Denon 3806 Owners Thread - Page 95

I finally bit the bullet today and upgraded the firmware. So I now have main:76, sub:56, dsp:45. Took about 6 minutes to complete. Even made a video of the front panel + monitor, but the monitor's contents are not clearly visible.

I had saved my settings to a file using the Setup Tool before upgrading. Now when I try to restore from it, the Setup Tool throws this up even before opening the file:



How does it know even before opening the file that the backup was from a previous firmware?

If I click "YES" and open the file, it throws another alert:



Did others who upgraded also get these warnings? And still proceeded? I've read this entire thread and have seen no mentions of these. Is it safe to proceed?

Thanks,
Saurav.
Edited by saurav - 6/9/12 at 6:25am

I just got home and pressed the Mode button and I got sound but it don't sound right. You can hardly hear them talking the sound is real far away. I appreciate your help. I'm on my computer now and I couldn't find our conversation from earlier that's why I sent it this way. Thanks again

Hey everyone,
I recently bought an AVR3806 from a guy, and I am having some problems with it.

I can't get any video through it?
I have it hooked up to my projector with a 7.5m long HDMI (1.4) cable but all I get is no signal on the projector. I've tried lots of differents inputs on the receiver but no luck.

Is my HDMI cable to long for this receiver? If so, can you buy something that will "enforce" the signal?

Anyway, I can't get any sound with HDMI either.

Though I haven't updated it to latest firmware yet (it is on the original), will do soon.

As a new Denon owner and a new member here at AVS this is one URL that you definitely need.

BATPIG'S
"DENON-TO-ENGLISH DICTIONARY"
SETUP GUIDE AND FAQ

Where are you located? Your cable shouldn't be too long if it's a "high speed" cable. The 1.4 version designation doesn't really mean much. Most likely you just need to get the right settings. That usually works better than trying "lots of different inputs". I know, because I've tried both approaches.
Edited by htwaits - 7/4/12 at 2:19pm

Yes, an HDMI repeater may be necessary. Try changing the resolution to 720p ... if it works, a repeater is likely needed.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041907&p_id=2849&seq=1&format=2

Also, the first thing to do whenever you get a used AVR is to reset the microprocessor to restore all settings to their factory defaults. Check the Owner's manual for instructions on how to do this.

Hi - I have a 3806 where I'd updated the firmware from the UK site a couple of years ago. I have A PS3 connected via HDMI to the 3806 and the 3806 to a projector via a HDMI cable. Recently, the unit would show video for a while (variable 30min - 90 min) and then the video & audio cuts out and the receiver makes a clicking sound, as if switching to a new HDMI source. To troubleshoot, I have done the following to no avail -

1. replaced the hdmi cable from ps3 to 3806
2. put in an Apple TV (720p) using same and new hdmi cable
3. put in a roku using same and new hdmi cable
4. replaced the hdmi cable from ps3 to 3806.

No avail. What else would you all suggest trying?

I tried to go to the Denon UK site for new firmware, just in case, but the UK site no longer accepts my US serial # as valid.

Would appreciate all thoughts.

Try resetting the microprocessor (see Owner's manual) and if still no joy, the unit likely needs to be repaired or upgraded to something newer and more current.

Hi guys, sorry for delaying my reply, I've had no access to a computer the last three days.
Thanks a lot for your fast replies though.

I've read the whole "extra" manual by batpig, great for beginners like me
Though it didn't have an answer to my current problem, I've done everything like he describes it.

I am located in Sweden. I contacted a hifi store which said that they would take a look at it for free, and then maybe repair it for a little cost if something is broken. So that will be my last escape route.
I changed the res to 720p, though it still doesn't work. I also changed the refresh rate to 59 from 60, no difference either. (Just wanted to try)

I reset the microprocessor when I got the receiver, so no old settings are left.

Since no video works, and I can't even show the OSD settings on the screen, I believe that it's either the length of the HDMI cable, or the AVR is broken on the video part. (The old owner never used the video part since he just had a TV). Unfortunately I don'ti own anything else than a projector and a tv that has HDMI (the TV can't be moved to the receiver) so I can't test with the hdmi cables I own atm (1m, 2m) that are shorter or 5m (like the specs says).

Oh yeah I hit another problem when I played some music on it this morning (via RCA), the 7CH (or as it shows on my display: 5CH) stereo mode doesn't do anything. I still only get output to the front speakers.

Anyway, gonna go look for a serial cable now to see if I can update it (will have to move the receiver to the old computer first though).

Got any more clues on what the problem could be?
I really appreciate the help!

If the "5CH STEREO" mode isn't passing audio to the other speakers, then you're likely looking at the repair option. Try swapping the SL/SR speakers with the FL/FR speakers to make sure the speakers haven't gone bad.

I've made some serious progress now :P

I went to the store and bought all the cables needed for testing (usb to serial, serial, coaxial, optical) and then I tried all of them.

I didn't succeed with upgrading the unit, I couldn't make any contact with the AVR through the serial cable, even though I had the drivers for the usb adapter installed and it was listed in the device manager.
I also tried on an older computer with an actual serial port, but it was running Win98 (not supported according to the min req. for the upgrade program, though the program started) and I couldn't make any contact there either.

Then I tried the optical, and guess what, it worked!
I was able to get some great surround sound out of my HTPC.

Then I tried the coaxial, and that worked too (not surprised since the old owner had it connected that way).

