have any fellow 3910 owners ever had the opportunity to compare the pq of the 3910 to the pq of the 5910, side-by-side or by doing an a/b comparison on the same tv?

i'm thinking about maybe upgrading from my 3910 to a 5910 but would only do so if the difference in pq is sufficiently noticeable.

I have wondered the same thing Ben. Anyone here have both DVD players ???

-- Cain

My picture sometimes freezes on my 3910 3/4 of the way through a movie. Nothing I do can restart the DVD??? I have to stop the player go back to the start and continue pressing the NEXT button but usually freezes again at the same spot!
I have two other much cheaper players and there is never a problem with these players. When this happens I have to stop whating a movie with my projector and whatch the rest of the movie through one of the cheaper players hooked up to my Plasma. This really is driving me crazy!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
My 3910 is really really TOUCHY :eek: Why is this and what can I do guys :confused:

My picture sometimes freezes on my 3910 3/4 of the way through a movie. Nothing I do can restart the DVD??? I have to stop the player go back to the start and continue pressing the NEXT button but usually freezes again at the same spot!
I have two other much cheaper players and there is never a problem with these players. When this happens I have to stop whating a movie with my projector and whatch the rest of the movie through one of the cheaper players hooked up to my Plasma. This really is driving me crazy!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
My 3910 is really really TOUCHY :eek: Why is this and what can I do guys :confused:

Are the discs commercial DVDs purchased new, rentals, bootleg, homemade, etc?

If rentals have you tried cleaning them? If homemade try switching brands. Do you have the latest firmware?

I watch Netflix DVDs (which are very, very scratched), and have had absolutely no problems. Murray, are these homemade discs giving you problems?

I watch Netflix DVDs (which are very, very scratched), and have had absolutely no problems. Murray, are these homemade discs giving you problems?

Same here. I've rarely had issues with Netflix discs. Only a couple times where the disc was unbelievably scratched as if someone ran it through sandpaper. There was also one instance where the disc had a huge crack through it and my 3910 refused to play it. :)

have any fellow 3910 owners ever had the opportunity to compare the pq of the 3910 to the pq of the 5910, side-by-side or by doing an a/b comparison on the same tv?

i'm thinking about maybe upgrading from my 3910 to a 5910 but would only do so if the difference in pq is sufficiently noticeable.


Don't waste your money :mad:

Are the discs commercial DVDs purchased new, rentals, bootleg, homemade, etc?

If rentals have you tried cleaning them? If homemade try switching brands. Do you have the latest firmware?

Thanks John & Bill for your answers so far.......
A Few are commercial discs but most are backups I have made of my originals that work fine. I never put printable labels on them but do print the type direct from my printer to them. They work perfectly on my other two DVD players but the 3910 is touchy with them.
How do I finf out about the firmware as this is something I dont understand? :confused:

Thanks John & Bill for your answers so far.......
A Few are commercial discs but most are backups I have made of my originals that work fine. I never put printable labels on them but do print the type direct from my printer to them. They work perfectly on my other two DVD players but the 3910 is touchy with them.
How do I finf out about the firmware as this is something I dont understand? :confused:

If you go to the Denon website and join the "owners club" and register your 3910 it will let you know if there are any firmware updates for your player. You download the update, burn it to a CD and load it to the 3910.

Try switching to a different brand of DVD. The 3910 is a bit picky but think of it like a fine car. You don't put the same stuff in a Ferrari that you would in a Chevy.

If you go to the Denon website and join the "owners club" and register your 3910 it will let you know if there are any firmware updates for your player. You download the update, burn it to a CD and load it to the 3910.

Try switching to a different brand of DVD. The 3910 is a bit picky but think of it like a fine car. You don't put the same stuff in a Ferrari that you would in a Chevy.
Thanks John,
I joined the club entered my serial number and it says "All downloads up to date" I bought the 3910, Dec 04, would no firmware have changed since then? thanks in advance.

Thanks John,
I joined the club entered my serial number and it says "All downloads up to date" I bought the 3910, Dec 04, would no firmware have changed since then? thanks in advance.

Try this link:

http://usa.denon.com/ProductUpdates.asp

Definitely has been an update(s) since 04.

Try this link:

http://usa.denon.com/ProductUpdates.asp

Definitely has been an update(s) since 04.
Thought I better ask you first John as it says i must be a USA customer with region 1 as this update could change my player to region 1 and warranty would no longer apply. Im in New Zealand what do you think? My player is multi region now. We are Pal region 4.

Thought I better ask you first John as it says i must be a USA customer with region 1 as this update could change my player to region 1 and warranty would no longer apply. Im in New Zealand what do you think? My player is multi region now. We are Pal region 4.

Ahh, that makes a difference.

Search back in this thread, there is a link to the latest region free update from when Denon Link 3 was released. Try a search on DL3.

When I (rarely) watch a 4:3 movie, I just stay an extra few seconds at the player (you have to be there anyway to insert the DVD into the player) and turn squeeze mode on at the front panel.

I do agree the squeeze mode thing is abysmal. My biggest complaint.
And there you have the two positions. Let's not go through this again. Both have merit.

Don't waste your money :mad:
Spoken like a 3910 owner. Did you know 2910 owners say the same thing about the 3910?

:)

Ahh, that makes a difference.

Search back in this thread, there is a link to the latest region free update from when Denon Link 3 was released. Try a search on DL3.

Sorry John Ive found so many different things on the subject yet not sure whats the right one for me.
If someone else knows where there is a safe place for me to download the firmware updates for my REGION FREE 3910 that would be great!
I dont want to make a mistake and end up with a region 1 player.
Many thanks for taking the time to help out. My machine what bought in Dec 04 and never had any updates done. Few problems with brand new discs freezing halfway through a movie. Not sure if the updates would help me on this though? Does anyone know if it might?

Sorry John Ive found so many different things on the subject yet not sure whats the right one for me.
If someone else knows where there is a safe place for me to download the firmware updates for my REGION FREE 3910 that would be great!
I dont want to make a mistake and end up with a region 1 player.
Many thanks for taking the time to help out. My machine what bought in Dec 04 and never had any updates done. Few problems with brand new discs freezing halfway through a movie. Not sure if the updates would help me on this though? Does anyone know if it might?

Check post # 4176 here

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=447795&page=140&pp=30&highlight=Denon+Link+3+update

You may want to go back a page and read up.

pepar
And there you have the two positions. Let's not go through this again. Both have merit.
Hey, this is really my only complaint! Not bad, I'd say...
Well, ok, navigation could be a bit quicker.

Hi guys i live in Athens Greece and i have the A1XV (5910) for 5 months, my display is a Philips 42PF9830 lcd and the connection is through HDMI, the picture was more than great but yesterday out of the blue the A1XV shows all movies with heavy solarization (effect common of the early plasmas with low bit color).
The tv is fine i have two others dvd players and the picture is fine.
Any clues?
Thanks a lot.

Hi guys i live in Athens Greece and i have the A1XV (5910) for 5 months, my display is a Philips 42PF9830 lcd and the connection is through HDMI, the picture was more than great but yesterday out of the blue the A1XV shows all movies with heavy solarization (effect common of the early plasmas with low bit color).
The tv is fine i have two others dvd players and the picture is fine.
Any clues?
Thanks a lot.

Make sure your HDMI physical connection is good, HDMI has been problematic this at times. If in fact you have other players connected via HDMI and the picture is good it's probably your player. I would at this point make sure my firmware is up to date, and lastly I would re-initialize the player.

Here is the initialization procedure,

Remove any disk from the player.
With drawer closed, turn the player ON with the on/off button.
While pressing both “PLAY” and “FF/Skip” at the front of the player at the same time, then press the “OPEN/CLOSE” and hold all three buttons depressed for 3 seconds.
"INITIALIZE" will be displayed on the front panel.
Release the 3 buttons
Initialize is now complete.

You will have to re-enter all your custom settings in the player (takes 2 minutes if you have the values written down).

If you're still are having issues, you probably have a unit that needs attention. :(

For those of you who've been waiting, the MR patch to apply to *after* the latest 3 disc update that enables the Denon Link 3 is available here:

www.sickpuppy.me.uk/DenonMR.zip for the MR file of the latest firmware
www.sickpuppy.me.uk/Denon.zip for the 3 cd's to upgrade to DL3
(The instructions for the non-MR upgrade are in the Denon.zip file)

as posted in the AV Forums:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1773163#post1773163


:)
Ive found this old thread update for the Multi Region version of the 3910.
I must have the Multi Region as thats what my machine is now!
Is this the latest and can someone PLEASE PLEASE help me to do what I need to get this on my machine :confused:
I need to be helped in BABY langage as I dont know how to do it?
I have downloaded both these and they are in 2 zip files but now I dont know what to do?
I have Clone DVD 2 fron Slysoft and also Nerso Express 6. If I can use Clone I would prefer as this is what I understand.

Please make sure I have the MULTI REGION fron Denon.
Any help I can get would be very much appreciated.
Thanks guys. :rolleyes:

Please make sure I have the MULTI REGION fron Denon.
There is no such thing. The MR firmwares are NOT from Denon. They are "stock" firmware that has been modified by others.

There is no such thing. The MR firmwares are NOT from Denon. They are "stock" firmware that has been modified by others.
Ok then but here in NZ we dont have any laws today on multi region. 99% of players sold in shops are region free.
So anyway I still need to know that Im using the correct update, I dont want to end up with a region 1 player.

There is no such thing. The MR firmwares are NOT from Denon. They are "stock" firmware that has been modified by others.

Interesting. Where did you get this info from? I thought players sold in Europe where MR.

Ok then but here in NZ we dont have any laws today on multi region. 99% of players sold in shops are region free.
So anyway I still need to know that Im using the correct update, I dont want to end up with a region 1 player.

Yes, that is the MR update.

Hopefully Jason Coleman is still following this thread. He should be able to walk you through the process. He almost had a coronary updating his so he should be an expert at it. :)

Ok then but here in NZ we dont have any laws today on multi region. 99% of players sold in shops are region free.
So anyway I still need to know that Im using the correct update, I dont want to end up with a region 1 player.
I'm not referring to legal/illegal issues. If what you say is true - and I don't doubt that it is - can't you get the NZ firmware from Denon's website?

Interesting. Where did you get this info from? I thought players sold in Europe where MR.
Thanks John lets hope he reads this to help me. NZ is New Zealand (not Europe, the South Pacific) :cool:

Interesting. Where did you get this info from? I thought players sold in Europe where MR.
I'm speaking as a US citizen and am famliar only with what we have here. But then why would "Hollywood's" region restrictions not apply everywhere? Sort of makes 'em useless, doesn't it, if we can all apply MR firmware to our players?

I'm not referring to legal/illegal issues. If what you say is true - and I don't doubt that it is - can't you get the NZ firmware from Denon's website?
Its not on Denons web site ony the REGION version :(

Interesting. Where did you get this info from? I thought players sold in Europe where MR.
Applies here, too - If European players are MR, can't the proper firmware simply be downloaded from Denon?

I'm speaking as a US citizen and am famliar only with what we have here. But then why would "Hollywood's" region restrictions not apply everywhere? Sort of makes 'em useless, doesn't it, if we can all apply MR firmware to our players?
Yes and thank God we got rid of it! We do like to give our money to Amazon USA and also by R1 discs :)

Its not on Denons web site ony the REGION version :(
Then I go back to my previous position - Denon provides only firmware that supports the regioning scheme and any MR firmware is hacked Denon code. And I use "hacked" simply as an easy way to express my thought and not in a good/bad sense.

Applies here, too - If European players are MR, can't the proper firmware simply be downloaded from Denon?
I cant find the mulit region version on the Denon web site. Only the US version.

Then I go back to my previous position - Denon provides only firmware that supports the regioning scheme and any MR firmware is hacked Denon code. And I use "hacked" simply as an easy way to express my thought and not in a good/bad sense.
Denon NZ will then have the update MR version, better see them then :)

Applies here, too - If European players are MR, can't the proper firmware simply be downloaded from Denon?

No.

Denon requires firmware updates from Denon dealers or service centers in countries other than the US. You can't get them from the Denon website.

Then I go back to my previous position - Denon provides only firmware that supports the regioning scheme and any MR firmware is hacked Denon code. And I use "hacked" simply as an easy way to express my thought and not in a good/bad sense.

Bootleg might be a better term. Someone gets it from a Denon dealer and posts it to a website.

Bootleg might be a better term.
I was trying to be kind. :)

Over on the 2910 owner's thread they are saying that the latest MR firmware has noticeably better PQ than the latest "official" Denon version available on the website. It appears - from version number - that the underlying firmware is several clicks ahead of the latest official release. Anybody know if this is correct or not? Is that the case with the 3910 MR firmware?

Over on the 2910 owner's thread they are saying that the latest MR firmware has noticeably better PQ than the latest "official" Denon version available on the website. It appears - from version number - that the underlying firmware is several clicks ahead of the latest official release. Anybody know if this is correct or not? Is that the case with the 3910 MR firmware?

Typically the non US version (MR) comes out a few weeks before the US (R1) version.

Typically the non US version (MR) comes out a few weeks before the US (R1) version.
Gone from -8 to -D, a lot of changes were done between those versions so running the latest, with MR as a bonus.
Seems that at least on the 2910, the latest MR is several versions ahead of the "official" firmware. What's more, there appear to be 2910s purchased recently with firmware versions newer than the one on Denon's site.

