No picture with Denon AVR 4306 HDMI switching

[mille162]

I spoke with Comcast at length again. They claim the problem is with Denon's HDCP capabilities. They have only 1 brand (Motorola) and 1 model HD DVR (DCT6412 III), at least in my region (Philadelphia)

I spoke with two local high-end shops that sell the 4306. Both have had problems, the one shop I spoke with for about 30 min and they've had same problem with (2) 4306's and a 4806. 2 customers were using Comcast's HD DVR, 1 was using Direct TV. Their research pointed to a problem with the DENONs and they said they were told a firmware update would be out in a few months. Their solution is to go back to componet and optical inputs for the DVR

I got ahold of DENON/Marantz tech support. They claim they'd had several customers call in with same problem, all using either the Motorola or Scientific Atlanta DVR's. DENON's position is they are 100% HDCP/HDMI compliant and in their tests, the other manuf's equipment was the problem. They are doing nothing to correct any problems and they suggest just waiting until an update comes out from Comcast. They tech said a SA update is due in March for known HDCP issues, but no word on Motorola.

I've got a family member at Motorola tracking down a contact person there to follow-up on the problems and a date for a possible solution.

What I don't understand is, if the DVR works fine with the TV, why wouldn't the HDCP issue be in the DENON...the picture only disappears when the DENON is in the loop so wouldn't this be the most likely cause of the problem? I have a rought idea of how the HDCP works, but if there's an issue with the DVR's HDCP, wouldn't I also have display issues when connected to TV via HDMI?

Thanks again

[edtyct]

The Denon and the Motorola might be having trouble shaking hands (recogmizing each other) despite their HDCP compliance. Unfortunately, it happens. Can you run down to Circuit City and grab a DVD player or two with HDMI outputs, give them a try through the Denon, and then return them? Then you could see whether something is amiss with the receiver's ability to accept HDMI video. If the DVD players work through it, the Motorola is just a bad match at this point.

[mille162]

I've got one DVD through HDMI already working, tried a different brand as well when trouble shooting and it worked fine.

I'll post Motorola's response when I get an answer from them. Guess it's back to the store for a set of new componet cables in the meantime

[mille162]

Got the confirmation from Motorola that the problem lies in their DVR. They recognize that their HDMI output does not supoort HDMI repeater functionality yet (but they're working on it). A firmware update will be out in the "near future". I'll post again when I find out it's available.

Thanks again for the suggestions

[spudly]

Got the confirmation from Motorola that the problem lies in their DVR. They recognize that their HDMI output does not supoort HDMI repeater functionality yet (but they're working on it). A firmware update will be out in the "near future". I'll post again when I find out it's available.

Thanks again for the suggestions

Just an FYI, I have the exact same problem. All of my equipment is different with the exception of the DCT6412 phase III from Comcast.

Now I need to figure out how to get the firmware updated.

Thanks for your work in tracking this down as you just saved me from beating my head against the TV for a few hours.

[ryanbest]

I just received the DCT6412 III today and have the same problem. HDMI works fine directly to my Panasonic AE900 projector but through my JVC RX-D402 has the same flashing issue. Audio passes through HDMI fine. I also have an upconverting DVD player through HDMI that works fine through the RX-D402.

Let me know when you find out more about a firmware upgrade as I would rather use HDMI over component. Thanks!