I also tried the 5CH stereo mode again, and now it worked too I don't know how, but I am at least glad it worked.

I have also tried with a shorter hdmi cable (moved the receiver) that is 2m, and that didn't work. So the cable length is not a problem.

So yeah, the only thing I haven't really tried now is the "monitor output" (3xRCA). But I am pretty sure that works, and I'll maybe test it later with some old ****** little fat tv.

My conclusion off all the testing is:

The HDMI system is broken, and could possibly be fixed by updating the system. But since I couldn't make any contact with the receiver through the serial port, there's a possibility the serial port is broken too (though very unlikely).

I could just leave it like this and run the audio via the optical cable, and the HDMI straight to the projector (since I'll probably only have my HTPC connected anyway). Cons? I'll have a defunct receiver which will be harder to sell later on (lol I bought if for aprox 250$ so maybe there's no value in it in like 4 years).

I am thinking about going to the hifi-store and let them take a look at it anyway, and maybe fix the hdmi issues for a small cost.

Hi,

My 3806 has just started making an intermittent buzzing sound that appears to be coming from the power transformer. Does this mean it's likely to need repairing/replacing?

Thx

^^
Most likely yes, unless it can be attributed to a faulty power strip. Try changing outlets.

So far so good... I'm keeping my fingers crossed the problem is gone. Thanks!

Anyone able to point me to the latest firmware?

As far as I know there isn't one for the US model. Many people have used a European firmware upgrade to activate 7.1 multichannel capability.I don't know how to find it, but someone will direct your. You can also do a thread search for "firmware".

You might be able to find it here.

http://batpigworld.com/

Lol I've only just discovered that I can sort of get dts hd by using an hdmi cable with this amp. I've had it for ages and have ever only used an optical cable.

No real loss as it's unlikely you would be able to detect any real difference between the higher bitrate audio on BDs over optical vs. the HD audio over HDMI.

Hi. I managed to set this up in the end and have to say that the audio sounds a lot better spatially and a better sense of where the sound is. I noticed a general boost in terms of the LFE and very subtle higher ffrequency sounds. Doubt I'd go back and would highly recommend giving it a go if you are haven't already :-)

Hi,

I couldn't find the 3806 firmware file anywhere. The rapidshare link is dead, and also the link posted 2-3 pages ago.

Could somebody repost it, or PM me the file?

That would be really great!

Thanks!

I recently picked up this receiver used on a trade to upgrade from my 10+ year old pioneer. Been working fine but seems if I disconnect the HDMI it starts the audio and video to flash on and off. I thought this was a handshake issue but when it happened before I pressed something on the front or on the remote and it popped back on. Anyone know what that was? I can't remember and am getting frustrated trying to fix it. The from display goes from standard Dolby to a dial norm display back and forth.

I don't know what's causing the interruptions or how to fix them. But, cycling between Dolby Digital and the dialnorm value indicates a renegotiation of the signal. The receiver displays the dialnorm value once (and only once) whenever it starts DD playback. If it is cycling as you describe. that means the audio signal is repeatedly being lost and re-acquired.

When I go into the Denton menu anytime I am on a HDMI setting the audio stays on. That is until I switch off anything having to do with HDMI. Video doesn't work during that.

Well I have narrowed it down to the HDMI from the Denon to the TV. I turn the TV off and the sound stays on.

Simplest thing. Bad hdmi cable. Switched that out and its fine now.

Hi folks, been a long time since I've visited this thread as everything has worked wonderfully with this unit for so many years.

Today though I've moved some speakers around in my setup and decided to re-do the MultiEQ setup. My problem is that when trying to start the procedure I'm not getting any tones out of the speakers. I've gone through the instructions 3 times and I don't think I've missed anything but it's not working.

I'm sure there is something I'm overlooking, it's been many years since I've ran the procedure so any ideas you have would be very welcome.

Nevermind, I got it, I was pressing Select instead of the Left arrow when trying to start the procedure!
Edited by keenan - 5/19/13 at 11:27am

I react the same way to Denon AVRs.

Yes, Denon has never been known for having clear and easy to understand product manuals.

We have gotten outstanding audio video results from hiring Jeff Meier (UMR at AVS) to calibrate both audio and video.

I've decided it's probably time to update/upgrade my system, primarily a new AVR and display, and when I've got all the pieces I will probably give him a call.

Choosing a display is my biggest problem, still using my Mits 73" CRT-RPTV which looks great, but it does need lens cleaning and calibration which will run $500 or more so I figured I'd just look at something new. Been looking at plasma, although the size I want gets rather expensive.

Just another one of those seemingly endless pursuits for the perfect cost/quality ratio that can be very elusive when it comes to home theater.

I replaced our 3806 to get more HDMI ports, and to sweeten the pot for our youngest son who is a cheapskate where these kind of things are concerned. He has thousands in bicycles and still uses a 25" CRT TV. I added the 3806 to the 5.0 set of speakers I gave him, hoping to get them out of the house. Needles to say, they are still staked in the hallway.

With a CRT RPTV you probably know Mr. Bob.

It seems to be a good year for plasma displays starting at the ST60 from Panasonic, and the F8500 from Samsung.

If you're serious about using UMR, he will advise customers in several home theater areas. He saved us enough on our current sub configuration to pay for his audio/video calibration. Tell him Les from Palo Alto said "Hi."

Enjoy the spree.