The "Official" Denon AVR-4311CI/AVR-A100 thread [NO PRICE TALK] - Page 101

I just got my AVR-A100 and have a screen corruption issue (see pics). Mostly green bars. When play from my Directv DVD the picture is fine but when I press menu on the AVR the green bars comes and the screen is corrupted and hard to read the menu. I did however update to the latest firmware via the net but it did not fix it. Resetting the unit did nothing. I have tried short and log hdmi cables. Turning conversion off does fix the picture corruption but not the menu/gui corruption. It happens even when no input devices are connected to the AVR and going direct to the TV via the HDMI monitor. Monitor 1 and 2 have the same result. I'm using a Samsung UN55B8500 TV. Not sure what is going on. Going to call Denon tomorrow.

Here are some images.

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/...urrent=010.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/...urrent=011.jpg

The firmware update did NOT solve those bugs

Any information about the Update
What was it for ?

swedmaveric,

I have an A100 on order with my local Denon dealer here in Norway. When I ordered the unit I was told that anticipated delivery here would be Q1 next year.

I'm a bit concerned about the reported bugs with the early units. Since it's still a few months until I get my A100, I might get a unit from a newer production batch and/or with updated FW.

May I ask what your serial number is please ?

Best regards,
Ole Willy Tuv

Yes, you will get from the second batch.

I got from the first batch

Maveric

Unless I missed it, can one of you 4311 and A100 owner's provide the config information for each of the respective models? That way it makes it easier to track firmware updates.

With the unit in Standby, using the buttons under the front panel cover, press the and buttons and power ON the unit. When the unit powers ON, release the buttons. Then each time you press the button, you'll see a different config item to include the Main firmware version. To get out of this mode, simply power cycle the unit OFF/ON. Thanks.

I've been searching for the "special edition block condenser" on the internal pic of the A100, comparing it to the internal pic of the 4311, and I've gotta say; I'm 99 % sure the A100 pic is a photoshop fake.

The A100:


The 4311:


First of all; Notice all cables and components being in the exact same position and angles on both pics. Second, notice the far right binding post on the 4311. See the black stud above it covering some of it when viewed from above? What about the far right binding post on the A100? Suddenly above the black stud? And third.. Does'nt the knobs and the front on the "A100" seem awfully matte to be glossy?

The rear end of the A100:


Considering this pic, it seems to me that the little black thingy is still above the binding posts, making it most likely that the A100 internal pic is just the 4311 pic with photoshoped binding posts. Agreed? Would someone with decent cameras PLEASE pop the hood on their A100 and 4311 and post REAL pics? I'm insanely curious of the "special edition" condenser/capacitor.

EDIT: I'm told removing the cover will woid your warranty, so I'd like to rephrase:
If anyone stumbles upon any real life internal pics of the A100, please post a link. No need in woiding warranty to satisfy my curiosity, none of you will and none of you should.

Just curious, since many here already contacted Denon support for the blue rain and other issues, are any of you giving them the link to this thread? It may be good for everyone that does contact Denon support to give this link as at least one (hopefully) of the techs/reps on the other end just might log on and see what is going on. The will have a pretty good database of issues as most here are supplying the connected display and their sources (they need to replicate this and may only be using Denon equipment).

Just a thought...

Yes, earlier in this thread someone showed how it is a modified picture of the 4311. It has not fixed the belief by some that the A100 is more than a rebadged 4311 with a history book, signed cert of quality inspection*, pretty faceplate and extra 2 years on the warranty.


*Clearly their inspection is nothing more than to see if it powers on considering they have the same issues as the 4311.

I am looking at my remote and do not see a "Status" button. Is it called something else on the 4311 or am I just not seeing it?

So, got my 4311 all set up and of course have their blue rain issue. saw it while watching directv.

I turned off the video convert and it went away.

However, there is clearly a difference in my video. Hooked up directly to my TV it is crystal clear. I have all the settings dialed in.

Going into the 4311, with convert turned off, I get a clearly degraded picture. Colors are off, to the point people begin to have green, yellow or orange hues to their skin.

Is there another option I can turn off to shut off any and all video processing?

@JinnyTango: Annoyingly no one knows for sure. And, yes, the "special edition block condenser", as the only technical advantage over the 4311 mentioned anywhere, smells of snake oil IMO. I'm hoping to be proven wrong though.

The i/p Scaler setting will effect the scaling and resolution, however, it's also set to OFF when the Video Convert is set to OFF. AFAIK, the only other setting would be the Video Mode (p. 83) (set this to GAME vice AUTO), although this too apparently shows no improvement.

Front panel of the receiver

Got the firmware update to AVS-A100. Notice nothing new. Wonder if they will release notes.

