We greatly appreciate your purchase of the AVR-3802. To be sure you take maximum advantage of all the features the AVR-3802 has to offer, read these instructions carefully and use the set properly. Be sure to keep this manual for future reference, should any questions or problems arise.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER- SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing the DENON Digital Surround A / V receiver. This remarkable component has been engineered to provide superb surround sound listening with home theater sources such as DVD, as well as providing outstanding high fidelity reproduction of your favorite music sources.
The AVR-3802 is compatible with DTS-ES Extended Surround, a new multi-channel format developed by Digital Theater Systems Inc. The AVR-3802 is also compatible with DTS Neo:6, a surround mode allowing 6.1-channel playback of regular stereo sources. 6. Wide screen mode for a 7.1-channel sound even with 5.1-channel sources...
5 CONNECTIONS • Do not plug in the AC cord until all connections have been completed. • Be sure to connect the left and right channels properly (left with left, right with right). • Insert the plugs securely. Incomplete connections will result in the generation of noise.
Connecting video components • To connect the video signal, connect using a 75 • When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components. TV or DBS tuner AUDIO VIDEO AUDIO VIDEO Connecting a DVD player or a video disc player (VDP) •...
Connecting a video component equipped with S-Video jacks • When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components. • A note on the S input jacks The input selectors for the S inputs and pin jack inputs work in conjunction with each other. •...
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In addition, the video signals input to the VIDEO input (yellow) and S-Video input jacks are not output to the color difference (component) video jacks. • The AVR-3802’s on-screen display signals are not output from the color difference (component) video output jacks (MONITOR OUT). • Some video sources with component video outputs are labeled Y, C color difference output.
Connecting the antenna terminals DIRECTION OF BROADCASTING STATION /ohms COAXIAL CABLE FM ANTENNA ADAPTER (Supplied) FM INDOOR /ohms ANTENNA (Supplied) • An F-type FM antenna cable plug can be connected directly. • If the FM antenna cable’s plug is not of the F-type, connect using the included antenna adapter. AM loop antenna assembly Connect to the AM antenna terminals.
Connecting the external input (EXT. IN) jacks • These jacks are for inputting multi-channel audio signals from an outboard decoder, or a component with a different type of multi-channel decoder, such as a Super Audio DVD player, or a multi-channel SACD player, or other future multi-channel sound format decoder. •...
Speaker system connections • Connect the speaker terminals with the speakers making sure that like polarities are matched (≈ with ≈ , √ with √ ). Mismatching of polarities will result in weak central sound, unclear orientation of the various instruments, and the sense of direction of the stereo being impaired.
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If the protection circuit is activated again even though there are no problems with the wiring or the ventilation around the unit, switch off the power and contact a DENON service center. • The protector circuit may be activated if the set is played for long periods of time at high volumes when speakers with an impedance lower than the specified impedance (for example speakers with an impedance of lower than 4 connected.
PCM button ...(43) DTS button ...(43) ANALOG button ...(42) EXT. IN button ...(42, 44) VIDEO SELECT button ...(46) DIMMER button ...(46) STATUS button ...(46) TONE DEFEAT button ...(45) SURROUND MODE button...(43, 50) AVR-3802 REMOTE SIGNAL SURROUND SENSOR BACK CH DIGITAL OUTPUT INPUT...
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Remote control unit • For details on the functions of these parts, refer to the pages given in parentheses ( ). DISPLAY/SURR. PARA button ...(51) System setup/ system buttons ...(16) Tuner system/ system button ...(16) System buttons ...(61) ENTER/system button...(16) Speaker selector button ...(55) TEST TONE button ...(49) Surround mode buttons ...(55)
• Once all connections with other AV components have been completed as described in “CONNECTIONS” (see pages 6 to 13), make the various settings described below on the monitor screen using the AVR-3802’s on-screen display function. These settings are required to set up the listening room’s AV system centered around the AVR-3802. • Use the following buttons to set up the system: DISPLAY SURR.
