the Panny S97 must be of poor quality or I got a bad one. I purchased an AudioQuest 1 meter cable (the "cheap" HDMI-A $65 version) and simply replaced the cable. The DVD connection has worked flawlessly ever since.
END UPDATE

The Comcast box just doesn't support HDMI repeaters/switchers, so I reluctanty changed to component/optical which works fine.

A major reason for purchasing the 3806 was to rid myself of analog connections for these two devices to free up component input for other equipment. After encountering all these problems and needing to use component/optical for a reliable signal, I'm only using the HDMI connections for the monitor output to the projector which is pretty useless (and also not cheap for a 20' run).

Speaker impedence, specifically with 4 ohm speakers.
I'm currently using a combination of 4 and 8 ohm speakers without any issues so far. It's an M&K K Series consisting of a 4 ohm center (K7), 8 ohm fronts (K5) and 4 ohm rears (K4 tripole). I haven't had any issues in 2 days of operation, but I haven't had time yet to watch a full movie at reference sound levels to know if the receiver can fry eggs when the movie is over. If I experience any problems I'll include an update.

To summarize, I will be following any updates on the HDMI situation and hope that these incompatibilies are corrected without having to replace all the hardware I've invested in. I'm a bit surprised at how unstandardized the HDMI "standard" is and likely would've steered around it for a while longer if I had known these issues existed before I purchased the gear. The reality is that a good component video signal will appear identical when compared to DVI/HDMI for most of the video watching population. It appears to be more of a gimmick than a feature, at least until the bugs get worked out.

Earlier today I was changing some connectors in the back of my '3806 and must have touched the wrong cables together because the receiver turned itself off. After reconnecting the cables I was working with, doing a hard shut-off and turning the receiver back on, everything was fine. Can anyone tell me what actually happened electronically, and if I may have caused any permanent damage. :eek: Thoughts?My thought would be that you shorted one of the speaker outputs which the protection circuit to operate. This will power the unit down and the power switch will flash red till you power off and back on. Oh, and what Johnla said -- don't do that no more.

Yes, it was activation of the Auto Protection Circuit and, yes, how stupid of me to play with any interconnects while the receiver is on. :o

Anyway, I spoke to technical support at Denon and they assured me that, as long as the receiver doesn't start going into Auto Protection mode by itself, that I haven't done it any harm. Lesson learned. ;)

Hi,

A newbie here. I am in the process of buying a full-fledged home theatre set-up and have shortlisted the following:
Inputs: Samsung DVD-HD850 DVD player; DirectTV HD Receiver
Processing: Denon 3806
Output: Panasonic TH-42PX50U

I am favoring the 3806 over the 3805 primarily for the HDMI capability as I intend to hang up the plasma on the wall and the cabling is simplified. Also the video up-conversion is a nice bonus.

I was originally thinking of going HDMI all the way - from the Samsung and DirectTV to the Denon and then Denon to the Panasonic. Reading this thread is making me real nervous with reported HDMI issues with 3806.

Has anyone successfully set up DirectTV to the Denon via HDMI?

I am wondering if it is better if I settle for a 3805 instead and go component all the way ... less cooler looking for sure but seemingly a stable setup.

Thanks in advance
Sam

I have had "ZERO" issues with DirectTV and the 3806 and have set these up numerous times in customers homes.

btw, If your building a "full-fledged home theatre" and you like watching movies, you may want to invest in a better DVD player ;)

I have had "ZERO" issues with DirectTV and the 3806 and have set these up numerous times in customers homes.

Good to know about DirectTV compatibilty. :cool:


btw, If your building a "full-fledged home theatre" and you like watching movies, you may want to invest in a better DVD player ;)

What DVD player would you recommend? OPPO DV971H? Seems to be close in price and has a DVI to HDMI capability

Thanks for your input

Good to know about DirectTV compatibilty. :cool:

What DVD player would you recommend? OPPO DV971H? Seems to be close in price and has a DVI to HDMI capability.

Sometimes it's compatible; sometimes it's not. Has not been for me, though if I run component out of the DirecTV HR10-250 to the 3806, I can output HDMI to the TV.

Not sure what your budget is, but the Denon DVD 2910 for about $600 has HDMI/DVI output and is praised for being a high-end player comparable to other players three times its cost.

HDMI switching on the 3806 is flaky at best.
When I try to play a DVD in the Pana S97, 98% of the time I get a "070-2" error on the DVD player which refers to an incompatible HDMI signal between itself and the connecting device. The strange part is that if I turn off the 3806, I can start playing a DVD (the error is gone with the receiver is off) on the S97 and wait about 10 seconds, then turn on the 3806. Occasionally this will result in normal DVD operation with A/V working fine, but most of the time the "070-2" error just pops up again and it's back to square one.

Are others having problems connecting DVD players with HDMI/HDMI to the 3806?
- I have the Panasonic S97 and a Sony SXRD and run the HDMI through the receiver. No issues at all.

If you can live with a single disk the Denon DVD-1920 is a pretty impressive bang for the buck.

Are there any differences in SQ between the 3805 and the 3806?

Anyone AB'ed them?

Yes, this works fine. I have my xobx 360 hooked up via component to my 3806 using 720p. It passes this out just fine at 720p via the HDMI output.

Awesome, thanks!

It seems like quite a lot of 3806 owners on this forum are having problems with HDMI switching, OSD and other issues, so I thought I would mention my setup, which is trouble free at this point. I have a DirecTV HR10-250 HD Tivo, which is connected to my 3806 via HDMI, and optical/digital for audio. I tried HDMI only, but got only video. The optical out solved the problem. My Denon 3910 DVD player is also connected to the 3806 via HDMI, and the audio via Denon Link III. This hookup allows audio from any source (DVDs, DVD-Audio, SACD) to work perfectly. HDMI out of the 3806 goes to my Sony 60" SXRD. Never a problem with video switching; I use a Harmony 880 and was easily able to set up these 4 components on the Harmony website. I have never had a problem viewing the 3806's on-screen display; press SETUP and it appears, whether or not I have the Tivo or the 3910 switched in. The important thing with all of these components is that you must get into the setup menus and tell each box which connection to send and receive video and audio on. First, the DirecTV Tivo must be told to pass Dolby Digital audio when it is present. The 3910 must be told to send video via HDMI and audio via Denon Link. The 3806 must be told to receive these signals on HDMI 1 & 2, and to receive audio via the proper optical input and Denon Link. I also have a Panasonic DVD Recorder, a Sony CD changer, and a Mac Mini (audio only) connected to the 3806. The Mac Mini video uses a DVD-HDMI cable to connect to my Sony SXRD's other HDMI input. I've found the 3806 to be a very flexible unit, as long as you tell it (and your other gear, if necessary) where everything is connected. Maybe this info will help someone with their setup.