Hi everybody!!!

GREAT FORUM!!!

I've been running different versions of MR firmware on my Denon 3910 for the past year with no problems, but here is a hack posted by Stuart Wright on AVF (HAVEN'T TRIED IT MYSELF-I'm stuck in the ******* hotel!!!) that doesn't require firmware upgrade:

"To make the Denon DVD-2910, 3910 and A1XV play DVDs from all regions:

1. Ensure there is no disc in the player.
2. Power off using the front panel On/Off button (not standby).
3. Press and hold Open/Close, Play and Skip Reverse (I<<).
4. Keep the above buttons held and Power-up the player using the On/Off button, holding the above buttons until the player's name disappears from the front panel.
5. Wait until the player finishes LOADING and the front panel of the player shows 0:00:00.
6. On the remote handset, press in sequence; 7 3 1 9 4 6 2 8
7. The unit should enter standby mode. On the front panel of the player, press the Standby button to turn the player back on.
8. To confirm the update, press on the front panel Stop and Skip Forward (>>I). The front panel should briefly display “Region_A2”. If not, then repeat the process 1-7 above.

This hack needs no firmware upgrade."

Toja

Wow, what a great discovery if this works as advertised! Can someone who has run this procedure comment on how it works? Will doing this cause any adverse effects or create potential problems for applying future firmware upgrades?

Wow, what a great discovery if this works as advertised! Can someone who has run this procedure comment on how it works? Will doing this cause any adverse effects or create potential problems for applying future firmware upgrades?yes i would like to know too?

In the setup menu - Video Setup - when "Progressive Mode" is selected, what's the difference between Auto 1 and Auto 2??

Thanks!

Hello guys, it's good to be here.

Guys, I need your advice and have a few questions....


1)I have a lot of DVDs and have been wanting a DVD changer for a long time so I went out to Circuit City and bought the Sony DVP-CX995V today. However, I have read a few reviews stating the picture quality is just so so. What I'd like to know is, should I buy the Denon 3910 for the ULTIMATE picture quality and just use the Sony mega changer as a nice convenient storage unit?

2)How much better(do you speculate) is the pq from the Denon 3910 over the Sony DVP-CX995V?

3)If I get the 3910, I want it to be multiregion as well as play PAL discs. Regioncodefreedvd.com is offering a version of the 3910 that will do this for $1269. In your opinion is this price worth it, and close to how much I can the normal version of the player for?

4)I have a very powerful Sager Laptop(P4 3.6Ghz, 2GB DDR, 120GB HD, ATI X800 Mobility). If I used it as an HTPC and configured it properly with FFDshow, would the picture quality be equal or better than the Denon 3910?


$1269 is a lot of money but I'd spring for it if the PQ is that fantastic not to mention region free and PAL compatible.

Please address these questions guys I'd appreciate it :)

Isamu,

The PQ with the 3910 is very good, and I'm very happy with mine. However, it's not cheap. The reason I was willing to spring for the 3910's premium price is that I wanted great video quality and great audio quality. The 3910 delivers both--but for a price. If you're primarily interested in just the video side of things, there are much less expensive options out there. Some think that the Oppo's PQ is equal to the 3910's, and it can be had for $200, including a HDMI/DVI cable.

Isamu,

The PQ with the 3910 is very good, and I'm very happy with mine. However, it's not cheap. The reason I was willing to spring for the 3910's premium price is that I wanted great video quality and great audio quality. The 3910 delivers both--but for a price. If you're primarily interested in just the video side of things, there are much less expensive options out there. Some think that the Oppo's PQ is equal to the 3910's, and it can be had for $200, including a HDMI/DVI cable.


Thanks for the reply. Can the Oppo play multiregion and PAL?

I don't have any experience the Oppo--just read lots of positive posts and reviews (the Oppo just got a 'Best of 2005' award from Secrets of Home Theater). My understanding is that the Oppo doesn't come from the manufacturer multiregion capable, but a lot of folks seems to have been able to successfully "hack" theirs (much like the 3910).

If you're interested in the Oppo, there's info on it all over this forum. Just do a search.

Can someone confirm this:

I've got my 3910 hooked up to a HT1000 beamer (HDMI), and an old commodore monitor while i'm still setting up things (monitor is connected thru composite)

I wanted to play with the gamma settings and nothing seemed to change on the HT1000... turned on the CBM monitor and surely, changes were visible.

Am I doing something wrong, or doesn't gamma control work on HDMI? If that is so, i'm very very disappointed in this player... I need gamma control on my playback device to get a correct picture on the HT1000.

I hate the idea of going back to component over this!

PS. Never mind, seems the answer is in the thread, doesn't work on HDMI. So that's 2 things that the denon lacks compared to the Pioneer 868: Auto squeeze & gamma. I'd better bought the 4806 and kept the pioneer, and hook them up via Ilink.

My only option now is to connect component between 3910 & 4306, and run HDMI from there to my PJ. But that will give me another problem... oh well...

1)I have a lot of DVDs and have been wanting a DVD changer for a long time so I went out to Circuit City and bought the Sony DVP-CX995V today. However, I have read a few reviews stating the picture quality is just so so. What I'd like to know is, should I buy the Denon 3910 for the ULTIMATE picture quality and just use the Sony mega changer as a nice convenient storage unit?


Thats exaactly what I plan to use the Sony for as well, as my kids have a ton of DVD's. I would like to put a few CD'd in it as well to "crossfade" with my CDP-CX355. Anyway the 3910's picture quality is amazing, and the superior too.

Does anyone know a solution to SACD' s not loading?

Naxos Rachmaninof piano concerti always loads, as usually does Telarc Mahler No 3 Zander. Telarc's Sound of Glory and Dark Side of the Moon almost never loads.

When I talked to Denon technical support, they wanted me to send the unit to New Jersey for an upgrade.

I have already applied D31SAV... Can/will anyone help with this further.

Thanks, George

Does anyone know a solution to SACD' s not loading?

Naxos Rachmaninof piano concerti always loads, as usually does Telarc Mahler No 3 Zander. Telarc's Sound of Glory and Dark Side of the Moon almost never loads.

When I talked to Denon technical support, they wanted me to send the unit to New Jersey for an upgrade.

I have already applied D31SAV... Can/will anyone help with this further.

Thanks, George

I think your unit needs to go back to Denon for repair. It's a shame that it has to be that way but sometimes there are no other alternatives. :(
I have had some media not work in this unit such as labled media etc. I have also had one new out of the case DVD that just would not play even though it played on other players. It's just a picky drive, It's unfortunate but it's an issue I'm willing to live with. The pro's of this unit far outweigh the con's.
Good luck with this problem.

Dumb question but I've scoured the thread and manual and can't find a definitive answer. It's about bass management.

I have a 3910 in here on evaluation (along with a 4806) and have a question regarding analog outs and BM. My subs are wide open (high crossover, high gain) so that BM can take place either at the 3910 or 4806 level. I'm fine on the Dlink3 side, the 4806 Audyssey side, etc. I'm only concerned with analog outs (or as the 4806 calls them "external ins").

I set up the BM, time alignment and channel levels for analog multichannel on the 3910. No problem; and with Source Direct toggled "off" all hirez is sent via PCM and able to be BM'd, etc. Now, with Source Direct toggled "on" the levels and distances are correct as per my earlier config process but speaker config portion is grey'd out (due to the fact that you can't do BM in SACD DSD...fine, I know that). However, logic says that then if I play DVD-A's with Source Direct "on" do I also lose bass management? A test on my Donald Fagen Nightlfy DVD-A says no, the DVD-A bass managment stays put regardless of SD on or off; it's only SACD that gets adjusted (BTW, Beck's Sea Change with SD on, no bass management, was wayyyyy boomy, proving that point).

If above is true my next question will be over on the 4806 side: is there a way to manually address the sub xover when playing the external in's, just in case I want to hear true DSD? (asked it here too just in case a 4806/3910 owner knowhe answer). Thx,
Ted

Hello everyone
I am new to the 3910 club, as i just purchased my unit a few days ago.
i have done some extensive audio testing with the 3910, and for those who have doubts about its analog stage outputs, let me tell you that i have compared the two channel analog outs of the unit against its optical digital going through a $1400 musical fidelity TriVista 21 DAC with many CDs, and there is no audible difference when doing A/B testing through my preamp.

My two channel test system consists of four amps: a Clayton S40, Plinius S-100 mk iii, Monarchy Audio SE-100 monoblocks and a BAT VK-60 tube amp. All amps running class A, my Trivista DAC, a custom built passive preamp with Stevens & Billington transformers and Magnepan 2.7QR speakers.

This test shows, that high end 3910 mods are basically a scam, because i seriously doubt any 3910 mod is going to attain the quality of the Stereophile Class A MF Trivista 21 DAC.
I challenge anyone with a modded 3910 to bring it to my place in Northern NJ to a set of blind tests to see if you can tell the difference against my stock unit.

Cheers!

Hello everyone
I am new to the 3910 club, as i just purchased my unit a few days ago.
i have done some extensive audio testing with the 3910, and for those who have doubts about its analog stage outputs, let me tell you that i have compared the two channel analog outs of the unit against its optical digital going through a $1400 musical fidelity TriVista 21 DAC with many CDs, and there is no audible difference when doing A/B testing through my preamp.

My two channel test system consists of four amps: a Clayton S40, Plinius S-100 mk iii, Monarchy Audio SE-100 monoblocks and a BAT VK-60 tube amp. All amps running class A, my Trivista DAC, a custom built passive preamp with Stevens & Billington transformers and Magnepan 2.7QR speakers.

This test shows, that high end 3910 mods are basically a scam, because i seriously doubt any 3910 mod is going to attain the quality of the Stereophile Class A MF Trivista 21 DAC.
I challenge anyone with a modded 3910 to bring it to my place in Northern NJ to a set of blind tests to see if you can tell the difference against my stock unit.

Cheers!
I have no doubt that one or many of them will rise to defend their purchase. But in print only. :)

I'm liking the stock analog sound as well, and I have a Modwright Platinum 999ES tube modded SACD/redbook to compare. It's not the level of the Modwright by any stretch, but it's awfully good at redbook and SACD stereo as a stock player goes. Now, a buddy of mine has Dan's 3910 mod and is gaga over it; he had his 3910 for some time before having it tube modded. So, I believe "scam" is a strong word; "better bang for the buck elsewhere" is what I might want to say.

As afar as multichannel analog, I haven't done an a/b with the Modwright yet. This will be a much closer fight, I believe, or possibly a win for the 3910 since the 999ES mch mods were minimal ($100 of opamps and labor).

So far, the 3910 is impressive IMHO. As I type this UPS dropped off the HDMi cabling I need for my video evaluation, and to listen to HDMI 1.1 as an audio vehicle for DVD-A. (I'm also eval'ing the 4806 so I want to test the HDMi switching capabilities).

Ted

Hi,

I'm a new one into this thread (from France), I have tried several research without success, so I decided to post a message, forgive me if the topic has been already discussed.

So my problem is :
I have a 3910 plugged onto a 3806 with both DL3 and HDMI.
Works perfectly fine with the DVDs.

But when it's about SACD or DVD-A, it's another story : the sound cut off every 5 or 6 seconds, with a "click" sound from the receiver (just like when he's switching from a source to another).
I can fixe this but cutting off the video output from the player (with the "pure direct select" function), or if I unplug the HDMI cable.

Otherwise, everything works perfectly fine, but it's just a shame I can't play SACD without to have to change something.

Anyone who has such a same experience ?
or an idea where it can came from ?

Thank's in advance.
CL.

Hey Ted... Please post your thoughts on your DVD audio test via HDMI... I am thinking of going this route once the upgrade for my anthem AVM 20 is ready (April or May they say).

I have done a fair amount of A/B testing of CDs .... digital to the AVM20 vs analog from the 3910.

I find that the 3910 sounds very good analog, but digital to AVM20 sounds even better. The image is tighter and the sound stage is bigger.

Anyone else care to comment on their experience ... 3910 analog vs their processor?

Don

Anyone else care to comment on their experience ... 3910 analog vs their processor?Don

I much prefer the sound of the 5.1 analogs from my 3910 to the sound of my AVR (NAD 762) doing the decoding. This obviously only applies to redbook and DVD, since the NAD can not decode SACD or DVD-A.

This may have to do with the superior BM in the 3910, or the fact that it has a subwoofer delay that seems to permit a much better integration with the mains.

But whatever the reason, with levels matched, doing a A/B, I prefer the 3910. I only use the NAD's decoding if I have a DVD that uses a center back channel, which is pretty rare.

Brian

I much prefer the sound of the 5.1 analogs from my 3910 to the sound of my AVR (NAD 762) doing the decoding. This obviously only applies to redbook and DVD, since the NAD can not decode SACD or DVD-A.

This may have to do with the superior BM in the 3910, or the fact that it has a subwoofer delay that seems to permit a much better integration with the mains.

But whatever the reason, with levels matched, doing a A/B, I prefer the 3910. I only use the NAD's decoding if I have a DVD that uses a center back channel, which is pretty rare.

Brian

I would agree 100%, the analog MULTI Channel is superior overall. It's not even close.

