Controlling the Denon AVR-4306 With a Web Browser
One surprising advantage of adding the new network features is that the Denon AVR-4306 can now be "remote controlled" via any web browser located within the same network as the receiver. This offers more than just a little control over functions such as Main Zone, Channel Volume, Surround Parameters, Tuner, Network Audio, iPod, Multi Zone Control, System Setup and Panel/Remote Lock. Here are a few screen captures to let you know what this interface looks like:
The Main Zone and Channel Volume adjustments are present in the web interface
Here the Surround Parameters and Net Audio functions are shown
All you need to do to call up this browser interface is type in the IP address of the receiver (which you can find under the Network Setup submenu item.) The receiver will require an Ethernet cable connection to your local network of course and, if you are running a DHCP server, it will pick up an IP address automatically. At this point it will be accessible from any web browser for remote control and configuration of the unit.
Denon Link III
Now that SACD has been made available via Denon Link III, we can all rest easy with just a single cable connecting our compatible Denon DVD players and receivers. I have to tell you, if this isn't a reason to want to buy a companion Denon DVD player I don't know what is. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the simplicity of connecting the single shielded Denon Link cable and putting up the analogue cables... at least until I need to pull them out again for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio...
Denon RC-1024 Electroluminescent Universal Remote
The Denon RC-1024 remote control has its share of ups and downs. This redesigned remote control features a lot more real buttons than the debut EL model and seems easier to use and handle. Overall I enjoyed it, but found some of the controls awkward and confusing (or just plain missing).
Pros
- Additional tactile buttons for more common controls
- Hybrid EL remote exceeds ease of use of prior model
- Easy to program
Cons
- Tactile buttons are not backlit
- Difficult & limited macros
Source Switching
The remote control switches sources, once under the "AMP" function, by selecting them from the numeric keypad at the bottom. You'll need to ensure that you toggle the "AMP" control so that you aren't on Zone 2 or 3 before selecting a new source. I found this a simple process and a bit better than that offered by the original EL remote. One thing that gets a bit confusing is that when you select a Device from the top (EL) portion of the remote, it does not automatically switch to that source/input. In this way Denon makes it possible to control devices other than the currently-selected source, but at the same time takes away a potentially intuitive control feature.
Learning
&
Additional Thoughts
Denon made the learning function and calling up preset remote codes very easy on this remote. Learning is activated by holding down the SETUP button for 3 seconds and hitting 9 - 7 - 5 on the remote. At this point you simply select the mode (device) to be programmed and bounce back and forth between the function and source remote control IR commands. Programming stored preset codes is even easier. You simply select the correct function to be programmed, hold the SETUP button for 3 seconds and enter the corresponding 5-digit preset code from the Denon user manual. The new remote even handles punch through commands which are handy for navigation controls while in different modes.
For $2000, the remote control included with the AVR-4306 is no slouch, and comes with some very advanced and sophisticated features. I liked it overall, and in general I tended to feel that it looked as cool as it worked. Gone is the automatic "wake up" whereby the remote turned itself on when picked up. Now you need to press a button or touch the EL remote's screen to get it ready for use - this will likely reduce the cool factor but result in extended battery life and a more practical device. The display has a default time out after about 10 seconds (adjustable up to 25 seconds or down to 5 seconds) so you have a variable time to make up your mind when selecting a function. The remote also has an "auto-brightness" function which varies the EL backlight according to the ambient light - pretty sophisticated if you ask me (and it can be disabled and the brightness fixed). Flexibility seemed to be key in the development of this product... and it shows.
Audioholics/HQV Bench Testing Summary of Test Results
Perfect Score is 130
Denon AVR-4306
Benchmark Score: 65
(the best of the video upconverting/scaling receivers we've tested
to date)
|
Test |
Max
|
HDMI
|
Pass/
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Color Bar |
10 |
10** |
Pass |
|
Jaggies #1 |
5 |
5 |
Pass |
|
Jaggies #2 |
5 |
5 |
Pass |
|
Flag |
10 |
10 |
Pass |
|
Detail |
10 |
10 |
Pass |
|
Noise |
10 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Motion Adaptive NR |
10 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Film Detail |
10 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Cadence 2:2 Video |
5 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Cadence 2:2:2:4 DV Cam |
5 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Cadence 2:3:3:2 DV Cam |
5 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Cadence 3:2:3:2:2 |
5 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Cadence 5:5 Animation |
5 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Cadence 6:4 Animation |
5 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Cadence 8:7 animation |
5 |
0 |
Fail |
|
Cadence 3:2 24fps film |
5 |
5 |
Pass |
|
Scrolling Horizontal |
10 |
10 |
Pass |
|
Scrolling Rolling |
10 |
10 |
Pass |
|
Total Points |
130 |
65 |
|
HDMI outputs were tested at 480p and 720p to verify that there were no significant differing test results. **Failed when receiver was set to 480p output.
Comments on HQV Testing
The Denon AVR-4306 does not offer
480p upconversion on its component video outputs, so HDMI would be the preferred connection whenever
possible in order to benefit from the upconversion and scaling capabilities of this receiver. The Film
Detail (race track stands) test fell out of lock repeatedly during the video loop which was surprising
and showed that the AVR-4306 has some difficulty with bad edits during unflagged 2:3 pull down. It also
failed all but the 3:2 film cadence test, but that won't make you want to go home crying to your
mama. Jaggies were absolutely smooth, as was the real-world flag test. Detail did NOT seem to suffer
one bit from source, through the upconversion process to HDMI. Overall, we were quite pleased with the
video processing and scaling performance of this receiver.
Additional Video Performance Tests
Using the AVIA Pro test disc, we ran a series of motion tests to ascertain the video processing ability of the AVR-4306 when hit with several aggressive conditions. It fared poorly on all of the Moving Zone Plate tests, including 2/3 and 2/2 tests. Moiré pattern was immediately visible as soon as the pattern began moving. A-B comparisons using the Sharpness test pattern showed us very clearly that the Denon receiver wasn't losing any resolution from an original 480i source. Lines remained perfectly clean and there was no ghosting or loss of edge detail visible.
