TX-NR515 - Monitor out issues (no picture)

I received my 515 a few days after the last firmware update (xxx-400). I did the usb update right out of the box before setting up the receiver. Everything has worked out for me without any problems whatsoever. ( I admit I'm nervous after all of the negative comments.)
I am using 5 HDMI inputs: An LG 3D blu-ray player, a Roku box, an Oppo DVD player, a Dish Network receiver, and a Soundbridge. I output to a Panasonic Viera TV, and a JVC TV. A Linksys DD-WRT wireless bridge is my network connection. All of the Network goodies I have tried work flawlessly. I run Pandora, Last.FM, and a number of Internet radio stations of my choice which I have entered into the "Favorites." I do not have a Spotify account or any of the others, so I cannot comment on those. The DLNA works great, I have run mp3's through my windows media Playlists, and I also use Jamcast without any problems. ( I'm running a W7 64 bit operating system).
So far I have not had a single hangup or problem with any feature I have tried. The receiver has performed flawlessly for me. I am keep my fingers crossed that everything keeps working as it has.
I couldn't be happier with the sound quality. I am running a 5.1 speaker system: PSB Image 2B fronts and surrounds, a 10" Onkyo woofer, and a PSB Image 8C center speaker.

gsalciccioli wrote:I see that many have the same issue with losing their video (not audio) signal to their monitor. I also see that there is a new f/w update (USB only). I have downloaded it and followed the instructions but the receiver does not recognize that the update is on the USB drive. I have forced the USB f/w update by holding the USB/Standby buttons simultaneously. The process starts and comes back with a D/L error. I spoke with Product support and they do not know why it will not work. They had me reset to factory which did not help but, of course, lost all of my settings. I am at a loss. I would like to get a replacement for this product but it seems it is a symptom of many models. Where do I go from here?

Instruction from Onkyo for firmware update are wrong! You have to put everything you find in the zip file on the USB storage, including the subfolder! Do not put only the 3 files in the root.
Try again, and then the update will work.
I had the same problems as you

prymevil wrote:I have installed the most current firmware updates. This unit still loses HDMI signal constantly. PLEASE ADVISE.

Samsung 3Dbluray player, frequent signal issues, picture and sound loss.

Have you tried a FORCED UPDATE on the receiver via USB to confirm the latest firmware version has been implemented onto the receiver? In regards to your issue- it would possibly be more effective to contact our Product Support Dept for further assistance with this specific issue via our phone number and hours of operation below. We would like to speak with you and work to troubleshoot and resolve your issue, with you having access to your unit, as prompt as possible. We would like to speak with you and determine if any further action will need to be exercised in evaluating this receiver.

Cordially;

Forum Moderator

gsalciccioli wrote:I see that many have the same issue with losing their video (not audio) signal to their monitor. I also see that there is a new f/w update (USB only). I have downloaded it and followed the instructions but the receiver does not recognize that the update is on the USB drive. I have forced the USB f/w update by holding the USB/Standby buttons simultaneously. The process starts and comes back with a D/L error. I spoke with Product support and they do not know why it will not work. They had me reset to factory which did not help but, of course, lost all of my settings. I am at a loss. I would like to get a replacement for this product but it seems it is a symptom of many models. Where do I go from here?

.

In the USB FIRMWARE UPDATE instructions; it usually indicates if the firmware update will reset your settings back to factory default settings; as shown for this receiver via the pdf file for this firmware update:

Latest Firmware Version: 1141-0108-0400
The 10/09/2012 update will address the following:
UPDATE AVAILABLE ONLY via USB

The 8/10 /2012 update will address the following:
1. Improves operation of "Power on" of remote control

The 6/26 /12 update will address the following:
1. Corrects problem of HDMI video output no longer working while the “Network Standby” setting is enabled
*See Important Notice for further details
2. Adds UBT-1 support (only if 6/15 FW update wasn’t done)
*IMPORTANT NOTICE
1. If the current F/W version of your receiver IS listed above, this update will occur in 2 parts.
a. The 1st part of the update WILL CLEAR the settings and restore the unit to factory default
setting. Initial set-up must be performed again including Network setting and Audyssey calibration.
b. Once the network settings are re-established, the 2nd portion of the update will occur. Settings
WILL NOT be cleared as a result of this 2nd portion.
c. It is recommended to proceed with these FW update via USB

This information is available from our Onkyo Support webpage for FIRMWARE UPDATES> UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS. We apologize for the inconvience you experienced in the misplacement of your receiver settings; but this information was made available on the instructions for the USB FIRMWARE UPDATE.