SC

Hello everyone
I am new to the 3910 club, as i just purchased my unit a few days ago.
This test shows, that high end 3910 mods are basically a scam, because i seriously doubt any 3910 mod is going to attain the quality of the Stereophile Class A MF Trivista 21 DAC.
I challenge anyone with a modded 3910 to bring it to my place in Northern NJ to a set of blind tests to see if you can tell the difference against my stock unit.
Cheers!

Wow, way to enter the club with both guns blazing.

Care to walk back out and come back in with the guns in the holsters? You'll make more friends that way.

I would agree 100%, the analog MULTI Channel is superior overall. It's not even close.

SC

Superior to what, though? What 5.1 capable pre/pro or receiver are you comparing it to? It's all about the comparison of dacs/analog stage, along with a smidge of signal path issues (jitter, rf/emi). I happen to like the sound of the analog outputs of the 3910 vs those same analog outs in the 4806. I think it's a combination of slightly better dacs, much better analog filtering and power supply, and the bass management. It gets complicated when you throw in the fact that Dlink3 allows Audyssey room eq, etc cuz then the variables tend to offset one another, so your not comparing apples to apples....nor should you. It's the end game that counts.

The weird thing about DVD-A via HDMi 1.1 that I'm seeing/reading (and haven't heard yet) is that it uses the bass management and time alignment of the player, like the analog outs. I was assuming it could use the 4806's room eq, but wondering that currently, now that I see most of the configuration is done at the player. I mean, if the player and receiver each have their own crossover point for, say, the center channel, who wins? Details to follow...

I have an interesting situation here. I use Denon 3910 with Samsung HLP6163 DLP TV. It was originally connected via DVI cable (TV has dvi and hdmi connector). Recently I changed my connection from dvi to hdmi for practical convenience. What I found was interesting and a bit disturbing. The hdmi rgb connection displays an almost identical picture to dvi (which was isf calibrated, by the way), but when I switch to hdmi Y Cr Cb, the picture becomes SIGNIFICANTLY darker.

Any idea why that is?

Thanks,
Stan

My guess is that your RGB settings are "standard" instead of "expanded" - the lowest and highest RGB values are ignored in standard settings. The "digital component" output doesn't have this restriction.

Try setting the RGB to "expanded" and you'll see the same color/darkness.

You'll have to recalibrate the display device for those expanded settings.

I happen to like the sound of the analog outputs

I will repeat myself, So do I. ;)

SC

The weird thing about DVD-A via HDMi 1.1 that I'm seeing/reading (and haven't heard yet) is that it uses the bass management and time alignment of the player, like the analog outs. I was assuming it could use the 4806's room eq, but wondering that currently, now that I see most of the configuration is done at the player. I mean, if the player and receiver each have their own crossover point for, say, the center channel, who wins? Details to follow...

Nope - as a test I've set up the 3910's HDMI as PCM output - so if I play back a DVD with DTS for example, the player does the decoding to 5.1 PCM channels and sends these to the 4306.

On the 4306 I got the message "multi PCM in" instead of the usual DTS, confirming that decoding takes place in the DVD player in this test.

Finally, I was still able to do RoomEQ, channel levels & distance in the receiver - bass management works!

My guess is things will be equal for DVD-A discs (which I don't have)

This also means in the future, that a HDMI 1.1 capable receiver will be able to take new formats like TrueHD/DD+/whatever from a player, as long as this player is able to decode the data & send it as multichannel PCM over HDMI (1.1). No need for new HDMI specs

Hello everyone!

This is my first post so I do apologize in advance if this topic has already been discussed or if this is not an appropriate post.

I have done a search on avs and google but cannot find any solutions to my closed caption problems. I own a 3910 and have been watching the simpsons on DVD. However, on some simpsons' disks the subtitles will not work while other disks work fine. I even encounter this problem with different episodes on the same disk. But, the exact same disk will display subtitles perfectly fine on my computer and toshiba player!

When I hit the subtitle button the display will read 06/06 but not allow me to scroll to any languages.

I have a may 2005 build with latest the firmware (according to denon's site).

Has anyone encountered this problem before?

Your help or experiences on this particular problem would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Winston

Hi everybody!!!

GREAT FORUM!!!

I've been running different versions of MR firmware on my Denon 3910 for the past year with no problems, but here is a hack posted by Stuart Wright on AVF (HAVEN'T TRIED IT MYSELF-I'm stuck in the ******* hotel!!!) that doesn't require firmware upgrade:

"To make the Denon DVD-2910, 3910 and A1XV play DVDs from all regions:

1. Ensure there is no disc in the player.
2. Power off using the front panel On/Off button (not standby).
3. Press and hold Open/Close, Play and Skip Reverse (I<<).
4. Keep the above buttons held and Power-up the player using the On/Off button, holding the above buttons until the player's name disappears from the front panel.
5. Wait until the player finishes LOADING and the front panel of the player shows 0:00:00.
6. On the remote handset, press in sequence; 7 3 1 9 4 6 2 8
7. The unit should enter standby mode. On the front panel of the player, press the Standby button to turn the player back on.
8. To confirm the update, press on the front panel Stop and Skip Forward (>>I). The front panel should briefly display “Region_A2”. If not, then repeat the process 1-7 above.

This hack needs no firmware upgrade."

Toja

Has anyone had a chance to try this and confirm that it works as advertised, and that it doesn't introduce any adverse side effects?

I will repeat myself, So do I. ;)

SC

And I will repeat myself........what receiver or pre/pro do you have that is being beat by the 3910's own dacs/analog circuitry? Interested to know how mnay good pre/pros and receivers can't beat the 3910's nice analog outs.

And I will repeat myself........what receiver or pre/pro do you have that is being beat by the 3910's own dacs/analog circuitry? Interested to know how mnay good pre/pros and receivers can't beat the 3910's nice analog outs.

Sorry for the missunderstanding Ted, I see what you were asking. My bad. :o
I agree with you it is all relative to the quality of the components one is using when talking about DAC's.
I'm using a Rotel 1066, the quality of the 1066 is very good. I normally run all my Hi Res audio regardless if they are SACD, DVDA, HDCD etc analog (MULTI Channel). The 1066 just doesn't do a very good job with these formats when it has to decode them, although it does decode them. However it does do a great job on all DVD movies when processed by the Rotel, I don't see much of a difference there.

SC

Hi,
So my problem is :
I have a 3910 plugged onto a 3806 with both DL3 and HDMI.
Works perfectly fine with the DVDs.

But when it's about SACD or DVD-A, it's another story : the sound cut off every 5 or 6 seconds, with a "click" sound from the receiver (just like when he's switching from a source to another).
I can fixe this but cutting off the video output from the player (with the "pure direct select" function), or if I unplug the HDMI cable.


Just to add a fiew elements : in fact, I have the same issue regardless it's a DVD Vidoe or Audio or SACD.
It seems I have the issue if the projector is not running !

I just have to unplugged the HDMI cable connecting the reciever to the projector, and the issue is gone.

I don't understand.. any idea please ?

Reciever is Denon 3806
Player is Denon 3910, last firmware (for what I know)
Projector is Optoma H79

Regards

Just to add a fiew elements : in fact, I have the same issue regardless it's a DVD Vidoe or Audio or SACD.
It seems I have the issue if the projector is not running !

I just have to unplugged the HDMI cable connecting the reciever to the projector, and the issue is gone.

I don't understand.. any idea please ?

Reciever is Denon 3806
Player is Denon 3910, last firmware (for what I know)
Projector is Optoma H79

Regards

My projector is connected thru HDMI as well as component (via the amp). I do see a similar issue (audio cuts off every few seconds) when I set my projector to use the component input while the HDMI output is still enabled on the 3910. Once I disable HDMI on the 3910 everything is okay.

Not a big issue for me since I only use HDMI anyways. And I only have the issue when the projector is running with component input.

Does anyone know why I would see Edge Ringing on HDMI on the LEFT side of objects when I can hardly ever see it at all when using Component through my 3910?

I have tried now on many new projectors both LCD & DLP and all are the same.
I have tried changing fron 480p, 720p & 1080i and I still have it.
I have the sharpness control turned way down and I still have it.
I really dont want to run on Component as the HDMI does have better blacks and detail in the image but I would LOVE not to see this artifact.
I have also tried changing between RGB & YCbCr settings and still the same. :mad:
Some DVD's are worse than others but I usually do see it on all of them and always to the LHS.
I do think this rather strange as HDMI is ment to be far better than Component.

Has anyone had a chance to try this and confirm that it works as advertised, and that it doesn't introduce any adverse side effects?

I doubt very much if Stewart would have posted this if he wasn't a 100%. I would imagine he has got this straight from Denon UK.

Has anyone had a chance to try this and confirm that it works as advertised, and that it doesn't introduce any adverse side effects?
I tried the remote hack on my 3910 and it worked 100%. Only difference is on step 8 where it showed Region_A1, because it was originally region 1.

I tried the remote hack on my 3910 and it worked 100%. Only difference is on step 8 where it showed Region_A1, because it was originally region 1.

Have you tried playing a disc from another region.... say a PAL region 2?

Don

Has anybody tried EMI DVD-Audio disc "Handel's Royal Fireworks/Water Music"? I was trying this player borrowed from my favorite Denon dealer, and I got some spiky pop noise at the 4th track "Rejoussaince(?)" of the Royal fireworks music. I looked at the disc surface, tried to clean it with a velvet cloth, but the same result. Then I played the same track on my old RP-91 and I didn't get any noise on the same part of the music. I wonder if this symptom is specific to mine or some batch, or common on all DVD-3910. Please share your experience if any.

My 3910 wont play Elton John's Captain Fantastic SACD anymore. The disc appears to be perfect and it plays in my Sony XA-9000ES. I dont get any popping noise on the Water Music DVD/A. Just one of those things I guess....

My 3910 wont play Elton John's Captain Fantastic SACD anymore. The disc appears to be perfect and it plays in my Sony XA-9000ES. I dont get any popping noise on the Water Music DVD/A. Just one of those things I guess....

You know Tom, I had a symilar problem with an Apollo 13 DVD, all of sudden one day it wouldn't play on the 3910. It would play on other players but it just wouldn't play on this player. I purchased a new DVD of the same movie and voilla, problem solved. Are your other SACD's working OK? If yes, you have run into a symilar problem. :mad:

SC

Everything else playes fine. I keep checking it every few weeks but its not playing in the 3910 anymore.

Everything else playes fine. I keep checking it every few weeks but its not playing in the 3910 anymore.

Boy it shure sounds like what was happening to me, I would probably blame the media on this one. I guess you could think of it as a $14.00 experiment. :(

SC

My 3910 wont play Elton John's Captain Fantastic SACD anymore. The disc appears to be perfect and it plays in my Sony XA-9000ES. I dont get any popping noise on the Water Music DVD/A. Just one of those things I guess....

Tom,

Could you confirm that you didn't have a problem with your 3910 and the 4th track of the EMI DVD-Audio disc of "Handel's Royal Fireworks/Water Music"? Sorry for being dense here... ^^;

No problem, I have a lot of neglected multi channel music laying around and after I saw your post, I remembered that little gem. After refreshing my cocktail, I sat down and listened from beginning to end. No issues except a little compression and maybe a 4 star performance. I much prefer Pearlman's interpretation with the Boston Baroque. (Telarc Surround Series SACD-60594)

Tom,

Thank you very much for your confirmation. When did you buy your 3910, and when was it built? Did you use analog output or Denon link?

Does anyone know why I would see Edge Ringing on HDMI on the LEFT side of objects when I can hardly ever see it at all when using Component through my 3910?

I have tried now on many new projectors both LCD & DLP and all are the same.
I have tried changing fron 480p, 720p & 1080i and I still have it.
I have the sharpness control turned way down and I still have it.
I really dont want to run on Component as the HDMI does have better blacks and detail in the image but I would LOVE not to see this artifact.
I have also tried changing between RGB & YCbCr settings and still the same. :mad:
Some DVD's are worse than others but I usually do see it on all of them and always to the LHS.
I do think this rather strange as HDMI is ment to be far better than Component.

Try putting in the latest firmware which has fixes for HDMI issues. I used to see some ringing too but now it seems to have dissappeared. First try Denon's website has the 6609-B, if that doesn't help, then try 6609-E firmware available over the internet (has more fixes and adds multiregion).

Of course bad source material with edge enhancement will show some problems no matter what.

My picture sometimes freezes on my 3910 3/4 of the way through a movie. Nothing I do can restart the DVD??? I have to stop the player go back to the start and continue pressing the NEXT button but usually freezes again at the same spot!
I have two other much cheaper players and there is never a problem with these players. When this happens I have to stop whating a movie with my projector and whatch the rest of the movie through one of the cheaper players hooked up to my Plasma. This really is driving me crazy!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
My 3910 is really really TOUCHY :eek: Why is this and what can I do guys :confused:

That's how my player was shortly after i purchased it. It started gradually getting worse till it started saying "disk error" nearly everytime I inserted a disk. Needless to say it's not sitting on my rack at this point and I'm hoping I'll get a refund. It has been a quirky machine IMO.

Kevin

hi
weird problem with the 3910: IEEE1394 flashes on front panel, (formely connected to a big Onkyo 5000 amp), coax digital connected to a Sherbourn processor: no sound !
iee1394 still active in the setup of the Denon and no way to deactivate it

anyone has an idea ?

