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Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

#301
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9/18/08 at 12:41am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
OK, firmware updates complete....now I have a question. When watching on HD DVD, HD DVD's always display mult chan in not matter what soundtrack is playing DD or Dolby True HD. When watching regular DVD's the IIx or whatever I'd want for processing shows up....

Just wondering why I get digital for all soundtracks on HD DVD's...any thoughts?

All HD DVD players can internally decode Dolby Digital+ and Dolby True HD and outut them as multi-channel PCM. That is what the Denon is receiving and that is why it shows multi channel in. Only the XA2 (and the Integra version), the A35 and maybe the A30 allow you to output the bitstream signal to allow the Denon to decode it. Having said that there is nothing wrong with letting the player do it.

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#302
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9/19/08 at 8:02pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

So I think the reason why the regular Dolby soundtracks are coming in mult Chan In is that I have my HD DVD player set up to output in PCM only....when I switch it to auto I get Dolby to come up on the Denon.

Really like the sound coming from the Denon - seems to put out a better sub sound than my Yamaha did - of course that could be from the HD sound coming through in PCM format.
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#303
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10/16/08 at 12:13pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Can a Denon owner kindly answer a question located in This thread?

Thank You
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#304
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11/19/08 at 10:18am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

To answer the questions, try them all and use what looks best to you.

Get In My Belly.

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#305
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11/20/08 at 1:56pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

When the receiver is off, do the HDMI connections act as a pass through?
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#306
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11/22/08 at 1:31am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

I've never done a firmware update via ethernet so I have a question.

My router/computer is nowhere near the home theatre. Can I plug the 3808 into my router and use my computer to walk through the GUI? Or can I just use the front panel to navigate? Or am I stuck and need an ethernet connection physically in the home theatre?

Thanks!
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#307
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11/22/08 at 4:41am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Karim,

If your router connects to the internet, you can plug-in the Denon and do an update.
You don't need your PC to navigate (and it won't be able to anyway).

But I'm not sure how you are going to plug-in the Denon if the router isn't close to your HT. Were you going to take the Denon to the router, or do you happen to own a WiFi (bridge) device to make that connection?


Cees
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#308
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11/22/08 at 10:32am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

If you don't have a network jack you can buy some powerline nework jacks that use your existing 120 lines for ethernet as well. Thankfully I ran a lot of network cables to my rack: Denon, Wii, XBOX360, Blu-ray, and HD DVD. If I add anything else I will have to install a switch!

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#309
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11/22/08 at 12:10pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Cees,

I was going to physically take it to my router.

Adam,

Thanks. I'll have to look into that.
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#310
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11/22/08 at 3:18pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

You shouldn't have a problem then.

And, Adam, using a switch especially in a case like this imposes no real practical restriction, IMO. Or does it?


Cees
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#311
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11/25/08 at 12:02pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary Seven
When the receiver is off, do the HDMI connections act as a pass through?
No.
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#312
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11/25/08 at 12:53pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Thank you for answering.
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#313
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11/26/08 at 12:14pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Does anyone here have any experience connecting this receiver AVR-3808CI and Sony's 40" 40XBR6 LCD TV?
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#314
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11/26/08 at 11:47pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Orestes,

I just connected it to a 52XBR6 via HDMI and 1080p is stunning, even without any calibration.
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#315
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11/28/08 at 6:22am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

I'm new and have read allot of the 3808 and 4308 threads, and I'm trying to decide which AVR would be good for me (own Denon 3600). It's the most important piece of the system!! The cost out of Abes of Maine is 3803-$1200 and 4308-$1700. If there is a better price from a reliable internet dealer please let me know. I am not a tech person but would like to know besides cost, internet ability (WiFi), and processing (?), what's the $500 difference. Why do more HTF readings buy the 3808 vice the 4308?

HD Upgrade: Buying
Samsung Plasma PN-58A650 ($2600) or Panasonic Plasma TH-50PZ800U ($1800) or Pioneer Plasma PN-5820FD ($2500)
PS3 (160gb) ($500)
Rel T2 ($800) to supplement my Definitive Tech BP 2002TL/BPX/C-L-R
Logtech Harmony One remote control
Audioquest Type 4 speaker cables
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#316
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11/28/08 at 11:42am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam Gregorich
The differences between the 3808 and 4308 are pretty minor. Here are all of them. The 4308 adds:
10 WPC
two more Audyssey room calibration points (irrelivent if you get the upgrade)
AL24 processing for all channels (as opposed to FL and FR on 3080)
HD Radio tuner
2 HDMI outputs (parallel)
Zone 2 component output
Wi-Fi
Can show jpeg images over ethernet port
Zone 4 digital in/out
more AMP flexability (9 modes vs 4) when using multiple zones (means nothing if you are using it for 7.1)
weights 5 lbs more

It's up to you if these are worth almost $900.