Cordially;

Forum Moderator

OnkyoUSA wrote:

prymevil wrote:I have installed the most current firmware updates. This unit still loses HDMI signal constantly. PLEASE ADVISE.

Samsung 3Dbluray player, frequent signal issues, picture and sound loss.

Have you tried a FORCED UPDATE on the receiver via USB to confirm the latest firmware version has been implemented onto the receiver? In regards to your issue- it would possibly be more effective to contact our Product Support Dept for further assistance with this specific issue via our phone number and hours of operation below. We would like to speak with you and work to troubleshoot and resolve your issue, with you having access to your unit, as prompt as possible. We would like to speak with you and determine if any further action will need to be exercised in evaluating this receiver.

Cordially;

Forum Moderator

Yes, I perfomed the forced update Via USB, and confirmed the update: 1141-0108-0400. Unit still has frequent HDMI signal issues. Not acceptable for a customer to have to work this hard to get a new product to perform as it should. So now I need to also take time out of my workday to call and try to resolve this issue?

After update to 1141-0108-0400 firmware there are again HDMI out video issues.
Now it works better than before but it's not completely fixed! So Onkyo please work again on this problem!
Most of the time, in HDMI through mode, image is not shown or appears for a second then you see the classical grey page of no signals.
To restore it you have to switch off the external source, for example SAT, and turn on again (without turning on Onkyo)... then the HDMI signal out normally works.
But everytime you turn on your TV you have to make this procedure... it's not normal!

Endless problems, stupidly bought a 616 even knowing some people were having problems....thinking I would be a lucky one, WRONG!

Have updated to latest firmware 0400. Still have all sorts of HDMI issues. If I play any SD content, from either my cable box or PS3, the HDMI constantly reinitialises. Same happens on my main HD source (HTPC) intermittently. I'm constantly having to unplug the receiver because I've lost video, or the video is corrupted.

Utter pile of junk. I just hope I can still get a refund and get a Yamaha instead.

Recently bought a 515 (now understand why the BB price was so good) - same issue with monitor out on main HDMI. Cannot get my receiver to accept the USB update either. Called Product Support this weekend and it gave me an estimated wait time over 5 hours....

Its very disappointing, I also bought this for zone 2 reasons and didn't realize until the fine print that it was analog only on Zone 2 (what decade is it?). Anyway, i have always been an Onkyo fan, this is my fourth receiver, and I have always had good luck with them and I have a pile of Onkyo speakers as well, but reading the activity here tells me that they have really lost their quality control. I guess I will try and call tech support one more time but even Onkyo says the update "Improves" the issue, not fixes it, so it sounds like I will be returning my 515 and looking for a new brand.

I like to be brand loyal to people who make quality products. Its sad when a company cannot maintain their brand equity.

All you guys having problems performing a USB update: the instructions on the Onkyo website video are wrong! I couldn't get the update to work either until I called support. The video tells you to unzip the download and delete the folder, leaving three files. That is wrong. You unzip the download and leave it just like it is, copy the three files AND the folder onto your flash drive. This will cause the update to work.

I can't remember all the instructions he gave me for doing a forced update, but it worked and my 515 is working perfectly now.

IMPORTANT! Be sure you let the update run until you see "Complete!" on the front of the receiver!! There are several stages to the update that have to run until each one reaches 100% but the update is not finished until you see "Complete!" It took mine about an hour to finish.

Moderator, you need to post these new correct instructions for installing the 400 firmware. I believe a successful 400 update will fix these people's receivers but you're still causing your customers to have issues that could be avoided if you would not only post the instructions here, but take down that video and post the correct instructions on the web page. I love my 515 but do yourself a favor, Onkyo, and give people the correct update process!

