Denon Receiver Not Playing TV Audio? (Here’s The Fix!)
If you are wondering why your Denon receiver not playing TV audio, we can help you out!
When you are facing issues with the Denon receiver’s TV audio output, the first things you must check are the default TV output, the “HDMI-CEC” feature, and your receiver’s power supply.
We’ve combined all the solutions in the following order:
Proceed further to examine the solutions in detail!
Denon Receiver Not Playing TV Audio – Fixed in 5 Easy Steps!
Note: Have you tried rebooting the Denon receiver along with your TV?
1. Set the Receiver as Default Output
Some TVs may not automatically switch to the Denon receiver’s audio source once connected.
Hence, you would have to manually specify the Denon receiver as the default output source through the TV’s audio settings menu.
| How to Change Default Output On Popular TV Brands? | |
| Samsung TV | Go to “Settings” → “Sound” → “Expert Settings” and “HDMI Input Audio Format.” |
| Sony | Go to “HOME” → “Settings” → “Display & Sound” → “Audio Output” → “Digital Audio Out.” |
| Hisense | Go to “Settings” → “Sound” → “Audio Output” → “Denon Receiver.” |
| Vizio | Go to “Settings” → “System” → “Input” → “HDMI 1/2/3/4.” |
| Philips | Go to “Settings” → “Sound” → “Digital Output” → “PCM.” / (Digital Audio): “Sound” → “Speakers” → “Digital Audio Output.” |
| LG | Go to “Settings” → “Audio/Sound” → “Source” or “Audio Output Source.” |
| TCL | Go to “Settings” → “Display and Sounds” → “Audio” → “Audio Output.” |
By default, your TV should be set to the “Speakers” or “Internal Speakers” option.
If your audio output device does not adjust automatically or if the Denon receiver doesn’t appear in the menu at all, try reconnecting the AVR’s HDMI cable from the back of the TV.
2. Activate the “HDMI-CEC” Feature
Even if you’ve installed the cables correctly, the Denon receiver may refuse to output your TV’s audio without activating the “HDMI-CEC” (Consumer Electronics Control) feature.
This allows you to operate all HDMI-connected devices with the TV’s remote control via an information link.
| How to Enable HDMI-CEC On Popular TV Brands? | |
| Samsung TV | Press “Home” and go to “Settings” → “System” → “Expert Settings” → “Anynet+” (HDMI-CEC) → “On.” |
| Sony | Press “Home” and go to “Settings” → “BRAVIA Settings” → “External Inputs” → “HDMI CEC Settings” → “CEC.” |
| Hisense | Go to “Settings” → “Inputs” → “HDMI Control” → “HDMI Control ON.” |
| Vizio | Press “Menu” and go to “System” → “CEC” – “CEC Function” → “Enable”. |
| Philips | Press “Home” and go to “Setup” → “OK” → “TV Settings” → “Installation” → “Preferences” → “EasyLink” → “Master EasyLink ON.” |
| LG | Go to “Settings” → “All Settings” → “General” → “SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC)” → “On.” |
| TCL | Press “Home” and go to “Settings” → “Control Other Devices (CEC)” → “Power Sync (HDMI-CEC).” |
Note: If your TV isn’t listed above, check for the exact instructions online or consult the user manual of your product.
3. Hard Reset the Denon Receiver
If you’re still wondering why the Denon receiver not playing sound from TV, another practical solution is to hard reset the AVR.
A potential shortage with the power supply could prevent the Denon receiver and your TV from establishing a secure audio link and an error-free connection.
Follow these steps to hard reset the Denon receiver:
- Turn off the Denon receiver using the remote control.
- Unplug the power cable from the electrical A/C outlet.
- Disconnect the other end from the “AC IN” Denon port.
- Wait for about 60 seconds while the AVR discharges.
- Install the power adapter on both ends and test Denon.
How to Detect Power Issues with Receiver?
It’s also important to be certain of the Denon receiver’s power functionality.
Even the slightest inconsistency in the power supply could cause the AVR to go through disruptions, reboot by itself, or power off at random times.
Check the following connections in the AVR’s setup:
- The connection of the power adapter with your AVR.
- The connection of the power adapter with the outlet.
- The connection of any third-party equipment devices.
Quick Tip: To test the receiver’s power supply, ensure the adapter is connected directly to the outlet and check if there’s any damage to the cable.
4. Install a Second HDMI (Video Player)
What many users just getting into the world of AVR don’t know is that two cables are needed if you’re using a type of video player along with your TV.
To transfer the audio from your TV to a Denon AVR in a video player setup, you would need two HDMI cables.
Here’s the reason why:
- HDMI cable #1 (ARC TV connection): Transfers the audio.
- HDMI cable #2 (Video connection): Allows for detection.
The first HDMI links the Denon receiver and TV via an ARC connection to allow high-quality audio transfer.
The HDMI cable of the video player allows for operating the video player and the receiver using the TV’s remote control, only after the HDMI-CEC option has been enabled.
4.1 How to Properly Connect HDMI Cables?
If using dual HDMI cables, they must be connected in the following order:
- HDMI cable #1 (TV cable): Use the “HDMI ARC OUTPUT” connector on the receiver.
- HDMI cable #2 (Video cable): Connect with the (HDMI 1, 2, 3, or 4) on the receiver.
Important: The TV’s HDMI cable needs to be plugged in with the “ARC” on the Denon receiver, otherwise, there will not be any sound output in a video player setup.
4.2 How to Check for HDMI Cable Faults?
After verifying the HDMI connection/s, the next step is to ensure there neither of the cables is damaged.
So look for visual damage that may include:
- Rips, cuts, or exposed parts of the cables.
- Visual damage inflicted on the connector.
- Bent/bad pins or integrity of the connector.
Tip: Try replacing one or both of the HDMI cables to test the Denon receiver!
5. Reset the Denon AVR to Default
So, misconfiguring important settings during the initial setup of the receiver could cause issues with the audio transfer and output of the TV or the video player.
So, if the Denon receiver not playing TV audio, a factory reset would be one of the most effective solutions to the problem.
5.1 How to Reset a Newer Denon Receiver?
Newer Denon AVRs have an in-built system interface that can be controlled using the remote control.
To activate a factory reset, navigate to the GUI and then “General” → “Factory Reset.”
To finalize the reset, follow the on-screen steps to restore the receiver’s settings to defaults!
5.2 How to Reset an Older Denon Receiver?
An older AVR receiver can be reset by pressing the “TUNER PRESET CH+,” “PURE DIRECT” and “INFO” buttons along with the “TUNE +” or “SOUND MODE” buttons.
After holding either of the button combinations for at least 10 seconds, press “POWER” to finalize the reset process.
Quick Note: The Denon receiver must undergo the initial setup after the reset is complete!
Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.