Audio dropouts on Onkyo PR-SC885 Pre/Pro

bgrunsten -- Thu, 07/30/2009 - 16:33

I have an Onkyo PR-SC885 pre/pro (clone of the Integra DTC-9.8 pre/pro with different cosmetics) fed from an Oppo Digital DV-983H DVD player via HDMI (both audio and video). The Onkyo exhibits frequent 1 - 3 second audio dropouts during DVD playback (both Dolby Digital and DTS). I've contacted Onkyo about the problem, but Onkyo's customer service is about as helpful as Sony's. Onkyo says it's not aware of any such problem with the PR-SC885 and the only recommended "fix" is to reset everything back to factory defaults and start over (something I'm disinclined to do and doubt whether it would correct anything). Onkyo says if that doesn't correct the problem, to send the unit in for service - which I'm also disinclined to do. Given the serial number of my unit, Onkyo wouldn't even tell me if it has current firmware, how to determine its firmware version, or if any firmware updates are available. Since the audio dropouts only occur with non-hi def audio tracks, i.e. not with blu-ray discs having Dolby True HD or DTS HD MA played on my Oppo BDP-83, I guess I could connect the digital audio output on the Oppo DV-983H to the digital audio input on the Onkyo, but I'd prefer to get the issue resolved and not have to add another cable. Has anyone experienced similar problems with the Onkyo or Integra pre/pros, or know of firmware updates and how to obtain them?

Robert Harley -- Fri, 07/31/2009 - 14:56

If the controller loses lock with the source even for an instant (which sometimes occurs at edit points in program material), it must go through the entire HDMI handshaking routine with the source to re-establish lock. This is the cause of the drop out of the audio. The Classe SSP-800 controller I recently reviewed had this problem, but was fixed with a software upgrade. The problem isn't inherent in HDMI, but the controller must be able to cope with a brief loss of clock from the source.

bgrunsten -- Fri, 07/31/2009 - 15:58

Thanks, neighbor! After much frustration trying to deal with Onkyo USA customer service and its authorized service center in Denver, both of which have repeatedly insisted that no problems have been reported on the PR-SC885 and no software or firmware updates are available, I had a breakthrough today. A service tech at Onkyo volunteered to send a CD with the DSP and firmware updates that should resolve the issue without having to subject the unit to possible shipping damage getting to and from a service center. After scouring the Onkyo forums I knew there were updates available, but not until today did Onkyo pony up the information, and then only after I mentioned the web forums. It really is a shame that more manufacturers don't offer the kind of customer support that Oppo Digital provides. If the update CD solves the problem, I'll be happy to make copies of it available to others experiencing similar problems.
P.S. You're welcome to come listen to the Genelec 8050s here in Cedar Crest any time, Robert. The beer's on me.

mecolwell -- Fri, 01/14/2011 - 10:10

Hi, Robert.
Regarding the Onkyo Pro Controller vs the Integra 9.8: I have read that some seem to think the Integra is like Pioneer Elite, being a step above the Onkyo Pro version, but I think this is a misconception, as both units seem identical electrically, but the Onkyo Pro version adds a true "Pure Audio" mode, which switches off the display and all video circuitry. So, with this in view, would the Onkyo Pro be the "Elite"?? Why do all the magazines seem to review the Integra rather than the Onkyo Pro models?
Enjoy.
Mike

VinylGuy

bgrunsten -- Fri, 07/31/2009 - 15:56

wayne (not verified) -- Tue, 08/11/2009 - 08:45

hi
did this upgrade fix your problem. I am experiencing dropout via my FM reception
could you possibly zip me up an iso and sent it to me or possible provide a phone # so i can call
thanks
wayne