Brand new DVD-3910 owner here. With the new models coming out, this great digital source finally fell into my level of affordability. Setup has been a breeze, although I have been a Denon AVR owner for quite some time, which made it easier. I will be using the 3910 about 80% of the time for audio, and 20% for video.

I have a question regarding the playback of DTS 5.1 CD's -- when use the remote to skip forward to the next track, it takes approximately 5 seconds for the track to engage (i.e., for the DTS light to illuminate and for the sound to start). Is this normal? I know that the source has to detect the DTS bitstream, but on my old Toshiba SD-4960 universal, the response time for DTS was less than a second. On any other disc format -- Redbook, SACD, DVD-A, etc. -- the 3910's response is almost instantaneous. Sorry if this is a post covered elsewhere -- I paged through about 100 pages of this thread and didn't see it mentioned.

Thanks,
Lee
Charlotte, NC

Brand new DVD-3910 owner here. With the new models coming out, this great digital source finally fell into my level of affordability. Setup has been a breeze, although I have been a Denon AVR owner for quite some time, which made it easier. I will be using the 3910 about 80% of the time for audio, and 20% for video.

I have a question regarding the playback of DTS 5.1 CD's -- when use the remote to skip forward to the next track, it takes approximately 5 seconds for the track to engage (i.e., for the DTS light to illuminate and for the sound to start). Is this normal? I know that the source has to detect the DTS bitstream, but on my old Toshiba SD-4960 universal, the response time for DTS was less than a second. On any other disc format -- Redbook, SACD, DVD-A, etc. -- the 3910's response is almost instantaneous. Sorry if this is a post covered elsewhere -- I paged through about 100 pages of this thread and didn't see it mentioned.

Thanks,
Lee
Charlotte, NC

Hi Lee,

Yes DTS CDs are a little tough for the 3910. In fact, on they L/R indicator lights will light up when you're playing a DTS CD. Must default to two channel indication when a CD is detected. I'm sure it has to do with some buffer making sure you don't hear that awful static noise that DTS CDs can make.

Finally got the last dvd player that i need.
Sound and picture quality improved by tenfold. :)

Finally got the last dvd player that i need.
Sound and picture quality improved by tenfold. :)

Congrats. Welcome to the club. :)

OK guys,

Some of you know that I just sold my LCD kdf-55xs955 to get a new 60" XBR SXRD tv...and I'm having some convergence issues I think....I've done some more tweaking and testing, and I have scheduled a replacement 60XBR for this tuesday....here is the problem, which is very noticeable using DVE via HDMI:

letters and lines have a "shadow", as if you need glasses....and it is much more noticeable thru 1080i as compared to 720p. I can see a little bit of this issue on some HD signals (like in the Superbowl's transmittion), but not much at all in HDdiscovery. SD signals is a tossup...sometimes I see it, sometimes I don't, although not as bad as the following pictures.

I'm confused because I took the Disc to my store and tried it on the 60XBR (and a mitsubishi, etc) and the problem wasn't there much (using a Denon 1920).....but in my 3910, in my setup, it shows more.

Here is the shots using the HDMI output at 1080i from the 3910 to the 60xbr (notice the line shadows, as if convergence is off):
http://server2.ihostphotos.com/img/89039.jpg
http://server2.ihostphotos.com/img/89040.jpg
http://server2.ihostphotos.com/img/89042.jpg

Now, here is the shot with the same setup but via 720p...notice the "shadows" are pretty much gone except on the darkest bar (which is still a problem IMO)
http://server2.ihostphotos.com/img/89043.jpg

I didn't notice this issue on my XS55 which I just sold to get this XBR, but what confuses me is that the output of the 3910 causes it to be worst in 1080i vs 720p....I dont know if it;s the player that is screwing up, or that this set is having problems with convergence, particularly in 1080i.

As I said, I'm having a replacement set delivered tuesday, but if it shows up again, could this be an issue with my player? or is this a issue with the player trying to output on a 1080p set? :confused:

I hope some of you gurus like Kris deering, etc, chime in...

Finally got the last dvd player that i need.
Sound and picture quality improved by tenfold. :)
Compared to?

And that's the way I look at it as well. The 3910 will carry me to a hi-def optical drive, whatever/whenever that will be. And if the first ones don't extract the same quality from SD DVD's as the 3910, I'll own it beyond my first HD-DVD/BD player.

Compared to?

And that's the way I look at it as well. The 3910 will carry me to a hi-def optical drive, whatever/whenever that will be. And if the first ones don't extract the same quality from SD DVD's as the 3910, I'll own it beyond my first HD-DVD/BD player.

I'm concerned about the sound quality of the first HD players, especially their ability to play SACD's and DVD-A's which I don't think many of them with have. I don't plan upgrading right away as for me the music and AQ is more important than the PQ. Maybe when the time's right I'll have to keep two players, one being the 3910, in the system.

I'm concerned about the sound quality of the first HD players, especially their ability to play SACD's and DVD-A's which I don't think many of them with have.
I may have missed it, but I do not think any of the initial HD or BR players will play both SACD and DVD-A. The top-of-the-line $1800 Pioneer BR player won't even play redbook CD, let alone either high res audio format.

I may have missed it, but I do not think any of the initial HD or BR players will play both SACD and DVD-A. The top-of-the-line $1800 Pioneer BR player won't even play redbook CD, let alone either high res audio format.

No doubt you are correct - I haven't been following their development closely. I just had a good hunch that this would be the case.

Ok guys and gals, Its not my Elton John SACD that wont play, Its everyone I have since put in this player. Two or three wont even load and one plays for a minute and a half on the 1st track and then advances to track 4. DVD/V and DVD/A play without a hitch. Player is connected via HDMI and IEEE1394.

hmmm.....

Not counting an SDI output, do anyone of you have other mod's?
I've had my 3910 for almost a year, yesterday I listened to one mod'ed by Hot Rod Audio. From the second I played two channel music through it, until we were finished with a two hour movie and more samples, it was clear how much better this mod'ed unit was.

anyone have any ideas on my issue (see my Previous Post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7118838&&#post7118838) on this page)

thanks in advance

anyone have any ideas on my issue (see my Previous Post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7118838&&#post7118838) on this page)

thanks in advance
Might be easier to determine if it's convergence with a grid. The "shadows" seem to be on BOTH sides of the bars.

anyone have any ideas on my issue (see my Previous Post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7118838&&#post7118838) on this page)

thanks in advance

In your post I only see 4 small boxes with red x's in them.

Did you try sending a PM to bhollis and VIDEOKING?

anyone have any ideas on my issue (see my Previous Post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7118838&&#post7118838) on this page)

thanks in advance

Looks like it might be edge ringing to me. How's your sharpness set?

Looks like it might be edge ringing to me. How's your sharpness set?


Set pretty low in the set (to 21)....that was the first thing I checked.

Interestingly enough, I did some more playing tonite, and with the player in RGB the problem is much less than in YCbCr.....and in 720p is less than 1080i, thus:
720p RGB -> almost no ringing
720p YCbCr -> some ringing
1080i RGB -> some ringing
1080i YCbCr -> Lots of ringing

:confused:

Set pretty low in the set (to 21)....that was the first thing I checked.

Interestingly enough, I did some more playing tonite, and with the player in RGB the problem is much less than in YCbCr.....and in 720p is less than 1080i, thus:
720p RGB -> almost no ringing
720p YCbCr -> some ringing
1080i RGB -> some ringing
1080i YCbCr -> Lots of ringing

:confused:

Do you have latest firmware? I set my sharpness to (0) for 1080i

Pete

Do you have latest firmware? I set my sharpness to (0) for 1080i

Pete


yup...i haven't touched sharpness in the player, and the TV's HDMI input settings does not change with source content (720 vs 1080).

I'm starting to believe this is a problem with my player or with a compatibility with SXRD's :(

Hi folks,

I really need some help here.

I moved recently back from Canada to Germany. While being in Canada I purchased a Denon 3910 & 3805 and a Panasonic TH6UY (HD) Display in 2003.

So now to my problems:

1) I totally lost track on the Denon updates for the 3910. The last one I installed was a MR fix (since I am German) for my R2 DVDs. It was only one CD I installed - not three. Can anybody send me (PM where to find) the latest firmware (DL3) with the MR fix? I really tried to look it up in the thread - but when I left Canada there were only 130 pages in this thread now its more than 180 and I can't find the latest fix to activate DL3 for my SACDs and MR.

2) This one is tricky. The Panny DVI blade only accepts 720p and 1080i with 60Hz - not with 50Hz. Now all my R2 DVDs are 50 HZ.. So the screen stays black if I watch a R2 DVD with 720p (I know it's not natural res. - but I still like the picture with 720p). I know as well that the Panny accepts 720p and 1080i via VGA and component.
2.1) Can the 3910 output 720p and 1080i via Component?
2.2) There were some DVI -> VGA converters available in Germany (bypassing HDCP) BUT they were recently forbidden in Germany and are not available anymore (at least "Spatz" converters). Can you think of any other way of solving this problem? Are those converters still available in the US and has anybody some experience with them.

3) I moved into an apartment complex and my neighbour is a pain in the a.... Although carrying a hearing device he is complaining about Beethovens 1st and 2nd symphony being played too loud (the guy has zero culture and is an early retired controller) If anybody has fix for that problem I would be REALLY grateful

Thanks for your help and I don't expect a serious answer for 3...

Jens

Hi folks,

I really need some help here.

I moved recently back from Canada to Germany. While being in Canada I purchased a Denon 3910 & 3805 and a Panasonic TH6UY (HD) Display in 2003.

So now to my problems:

1) I totally lost track on the Denon updates for the 3910. The last one I installed was a MR fix (since I am German) for my R2 DVDs. It was only one CD I installed - not three. Can anybody send me (PM where to find) the latest firmware (DL3) with the MR fix? I really tried to look it up in the thread - but when I left Canada there were only 130 pages in this thread now its more than 180 and I can't find the latest fix to activate DL3 for my SACDs and MR.

2) This one is tricky. The Panny DVI blade only accepts 720p and 1080i with 60Hz - not with 50Hz. Now all my R2 DVDs are 50 HZ.. So the screen stays black if I watch a R2 DVD with 720p (I know it's not natural res. - but I still like the picture with 720p). I know as well that the Panny accepts 720p and 1080i via VGA and component.
2.1) Can the 3910 output 720p and 1080i via Component?
2.2) There were some DVI -> VGA converters available in Germany (bypassing HDCP) BUT they were recently forbidden in Germany and are not available anymore (at least "Spatz" converters). Can you think of any other way of solving this problem? Are those converters still available in the US and has anybody some experience with them.

3) I moved into an apartment complex and my neighbour is a pain in the a.... Although carrying a hearing device he is complaining about Beethovens 1st and 2nd symphony being played too loud (the guy has zero culture and is an early retired controller) If anybody has fix for that problem I would be REALLY grateful

Thanks for your help and I don't expect a serious answer for 3...

Jens
I can handle:

2.1: No. :)
2.2: Any DVI output with HDCP will need to see the handshake before enabling the signal, regardless of any conversion happening downstream. AS VGA does not support HDCP that answer is also: No. :)

I'm a recent owner of the 3910/3806 combo connected by DL & HDMI with HDMI out of the 3806 to my projector (and it's a great combo!).

I've been reading through this 3910 thread to find an answer to why I cannot get sound while playing SACD's. I understand that DL3 is required and that firmware update 6609-B to the 3910 should provide DL3 capability.

My firmware is 6609-B. However, right from day one, I've only been able to set DL in the 3910 as "2nd" (in the Digitial Interface Setup) since "3rd" is not offered as an option. The manual indicates that DL3 should be provided as an option.

Anybody else come across this? I've looked for settings within both the 3910 and 3806 to enable DL3, but no success.

Thanks Pepar,

the handshake happened in the converter. After the signal was "stripped" it was sent via VGA. So it wroked - but it was recently taken off the market - I guess because it worked.....

Thanks anyway

jens

I'm starting to believe this is a problem with my player or with a compatibility with SXRD's :(

Say it ain't so ssabripo. The SXRD is next up on my list this fall.

I'm starting to believe this is a problem with my player or with a compatibility with SXRD's :(

Say it ain't so ssabripo. The SXRD is next up on my list this fall.

JohnGZ28,

I've got an SXRD and 3910 and haven't seen any compatibility problems. No noticeable macro blocking either. Very happy with this combination.

My firmware is 6609-B. However, right from day one, I've only been able to set DL in the 3910 as "2nd" (in the Digitial Interface Setup) since "3rd" is not offered as an option. The manual indicates that DL3 should be provided as an option.
Are you sure you have firmware -B? My player had this version and showed DL3 on the setup menu.
Regards

Are you sure you have firmware -B? My player had this version and showed DL3 on the setup menu.
Regards


You can have -B with or without the DL3 activated. DL3 activation can be downloaded from Denon, firmware will stay - B.

Set pretty low in the set (to 21)....that was the first thing I checked.

Interestingly enough, I did some more playing tonite, and with the player in RGB the problem is much less than in YCbCr.....and in 720p is less than 1080i, thus:
720p RGB -> almost no ringing
720p YCbCr -> some ringing
1080i RGB -> some ringing
1080i YCbCr -> Lots of ringing

:confused:

Just for interest, what happens if you test via component? You would have to think if it was a convergence issue it would still be there?

