My dealer said it would take another 30 days to get a current build machine. That was a let down, because I want the player now. Also I would have to order Black
since apparently the silver didn't sell well. I plan on buying this mainly for Audio
but with an eye on the future ( I don't own HiDef tv yet). So my issue is order the 3910 now and wait 30 days or wait even longer for the 3930. I will be replacing my Pioneer Elite 45A and am hopeing for a significant upgrade in sound quaity.

If I were you I would wait for the 3930. The audio quality of the 3930 should be better than the 3910.

Why not find another dealer that can get you a 3910 with the correct build date and have the player you want now ? There are plenty of dealers out there selling the 3910.

If I were you I would wait for the 3930. The audio quality of the 3930 should be better than the 3910.
I'm curious, any word on what DACs the 3930 will have yet?

I'm curious, any word on what DACs the 3930 will have yet?

No word yet. According to s2silber:

Here's what I was told by Denon about the 3930:

"...it will be a DVD-5910 for less money. Silicon Optix for video processing and scaling (up to 1080p), audio is upgraded. Same price as the 3910 as well. One other point of contention for buying a 3930 is that no one knows how good the scaling for SD material will be in these new HD players, so you may be downgrading your collection of movies..."

No word yet. According to s2silber:

Here's what I was told by Denon about the 3930:

"...it will be a DVD-5910 for less money. Silicon Optix for video processing and scaling (up to 1080p), audio is upgraded. Same price as the 3910 as well. One other point of contention for buying a 3930 is that no one knows how good the scaling for SD material will be in these new HD players, so you may be downgrading your collection of movies..."
FYI, those of running "AVS White" as a skin can't read light-colored text. At least not without highlighting it.

Does anybody know if the 3910 is prone to MB on a PE8720 or a sharp vx-z12000 Mark II?

I ran the THX optimizer but I didn't see any blacker than black test. There were a few different tests for adjusting the picture quality but nothing to be passed really. I'm not sure what this blacker than black is.
Otherwise even with the cable my Pioneer 4360 doesn't have great blacks, I can hardly see any detail.
Any advice?

I have tried searching this string for PAL/NTSC playing tips but did not find any that helped answer my question. If this topic has been covered, kindly refer me to the string and I can do more research on my own.
My question is....
Can my US bought DVD-3910 connected to a US bought Sony KD34XBR960 tv play PAL DVD's ? If yes, can you help with the settings necessary to accomplish this ?
Thank you for your time and sorry if this has already been covered here someplace.

If my player currently cannot perfrom this task, can it be made to ?

My dealer said it would take another 30 days to get a current build machine. That was a let down, because I want the player now. Also I would have to order Black
since apparently the silver didn't sell well. I plan on buying this mainly for Audio
but with an eye on the future ( I don't own HiDef tv yet). So my issue is order the 3910 now and wait 30 days or wait even longer for the 3930. I will be replacing my Pioneer Elite 45A and am hopeing for a significant upgrade in sound quaity.

I ordered the 3910S (silver) from magnolia, and it took about 3-4 weeks. I know about the waiting game too. I'm glad I waited though; the silver model matches my silver 3805S very nicely.
They special ordered the 3910 from Denon, so I thought it would be build date of 2006, but it was built in May of '05? I still had to do the 3 cd firmware update for SACD via Denon Link, but it was pretty easy. I still can't get over how much better the picture AND sound is just with movies, let alone cd's etc. As soon as I played Episode 5 and heard the opening music I was astounded. So much better than my pioneer DV-434.

I ran the THX optimizer but I didn't see any blacker than black test. There were a few different tests for adjusting the picture quality but nothing to be passed really. I'm not sure what this blacker than black is.
Otherwise even with the cable my Pioneer 4360 doesn't have great blacks, I can hardly see any detail.
Any advice?

On the screen with the giant "THX" and boxes of white turning to black, When you turn up the brightness on your display, can you see a shadow behind the letters "THX"? A shadow that is darker than the surrounding background black. How about the last few boxes of black? Do they stop when they hit the same level of black as the background, or do they go even darker?

If the answers are yes, you player passes blacker-than-black. If not, then it doesn't

I have tried searching this string for PAL/NTSC playing tips but did not find any that helped answer my question. If this topic has been covered, kindly refer me to the string and I can do more research on my own.
My question is....
Can my US bought DVD-3910 connected to a US bought Sony KD34XBR960 tv play PAL DVD's ? If yes, can you help with the settings necessary to accomplish this ?
Thank you for your time and sorry if this has already been covered here someplace.

If my player currently cannot perfrom this task, can it be made to ?


Yes it can. Assuming your display is NTSC only, you change TV type to NTSC. If it's a multistandard TV (probably not), use multi. I was a little disappointed in its PAL to NTSC conversion ability. My Momitsu (piece of ***t that it is) does a much better job.

If you're dvd is region coded you'll need to load an all-region firmware into the Momitsu. The link is somewhere in this thread I believe.

I ordered the 3910S (silver) from magnolia, and it took about 3-4 weeks. I know about the waiting game too. I'm glad I waited though; the silver model matches my silver 3805S very nicely.
They special ordered the 3910 from Denon, so I thought it would be build date of 2006, but it was built in May of '05? I still had to do the 3 cd firmware update for SACD via Denon Link, but it was pretty easy. I still can't get over how much better the picture AND sound is just with movies, let alone cd's etc. As soon as I played Episode 5 and heard the opening music I was astounded. So much better than my pioneer DV-434.

I returned the silver and ordered a black from Magnolia which is due in tomorrow. I may be placing too much emphasis on the current build date, but I have a problem with receiving something sitting in the warehouse for 1.5 years. I'm excited about hearing the SCAD playback through the Analogue outputs since my Rotel receiver can only handle that. I would expect the 3910 Dacs to be superior to the Rotel's. You got me second guessing about the Silver since that s really what I wanted but whats done is done.

Yes it can. Assuming your display is NTSC only, you change TV type to NTSC. If it's a multistandard TV (probably not), use multi. I was a little disappointed in its PAL to NTSC conversion ability. My Momitsu (piece of ***t that it is) does a much better job.

If you're dvd is region coded you'll need to load an all-region firmware into the Momitsu. The link is somewhere in this thread I believe.
Thank you for your comments. I had the player incorrectly set to MULTI. When changed to NTSC, I was able to play some of the PAL DVD's I have. These are SACD + PAL DVD sets I purchased from Europe and Asia. The SACD disks always play very well, but there is different content included on the DVD's. Anyway, I guess the region 0 PAL DVD's work and other regions do not. Player indicates wrong region code, or something to that effect. I cannot find a region code listed on the liner notes or jewel box on any of the selections I have tried or examined thus far. So I am assuming the ones that play, must either be region 0 or region 1. Player does have a NTSC REGION 1 emblem on the back panel.

I have updated my firmware successfully to version ESS6609-B system 6767-5, that I downloaded, from the Denon site via owner membership.

Does anyone know if there is a firmware upgrade that would let my player work with all regions, without losing the benefits of the ESS6609-B system 6767-5 upgrade ?

I returned the silver and ordered a black from Magnolia which is due in tomorrow. I may be placing too much emphasis on the current build date, but I have a problem with receiving something sitting in the warehouse for 1.5 years. I'm excited about hearing the SCAD playback through the Analogue outputs since my Rotel receiver can only handle that. I would expect the 3910 Dacs to be superior to the Rotel's. You got me second guessing about the Silver since that s really what I wanted but whats done is done.


I'm a proud user of a 3910 with a Rotel 1066 Pre/Pro. You won't be dissapointed. The 3910 does a fabolous job with the Rotel 1066, I can only assume the Rotel recievers are just as good handling analog. By the way analog is the way to go. :D
After 18 months the 3910 still has that WOW factor for me in Audio and Video. Just curious, what model speaker sysmtem are you connecting to this?

Sam

Thank you for your comments. I had the player incorrectly set to MULTI. When changed to NTSC, I was able to play some of the PAL DVD's I have. These are SACD + PAL DVD sets I purchased from Europe and Asia. The SACD disks always play very well, but there is different content included on the DVD's. Anyway, I guess the region 0 PAL DVD's work and other regions do not. Player indicates wrong region code, or something to that effect. I cannot find a region code listed on the liner notes or jewel box on any of the selections I have tried or examined thus far. So I am assuming the ones that play, must either be region 0 or region 1. Player does have a NTSC REGION 1 emblem on the back panel.

I have updated my firmware successfully to version ESS6609-B system 6767-5, that I downloaded, from the Denon site via owner membership.

Does anyone know if there is a firmware upgrade that would let my player work with all regions, without losing the benefits of the ESS6609-B system 6767-5 upgrade ?


Try this Hack, I got it to work. I don't know if it will cure your particular issue but it's worth a try.
;)

"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."

Sam

Does anyone know if there is a firmware upgrade that would let my player work with all regions, without losing the benefits of the ESS6609-B system 6767-5 upgrade ?
My understanding (though I haven't tried it myself), is that if you install an older firmware version, it will revert the player back to those settings and won't simply be applied in conjunction with the newer firmware upgrades. Here (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2292547&postcount=1) is a non-firmware "hack" that provided earlier in the thread, though I haven't used it myself.

J.

Beat me to it...you are quick, Grasshopper! :)

J.

Beat me to it...you are quick, Grasshopper! :)

J.
Did you get your Talking Heads from the UK yet?

I'm a proud user of a 3910 with a Rotel 1066 Pre/Pro. You won't be dissapointed. The 3910 does a fabolous job with the Rotel 1066, I can only assume the Rotel recievers are just as good handling analog. By the way analog is the way to go. :D
After 18 months the 3910 still has that WOW factor for me in Audio and Video. Just curious, what model speaker sysmtem are you connecting to this?

Sam
I have B&W Nautilus 805 L/R, HTM2 center and DM601 S2 at the rear. The Rotel
1056 will handle amp duties until I can get the RB1080. Good news about the 3910- I also looked at Pioneeer 79avi and Sony 9100ES.

HELP PLEASE.....Recently unboxed my 3910 from a year of storage (house sale/move, etc) and am trying to get multi-channel SACD working (was working before boxing up), however, I am only getting two channel output - SACD toggle is set to 'MULTI' but in the setup display all of the AUDIO setup items (speaker config, etc) are greyed out except for 'COMPRESSION' and 'SACD FILTER' - my manual is still MIA - IIRC there was something non-intuitive about getting the audio options active but I been trying everything I can think of to no avail....