Also, Zone 2 can output any audio source as long as you connect analog audio cables from the source to the receiver. In other words, if you want your DVR which is connected HDMI to have audio on Zone 2, just connect additional RCA audio cables from the DVR to the receiver. Zone 2 also outputs all the net sources. Don't know why you would need digital audio in a 2-channel configuration.... unless to avoid the hassle of redundant cabling....

Deuce2119 wrote:All you guys having problems performing a USB update: the instructions on the Onkyo website video are wrong! I couldn't get the update to work either until I called support. The video tells you to unzip the download and delete the folder, leaving three files. That is wrong. You unzip the download and leave it just like it is, copy the three files AND the folder onto your flash drive. This will cause the update to work.

It's exactly explained by Deuce2119!!! I confirm the wrong instructions from Onkyo (see also my message just above), not only in the video but also in the written instructions for the specific update to 0400 firmware.
Onkyo update it!

I have been following this forum with interest since buying my 515, I had the HDMI out issue on the odd occation when using the 0300 firmware, however since updating to the 0400 firmware the problem has got much worse, the hdmi main out is failing much more frequently, not very happy UK customer, these are expensive items and for Onkyo not to have this sorted so late in the day is terrible service.

In my opinion Onkyo needs to make a massive test on these defective units (also collecting them from customers) understanding what is the real problem on the HDMI, if it's only software or hardware defective.
When it's solved, a technical bullettin needs to be distributed all over the world to technical departments and service points to let them give to users with this problem a real reply and solution!
I'm only a user, a consumer, Onkyo should know this procedures...

I'm Italian, I contacted the official helpdesk (which is in Germany for Italy) and also this forum (the admin contacted Germany at the same time... very kind!). Moreover I contacted directly a service point in Italy providing a detailed explanations of the problems (they are waiting for a reply from Onkyo at the same time).
Now I still have the unit (1 month old) with 0400 firmware, working better than before but again with HDMI not well working... waiting for an official solution from service point to solve defintely the problems!

I just want to add that Onkyo needs to solve this issue fastly, otherwise will lose the brand imaging on the market.
At this time, if I want to make a buy of an item like that, probably I'll choose Yamaha... and no more Onkyo, depending on this issue will be managed.

Well, this is disappointing. I have had an Onkyo 616 in my cart on Amazon.com for a while now, hoping that this problem and the related HDMI issues would be resolved with a firmware upgrade or at least a confirmation that a new hardware revision would fix it permanently.

Unfortunately that is not turning out to be the case.

I think I will have to go back to the drawing board and reconsider Marantz (which is more expensive but is also supposed to have outstanding sound quality), Pioneer, or Yamaha.

As the latest responses are derviing from non-Onkyo USA customers; we are actively trying to arrange their regional Product Support department to further assist these issues. We have actively conversed with our regional customers on a case-by-case basis and still haven't found any issues resolving from the latest firmware update and have also tested using the same information they have provided and have NO issues. When an actual issue arises, we will diligently work on a resolution. As previously stated for all Onkyo USA and Canadian customers- If you are still experiencing the same issue , Please contact our Product Support Dept for further assistance with this specific issue via our phone number and hours of operation (Monday- Sunday 24 hours a day: (800) 229-1687; option #3 PRODUCT SUPPORT). We would like to speak with you and work to troubleshoot and resolve your issue as prompt as possible.

Thank You;

Forum Moderator

After performing the USB firmware update, and getting no improvement, I was prompted via email from Onkyo to perform a factory reset of the unit.

The unit now seems to be performing correctly.

So for my case,

Step 1: Forced USB firmware update

Step 2: Factory reset of the unit.

So far, successful.

Glad to read this has been resolved and yur receiver is operating with NO issues. If you have any more questions or concerns , Please contact our Product Support Dept for further assistance with this specific issue via our phone number and hours of operation (Monday - Sunday 24 hours a day: (800) 229-1687; option #3 PRODUCT SUPPORT). We would like to speak with you and work to troubleshoot and resolve your issue as prompt as possible.

