The **OFFICIAL** DENON AVR-4520CI thread

When using the following guides, follow any specific information related to the 3313CI.

Denon AVR-XX12/XX13 FAQ and Setup Guide ---> Click here.

Denon AVR Troubleshooting Tips ---> Click here.

** Note that some surround parameters are dependent on the type of audio being received by the AVR and therefore may not appear if not applicable. Refer to the audio spreadsheets on p. 184.

Additional thread discussion items unique to the 4520CI ...

1. InstaPreview: only applies to HDMI inputs 1-6 (ie. not the front HDMI input) playing to the main zone nor the source playing to Zone 4(HDMI)). Note: It also will not work when Zone4 is powered ON.
2. Dialog Enhancer: Advanced version of "Dialogue Level" on XX13 models to enhance center channel dialog (low,med, high, off)
3. Subwoofer Level: Independent subwoofer 1/2 level control when in DIRECT/PURE DIRECT mode w/LFE+Main (+/-12db) (3313CI only offers single volume control that applies to both subs)
4. Bass Sync: LFE delay (0-16ms); corrects for any delay of the LFE track in 5.1/6.1/7.1 audio tracks.
5. Audyssey LFC (low frequency containment (1-7) (factory defaults to 4 with higher number = more containment); adjusts those frequencies that more easily pass through walls; also works with no sub in the setup with the LFE passing to the FL/FR speakers
6. Picture Adjust: Preset picture modes (similar to TV modes) + custom settings (3313CI only offers "custom" settings)
7. Vertical Stretch: Vertically stretches the display (default - OFF)
8. HDMI Pass Through - allows HDMI audio/video to pass through when AVR is in Standby although enabling HDMI Control will still do the same thing; now independent from HDMI Control if setting HDMI Control causes HDMI-CEC issues with the TV (default - OFF)
9. Control Monitor: Adds ability to set Zone 4 (HDMI) as HDMI Control output (although Zone 4 doesn't include ARC capability)
10. Analog Video Out: Adds 2nd component video out with primary having capability of either Main or Zone 3
11. Diagnostics: Check status of network (a) physical connection, (b) router access, and (c) internet access
12. Front Display (Channel): Channel icons now only display on right side of front panel display with setting to show either INPUT or OUTPUT (default) channels (same as 3313CI) (p. 153 OM)
13. Macro Operations: Can store up to 4 (18 step) macro functions either custom made or can select from the preset macro operations available (similar to Harmony 1 button activity buttons): Movie (BD), Music (CD), Watch (CBL/SAT), all ON, all OFF. Note that when creating a custom macro, the SETUP and OPTION menus will not begin in the same place every time, rather will return to the last item previously selected in that menu, which means it won't be possible to have the macro drill down to the same menu item every time.
14. Denon Link HD: only compatible with Denon Link HD BDPs (currently only Denon DBT-3313UDCI).
15. Zone 4(HDMI): HDMI inputs 1-6 only; issue of "no audio" if Zone4 HDMI sink (esp TV) cannot accept either DTS or DD/DTS HD audio signal.
16. Movie, Music, Game Surround Modes: Press/hold the respective button to get the additional surround modes to display.
17. Volume Scale: Factory default is the "absolute" scale {0-98} which can be changed to the relative scale {-79,5db to +18db; see p. 124}
18. All Zone Stereo: Will play any source (HDMI, optical, digital coax, or analog) to zones 2/3 (via Amp Assign or pre-outs) downmixing the source to Multi CH Stereo in the main zone.
19. 4-port Ethernet Hub: Note that if you have set the Network setting to "Off in Standby" to facilitate the SAVE of the config.dat file, doing so will disable the ethernet hub, so remember to set it back to "Always On" after the SAVE if you use the hub with other devices.

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Various resets for the 4520CI: press/hold the following buttons on the front panel while powering on the AVR

Full/Deep Reset - resets the network card (NIC) and the microprocessor: UP/DOWN arrow buttons

Network Reset - resets the network card (NIC) only: DIMMER/INFO

Microprocessor Reset - resets the microprocessor only: INFO/BACK

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Known issues being tracked in this thread:

1. Denon XX12 and XX13 as well as 4520CI owners have noted issues using the Pandora GUI/menu. Denon is currently working to resolve this issue with a forthcoming firmware update. (resolved via firmware update)

2. If having problems connecting the unit to the Denon server to do a firmware update, some XX13 model owners have found that selecting "Start the Update" rather than first selecting "Check for Update" will resolve the connection issue.

