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SamInPgh edited this page May 31, 2022 · 40 revisions

This page describes how to use the Denon AVP/AVR Control plugin for the Logitech Media Server. In addition to providing for basic control of the AVP/AVR, the plugin can optionally provide a rich user experience when combined with certain client applications, including iPeng (iOS) and Squeezer (Android).

Using the Plugin

First you must install the plugin as described in the wiki page. Secondly, if using the iPeng or Squeezer client apps, you must install those on the appropriate client devices.

Once the client app is installed, the plugin is straightforward to use and, in most cases, there is nothing further that you need to be aware of. The plugin is completely transparent to the client with the exception of the optional audio setting menu adjustments available during playback.

Normal Operation

Once the plugin has been installed and configured, it is very easy to use. Make sure your AVP/AVR is in Standby mode and connected to the network (wired or wirelessly).

Turning On the Systems

To turn on the AVP/AVR, simply turn on your player either by using the Squeezebox remote, a client app, or the web GUI. You may also optionally press the play button if there is currently a track in your playlist. This will cause the Squeezebox to turn on and play the track. This in turn will turn on the AVP/AVR. If you have set up one of the Quick Select options (highly recommended) the plugin will set your AVP/AVR to the correct input and to all your desired audio settings.

Playing a Track

To play a track, simply use your Squeezebox remote or the Logitech Media Server Web GUI as you would normally. There is no change to this process while using the plugin. Pausing a track will not affect your AVP/AVR and it will remain connected and on.

Changing the Volume

If the LMS player's Volume Control is configured in the Audio settings to always output at 100%, and you change the volume using the Squeezebox remote, a client app, or the Squeezebox Server Web GUI, the plugin will capture your changes and automatically send them to the AVP/AVR. Multiple volume changes received by the plugin within an interval of one-half second are cached and aggregated in order to avoid overloading the Denon with excessive commands. Muting/unmuting requests from the client will also result in muting/unmuting of the AVP/AVR.

If the player's Volume Control preference in the Audio settings menu is set to "Volume controls adjust outputs" (variable output mode), then the LMS player/client will control the volume, acting as the preamp to the AVR's amplifier section, and the Denon's preamp level will not change. Client muting/unmuting requests will also be handled at the LMS player level rather than by the AVP/AVR. Beginning with v4.2 of the plugin, the AVP/AVR's preamp level can be adjusted via the client plugin menu (iPeng and Squeezer only) when running in variable output mode (see below).

Optionally, if you have selected the setup menu option for the plugin to synch any volume changes made directly to the AVP/AVR back to the player and you are running with the LMS output level fixed at 100%, the volume synchronization will occur at every track change. This option should only be selected if the AVP/AVR remote is often used to change the volume while the plugin is in use. Otherwise, it serves no purpose and adds unnecessary network overhead.

  • Note: If you are using the Android app Squeeze Ctrl to control the player and you want to use the 100% volume feature, you will have to make a change to that app's settings. Go to Preferences > Controls > Fixed Volume Send Command.

Turning Off the Systems

When you are done with the Squeezebox and the AVP/AVR, simply use your Squeezebox remote, client app, or the Squeezebox Server Web GUI to turn off the player. The AVP/AVR will automatically put the appropriate zone amplifier into Standby mode if the current input source is the one associated with the player. This is to prevent the AVR from being powered off if you have switched the input to another source such as TV.

Operation With the Client Applications

For advanced users experienced with the Squeezebox, the iOS iPeng app and an iTouch device or, for Android users, the Squeezer app, are highly recommended. This section will describe how to use the Denon AVP/AVR Control plugin with these applications.

Turning On and Off the Systems

There is no change in how you would use the Denon AVP/AVR Control plugin with these apps than you would with the Squeezebox natively.

For iPeng, simply select the player that the plugin is configured for and press the Squeezebox player icon at the bottom of the Now Playing screen. When turned on the player icon will be highlighted. For Squeezer just select the "Turn On" menu item for the appropriate player.

Note that if your player is off and you press the Play (>) icon, the plugin will automatically turn on the AVP/AVR. Because of the delay in turning the unit on, the early part of the track will not be heard if you are running a plugin version prior to v4.3.2.

In iPeng, to turn the system off just select the player icon. In Squeezer, select the menu item. It will become un-highlighted and the Denon AVP/AVR will automatically go into Standby mode if the input associated with the player is currently active.

Making Adjustments to Volume

For all client applications, the easiest way to adjust the volume when the app is focused is to use the device's native volume controls.

In iPeng, simply move the slider on iPeng to the desired audio level and the plugin will calculate the necessary volume on the AVP/AVR and set it accordingly. Volume changes will work in either the individual volume control of a device or when grouped (synched with other players).