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S-VIDEO MONITOR OUT jack. (For details, see page 28.) • The AVR-3802’s on-screen display function is designed for use with high resolution monitor TVs, so it may be difficult to read small characters on TVs with small screens or low resolutions.
Before setting up the system Check that all the connections are correct, then turn on the main unit’s power. Display the System Setup Menu. SETUP Setting the power amplifier assignment Make this setting to switch the power amplifier for the surround back channel to Multi. TUNING ENTER SHIFT...
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Switch to the speaker configuration screen. ENTER SHIFT Set whether or not speakers are TUNING connected and, if so, their size parameters. BAND MODE • To select the speaker TUNING • To select the parameter TUNING BAND MODE TUNING Press the ENTER button to finalize the setting. ENTER SHIFT NOTE:...
Selecting the surround speakers for the different surround modes This screen is displayed when using both surround speakers A and B. • At this screen preset the surround speakers to be used in the different surround modes. When either “Large” or “Small” has been set for both speakers A and B TUNING on the System Setup Menu (when using both A and B surround speakers), the surround speaker setting screen appears.
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NOTES: — Assignment of low frequency signal range — • The only signals produced from the subwoofer channel are LFE signals (during playback of Dolby Digital or DTS signals) and the low frequency signal range of channels set to “SMALL” in the setup menu. The low frequency signal range of channels set to “LARGE” are produced from those channels.
NOTES: • The SB CH Auto Flag Detect setting screen is displayed when the surround back speaker(s) is/are set to “Large” or “Small” at the “Speaker Configuration” screen. • The surround back speaker(s) can also be turned on and off with the 6.1/7.1 SURROUND button on the main unit. (See page 52.) Setting the delay time •...
Enter the setting. ENTER The System Setup Menu reappears. The AVR-3802 automatically sets the optimum surround delay time for the listening room. SHIFT NOTE: • If the distance unit is changed after the delay time is set, the settings are reset to the factory default values (see page 16).
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Select the mode. TUNING Select “Auto” or “Manual”. • Auto: BAND MODE Adjust the level while listening to the test tones produced automatically from the different speakers. TUNING • Manual: Select the speaker from which you want to produce the test tone to adjust the level.
MD recorder or other digital recorder. Use this for digital recording between a digital audio source (stereo - 2 channel) and a digital audio recorder. • Do not connect the output of the component connected to the OPTICAL 3 OUT jack on the AVR-3802’s rear panel to any jack other than the OPTICAL 3 IN jack.
Setting the multi vol. level Set the multi pre-out output level adjustment. ENTER TUNING SHIFT BAND MODE TUNING Select the desired settimg. TUNING 0 dB, -40 dB: BAND MODE The output level is fixed at the set level and the volume can no longer be adjusted.
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Enter the setting. ENTER The System Setup Menu reappears. SHIFT Auto tuner presets Use this to automatically search for FM broadcasts and store up to 40 stations at preset channels A1 to 8, B1 to 8, C1 to 8, D1 to 8 and E1 to 8. NOTE: •...
At the System Setup Menu, press the SYSTEM SETUP button. SETUP The changed settings are entered and the on-screen display turns off. • On-screen display signals Signals input to the AVR-3802 VIDEO signal input jack (yellow) (C: Signal E: No signal) NOTES: •...
• The included remote control unit (RC-883) can be used to operate not only the AVR-3802 but other remote control compatible DENON components as well. In addition, the memory contains the control signals for other remote control units, so it can be used to operate non-Denon remote control compatible products.
Operating DENON audio components Use the mode selector buttons to select the component you want to operate. The mode switches between “AMP”, “TUNER” “MULTI” each time the RECEIVER button is pressed, between “CDR”, “MD” and “TAPE” each time the CDR/MD/TAPE button is pressed, between “DBS” and “CABLE”...
