Originally Posted by
Sonyuser 
I have posted on another Denon AVR-3808CI thread, a couple of days ago, a serious problem I have with my 4308. Just before I make another attempt to get ANY help from Denon, I would appreciate any reality check data re HDMI transmissions.
My issue with the 4308 is that while it transmits video data flawlessly to a Panasonic 1080P projector over HDMI, and while it does so from three HDMI sources (cable, HD-DVD, and Blu Ray), as well as three component sources (component into the 4308, then converted and transmitted over the Denon HDMI output), it will accept NO composite or S-cable inputs - when such inputs are loaded, no video over the HDMI cable to the projector is evident.
After I spent over 45 hours on this issue since late last week, to no avail. It might be noted that I believe I have all the setting in the correct position. After successfully transmitting video over the HDMI output from a Component input, I "unassign" the component on that input selection and plug in an S-cable - then, there is no video signal. I contacted Denon support in New Jersey, and after extensive conversation with one of their reps (who was off line for a while puportedly talking with two "engineers" about the issue), and after I was led through an extensive intertogatory about the settings on my unit, as well as what I believe to be totally irrelavaent queries (such as, what specific devices, brands, model numbers I was trying to connect with composite or S-cable?), I was informed that my problem rested solely on my use of too long an HDMI transmission line (fifty seven feet) between my Denon receiver, and the projector. I pointed out that at no time had I ever had any evident "transmission" problems in this hook-up with the three HDMI inputs currently in use, or any component inputs, only composite and S. When I inquired as to what the HDMI cable length could possibly have to do with the faulty input welection situation I had, I was told - it has something to do with the deinterlacing in the projector - it is because the length of the HDMI cable doesn't leave you enough power to handle non-digital sources. Well, it didn't matter that I did not comprehend anything I was being told - that obviously some non-digital sources (composite) were being handled nicely - that the Blue Jeans / Belden HDMI cable had been certified to at least 70 foot runs - that there was nothing in my 55 years in audio, 25 years in design and installation of home theaters for my self and friends, my study of electrical engineering at Purdue, etc. that was coincident with what I was being autoritatively told by the Denon service person. I was told to get a 12 foot HDMI cable ("that's all they're good for - the certifications are phoney") and my problem would be solved - and with that I was dismissed. By the way, this Denon person has been earlier identified in this thread as "Rog" - in fact, when I inquired, he said, "spelled R A J".
Incidentally, one person on another thread justifiably asked the question, when I had posed this problem earlier, since the receiver was obviously defective, why didn't I just return it. Well, I can't. For the first 33 days I had the product, I only plugged in three HDMI connected inputs. I assumed that if the receiver would work with something as potentially as touchy as this kind of input, I would generally have no problem with other sources. It was only on the 34th day, after I had purchased a Velodyne SMS-1, and attempted to plug in its S-cable output that I discovered the problem.
I would suggest that what I and others here (and also as evidenced on the Onkyo and Yamaha and other products threads) have experienced is the widening acceptabliity of products with faulty microprocessors. How long will it be before we who purchase higher end receivers see the kind of failure rate that runs rampent with PCs.
If anyone has any insight as to how apparently perfect HDMI transmission out of a Denon reciever might be adversely effected by certain types of analog inputs, I would be thrilled to be enlightened and more accepting of the expertise of the Denon minions. Or if anyone has any suggestions as to how I might possibly have an incorrect set up, I would be deeply appreciative.
If I do not resolve this issue within the next seven days, I will be tearing my system apart, will be shipping the Denon to the authorized service center here in Austin, Texas, will be purchasing and installing a Yamaha RX-V3800, and will be selling the Denon at a nice reduced price, assuming that Denon can do anything as far as repair is concerned.
I had closed an earlier post by saying that this Denon product was the most defective anything I had ever experienced in the electronics field. I will close this one by saying that while not all of the other home theater products I have are absolutely perfect, I will say without exception that they are fully reliable and that they validly perform the functions they were purported to perform - this includes amoung others, products by Sony, Toshiba, Yamaha, Pioneer, Panasonic, Velodyne, Hsu, Allison, Boston Acoustics, Silicone Image, Dual, Teac, Nakamichi, dbx, Ampex, Shure, Electrovoice, Koss, Zoom, Felston, Logitech, RCA, and may I dare say it (!) Radio Shack. But not Denon.