I would also like to add a few comments about the 3806 because I've recently purchased and set up the following kit with outstanding results:

3806 (HDMI out to projector)
3910 (Denon link and HDMI to 3806)
Panny AE900
Stewart Firehawk 82"
Martin Logan Vantage (4 ohms)
Martin Logan Cinema i (6 ohms)
Martin Logan Depth
Martin Logan Mosaic (5 ohms)

This package puts an incredible smile on my face :) Auto set-up was used on the 3806 and it performed magically given the sonic challenges inherent with my HT. Audyssey EQ nicely balanced the L/R mains by minimizing the lower frequencies on the L (located near a hard back and left side wall) and slightly increasing the R (which has no immediate side wall) over flat. The center needed a slight db boost, but not a problem, easy to compensate and the surrounds were set perfectly. Crossover on the sub came in at 80 hz.....two-channel mode between the mains and sub provides a full and pleasing soundstage.

I've owned lots of A/V receivers in the past, but the 3806 produces the most accurate musical signal I've heard from an all-in-one. Coupled with the Martin Logan's, the 3806 provides real satisfaction. Hope others here appreciate the sheer musical capability of the 3806. It might have a few issues with connectivity/switching (and yes, the manual bites) but sonically it's one great receiver.

I would also like to add a few comments about the 3806 because I've recently purchased and set up the following kit with outstanding results:

3806 (HDMI out to projector)
3910 (Denon link and HDMI to 3806)
Panny AE900
Stewart Firehawk 82"
Martin Logan Vantage (4 ohms)
Martin Logan Cinema i (6 ohms)
Martin Logan Depth
Martin Logan Mosaic (5 ohms)

This package puts an incredible smile on my face :) Auto set-up was used on the 3806 and it performed magically given the sonic challenges inherent with my HT. Audyssey EQ nicely balanced the L/R mains by minimizing the lower frequencies on the L (located near a hard back and left side wall) and slightly increasing the R (which has no immediate side wall) over flat. The center needed a slight db boost, but not a problem, easy to compensate and the surrounds were set perfectly. Crossover on the sub came in at 80 hz.....two-channel mode between the mains and sub provides a full and pleasing soundstage.

I've owned lots of A/V receivers in the past, but the 3806 produces the most accurate musical signal I've heard from an all-in-one. Coupled with the Martin Logan's, the 3806 provides real satisfaction. Hope others here appreciate the sheer musical capability of the 3806. It might have a few issues with connectivity/switching (and yes, the manual bites) but sonically it's one great receiver.

I was just looking at this receiver today. Is the setup fairly easy, for someone with little to no experience configuring receivers?

Thanks.

Speaking of speakers.. My last HT had Elac towers, bookshelves, and subs and it sounded unbelievable. I've setup some guys with the Infinity towers / bookshelves and it sounded alright but it really wasn't that impressive when compared to the Elac's. Duh. What other speakers do you guys like for high-end setups? I already have the 3806 just holding off on getting the speakers until I know I'm either going with the Elac's or another brand. Any suggestions for this receiver?

Is the setup fairly easy, for someone with little to no experience configuring receivers?
If you have little or no experience with receiver set-up, then you might find the 3806 a challenge since the manual is terrible. I had to make a few adjustments that the manual didn't fully explain, but I got by due to experience. If you buy the 3806 from a shop and don't order it direct, then the shop should be able to assist, else there is lots of knowledge here in this forum.

If you have little or no experience with receiver set-up, then you might find the 3806 a challenge since the manual is terrible. I had to make a few adjustments that the manual didn't fully explain, but I got by due to experience. If you buy the 3806 from a shop and don't order it direct, then the shop should be able to assist, else there is lots of knowledge here in this forum.

Yeah, I'd probably buy it from a local shop, so hopefully they could help out if need be. Thanks for the advice.

Andy

Hi I put together my whole new setup last weekend. It was a little difficult dealing with all new equipment and not just one piece at a time, but I have been sorting through it all.

Here is my set-up:
AVR 3806
DVD 1920
Tosh 50HP95
SA 8300HD
Harmony 880

Here is my latest problem: I like to control the volume through my cable box when watching TV. I'm pretty sure I have the remote set up correctly, but when I try to adjust the volume I can see the volume settings on screen from the cable box and it goes up and down as I try to make adjustments but there is no change in the sound output from the receiver. The two components are connected via Digital Coax for sound and component cables for video (I had trouble with the HDMI switching). Is there a setting on the receiver that blocks variable input? if I remember correctly, this did work when I first set things up. I've made so many adjustments that I'm not sure what may have done it. Could the digital coax be a factor? I don't think I had this hooked up earlier.

Thanks for your help!

I doubt that it would effect the volume on the amp if you change the volume on the cable box. Might work through the analog inputs since your sending a "hotter" signal through but probably won't on the digital. But it begs a question, why? Why do you want to control the volume with your cable box? Is it because your not using a universal remote? If not, spend $100 and pick up the sony commander or another cheap alternative on-line. Had the sony commander for a few years and it worked fine when properly programmed.

The reason I like to use the volume on the cable box is that it adjusts the volume in larger increments. I can click it two or three times and that does the trick and I can see it on screen. When I adjust the volume on the receiver it adjusts by the 0.5 db which seems to take a lot longer unless you hold the button down. I am using a Harmony 880 universal remote. If I could adjust the increment by which the reciever adjusts the volume to 1 db instead of 0.5 db that might do the trick. Can that be done?

With some universal remotes you can program them to send the button press twice which would raise the volume two clicks. Never had a problem with the Denon volume adjustment speed. See if the harmony can be changed or a macro assigned to do two presses.