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• Some manufacturers use more than one type of remote control code. Refer to the included list of preset codes to change the number and check. The preset codes are as follows upon shipment from the factory and after resetting: TV, VCR ...HITACHI CD, MD, TAPE, CDR, VDP, DVD, DVD SETUP...DENON DBS...GENERAL INSTRUMENT CABLE...JERROLD ON /...
Checking the preset memory settings Press the power ON/SOURCE button and the OFF button at the same time. • “SET UP” appears on the remote control unit’s display. Press the ENTER button. ENTER SHIFT Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “CODE NO” on the remote control unit, then press the ENTER button.
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Operate the component. • For details, refer to the component’s operating instructions. Some models cannot be operated with this remote control unit. 1. Digital video disc player (DVD, DVD SETUP) system buttons POWER : Power on/standby (ON/SOURCE) : Manual search (forward and reverse) : Stop : Play...
Learning function If your AV component is not a Denon product or if it cannot be operated using the preset memory, it can be controlled with the included remote control unit by storing its remote control signals in the remote control unit.
System call The included remote control unit is equipped with a system call function allowing a series of remote control signals to be transmitted by pressing a single button. This function can be used for example to turn on the amplifier’s power, select the input source, turn on the monitor TV’s power, turn on the source component’s power and set the source to the play mode, all at the touch of a button.
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Use the D and H cursor buttons to select the mode for the button at which the system call signals are to be registered, then press the ENTER button. TUNING BAND MODE TUNING “SELECT KEY” is displayed. Press the button at which the system call signals are to be registered, then press the ENTER button.
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Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “RESET SYS” on the remote control unit, then press the ENTER button. • “SYS SEL” appears on the remote control unit’s display. TUNING BAND MODE TUNING The remote control unit’s display switches as shown below each time the D and H cursor buttons are pressed.
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Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “RESET PRE” on the remote control unit, then press the ENTER button. • After “SEL PRE” is displayed on the remote control unit’s display, the registered preset memory is displayed on the remote control unit’s display.
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(4) All reset function • This function is for resetting all the settings to the factory defaults. Press the power ON/SOURCE button and the OFF button at the same time. “SET UP” appears on the remote control unit’s display. Press the ENTER button. ENTER SHIFT Use the D and H cursor buttons to display “RESET”...
Auto search function • The set is equipped with a function for searching for the registration number if you do not know the preset code (a 4-digit number) when setting the preset memory. For TV, DBS or CABLE components, turn on the component’s power.
9 OPERATION Before operating Refer to “CONNECTIONS” (pages 6 to 13) and check that all connections are correct. Select “AMP” using the RECEIVER button. (only when operating with the remote control unit) RECEIVER (Remote control unit) Turn on the power. Press the POWER switch (button).
In this mode, the types of signals being input to the digital and (Main unit) analog input jacks for the selected input source are detected and the program in the AVR-3802’s surround decoder is selected automatically upon playback. This mode can be selected for all input sources other than PHONO and TUNER.
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• Selecting the PCM mode Press the PCM button to switch to the PCM signal input. (Main unit) • Selecting the DTS mode Press the DTS button to switch to the DTS signal input. (Main unit) Select the play mode. Example: Stereo SURROUND SELECT...
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Playback using the external input (EXT. IN) jacks Set the external input (EXT. IN) mode. Press the EXT. IN to switch the external input. Once this is selected, the input signals connected to the FL (front left), FR (front right), C (center), SL (surround left), SR (surround right), SBL (surround back left) and SBR (surround back right) channels of the EXT.
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After starting playback [1] Adjusting the sound quality (TONE) The tone control function will not work in the direct mode. The tone switches as follows each time the TONE CONTROL button is pressed. TONE CONTROL BASS (Main unit) With the name of the volume to be adjusted selected, turn the SELECT knob to adjust the level.
[4] Combining the currently playing sound with the desired image Simulcast playback Use this switch to monitor a video source other than the audio source. Press the VIDEO SELECT button repeatedly until the desired source appears on the display. Cancelling simulcast playback. •...