Cordially;

Forum Moderator

Deuce2119 wrote:All you guys having problems performing a USB update: the instructions on the Onkyo website video are wrong! I couldn't get the update to work either until I called support. The video tells you to unzip the download and delete the folder, leaving three files. That is wrong. You unzip the download and leave it just like it is, copy the three files AND the folder onto your flash drive. This will cause the update to work.

I can't remember all the instructions he gave me for doing a forced update, but it worked and my 515 is working perfectly now.

IMPORTANT! Be sure you let the update run until you see "Complete!" on the front of the receiver!! There are several stages to the update that have to run until each one reaches 100% but the update is not finished until you see "Complete!" It took mine about an hour to finish.

Moderator, you need to post these new correct instructions for installing the 400 firmware. I believe a successful 400 update will fix these people's receivers but you're still causing your customers to have issues that could be avoided if you would not only post the instructions here, but take down that video and post the correct instructions on the web page. I love my 515 but do yourself a favor, Onkyo, and give people the correct update process!

Also, Zone 2 can output any audio source as long as you connect analog audio cables from the source to the receiver. In other words, if you want your DVR which is connected HDMI to have audio on Zone 2, just connect additional RCA audio cables from the DVR to the receiver. Zone 2 also outputs all the net sources. Don't know why you would need digital audio in a 2-channel configuration.... unless to avoid the hassle of redundant cabling....

Duece, thanks for the direction, I wish it was that easy! Actually I had loaded my USB the proper way and the process does not work (tried forced but not getting started either, seems to hang up). When I call US product support line its a long wait and I have very limited free time, so as I said I will try again soon (before my return window runs out) and then pray it can actually be fixed.

With respect to the Zone 2, yes I understand and have my satellite/DVR hooked that way, BUT I would prefer to run the digital sound, since it is better - and now when I am only in the one room and want sound I have to go into menus and change from analog back to digital - and those menus don't show up on my screen because of the hdmi issues! Also I have my Zone 2 in my work out area with a second TV (thats why I bought the 515 with two HDMI outs, but now the main doesn't work and I have to use a splitter) and my BD/DVD player that I route Netflix through does not have analog audio outs, ONLY digital. So anyway both problems are "livable" but very very inconvenient. Since I can't see menus on my TV, working of the "sub" output, I have to look at the little Onkyo display to navigate my iPod...its a real pain compared to my other 2 Onkyo set ups...

Spinplasm wrote:Duece, thanks for the direction, I wish it was that easy! Actually I had loaded my USB the proper way and the process does not work (tried forced but not getting started either, seems to hang up). When I call US product support line its a long wait and I have very limited free time, so as I said I will try again soon (before my return window runs out) and then pray it can actually be fixed.

With respect to the Zone 2, yes I understand and have my satellite/DVR hooked that way, BUT I would prefer to run the digital sound, since it is better - and now when I am only in the one room and want sound I have to go into menus and change from analog back to digital - and those menus don't show up on my screen because of the hdmi issues! Also I have my Zone 2 in my work out area with a second TV (thats why I bought the 515 with two HDMI outs, but now the main doesn't work and I have to use a splitter) and my BD/DVD player that I route Netflix through does not have analog audio outs, ONLY digital. So anyway both problems are "livable" but very very inconvenient. Since I can't see menus on my TV, working of the "sub" output, I have to look at the little Onkyo display to navigate my iPod...its a real pain compared to my other 2 Onkyo set ups...

Ah I see. I should not have ASSumed you didn't know how Zone 2 worked. My apologies. Your situation is indeed frustrating, I'm sure. Others seem to be having luck doing a factory reset after the firmware update and I've read about other devices, BluRay players for example, that have to go through that sequence as well. Speaking of BluRay players, mine also has only an HDMI output so would not be able to get sound from it through Zone 2 (which is not an issue for me).