Have any of you experienced shutdown due to overheating with your 3806? I've read half the pages on this thread and haven't seen that issue mentioned so far.
Reason I ask, is that I had decided on the Yamaha 2600, but scoured the 2600 owners thread and noticed quite a few people mentioning shutdown due to overheating and their resolution attempts with fan adjustment or exterior fan.
That issue is scaring me away and I'm now looking at the 3806 which I also researched. BTW, I'll be using AVR with MitsuWS55613, Dish921DVR, Panny DVD.
5 spkrs and sub. Current AVR is 1995 model Yamaha RXV2090.
Thanks for any info you can share on the overheating question I asked.

I had a yamaha unit that was great, but then started installing some Denon's and fell in love with them. I've got two 3806 and countless 3805 and atleast one 5805 without any problems overheating running anything from 5.1 to full blown 7.1 towers on all corners and dual subs. No problems so far.

I had a yamaha unit that was great, but then started installing some Denon's and fell in love with them. I've got two 3806 and countless 3805 and atleast one 5805 without any problems overheating running anything from 5.1 to full blown 7.1 towers on all corners and dual subs. No problems so far.


Thanks, Kevin......this info is very reassuring, especially coming from someone who has both personal and professional experience with the 3806.

Thanks, Kevin......this info is very reassuring, especially coming from someone who has both personal and professional experience with the 3806.


I don't know how professional I am - I find that I'm still learning more every setup I do and everytime I visit here someone else teaches me something. However, I've always made sure there was adequate ventilation and never a problem so far. Good luck!

Looks like it is everybody's assumption that 3805 and 3806 have no differences in their sound quality (except 10W increase of power spec). Is this true? CADCONV, have you noticed any kind of improvement of 3806 over 3805 in this regard? I want to choose between 3805 and 3806. I don't care about HDMI switching. My major concern is sound quality (although the 3806's easy bi-amping and individual crossover settings for different channels are attractive). Can I save some money by choosing 3805?

You will never hear a 10wpc increase from 120-130 but you may notice the difference in SQ when you engage MultiQxt ;)

Bottom line, The 3806 is a LARGE STEP up form last years design in no small part to Audyssey

Tom took care of you Jay. Go with the 3806. For my money (it's the amp I have in my home - not setup yet) but here's the deal.

Every 3805 I installed was on a $5,000 set of speakers. The 3806 was on lower end (try $1,500) set of speakers. The speakers made a difference not the amp. However, for the features and the other things added to the 3806 don't consider saving money and getting the 3805. I could and didn't.

Tom took care of you Jay. Go with the 3806. For my money (it's the amp I have in my home - not setup yet) but here's the deal.

Every 3805 I installed was on a $5,000 set of speakers. The 3806 was on lower end (try $1,500) set of speakers. The speakers made a difference not the amp. However, for the features and the other things added to the 3806 don't consider saving money and getting the 3805. I could and didn't.

CADCONV...
Based on your earlier opinion and comments I've read in this thread, I went ahead and ordered the 3806 last night. It's already on the road and should be here by Thursday. Got it for under 1k. Thanks again for your earlier input sir!!:D

CADCONV...
Based on your earlier opinion and comments I've read in this thread, I went ahead and ordered the 3806 last night. It's already on the road and should be here by Thursday. Got it for under 1k. Thanks again for your earlier input sir!!:D


Wow, for that price you should have bought two. I haven't looked at the going prices on eBay lately but the last time I looked they were going for over $1k there easily.

I've really loved the 3806 with my experience so far. As long as you have setup a denon receiver in the past this want be a problem. I've never read the book till the other day I read a few pages.

Let us know how it goes.

Kevin

Kevin,

Has the OSD/HDMI thing been a problem for you in any of the installs you've done? This is the receiver I had my heart set on for over a year (well, the 3805 actually but then this newcomer hit the street) and I'm just nervous I guess.

I've been advised to check the HK AVR640 but it's not yet available.

I just want to make sure I'm getting something I can live with for a few years.

A few years? Well maybe until fall when the new ones come out with DTS-HD and Dolby Digital plus decoding. IMO, if you dont NEED a new A/V receiver, you may want to wait a few months to see how the new formats shake out.

<snip>I've really loved the 3806 with my experience so far. As long as you have setup a denon receiver in the past this want be a problem. I've never read the book till the other day I read a few pages.

Let us know how it goes.

Kevin<snip>

I downloaded the manual on .pdf and am studying key parts of it so that I don't walk into the setup cold. I've read both here and at CNET http://reviews.cnet.com/Denon_AVR_3806_black/4505-6466_7-31559300.html that setup is a challenge due to a less than perfect manual which doesn't keep the instructions short and simple. This is my first Denon, so I guess the setup will be my initiation into the Denon family. I'll probably come back to this thread for pointers.

Thread returned, sorry for the delay.

How would I go about hooking up duel center channel speakers on a friends new 3806?

Thanks, Mike

I'm having trouble with my setup. I have a Scientific Atlanta cable box (non-HD) and a Oppo DVD player. I want to connect the cable box via S-component to the 3806 and the Oppo via DVI-HDMI to the 3806 HDMI input and then use the HDMI output to my Samsung DLP TV. How should I connect the cable box to the 3806 (and make the necessary setup changes on the 3806) to make this work as I want to use the analog-to-HDMI function on the 3806? By the way, I do not see a cable/satellite input on the back of the 3806 unit. I'm a somewhat novice so please give me detailed instructions. Thanks.

A few years? Well maybe until fall when the new ones come out with DTS-HD and Dolby Digital plus decoding. IMO, if you dont NEED a new A/V receiver, you may want to wait a few months to see how the new formats shake out.

Nope...waiting months is out of the question for me. My room is pretty much finished and I really need a new receiver and DVD player in here. I "May" be able to wait for the 2807 or the HK 640 but waiting months is not an option.

Thing is, I've had my heart set on Denon for a looong while. Now that the finances are in place...I just want to try to get the best I can get now.

I'm having trouble with my setup. I have a Scientific Atlanta cable box (non-HD) and a Oppo DVD player. I want to connect the cable box via S-component to the 3806 and the Oppo via DVI-HDMI to the 3806 HDMI input and then use the HDMI output to my Samsung DLP TV. How should I connect the cable box to the 3806 (and make the necessary setup changes on the 3806) to make this work as I want to use the analog-to-HDMI function on the 3806? By the way, I do not see a cable/satellite input on the back of the 3806 unit. I'm a somewhat novice so please give me detailed instructions. Thanks.