3. Any issues noted with some early released units (late 2012, ie. serial number begins with a "2") seem to have been resolved as 2013 units (ie. serial number begins with a "3") are apparently experiencing no problems.





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Edited by jdsmoothie - 4/18/13 at 2:38am

FIRMWARE UPDATES

(1) Firmware updates can be installed by the owner via a network connection to the Denon servers or via USB (see below for USB download info). Although it's not necessary to update your unit if you are not experiencing any problems, it's generally a good idea to keep it updated so that if there are any problems with the update the unit will still be covered under warranty. The update process generally doesn't take more than 30 minutes once the download begins and also generally does not erase any settings, although it's always a good idea to SAVE the config/settings file using the Web Control function (pp. 108-109) feature prior to doing the update just in case. Follow the guidelines in the post below to ensure the SAVE file is valid.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1334369/the-official-denon-avr-xx12-model-owners-thread/0_100#user_E10

Note that if the update process is stuck on "Authenticating", just let it continue for up to a few hours and it should eventually begin the update process. Some XX13 owners have noted the connection to the Denon server is more successful selecting the "Start the Update" setting rather than first selecting the "Check for Update" setting. During the update, the AVR will go into Standby mode, but will continue to update status on the front panel display. If the update seems to be hung up (ie. goes beyond 1 hour) ... power the AVR to Standby, unplug it for a few minutes and power back on and attempt the update again. If the update fails to load, check the network environment (ie. reset the router, replace the router with a more current/robust model, or ideally wire directly to the router if connecting wirelessly) You may also want to consider purchasing a long (100'+) Cat5/6 cable for network updates only for a higher probability of a successful install. Also note, that once the update has completed, there is no way of returning to an earlier version of firmware.

(2) USB firmware update. If you are having issues with downloading the update via your network, please see post 3501 for more information.

(3) Denon will sometimes make "minor" changes to the firmware with each new manufacturing production run, so it's not unusual to see a higher version number on a newer unit of the same model. For the non-networking models, this doesn't mean an older unit needs to be returned to get the firmware updated, rather it only needs to be updated if you are experiencing a problem that resetting the microprocessor will not resolve. The year/month the unit was mfr'd can be determined by looking at the first 3 digits of the serial number (eg. 209xxxxxxxx would be Sep 2012) which can be found on the original box as well as on the back panel of the AVR.

(4) What is my unit's current firmware version? The current firmware version can be determined from the AVR's menu: General --> Information --> Firmware Version.

(5) There are two firmware notification settings, both of which default to "ON" from the factory..... "Update" (fixes) and "Upgrade" (new feature). When either an "update" or "upgrade" is available, the front panel will display a message alerting you to this "update" or "upgrade" every time you turn on the AVR. If you prefer not to install the update/upgrade, then simply change the appropriate setting at General --> Firmware --> Notifications ---> Update/Upgrade to OFF (factory default is ON) and it will go away.

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This area will be used to track the changelog of the firmware updates. When Denon begins providing these firmware updates on their website for installation via USB, the changelog information will also be available at the Updates webpage.

Original firmware version: 3325-1532-1375

1. 10/1/2012 (3325-8562-1375)
- When the product is in standby, the product doesn't do the power-on in the IR receiver that is connected to the Remote IN terminals of the product.
- The black picture noise in video output (NTSC) of Network and the iPod/USB function has been reduced.

2. 11/19/2012 (3325-0792-1424)
- Various failures: Sample rate is not indicated at FLAC, WAV, ALAC. If ALAC is played back, AAC is displayed. No album art displayed for ALAC files.
- When the customer connects 3D Player and projector (RICOH PJ-X3340) to the unit via HDMI, there is a possibility that 3D image is not output even if the disk of 3D is played.
- The black picture noise in video output (NTSC) of Network and the iPod/USB function has been reduced.
- When the customer uses the USB file, the product does wrong behavior by operating the FF/RWD button. The button of FF/RWD must not function in the USB file. Therefore, the firmware was corrected for FF/RWD to not operate.

3. 12/6/2012 (no change from above version)
- Fixed issue of inability to connect to Pandora server.

4. 2/14/2013 (3325-5703-3453)
- When the customer connects DLXA75R (VICTOR) and 65ZT5 (Panasonic) with the unit via HDMI, the unit was freeze by a dual output.
- When the product is used for a long time, the GUI image might not change even if Source is changed.

5. 3/11/2013 (3325-8733-3492)
- The product corresponded to Gapless Playback from Mobile App.
- When the HDMI output is a dual output and the device connected with HDMI OUT1 is made a standby, the image of HDMI OUT2 is not output.
- When Pandora is played, the display of the icon becomes the Internet radio by specific music.
- The Picture View setting cannot be stored.
- AirPlay cannot be executed while executing SlideShow.
- AirPlay cannot be executed from Function other than Network.