Replaced Denon AVR-3805 with new AVR-4311ci to get HDMI switching, but it only works for a few minutes at most before turning to blue rain... If background picture is bright, this prevents even navigating the menu. Doing this on all feeds (fios 1080i, HTPC 1080p, Denon DVD 1929 720p, PS3 1080p) into Mitsubishi WD-65833. Monster cables swapped around, changed output hdmi port on avr, reset proc on avr, reset tv - all to no avail. Ser no 0091500468. Latest firmware. Blue rain occurs if pass thru or convert to 1080p or 720p.
Will return to local shop today after many hours troubleshooting. Not the experience looking for, and reviewing this thread, it is clear Denon has serious quality control issues. This unit should not have left their plant. Will try one more, then off to greener pastures with alternative vendors.

Sweet got it working! Not sure what it all means but here is some info from that screen.
AVR4311 E3
Firm Package Ver: 0001
S/N: xxxxxxx643
GUI Config: A090416A

I noticed the off colors as well. The video portion of the A100/4311 is starting to look like a def downgrade from previous years.

What do you really lose by turning video convert off? Just the upconversions? Yes I want this fixed like everyone else but I can live w/o upconvertering for a little while. My A100 is coming this week

All parameters for an AVR4311 E3
- S/N: 0091...
- Firm. Package Ver: 0001
- Main: 00.49
- Main ROM: 00.49
- Main FBL: 00.05
- Sub: 00.25
- Sub FBL: 00.25
- DSP1: 61.09
- DSP2: 62.11
- Audio PLD: 02.08
- Video PLD: 03.03
- GUI Config: A090416A
- GUI PRG: 00007621
- GUI DAT: 10060008
- Ethernet FBL 090311-bd
- Ethernet SBL B201002081213-0A
- Ethernet IMG I201008020520
- *Ethernet MAC 0005cd-...
- *HDSDK: V1.12
- *HDBBP: C0004.200

All video processing including on-screen displays (MENU, VOLUME, etc) with the possible exception of whatever VIDEO MODE is doing.

Anyone having no problems? No blue rain or video issues?

Just wondering if there's anyone out there with an A100 that isn't experiencing the Blue Rain issue. I've had more contact with Denon this morning, and it's looking more and more like I will need to exchange mine, but if this problem is effecting every unit, I see little point in going through the hassle of swapping units out if the new one I'm going to get will have the same issue.

On a positive note, Denon (US) now seems to be taking this issue very seriously and are escalating it accordingly.

I for for one would not be "popping the hood" on either a $2k 4311 or a $2.5k A100, just to satisfy the curiosity of someone else. At those kind of prices for AVR's I'd value still having a valid warranty, and I see no reason to risk it by taking things apart just to take pictures of it for someone else. Come on, think about, just to satisfy other peoples curiosity, I really can't see why anyone would do it.

I'm finding all these issues with blue rain, and audio drop out a bit disturbing. What I don't get is I had the 3311 for over 3 months without any problems at all. I'm supposed be getting my 4311 next week, and I'm crossing my fingers it does not have any of the above bugs, even though I won't be using any VP but I would like my unit to be working as it should.

Djoel

Frankly all these issues especially on the A100 anniversary model are beyond embarrassing. The Denon manufacturing and engineering departments should be on alert now.

My replacement 4311ci is delivered tomorrow. My original one did not have the blue rain problem. I am worried the replacement may be worse...

The video problems seem much more prevalent in the A100. I think the audio issue is more troubling but when it's serious it seems obvious so you can immediately initiate a return.

I picked up my A100 on Saturday here in Sweden. Absolutely no video problems whatsoever!

The issues is most likely firmware and will be fixed at a later date.

While you may think replacing it will fix the issue, i highly doubt it. Not only that, but if you think another AVR or proc will fix the issue, HDMI is a serious issue for all companies. Your best bet if you want minimal issues is to find a previous generation AVR or proc as they will have matured enough to have corrected the bugs.

I have one of the first 4311's. I have experienced no blue rain issues, nor have I had any audio dropouts. I have had no video issues whatsoever with my unit, my Video Convert setting is On, and all my connections are HDMI. I have three types of equipment connected to the AVR: a Blu-Ray player (Oppo BDP-83), satellite (DirecTV), and a Sonos (ZP-90 connected via Toslink). The sattelite receivers are not set to "native mode", so they output a 1080i signal at all times, which is upconverted to 1080p by the Denon.

I do not like this 'feature.' if i am just passing the video through, it should not alter it at all.

My TV is dialed in per source, and now I am going to have to spend a long time getting them dialed in again.