Txhorns,

Hook the Non HD cable box to any one of the S video inputs you wish. Just make a note of which one you've chosen, VCR-2, say. Then hook the Stereo Audio to the corresponding Audio input jacks.
Hook the Oppo to HDMI-1 input and use a Toslink Optical cable to hook the Oppo digital Audio to one of the Digital Audio Optical input ports. Again, it doesn't matter which one you choose but make a note of y our choice. That's all there is to the hook up of these two sources.
Next you will have to go into the Set up Menu and Assign the Audio and Video accordingly. The very first page in your User's Manual points out how to go about doing the assignments.
Audio Input Assign:
You will need to assign the chosen digital input # to the Oppo on HDMI-1
The S-Video Stereo audio line input will be automatically assigned.
Video Setup:
You will have to assign the HDMI-1 input to the Oppo
With that, you should be able to get things going. good luck.

Check out monoprice.com

HDMI Cable male to male (22AWG) - 50ft (Gold Plated) for $99.99

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023102&p_id=2678&seq=1&format=2&style=

They also have a 24AWG version for $65, but no available ETA on stock. For the distance I would imagine you would have less of a chance of digital "Falloff" problems on the signal with the 22AWG version.


Compare that to $300 for a 50' Monster cable from Crutchfield.

HDMI over Cat5
http://www.svideo.com/dvihdmicat5.html

All,

Great unit, but it seems to be sub shy on 2ch. SACD and not on multi ch. SACD. Anyone have any ideas why. I plan to use the Denon Link when I get a 3910. The manual is a pain in the ace too. Also how can I hook it up to my tv for the OSD to work if my tv only has an composite input available. I have s-video on the tv but I really don't want to run the DVD player to the 3806 and then to the tv, I'd rather just try to hook them up separately. Feel free to email me.

Thanks,

Jayson

Four days since the thread return but very little traffic still. Where is everyone?

Four days since the thread return but very little traffic still. Where is everyone?

I'm sneaking in this post from work..........just set up my 3806 this past wknd after struggling with the manual for a couple of days. Now just need to fine tune the sound manually, as the auto setup left it sounding weaker than the Yamaha it replaced.
BTW, I read every single page of this thread in order to gain some knowledge before I began setup. Just my luck...the thread was taken down right during my installation when I needed it the most for reference. I'll probably be back to ask questions if I get stuck during fine tuning. Thanks for all the great info that's included in this thread :D

Anybody using the Harmony 880 with their 3806?

Yes, I am; it works well. I have set up activities to watch TV, play DVDs, use my Mac Mini, burn a DVD from my Tivo, etc. The only thing I don't like is that the Harmony's volume up/down buttons are not very responsive with the 3806; it's either one increment, slowly, at a time, or way too much too fast if you hold the volume buttons down.

Thanks, Mike25690. I'll play with that this weekend.

Txhorns,

Did you get your 3806 running?

Yes, I am; it works well. I have set up activities to watch TV, play DVDs, use my Mac Mini, burn a DVD from my Tivo, etc. The only thing I don't like is that the Harmony's volume up/down buttons are not very responsive with the 3806; it's either one increment, slowly, at a time, or way too much too fast if you hold the volume buttons down.

I am using the Harmony 659 with my 3806 and it also works very well...i agree that the volume control is tough to get used to...was also tricky to set up the TV activity since the Harmony website thought the TV and DBS inputs were one when they are separate....but i just copied the TV input code from the Denon remote to the Harmony manually (also though the website).

I'm using the 880 as well.
I'm sure you can tweak the volume responce time on Harmony's site but I haven't had time to fool with it yet.

I don't know if this post is in the right thread, if it isn't please let me know
I would like your recommendation to replace my Bose 901 speakers since they seem to be incompatible with the 3806. I use the 901s as my front speakers with Acoustimass 7 as my Center and surround speakers. I also use a Reference 200 (http://www.mjacoustics.co.uk/MJ_Acoustics/Product_html/Ref_200.htm) as my subwoofer

is it automatically in power standby as long as the AC plug is connected? Or do you have to enable this feature?

I don't know if this post is in the right thread, if it isn't please let me know
I would like your recommendation to replace my Bose 901 speakers since they seem to be incompatible with the 3806. I use the 901s as my front speakers with Acoustimass 7 as my Center and surround speakers. I also use a Reference 200 (http://www.mjacoustics.co.uk/MJ_Acoustics/Product_html/Ref_200.htm) as my subwoofer

How much do you want to spend?

I recently upgraded from a Denon AVR-1083 to the 3806. The protection circuit on the new unit keeps turning it off. I have rechecked all the speaker wires and ensured nothing is touching. I have ensured that the polarity is correct. The unit is not over heating as it does it sometimes within 1 minute of turning it on. The unit is well ventilated. Other interesting notations:
A) It seems to improve over time. Sometimes it will click off about 3 times in an hour but then won't click off the rest of the night.
B) It seems to do it more at lower volumes but not always the case.

Any idea why this is happening?

I am using Sony SA-VE835ED surround speakers (5.1). They are all rated at 8ohms.

All other functions seem to work great. I really love the 2 X Component out on it.
Could it have been damaged in shipping? Any other suggestions to try before I send it to Denon Customer Service Center (as the troubleshooting says)?

Thanks!

How much do you want to spend?

I would say something in the $2K range - Thanks for the reply JohnG

Four days since the thread return but very little traffic still. Where is everyone?
It seems that when the '3806 thread went down temporarily, subscriptions to it were knocked out. That must be why participation is down. If anyone has gone into the thread manually, as opposed to getting an e-mail notification of a new post, you'll need to go into the thread tools and subscribe again.

