Review on 🎧 Denon AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel AV Receiver - 2020 Model for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS - Black by Nick Winnett

I purchased this as the "Brain and Controller" for the following hardware: 2019 Sony Bravia 60" TV, Sony Ultra Blue Ray Player, Directv 4KUHD Server and Client, Screen Streaming device and Plex Movie Server. The AV receiver has enough inputs to work with all of these devices, but it just doesn't play well with the TV's video output. I spent about four months trying to match all the components to my expectations, and I I have spent hours and hours getting all the components to work in order for my entertainment center to work and reach its maximum potential for all the components that make it work with all the devices satisfactorily, however I have not been able to use all the devices to their maximum performance even hired a video/IT guy to help me fine tune the setup Results are fully functional but less than peak performance" for one or more components. The problems started when I noticed that the 4K UHD picture was definitely less crisp and "blurry" when played back from the Shield through the AV receiver, but crystal clear when played through the direct HDMI input through the TV was played back. No matter how I set the picture, sound and video when playing back via the receiver, I could not duplicate the quality when playing back via the TV's HDMI input. I even tried the Denon's "pass-through" feature with even worse results and a host of other issues. When I checked other apps playing from the TV and through the receiver, I noticed the same discrepancy in video quality. Since the TV only has 2 UHD 60FPS HDMI inputs, one of which is an ARC input, I have to use the AV receiver's ARC input to have HDMI control capabilities; This keeps the TV with only one HDMI input at 60 frames per second. The greatest variety of inputs on my system comes from the streaming server and PLEX on the Shield, so I used the remaining 60fps input to service the Shield's output - and it all works in true and superior 4K Ultra HD - Movies from Plex. Server. Directv uses Denon's enhanced 4K input with excellent results. Both Blue Ray Player and Directv Server work fine this way, however, UHD Blue Ray only plays HD capabilities. Both Denon and Sony TVs have "Picture Settings" features for which are uniquely set for each individual HDMI input; Sony's controls are excellent though, and much more detailed than Denon's. This will play all inputs from the Denon's HDMI output to the TV with the same video settings on the TV, any changes to the 'Picture Setup' will need to be made on the Denon as they are now using the HDMI 2 settings set on the TV. This boils down to all devices using Denon's HDMI outputs using the same TV settings regardless of the input source. Luckily the DirecTv video output is very compatible with the Denon and the results are very good to excellent. Since Blue Ray seems like a disappearing device and Blue Ray UHD discs are very expensive, this device is left to its own devices with little flexibility in picture settings. It should be noted that Denon and DirecTv have problems with the Direct HDCP coding and the sound with Direct cuts out completely at times. Because I use the ARC feature, Denon's "on-screen displays" are "extremely handicapped and poor", with many setting options being difficult to find and change on the limited Denon display. ARC audio from TV to Denon appears to limit audio customization options as audio from the TV is of poorer quality than audio from Denon. Denon's ATMOS surround sound capability is particularly noteworthy. I would rate the sound function of the Denon receiver as 5+ on all inputs except for the ARC channel. I don't know if the HDCP issue between Denon and DirecTv is Direct or Denon related as all devices are listed as HDCP supporting in Entertainment Center but I do know this error is very annoying and when the audio either drops out Denon or DirecTv needs to be restarted. I might be asking too much of Denon, but after reading the specs I thought the AV receiver would be a really good match for my system. I haven't touched the surface in talking about the hundreds of other "bells and whistles" that can be found in the Denon receiver. There is a 300+ page manual that is well written and describes these features. I would suggest that you buy one of the receivers that you downloaded and read about when installing the receiver in your AV entertainment system. Another note: I found the Denon to be quite sensitive to old or poor quality HDMI cables. I recommend Revain Basics cables for at least HDMI in/out for this receiver. In hindsight, I probably would have preferred to add an audio-only component and leave all the video processing to the Sony TV, which produces superb HD and 4K UHD pictures on its own. I'm still impressed by Denon's audio processing capabilities, even with mid-range speakers. I use Infinity main speakers, Yamaha surround midrange drivers and a Polk subwoofer with great results. The Audessey setup and the acoustic setup are excellent.