One thing I like to do sometimes with this type of problem is to record all my settings for the player and then reset it to 'defaults' - ie Do the reinitialize during startup. Then test for changes in the problematic pattern.

Do the same for the display.

I have found that sometimes I had inadvertantly turned some setting on (or off) accidently somewhere!

If you know anyone with another HDMI player (different brand) you could hook that up and see what changes with 'the problem'. If you do, also get them to bring 'their' cable.

I think this sort of testing is the only way you will get a hint as to what area you need to zoom in on!

Regards,
Bill.
(ps - Have you checked sharpness in the set AND the player?)

You can have -B with or without the DL3 activated. DL3 activation can be downloaded from Denon, firmware will stay - B.If one goes to this page (http://usa.denon.com/ProductUpdates.asp) and enter a serial number below 10000, firmware -B is offered for download. Once it is installed you get DL3. Following the documentation it seems clear that firmware -B is the way to have DL3. May be I am wrong, but I've never seen other DL3 activation method on Denon site... :confused:

If one goes to this page (http://usa.denon.com/ProductUpdates.asp) and enter a serial number below 10000, firmware -B is offered for download. Once it is installed you get DL3. Following the documentation it seems clear that firmware -B is the way to have DL3. May be I am wrong, but I've never seen other DL3 activation method on Denon site... :confused:
That's my understanding as well, Dary.

That's my understanding as well, Dary.

I thought the DL3 update came on a separate disk to the firmware upgrade. There were 3 cds involved in the update of firmware + dl3 from memory. (I still have them around here somewhere)

I thought the DL3 update came on a separate disk to the firmware upgrade. There were 3 cds involved in the update of firmware + dl3 from memory. (I still have them around here somewhere)
That's my recollection, too.

Kal

I thought the DL3 update came on a separate disk to the firmware upgrade. There were 3 cds involved in the update of firmware + dl3 from memory. (I still have them around here somewhere)
That is correct, but all of the discs were part of the firmware upgrade and the included instructions were to install them all in a specific sequence. The only way to have -B w/o DL3 is to NOT follow the instructions. As I do not use DL3, I passed on the whole upgrade. And I don't think I ever heard what was on each individual disc; they were ALL -B as far as I was concerned.

1) I totally lost track on the Denon updates for the 3910. The last one I installed was a MR fix (since I am German) for my R2 DVDs. It was only one CD I installed - not three. Can anybody send me (PM where to find) the latest firmware (DL3) with the MR fix? I really tried to look it up in the thread - but when I left Canada there were only 130 pages in this thread now its more than 180 and I can't find the latest fix to activate DL3 for my SACDs and MR.
Jens,
To get DL3 just read my post before this one, and you'll be at -B firmware. If you want -E just PM, but it's not 100% official. Anyway I've seen no difference.
To get MR without any firmware update, go here. (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2292547&postcount=1)
Regards

You can have -B with or without the DL3 activated. DL3 activation can be downloaded from Denon, firmware will stay - B.
Thanks Sam, I discovered that you're absolutely correct. I had received the 3910 with -B firmware, but this version of -B includes MR and NOT DL3 (and my serial # is >10000)...so go figure, there are variations in -B out there. As others have suggested here, those who upgrade to -B via the 3 Denon CD's will get DL3.

Now my question is this (does this ever end?)...if I jump straight into an upgrade to -E (i.e. ignore the DL3 based -B upgrade), will this give me both MR and DL3?

Hello-I own a 3910 connected to a 3806 via HDMI and DL3; I would like to place the two further apart (on either side of my 60" SXRD) than the included DL3 cable will allow. My question is, does Denon make a longer version of this cable (8 feet or so would be fine) or could I just use a standard RJ45 ethernet cable? If I use one of these, should it be standard or crossover, since info would only be traveling in one direction? I know I could just try plugging such a cable in and try it out, but I don't want to damage any firmware, if that's possible. Thanks for any help anyone here can provide.

Thanks Sam, I discovered that you're absolutely correct. I had received the 3910 with -B firmware, but this version of -B includes MR and NOT DL3 (and my serial # is >10000)...so go figure, there are variations in -B out there. As others have suggested here, those who upgrade to -B via the 3 Denon CD's will get DL3.

Now my question is this (does this ever end?)...if I jump straight into an upgrade to -E (i.e. ignore the DL3 based -B upgrade), will this give me both MR and DL3?

I'm sorry I don't know if you can jump straight to -E and get DL3. Wouldn't hurt to try!

Thanks Sam, I discovered that you're absolutely correct. I had received the 3910 with -B firmware, but this version of -B includes MR and NOT DL3 (and my serial # is >10000)...so go figure, there are variations in -B out there. As others have suggested here, those who upgrade to -B via the 3 Denon CD's will get DL3.

Now my question is this (does this ever end?)...if I jump straight into an upgrade to -E (i.e. ignore the DL3 based -B upgrade), will this give me both MR and DL3?
MR from Denon? Not in the US market. I don't think anything known here about 3910 firmware will apply to Singapore. You seem to have a somewhat of a different set of features than we do.

MR from Denon? Not in the US market. I don't think anything known here about 3910 firmware will apply to Singapore. You seem to have a somewhat of a different set of features than we do.
Actually my unit is from the UK (has a Scart on the back) since Sing also uses 230V.

Now my question is this (does this ever end?)...if I jump straight into an upgrade to -E (i.e. ignore the DL3 based -B upgrade), will this give me both MR and DL3? You CANNOT ignore the -B upgrade. If your player is below -B, do the -B upgrade first (3 CDs) then apply following upgrades (1 CD). Note that the last firmware on Denon site is -B. You will find -E elsewhere and there are a non MR and MR versions. I got both and found that the file date of the non MR is more recent.

There is NO MR firmware from Denon site.

To get MR feature there is a remote hack (you don´t need any firmware)here (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2292547&postcount=1)

You CANNOT ignore the -B upgrade. If your player is below -B, do the -B upgrade first (3 CDs) then apply following upgrades (1 CD). Note that the last firmware on Denon site is -B. You will find -E elsewhere and there are a non MR and MR versions. I got both and found that the file date of the non MR is more recent.

There is NO MR firmware from Denon site.

To get MR feature there is a remote hack (you don´t need any firmware)here (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2292547&postcount=1)
Dary, thanks for the info and link. So the -E firmware is beta, not yet available directly from Denon?

Dary, thanks for the info and link. So the -E firmware is beta, not yet available directly from Denon?It not seems to be beta, cause I see more than one post from users who sent their 3910 for repair at Denon and got the unit back upgraded to -E. Others who bought units produced Sept/05 or newer posted that the units already came -E. What I can't understand is why Denon didn't make -E available on their site. I got -E from a fellow saying he received it from Denon. He was told that improvements should be related to HDMI and faster menus. I upgraded and did not see any difference, but that's me and I don´t use HDMI.

A friend brought his HTPC and his Denon DVD-3910 over last night so that we could do some A/B comparisons between the HTPC and the Denon on upconverting performance to 720p for my InFocus/Kodak ScreenPlay 333 DLP projector.

Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference between the two, which really makes me think that going to the extra expense and trouble of getting an SDI-modified DVD player and an SDI-modified scaler wouldn't be worthwhile for me, compared to just getting a DVD-3910.

Before I make the leap and buy a Denon 3910, I just want to make sure that there aren't any "gotchas" (i.e., things I need to look out for) when buying a new 3910. There are 188+ pages of info in this thread--is there anything that I need to look out for in particular? Thanks.

Scott Gammans - Search the thread for blacker than black and build dates. There was period of time where units built between certain dates did not pass BTB. When you buy a new one, make sure it has not been sitting on the self and has a bad build date.

Before I make the leap and buy a Denon 3910, I just want to make sure that there aren't any "gotchas" (i.e., things I need to look out for) when buying a new 3910. There are 188+ pages of info in this thread--is there anything that I need to look out for in particular? Thanks.
Buy from an authorized dealer; Denon's site has a list. Also consider buying "B" stock - again from an authorized dealer such as Dakmart (http://dakmart.com/website/Search.asp?keyword=3910) who includes a warranty that equals a new unit. Beware of vendors saying they are factory authorized. If they're not listed on denon's site, they are NOT.

This might sound like a stupid question, but does anyone know how you can skip all the C**p at the beggining of DVD's and jump straight to the title menu? I recently upgraded from a Sony S7700 to a Denon 3910 With my old Sony I could jump over all the adverts, anti pirating stuff and get straight to the important stuff.

TIM G MUNICH

With the 5900 you hit STOP, STOP, and MENU, and it bypasses all that crap. Not sure if it's the same for the 3910.

Scott Gammans - Search the thread for blacker than black and build dates. There was period of time where units built between certain dates did not pass BTB. When you buy a new one, make sure it has not been sitting on the self and has a bad build date.
Yeah, I had read about that. My friend's DVD-3910 didn't seem to be one of those units.

Here are the relevant posts I found, with the important information in red:

The clincher for me to upgrade the firmware was a number of posts
earlier in this thread that said if you had two circles not filled in under
the serial number of the box then it was not passing blacker than black
which was my situation.

I own a JVC 52in. 720p D-ILA and the CR and BL sucks so setting my set
to IRE=7.5 seems to get better results.

I can't wait for my new Samsung 1080p 6168 to display the images
of the DVD-3910!

you don't know about the BTB (Blacker Than Black, or PLUGE) issue in 3910s built between Aug-Oct of '04? :eek:

They dont pass this test, and thus, you have to send them to Denon for an internal firmware upgrade... :( There is a whole thread dedicated to this issue...
Since I plan on buying my DVD-3910 from an authorized online retailer and since the "bad" units were built over a year ago, I should be OK, don't you think?

STOP, STOP, PLAY works on many titles

btw, My 3910 is going in for service, Im guessing its the laser pickup assembly that wont allow it to read SACDs. Good thing I got a 9100ES sitting around ;)

Hello Folks,

Anybody knows if 3910 does Upscaller (720p, 1080i) via Video Component output or just via HDMI/DVI Output in all firmwares from -B to -E?

And.. I´d like to know by the Sanyo PVL-Z4 and Z3 owners if these units can share Macroblocks when used with 3910 by HDMI?

Hello Folks,

Anybody knows if 3910 does Upscaller (720p, 1080i) via Video Component output or just via HDMI/DVI Output in all firmwares from -B to -E?

And.. I´d like to know by the Sanyo PVL-Z4 and Z3 owners if these units can share Macroblocks when used with 3910 by HDMI?
The Denon (and all major brands) only upscale over HDMI/DVI.

It only happens with some discs, but is anyone else having trouble getting regular CD's to play. I can hear/feel the player spin up and attempt to read the disc, but after about 20 seconds the player stops and the display reads all zero's (just as it does when there is no disc inserted.) Just wondering if I should have the unit serviced or if this is either a known quirk or something that can be fixed with a firmware update.

Cheers,

- Tim

It only happens with some discs, but is anyone else having trouble getting regular CD's to play. I can hear/feel the player spin up and attempt to read the disc, but after about 20 seconds the player stops and the display reads all zero's (just as it does when there is no disc inserted.) Just wondering if I should have the unit serviced or if this is either a known quirk or something that can be fixed with a firmware update.

Cheers,

- Tim
My 5900 does this about every 5-6 discs. Turning the unit off and then back on usually resolves the problem. I think it's a laser alignment or drive issue, in any case, it's not something that can be fixed without sending the unit in. IIRC, it's a known issue with the 5900 that Denon will fix(been too lazy to send mine in) but I'm not sure about the 3910, although from the descriptions of behavior it sounds like the very same thing.

It only happens with some discs, but is anyone else having trouble getting regular CD's to play. I can hear/feel the player spin up and attempt to read the disc, but after about 20 seconds the player stops and the display reads all zero's (just as it does when there is no disc inserted.) Just wondering if I should have the unit serviced or if this is either a known quirk or something that can be fixed with a firmware update.

Cheers,

- Tim

Tim, last night I experienced the same problem for the first time with my new 3910. Disc Four of The Doors' Boxed Set ("Band Favorites") won't play. It plays fine in my backup Sony CD player/writer, and it's the only disc out of around 100 I've tried so far (I only have about 40 hours on my 2 week-old 3910) that has the problem. But I'll wait until the 3910 is properly burned-in before I determine if it needs to go back to Denon for laser alignment.

Lee

It only happens with some discs, but is anyone else having trouble getting regular CD's to play. I can hear/feel the player spin up and attempt to read the disc, but after about 20 seconds the player stops and the display reads all zero's (just as it does when there is no disc inserted.) Just wondering if I should have the unit serviced or if this is either a known quirk or something that can be fixed with a firmware update.

Cheers,

- Tim

No problems with any discs that I've played in mine.

\My 5900 does this about every 5-6 discs. Turning the unit off and then back on usually resolves the problem. I think it's a laser alignment or drive issue, in any case, it's not something that can be fixed without sending the unit in. IIRC, it's a known issue with the 5900 that Denon will fix(been too lazy to send mine in) but I'm not sure about the 3910, although from the descriptions of behavior it sounds like the very same thing.

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, turning my machine off doesn't help. Guess I'll just have to send it in. I was just hoping to avoid the two week repair time.