Any quick suggestions would be extremely appreciated!!!!

Thanks,
Wyatt

HELP PLEASE.....Recently unboxed my 3910 from a year of storage (house sale/move, etc) and am trying to get multi-channel SACD working (was working before boxing up), however, I am only getting two channel output - SACD toggle is set to 'MULTI' but in the setup display all of the AUDIO setup items (speaker config, etc) are greyed out except for 'COMPRESSION' and 'SACD FILTER' - my manual is still MIA - IIRC there was something non-intuitive about getting the audio options active but I been trying everything I can think of to no avail....

Any quick suggestions would be extremely appreciated!!!!

Thanks,
Wyatt
Quick suggestion: Some - many - SACD's are only 2-channel; are you sure you are trying a 5.1 SACD?

Did you get your Talking Heads from the UK yet?
Nope, not yet. They shipped last week, so I'll probably see them in the next few days. I picked up Remain In Light and Naked for starters, and will probably follow with Speaking In Tongues and a couple others soon...:)

J.

Pepar - yes- definitely 5.1 SACD's - ones I'm familiar with and that have substantial surround usage and I'm just not getting anything from the surrounds.

When I go into audio setup, most of the functions are not selectable - I cannot set crossover frequency, speaker distance etc. for the 5.1 analog outputs.

Here is the 3910 Owner's Manual (http://usa.denon.com/DVD3910_ownersmanual.pdf). I'm not sure if you've tried this, but the player needs to be stopped in order to access many of the menu settings. I usually eject the disc just to be sure.

J.

Also make sure that your HDMI audio is set to 2 channel..... if this is set to multi it seems to disable other settings.....

Don

I have B&W Nautilus 805 L/R, HTM2 center and DM601 S2 at the rear. The Rotel
1056 will handle amp duties until I can get the RB1080. Good news about the 3910- I also looked at Pioneeer 79avi and Sony 9100ES.

Nice setup, :D .
Well.. the 3910 is not wothout its quirks but overall is does a great job on video and audio. I don't think you'll be dissapointed.

SC

Try this Hack, I got it to work. I don't know if it will cure your particular issue but it's worth a try.
;)

"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."

Sam
Sam and Jason
Thank you both for your help with the DVD format and region code fix.
It worked brilliantly. This process did not affect the firmware update. So I believe I have the best possible outcome from both updates.
For your info, the region code that now displays on this machine is REGION_A1. Perhaps non-US, not-NTSC region 1 machines would update to REGION_A2 on their respective displays.
A quick check playing various disk formats, confirms, I can now play NTSC all regions and PAL all regions. The picture quality via HDMI is wonderful.
Thanks to you Forum members for you input and assistance enhancing the performance and enjoyment of this player.
Regards
Mike

Sam and Jason
Thank you both for your help with the DVD format and region code fix.
It worked brilliantly. This process did not affect the firmware update. So I believe I have the best possible outcome from both updates.
For your info, the region code that now displays on this machine is REGION_A1. Perhaps non-US, not-NTSC region 1 machines would update to REGION_A2 on their respective displays.
A quick check playing various disk formats, confirms, I can now play NTSC all regions and PAL all regions. The picture quality via HDMI is wonderful.
Thanks to you Forum members for you input and assistance enhancing the performance and enjoyment of this player.
Regards
Mike

This did not work for me. When I press the number sequence, the player turns off (does not enter Standby mode) and the player remains at Region A1. :confused:

This did not work for me. When I press the number sequence, the player turns off (does not enter Standby mode) and the player remains at Region A1. :confused:


Keep at it, it took me a few times to get it work myself.

SC

This did not work for me. When I press the number sequence, the player turns off (does not enter Standby mode) and the player remains at Region A1. :confused:
Proceed cautiously, Daniel-san! :eek:

Unless these Talking Heads UK discs don't play correctly, I won't be trying the region-free "hack" anytime soon...it would probably make me feel too worldly! :D I'm a homebody at heart...

J.

Proceed cautiously, Daniel-san! :eek:

Unless these Talking Heads UK discs don't play correctly, I won't be trying the region-free "hack" anytime soon...it would probably make me feel too worldly! :D I'm a homebody at heart...

J.

Has anyone here experienced a problem after doing the "hack"? Maybe I'm fortunate it did not take on my 3910 (?)

Not that I know of, but I'm too damn chicken to mess with a good thing. It took me forever to get my 3910 uprgraded to DL-3 (seriously...if anybody wants to buy really cool looking coasters, I have a sh'load of them!) and I've finally got everything sounding and looking really great, so I'm just leary of screwing it all up with a (for me) unnecessary "fix". FWIW, I seem to recall mixed results from the RF upgrade, but that was a long, long time ago.

J.

Has anyone here experienced a problem after doing the "hack"? Maybe I'm fortunate it did not take on my 3910 (?)


I've actually reversed the process with no adverse effect.
I just repeated the process and voilla, went back region 1. :cool:

SC

Thanks for the replies!!

Don nailed it - HDMI was set to MULTI and that was causing the problems. Set it to 2 CH and multi-channel analog started working and all of the analog audio options became available.

I've actually reversed the process with no adverse effect.
I just repeated the process and voilla, went back region 1. :cool:

SC
Sam
Can you speculate the operational difference between the REGION_A1 and REGION_A2 configuration ?
I think I am completely satisfied with results of the process you provided, but do you think my player could achieve additional functionality ?
I cannot imagine what kind of disk this player cannot display or work with at the current REGION_A1 setting.
I am very pleased with the flexibility and user interaction allowed by this model. Just need more time for music appreciation.

Thank you for your time and consideration on this topic.
Mike

Sam
Can you speculate the operational difference between the REGION_A1 and REGION_A2 configuration ?
I think I am completely satisfied with results of the process you provided, but do you think my player could achieve additional functionality ?
I cannot imagine what kind of disk this player cannot display or work with at the current REGION_A1 setting.
I am very pleased with the flexibility and user interaction allowed by this model. Just need more time for music appreciation.

Thank you for your time and consideration on this topic.
Mike


Other than Multi Region differences I can't speculate as to the difference between the R1 -R2 configurations. :o

My guess is other than playing Mutli Region DVD's, there are no differences.

SC

Not that I know of, but I'm too damn chicken to mess with a good thing. It took me forever to get my 3910 uprgraded to DL-3 (seriously...if anybody wants to buy really cool looking coasters, I have a sh'load of them!) and I've finally got everything sounding and looking really great, so I'm just leary of screwing it all up with a (for me) unnecessary "fix". FWIW, I seem to recall mixed results from the RF upgrade, but that was a long, long time ago.

J.

Jason, I am basically in the same boat as you, with the exception that I somehow was able to update to DL-3 on the first try - just lucky I guess because I'm not very technical when it comes to computers. Anyway I think I'm also going to leave well enough alone. So far I've never had a need for more than Region 1, and I don't know if I ever will. I just wish I had more time to watch movies - mostly when I use my 3910 it's for high rez music or DVD concerts, so the audio is more important to me than the video. For the audio I couldn't be any happier than I am now, and considering the money I've put into it, I guess I should be!

Wow. Finally got the two working via Ext In analogue. Listening to Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Wow. Patience is a virtue. I am not on friendly terms with Denon manuals. Perseverance pays off! This album certainly didn't sound the same for a certain young 18-year old frosh at Miami University in 1974 sitting on the floor listening to the album playing on one of those free bank give away turntables and receivers.

The graphics on Fleetwood Macs Rumors was a surprise with DVD-Audio. It is a shame that these formats are struggling. They are both great. As usual, I have come to the party too late.

Yea!...another Clevelander...welcome to the party! Don't worry, it's not too late. Okay, maybe it is, but there's still plenty of really cool SACD and DVD-A material to sink your eager teeth into! Check out anything by Beck...he's released both Sea Change and Guero on DVD-A and released Sea Change on SACD, too...though the DVD-A is much better. Talking Heads have just released most of their catalog on DualDisc in the US (aarrrggghhh...won't play on the 3910...must be bad...must kill...), but the good news is that you can get all of their discs in DVD-A/CD (real CD) format from Amazon.Uk...mine just came this afternoon and I can express with delight...well, my delight. They're really awesome, though Naked and Remain In Light were released on different labels and the remasters are pretty different (Sire and EMI). Both play flawlessly on my non-region-free player, though I was concerned about the whole PAL v NTSC thing. Naked, released on EMI, clearly has NTSC on the back of the disc, but Remain In Light, on Sire Records, doesn't indicate any regionality...but again, both play (and sound and look) beautifully. "Listening Wind" and "Cool Water" are incredible. Also, check out Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots and The Soft Bulletin (just re-released in super-deluxe CD/DVD-A done perfectly) if you're looking for something both visually, sonically, and mentally stunning. Their new album, At War With The Mystics, will be released in the super-deluxe CD/DVD-A packaging this fall, but it's worth picking up now on CD because it's just that damn good! :D

Our kids one day (probably too soon) will be like, "Yeah, my dad's got one of those old SACD or DVD-Audio players that have gone the way of the Tyrannosaurus Rex," maybe in the same way that some of us look back at the old quadrophonic systems with nostalgic reflection. My dad loves to tell the story of one of his grad school buddies that had a kick-ass quadrophonic system back in the late 60's. He had a high-end turntable mounted to a 3/8" steel plate suspended by heavy-duty springs to minimize vibrations. The first time old Pops heard Zeppelin II was on this dude's quadrophonic system while under the influence of the flavor-of-the-day smokable and he always gets this dreamy look in his eye when he retells the story. The good news is that he can live vicariously through me when he comes over and grooves on the hi-rez multi-channel goodness that I purvey...especially his newly beloved classical tunes. Toss in a Corsendonk and we're all set for at least an hour...:)

I digress...

J.

Are DVD-A's regional?

Jason, I have noticed that you may be a teacher. Great calling...almost like a Minister/Priest...and I really don't say that lightly. Cool. I taught math for two years and had to get out. Went to grad school in Pysch, did a stint at a University in CA and now working (for a hell of a lot more bucks) as an Exec Asst in a large bank in Cleveland (Law.)

Still think I might want to go back but the climate in education does not seem to be too friendly to teachers these days.

