Hi. My name is Bob and I was browsing this forum on this particular thread that was originally posted by “daveb975” and responded to by “Mark.Yudkin” It quickly caught my attention since I am having a similar issue which may be related to HDMI control. My “problem” does not involve a splitter but rather two separate devices in what I consider to be, a fairly typical home audio/home theatre setup. It involves a Marantz SR 6012 AV receiver and a DirectTV HD receiver with a “Genie” remote. The remaining devices in my system are a plasma TV, blu ray player, and two audio CD players. The Marantz and the DirectTV receiver are connected via HDMI, in the usual fashion, to allow both multi channel playback of HD programming AND arc/pass-through functionality, on the majority of occasions when I choose NOT to power up the Marantz AVR. The problem I’m having is that the Marantz powers on EVERY time I simply turn on TV/Direct TV receiver. I know that both the TV itself and the satellite receiver are supposed to come on together, but why should the Marantz power up too? Mind you, this happens regardless of me using the “Genie” remote or the HD receiver front panel button when powering on. What’s the big deal? , you might ask. Simply just turn off the Marantz, right?
This is where the real issue occurs. Once it happens, when I go to use the Marantz later on, it will not output ANY audio. Pop in a blu ray - select the proper input source - I get video, but no sound. If I try the CD input - and attempt to play an audio CD - the track plays , but again, no audio. And if I select the input source to which the DirectTV receiver is connected - again, I get video but no sound. Here, I’ll mention that fortunately, this “glitch” is never permanent. After calling Crutchfield, one of their techs suggested a “soft reset”, which is simply unplugging the Marantz for 2 or 3 minutes and then reconnecting. Normal function does , in fact, return! They also suggested leaving the DirectTV receiver powered on all the time and to just use the TV remote, exclusively, to turn the system on and off. While all the above does appear to work, it’s not a perfect solution, IMO. Inevitably, there will be ( and have been) numerous times when someone grabs the wrong remote - which necessitates another reset. Mind you, the problem occurs when both turning on AND turning off the DirectTv receiver using either the remote or the front panel button .
What to do next? I’m sure Crutchfield would’ve gladly approved an exchange, had the purchase been within the last 60 days, but it was purchased over a year ago. Does this sound to anyone like an internal defect with the Marantz? If so, I am still well within Marantz’ 3 year warranty. Yet, I don’t relish the thought of lugging it to an authorized service center ( hopefully near my home) and waiting weeks for them to troubleshoot/repair it - only to find that the problem still occurs when I reconnect it at home!. I also have a suspicion that the issue may lie with the DirectTV equipment - since the problem began right after they switched out their receiver (was just a routine upgrade to my existing equipment). Coincidence? I’m not sure, nor do I expect to get much help or admission of accountability from Direct TV. In a perfect world, if this issue is equipment related, I would love to get it fixed once and for all. In a less than perfect one, I’m certainly not happy with having to unplug and reset a $1000 component, each and every time this glitch? occurs! Not to mention the long term effect (maybe?) the repeated “resets” could have on the unit.
I’m hopeful that someone has come across this issue before and can offer some insight. Any and all opinions/suggestions are welcome. It has all been very frustrating for me that I have not been able to enjoy this product fully after spending a significant (for me anyway) amount of money on a brand that I considered to be a sound (pun intended) choice! Thanks, in advance, for any help