DENON · MARANTZ / AV RECEIVER

Denon & Marantz AVR + Vertex

A Denon or Marantz receiver can take the sound from the Vertex, or sit between the Vertex and the TV. This guide shows the video settings that keep 4K60 HDR and Dolby Vision intact.

Denon AVR-X/S 4K receivers 2017–2019 (e.g. AVR-X3400H, X3500H, X4500H) and HDMI 2.1 models 2020+ (AVR-X1700H, X2700H, X3700H, X4700H, X6700H, X2800H, X3800H, X4800H, X6800H). Marantz 2017–2019 (SR5012/SR6012, SR5013/SR6013, NR1609) and 2020+ (SR5015/SR6015/SR7015/SR8015, NR1711, CINEMA 30/40/50/60/70s). Dolby Vision pass-through for 2016–2017 models (some via firmware) is not confirmed per model.

DOLBY VISION WITH THIS SETUP

The AVR only passes Dolby Vision through: set its 4K (or 4K/8K) Signal Format to Enhanced and check that your model lists Dolby Vision pass-through.

Dolby Vision pass-through: PARTLYPass-through only; the AVR does not process Dolby Vision. Current models list it (e.g. Denon AVR-X2700H: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Dynamic HDR pass-through). For older models check 'Dolby Vision' in your model's specifications.
LLDV via the Vertex: PARTLYLLDV at 4K60 (YCbCr 4:2:2 12-bit) and TV-led Dolby Vision at 4K60 (RGB 8-bit) both need Enhanced; Denon's AVR-X3700H table lists them only under Enhanced. At 4K24 both also fit Standard.
HDR10: PARTLY4K60 10-bit HDR needs Enhanced; 4K24 HDR also works in Standard.

Before you start

On 2017–2019 models the factory default is Standard, which carries only 4K60 4:2:0 8-bit: no 4K60 HDR and no 4K60 Dolby Vision. You must change it.
On 2020+ models the default is already Enhanced; on some (e.g. Denon AVR-X3800H, Marantz CINEMA series) the setting is per HDMI input.
Check that your model's specifications list Dolby Vision pass-through.
'HDMI Pass Through' is not a Dolby Vision setting: it only passes an HDMI input to the TV while the AVR is in standby.

1. Open the 4K60 signal path

4K Signal Format (2017–2019)Setup → Video → 4K Signal FormatEnhancedDefault is Standard, which only carries 4K60 4:2:0 8-bit.Denon 2017–2019 (e.g. AVR-X3500H); Marantz 2017–2019 (e.g. SR6012, SR6013)
4K/8K Signal Format (2020+)Setup → Video → 4K/8K Signal Format → [HDMI input used]Enhanced (default)Enhanced carries 4K60 4:4:4 8-bit and 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 10-bit. 8K Enhanced is for 8K60/4K120 and not needed for the Vertex.Denon 2020+ (e.g. AVR-X3700H, X3800H); Marantz 2020+ (e.g. SR6015, CINEMA 50)
i/p Scaler must not touch HDMISetup → Video → Output Settings → i/p ScalerAnalog (default) or Off — not 'HDMI' or 'Analog & HDMI'With 'HDMI' the AVR rescales HDMI video instead of passing it through.Denon AVR-X4500H manual; menu differs on other models, Marantz equivalent not checked
Video Conversion (test step)Setup → Video → Output Settings → Video ConversionOff (optional)Default is On. The manual does not say whether it affects HDMI-to-HDMI HDR; use it as a test step.Denon AVR-X4500H manual; models that have it
HDMI Control / ARCSetup → HDMI Setup → HDMI Control / ARCOn only if you use TV audio returnNeeded only for ARC/CEC.Denon AVR-X4500H manual; Marantz HDMI Setup items not checked

2. Pass Dolby Vision through

One Dolby Vision TV has prioritySetup → Video → Output Settings → HDMI Video OutputMonitor 1, with the Dolby Vision TV on HDMI MONITOR 1Denon: with two Dolby Vision TVs the signal is optimal for only one; the TV on HDMI MONITOR 1 has priority.Denon AVR-X4500H and similar dual-output models
Keep the 8K modes off the Vertex inputSetup → Video → 4K/8K Signal Format → [Vertex input]Enhanced, not 8K EnhancedThe Vertex cannot send 8K60 or 4K120.2020+ models

THE VERTEX PART

Vertex settings for this setup

Dolby Vision itself is set up on the Vertex as in part A; the AVR only has to pass it through. See part C for the AVR position.
Normally the TV goes on the Vertex BOTTOM output and the AVR on the TOP output for audio; if the AVR sits between Vertex and TV, first connect the TV directly to BOTTOM once so the Vertex stores its Dolby Vision block, then insert the AVR.
Lossless audio and Atmos reach the AVR only over HDMI (Vertex manual p.104, 108). With the AVR on TOP, the Vertex can mute the sound going to the BOTTOM output (CONFIG → MUTE BOT TX AUDIO).
The Vertex BOTTOM output is its CEC/ARC port.
If Dolby Vision disappears when the AVR is added, the AVR's EDID lacks Dolby Vision; the Vertex can keep advertising the TV's stored Dolby Vision block (manual p.36, 113).

VERTEX DOLBY VISION SETUP — ALL STEPS →

Switch these off

8K Enhanced on the Vertex inputOnly for 8K60/4K120, which the Vertex cannot send.
i/p Scaler on 'HDMI' or 'Analog & HDMI'The AVR rescales HDMI video instead of passing it through.
'HDMI Pass Through' — not a Dolby Vision settingIt only passes an HDMI input to the TV while the AVR is in standby. On or Off does not affect Dolby Vision in normal use.

How you know it works

Play 4K60 HDR content first, then Dolby Vision: the TV must show HDR / Dolby Vision with the AVR in the chain.

Problems and fixes

4K60 HDR or Dolby Vision gives a black screen, but 4K24 works

4K Signal Format is still Standard (the default on 2017–2019 models). Set Enhanced.

Enhanced gives no picture or is unstable

Denon/Marantz: the picture may fail with some players or cables. Use a Premium High Speed HDMI cable; switch to Standard only to test.

Dolby Vision is lost as soon as the AVR is in the chain

Check that the AVR lists Dolby Vision pass-through and is set to Enhanced. Then connect the TV directly to the Vertex BOTTOM output once so the Vertex stores its Dolby Vision block, and re-insert the AVR (see Vertex settings).

NOT CONFIRMED BY THE MANUFACTURER

Dolby Vision pass-through per model and firmware for 2016–2017 Denon and Marantz receivers.
Whether Marantz menus for i/p Scaler, Video Conversion, HDMI Control and HDMI Video Output match the Denon sister models word for word.
Whether Video Conversion affects HDMI-to-HDMI HDR or Dolby Vision.

CHECKED AGAINST

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