Now for the final nail in the coffin. I was never was into metal in the 70's and now I am into "Contemporary Country and Folk music."

Beatles Revolver and Rubber Soul are great too. I have read a few of your posts and am impressed.

Are DVD-A's regional?
AFAIK, no. I think they're Region 0, meaning they'll play anywhere.

Jason, I have noticed that you may be a teacher. Great calling...almost like a Minister/Priest...
Yeah, just with more money and less God...:D
Still think I might want to go back but the climate in education does not seem to be too friendly to teachers these days.
While there's such a need for teachers of all flavors, they sure do make it difficult to become one. Hmmmm....jump through a sh'load of hoops, get multiple certifications, get evaluated 6+ times a year, have to renew your license every few years, have to prove that you're a credible teacher (thanks, NCLB...you dick!...I mean George), the whole Highly Qualified Teacher movement, accountability, crazy parents, crazy kids, idiot administration (my wife excluded, of course!), idiot teachers (they're a plenty), crap-ass classrooms, 30-year-old textbooks, archaic curriculum, no air conditioning or fans, raging hormones (theirs, not yours), jack for supplies, no budget, lunatic school board, pissed off public, on-your-knees begging for levies, open house, parent-teacher conferences, school dances, cafeteria brawls, $.90 coffee, internet filters (thank gravy for AVS), collective bargaining, and in the end you get to celebrate your crappy paycheck.

That being said, it's still the greatest job in the world.

I don't give a crap what I make in salary because my wife, who defected to the dark side, brings home the bacon. The bottom line is that I love the kids and that's it. Everything else is incidental. I love what I teach and I put my guts into it and it's all gravy. Come on...where else can you get away with building monster trucks that climb 50 degree inclines, and trebuchets that can launch a golf ball 50 feet, bridges that can hold 380 times their own weight, and CO2 cars that can go 95+ mph, and potato guns that convert simple Idahos or Russets into starchy weapons of war...(maybe next year...:D). Needless to say, we have fun.

Did I mention summers off...? :)

Beatles Revolver and Rubber Soul are great too.
If only they'd release them on hi-res multichannel...:D That'd be in the same perfect world where they released all of Radiohead's albums on DVD-A or SACD.

J.

Jason, you rock.
No wonder you like your signature quote, I kind of figured you where a teacher as well. Keep up the great work, you're our children's future.
:D :D :D

Sorry, back on topic. :cool:

SC

I just got a new projector and wanted to ensure my 3910 was fully updated. I therefor downloaded the latest firmware update (ESS-6609-B) and copied it onto CD-RW's as described in the accompanying instructions (ISO, Mode #1 etc.)

When I try to update the player nothing happens after the initial "Loading" message. The display just reverts to the normal readout (hours and minutes.)

What am I doing wrong?

I just got a new projector and wanted to ensure my 3910 was fully updated. I therefor downloaded the latest firmware update (ESS-6609-B) and copied it onto CD-RW's as described in the accompanying instructions (ISO, Mode #1 etc.)

When I try to update the player nothing happens after the initial "Loading" message. The display just reverts to the normal readout (hours and minutes.)

What am I doing wrong?
You can use -RW's, but they need to be burnt like -R with -R software. Packet-writing software (-RW) will not do it correctly. No worries though, they are still -RW and can be erased and re-used.

Might this be it?

Nice setup, :D .
Well.. the 3910 is not wothout its quirks but overall is does a great job on video and audio. I don't think you'll be dissapointed.

SC

I was really surprised by the Cd play back. It sounds as good as SCAD.
This has been a huge upgrade to my system. Can someone help with this, the video setup comes default as progressive video output, but with only an interlaced tv how would you make the switch to interlaced without access to the OSD?

I have a question about video quality at 480p. When I tried out the 3910 at 480p component, I was very impressed with how sharp and detailed the image was....it was the sharpest 480 source image I'd seen on my display before. However, I was wondering if I could get that same 480p performance with the much cheaper 2910.

Any experience with both at 480p?

I was really surprised by the Cd play back. It sounds as good as SCAD.
This has been a huge upgrade to my system. Can someone help with this, the video setup comes default as progressive video output, but with only an interlaced tv how would you make the switch to interlaced without access to the OSD?

Use the composite video or S-video output :confused:

... Can someone help with this, the video setup comes default as progressive video output, but with only an interlaced tv how would you make the switch to interlaced without access to the OSD?

If you use the front panel button and round knob, it should display on the LED the mode you are in. Or use the S-Video output as Sam said just above.

I have a 1 year old 3910 and recently acquired a projector (Sony Ruby) and therefor wanted to use the HDMI. Despite having updated with the latest firmware, I only get an occasional flicker on HDMI, whether RGB or Component. Using the same cable with a DVI-D converter the picture comes through fine using the 25' HDMI cable.

Am I doing something wrong or is the unit defective?

Am I doing something wrong or is the unit defective?

The unit is defective. Send the Ruby back for a replacement.

Sounds like the HDMI "handshake" is not working properly.

I have a 1 year old 3910 and recently acquired a projector (Sony Ruby) and therefor wanted to use the HDMI. Despite having updated with the latest firmware, I only get an occasional flicker on HDMI, whether RGB or Component. Using the same cable with a DVI-D converter the picture comes through fine using the 25' HDMI cable.

Am I doing something wrong or is the unit defective?

Check this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=628237&highlight=3910

Thanks for the link. Has anyone experienced problems with the HDMI sync-up?

I ran into a similiar situation.

Since HD video can not pass data from OSD character generators (yet) I was blnd-def and dumb as well. I purchased a 7" car monitor with 12 volt supply and connected the composite from my reciever to it; along with the 3910's composite I can now see ALL OSD set ups on this little screen. Looks very cool too in my theater. Its just like a Parasound or Rotel pre/pro.

Something's definitely wrong if you've got to reload DVDs in order for the 3910 to play. Mine has never had a problem with any disc, including DVD-A, SACD, and DVD or regular CD.
So quick edit to this post...last night I tried to play a DVD+RW that a student burned for me (24 from Monday night) that he had recorded on a DVR first, but the 3910 wouldn't play it correctly. It loaded okay, but took forever to start once I selected what I wanted to play. Once it started playing, the audio would drop out and then the video froze up. I tried reloading it a couple of times, but no luck. I couldn't compare it on my other DVD player (Toshiba SD-H400) because we've had it out of comission since utilizing the DVR service from our cable company.

Any ideas about DVD+RW playback?

Thanks!

J.

Well it must be an issue with the 3910 because it plays back just fine on my Vaio laptop...:confused:

J.

Requisite 2 day wait for a bump...

Anybody have any luck with DVD+RW?

Thanks,

J.

What was the format of the DVD content? MPEG2? AVI? WMV? MPEG4? DivX? I don't think DVD+RW are guaranteed to work in all players, just as not all players support anything more than MPEG2 480i YCbCr 4:2:0 DVDs (i.e. "normal" DVDs). What does the 3910 manual say about supported formats?

larry

Why, oh why, isn't "squeeze mode" a button on the remote?

Why, oh why, isn't "squeeze mode" a button on the remote?

If they had that button on the remote we wouldn't have anything to complain about. :eek:

Sam

If they had that button on the remote we wouldn't have anything to complain about.
That's just not true!
We can always complain about how it refuses to run to the kitchen and grab us a beer...

I had Kevin Miller of ISFTV over the house the past weekend for a calibration of my SXRD and my Denon 3910.

He felt it was best to leave the 3910 go 1080i into the SXRD via HDMI.
Plus it was best to have the 3910 at 0 IRE at normal black level.

I let my 3910 communicate with my 3806 via DL3 for movies/DVDA and SACD.

Which HDMI cables is everyone using at this point?

I currently have a monoprice hdmi cable (very inexpensive) running from my 3910 to my SXRD.

Just wondering if a better cable has been found thats reasonably priced after all this time.

Which HDMI cables is everyone using at this point?

I currently have a monoprice hdmi cable (very inexpensive) running from my 3910 to my SXRD.

Just wondering if a better cable has been found thats reasonably priced after all this time.

I'm using one from Better Cables only because they are a forum sponsor. I did not compare it with any other cables. It works so I'm happy.

The digital signal either gets there or it doesn't. As long as you're not having pixelation, PQ will be no better with a more expensive cable.

Just got a refurb 3910 from Ubid (build date sticker says November 2004), which has the following firmware designations:

MAKE DAY 902
DRV 030825
SYSTEM 6767-5
DSP 6770
C 20041028
ESS 6609-E

I am nnot sure which designation corresponds to what function or capability on the unit (Denonlink3, region free, etc), but I mainly want to find out if I need to (or should) flash the firmware with the files I downloaded from the Denon site, which are:

d31zsavd.cfw, dated April 13, 2005
d391il.rom, dated May 9, 2005
SUP3910.rom, dated May 9, 20005

The instructions that came with the files imply that, after the upload, the firmware versions would be:

MAKE DAY 413D
SYSTEM 6767-5
CNE 20041028
ESS 6609-B

(DRV and DSP codes are not mentioned in the memo)

The SYSTEM and C/CNE codes are the same, but the downloaded firmware for MAKE DAY and ESS are lower numbers, which sounds like a downgrade to me. Does anyone know what the codes correspond to relative to functions or capabilities in the player?

I have not hooked it to a monitor yet (I am using it for my audo disk player for the time being, but will mate it with a Panny 900u in the near future). Is there a way other than video tests that determine if the unit has the BTB problem referred to in earlier postings?

Just got a refurb 3910 from Ubid (build date sticker says November 2004), which has the following firmware designations:
MAKE DAY 902
DRV 030825
SYSTEM 6767-5
DSP 6770
C 20041028
ESS 6609-E
but I mainly want to find out if I need to (or should) flash the firmware with the files I downloaded from the Denon site,
Leave as it is. Your player has the last firmware. You should check the BTB problem that some 2004 players are known to have. The THX calibration included on some DVDs will help. Regards.

It would be interesting to know if Denon fixed the blacker then black problem of your Nov, 04 3910 before sending it to Ubid. I would like to think they did if they put the latest firmware on it. I bought mine from Ubid a year ago and it was a Sept '04 build with the blacker then black problem. I just sent it in to Denon to have it fixed a last week. Hope I get it back soon!