Anyword when a replacement for this player is coming out? Would like to see a price drop on the 3910. For those canadians out there that own one could you PM what price you paid. Thanks.

About the Hifisponge coment, here with 3 days of use, I´ve perceived that around 50CDs, one CD, the 3910 can´t play, or somente time retrying, or reseting i can play it, but is not so easy. Other thing that i´ve perceived is, when i get this CD open, and then i execute a DVD, and try to listening again that CD it can´t played. I think like the other user said, there´s a desalignament of the laser that depending the media that you are listening or watching.

Very sad, i don´t think if will continue with this player, and I am almost right that all Denons (including 2900,5900...) have this problem. :confused:

I also will wait someone help or sugesting what can I do.

About the Hifisponge coment, here with 3 days of use, I´ve perceived that around 50CDs, one CD, the 3910 can´t play, or somente time retrying, or reseting i can play it, but is not so easy. Other thing that i´ve perceived is, when i get this CD open, and then i execute a DVD, and try to listening again that CD it can´t played. I think like the other user said, there´s a desalignament of the laser that depending the media that you are listening or watching.

Very sad, i don´t think if will continue with this player, and I am almost right that all Denons (including 2900,5900...) have this problem. :confused:

I also will wait someone help or sugesting what can I do.


Is this new media or recorded media with any sort of labels on them?

Anybody know how to activate the Denon Link 3?

I've finally connected my 3910 to my 3806 and added the Denon Link cable.

Before this I was using an HDMI cable from my 3910 to my SXRD.

Now I have an HDMI cable running from the 3910 to the 3806 and then to the SXRD.
And I have added the Denon Link 3 cable between the units.

But I can't get the Denon Link screen to engage in the 3910 menu. I can adjust the HDMI settings but at this point the 3910 doesn't recognize the Denon Link.

I imagine its an easy fix but the Denon manuals are like reading Latin. :D

Is this new media or recorded media with any sort of labels on them?

for the test that i did (using only original and new CDs) occurs to ONE of 50s don´t play..

Anybody know how to activate the Denon Link 3?

I've finally connected my 3910 to my 3806 and added the Denon Link cable.

Before this I was using an HDMI cable from my 3910 to my SXRD.

Now I have an HDMI cable running from the 3910 to the 3806 and then to the SXRD.
And I have added the Denon Link 3 cable between the units.

But I can't get the Denon Link screen to engage in the 3910 menu. I can adjust the HDMI settings but at this point the 3910 doesn't recognize the Denon Link.

I imagine its an easy fix but the Denon manuals are like reading Latin. :D

i use 1394 but had a similar issue...you have to be completely "stopped" to access that menu...best bet is to remove any dvd/disc from the tray...

for the test that i did (using only original and new CDs) occurs to ONE of 50s don´t play..

Very odd.. :confused:
I would try re-flashing the unit with the current firmware and make sure you initialize your player after the flashing. If you're still having issues with media you definitely have a unit that's may be sick. Probably the drive and/or laser. I can tell you that I have about 1000 CD's and about 900 DVD's in my collection and I have had no problems at all with the exeption of labels on the media. I used to put labels on my media for indexing purposes. The labels either make the media to heavy or it throws it out of balance which causes the system to stop displaying video. I was forced to remove the labels and that was no easy task. :mad: That's why I asked if your media had labels.
Good luck,

SC

Ok...I started from scratch. Took out the DVD that was in the player and turned off then on the 3910.

Then I went to the setup menu and low and behold there is the Denon Link menu lit up inside of the Digital Interface Setup sub-menu.

I activated Denon Link 3. You have the option of DL2 or 3.

But now the HDMI sub-menu went dark. Guess you can't have HDMI and DL3 at the same time.

Because I want to use DL3, should I remove the HDMI cable from the 3910 and just use the DL3 as the interface between the units?

I'll leave the HDMI cable between the 3806 and the SXRD.

Ok...I started from scratch. Took out the DVD that was in the player and turned off then on the 3910.

Then I went to the setup menu and low and behold there is the Denon Link menu lit up inside of the Digital Interface Setup sub-menu.

I activated Denon Link 3. You have the option of DL2 or 3.

But now the HDMI sub-menu went dark. Guess you can't have HDMI and DL3 at the same time.

Because I want to use DL3, should I remove the HDMI cable from the 3910 and just use the DL3 as the interface between the units?

I'll leave the HDMI cable between the 3806 and the SXRD.

if you are using the 3806 to switch your video, then you still need the hdmi cable and since it seems that is what you are doing ("I'll leave the HDMI cable between the 3806 and the SXRD"), you should leave it; the hdmi will carry the video and the dl3 will cary the audio.

Ok...I started from scratch. Took out the DVD that was in the player and turned off then on the 3910.

Then I went to the setup menu and low and behold there is the Denon Link menu lit up inside of the Digital Interface Setup sub-menu.

I activated Denon Link 3. You have the option of DL2 or 3.

But now the HDMI sub-menu went dark. Guess you can't have HDMI and DL3 at the same time.

Because I want to use DL3, should I remove the HDMI cable from the 3910 and just use the DL3 as the interface between the units?

I'll leave the HDMI cable between the 3806 and the SXRD.

Hook the 3910 to your SXRD via HDMI and the 3910 to the 3806 via DL3.

Thanks for clearing that up. I've spent the day trying to get these two components to work properly together and this advise helps alot.

btw....I played a SACD through the DL3 in Surround and it worked great!

I have the AVR 5803 which I had upgraded through Denon with the Denon Link 3. I now am purchasing a new DLP 1080P and was considering either the 2910 or the 3910. With the 3910 I could use the Denon Link 3 for the AVR connection and the HDMI for the DLP (correct?) - but would I actually be sacrificing audio quality as the 3910 is newer? I would only play multichannel audio through my 5803.

Thoughts and opinions welcomed....

I have the AVR 5803 which I had upgraded through Denon with the Denon Link 3. I now am purchasing a new DLP 1080P and was considering either the 2910 or the 3910. With the 3910 I could use the Denon Link 3 for the AVR connection and the HDMI for the DLP (correct?) - but would I actually be sacrificing audio quality as the 3910 is newer? I would only play multichannel audio through my 5803.

Thoughts and opinions welcomed....

That's the way I would hook it up with the 3910. But, I will assume that you plan to keep these items for a long time. If that is the case try all configurations possible until you find the one that you like best. Nothing like staying up til 4 am Saturday morning switching cables and playing DVDs and CDs.

I have the AVR 5803 which I had upgraded through Denon with the Denon Link 3. I now am purchasing a new DLP 1080P and was considering either the 2910 or the 3910. With the 3910 I could use the Denon Link 3 for the AVR connection and the HDMI for the DLP (correct?) - but would I actually be sacrificing audio quality as the 3910 is newer? I would only play multichannel audio through my 5803.

Thoughts and opinions welcomed....


Yes you would be sacrificing audio quality if yo go with the 2910. The 3910 does a much better job with audio. Bottom line, if audio is important to you go with the 3910.

SC

A question about Macroblocking. I have a Hitachi 51S715 RPCRT...will I or won't I be affected by the Macroblocking problem. As I understand it, the CRT sets don't really have a problem with MB.

For all of you out there who care to comment,

Is the Denon DVD-3910 still the unit you would purchase for the money?


Thanks also to those that replied to my earlier post.

For all of you out there who care to comment,

Is the Denon DVD-3910 still the unit you would purchase for the money?


Thanks also to those that replied to my earlier post.
It still is for me.

For all of you out there who care to comment,

Is the Denon DVD-3910 still the unit you would purchase for the money?


Thanks also to those that replied to my earlier post.


No doubt whatsoever. :D

In retrospect I might have held out, saved my pennies and gotten the 5910ci, but realistically, for the money I am absolutely enthralled by my 3910. it met my needs all around, audio/video, sacd, dvd-audio and ieee1394.

[QUOTE=eugenee326]For all of you out there who care to comment,

Is the Denon DVD-3910 still the unit you would purchase for the money?QUOTE]

Absolutely - this machine does it all. Great sound on all current disc types.

I'm using firewire for sound through the receiver and hdmi to my display.

I have had none of the CD/SACD/DVD/DVD-A problems like those listed in the forum.

I am very happy with mine .... great video, great audio.....

Don

I am very happy with mine .... great video, great audio.....
Don

Same here - wouldn't have paid any more for a DVD player, but I do feel that I got my money's worth with this one. No issues since purchase - June 1994 build, with updated DL3 firmware.

I'm still getting used to my (August 2005 build) Denon 3910 that I bought this past December.

So far it is darn good with video (Lemony Snickett looked fabulous on DVD) and the audio (The Legend Of Johnny Cash CD sounded great as did Depeche Mode's SACD of "Playing The Angel").

Thanks Folks by the helps.

I will in this saturday test de 2 CDs that i have problem to recognize in My 3910 unit, in another same unit of a friend. If in the unit of my friend these don´t fail, i will ask to dealer to make the exchange by a new unit.

Thanks Folks by the helps.

I will in this saturday test de 2 CDs that i have problem to recognize in My 3910 unit, in another same unit of a friend. If in the unit of my friend these don´t fail, i will ask to dealer to make the exchange by a new unit.
Buena suerte!

Mine should be on the way...I ordered it today.

Folks,

I am very happy. Yesterday I could test the 2 CDs (around 100 that i have) that wasn´t playing in my 3910 in a 3910 friend unit. And occurs the same problem :p

So for the people that is having probs to load some CDs, don´t send it to a service, cause it is a COMMON way of this player.

In this case i am wondering to buy a dedicated CD Player to don´t have this problems..

Folks,

I am very happy. Yesterday I could test the 2 CDs (around 100 that i have) that wasn´t playing in my 3910 in a 3910 friend unit. And occurs the same problem :p

So for the people that is having probs to load some CDs, don´t send it to a service, cause it is a COMMON way of this player.

In this case i am wondering to buy a dedicated CD Player to don´t have this problems..

What 2 CDs are you having problems with?

What 2 CDs are you having problems with?

1. FIGHT - War Of Words
2. CD3 Of Judas Priest Metalogy Box Set.

Note that the Fight CD is more difficult to play (in the 70-80% of the cases don´t play). The CD3 Of metalogy box set, isn´t so dificult to play (in the 20% of the cases don´t play)

Hi there guys (and gals if that applies...)

I had previously asked about Macroblocking and how bad I can expect that to be on my Hitachi 51S715 CRT-RPTV and didn't get much in the way of a reply.

I ordered the 3910 on Friday and I'd like to know from those of you who have this DVD Player and a CRT-RPTV if you have seen Macroblocking and if so, how bad is it on this type of display?

Also, if one of you would be so kind...what exactly do I need to look for to determine if my unit is one of the ones with the BTB issue? I remember reading it somewhere in this thread but I don't recall where. I'm on a dail-up connection here and it takes FOREVER to research a thread of this size for that type of info.

Here's to joining the club...Hope I have all the "good" luck most of you have had!

Paul, I have not read any complaints about MB with CRTs, but the only way to know with your specific display is to try it out (make sure to buy from a store with a good return policy, just in case). Also, the only way to know whether your player passes BTB is to try out a BTB test pattern, available on the DVE calibration DVD and also on the THX calibration tests available on many DVDs.

Also, if one of you would be so kind...what exactly do I need to look for to determine if my unit is one of the ones with the BTB issue? I remember reading it somewhere in this thread but I don't recall where. I'm on a dail-up connection here and it takes FOREVER to research a thread of this size for that type of info.

Here's to joining the club...Hope I have all the "good" luck most of you have had!

Congrats on the purchase.

Just check the build date. As long as it's 2005 or newer you should not have any BTB issues.

As long as it's 2005 or newer you should not have any BTB issues.

What is BTB????

Mine was manufactured on AGO/2005 and it came originally with firmware 6609-C. Should i Have this BTB problem? And MB?

Pedro,

BTB is "Blacker than Black". As I remember there were *some* units in the 3910 line that did NOT pass the Blacker than Black signal but there was something about build dates and if I remember correctly, a certain number of circles on the back of the unit that indicated whether or not the unit did or did not pass Blacker than Black. I just don't remember the exact dates and/or the proper "circle patern" that indicated this. As John mentioned above, evidently as long as the build date is 2005 or newer, you and I should both be OK.

Bill,

Thanks for the info...I thought that I had read that CRTs didn't seem to be affected by MB but I couldn't find anything that would *confirm* this. I know that my final choices came down to the Denon 3910 or the Pioneer 79AVi and since the Pioneer had CUE problems which I know I couldn't stand, I ultimately decided on the 3910 and with fingers firmly crossed, hoped that I would get a unit that passed BTB and wouldn't be bothered by MB problems.

I'll let you know when I get it, get it set up and get to play with it for a bit.

Paul, as long as you don't get MB (very display dependent), I would absolutely recommend the 3910 over the 79ai. Not only do all the Pioneers have CUE problems, but the 79ai also has deinterlacing flaws (check out the Secret's review).

The BTB problem players were manufactured in the late summer/fall of 2004.

Just got my 3910 today. It has 2 solid black dots next to the serial number on the outside of the box. The build date is Jan/06. Can't wait too run it through its paces on Wednesday.

Just got my 3910 today. It has 2 solid black dots next to the serial number on the outside of the box. The build date is Jan/06. Can't wait too run it through its paces on Wednesday.