I recently set up my 3806 with 5.1 using Focal Sib & Cub2, and plugged my Panny S77 DVD, Xbox 360 and DirectV HR10-250 HDTivo in and out to my HP PL5000N 50" plasma via HDMI.
Everything seemed to go as expected, am using HDMI for DVD and Tivo, though I needed to also run an optical from the Tivo as it was not passing audio over HDMI. XBox 360 is connected using component and optical.
I also set up my S77 for use as CD player and DVD-A and that is where I have my question. I assigned "CD" to use the optical from the S77 which is fine for 2 channel stereo stuff. I also connected the 6 RCA connections for DVD-A to the Ext In. So when I want to listen to a DVD-A, what input do I use? I did not see any way to assign Ext-In to an audio source (such as how I assigned CD input to use Optcial 2 which comes from the S77)? Just grabbed a DVD-A today to try out this eve, so have not had a chance to try it yet. So basically when I pop that DVD-A into my S77 this eve, what do I have to do to hear it?
Jamie

This is the first time I have set-up an AVR. Evrything is working great. I don't like the sound in my HT after running the Audysey set-up. It sounds much better with the EQ turned off. I think I am going to do the settings manually until I find what I like.
Do you want overlap with the fronts/center frequency settings and the sub? For example, do you want the LCR and the sub all set at 100, or the fronts at say 100 and the sub at 120? I am guessing correctly that the setting for the fronts is the low-cutoff freq and the sub is the high cut-off, right?

I also set up my S77 for use as CD player and DVD-A and that is where I have my question. I assigned "CD" to use the optical from the S77 which is fine for 2 channel stereo stuff. I also connected the 6 RCA connections for DVD-A to the Ext In. So when I want to listen to a DVD-A, what input do I use? I did not see any way to assign Ext-In to an audio source (such as how I assigned CD input to use Optcial 2 which comes from the S77)? Just grabbed a DVD-A today to try out this eve, so have not had a chance to try it yet. So basically when I pop that DVD-A into my S77 this eve, what do I have to do to hear it?
Jamie
You just need to engage the receiver's "EXT" inputs. Either push the button by that name inside the little door on the receiver's front panel, or, using your remote, put it into "Amp" mode and push the "Input" button until "EXT" comes up.

Question?

I have Denon Link 3 between my 3806 and my Denon 3910. That works fine for audio.

I also have a HDMI cable running from the 3910 to the 3806 and then out to my Sony SXRD.

Is it proper to have it this way? Will the video from the 3910 pass thru the 3806 via the HDMI to the SXRD with no problems?

I just finished hooking up my 3806 to the plasma. For the picture output during using cable the picture is displayed as 4:3 ratio and I can not change it with the aspect button on the provided remote for the TV. THe HDMI cable is producing a fine picture when played in DVD. WHat is my problem? anyone.

i don't know if i fully understand your sitatution, but.... is this all content? are you watching a HD channel that is pushing SD content? With Directv you have to go into the STB setup menu and select each aspect ratio.

I have pretty much decided to buy a new 3806. I will not mention the price but it is right and it is from a bona-fide Denon dealer. I have bought most of my AV gear from this guy for the last 15 to 20 years. Trust me. . . it pays to stay loyal to your dealer. . . you will come out ahead in the long run. The price I am paying is far below any price that has been mentioned so far on this forum warranty or not. However it took me almost 20 years to get it. I only mention it to make the point that it is best to stay loyal to your authorized dealer as it will return bid dividends long term. . .

Anyway my question has to do with running this guy 24/7. Looks like once I have her setup she will need to run any time you want to watch TV as well as for any other purpose. My display (Sony 55WF655) has one HDMI input to handle my Panasonic S77 DVD’s HDMI and soon my replacement HD cable box will be HDMI as well.

Now I am running my baby HK240 who is running out of gas on my Polk Monitor 10s. I still like to rock out on good stereo music at times plus I love the Polk’s energy on HT.

My biggest concern is reliability and long life. The receiver will be on top of a small shelf unit where it will have plenty of air. I have been running my past receivers all day every day and see no reason why I can’t do the same now. . .

Any comments? ? ?

Who's using the 3806 as pre+pro connected to a separate 5-channel power amp for HT? Any comments on the power amp you're using coupled with the 3806 are welcome...thx.

Well after getting sidetracked on a 56 Elite I pulled the trigger on the 3806 about 5 minutes ago. . . We will see how this guy works as a daily driver relegated to mostly TV duty along with a few movies. . .

Great info on this thread. My 3806 is waiting at home for me, can't wait to get there and set it all up!

I believe all my devices are HDMI 1.1-compliant and that they all handle HDCP correctly. The issue that I (and apparently a few others) anticipate running into is the fact that my Panasonic 42PHD8UK's HDMI input will not display anything at 480i. Now, this is not a deal-breaker to me, but I would love to have the whole thing working as intended. My question is this: Can I connect a component cable AND an HDMI cable between the 3806 and the Panasonic and get OSD to work over the component cable while still pushing the hi-def content through the HDMI cable?

Sources:
Time Warner STB (SA 8000HD) -> either DVI ->HDMI IN on 3806 or Component -> Component inon 3806

Sony DVP-CX995V -> HDMI to 3806

Xbox 360 -> Component to 3806

I would appreciate any thoughts on this. This forum rocks!

Well after getting sidetracked on a 56 Elite I pulled the trigger on the 3806 about 5 minutes ago. . . We will see how this guy works as a daily driver relegated to mostly TV duty along with a few movies. . .


Fortunatly I read this thread (whew. . .) before buying this receiver and my dealer told me that sometimes things don't work as we might like. . . He said they have troubles with all of them during setups for display. He did say to keep my eyes open for potential problems that they could not forsee.


Another reason for having a close or good relationship with your dealer. They do not know everything and I praise them for being honest about it.


Point is, I have no preconcieved expectations. . . I will deal with trouble if and when it happens. Hopefully everything works as expected but if not I can always run her like I have been.

Who's using the 3806 as pre+pro connected to a separate 5-channel power amp for HT? Any comments on the power amp you're using coupled with the 3806 are welcome...thx.

I am making use of an Outlaw Audio 7700. I started with the 7125 and liked the improvements so much that I upgraded to their bigger 7-channel amp. I don't consider myself an audiophile; I just like very good sounding music. With the 7125 upgrade I saw a significant improvement in sound quality. So I wanted more. I got the more with the 7700, though I would say that I did not get a jump worth double the price (The 7700 Retails for $1999 and the 7125 retails for $995). HOWEVER, if you play your music very loud then I would say the 7700 is worth it. I only play music very loud occasionally. I'm keeping the 7700 due to the fact that I believe I can make use of a 7 channel 200 watt per channel for many years to come, without the need to upgrade again.