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[2] Outputting a program source to an amplifier, etc., in a different room (MULTI mode) Press the REC/MULTI button. The display switches as follows each time the button is pressed. With “M-SOURCE SOURCE” displayed, turn the FUNCTION knob and select the source you wish to output.
Back Speaker OUT cannot be used for MAIN ROOM. (See page 18.) • When a sold separately room-to-room remote control unit (DENON RC-616, 617 or 618) is wired and connected between the main room and another room, the remote-controllable devices in the main room can be controlled from another room using the remote control unit.
10 SURROUND Before playing with the surround function • Before playing with the surround function, be sure to use the test tones to adjust the playback level from the different speakers. This adjustment can be performed with the system setup (see page 23) or from the remote control unit, as described below. •...
Fader function • This function makes it possible to lower the volume of the front channels (FL, C and FR) or the rear channels (SL, SR, SBL and SBR) together. Use it for example to adjust the balance of the sound from the different positions when playing multi-channel music sources. Select “FADER”.
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SURR. PARA. button to finish. NOTE: • There are four Dolby Surround Pro Logic modes (NORMAL, PHANTOM, WIDE and 3CH. LOGIC). The AVR-3802 sets the mode automatically according to the types of speakers set during the system setup process (page 18).
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Dolby Digital mode (only with digital input) and DTS Surround mode (only with digital input) Select the input source. Playback with a digital input q Select an input source set to digital (COAXIAL/OPTICAL) (see page 25). FUNCTION (Main unit) w Set the input mode to “AUTO” or “DTS”. AUTO (Main unit) Select the Dolby/DTS Surround mode.
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SURROUND PARAMETER SURR. PARA. (Main unit) (Remote control unit) NOTE: The display on the screen differs depending on whether you are performing the operation from the main unit or the remote control unit. Select the various parameters. SURROUND PARAMETER TUNING BAND MODE TUNING...
11 DSP SURROUND SIMULATION • The AVR-3802 is equipped with a high performance DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which uses digital signal processing to synthetically recreate the sound field. One of seven preset surround modes can be selected according to the program source and the parameters can be adjusted according to the conditions in the listening room to achieve a more realistic, powerful sound.
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DSP surround simulation • To operate the surround mode and surround parameters from the remote control unit. Select the surround mode for the input channel. SURROUND DOLBY/DTS 5CH / 7CH SURROUND SIMU. STEREO 6.1 / 7.1 DIRECT STEREO SURROUND (Remote control unit) The surround mode switches in the following order each time the DSP SIMULATION button is pressed: WIDE SCREEN...
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• Operating the surround mode and surround parameters from the main unit‘s panel. Turn the SELECT knob to select the surround mode. SELECT (Main unit) • When turned clockwise DIRECT STEREO MATRIX VIDEO GAME • When turned counterclockwise DIRECT STEREO MATRIX VIDEO GAME To select the surround mode while adjusting the surround parameters, channel volume or tone control, press the surround mode button...
Tone control setting • Use the tone control setting to adjust the bass and treble as desired. • To operate the tone control from the remote control unit. Display the surround parameter screen on the monitor. SURR. PARA. The screen for the selected surround mode appears.
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Surround parameters e MODE: (DTS NEO:6) • Cinema This mode is optimum for playing movies. Decoding is performed with emphasis on separation performance to achieve the same atmosphere with 2-channel sources as with 6.1-channel sources. This mode is effective for playing sources recorded in conventional surround formats as well, because the in-phase component is assigned mainly to the center channel (C) and the reversed phase component to the surround (SL, SR and SB channels).
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Surround modes and parameters Channel output SURROUND Mode FRONT L/R CENTER DIRECT STEREO EXTERNAL INPUT DOLBY PRO LOGIC DTS NEO:6 DOLBY DIGITAL (6.1 SURROUND) DTS SURROUND (DTS ES MTRX 6.1) 5/7CH STEREO WIDE SCREEN ROCK ARENA JAZZ CLUB VIDEO GAME MONO MOVIE MATRIX C : Signal...