Congratulations Kevin, welcome aboard...
You should have no issues with that build date. Make sure you set some time aside for calibrating this unit and your display prior to doing any critical viewing. It will be time well spent.

Sam

I've owned my 3910 for a while now, but something has always left me wondering. I have the 3910 connected to my AVR via the six channel analog outputs to listen to DVDA and SACD. With that connection, even with the sub level set to +10dB in the player, the bass still sounds weak. I've adjust the subwoofer channel output level another +8dB in the AVR to compensate, but it just seems strange that I should have to do this.

The reason I ask is because I'm thinking about buying a new prepro that doesn't allow for separate channel level adjustments for each source and I'm worried that I won't be able to configure the system to compensate for the weak bass output on DVDA.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Cheer,

- Tim

I've owned my 3910 for a while now, but something has always left me wondering. I have the 3910 connected to my AVR via the six channel analog outputs to listen to DVDA and SACD. With that connection, even with the sub level set to +10dB in the player, the bass still sounds weak. I've adjust the subwoofer channel output level another +8dB in the AVR to compensate, but it just seems strange that I should have to do this.

The reason I ask is because I'm thinking about buying a new prepro that doesn't allow for separate channel level adjustments for each source and I'm worried that I won't be able to configure the system to compensate for the weak bass output on DVDA.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Cheer,

- Tim

what's your speaker set up and wiring...may not be an issue lying entirely with the 3910 ...

I just received my 3910. I will be connecting to a Sony 51 inch widescreen with component hook up...no DVI or HDMI as the set was bought before those were available. I have a Denon 3806 receiver which I plan to hook up via Denon link. My questions are: Anything I should know before hookup. The DVD was manufactured September 2005. Was the pluge corrected? Also, is Denon link 3 enabled. The serial number is above 10000. I have not connected as equipment was shipped via UPS and is still rather "cold" as it was sitting outside my door in an Ohio chilly winters day. Waiting for it to come to room temp. Should I still connect the six analog inputs via RCA cables or will the Denon link do the job for both DVD-A and SACD?

The audio DACs are better in the 3910 than the 3806, so I would recommend the 6 analog outs for SACD/DVD-A.

DenonLink will do the job for all the audio but you will probably have to update the firmware. You can just go to the Denon website, register the 3910 and click on "check for updates." You will need a CD burner for the uipdate, if it is necessary. For the time being, btw, you can use the iLink (IEEE1394).

Kal

DenonLink will do the job for all the audio but you will probably have to update the firmware. You can just go to the Denon website, register the 3910 and click on "check for updates." You will need a CD burner for the uipdate, if it is necessary. For the time being, btw, you can use the iLink (IEEE1394).

Kal

Kal,
I gotta agree with BillP, though. No reason to go DenonLink or ilink and have to listen to the 3806's innerds when the 3910's are much smoother and yet more detailed. On the 4806 I think the 3910 is a dead-heat (which means go in favor of one cable vs 6) but the 4806 is much more of a musical receiver than the 3806...hell, should be, it's three times the price.

what's your speaker set up and wiring...may not be an issue lying entirely with the 3910 ...

Speakers are Paradigm Signature S4, C3, and ADP surrounds set to 80Hz x-over to Velodyne DD15.

I really doubt this is a speaker set-up or wiring problem since this it has to do with relative speaker levels. That is, bass sounds full and powerful when listening to DD soundtracks (digital connection) but weak with DVDA (unless I boost the output on the receiver). The speaker set-up and wiring are the same for both. For instance, I have a DVDA disc that contains a both a DVD video version and DVDA version of one of the songs. To get the two tracks to match in bass weight and power, I need to up the sub input on the 6 channel input. Even without this comparison, the bass sounds subjectively weaker than it should with DVDA playback.

BenDover - Are you using the six channel analog outputs for DVDA? If so, what are your settings?

My comments were not about preference but potential. I defer to you as I have no experience with the 3806 (except for buying one as a present for the retirement of a friend).

Kal

Thank you Kal, BillP and Ted P. Seems the Denon link3 is an option for my 3910. Denon website wouldn't give me an option to download and link 3 is an option in the setup menu. I can't seem to get it to work though. Put in a SACD and the player recognizes the disc as such but no audio. Cables are secure from dvd to 3806. I will spend some time on the train tomorrow on my way to work with the "manual." I am impressed with the video of the machine.

I've owned my 3910 for a while now, but something has always left me wondering. I have the 3910 connected to my AVR via the six channel analog outputs to listen to DVDA and SACD. With that connection, even with the sub level set to +10dB in the player, the bass still sounds weak. I've adjust the subwoofer channel output level another +8dB in the AVR to compensate, but it just seems strange that I should have to do this.

The reason I ask is because I'm thinking about buying a new prepro that doesn't allow for separate channel level adjustments for each source and I'm worried that I won't be able to configure the system to compensate for the weak bass output on DVDA.
Does the sub output change as you adjust the sub level control on your AVR? The reason I ask is that DVD-A/SACD analog outputs are usually connected to a receiver's analog BYPASS inputs where ONLY the main volume control is in the circuit. Have you run completely through the 3910's speaker setup including speaker distance and level calibration?

My year old dvd3910 has just started to noticably vibrate whenever the disk is spinning at high speed. I noticed the vibration because it has started to rattle the disk tray. Is this model susceptible to motor wear? Even my old disks that never cause vibration before are causing it now. Cleaning the spindle had no effect. I would have expected a player in this price range to last longer. The same disks don't vibrate in my Toshiba SD-V593. Should I take this unit in for repair?

Does the sub output change as you adjust the sub level control on your AVR? The reason I ask is that DVD-A/SACD analog outputs are usually connected to a receiver's analog BYPASS inputs where ONLY the main volume control is in the circuit. Have you run completely through the 3910's speaker setup including speaker distance and level calibration?

Hello pepar -

Yes, surprisingly the 6 chnl inputs on my AVR (Denon 5800) are not the typical "straight thru" type. I can adust channel levels and even the tone controls on the 6 chnl inputs.

To answer your second question, yes I have completely gone through the 3910 set-up, including the speaker level, cross-overs, and distances.

Are you using the analog connection for DVDA? If so, what are your settings?

Cheers,

- Tim

Hello pepar -

Yes, surprisingly the 6 chnl inputs on my AVR (Denon 5800) are not the typical "straight thru" type. I can adust channel levels and even the tone controls on the 6 chnl inputs.

To answer your second question, yes I have completely gone through the 3910 set-up, including the speaker level, cross-overs, and distances.

Are you using the analog connection for DVDA? If so, what are your settings?
No, I haven't connected the analog outs on either my 2910 or 3910.

How about your 3910's bass management settings - x-over, small/large, etc?

I've owned my 3910 for a while now, but something has always left me wondering. I have the 3910 connected to my AVR via the six channel analog outputs to listen to DVDA and SACD. With that connection, even with the sub level set to +10dB in the player, the bass still sounds weak. I've adjust the subwoofer channel output level another +8dB in the AVR to compensate, but it just seems strange that I should have to do this.

The reason I ask is because I'm thinking about buying a new prepro that doesn't allow for separate channel level adjustments for each source and I'm worried that I won't be able to configure the system to compensate for the weak bass output on DVDA.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Cheer,

- Tim

I have the exact opposite problem.... too much bass from DVDA and SACD.... I have to decrease (by about 3 - 6 db) the sub channel to get it to match a cd.... even then I still seem to have a little too much bass....

Do you have the latest version of the software.... lack of bass for DVDA SACD was an issue that was addressed by one of the updates.....

Don

"lack of bass for DVDA SACD was an issue that was addressed by one of the updates..... "

This is interesting. No I haven't updated my unit for a while. This is a good lead. Thanks very much Don!

Hi all,

I have a 3910 and a Panasonic AE900. Was curious what settings anyone else is using on the player. I had the Enhanced Black on for a while but it really seemed to crush the blacks a bit too much. I set it back to normal and lowered the Brightness on the playes to -2 and that seemed to give me some solid blacks without losing everything in the shadows. Anybody have any settings they're using with the Panny they'd like to share?

Thanks!!

Elio

Hi all,

I have a 3910 and a Panasonic AE900. Was curious what settings anyone else is using on the player. I had the Enhanced Black on for a while but it really seemed to crush the blacks a bit too much. I set it back to normal and lowered the Brightness on the playes to -2 and that seemed to give me some solid blacks without losing everything in the shadows. Anybody have any settings they're using with the Panny they'd like to share?

Thanks!!

Elio
You'll might get more action on this question on the Panny 900 thread . . .

I can not get M Jackson's "Thriller" to pay in SACD. What should be my settings? I have a Denon Link 3 connected to a Denon 3806 via the 3910 output. What am I doing wrong?

Just got my 3910 today. It has 2 solid black dots next to the serial number on the outside of the box. The build date is Jan/06. Can't wait too run it through its paces on Wednesday.

Are you able to check your units firmware and post results?

I have updated the firmware on my 3910 to the latest version. Does this update mean I will not have problems with BTB on my unit? I have a Fujitsu plasma that I have had ISF calibrated and looks great with all of my sources EXCEPT the 3910. The shadows have a lot of "pixellation" or maybe something else. I just don't know how to describe the problem. I'm not sure what macroblocking is, but my darker movies shots don't look right. It's pixelation in the very dark scenes. I've done the THX cal with the 3910 and I continue to have this problem of "pixellation" on the dark shots. Any advice?

Thanks ,

Diverace

I have updated the firmware on my 3910 to the latest version. Does this update mean I will not have problems with BTB on my unit? I have a Fujitsu plasma that I have had ISF calibrated and looks great with all of my sources EXCEPT the 3910. The shadows have a lot of "pixellation" or maybe something else. I just don't know how to describe the problem. I'm not sure what macroblocking is, but my darker movies shots don't look right. It's pixelation in the very dark scenes. I've done the THX cal with the 3910 and I continue to have this problem of "pixellation" on the dark shots.
Did your 3910 not pass blacker-than-black (BTB) *before* the update? If not, then it won't after either; fixing the BTB problem requires sending it for service. You can use test discs to determine your BTB "status."

Displays need to be calibrated too a source - each source. Sounds like your display was not calibrated to your 3910. Or is it the "pixelization" that's bothering you. The pixelization you describe sounds like macroblocking (MB). If I understand the issue correctly, your only option for eliminating MB is a different, non-Faroudja-chipped DVD player.

I can not get M Jackson's "Thriller" to pay in SACD. What should be my settings? I have a Denon Link 3 connected to a Denon 3806 via the 3910 output. What am I doing wrong?
You have to send your 3910 to Dubai to have it "M Jackson"-enabled.
Or was it Saudi Arabia?
:)

You have to send your 3910 to Dubai to have it "M Jackson"-enabled.
Or was it Saudi Arabia?
:)

That's funny stuff right there, I don't care who you are! :D

Thanks, but why would you care who I am?

You have to send your 3910 to Dubai to have it "M Jackson"-enabled.
Or was it Saudi Arabia?
:)
It won 't play Jermaine if you do that.

Thanks, but why would you care who I am?

I guess you're not a big fan of Larry the Cable Guy!

Anyway, stay on topic... :p

I guess you're not a big fan of Larry the Cable Guy!
Sorry, nope.
Anyway, stay on topic... :p
Oh, um... Larry the Cable Guy has never played on my 3910!
But Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is about to!
:D

Are you able to check your units firmware and post results?


Here's what I got:

ESO 6609-D
Make Day 719D
DRV 030825
System 6767-5
DSP 6770
C20041028

Here's what I got:

ESO 6609-D
Make Day 719D
DRV 030825
System 6767-5
DSP 6770
C20041028

hmmmm very interesting mine is manufactured on AGO/2005 and have the 6609-C yet :cool:

Has anyone compared the 3910 against the Marantz DV 9600? Marantz seems to have better reputation for audio quality, but not sure about video. Both Marantz and Denon are owned by the same company, so they may be more similar than different. Trying to decide between the two...

Based on posts (I have not compared them myself), the Denon is better for PQ and the Marantz for audio. That being said, we're not talking major differences.

Hey Bill,

Am I going to run into any "proprietary" connection issues with the 3910's IEEE audio connection? I ended up going with a Pioneer receiver and plan on using it's IEEE connection with the 3910 for the multi-channel stuff and I presumed that there wouldn't be a problem but now I'm starting to second guess myself.

Based on posts (I have not compared them myself), the Denon is better for PQ and the Marantz for audio. That being said, we're not talking major differences.

What posts were those? I gave my impressions, and CKL reviewed the 9600 and provided a link to avbuzz.com. Neither of us said the 3910 was better for PQ. I've been scrounging around for any other impressions...lemme know what you found.

I had both machines inhouse for 30 days and the PQ is absolutely no comparison whatsoever on my Runco 930 CRt, coming in HDMi-VGA. The ABT scaling capability (DVDO), able to go 10 bit if the display is capable, in the DV9600 combined with the fine Pioneer-based deinterlacer makes this machine second only to the 5910 in PQ, IMHO (and CKL agrees). It's also one of those nice 480i-over-HDMI machines that would make it a nice transport for a scaler (but then again its own scaler is very very good). As afar as sound quality, the 9600's analog section is first-rate and beats the 3910 heartily. However, the Denon has more flexibility (DenonLink3) and the 3910 build quality is slightly better, IMO. I liked the 3910's ease of use.