Thanks for the replies. I sent an email to Denon tech support but have not heard anything back from them yet. I hope to set up my system this weekend, and I will try to do a BTB test with my DVE disk (which is still in the wrapper).

I watched Brokeback Mountain last night post-ISF calibration and it looked great.

Calibration of my 3910 was the main reason I went for the service. I want my 3910 to look as good as it can paired with the SXRD.

Now I can wait out the HD wars! :sigh:

I watched Brokeback Mountain last night post-ISF calibration and it looked great.

Calibration of my 3910 was the main reason I went for the service. I want my 3910 to look as good as it can paired with the SXRD.

Now I can wait out the HD wars! :sigh:

I am sure it will look much better. I have a Mits DLP and had it calibrated with the 3910 excellent. I am also a vet of the Betamax VHS wars. Still bought the Tosh A1...excellent decision. I will go with BD as well, even though I may wait for awhile considering the cost, $500 difference is still a difference but I am happy with the Tosh for now. Waiting for the BD group to show what they have.

Excellent choice in a movie I must say. Will keep you thinking for awhile.

Question regarding the use of the stereo Denon 3910 outputs or the multi-channel front outputs when listening to two channel SACD. On my Outlaw 1070 reciever I can choose the CD input which is connected to the stereo 3910 outputs, or I can select the multi-channel inputs which I assume would use the front speaker multi-channel outputs. They both sound similiar but yet different. If I use the stereo outputs on the 3910 instead of the multi-channel outputs, am I still getting the SACD format? Does it matter?

Question regarding the use of the stereo Denon 3910 outputs or the multi-channel front outputs when listening to two channel SACD. On my Outlaw 1070 reciever I can choose the CD input which is connected to the stereo 3910 outputs, or I can select the multi-channel inputs which I assume would use the front speaker multi-channel outputs. They both sound similiar but yet different. If I use the stereo outputs on the 3910 instead of the multi-channel outputs, am I still getting the SACD format? Does it matter?
If you only have a 2-channel stereo system, you should use the 2-channel analog outputs, not the front multichannel outputs, since all channels are downmixed to the 2-channel outputs. Yes, you can play the SACD layer using the 2-channel outputs. Make sure to select 2-channel SACD output in the main menu or the SACD button on the remote.

Thanks BillP. My confusion is really that I have a multi-channel receiver using the 6 cables to the Denon 3910 but I also have two cables connecting the 3910's stereo outputs to the analog CD inputs on my receiver. So what I am trying to determine is if I can just use the multi-channel inputs setting on my reciever for listening to two channel only SACDs (as well as multi-channel) or should I be using the "CD" input on my receiver which has the two cables to the stereo outputs on the 3910. What I am really asking is are the 3910's stereo outputs exactly the same signal that is output from the 3910's front multi-channle outputs when playing a two channel only SACD? If it is, it really doesn't matter which input I select.

You can disconnect the 2-channel stereo outputs. All you need are the 6 cables. For a stereo-only SACD, the 2-channel and the front multichannel outputs would be identical (not necessarily true for a multichannel layer, but that's irrelevant for you).

Great! Thanks BillP.

You can disconnect the 2-channel stereo outputs. All you need are the 6 cables. For a stereo-only SACD, the 2-channel and the front multichannel outputs would be identical (not necessarily true for a multichannel layer, but that's irrelevant for you).
I guess this assumes (probably correctly) that the 3910 has better DACs than the 1070, otherwise a digital connection - optical or S/PDIF - from the 3910 to the 1070 should be used. Also, are we certain that the 3910's two-channel analog outputs are the same as the front L&R channels of the six-channel SACD/DVD-A analog outs? I thought those had "special" DACs unique to those outputs.

That's what I am trying to figure. Do the stereo outputs on the 3910 carry an identical signal as the front channels in the multi-channel outputs when listening to stereo only SACDs.

BillP indicated that they are the same and having listened both ways I think I beleive it. At first I thought I heard some difference but it certainly wasn' t night and day.

I believe the only way the multi-channel outputs can be identical to the stereo outputs is if you select the source direct option in the audio setup menu. Otherwise, the multi-channel front channels will follow what is setup in the speaker setup menu.

You can disconnect the 2-channel stereo outputs. All you need are the 6 cables. For a stereo-only SACD, the 2-channel and the front multichannel outputs would be identical (not necessarily true for a multichannel layer, but that's irrelevant for you).

The only thing I may add to that is some Pre/Pro's require 2 channel audio in order to operate zone 2. Meaning if you want to pipe the 3910 into a zone 2 (of course this is assuming you have a zone 2) you may need the 2 channel analog connected to send the signal to a zone 2 amp. The MULTI analog typically will not supply a zone 2 amp.

SC

The only thing I may add to that is some Pre/Pro's require 2 channel audio in order to operate zone 2. Meaning if you want to pipe the 3910 into a zone 2 (of course this is assuming you have a zone 2) you may need the 2 channel analog connected to send the signal to a zone 2 amp. The MULTI analog typically will not supply a zone 2 amp.

SC

Exactly.

A very cool feature of the 3910 is its ability to downmix 5.1 SACDs/DVD-As whatever to the dedicated two channel jacks. I like to pop in a multi-channel disc and have it pipe through my second zone in stereo when I'm working around the house.

I guess this assumes (probably correctly) that the 3910 has better DACs than the 1070, otherwise a digital connection - optical or S/PDIF - from the 3910 to the 1070 should be used.
But I thought they don't carry an SACD signal.

...if you want to pipe the 3910 into a zone 2...you may need the 2 channel analog connected to send the signal to a zone 2 amp.
Which is exactly what I do. I have the 2-channel analog outputs from the 3910 connected to the CD input on my 3805 and use that as a source for my kitchen (Zone 2) speakers. It's a great feature.

J.

Jason,

Are you using Denonlink or 6ch analog between your 3910 and your 3805? I'm currently using 1394 between my 3910 and 5805, and can't use the 2ch outputs of the 3910 because the 3910 shuts off all analog outputs when 1394 is selected. Can you use Denonlink and the analog outputs simultaneously? The manual makes it look like you can, but it's a little ambiguous.

Cheers,

Mike

But I thought they don't carry an SACD signal.
They don't, and I lost track of the original question; I thought he was asking about CD when it was really 2-ch SACD. My bad.

Which is exactly what I do. I have the 2-channel analog outputs from the 3910 connected to the CD input on my 3805 and use that as a source for my kitchen (Zone 2) speakers. It's a great feature.

J.

I took it one step further. I went from my 3910 to my Pre/Pro, out to my zone 2 amp, to a distribution hub. Using impedence matching volume controls in each location I then piped my whole house, including the garage. I can't tell you what a great option that is. :D

Sam

Are you using Denonlink or 6ch analog between your 3910 and your 3805?
I'm using DenonLink and 2-channel analog to the CD input of my 3805 for Zone 2.

Anyone have any experience with dual layer discs and their 3910? Or how about burning MP3 files to a DVD instead of a CD? Would the 3910 play the MP3's or does it have to be burnt to CD?

Thanks,

J.

I have managed to burn mp3 to a DVD and I got the 3910 to play it... but I had to use a DVD RW.... it would not work on a -R or +R... had to be a -RW (did not try a +RW)... as far as DL, I have burnt and played many with no problems.....

Don

I have a Denon 3805, and I recently purchased a Denon 3910. I find that I get better redbook CD audio when using the analog cables (which means the CD is going through the DVD player's DACs) than I do with a digital connection (either Denon link or optical) to the receiver (i.e., the conversion is being handled by the receiver). This is a marked difference: There is much more depth to the sound field with the analog hookup (and I'm using a $50 set of cables, not some of those $1K+ connectors).

I also find that I'm getting better sound using the analog cables to pass SACD sound to the receiver than I do when I use the Denon Link.

Have others had the same experience?

Most people find that the DACs in the 3910 are very good... better than the DACs used in most receivers... including the 3805.....

Don

pbarach
Check your settings. They should sound pretty close. A big difference might be something besides dacs.

The 3805 uses the same audio DACs as the 2200 and 2910. No surprise that the 3910 DACs sound better.

The 3805 uses the same audio DACs as the 2200 and 2910. No surprise that the 3910 DACs sound better.

I did not know this.

Makes me think a person looking for good audio performance should either save their money and get the 2200 or "go for it" and buy the 3910.

I did not know this.

Makes me think a person looking for good audio performance should either save their money and get the 2200 or "go for it" and buy the 3910.
That's what I did.

That's what I did.

Thanks to you Bill, I did the same thing.
Had to go for the 3910 with better audio, I'm glad I did. ;)

Sam

I am interested in the denon 3910 but not sure if I am wasting my money. The problem is I have an older marantz Vp12s1 projector with only component capability, NO HDMI or DVI. Currently I have a panasonic rp 91 and am wanting to upgrade if it will improve my picture. Has anybody compared the 3910 to other dvd models over component cables?

I demo'd the 3910 once and it produced the sharpest, most detail 480p component image I've ever seen on my display....and I've demo'd quite a few players.

However, if you are serious about this player, I would definitely wait as the 3930 will be here soon and should outperform the 3910. On the other hand, it's quite possible you'll be able to find a new or particularly used 3910 at a pretty good price.....cheaper than the 3930. In all honesty, after seeing how sharp of an image it produced with 480 material, I wonder how much better the 3930 will be. I think the 3930 will provide more upscaling benefits over the 3910 than 480p performance, but that's just my guess.

I demo'd the 3910 once and it produced the sharpest, most detail 480p component image I've ever seen on my display....and I've demo'd quite a few players.

However, if you are serious about this player, I would definitely wait as the 3930 will be here soon and should outperform the 3910. On the other hand, it's quite possible you'll be able to find a new or particularly used 3910 at a pretty good price.....cheaper than the 3930. In all honesty, after seeing how sharp of an image it produced with 480 material, I wonder how much better the 3930 will be. I think the 3930 will provide more upscaling benefits over the 3910 than 480p performance, but that's just my guess.
I'm not sure this point has to be made, but in case it's not clear, that possibly improved scaling is over DVI/HDMI.

Thank You for the input! I think I am sold on the 3910 or 3930. You both make a good point, likely I would be able to get a 3910 for a great discount when the 3930 comes out, but I wonder if the 3930 will improve even on it's 480p. Maybe all of the updated scaling will only be over HDMI. If I thought I was going to get a new projector in a few years I would definitely go with the newest technology but my Marantz still puts out a great picture.