I love my 515 and I hope you can get yours to work for you. Sorry once again. Good luck!

kjbuk wrote:Thanks only to the helpful postings on this thread I have now successfully achieved the update by the forced USB method and using the files in the format of sub-folder and three individual files. Apparently Onkyo are not keen to make this forced method public due to possible risk of damage to the unit. My problem was, like other posters, that I had no other option but to use this method as there were no menu options on the FirmWare Update page to do anything else.

Anyway, it's been fine now for a couple of days. I haven't had to do a factory reset (thank goodness) and I've tried various ways of making the through-video fail by changing inputs before switching off, etc. but it's remained steady. I'm even able to view my satellite video screen on the tv whilst listening in another mode which I couldn't do before.

Fingers crossed it doesn't let me down again

Spoke too soon - the through video crashed yesterday and is intermittent again. Sometimes a green screen, sometimes picture and no sound through tv, sometimes ok.

Do I really have to do a factory reset?

My 616 has descended to being almost completely useless now. It won't hold any kind of video signal, I have done the 0400 update, I have done a factory reset, I have unplugged it from the wall, I have unplugged everything except 1xIN and 1xOUT HDMI and it's still intermittently failing. It was fine for a few hours this morning, then I made the (foolish) mistake of switching to the PS3 input to see if that input had magically decided to work, and it started it's incessant hand-shaking loop again...all inputs. I also get interesting sparkling artifacts in the blackest areas of the screen sometimes.

I'd take it back to the store, but they want to demo it to prove there is a fault, and you know what it is like with intermittent faults, they never appear when you need it to...and frankly, my time is not worth wasting on a clearly sub-standard product.

Oh, I can't register the product either, as your website says the serial and product numbers don't match. Good work Onkyo.

AVOID

Sparklies indicate bit errors on the video signal and generally point to poor quality or long HDMI leads being used. This would certainly have an impact on HDCP handshaking. It might be worth swapping out HDMI leads for better quality, High Speed rated ones.

For what it's worth, my 515 behaves faultlessly. Some of this is undoubtedly down to the quality and short run-lengths (nothing longer than 1.8M) of the HDMI cables and the equipment it is connected to, but also to the way I use it. I always turn on the TV first, wait for a picture to appear and then turn on the amp. The sound mutes for a few seconds and then the amp takes over audio output from the TV. I then toggle to the AV input my amp is connected to. Works 100% for me.

As stated in a previous post, seriously all, I know how frustrating this issue is, I was at my wit's end. The following procedure solved my HDMI issues:

Step 1: Perform the USB firmware update to success.

Step 2: Perform a factory reset of the unit.

Step 3: Perform a new setup of the unit, just like the initial setup.

*edit : I'm using 10ft Amazon High speed HDMI cables



This procedure worked for me, thankfully, give it a go.
Hopefully those with issues will get their respective units up and running.

So far so good, the 400 FW seems to be working for me.

If you still have problems with video output, try waiting. A couple of times I had to wait, once maybe 60 seconds or more but the signal always comes on.... usually right away.

Deuce2119 wrote:So far so good, the 400 FW seems to be working for me.

If you still have problems with video output, try waiting. A couple of times I had to wait, once maybe 60 seconds or more but the signal always comes on.... usually right away.

I wait... but the signal comes on only if I switch off and turn on again the external source (SAT). In other case I see the "grey" page with "moving dots" on TV.
400 FW works better, but it's not completely corrected.

Hi All,

My TX-NR717 since Saturday has been working great with no picture and/or sound snapping. The TX-NR717 is a GREAT RECEIVER! Always said that about Onkyo Products - That is the reason for the past 35+ years I have only bought Onkyo. The sound is AMAZING!! I hope it continues to work as well as it has been for the past few days for many years to come.

Thank you to many many members of these forums and others on the internet for posts about different problems on either this receiver model or others. While going through all the threads and other boards I saw lots of tips that users were doing and the one that worked was to unplug the unit for exactly 5 minutes - then as you plug the unit in, press and hold the power on button. Then do your normal power on! BINGO. I guess after any firmware updates, etc... this will be a practice I will follow. Unplugging the unit for that short period does not require you to reset everything again.

Thank you again my fellow Onkyo Forum posters for the fix.

Ciao, FlyByNgt 11-13-12