See my comments on the 7125: http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/ubb/get_topic/f/36/t/000024.html

I haven't had a chance to post my thoughts on my 7700 in detail, but I will start here and later post to the Outlaw site. I would note up front that I encountered a ground loop when hooking up my 7700 that did not exist with the 7125, but I am making us of a different AC outlet. This was corrected by purchasing a Jensen ISO-Max Model VRD-1FF.

I found this addition not only corrected my hum, but improved my audio and video quality of my cable feed. Well worth the price I paid which was close to retail of $59.95 I do believe this improvement is dependent upon whether your current cable signal is of lower quality. But my picture on my comcast signal definitely improved in both sound and video, especially at lower numbered analog channels.

Anyway....

Again I am not an audiophile, but let me describe what I heard when I hooked up the 7700.

Diffusion of music seems greater. Sound is spread better, and doesn't seem as localized around the speaker as it did with the 3806 alone.
Separation and clarity is greater. What I mean by this is I can more clearly hear specific instruments or vocals.
Overall sound quality improvement.
Greater surround characteristics. I feel like music is more enveloping than before.
Little or no resulting brightness or increased temperature of sound.
Breakup of bass thumping w/the 7700 does not break up at real loud like the 7125 did occasionally, but waits until it is VERY loud before breaking up or becoming less clear.
Definitions of my scientifically proven acoustic sound levels (lol)!
Real Loud = I might listen to a whole CD at this level - I might
Very loud = I can only listen to a song or two at this level, before I need turn it down for my own enjoyment.

However, I would say that the greatest difference is clarity. I did have an opportunity to compare the 3806 with and without the 7700 as I hooked it up. Relatively speaking the sound out of the 3806 sounds muddy and flat as compared to when making use of the 7700. Obviously this is a relative comparison, as I was and continue to be impressed by the overall SQ of the 3806 alone. In addition, I believe that these types of improvements are the typical types of improvements you get when you add even an above average separate amplifier. I mention the clarity piece because that is where I feel I gained the greatest benefit for the investment.

See my signature for my set up and in particular my speakers. My room is about 16 by 20, with 12-foot ceilings.

- I made use of Audyssey MultEqxt Room Eq. for setup.
- I originally used Monitor 7s as my fronts and upgraded to Monitor 11s, which was another reason for upgraded to the 7700.

Overall, I would definitely recommend these amps. I can definitely recommend the 7125, and the can 7700 IF you love music very loud. I think if you research you will find these amps at the top end of the "bang for the buck" scale for higher end amps. Their staff is very courtesy and responsive. My return of the 7125 went off without a hitch (Look for my 7125 in the B-Stock!). I love dealing with small companies that care about their products and their business. It is such a better and different experience than dealing with the major manufacturers.

I hope my comments are useful. Cheers!


Leadercrat

I posted this message a week ago when it looked like the list was broken and there wasn't much traffic. Anyone have any ideas why this is happening?

I recently upgraded from a Denon AVR-1083 to the 3806. The protection circuit on the new unit keeps turning it off. I have rechecked all the speaker wires and ensured nothing is touching. I have ensured that the polarity is correct. The unit is not over heating as it does it sometimes within 1 minute of turning it on. The unit is well ventilated. Other interesting notations:
A) It seems to improve over time. Sometimes it will click off about 3 times in an hour but then won't click off the rest of the night.
B) It seems to do it more at lower volumes but not always the case.

Any idea why this is happening?

I am using Sony SA-VE835ED surround speakers (5.1). They are all rated at 8ohms.

All other functions seem to work great. I really love the 2 X Component out on it.
Could it have been damaged in shipping? Any other suggestions to try before I send it to Denon Customer Service Center (as the troubleshooting says)?

Thanks!

Great AVR! The sound on this unit is fantastic and the capabilities it gives me are great!

I've got one quirky issue that I haven't seen on this forum yest, so here goes...

I've got all of my video sources routing through the AVR-3806 and routing to my standard def TV via an S-Video cable. When I switch to my TiVo, I get great sound but no video until I invoke the remote to display something on-screen. Once that happens, the picture from the TiVo comes in fine. Oddly enough, when I switch to my DVD player, it plays just fine regardless of whether or not I invoke the on-screen menu.

Any thoughts?

Great AVR! The sound on this unit is fantastic and the capabilities it gives me are great!

I've got one quirky issue that I haven't seen on this forum yest, so here goes...

I've got all of my video sources routing through the AVR-3806 and routing to my standard def TV via an S-Video cable. When I switch to my TiVo, I get great sound but no video until I invoke the remote to display something on-screen. Once that happens, the picture from the TiVo comes in fine. Oddly enough, when I switch to my DVD player, it plays just fine regardless of whether or not I invoke the on-screen menu.

Any thoughts?

Two things:
1) I am confused. You invoke your Denon remote hitting whatever the Tivo is programmed to, then you only get Tivo audio w/o video. Then to get the Tivo video w/ the already playing audio, you have to press ... what exactly on the remote?
2) Why are you running the video from the 3806 to your TV with S-video and not component cables?? I am assuming your TV does not have an input for component cables?

I have a Moto 6412 STB that will only output a 16:9 image from the component output at 720p or 1080i. So although my Sony HX-915 has component inputs and recognizes the 16:9 flag, I can't record 16:9 downrezzed Hi-Def movies - they come out letterboxed in a 4:3 frame.

Is it possible to input the component output of my STB at 720p or 1080i into a 3806 and then record to the Sony DVD recorder from one of the two component outputs by configuring that component output to 480i (which is the only way to record on a DVD recorder) while the other component output of the STB is set to 720p or 1080i to feed my Optoma Movietime projector? In other words can the 3806 send a downrezzed 16:9 image to one component output while sending a Hi-Def image to the other?

Two things:
1) I am confused. You invoke your Denon remote hitting whatever the Tivo is programmed to, then you only get Tivo audio w/o video. Then to get the Tivo video w/ the already playing audio, you have to press ... what exactly on the remote?
2) Why are you running the video from the 3806 to your TV with S-video and not component cables?? I am assuming your TV does not have an input for component cables?

Yup, I can see how I confused you. This is a temporary setup to a standard def TV.