John,

I went from a rather modest PIoneer DVD player to the 3910 a few years ago. I have a VP12S2 and was feeding it through 65' component cables. The quality difference was substantial. I have since added a DVDO Vp30 scaler and am feeding the projector via a 23m HDMI cable, I know you can't do that but the improvement over component was also worthwhile.

I posted this in the video processor section, but someone PM'd me and said this would be a better place to post this, so I am trying here also.

I am helping a friend put together a home theater and originally thought I was going to have him order a Denon 3910 or 5910 dvd player to go along with the Benq pe8720 I got him.

Now I have been thinking and the new Sony media Center systems with the 200 dvd changer looks pretty nice, so I was wondering if I put on an external processor such as the VP30 out of the PC's HDMI output, woudl I receive the same quality picture as I would with the Denon DVD players?

Is there a better choice than the VP30 in the price range if so?

I posted this in the video processor section, but someone PM'd me and said this would be a better place to post this, so I am trying here also.

I am helping a friend put together a home theater and originally thought I was going to have him order a Denon 3910 or 5910 dvd player to go along with the Benq pe8720 I got him.

Now I have been thinking and the new Sony media Center systems with the 200 dvd changer looks pretty nice, so I was wondering if I put on an external processor such as the VP30 out of the PC's HDMI output, woudl I receive the same quality picture as I would with the Denon DVD players?

Is there a better choice than the VP30 in the price range if so?
Hi cardgone,

Don't want to seem like we're giving you the runaround, but while this is not the wrong forum/thread for this question, you might get more action on the Home Theater Computers forum. Not that you won't get replies here, but in many cases folks here might've considered an HTPC, but went 3910 and probably have limited experience with an HTPC. Whereas those on the HTC thread will have varying, but greater experience with HTCs. The downside there could be that they have limited experience with a 3910. Give it a shot there as well, and if you get scolded for double-posting, give 'em your dilemma and that you were advised to post both places. Good luck, and I'd like to know what you decide.

Is anyone here using the 3910 with the PE8720? I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there a MB problem with these two units together?

2. I put a pretty cheap philips dvd player I got at best buy for $69 on the PE8720 just to make sure it worked when we received it, and I could not believe how razor sharp the image looked. Can I really get a sharper picture by going with a 3910 in conjuction with the PE8720 or is it just overkill?

Is anyone here using the 3910 with the PE8720? I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there a MB problem with these two units together?

2. I put a pretty cheap philips dvd player I got at best buy for $69 on the PE8720 just to make sure it worked when we received it, and I could not believe how razor sharp the image looked. Can I really get a sharper picture by going with a 3910 in conjuction with the PE8720 or is it just overkill?

Do a search on the Official 8700+ thread for 3910. A few posts came up with people having some compatibility problems.

Can someone clarify some of the terms in the Denon 3910 manual? When does the AL24+ light come on, and what does it mean? I have never seen this light up on any of my source material (I don't own any DVD-Audio discs, but I've tried other DVD's and CD's).
What is the difference between Dolby DIgital and Dolby Digital bitstream?

What's the difference between PCM and bitstream?

What are linear PCM and packed PCM?

WHen would you set the HDMI output to Y Cb Cr, and when would you want to set it to RGB?

On Page 35 of the manual, I see this: "When the Denon Link connection, could be output 192-176kHz/24 bit 2 ch sources or 96kHz/24 bit 6 ch sources." WHA???

"WHen the Denon Link is set, the down mixed audio channels are output only from the Left and Right and Front Left and Front Right terminals? Again, wha???

Does this last statement mean that if Denon Link3 is turned on, that I won't be able to get 5.1 analog output?

Thanks in advance for clarifying this stuff!

[DVD Denon 3910 : update May 2005 ]

Hello,

I Have ESS-6609-9 firmware. (code free version). Can I install ESS-6609-B over?

Is ESS-6609-B code free for Z2 PAL DVD?

(Sorry if the answer is in the preceding messages. I did not read all the thread because English is not my first language)

Tanks!!!!

What's up people, I'm a long time reader, first time poster on this thread. Have enjoyed
this resource very much.

Have a few questions about the 3910, hoping to get some answers here. I have a 3910/3805 combo running DL3 and 5.1 setup w/ Aperion Audio's Intimus line.

1. What exactly happens as far as bass management when playing redbook cd's via the analog stereo inputs connected to the CD input of the 3805? Are the speaker level, distance and crossover settings coming from the 3910 or the 3805? Which DAC is active? What happens to room EQ in this scenario?

Reason I'm asking is that I would like to squeeze the best performance out of my Sub/Sat combo. My thinking is that if I send the signal 2ch analog to the 3805 that the DAC's in the 3910 will be active and it will handle bass mgmt. Then I could theoretically run the 3805 on Pure Direct for best sound and still avoid sending a full range signal to my sat's.

2. Secondly, I like to play Multi-ch over DL3 as the Room EQ definitely benefits my room. What's the deal with bass mgmt there? I assume the speaker level, distance and crossover settings are coming from the 3805 but I'm not sure. Theoretically I could then run the 3910 Pure Direct out over DL3 for best sound while still protecting my sat's from too-low frequencies?

Maybe I'm overthinking this whole thing, but I like my sound LOUD and clean! I just want to understand these settings so I don't overdrive my little satelites. I know some of you are saying "If you like it so loud, go buy some full range speakers!"... I would if I could afford it, recent career change set me back in the pocketbook. I bought all this stuff when I was earning a good living!

Your wisdom would be appreciated,

Zach

1. What exactly happens as far as bass management when playing redbook cd's via the analog stereo inputs connected to the CD input of the 3805? Are the speaker level, distance and crossover settings coming from the 3910 or the 3805? Which DAC is active? What happens to room EQ in this scenario?

(I have the same combo) If you're using the analog outputs, all of the speaker settings are coming from the 3805; the settings you make in the 3805 apply only to digital inputs (optical, coax, or D-Link). I find that I get much more soundstage depth using the analog inputs than using D-Link. In my system this is hardly a subtle difference. Using the analog inputs, you can put the 3805 into Pure Direct mode (and you can choose, in the 3805 setup screens, whether or not to apply any of your Room EQ settings while in Pure Direct mode).

2. Secondly, I like to play Multi-ch over DL3 as the Room EQ definitely benefits my room. What's the deal with bass mgmt there? I assume the speaker level, distance and crossover settings are coming from the 3805 but I'm not sure. Theoretically I could then run the 3910 Pure Direct out over DL3 for best sound while still protecting my sat's from too-low frequencies?

I think your assumption here is right.

(I have the same combo) If you're using the analog outputs, all of the speaker settings are coming from the 3805; the settings you make in the 3805 apply only to digital inputs (optical, coax, or D-Link).
Typo?

Typo? Yes, I think you meant to write that using the analog outs from the 3910, the DACs and settings are coming from the 3910.

Typo? Yes, I think you meant to write that using the analog outs from the 3910, the DACs and settings are coming from the 3910.
Typo or brain freeze, I dunno. But you're right!

Thanks pbarach, BillP and pepar. Since no one else has chimed in with information to the contrary, I will proceed under my original assumptions. I'd like to get this info directly from Denon, but I don't want to die on hold or in some techie's voice mail.

Anyone else here running sub/sat combo's who may have some setup tips, experiences they would like to share?

I think that if you are using the analog stereo (2 ch) outputs from the 3910 there would be no bass management going on.... you would get 2 full range channels.... there is no sub channel with the 2 ch stereo outputs....

If you use the 5.1 analog outputs, even for 2 ch, you would be able to use the 3910 bass management.....

Don

If you use the 5.1 analog outputs, even for 2 ch, you would be able to use the 3910 bass management.....

Don

I think that's true as far as which machine handles the bass mgmt, but in order to send 2 ch SACD's analog using the 3910's digital to analog converters, I have to use the 2 ch outs rather than the 5.1 otherwise I get no subwoofer output at all. In fact there was a special sheet that came with my 3910 detailing this.

I'm not sure if the same is true for redbook CD's which is what I'm talking about here. Any SACD material I send over DL3 anyway so I can use the room eq

FYI,

If you held off sending back a 3910 with the blacker then black problem to Denon after the warranty expired, it will cost you $75 plus $15 shipping (plus the shipping cost to send it) to fix it. Bummer... fixing the blacker then black problem is costing me about $150 total. Plus, it has been four weeks since I sent it and I still don't have it back yet.

At least they are going to also clean the laser lens, check everything over and install the latest firmware.

I think that if you are using the analog stereo (2 ch) outputs from the 3910 there would be no bass management going on.... you would get 2 full range channels.... there is no sub channel with the 2 ch stereo outputs....

If you use the 5.1 analog outputs, even for 2 ch, you would be able to use the 3910 bass management.....

Don
I could be wrong, but I don't think that's correct. If you're using the analog 2-channel CD inputs, and your receiver is configured as "LFE and Main" in 2-channel mode, and you've got the sound processing set to "Stereo" as opposed to "Direct" you will get subwoofer output.

BTW, I've never been quite clear on the processing differences between using digital audio connections and analog. To wit, as they used to say, if all processing and conversion is done at the receiver end when using a digital connection from the player, does that reduce the the player to nothing but a transport, rendering its relative quality irrelevant?

I could be wrong, but I don't think that's correct. If you're using the analog 2-channel CD inputs, and your receiver is configured as "LFE and Main" in 2-channel mode, and you've got the sound processing set to "Stereo" as opposed to "Direct" you will get subwoofer output.


I agree, I don't think that is correct either. Also let me clarify that I am not having a problem getting subwoofer output, and I can certainly listen to cd's analog with the 3805 in "stereo" mode. What I want to know is if I put the 3805 in "pure direct" mode, will the crossover setting in the 3910 still be applied to the signal, and conversly if I run the 3910 in pure direct with a digital signal out will the 3805's X-over still apply.

To answer your first question -- and I'm no expert, so hopefully someone will contradict me if I'm wrong -- but I believe that if the receiver is in "Pure Direct" mode, that will override the player's crossover settings.

