** OFFICIAL ** Denon AVR-3310CI/990 Owner's Thread - Page 71

Well, their technical support website is actually pretty good. I posted this question, and got back a helpful response. They admit to software bugs that impact the use of the web browser interface and the Ethernet control. They are working on a firmware fix, and hopefully will have it out by September. So, there you have it.

Very happy to hear this. The idea of controlling the system with my phone has not turned out to be as convenient/useful as I had hoped with the inconsistency of the interface.

Can you post back when this is available or PM me? I bought this rig expressly for this capability. It's been in one authorized Denon shop or another for seven weeks this summer (they lost it for two weeks) and has never worked correctly, even with the network card replaced.

Of course, the problem will still be subjecting this replacement box to a firmware update. The original box (while under the direct supervision of Denon Tech support) turned into a doorstop during the update...

By the way, often the original Denon receiver would answer a ping yet not provide network services. In my 30 years of network experience, that often bodes a fundamental problem in the programming of the services.

Again, keep us posted.

Regards,

mjclifford

No problem, I'll keep folks posted. I'd recommend, though, that others post their complaints to their cusomter support site on the non-functioning networking. It's really an amazing flaw. The set has the "CI" designation for custom integration, it has the Ethernet web control featured as a major selling point of the device, and none of this works correctly. The more people that post complaints the more likely they will fix this quickly.

Also, the cutomer support people are not uniformly informed. When I first described my problems, their reaction was there are no known problems with networking on the set. They then asked me silly questions about the network setup (did I use static or dynamic IP addresses - as if this had something to do with the issues). They then said to ship it back to them, which of course is a pain in the neck to do. Finally, when I said I had four of them, and that an identically used 4310ci worked correctly, I got them to really look into the issue, and sure enough, it was a known problem.

The slow browser issue is enough for people to complain about, even if you are not using the Ethernet control feature that also doesn't work.

Yes, they are the BP7002's

I am working with an AVR990 and the center and sub levels can be set under speaker level setting...however the left and right mains don't change in volume based on the dB setting....am I missing something?

I think you are missing something since I can change all my levels.

Can you post a screen shot?

lolwat? Which screen in this?

Anyway I figured it out. Someone drilled down to a menu and set somethings that made it impossible...(I think it was a Custom Amp level menu).

I use Yamaha in my house, the Denon is very different.

All-

I've tried doing research on this, and get lost.

I'm looking at the 3310ci.

I have 3 zones:
1) 5.1 home theater
2) Bedroom 1 with 2 speakers
3) Bedroom 2 with 2 speakers

All speakers run to a panel near my home theater.

Can I run 2 sources to the 3 zones this way w/o an additional amp and / or running analog wires?:
1) Zone 1 - Home theater - 5.1: Source 1
2) Zone 2 - Bedroom 1 - Surr.Back Left/Right: Source 2
3) Zone 3 - Bedroom 2 - Front B Left/Right: Source 1 (must be same source as Zone 1)

Thanks.

Zone 2

MY issue is which would better to do.

1. Run wires from AVR to outside speakers ~ 100-150' away across the yard?

2. Run RCA from pre-out to another amp ~75' away, then go to the speakers?

I've read about zone 2 output limits but not sure if that was for lesser models or the 3310. I want to hear internet and/or HD radio and audio out from my cable box. If I go with the pre outs will it transfer digital out signal [BD player with drive and STB audio] each unit to AVR.

Or should just get 250' of cable an run it out side?

Only analog sources and PCM 2.0 can go to your Zone 2, while any source could go to your Zone 3. However, when running both A+B (ie Zones 1 and 3), the impedance of all 4 speakers will be reduced to 4 ohms (if using all 8 ohm speakers). Perhaps the better option would be to add an impedance matching speaker selector connected to the SBL/SBR posts which would send the same analog stereo source to both Zones 2 and 3.

Thanks, jdsmoothie.

So, even when using the amped surr back left / right speaker outputs for Zone 2, I can't pass digital audio to Zone 2 speakers? But, am I not basically using those 2 speaker connections the same way I'd use them if I had 7.1 in Zone 1, with the only difference being they are now in a different room?