Oddly enough, the issue seems to have vanished as quickly as it appeared. I promise it was there.

Oddly enough, the issue seems to have vanished as quickly as it appeared. I promise it was there.
Right on, dude. Onward and upward... :D

I am considering upgrading from my 3801 to the 3806 because of the HDMI switching. Just a quick question. What other AVRs did you all consider before buying the Denon?

My 3806's protection circuit went on the third time I turned on the unit. Initially the receiver worked perfectly. It refused to come back on that third time. I double checked all connections and everything seemed fine. I rebooted the unit and it still failed to come on. The unit was well ventilated and not overheated. It was replacing an Onkyo 603 which still works fine with my setup.

Instead of battling the Etailer that my wife had purchased the unit from for Christmas and returning it to them (like some on this forum told me to do) I returned the unit to New Jersey like the manual said to do. I didn't think at the time that it was a serious problem.

They told me the unit needed two parts to fix. That was two months ago. Just today they told me the parts had to come from "overseas" (Japan) and they had no idea when the would be delivered. I guess they come by Clipper Ship. So I have been without the receiver going on three months. I thought Denon was a step up from my old Sony and present Onkyo but now have my doubts. The 3806 hasn't been out that long. I just hope those who purchase their top of the line units never have similar problems. Spending $6000 for a unit that couldn't be fixed for months because of parts would be beyond the pale.

I would think you have a defective unit so I would first I demand a replacement from the firm you purchased it from. Otherwise you may need to have the patience of Job.

I am considering upgrading from my 3801 to the 3806 because of the HDMI switching. Just a quick question. What other AVRs did you all consider before buying the Denon?

Yamaha RXV-2600 and Pioneer Elite 74

I think since this thread got yanked due to retailers making pitches, it hasn't been the same since. Probably due to folks having to resubscribe. Is it possible to re-advertise this thread at the main forum index menu, to invite people back to subscribe. This was a very active and useful thread prior to the "yanking" of the thread. Now it is just puttering along. Are there other communities out there on the 3806 beyond AVSFORUM that I could view or participate in.... Any thoughts or help would appreciated.

I am contemplating purchasing a Mits HD TV. Wondering if anyone knows whether there are issues with HDMI switching with the 3806's and MITS tvs. I know that there are issues for some tvs and 3806 HDMI switching.

I also recently upgraded to a Dish Network 411 High Def satellite receiver. Any issues with HDMI on the 3806 and HDMI on the 411/211 Dish receiver?

Yup, I can see how I confused you. This is a temporary setup to a standard def TV.

Oddly enough, the issue seems to have vanished as quickly as it appeared. I promise it was there.The source you select using the number buttons on keypad is the audio source. Having selected an audio source you had to select the video source to use for that audio input. You do that in the setup menus or by usind the video select on the LCD pad. If you select it one time it will stay associated with that audio input until you change it. In other words "the problem went away" once you selected the video input.

I also am using the Denon 3806 as a surround processor with an off-board amplifier. I had a similar problem with a "buzz" or "hum" coming from my speakers. After much diagnosis I was able to determine the problem was related to grounding issues between my Theta Dreadnaught amp and the Denon. After a call to Theta problem was resolved by adding a chasis ground between the Denon and Theta. I connected the wire under one of the feet on the Theta and underneath to a screw on the Denon. If you do this make sure the wire touches bare metal not painted metal to provide a good contact.

I think since this thread got yanked due to retailers making pitches, it hasn't been the same since. Probably due to folks having to resubscribe. Is it possible to re-advertise this thread at the main forum index menu, to invite people back to subscribe. This was a very active and useful thread prior to the "yanking" of the thread. Now it is just puttering along. Are there other communities out there on the 3806 beyond AVSFORUM that I could view or participate in.... Any thoughts or help would appreciated.

Putting my personal situation aside I just want to say that I have gained a great amount of info on this thread and enjoy reading it since I do own a 3806. When I do get my receiver back from Denon I know this knowledge base will go to good use, especially about video issues. I think all threads have their ups and downs as far as postings.
I just want to thank all the posters so far.

I hope my comments are useful.
Extremely useful leadercrat, many thanks for sharing your detailed experience with the Outlaw amps, great post.

I think since this thread got yanked due to retailers making pitches, it hasn't been the same since. Probably due to folks having to resubscribe. Is it possible to re-advertise this thread at the main forum index menu, to invite people back to subscribe. This was a very active and useful thread prior to the "yanking" of the thread. Now it is just puttering along. Are there other communities out there on the 3806 beyond AVSFORUM that I could view or participate in.... Any thoughts or help would appreciated.

I agree, the thread yanking seems to have severely damaged this thread. I think the Moderators need to explore other methods for dealing with misbehaving dealers.
It's ironic that this thread was zapped since the 3806 is very complex and desperately needs a lively Forum to share best practices. let's hope that it will eventually bounce back.

I have just purchased a MITS WD52628 and will be delivered on 3/18. Anyone running HDMI from a Denon AVR-3806 out to this MITS? My plan is to run HDMI from my Dish Network Vip211 HD receiver to the Denon, run HDMI from my Denon 3910 DVD player to the 3806 and run HDMI monitor out from 3086 to the MITS. I ask this because I know there have been some problems with using the Denon (and I hear some Yamahas and Pioneers) as a "switcher". Seems some monitors HDCP doesn't like "switchers." Does MITS play nice with Denons?

I have just purchased a MITS WD52628 and will be delivered on 3/18. Anyone running HDMI from a Denon AVR-3806 out to this MITS? My plan is to run HDMI from my Dish Network Vip211 HD receiver to the Denon, run HDMI from my Denon 3910 DVD player to the 3806 and run HDMI monitor out from 3086 to the MITS. I ask this because I know there have been some problems with using the Denon (and I hear some Yamahas and Pioneers) as a "switcher". Seems some monitors HDCP doesn't like "switchers." Does MITS play nice with Denons?

If you have a problem, it should not be the Mits, but rather your STB.

If you have a problem, it should not be the Mits, but rather your STB.

AGREED. I recently went from a TS360 to an HR10-250. I could not pass an HDMI signal from the TS360 through the 3806 to the TV. However, I was very sucessful in passing the HDMI signal from the HR10-250.

BTW - The picture looks great.