I'm a bit more certain that the answer to your second question is Yes, but again, I could be wrong, which begs the question of why I even tried to respond. :o

I may be wrong..... but the 3910 in 2 ch stereo does not do any bass management - no cross over point is used... there is no LFE or .1 channel - you get 2 full range stereo analog channels... no .1 ...... now you receiver may take this and process a .1 channel and feed your sub depending on how you have it set up......

Don

For the 3910 to provide the bass management, the 5.1 analog outs must be used.

The easiest way to connect the audio from the 3910 to a 3805 is using the Denon link. When using the Denon link, the 3910 becomes a transport and the 3805 does all the processing based on it's speaker setup (bass management and speaker distance), room eq and chosen surround processing. No analog cables are needed.

In some setups, using the analog outputs of the 3910 may produce a preferred sound performance. No speaker setup is needed for the 3910 if you only use the standard two channel analog outs of the 3910 as all processing is done by the 3805. The 3910's speaker setup is only needed for the multi-channel analog outs because the 3805 does not process the multi-channel analog inputs. The 3910 multi-channel speaker setup can be defeated by turning on the source direct option in the 3910's audio setup menu if you have a processor that can process the multi-channel analog signals.

I believe the 3805's room eq is not active when using the multi-channel analog inputs so it comes down to rather your preferred setup uses the 3910 superior DAC or the 3805's room eq.

My preferred setup is to use the Denon-link and the 3805's room eq for multi-channel music and use the 3910's stereo analog outs for any stereo music. When I listen to stereo music I turn off the 3910's Denon link so the 3910's analog Alpha24 processing is active.

Note that the 3805 uses the same audio DACs as the 2910 and 2200 (definitely a step down from the 3910 DACs).

Note that the 3805 uses the same audio DACs as the 2910 and 2200 (definitely a step down from the 3910 DACs).
In that case, it is preferable to ALWAYS use the 5.1 analog outputs for EVERYTHING, right?

When matched with the 3805, although some people prefer to use only one cable and are not so picky about the audio, especially for movies.

In that case, it is preferable to ALWAYS use the 5.1 analog outputs for EVERYTHING, right?

That all depends on how good the DACs are in your receiver.... I have an Anthem AvM20 and I get a better sound going digital coax and using the DACs and bass management on the AVM20..... the image is bigger and tighter sounding...

In fact I even run 5.1 (DVDAudio and SACD) pure direct from the 3910 and have the Anthem re-digitize and apply bass management and delay... once again the sound stage is bigger and tighter.....

After saying all that, I do find the 3910 DACs to sound good...just not as good as the Anthem....

Just my thoughts,

Don

That all depends on how good the DACs are in your receiver.... I have an Anthem AvM20 and I get a better sound going digital coax and using the DACs and bass management on the AVM20..... the image is bigger and tighter sounding...

In fact I even run 5.1 (DVDAudio and SACD) pure direct from the 3910 and have the Anthem re-digitize and apply bass management and delay... once again the sound stage is bigger and tighter.....

After saying all that, I do find the 3910 DACs to sound good...just not as good as the Anthem....

Just my thoughts,

Don
I'm sorry, the context was with the poster's configuration of 3910/3805, but still some will value convenience over quality. But once it's hooked up, I don't understand how there's any ongoing inconvenience.

I'm sorry, the context was with the poster's configuration of 3910/3805, but still some will value convenience over quality. But once it's hooked up, I don't understand how there's any ongoing inconvenience.

Might be cheaper... one supplied cable vs 6 expensive high quality cables... I would love to have a single digital connection that would carry all audio, but my Anthem does not support Dlink, Ilink, or HDMI... although there is an upgrade for HDMI...

Don

I would love to have a single digital connection that would carry all audio, but my Anthem does not support Dlink, Ilink, or HDMI.
Time to upgrade! :)

So, not to beat this topic to death, but I'm still not clear on the 5.1 vs the 2ch stereo outs on the 3910 and what's bass managed and what's not.

As I stated before, I prefer to use the analog out for redbook and digital out(DL3) for Multi-channel. So according to what most of you are saying:

1. If I run the 2 ch outs to the cd input on the 3805 and put the receiver in pure direct, the crossover setting on the 3910 is irrelevant because it does not manage the 2 ch outs?

2. If I send the signal via 2 ch outs and run the 3805 in "stereo" mode, the 3805 will bass manage the signal? (with some other processing I assume)

3. If the answers to 1 and 2 are YES then I should use the 5.1 outs to send a bass managed signal from the 3910 to the 3805?

4. If the answer to 3 is yes, will I still get subwoofer output (for 2ch material) and bass management when running the 3805 in pure direct?

Once I got DL3 working, I removed all the analog cables except the 2 ch outs to the CD input. Possibly that was a bad move.

I'm more confused than when I started!

zyoung, if you want the best quality audio, then just use the multichannel analog outs (using the 3910's DACs and the 3910's bass management). Where you seem to have some confusion is that in 2-channel stereo, bass management is irrelevant since, in 2 channel stereo, the subwoofer does not get a signal.

Where you seem to have some confusion is that in 2-channel stereo, bass management is irrelevant since, in 2 channel stereo, the subwoofer does not get a signal.

Which was part of my original point, as I have a sub/sat combo, I can't use the multi-channel outs for a 2 ch stereo source (SACD anyway, not sure about redbook) unless I want to listen without a subwoofer(not gonna happen)

Like I said before, I can send the signal analog via the 2CH outs to the CD input and get subwoofer output all day long, but apparently from what people are saying, any bass mgmt happening in that setup is happening in the receiver, along with whatever additional processing is going on in the 3805.

All I know is that redbook sounds better in my room when I run it analog via the 2CH outs, with DL3 turned off (and AL24 in the 3910 on), and the receiver in pure direct rather than stereo. What I don't know is if I am potentially going to damage my satelites by doing this while listening at high volume because I'm sending them a full range signal.

If I can keep everything else the same and just swap the cables from the 2CH out to the Multi-CH out and achieve the results I'm looking for, then I'll do it, but apparently that is not the case because I will not get subwoofer output (again not gonna happen)

Sorry to keep harping on this guys, but I just want to attain the best possible sound without putting my little satelites in jeopardy.

In that case, it is preferable to ALWAYS use the 5.1 analog outputs for EVERYTHING, right?

Apparently it is... unless you don't have full range speakers and want to listen to a Police album on SACD :mad:

zyoung, if you want the best quality audio, then just use the multichannel analog outs (using the 3910's DACs and the 3910's bass management). Where you seem to have some confusion is that in 2-channel stereo, bass management is irrelevant since, in 2 channel stereo, the subwoofer does not get a signal.
I think you're wrong on this point. Look at pages 38 and 41 in the manual. When using analog outputs, if you turn on the BASS ENHANCER in the AUDIO SETUP screen, then the subwoofer will operate (as long as you have the subwoofer set to ON in the speaker settings and SOURCE DIRECT is OFF). Under these conditions, the 3910 will send all frequencies to the subwoofer that are below the crossover point you've designated on the 3910.

When you're using the 3910's digital outputs, then the receiver makes the decision about whether to use the subwoofer. So, if you have a 3805 and, in its setup screens, you have set all your speakers to SMALL and indicate that you have a subwoofer, then frequencies below the crossover point you've set on the 3805 will be sent to the subwoofer.

pbarach, you sir, are the man. That seems to have done the trick. The only bummer is now I can't use the room eq when running it that way, but redbook still sounds better than it does over the DL3, even without the room eq.

Hi Guys,
I am setting up a room and I will be using the ,3910 + sanyo Z4 combination, are there any problems or tips I should know about.

Regards Peter

Hi Guys,
I am setting up a room and I will be using the ,3910 + sanyo Z4 combination, are there any problems or tips I should know about.

Regards Peter


The following was taken from the Sanyo Z4 thread which is a sticky at the top of the under $3500 USD MSRP projector forum.

"Forget the component its much better on HDMI.
I have the Denon 3910 player and if you use HDMI Y Cb Cr instead of HDMI R G B you will have an absolutely beautiful picture with much truer colour! The result is truly amazing through HDMI Y Cb Cr, it kills R G B!
Keep the HDMI setting on the player to NORMAL and the projector to L2. Don't use the darker settings as you loose detail. After a calibration it really is an incredible image.
I hope your Denon has these settings!!!!!!!! "

The search feature works wonders. :)

hello, do I have a denon 3910 connected to a projector marantz vp-12s4.
which the best way is of connecting it?

Will it be possible by means of firmware to get an output 480i/576i?

The following was taken from the Sanyo Z4 thread which is a sticky at the top of the under $3500 USD MSRP projector forum.

"Forget the component its much better on HDMI.
I have the Denon 3910 player and if you use HDMI Y Cb Cr instead of HDMI R G B you will have an absolutely beautiful picture with much truer colour! The result is truly amazing through HDMI Y Cb Cr, it kills R G B!
Keep the HDMI setting on the player to NORMAL and the projector to L2. Don't use the darker settings as you loose detail. After a calibration it really is an incredible image.
I hope your Denon has these settings!!!!!!!! "

The search feature works wonders. :)


Thanks for that, I will check out the Z4 forum.

Peter

I can't play a CD-R in my 3910 without it doing a skippy/fast forward thing similar to what happens when you try to play the CD side of a Dual-Disc. All of said CD-R's are being burned on my Mac (G5). Anybody else have this problem? I was thinking maybe there are some changes I could make in itunes to get them to play back right (it's set to import at 44.1/16 using the AIFF encoder)

pbarach, you sir, are the man. That seems to have done the trick. The only bummer is now I can't use the room eq when running it that way, but redbook still sounds better than it does over the DL3, even without the room eq.

That's what I thought, too; although an earlier post or two had some people saying that the Room EQ features on the 3805 (which you can use if you use any of ther 3910's digital outputs) outweighed the benefits of the superior DAC's on the 3910. I( suspect there will be a continuing difference of opinion on this point because the added benefits of Room EQ will depend on your room acoustics and your speakers.

