What does 'CHECK ANTENNA' mean on my Denon AVR-988 in XM mode?
- JJennifer Khan MDSep 12, 2025
The AVR-988’s XM connector and the XM Mini-Tuner and Home Dock might not be properly connected. Check that the connections are correct.

What does 'CHECK ANTENNA' mean on my Denon AVR-988 in XM mode?
The AVR-988’s XM connector and the XM Mini-Tuner and Home Dock might not be properly connected. Check that the connections are correct.
Why is my Denon Receiver not responding to the remote control?
First, replace the batteries with new ones. Ensure you are operating within the specified range and that there is no obstacle between the main unit and the remote control. Check that the batteries are inserted in the proper direction, as indicated by the polarity marks in the battery compartment. Also, make sure the set’s remote control sensor is not exposed to strong light (direct sunlight, inverter type fluorescent bulb light, etc.). If it is, move the set to a place in which the remote control sensor will not be exposed to strong light. Lastly, ensure that the remote ID of the main unit and remote control unit match, setting “Remote ID” for the main unit to “1” if necessary.
What to do if no picture appears on my Denon AVR-988 Receiver?
First, check the connections between the receiver and the monitor to ensure they are not faulty. Also, verify that the monitor’s input setting is correct. If the PURE DIRECT mode is enabled, cancel it. If you’re using component input connectors for the player and video (yellow) or S-Video output connectors for the monitor, be aware that high definition (1080i/720p) and progressive (480p/576p) video signals are not down-converted; set the player to interlace (480i/576i) signals.
How to fix no sound from speakers on Denon AVR-988?
Check that the connections with the input devices or the speaker cables are not faulty. Ensure that the device you want to play and the set input source match. Adjust the master volume to an appropriate level and cancel the mute mode if it is set. If headphones are connected, disconnect them. Also, ensure that digital signals are being input by selecting an input source for which the digital input setting has been made. Finally, verify that the connectors to which the digital inputs are assigned and the settable input modes match, and set the input mode if needed.
Why is there no picture with HDMI connections on my Denon AVR-988?
Check the connections to the HDMI connectors to ensure they are not faulty. Verify the HDMI input setting is correct. Ensure that the monitor is compatible with copyright protection (HDCP); if not, connect a compatible monitor. Finally, make sure the HDMI format of the player and monitor match.
How to troubleshoot no sound from the subwoofer connected to my Denon AVR-988?
Make sure the subwoofer’s power is turned on. Check that the “Subwoofer” setting at “Speaker configuration” is set to “Yes.” Verify the subwoofer is properly connected. Adjust the subwoofer’s volume to an appropriate level.
Why am I only receiving XM channels 0 and 1 on my Denon AVR-988?
The XM Tuner is not activated. Contact XM Radio.
What does 'NO SIGNAL' mean on my Denon AVR-988 in XM mode?
The signal cannot be received. Reposition your XM Mini-Tuner and Home Dock antenna.
Why can't I play my iPod on my Denon AVR-988 Receiver?
Ensure that the input source assigned to “iPod dock” is selected. Check that the cable is properly connected; reconnect if necessary. Also, verify that the Control Dock for iPod’s AC adapter is connected to a power outlet.
Why is there no sound output from the monitor connected with HDMI on my Denon AVR-988 Receiver?
If the “Manual Setup” – “HDMI Setup” – “HDMI Audio Setup” – “HDMI Audio Out” setting is set to “AMP”, set it to “TV.”
All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
Compliance with FCC rules and guidelines for US customers.
Important guidelines for proper operation and environmental considerations.
List of supplied accessories and confirmation before operation.
Precautions for safe operation, handling, and installation environment of the unit.
Instructions for inserting batteries and understanding the remote control's operating range.
Identification and function of front panel controls and display indicators.
Diagram and identification of all connectors and terminals on the rear panel.
Diagrams showing the front and rear layouts of the remote control unit.
Details on various audio, video, and speaker cables required for connecting equipment.
Automatic conversion of video signals to match monitor output format for various inputs.
How on-screen display appears for component video and HDMI outputs.
Basic examples and typical configurations for connecting speakers to the AVR-988.
Step-by-step instructions for properly connecting speaker cables, including banana plugs.
Explanation of the unit's protection circuit and troubleshooting steps.
Guide to connecting devices using HDMI cables for video and audio transfer.
Explanation of HDCP compatibility required for digital video and audio playback.
Instructions for connecting a display monitor to the AVR-988 for video output.
How to connect DVD players, HDPs, and other playback devices to the AVR-988.
Instructions for connecting record players and CD players to the AVR-988.
How to connect iPods and TV/CABLE tuners to the AVR-988.
Connecting satellite receivers and digital video recorders for AV input and recording.
Instructions for connecting VCRs and CD/MD/Tape decks for recording.
Connecting video cameras, game consoles, and multi-channel output devices.
Instructions for connecting an external power amplifier to the AVR-988.
Guide for connecting XM receivers and antennas for satellite radio.
Setting up ZONE2 playback and connecting external control devices.
Connecting external devices to be controlled by the AVR-988's trigger output.
Final power connection steps and an overview of menu navigation.
Explanation of default value indicators and typical on-screen/front panel display examples.
A visual guide to the AVR-988's menu structure and available functions.
Troubleshooting common error messages and configuring general options.
Steps to prepare for and perform automatic speaker calibration using the setup microphone.
Understanding the main listening position for accurate speaker calibration.
Details on speaker detection, measurement steps, and calculation of results.