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** NOTE: The changelog information above is provided as is, without any further explanation and only when I am able to obtain it. If the information listed above doesn't make sense, please don't ask for clarification, as I have none.
Edited by jdsmoothie - 3/19/13 at 5:04pm

Edit:
I have posted my initial comments on this unit here:
http://peteswrite.blogspot.sg/2012/11/denon-avr-4520-quick-notes.html

and the follow up:
http://peteswrite.blogspot.sg/2013/01/denon-avr-4520-review-ht-and-audio.html
Edited by petetherock - 4/15/13 at 9:08am

Sorry, I just checked the USA website and didn't see the manual. Where is it? I would like to see how the assignable amps work among other things.

Oh wow, what other receiver has that awesome zone feature?
And does it work on all sources hdmi, digital audio or analog audio inputs?

>>
* New "All Zone Stereo" function (accessed with the [OPTION] button on the remote) that will set all three zones to the same source, for easy "one touch" access to broadcast music throughout your zones.

In reality this feature doesn't add much as you still must turn on Zones 2 and 3 manually which normally default to the source playing in the main zone anyway. Also, the audio passed to Zones 2/3 is limited to an on board audio source (Pandora, Airplay, internet radio), USB, or sources connected with analog cables. A couple of Zone Quick Selects would accomplish the same goal.

It's a shame for the Aussie version they removed AM (don't really care about that) but didn't add DAB+ for use in Australia (a missed opportunity) going via the Manual. Still going to miss an Optical output for a source over my AVR-4308.

woot! should be fun once these start hitting people's homes...

hopefully the usual sources will have them at a "reasonable discount"...

Interesting that the Aussie got the scoop ahead of US and UK.

Will the Marantz AVP be discussed here?

My 4308CI and 3312CI are both broken even after repairs by Denon. I wonder if the 450CI really works?

I've had so many HDMI and NET streaming issues with the AVR-4308CI and AVR-3312CI that I wonder if the AVR-4520CI has fixed these issues. So many HDMI boards have blown on Denon receivers that they are now back ordered by over 2 weeks.

Any one know if Denon has fixed the defective parts and firmware yet?

Thanks

Dialogue enhancement? I have a 4311, maybe we can get this via firmware update? I think this would be a useful feature for those of us who do not use dynamic volume and want to just enhance dialogue when listening at a lower volume

Dialogue enhancement could be a good selling point. I doubt very seriously if Denon would give it out as firmware update for older units.

Upcoming Marantz models are being discussed in .....

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1400399/2012-marantz-receiver-anticipation-thread/0_100

It's also a good reason to get folks to upgrade and buy more products.

Not unless your 4311 is broken.

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Edited by Irwinroad - 10/17/12 at 9:47am

Batpig,

What about the link to the US version of the Product Sheet from your post a few days ago in the "When do the 2013 Denon's come out...." thread?

I put a deposit on a 4520 almost 2 weeks ago, a day or two after Denon Canada started accepting orders. The published specs (look under specifications --> component technology) do not indicate which ADC Denon is using for this model, despite this info being available for all their other AVRs. Any ideas regarding this?
Edited by GaryMB - 9/19/12 at 11:01am

As well as the Product Page too ....

http://usa.denon.com/US/Product/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?CatId=AVReceivers(DenonNA)&PId=AVR4520CI(DenonNA)

Pretty sneaky there JD.
I was trying that trick to get the 4520 page to come up a few weeks ago but didn't have any luck.

I'm still trying to figure out the marketing behind calling this a xx20ci model. I can understand distinguishing it as a higher model, but I would have thought 4513ci would have been sufficient. Just don't get the "20" thing.

Maybe it is just 7 years ahead of itself? Lol I am happy to get 6years so far with my 4806 though it sucks not having video go through it.

Yes the 48xx model has usually been off starting at least with the 4802R model. though 4810 and the 43xx were inline IIRC

Makes sense that the 4xxx & even the 5xxx series were usually off if their replacement were released a few model years apart. But it seems that they still had the last two digits match the model year that they were indroduced in. Oh well....not a big deal, was just curious.
Normally I wouldn't have noticed as I usually looked at the 3xxx series and considered anything above out of my league; but since purchasing my 4311 to replace my venerable 3300, I am of course paying closer attention.
Edited by Brent A - 9/20/12 at 6:26am

4520 is officially up on the Denon website