If I used the Zone 2 and Zone 3 pre-outs instead (with an amp), would they be able to pass digital audio to those zones?

I'm sorry - I'm a newbie and the whole multi-zone / multi-xource thing really confuses me.

Hello fellow 3310 Owners!
I have a question for the veterans: Is it actually better to use Audyssey or just configure manually? I ask this only because while I have used Audyssey in the past, and it sounds great, I have recently tried other recievers with my setup that do not have Audyssey and they sound just as good without having half the specs. Just last week I sent off my 3310 to NJ to have some of the issues fixed (ethernet card, source switching, etc.) and have had to put an old Sony receiver in it's place. The sony is almost 10 years old, yet after about 5-6 min of manual setup without an OSD mind you, it sounds almost as good as my 3310. That bothers me a bit. This sony has about half the wattage and only has optical input...but it is digital. Before I purchased the Denon, I had a 5.1 Rotel receiver with a Rotel 200w/channel amp hooked up as a demo from a friend and it sounded just as good as the Denon and it lacked HDMI (DTS HD-MA, Dolby HD, etc.); it just had optical. There was only about 5-10 min setup at the unit with the Rotel as well.
If anyone has any input, I would be much apreciative...Batpig and jdSmoothie, this means you guys. Thanks again!

Correct. Keep in mind that when you set up the SBL/SBR posts as Zone 2 using the AMP ASSIGN setting, the speaker posts are then used in a different configuration. Also, the Zone pre-outs have the same limitation ... analog and PCM 2.0 digital only.

Generally the vast majority of folks (like 99%) are going to want to use Audyssey as it is almost always going to do a better job then manual setup. Your question is of course subjective and might be different in your particular room with your particular speakers. Also, keep in mind that unless you have both AVRs present to do a true A/B test .... well .....

Thanks again, jdsmoothie.

In doing some looking around online, it seems like analog for Zone 2 is the way it is? Nobody makes a Zone 2 that can handle digital?

Also - even though the pre-amp outs are analog, and I assume the 3310 down-converts HDMI to analog for these outs, it still can't handle the HDMI connection for Zone 2?

Thanks again - I'm just trying to fully understand.

If by "digital" you mean HDMI, that's correct ... no HDMI to Zone 2. Also, there is no HDMI-to-analog conversion for the Zone 2 pre-outs either.

Question for your fellow 3310ci owners about a reproducible problem with audio cutting out on optical and EXT inputs:

Took delivery yesterday. Setup was a breeze. Downloaded latest firmware without a hitch (took about 15 minutes download and installation). The unit is superior to the Denon 1082 (3802) it replaced.

Here is the problem.

I have a Sony SACD player hooked to "CD" input thru optical cable; and also under (re-named) "SACD" input via 5-channel RCA EXT connection. The reason for the dual connection it allows digital processing for CDs (e.g. 5 channel stereo) and it is the only way I can pass a signal for SACD's (it is an older player without HDMI). The 3310 is also hooked up to the HDTV via HDMI connection (out).

Whenever I play the SACD player (whether CD or SACD) thru either of the two connected inputs, the 3310 alternates repeatedly thru 1/2 second of audio and one second of silence, but only if the HDTV is off. If the HDTV is on, then there is no problem. I have double checked all connections, and by process of elimination have confirmed that all cables work properly, so that is not the problem. The problem is reproducible, and after some effort, I have confirmed that the HDTV being on/off is the factor.

I suppose I could leave the HDTV on, but there is obviously some unseen communication between the 3310 and the HDTV that needs to occur before uninterrupted audio plays. I have noticed that the same thing happens to my DirecTV signal thru HDMI: it cuts out unless or until the HDTV is turned on, which I suppose I understand, but the "CD" input is not associated with a video connection.

I really don't need or want my HDTV on when I play music, so what is the solution? Anybody seen this behavior before?

On phone with Denon tech support. They told me it is likely a problem with HDMI (yeah, obviously). My C/S rep recommended that I unplug the HDMI cable to the HDTV. When I offered that this is not really a solution, since I also like to watch DirecTV and Blu-Ray, he said he would check into it and placed me on hold. After 30 seconds on hold, I was disconnected.

