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The on-screen User interface matches the front panel interface exactly, however the on-screen interface is easier to use, since l the options are displayed. Once connected to your home network all the settings on the system can be changed, and more importantly stored and restored from your PC.The HTML interface lacks sophistication, I would rate it as cluncky, but it does work. The Front panel display can only display the current selection and the next option below.
Denon would be better off enhancing the HTML interface to be far more user friendly. Without a manual and a good understanding of AV programming it's easy to get lost in the process.Overall this is a fantastic unit and will be more unit than most households will ever need. The Denon AVR-3808CI is the best receiver I've ever tested.
I've installed multi room listening and the unit has handled the installation perfectly even spotting wiring problems along the way.I've been very impressed with ability to update the firmware directly over the unit's Internet connection and the ability to play Music from my PC server, from Internet streaming services or even from a USB memory stick.I've unit may also be configured from your PC via it's HTML interface. I was so impressed I took it home. The unit provides qaulity sound and advanced features.
This unit strikes a perfect balance allowing great home theater setup and being easy enough to program by any enthusiast.
Another cool feature is the ability to control every setting of the unit from my laptop. There are some great additional features (five of them) that improve the unit even more. You cannot beat the amount of features and sound quality for the price. This makes setup even easier. One awesome addition is Rhapsody music through the unit via a network connection.
That's over a million songs, at your finger tips, through the denon unit. The automatic speaker setup makes this thing easy to setup. This is one awesome unit for the money. Be sure to get the new "feature upgrade" on denon's website. I can also use my wifi PSP to control the unit(even Rhapsody).Pros: sound quality, features, networking, XM or Sirius, Rhapsody, upgradableCons: Video upscaler (480i to 1080p) not so good(video quality not much better)Summary: I waited for some time to be able to purchase this unit, and I do not regret it at all.
Did I mention the sound quality. If you are shopping for a superb mid-range receiver.look no further.
When I was younger I worked as a sound engineer and even though I have moved on professionally since then I have always chosen my audio equipment with an emphasis on quality and value - bang for the buck. I found myself wanting a new AV receiver with lots of HDMI inputs after setting up a high definition video system. I received my 3808CI last week. The 3808CI sure fits the bill.What impresses me most, aside from all of the flexibility and internet features, is the quality of the sound. Plenty of power, very clean, with the wonderful Audysey automated EQ software. What a great value. This unit as far as I am concerned is the best value on the market.
However, if you don't know a fair bit about audio/video equipment (I do), get it installed by a professional or enlist the help of a tech-savvy friend. I have the Denon connected to a Pioneer DV-656A DVD player via coax, S-video and component video; a Panasonic VCR/DVR with HDMI, component video and optical audio; an Apple AirPort Express modem - which connects the Denon to my LAN via Ethernet, and high quality iTunes audio is passed optically via the mini-Toslink/Sony minature audio out jack on the AirPort Express; and a Toshiba Regza TV using HDMI and optical audio.
When I first set it up, the complexity of the universal main remote (it comes with another one for the other zones) and the on-screen menus drove me crazy. Once you figure it out, the main remote is pretty logical and convenient.The manual requires careful study as there are some oddities - for example, on-screen and web menus for Internet radio channel surfing don't work if it is in Pure Direct mode, and this is buried in the manual.
Overall, I've been very happy with this receiver - the sound quality is superb, and the audio and video processing features are very sophisticated. The only incompatibility is that the Denon won't recognize the optical audio signal from the TV, even when both are set to PCM, regardless of the various relevant setting options in both products.
I love the multi-zone feature, the Internet radio tuner, and the web interface (which permits me to use my iPhone as a remote anywhere in the house). The number of options is mind-boggling.
I also own two Sony televisions, a KDF-E50A10 rear projection, and a KDL52XBR4 LCD.When the Denon products are connected to the Sony televisions via HDMI, you will experience intermittent drop out of video and audio. I own this receiver along with a Denon 2910 DVD player. The combination of Denon and Sony has problems with maintaining the HDCP handshake.Otherwise, this is a great sounding receiver.
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