bgrunsten -- Tue, 08/11/2009 - 13:59

As it turns out, the DSP update disc that Onkyo sent (together with an optical digital cable with which the Onkyo must be connected to a compatible CD player) contained firmware versions that my processor already has. Apparently, my processor has the most current firmware, so an update was not necessary. As Robert Harley indicated, the audio dropout I experienced occured because of a "handshake" problem between the Oppo and the Onkyo over HDMI, as evidenced by the front panel of the Onkyo blinking until sync was restored. I could probably have eliminated the problem by using a coaxial digital cable between the units rather than using HDMI for audio, but instead switched to Oppo's new Blu-Ray player to eliminate the problem, i.e. there are no audio dropouts on any audio tracks over HDMI using the BDP-83. I've moved the previous Oppo statement player (DV-983H) to the bedroom HDTV.
Your problem with FM reception is obviously a different animal altogether since there is no HDMI connection involved. I do not use the FM feature on my pre/pro, but rather satellite radio via DirecTV. Suggest you contact Onkyo customer service for assistance - just be assertive.

stingray4 -- Mon, 08/17/2009 - 19:14

Can you please explain/outline the procedures/directions to do the update to your Onkyo with the revised firmware on a CD. I have a Intergra 9.9 and would like to know how to update the firmware myself instead of having to send the processor to Integra to have it done. I can't seem to get any info about firmware updates to the 9.9 from Integra either. Not sure I need an update but would like to know how to do it myself with a CD. Thanks.

Lee

bgrunsten -- Fri, 08/21/2009 - 02:38

While the PR-SC885 and DTC-9.8 are electronic clones, I can only surmise that the same holds true for the later PR-SC886 and DTC-9.9. I cannot say for sure, however, that the upgrade process is the same for the Onkyo and Integra units since they have different control layouts. For the 885, the DSP update is a simple matter of hooking up a CD/DVD player with digital optical output to an optical input on the pre/pro and following installation directions. Why an optical rather than a coax link was required was not explained in the directions accompanying the disc from Onkyo, but they were specific regarding use of an optical link. Although I did not end up actually accomplishing the update since my unit already had the latest firware versions, the process is straightforward and can easily be accomplished at home. I suggest you Google the internet for "Integra DTC-9.9 firmware updates" and read the many forums that will pop up. That's how I found out about updates for my PR-SC885, and mentioning the forums to Onkyo is what prompted them to send me the firmware disc and instructions. I do not recommend attempting any update with other than factory provided firmware.

HENRY HSU (not verified) -- Tue, 03/02/2010 - 14:27

Is that possible you can send me this CD via email ?
I have issues with my Onkyo PR-SC885.
This firmware upgrade might be helpful.
Thanks

mecolwell -- Fri, 01/14/2011 - 10:02

I had this happen on FM analog broadcasts, not HD broadcasts. I switched the tuning mode to "manual" from "auto", and my problem went away.
Good luck
Mike

Robert Harley -- Mon, 08/03/2009 - 22:37

Hi Bruce. I didn't recognize your screen name. It's ironic that we live just a few miles apart. Thanks for the invitation.

George (not verified) -- Fri, 10/09/2009 - 11:20

Bought onkyo PR-SC886 on all the reviews have not been able to get picture through hdmi , audyssey menues freeze up and set up menues do not open. Can get no help from customer service, its at all tech electronics now. This has been going back and forth for two months. Customer service is suppose to call back with information on unite still waiting for reply. Why do all the reviewers keep giving great reviews to onkyo when they do not take care of customers, this is alot to pay for now home theater!

srl700 (not verified) -- Wed, 02/10/2010 - 16:42

I have an onkyo TX SR 707 which loses signal (a guess) when switching from non HD to HD or vice versa. The LED indicates no signal for a second or two and when it comes back the tv screen is snowy...It is a brand new unit and has always done this. When I connect direct from the cable box to the plasma the problem goes away. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

srl700 (not verified) -- Wed, 02/10/2010 - 18:39

abolad@cox.net -- Sat, 03/13/2010 - 17:06

Hi all, I have a TX-SR803 and recently have been experiencing this 1-3 sec dropiut on DVD, BD and even while watching TV, any help would be appreciated
Aladdin

mecolwell -- Fri, 01/14/2011 - 10:05

I purcased the Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 a couple years ago, as a "Factory Reconditioned" unit with the latest firmware updates, and have had no issues with it, at all, other than an FM analog droput, which I solved by selecting "manual tuning" from "auto".
Mike