Reviewing setup results, storing settings, and handling potential error messages.
Common error messages during auto setup and their potential causes and solutions.
Configuring Room EQ, Direct Mode, and microphone selection settings.
Manually setting speaker size, subwoofer use, and crossover frequency.
Setting speaker distance from listening position and selecting measurement units.
Adjusting channel levels, crossover frequency, and HDMI audio output settings.
Making basic settings for HDMI video output and auto lipsync compensation.
Configuring i/p scaler, resolution, aspect ratio, color space, and RGB range.
Selecting video progressive modes and setting subwoofer level for 2-channel audio.
Configuring front/subwoofer settings, Dolby Digital, and auto surround mode memory.
Adjusting tonal quality for each speaker using the graphic equalizer.
Adjusting channel levels, volume, and mute settings for the ZONE2 system.
Configuring amplifier assignment, source deletion, display settings, and setup lock.
Setting volume limits, managing sources, and configuring display settings.
Configuring screensaver, text display, and iPod information timers.
Configuring trigger outputs and setting remote control IDs for system operation.
Adjusting display brightness and protecting settings from inadvertent changes.
Configuring input modes, presets, and names for Tuner, XM, and Phono sources.
Settings for CD, DVD, HDP, TV/CBL, SAT, VCR, DVR, V.AUX sources.
Setting input modes (Analog, HDMI, Digital, EXT. IN) and decode modes (AUTO, PCM, DTS).
Assigning input sources to specific connectors and changing source display names.
Assigning digital input connectors (COAX, OPT) and component video inputs.
Setting up iPod dock assignment and configuring playback options like Repeat and Shuffle.
Automatically converting video input signals to monitor output format.
Using the standard mode for enjoying surround sound and selecting 2-channel surround playback.
Selecting from 10 DENON original surround modes for various audio sources.
Modes for stereo playback, bypassing tone circuitry, and high-quality original sound reproduction.
Adjusting surround parameters like Mode, D.COMP, DRC, and CINEMA EQ for optimal sound.
Adjusting bass/treble, and selecting room equalization modes for acoustic correction.
Adjusting surround effect, level, room size, and auto surround mode detection.
Configuring surround back channels, subwoofer attenuation, and subwoofer on/off.
Adjusting tone settings and selecting room equalization modes for acoustic optimization.
Restoring compressed audio signals to improve sound quality and bass response.
Viewing current settings, input signal status, and dialogue normalization information.
Displaying status information for multi-zone operations, including power, source, and volume.
Viewing HDMI signal details and auto surround mode settings for various input types.
Checking stored quick select settings and preset radio station information.
Instructions for powering the unit on/off and selecting the desired input source.
Preparing equipment and performing basic playback of sources and listening to radio.
Storing favorite radio stations for easy tuning and listening to presets.
Basic operation for listening to XM Satellite Radio, including source selection and tuning.
How to check the XM signal strength and search for radio IDs.
Preparing and performing basic playback of music from an iPod.
Controls for playing, pausing, fast-forwarding, and stopping music playback from an iPod.
Enabling shuffle playback and instructions for playing Super Audio CDs.
How to record one program source while listening to a different one using REC OUT mode.
Adjusting channel levels, fading sound, and storing/recalling settings with Quick Select.
Using Last Function Memory, Backup Memory, and resetting the microprocessor.
Using the remote to operate DENON components and store preset codes.
Table detailing front remote control button functions for various device types.
Table detailing rear remote control button functions for various device types.
Enabling operation of other components via remote control during DBS/CABLE or TV mode.
Assigning amplifiers for different channels to speaker outputs for various zones or bi-amp.
Configuring multi-zone playback environments using the Amp Assign function.
Configuring the unit for 7.1-channel playback using the Amp Assign function.
Switching between 5.1-channel and 2-channel playback modes using Amp Assign.
Making bi-amp connections for front channels and enabling 5.1-channel playback.
Preparing power amplifiers for ZONE2 and setting up multi-zone video and audio connections.
Controlling power status and selecting input sources for the main zone and ZONE2.
Adjusting volume levels and muting sound for multi-zone operations.
Recommendations for installing surround back speakers for optimal sound positioning.
Examples of speaker layouts for movies and music, including surround back speaker placement.
Explanation of Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Pro Logic formats.
Explanation of DTS Digital Surround, DTS-HD High Resolution, and DTS-HD Master Audio formats.
Details on DTS 96/24, Neural Surround, Audyssey MultEQ XT, and AL24 Processing Plus.
Information on HDMI interface, Deep Color, xvYCC, and Lip Sync features.
Overview of adjustable parameters for various surround modes and signal types.
Table showing how surround mode names differ based on the input signal type.
Chart showing video signal conversion and output compatibility with various monitors.
Initial checks for common problems like power, sound, and display issues.
Solutions for issues related to the remote control unit's operation and battery problems.
Resolving sound issues for center speakers, surround speakers, and subwoofers.
Addressing video issues related to HDMI connections, picture display, and recording.
Resolving problems with iPod playback, connection, and source assignment.
Troubleshooting XM Satellite Radio reception, signal strength, and activation problems.
Detailed specifications for the power amplifier, input sensitivity, and output levels.
Specifications for video terminals, tuner performance, and general unit details.
Details on power supply, dimensions, weight, and remote control unit specifications.
A list of preset codes for operating various brands of DVD players, VCRs, and TVs.
Specific preset codes for DVD players, CD/MD/Tape/CD players from different manufacturers.