The legitimate dealer street price of the 9600 is some 60% higher than the same for the 3910 however, so all this ain't free. I bought the 9600.....so take all what I said as buyer justification if you want. The 3910 PQ was very good, as good as I'd ever seen under $3k...until I saw the 9600.

Hey Bill,

Am I going to run into any "proprietary" connection issues with the 3910's IEEE audio connection? I ended up going with a Pioneer receiver and plan on using it's IEEE connection with the 3910 for the multi-channel stuff and I presumed that there wouldn't be a problem but now I'm starting to second guess myself.


I was wondering the same thing.
Will the 3910's iLink transfer the DSD signal of SACD as well as the DVD-A signal for the Pioneer receiver to decode?
I assume it will send the DTS, DD and PCM signals in digital form.

shane

yup ;)

"Am I going to run into any "proprietary" connection issues with the 3910's IEEE audio connection? I ended up going with a Pioneer receiver and plan on using it's IEEE connection with the 3910 for the multi-channel stuff."

No.
I have a 3910 set up with a 59TXi. Ran iLink (IEEE/Firewire) from the Denon to the Pioneer without any special menu setup with NO problem.

As a matter of fact - the quality of the audio was markedly better than standard digital, through either coaxial or optical cables (high-quality cables used). In virtually every way the quality is better than any other digital reproduction I've heard since 1982, including multi-thousand dollar systems. There are some serious technical reasons why iLink should be better and they turn out to be valid and audible.

Hey Bill,

Am I going to run into any "proprietary" connection issues with the 3910's IEEE audio connection? I ended up going with a Pioneer receiver and plan on using it's IEEE connection with the 3910 for the multi-channel stuff and I presumed that there wouldn't be a problem but now I'm starting to second guess myself.
That's the beauty if Firewire/IEEE1394/iLink, it's NOT proprietary!

I can not get M Jackson's "Thriller" to pay in SACD. What should be my settings? I have a Denon Link 3 connected to a Denon 3806 via the 3910 output. What am I doing wrong?

I guess I need to set the Denon 3806 to accept the new firmware upgrade with Denon link 3 enabled.

It works!

Regardless whether you like Michael Jackson, that album rocks. Listening to the Beatles "Rubber Soul" now.

I purchased a 3910. Saw that there was a remote hack. Have not been able to get this one to work. Any sugestions? This player has the latest Denon link 3. Is this the problem?

Thanks guys for the confirmation. One of the reasons I wanted IEEE-1394 was that it seemed to be a completely Non-Proprietary connection but when you spend these $$ on equipment, your mind sometimes tends to make you wonder...you know?

Now...I presume that the 1394 cable I need is 4pin to 4pin...is that correct? I presume this because I don't have a 4pin to 4pin already and that ends up being the case. I'll have every possible option for connection but the one I need:)

Now...I presume that the 1394 cable I need is 4pin to 4pin...is that correct? I presume this because I don't have a 4pin to 4pin already and that ends up being the case. I'll have every possible option for connection but the one I need:)
Right again, Paul, it *is* the 4-pin variety. :)

Paul,

My 3910 (and I presume everyone else's) came with the necessary 1394 cable. I've been very pleased with the combination of 1394 audio and HDMI video from the 3910 - nice not to have to switch between digital and 6-channel inputs and nice to just put in the disc (CD, DVD Audio, DVD Video, SACD) without having to change inputs.

Cheers,

Mike

My 3910 didn't come with firewire, it came with a DenonLink cable (cat 5)

Ted,

When did you buy your player? I bought mine the beginning of February - it came both with a Cat 5 cable for DenonLink and a 1394 cable (items 5 and 6 on the included accessories list on page 6 of the manual). I use the 1394 to hook the 3910 to the AVR-5805.

Cheers,

Mike

Mine was about same time...Crutchfield. No longer have it, but it only had Denonlink.. I bought an s400 firewire cable anyway.

The 3910 manual shows a IEEE1394 cable included. Mine had one with it.

I bought my 3910 from Crutchfield two weeks ago. It came with firewire and Denon Link.

Guess you're right. Looking at my old Crutchfield order, the ilink cable was included. I must have left it in the packaging......was using DenonLink3 only anyway. Then when I got the Marantz DV9600 (ilink only) I realized I didn't own a proper s400 firewire cable (Denon was packed up to go back by then) so I bought one. Sorry for the confusion....Senior moment. :confused:

I realized this has probably asked a million times but after hours of searching this thread I can't find the exact answer I'm looking for. I am using my 3910 with a 4306 receiver and a hitachi plasma. My question is: if i run HDMI from the 3910 to the 4306 and then HDMI from the 4306 to the plasma should I also use the denon link cable form my sound or just use the HDMI for sound and video? If I hook up both will the 3910 automatically "sense" the disc and send the audio out through the appropriate path? ie HDMI for DVD and denon link for DVD-A/SACD? Thanks in advance for helping me understand this.

Has anybody figured out a work-around (if there might be one) to address the DualDisc issue? Talking Heads just released most of their catalog and I picked up Remain In Light, but the 3910 won't even recognize the non-DVD side of the disc. The DVD side plays fine, but no luck with the other.

Any thoughts?

J.

Has anybody figured out a work-around (if there might be one) to address the DualDisc issue? Talking Heads just released most of their catalog and I picked up Remain In Light, but the 3910 won't even recognize the non-DVD side of the disc. The DVD side plays fine, but no luck with the other.
Are you successfully playing other SACD's?

Deter,

I don't believe HDMI will pass SACD or DVD-A. So, if you want to be able to play either of these formats, you either need to use Denon Link or the six analog outs. Whichever audio path you choose, you can just make that the 'default' input into your receiver for all audio from the 3910--DVDs, CDs, SACDs and DVD-As.

Are you successfully playing other SACD's?
Absolutely...no problems playing any other format that I've tried, but this is the second DualDisc (John Mayer's "Room For Squares" is the other) that won't play properly. The John Mayer disc sounds like a mix between skipping and FF, but again, the DVD side of that disc plays fine. I know that Denon's site says that they're not interested in supporting DualDisc because it doesn't meet Redbook standards, but it sucks having a >$1K player that can't play these, and even worse, it's obvious that artists/record companies are far more interested in releasing material on DualDisc (at least for now) than they are in supporting either DVD-A or SACD. What a disappointment for the hi-rez formats...:(

J.

Absolutely...no problems playing any other format that I've tried, but this is the second DualDisc (John Mayer's "Room For Squares" is the other) that won't play properly. The John Mayer disc sounds like a mix between skipping and FF, but again, the DVD side of that disc plays fine. I know that Denon's site says that they're not interested in supporting DualDisc because it doesn't meet Redbook standards, but it sucks having a >$1K player that can't play these, and even worse, it's obvious that artists/record companies are far more interested in releasing material on DualDisc (at least for now) than they are in supporting either DVD-A or SACD. What a disappointment for the hi-rez formats...:(

J.
Admittedly, I have no SACD's at all, but my understanding of DualDisc is that one side IS a DVD and the other IS a SACD. Is that not the case?

No SACD. Dualdisc is one side 16/44.1 (cd quality, I don't say redbook cuz it ain't) and other side DVD-something. Sony and its affiliates don't support DVD-Audio hirez so the DVD side is usually Dolby Digital something or other (5.1 or even 2.0). The Talking Heads Dualdiscs ARE DVD-Audio on one side, thankfully, but don't play on some universal machines. Moreover, the "cd" side is problematic for the 3910 and other machines due to its thickness and non-standard authoring. It's not redbook. It's well discussed on many forums that the 3910 doesn't play the cd side of DD's.

Dualdisc is a farce. We've discussed and dissed this on the surround forums for some time. What a mess. BTW, The non-US versions of the Talking Heads discs have been released separately and are NOT Dualdisc, they are DVD+cd two disc sets......

Deter,

I don't believe HDMI will pass SACD or DVD-A. So, if you want to be able to play either of these formats, you either need to use Denon Link or the six analog outs. Whichever audio path you choose, you can just make that the 'default' input into your receiver for all audio from the 3910--DVDs, CDs, SACDs and DVD-As.

HDMI 1.1 passes DVD-Audio.

Well, there ya go Jason. No Redbook, no dice. :)

Has anybody figured out a work-around (if there might be one) to address the DualDisc issue? Talking Heads just released most of their catalog and I picked up Remain In Light, but the 3910 won't even recognize the non-DVD side of the disc. The DVD side plays fine, but no luck with the other.

Any thoughts?

J.

I have to admit that I have not tried the CD side of these dual-discs in the 3910 but why would one want to? The hi-rez mch DVD-A side is excellent. Or are you just curious?

Kal

I have to admit that I have not tried the CD side of these dual-discs in the 3910 but why would one want to? The hi-rez mch DVD-A side is excellent. Or are you just curious?

Kal
We've run out of things to complain about and this opens a new avenue. :)

We've run out of things to complain about and this opens a new avenue. :)

I could understand the complaint if the CD side wouldn't play in a regular CD player but not when the player can take advantage of the DVD side. OTOH, I've never tried any of the Dual-Discs in my car CD changer. All I need is to have the dealer shop charge me $$$ for a stuck disc or a replacement changer.

Kal

I have about 4-5 DualDiscs and they have never failed to play in my 5900 or my Pioneer car stereo. As Kal notes though, I don't recall ever playing the 16/44 side in the 5900, what for..?

I realized this has probably asked a million times but after hours of searching this thread I can't find the exact answer I'm looking for. I am using my 3910 with a 4306 receiver and a hitachi plasma. My question is: if i run HDMI from the 3910 to the 4306 and then HDMI from the 4306 to the plasma should I also use the denon link cable form my sound or just use the HDMI for sound and video? If I hook up both will the 3910 automatically "sense" the disc and send the audio out through the appropriate path? ie HDMI for DVD and denon link for DVD-A/SACD? Thanks in advance for helping me understand this.

Why not run the 3910 straight to the plasma via HDMI and connect the 3910 to the 4306 via DL3?

speaking of 3910's and Plasma's, does anyone wanna see what the 3910 paired with a Pioneer Elite PRO-1130 looks like??? :D



http://server5.ihostphotos.com/img/dWb1766412Sd11ffTaa8S33aZ3456b07.jpg
http://server5.ihostphotos.com/img/Wa487c9f64S4e2T3098Sdf4460fBdb0b.jpg
http://server5.ihostphotos.com/img/Wa487c9f6S54e273T982df4T60A0db0b.jpg
http://server5.ihostphotos.com/img/c3W6e7b0Sdad7a59T1bT207f3F801c6a.jpg
http://server5.ihostphotos.com/img/cW36e7b03dSd7a5Tf1b2T07f3dW01c6a.jpg
http://server5.ihostphotos.com/img/c336eWbS3dad7T59f1b220TfCd801c6a.jpg
http://server5.ihostphotos.com/img/0W0338bbcfdS74b6Tc9fb89T4fS196e7.jpg
http://server5.ihostphotos.com/img/0c03W8SbcfdcT4b6cc9Tb8994Tc196e7.jpg

BTW, The non-US versions of the Talking Heads discs have been released separately and are NOT Dualdisc, they are DVD+cd two disc sets......
Good to know...I'll have to track those down. [edit]: Any idea where one might find those? Just a preliminary search turned up nada...?

The reason I was curious was because sometimes it's easier (insert "wife" here) to just toss in the "CD" side and listen to it like any other normal disc instead of having to turn on the TV to navigate the DVD menus.

J.

BTW, Shervin...nice setup and nice pics! Congrats! :)

J.

speaking of 3910's and Plasma's, does anyone wanna see what the 3910 paired with a Pioneer Elite PRO-1130 looks like??? :D

I take it you gave up on the Sony?

I take it you gave up on the Sony?


indeed!!! huge diff in PQ...... 1080p who?? :p

it was just no comparison...... :)

indeed!!! huge diff in PQ...... 1080p who?? :p




lol

The reason I was curious was because sometimes it's easier (insert "wife" here) to just toss in the "CD" side and listen to it like any other normal disc instead of having to turn on the TV to navigate the DVD menus.

Every DVD-A I've tried will play the 5.1 track automatically if instead of hitting open/close with the tray open, you just hit play instead. Of course that won't help you if you wanted the stereo track, but I think I've only actually used the DVD-A video menus once & that was because I was curious. Hitting play will work on the Talking Heads dualies FWIW, although I'll admit I'm tempted to find the imports to avoid Dual-Disc entirely as well...

Anyway try hitting play w/the tray open & that may just avoid any temptations of playing the pseudo-red book side...

Edit: Mea culpa - came home & played one of the Talking Head dualies and realized it was an odd exception case. Hitting play with the tray open plays the 2 channel loop. Although if I hit Stop & then Play, the 5.1 mix comes up and plays fine. My apologies for the erroneous original data - still likely better than the pseudo-CD, but mildly complex to get there, although easy enough to avoid the video menu if you want...

Just FYI for those looking to buy this player...

pretty decent sale on Costco.com with lifetime warranty:Here! :D (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11098980&whse=&topnav=&browse=&s=1)

Just FYI for those looking to buy this player...

pretty decent sale on Costco.com with lifetime warranty:Here! :D (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11098980&whse=&topnav=&browse=&s=1)


Mine only cost me $1038 new in box :D :D