Just got a refurb 3910 from Ubid (build date sticker says November 2004), which has the following firmware designations:

MAKE DAY 902
DRV 030825
SYSTEM 6767-5
DSP 6770
C 20041028
ESS 6609-E

I am nnot sure which designation corresponds to what function or capability on the unit (Denonlink3, region free, etc), but I mainly want to find out if I need to (or should) flash the firmware with the files I downloaded from the Denon site, which are:

d31zsavd.cfw, dated April 13, 2005
d391il.rom, dated May 9, 2005
SUP3910.rom, dated May 9, 20005

The instructions that came with the files imply that, after the upload, the firmware versions would be:

MAKE DAY 413D
SYSTEM 6767-5
CNE 20041028
ESS 6609-B

(DRV and DSP codes are not mentioned in the memo)

The SYSTEM and C/CNE codes are the same, but the downloaded firmware for MAKE DAY and ESS are lower numbers, which sounds like a downgrade to me. Does anyone know what the codes correspond to relative to functions or capabilities in the player?

I have not hooked it to a monitor yet (I am using it for my audo disk player for the time being, but will mate it with a Panny 900u in the near future). Is there a way other than video tests that determine if the unit has the BTB problem referred to in earlier postings?

Well, one of the firmwares still needs updating-all I have on the digital interface setup is DL 2. Does anyone know which of the firmware files listed above updates the player to Denonlink 3?

Well, one of the firmwares still needs updating-all I have on the digital interface setup is DL 2. Does anyone know which of the firmware files listed above updates the player to Denonlink 3?

I just checked my firmware version, which is DL3 capable, and it is ESS-6609-B.
I didn't get it from Denon, but from a BM store (Magnolia). I think it was obtained from Denon Europe originally (got it from them about 6 months ago). I don't know if it is region free though.

I can't play a CD-R in my 3910 without it doing a skippy/fast forward thing similar to what happens when you try to play the CD side of a Dual-Disc. All of said CD-R's are being burned on my Mac (G5). Anybody else have this problem? I was thinking maybe there are some changes I could make in itunes to get them to play back right (it's set to import at 44.1/16 using the AIFF encoder)

I burn CD-R's on my G5, and they are playing with no problems. I am using the digital coax out though. I don't have a Denon Reciver.

I burn CD-R's on my G5, and they are playing with no problems. I am using the digital coax out though. I don't have a Denon Reciver.

Just out of curiosity, how are you encoding on import? AIFF, MP3, Apple Lossless? 44.1, 48K?

I've never had problems with CD-R's...they seem like the most flexible CD media. I did, however, have problems with DVD+RW, but it may have been the recording off of a DVR. I picked up a spindle of DVD+R DL discs that I'm hoping will play fine in my 3910...my wife keeps reminding me that I touted the 3910 as the player that will play anything silver and round...she tossed me a nickel.

J.

I was just reading the manual (what a novel concept), on page 74 it says files must be in a mp3 format and be recorded on either CD-R/RW.

I've never had problems with CD-R's...they seem like the most flexible CD media. I did, however, have problems with DVD+RW, but it may have been the recording off of a DVR. I picked up a spindle of DVD+R DL discs that I'm hoping will play fine in my 3910...my wife keeps reminding me that I touted the 3910 as the player that will play anything silver and round...she tossed me a nickel.

J.

I have about two dozen of these DVD+R DL media and they work great, I haven't had a coaster yet. :D

Sam

I have about two dozen of these DVD+R DL media and they work great, I haven't had a coaster yet. :D

Sam
Good to know, 'cause that'd be a damn expensive coaster! :eek:

J.

Okay, so just updating here regarding my posts from a few days ago about Ext In's vs 2 Ch outs vs DL3. After making some changes to my settings (thanks again pbarach), pulling out the ole SPL meter and tweaking a bit; I have decided I like using the 5.1 Ch outs for EVERYTHING, including movies. I think my biggest problem when I first had it set up was that I had some of the settings wrong in the player, and I had not added the monitor isolation pad under my sub.

BTW, the monitor isolation pad was a GREAT investment, made a huge sound improvement. It's called a "Gramma" (made by Auralex Acoustics) and only runs around 60-80 bucks or so. If you aint got one, get one!

Just one more question about using the 5.1 Ch outs. When playing a Stereo SACD, or the Stereo layer of a hybrid, I still get sub output, but it is significantly lower than the MC layer (or a CD, or DD/DTS).

Is everyone else having to raise the level of the sub 7 dB or so when listening to Stereo SACD over the EXT IN, or is it just me?

Thanks for your help guys, much appreciated...

Z

MC mixes can be very different then stereo mixes in terms of bass output. Plus remember the sub gets the .1 material as well as any material below the x-over from the other MC channels.

What is your x-over set at?

With my setup, I don't have any problems with 2 channel bass. But I'm not using the 3910's MC outs.

My x-over is at 80 hz, and I don't have problems with all 2 ch material, only 2 ch SACD, and then only when using the 3910's MC outs.

Can someone clarify some of the terms in the Denon 3910 manual? When does the AL24+ light come on, and what does it mean? I have never seen this light up on any of my source material (I don't own any DVD-Audio discs, but I've tried other DVD's and CD's).
What is the difference between Dolby DIgital and Dolby Digital bitstream?

What's the difference between PCM and bitstream?

What are linear PCM and packed PCM?

WHen would you set the HDMI output to Y Cb Cr, and when would you want to set it to RGB?

On Page 35 of the manual, I see this: "When the Denon Link connection, could be output 192-176kHz/24 bit 2 ch sources or 96kHz/24 bit 6 ch sources." WHA???

"WHen the Denon Link is set, the down mixed audio channels are output only from the Left and Right and Front Left and Front Right terminals? Again, wha???

Does this last statement mean that if Denon Link3 is turned on, that I won't be able to get 5.1 analog output?

Thanks in advance for clarifying this stuff!

pbarach, I saw this post a few days ago and was waiting for somebody more well informed than me to tackle it. Since you helped me out, I'll give it a crack.

1. The AL24+ light (and therefore the processing) on the 3910 will only engage when Denon Link OFF is selected in the "digital interface setup". If you are using an analog connection, it is to your advantage to turn Denon Link off.

2. Dolbly Digital is a bitstream (natively), where PCM is a digital conversion of the bitstream.

3.Linear PCM is compressed, whereas Packed PCM is not.

4.HDMI Y Cb Cr is preferable to HDMI RGB for most displays due to the colorspace/color sampling more closely matching dvd standard mpeg-2.

5. 192-176khZ/24 bit etc... is the sample rate and bit depth of the digital representation of the analog waveform. Basically, the higher the number, the more closely the analog waveform is "copied" into a digital format.

6. As far as the "downmix" thing, I'm like you...Whaa?


I could certainly be wrong about some of this stuff, but that is how I understand it. I welcome any corrections from those of you who know more about this stuff.

Hello all.

Question (not sure if its been raised in past). I just purchased a denon 3910 and AVR 4306. Am about to set it all up. Any point of view on simply using the denon link cable for all source material (including SACDs)? How do i determine if my 3910s firmware has been upgraded to DL3? vs the DL2 of the original product?

thanks

Hello all.

Question (not sure if its been raised in past). I just purchased a denon 3910 and AVR 4306. Am about to set it all up. Any point of view on simply using the denon link cable for all source material (including SACDs)? How do i determine if my 3910s firmware has been upgraded to DL3? vs the DL2 of the original product?

thanks

On your first question, the general opinion has been to try both and use whatever sounds better to you. The Denon Link cable sends the signals from the 3910 to the 4306, where the receiver converts them into analog. In that situation, the Room EQ, crossover point, and speaker delay settings in the 4306 are applied to the analog signals, which are then amplified. If you use the 3910's 5.1 analog outputs, the DAC's in the 3910 do the conversion, and the speaker settings and crossover point you've set in the 3910 are applied, instead of the settings or Room EQ you've made in the 4306. Therefore, the differences in sound between the Denon Link and the 5.1 outputs will mostly reflect any quality differences in the DAC's between the two units, and any effects of the Room EQ and different speaker settings between the two units.

I have a 3910 and a 3805; the 5.1 outputs sound markedly better to me than any of the digital connections (coax or Denon Link). In my system, the effect of using the superior DAC's in the 3910 outweigh the benefits of the Room EQ feature that is accessible when I use Denon Link. But the 4306 has different DAC's than my 3805 so your results may be different.

On your 2nd question (which version of DL does your 3910 have?), if you have DL3 then in the setup screens, there is a choice to output DL2 or DL3. If you don't see that choice once you have turned DL on, then you need to do the firmware upgrade.

I hope you like your 3910; for me (and I'm hardly a Golden Ears type) there was a marked improvement in the sound quality I was getting from my previous inexpensive DVD/SACD player (Sony DVP-NS755V).

Hello all.

Question (not sure if its been raised in past). I just purchased a denon 3910 and AVR 4306. Am about to set it all up. Any point of view on simply using the denon link cable for all source material (including SACDs)? How do i determine if my 3910s firmware has been upgraded to DL3? vs the DL2 of the original product?
Conventional wisdom says to use the unit that has the better DACs to do the digital-to-audio converting. And if they both have the same DACs, use the method that's most convenient for you. I'm not familiar with the 4306, but you could find detailed specs in both of your manuals and go from there.

Switching ON HDMI ?

My Sony pj HS50 has had a bulb replacement and now I can't get a feed from my MDMI output from my 3910.
The default HDMI/DVI OFF is constant -any clues ?
Thanks

Hello all.

Question (not sure if its been raised in past). I just purchased a denon 3910 and AVR 4306. Am about to set it all up. Any point of view on simply using the denon link cable for all source material (including SACDs)? How do i determine if my 3910s firmware has been upgraded to DL3? vs the DL2 of the original product?

thanks

I just looked on Denon's website out of curiosity and it appears that the 3910 still has the superior DAC's when mated with the 4306. Specs say 3910 has Burr-Brown 1796 and AL24 Plus, while the 4306 has Burr-Brown 1791 and AL24.

I sent my 3910 back to the factory authorized repair service center to repair a bad d-link connection. After 12 days, the service supervisor called me and said that it would be $450 to repair. And, it would probably take about 4-5 more weeks in the shop, because Denon is backordered on this particular part right now. The reason, or so said the supervisor, is because Denon has had a rash of these repair requests and has run out of its stock of the item.
My question to all you 3910 owners: Have you had this problem? Do you know of anyone with this problem? How pervasive do you think this issue really is? Is there any chance of Denon "making this right"? (not likely, but I figured it wouldnt hurt to ask)
Thanks for your replys.

