Denon offers HDMI adapter box to solve 8k/4k 120fps HDMI bug

Denon and Marantz have announced a solution to the 4k/120Hz and 8k connection issues which have vexed owners of next gen games devices and its V2.1 equipped AV receivers and amplifiers.

The SPK618 is an HDMI adapter that sits between console and AV receiver.

A compatibility issue has meant that some new 8k/4k source devices that offer a 4k/120fps and 8k video resolution output do not work fully with Denon and Marantz 8K AVRs. When Xbox Series X users attempted to output 4k/120 or 8k, the video signal isn't passed through the AVR, even with the AVR’s menu/GUI option ‘8k Enhanced’ enabled.

Until now, the suggested workaround is to connect the console directly to the 4k/120fps TV screen, and route audio to the AVR using eARC. Alternatively, to run the games console at 4k/60fps resolution.

The SPK618 adapter takes an HDMI input signal from the console and delivers the corrected HDMI data to the AVR, remedying the error and allowing a High Frame Rate 4k 120fps or 8k signal to pass.

The SPK618 adapter will be available for customers who own an affected AVR without cost, and are observing the aforementioned pass-through issue. Denon and Marantz AVRs will also need to have the latest firmware update. The adapter will ship starting from the end of May 2021 in Europe.

These are the Denon and Marantz AV receivers affected by the 4k 120fps HDMI bug:

Denon AVC-A110
Denon AVC-X6700H
Denon AVC-X4700H
Denon AVC-X3700H
Denon AVR-X2700H
Denon AVR-X2700HDAB
Denon AVR-S960H
Marantz AV7706
Marantz SR8015
Marantz SR7015
Marantz SR6015
Marantz SR5015
Marantz SR5015DAB
Marantz NR1711

 How to get a Denon Marantz HDMI adaptor:

Customers who have an affected receiver will not need to ship anything or retrofit their products at home. The low-profile adapter will be provided to customers with the affected AVR models at no cost during the warranty period. Those interested in receiving SPK618 will need to head over to the Denon and Marantz websites, and complete the required information. This process is valid for owners living in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands and France.