Regardless of the brand of AVR, HDMI "handshake" issues often exist (video/audio problems) when connecting a cable/sat box to an HDMI repeater (ie. AVR). There are a few solutions that can be used to resolve this issue:

(1) Make sure the firmware on the cable/sat box is up to date

(2) Try the other HDMI jacks on the AVR first to see if the same issue exists

(3) HDMI reset procedure:

a. While the cable/sat box is on, disconnect HDMI cable from TV
b. Turn off power to the all devices (OFF, not in standby)
c. Disconnect HDMI cable from the cable/sat box to AVR at both ends
d. Wait 2 minutes
e. Reconnect all HDMI cables
f. Apply power to TV, then AVR, then cable/sat box

(4) Cable configuration work-around:

a. Connect a component and optical/coax cable from the cable/sat box to the AVR,

or,

b. Connect the HDMI cable from the cable/sat box to the TV and an optical/coax cable from the cable/sat box to the AVR

(5) Replace the cable/sat box with different model/mfr

(6) Sometimes adding an HDMI switch between the AVR and the TV will resolve this issue although will of course require an extra cost for the switch.

Your issue is known to occur with some models of components. Make sure that when you turn the TV OFF you allow up to 20-30 seconds for the audio signal to resync correctly. Also, make sure that the HDMI-CEC feature is turned OFF on the TV.

What is weird is my problem involves an input completely unassociated with either video or HDMI: CD thru optical and analog EXT input. Why would I need to have the TV on in order to listen to a CD? It seems the ONLY video going on when listening to a CD is the GUI, which I don't really care about when listening to a CD.

I can hear the wife now: "You're telling me I need to have the TV on to listen to a CD? That's stupid."

Has anyone had an issue upgrading to DSX? To accomplish this apparantly you go to the website http://usa.denon.com/SHOP/Webpage.aspx?WebpageId=2 and input the upgrade ID and serial number. This is supposed to trigger a portal where you can purchase the upgrade. When I do this it says "Your Upgrade ID is either not valid or has already been activated. Please check your information and enter the correct Upgrade ID. If you continue experiencing problems please call Customer Service at 1-201-762-6665." I called support on friday and they said they would call me back with an answer (but have not yet.) I also emailed support and they said they would get back to me (but the have not.) I also asked through the support portal and 24 hours later they responded with "Double check your Upgrade ID and make sure you copied it down correctly"!!!!!! Of course I have checked both serial number and upgrade ID 100 times!! Your stupid automated message already said that!! Im afraid after another 24 hours the next answer is going to be "make sure the unit is plugged in." Thought I would check in with the forum to see if anyone had any ideas. I have the new firmware installed and the network works fine. Either way I dont think this would cause an error with the codes and purchasing the upgrade on their website. Any input is always greatly appreciated. Thanks.

the thing is, it IS associated with HDMI, because EVERYTHING about the receiver is -- because of that darned HDMI connection to the monitor! Once you have an HDMI connection in the chain, you can get situations where the components decide that the HDCP copyright protocol has been violated and they cut things off.

this is why JD suggested that you turn of HDMI-CEC, which allows HDMI components to link up with each other. Try unplugging the HDMI cable from the TV, turn off HDMI-CEC, and then power down, plug everything back in, and power back up. Hopefully this will sever the "control" connection between the display and receiver which is causing the receiver to mute itself when it doesn't sense an HDMI display.

Thanks JD and BP. I've already shut off HDMI control on the 3310 and its equivalent (Aquos Link) on the Sharp HDTV, but I didn't power down/up. Will give it a try and let you know if it works.

No joy. Turning off HDMI control, unplugging HDMI, turning off receiver, etc., does not solve the quirk. I suppose I will live with it for now. Thanks for suggestions.

New fw downloaded today took about 5 minutes didnt require a reset..

Any guesses as to what bugs are fixed or which features are added/improved by this firmware upgrade?

OK, which is better and why?

1. Run wires from AVR to outside speakers ~ 100-150' away across the yard?

2. Run RCA from pre-out to another amp ~75' away, then go to the speakers?

I am not 100% sure but it appears to have improved remote connectivity via the web app. I played with this a bit and it seems a bit more responsive from both pc and iPhone apps. Would be excellent if denon started providing release notes...