Recently purchased and hooked up the Denon 3806, 2910 using the OSD, setup all channels, did parametric checks etc, but my Energy 8.2 subwoofer which has auto sense for the amplifier, puts out the test sounds unamplified, skewing audessey results and resulting in the subwoofer never powering up to give me the boom boom needed. Worked fine on the de385 sony i had before.

Manual says to override autosense and leave amp on during parametric testing, because it has no selector for disabling auto on, me thinks the receiver is sending out no LFE signal or the signal isn't tripping the amp. Change the crossover to 80db without effect. Little blue power light on subwoofer doesn't come on no matter what mode chosen.

I know i can run the subwoofer with separate wiring not using the RCA plug, but i want pure LFE to subwoofer. System needs the bass punch. Any ideas? Have tweaked speaker settings and size manually with no change in output to subwoofer.

Will i have to purchase a subwoofer with autosense override to make this puppy boom boom?

The receiver is all that they say about the sounds emanating, sweet, clean, entirely tweekable. Love the receiver, Happy to have found this forum, chock full of tips, facts and opinions, all to make my listening experience better.

But, the subwoofer issue. Help. TIA

Does it power on when the Room EQ is set completely off? You might also check what level the Audssey set the subwoofer. For example, if for some reason, it set the SW to -12db, you should manually increase it to, say, -6db and see what happens.

What kind of amp does your sub have? Does it have a volume control? Set it to 75-100% and re-run setup. I don't see your model on the Energy site but, if it's an older version of the 8.3 (100W), it may be a bit underpowered.

Also, if it has a crossover setting, set it to off/bypass. Lastly, your 3806 may be defective. See if you can borrow another sub to test with.

Auddessey sets the sub at +15db, cranking it all the way because sub is not autosensing and turning on the amp i presume. Manually setting all parameters makes no difference. Thanks for your reply.

Maybe this is a good excuse to get the Aperion Intimus S-10....

What kind of amp does your sub have? Does it have a volume control? Set it to 75-100% and re-run setup. I don't see your model on the Energy site but, if it's an older version of the 8.3 (100W), it may be a bit underpowered.

Also, if it has a crossover setting, set it to off/bypass. Lastly, your 3806 may be defective. See if you can borrow another sub to test with.


Went to the store, bought a velodyne 1200 to swap out as suggested, sounded so much better than my old sub, which works fine now that i have figured out the controls, and fiddled with the controls some more and vola!, wonderful sound. Each channell for each mode must be set. It is a receiver that requires absorption time. I have partially absorbed the owners manual, tried a few tricks others have suggested and am quite pleased. I kept the velodyne.

It was the thought the receiver might have been defective, that motivated me to make it work. Thanks those who gave suggestions/answers.

So what exactly did you do to get your sub to come on automatically? I'm having similar issues, but my sub just stays in stand-by mode and never comes on, unless I manually flip the switch to on instead of auto. When I do that, it has full sound.

I have just purchased a MITS WD52628 and will be delivered on 3/18. Anyone running HDMI from a Denon AVR-3806 out to this MITS? My plan is to run HDMI from my Dish Network Vip211 HD receiver to the Denon, run HDMI from my Denon 3910 DVD player to the 3806 and run HDMI monitor out from 3086 to the MITS. I ask this because I know there have been some problems with using the Denon (and I hear some Yamahas and Pioneers) as a "switcher". Seems some monitors HDCP doesn't like "switchers." Does MITS play nice with Denons?

For those with HDMI issues with the 3806 it seems to work with the MITS WD52628. I have everything running into the 3806 and HDMI1 monitor out to the TV. Picture is very good. The techs were a bit surprised that it worked on mine as they have set up a few MITS and 3806's and they only got audio/no video.

Just bought the 3806 and I have been unable to get the sub to work with CD or DVD. I did the setup and the receiver set up the sub just like the other five speakers, and actually set it to +2.0 dB. I have been able to go into the tone generator and give have the sub go from off to +10 dB with the corresponding increase in volume.

I have tried the sub in both LFE and LFE+main with the front speakers set to both large and small. I have worked my way through the entire manual with no luck. I have also tired another sub and it does the same thing.

Since I am able to get tones throught the sub, and the auto setup feature will set the sub up correctly, I have to assume the subs are working, the cord is working, and that it is somewhere in the receiver. I am assuming the receiver is working, as it is brand new and the other channels work great. I think it is human error on my part, but can't figure it out.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

As you may have read below my experience with the sub setup. If your like me and super excited about hooking it up, it is an immersion experience spanning several weeks. As for the sub problem, make sure your channel is set up right, meaning push the little button on the middle of the remote control and see what the sub is set to. I found mine at -15db after an Audassey setup. Quickly changing this made it thump the hell out of me as desired. If this isn't it...On page 94 of the manual shows the signal adjustable modes for surround sound. lfe output can be configured individually for the lfe signal. the mode you are using might be setup goofy like a -15db sub in one of the modes.

So what exactly did you do to get your sub to come on automatically? I'm having similar issues, but my sub just stays in stand-by mode and never comes on, unless I manually flip the switch to on instead of auto. When I do that, it has full sound.
By making sure lfe channel volume is above 0db for starters. Then i checked each surround mode for the lfe settings and made sure none were less than 0db. Not sure what it did, but it autosenses when a lfe channel has output. remember some modes aren't throwing anything to the lfe channel. (pure stereo for example i think)

Installed a 3806 5.1 with Audessey Setup,and it was a piece of cake. Klipsch fronts,center,surrounds,(all 7's) and a James 1200 sub. Fronts set to large,surrounds small,sub lfe+main. Dvd playback is awesome. Now my question. TV sound goes through 3806,but nothing from sub.3806 shows fr and fl only. Can I get the sub to work with tv stereo? Manual leaves a lot to be desired..Thanks

I have a 3806 with a Denon 1920 DVD and a Motorola DCT 6412 cable box. I have the DVD player connected via HDMI to the receiver. The Motorola is connected to the 3806 via component. I have HDMI going to my projector. The DVD plays fine. I can only get High Definition channels from the Motorola to display over the HDMI connection(standard definition does not display). If I run component from the 3806, both standard definition and high definition will display. Any suggestions?

Set your STB to 720p or 1080i output resolution, if you can. It's probably set to "Native" now.