Adam listed the main differences. I suspect most people feel that the 3808 is good value for the money.
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#317
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11/30/08 at 8:51am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary Seven
When the receiver is off, do the HDMI connections act as a pass through?

If you have the new feature upgrade the 3808 will pass through your hdmi signals from your set top box to your TV with the receiver in standby. you will need to turn on CEC mode for your hdmi....I can do this now.
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#318
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12/1/08 at 9:46am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by harryw50
Yes it will if you have the feature upgrade and CEC turned on for hdmi.

I can watch tv with the receiver turned off.
Whoops my bad--forgot about the new optional CEC feature in the 3808...not that it'll do me much good since my plasma doesn't support CEC.
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#319
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12/3/08 at 8:02am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Has any one seen a better price today than $1225, I know that 6th Ave had it on sell earlier for $1100.
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#320
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12/13/08 at 3:58am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

i'll like to know what speakers the owners have here that currently own the 3808 i'm looking to replace my avr 3200 because i cant get the right rear surround to work.
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#321
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12/21/08 at 10:22pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quick qeestion about firmware updating for my 3808ci. I have never attempted anything like this before so this may seem like a stupid question. Do I have to use an Ethernet cable or can I use a USB Flash drive and load it from that?
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#322
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12/22/08 at 6:48am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vincent_S
Quick qeestion about firmware updating for my 3808ci. I have never attempted anything like this before so this may seem like a stupid question. Do I have to use an Ethernet cable or can I use a USB Flash drive and load it from that?
Ethernet only; if location makes it difficult to string a cable from your 3808 to your router/access point or move the receiver to a location that's closer to your AP, then wireless will work but Denon will stress that it's not recommended for downloading firmware updates.
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#323
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12/23/08 at 2:29pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by TonyTone
Ethernet only; if location makes it difficult to string a cable from your 3808 to your router/access point or move the receiver to a location that's closer to your AP, then wireless will work but Denon will stress that it's not recommended for downloading firmware updates.


OK, thank you. I will just have to buy a long cable then.
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#324
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12/26/08 at 7:14am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

If I choose to use the scaler in my DVD player or TV, does the 3808 have a pass through option for video? Does the OSD info show up if I have video pass through turned on?
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#325
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2/4/09 at 9:25am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

I was lucky and got my 3808CI from Amazon for $1299.99.

I was wondering...how do I get the ability to use the 32 point Audyssey Pro?

Thanks
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#326
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2/4/09 at 9:38am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
I was wondering...how do I get the ability to use the 32 point Audyssey Pro?

You need a license (MSRP $300), and it needs to be done with a special mic and calibration kit. You can find a list of Audyssey installers here: Find an Audyssey Installer If there are several in your area shop around. Ask how many measurements they take, and how much for both the license and calibration. For a standard room 32 measurements is a bit much, but they should do between 14-20 depending on the number of seats in your room. Just so you know the license follows the 3808. If you decide to upgrade to the 4308 the week after your calibration you would need to buy a new license for it, and whoever gets your 3808 wouldn't need to buy one.

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#327
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2/9/09 at 3:07pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by Karim Nogas
Orestes,

I just connected it to a 52XBR6 via HDMI and 1080p is stunning, even without any calibration.
Thanks. I just got mine last week, and I was able to hook it up just this past Sunday. I do not understand all the bells and whistles, but I hope to learn them a little bit at a time.
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#328
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2/9/09 at 3:11pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by TonyTone
Whoops my bad--forgot about the new optional CEC feature in the 3808...not that it'll do me much good since my plasma doesn't support CEC.
Does anyone know if Sony XBR6 supports CEC? Can I use this feature on my Sony 40XBR6? Thanks.
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#329
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2/10/09 at 9:18am
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Quote:
Originally Posted by orestes
Does anyone know if Sony XBR6 supports CEC? Can I use this feature on my Sony 40XBR6? Thanks.
To answer my own questions, I can now say that XBR6 supports CEC. The Sony TV was able to identify Denon 3808, and I was able to turn on my PS3 connected to the receiver (receiver in stand-by mode, but off), and see the PS3 signal and audio on the TV. I wonder what other features CEC offers other than pass-through signal via HDMI. Does anyone know?
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#330
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2/10/09 at 3:42pm
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Re: Denon AVR-3808CI: An Overview

Since this Denon dual remote control system is so cumbersome, what would people recommend as a single universal remote to substitute this Denon mess? Does anyone recommend any of the Harmony remotes or any others? Thanks.
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