12 LISTENING TO THE RADIO Auto tuning Set the input function to “TUNER”. FUNCTION (Main unit) Press the RECEIVER button on the RECEIVER remote control unit to select “TUNER”. (Remote control unit) Watching the display, press the BAND button to select the desired TUNING band (AM or FM).
Press the TUNING UP or DOWN TUNING button to tune in the desired station. BAND MODE The frequency changes continuously when the button is held in. TUNING (Remote control unit) Preset memory Use the “Auto tuning” or “Manual tuning” operation to tune in the station to be preset in the memory.
Recalling preset stations • To call out preset stations from the remote control unit. Watching the display, press the ENTER SHIFT button to select the preset memory block. SHIFT (Remote control unit) Watching the display, press the CHANNEL CHANNEL + (UP) or – (DOWN) button to select the desired preset SKIP channel.
15 TROUBLESHOOTING If a problem should arise,first check the following. 1. Are the connections correct ? 2. Have you operated the receiver according to the Operating Instructions ? 3. Are the speakers, turntable and other components operating property ? If this unit is not operating properly, check the items listed in the table below. Should the problem persist, there may be a malfunction. Disconnect the power immediately and contact your store of purchase.
The AVR-3802’s surround speaker selection function makes it possible to change the settings according to the combination of surround speakers being used and the surrounding environment in order to achieve the ideal surround sound for all sources. This means that you can connect a pair of bipolar or dipolar surround speakers (mounted on either side of the prime listening position), as well as a separate pair of direct radiating (monopolar) speakers placed at the rear corners of the listening room.
SCREEN mode is a mode for achieving surround sound with up to 7.1 channels using surround back speakers, for sources recorded in conventional Dolby Surround as well as Dolby Digital 5.1-channel and DTS Surround 5.1-channel sources. Furthermore, all the Denon original surround modes (see page 54) are compatible with 7.1-channel playback, so you can enjoy 7.1-channel sound with any signal source.
• We recommend installing the surround back speaker(s) at a slightly downward facing angle. This effectively prevents 60° • Connect the surround speakers to the surround speaker A jacks on the AVR-3802 and set all settings on the setup menu Surround back speakers...
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Subwoofer • Connect the surround speakers for watching movies to the surround speaker A jacks on the AVR-3802, the surround speakers for playing multi-channel music to the surround speaker B jacks. Set the surround speaker selection on the 45°...
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Surround The AVR-3802 is equipped with a digital signal processing circuit that lets you play program sources in the surround mode to achieve the same sense of presence as in a movie theater. Dolby Surround (1) Dolby Digital (Dolby Surround AC-3) Dolby Digital is the multi-channel digital signal format developed by Dolby Laboratories.
AVR-3802, or may only produce noise. Before playing DTS signals for the first time, turn down the master volume to a low level, start playing the DTS disc, then check whether the DTS indicator on the AVR-3802 (see page 52) lights before turning up the master volume.
DTS-ES Extended Surround DTS-ES Extended Surround is a new multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems Inc. While offering high compatibility with the conventional DTS Digital Surround format, DTS-ES Extended Surround greatly improves the 360-degree surround impression and space expression thanks to further expanded surround signals.
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System setup items and default values (set upon shipment from the factory) System setup Power AMP Set this to switch the surround back channel’s power amplifier for Assignment use for multi-zone. Input the combination of speakers in your system and their Speaker corresponding sizes (SMALL for regular speakers, LARGE for full- Configuration...
Surround modes and parameters Mode FRONT L/R CENTER DIRECT STEREO EXTERNAL INPUT DOLBY PRO LOGIC DTS NEO:6 DOLBY DIGITAL (6.1 SURROUND) DTS SURROUND (DTS ES MTRX 6.1) 5/7CH STEREO WIDE SCREEN ROCK ARENA JAZZ CLUB VIDEO GAME MONO MOVIE MATRIX C : Signal No signal B : Turned on or off by speaker configuration setting...
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