Making Adjustments to the AVP/AVR Audio Settings

With the iPeng and Squeezer applications, you can make changes to the audio settings on your AVP/AVR while playing music.

For iPeng, press and hold on the player that is connected to your receiver from the Players screen. The Player Settings screen will appear with the Denon/Marantz AVR Settings menu item at the top. For Squeezer, the Denon/Marantz AVR Settings menu will be found under the Settings menu. After selecting the menu item, the plugin menu will appear.

Beginning with version 4.5 of the plugin, an informational bar is displayed at the top of the menu, showing the AVR model, IP Address, and zone being used by the current player.

  • Note: The Preamp Volume menu will only appear when running the player in variable output mode (not fixed at 100%).

  • Note: The Dynamic Volume menu will only appear if you have the Dynamic Volume turned on in the Dynamic Equalizer menu.

  • Note: The Denon/Marantz AVR Settings menu will be blank if the player is not turned on or is not configured to use the plugin.

  • Note: You will not see an option for the AVR settings menu if you did not select the menu to be shown in the player's plugin menu. See the installation wiki.

Pick a sub-menu and make changes to the audio settings as desired. The plugin will send these changes to the AVP/AVR for you. You can see the changes to the audio settings by the checkmark that is to the right of the menu item description or, in the case of volume sliders, by the relative position of the slider control.

When you are done with the audio setting, simply select the arrow at the top of the screen or scroll the screen left or right to return to the Now Playing screen.

Preamp Volume

Use this option to adjust the receiver preamp level when running the player in variable output mode.

Channel Level Adjustment

Use this option to adjust the channel levels in your receiver during playback via slider controls. For the main zone, the channels displayed are based on the 'Multichannel stereo configuration' dropdown selection in the plugin setup menu. For example, if '3.1' is selected, 4 sliders are shown -- Left Front, Center, Right Front, and Subwoofer. For secondary zones, which are limited to stereo mode, only 2 sliders are displayed.

Quick Select

Use this option to execute any of up to five Quick Select (Denon) or Smart Select (Marantz) commands configured for the AVR and zone. The last Quick Select that was invoked by the plugin (if any) on behalf of the active Squeezebox player will be highlighted. Those Quick Selects which are associated with an LMS player connected to the current AVR and zone are labeled with the name of that player. Press on any of the entries to invoke the corresponding Quick Select command. If the selected Quick Select command is not defined, no action will be taken. Beginning with v4.5 of the plugin, this menu also supports saving the current audio settings of the AVR/Zone to the highlighted Quick Select definition.

Input Source Select

Use this option to change the input source of the current AVR zone. The active input source will be highlighted on the menu. Changing the source will also update the channel level menu to reflect the levels associated with the new source. Note that the source names displayed on the menu reflect customizations made by the user.

Surround Mode

Use this option to select from the various surround modes in your receiver during playback. The menu will indicate which option has been selected.

Room Equalizer

Use this option to change the room or multi-equalizer settings in your receiver during playback. The menu will indicate which option has been selected.

Dynamic Equalizer

Use this option to toggle the various dynamic sound modes in your receiver during playback. The menu will indicate which option has been selected.

Dynamic Volume

AVP ONLY - Use this option to toggle the various dynamic volume modes in your AVP during playback. The menu will indicate which option has been selected. Only available when Dynamic Equalizer is set to volume mode.

Audio Restorer

Use this option to select from the various restorer modes in your receiver during playback. The menu will indicate which option has been selected.

Reference Level Offset

Use this option to set the audio reference level in your receiver during playback. The menu will indicate which option has been selected. Only available when Dynamic Equalizer is on.

Known Limitations

There are a few known limitations in using the native applications and the DenonAvpControl plugin:

  • The current version of Squeezer, Squeeze Ctrl and iPeng (1.2.5 or later) will support fixed (100%) volume and the ability to control the volume via the plugin. You should set the player to 100% fixed output if you wish the plugin to control the volume and, for the SB Touch, patch the volume at 100% (do not use the menu to set 100% volume). Version 1.2.5 or later of iPeng is required if you wish to use the player volume set to 100%.
  • There can be a few seconds delay for some of the menu icons to show when you first load the DenonAvpControl menu. Once it is loaded, it will then be instantaneous. The delay generally occurs on slower devices or networks.
  • You must use the plugin at version 4.0 or above with the Android app Squeeze Ctrl at 100% volume. The older version of the plugin and Squeeze Ctrl app sends volume adjustments when at 100% that are not compatible and will not adjust your volume inappropriately. Your speakers could be damaged.
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