So I upgraded my Wharfedale speaker setup to 7.1, by adding two surround back speakers. Eager to try out my setup on my Denon 3806 receiver which is 7.1 capable, I proceeded through resetting up via the Audyssey auto setup. All speakers were recognised and all was well, until I decided to watch a Blu-ray movie through my PS3 which is connected to my receiver via HDMI, the movie had a Dolby True HD sound track.
The PS3 was set to PCM Multichannel audio, however the Denon 3806 kept showing Multichannel 5.1 audio, I tried every thing but couldn’t get it to output 7.1 PCM Multichannel audio even though it is clearly capable of it. So with a bit of searching, it turns out that the earlier 3806’s while capable of 7.1 Multichannel PCM need a firmware update to actually output it.
I found that the Denon European site has a firmware upgrade file for the 3806. Considering Rapidshare links disappear in no time, I have the firmware file here.
I found some instructions in the AVS forums Official Denon 3806 Thread.
So to save people trawling through that 77 page thread trying to find the several posts that explain the update, I have consolidated the instructions below.
WARNING, Do this at your own risk.
The following procedure requires flashing the firmware to the Denon receiver, if it renders your receiver inoperable due to incorrect flashing or blows it up, I take NO responsibility.
You will require a computer with a serial port, and a straight through serial cable, NOT a null modem or crossed over serial cable. You could also use a serial to USB adapter however that introduces more risk to the flash procedure failing. I have only tried this on Windows XP.
1. Download the firmware file above.
2. Decompress the file (look for a .rar extractor online).
3. There a two files: a german language .pdf and an .exe file.
4. Double click the .exe file and it will install and put a shortcut on your desktop.
5. Run the program from the icon on the desktop and you are back in English for the rest of the procedure.
6. Turn off the Denon 3806 and connect the serial port to your computer. Then turn the 3806 back on.
7. Start the program up click the Test if you want to test the connection, or proceed to update.
7. It will turn your 3806 off and then back on, updating in three phases, with the third being the longest.
8. It will take about 15 min, do NOT turn off the power during this stage.
9. Once finished, If I remember correctly it will switch off your receiver. Turn it back on, you will have to go through the Auto setup again as all pre-setup is lost.
10. One you have re-setup, startup your DVD player and enjoy 7.1 Multichannel PCM.
To check your firmware:
1. Turn on amp
2. ON/STBY steady green
3. Press small on/off
4. Hold both STATUS and ROOM EQ while turning on
5. Release STATUS/ROOM EQ
6. Press STATUS for mode AVR
7. Press STATUS again.
Before updating, mine shows:
Main - 00.56
Sub - 00.42
DSP - 00.43
After update:
Main - 00.76
Sub - 00.56
DSP - 00.45
