[atledreier]

Thanks for your reply, but I can't find where it gives me the option to do this. Whether it says "pass through" or "by pass", I can't find it. And the OSM is pretty easy to navigate through, so I'll keep looking. Anyone else have a Denon avr-4308ci that knows how to get to this option??

I have the 4308.

In the HDMI setup section, if you set video convert to none, it will pass through the HDMI signal.
You could also set it to 'A to H', which will let you convert analog sources, but leave digital sources unaltered. This can be set on a input to input basis.

 

[atledreier]

Ah, yes, of course! I'm at work, don't have the menu handy here..

 

[atledreier]

Those 'night and day' differences are VERY subjective at times. I'd try to hook it up direct and see if there was a huge difference. If not, put the receiver back in the loop and relax. If not we can speak again..

Regarding movies and format qualities... Some DVDs are very very good, and some BluRay discs are pretty poor. I have BD discs that looks so poor it literally looks like VHS (try '28 days' and you'll see what I mean). Also, the difference will be more apparent with a larger display. A 42" plasma with a 10' vieving distance will not show you the potential of BD and in this case some DVDs will look on par with BD.

 

[atledreier]

That wasn't really my point. I meant go direct to test. IF there is a difference, you will need to investigate further. If not you can assume the 4308 isn't doing anything to your signal and can use it as is.