I sent my 3910 back to the factory authorized repair service center to repair a bad d-link connection. After 12 days, the service supervisor called me and said that it would be $450 to repair. And, it would probably take about 4-5 more weeks in the shop, because Denon is backordered on this particular part right now. The reason, or so said the supervisor, is because Denon has had a rash of these repair requests and has run out of its stock of the item.
My question to all you 3910 owners: Have you had this problem? Do you know of anyone with this problem? How pervasive do you think this issue really is? Is there any chance of Denon "making this right"? (not likely, but I figured it wouldnt hurt to ask)
Thanks for your replys.
Any more details on what yur $450 is buying? Seems like it'd be more than a connection (connector?).

I sent my 3910 back to the factory authorized repair service center to repair a bad d-link connection. After 12 days, the service supervisor called me and said that it would be $450 to repair. And, it would probably take about 4-5 more weeks in the shop, because Denon is backordered on this particular part right now. The reason, or so said the supervisor, is because Denon has had a rash of these repair requests and has run out of its stock of the item.
My question to all you 3910 owners: Have you had this problem? Do you know of anyone with this problem? How pervasive do you think this issue really is? Is there any chance of Denon "making this right"? (not likely, but I figured it wouldnt hurt to ask)
Thanks for your replys.

For $50.00 more you could get the Toshiba A1 HD DVD player! I have both the Tosh and the 3910 by the way.

For $50.00 more you could get the Toshiba A1 HD DVD player! I have both the Tosh and the 3910 by the way.
I'll bet that the 3910 plays (standard definition) DVDs better than the HD Tosh. Way better.

to be honest, I was so upset about it costing $450 that I didnt even ask what the money was buying. I assumed it was a board that had to be replaced. As far as the PQ, I cant imagine anything being any better than the 3910 for SD. It usually equals the D* HD on my 110" screen.

to be honest, I was so upset about it costing $450 that I didnt even ask what the money was buying. I assumed it was a board that had to be replaced.
Screw up your determination and take another run at them! Beat 'em up a bit! Contact Denon about the outrageous price!

to be honest, I was so upset about it costing $450 that I didnt even ask what the money was buying. I assumed it was a board that had to be replaced. As far as the PQ, I cant imagine anything being any better than the 3910 for SD. It usually equals the D* HD on my 110" screen.
I'd be tempted to trade it for the 3930 rather than shell out an additional $450 to repair it.

I'd be tempted to trade it for the 3930 rather than shell out an additional $450 to repair it.
Trade it to whom? And with a needed $450 repair, for how much?

Did I miss something? Is the the 3930 even available yet?

Trade it to whom? And with a needed $450 repair, for how much?
To the retail store it was bought from (they'd probably give some credit toward the 3930).

Did I miss something? Is the the 3930 even available yet?
No, but within a few months. It's baslically a 5910 (Realta chip) at a 3910 price.

BillP
Yikes!

Is it 1080p? 1394?

I'll bet that the 3910 plays (standard definition) DVDs better than the HD Tosh. Way better.

Nope. I have both. The A1 holds its own as far as upconversion.

I called Denon this afternoon, and let the phone ring for about 7 minutes on the sales/customer service line before giving up. I will try again tomorrow. Its hard to believe that a company of that size cant even handle answering the phone.
Back on subject....so, no one else has had their d-link fail?

I'll bet that the 3910 plays (standard definition) DVDs better than the HD Tosh. Way better.

Pepar, you have given me some good advice in the past, but I beg to differ. I own both players. The upconversion on the Tosh A1 is stellar. I don't have the 3910 on eBay but I think Denon is going to be hard pressed to charge what they charge for video and audio quality for an upconverting player. Check out the HD DVD site. With Blu-Rey launching on the 25th Denon is really going to be hard pressed to justify their costs as far as audio and (especially) video quality on "upconverting" players. The only down side I see at present is that neither camp (HD DVD or Blue-Rey can do DVD-A Audio or SACD. I will say that the Tosh does DD+ Very well. I can't say anything about Blu-Rey yet since it hasn't been released yet. Ask BillP what he thinks. I know he hangs out at both the HD DVD sites and Blu-Rey sites. He has some thoughtful comments about both.

I have not seen the Tosh in action upscaling, but many have definitely reported that it does as good a job as the 3910, 79ai, etc, etc (which is surprising to me too). I guess I need to check it out.

I've demo'd the 3910 and had the Toshiba for a brief time.

I never A-B compared them....but just working off memory...

The 3910 is definitely better over 480p component...however, for upconversion, they are very close...the Toshiba maybe a bit sharper. I did see what appeared to be more artifacts with the Toshiba..but I don't know if that was the player causing them, or simply the player resolving more detail on the DVD...showing more compression artifacts.

I have not seen the Tosh in action upscaling, but many have definitely reported that it does as good a job as the 3910, 79ai, etc, etc (which is surprising to me too). I guess I need to check it out.

Please check it out if you can. Make sure that the player (at least for HD DVD) is set to the resolution of the disc you are playing. Quite a few BB's CC's etc. Don't have the player (in this case HD DVD) set to 1080i (and very few sets can accept 1080p natively, at least for the time being.) It is great if you can pass a 1080p signal to a device, and have it display as 1080p, but at this juncture, that is a maybe for the display devices for this summer.

Hello all.

Question (not sure if its been raised in past). I just purchased a denon 3910 and AVR 4306. Am about to set it all up. Any point of view on simply using the denon link cable for all source material (including SACDs)? How do i determine if my 3910s firmware has been upgraded to DL3? vs the DL2 of the original product?

thanks
When you navigate to the digital setup menu (not the exact name), there will be an option to select the interface. If the 3910 has DL3 activated, it will show up in the options-if not, you will only see DL2 or "off". The upgrade is easy if you follow the instructions carefully, including burning the CDs using the specific format called out by the instructions. There are other discussions about this in this thread, but it is massive and it may take you a bit to find them. My biggest fear was losing power, so I plugged the unit into a spare UPS just in case the power went off (the flash ROM must be replaced if the f/w update is interrupted!). As it turned out, I missed the outage by one day-we had an outage the next afternoon. Good luck with your setup.

(sorry for the duplicate info-I just found the recent message with essentially the same suggestions)

Pepar, you have given me some good advice in the past, but I beg to differ. I own both players. The upconversion on the Tosh A1 is stellar. I don't have the 3910 on eBay but I think Denon is going to be hard pressed to charge what they charge for video and audio quality for an upconverting player. Check out the HD DVD site. With Blu-Rey launching on the 25th Denon is really going to be hard pressed to justify their costs as far as audio and (especially) video quality on "upconverting" players. The only down side I see at present is that neither camp (HD DVD or Blue-Rey can do DVD-A Audio or SACD. I will say that the Tosh does DD+ Very well. I can't say anything about Blu-Rey yet since it hasn't been released yet. Ask BillP what he thinks. I know he hangs out at both the HD DVD sites and Blu-Rey sites. He has some thoughtful comments about both.
I hear you, alfbinet, and trust your opinion. But I really have to reserve judgement on SD material played on 1st gen hi-def players until a few models have debuted and been tested by some credible reviewers - Secrets, for one. And commented on by more members here. But, on the other hand, I have no problem suspecting that high end DVD player makers have been raking in the dough on a very mature technology. I doubt that any are fools, though, and would be shocked if they're not a tad more tuned in than us on what it all means. It's not a stretch to think that as sales of HD players ramps up, prices of SD players drop.

thanks all for the replies. a great help. am setting it up now :-)

I hear you, alfbinet, and trust your opinion. But I really have to reserve judgement on SD material played on 1st gen hi-def players until a few models have debuted and been tested by some credible reviewers - Secrets, for one. And commented on by more members here.

In the HD DVD player thread, there are countless discussions/comparisons on the Denon 3910 upconversion vs. the Toshiba.

In the HD DVD player thread, there are countless discussions/comparisons on the Denon 3910 upconversion vs. the Toshiba.
Thanks. Is alfbinet's opinion shared by others?

One thing's for sure, The 3910 is a race horse compared to the barely limping Toshiba HD-DVD units. ;)

A wise man once said, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".
:cool:

SC

Thanks. Is alfbinet's opinion shared by others?

Yes, it is.

I was quite surprised myself when I first saw the Toshiba SD upconversion. Toshiba has never made what I would call an excellent DVD player --- let alone an upscaling one. However, it appears they decided to change that with the new HD technology implemented. Again, I wasn't able to do A/B comparisons with the Denon 3910 I once demo'd, but they are very close via HDMI upscaled to 1080i. Everytime I try out a DVD player, I have several "test" scenes or clips from certain movies which I am very, very familiar with --- so that enables me to judge the quality of picture fairly quickly. I also calibrate my display according to each player via Avia and DVE. The Toshiba was actually a bit sharper and more detailed than the Denon, though the Denon may have had slightly better or natural looking colors. However, I thought the Denon's 480p component performance was noticably better (maybe it has better DACs?). The Toshiba displayed slightly more artifacts which may have been scaling artifacts or simply compression artifacts becoming visible on the DVD due to greater resolution.

Yes, it is.
Thanks. I *just* returned from visiting the HD-DVD thread and reading the UltimateAV review.

Thanks. I *just* returned from visiting the HD-DVD thread and reading the UltimateAV review.

We must have hit "post" message at the same time....as I added/edited a few more comments. :)

We must have hit "post" message at the same time....as I added/edited a few more comments. :)
I completely understand the buzz about HD-DVD and how it's necessary for the format and its gear to advance, but there are some dealbreakers for me, with no 1080p output at the tippy-top of the list. It just seems like they've crippled the players and I have no idea why. Personally, I'm rooting for BD. But regardless, I don't expect to buy into the next gen optical format in 2006. Maybe 2007.

I completely understand the buzz about HD-DVD and how it's necessary for the format and its gear to advance, but there are some dealbreakers for me, with no 1080p output at the tippy-top of the list. It just seems like they've crippled the players and I have no idea why. Personally, I'm rooting for BD. But regardless, I don't expect to buy into the next gen optical format in 2006. Maybe 2007.

I'm thinking 2007 for me too. I returned the Toshiba player because of issues (HD DVD picture quality is amazing...especially with certain discs..Serentiy, Swordfish, etc.). The latest firmware might have corrected those problems, but I just figure I will wait it out a bit. I was able to snag a Sony 3100ES brand new for well under $300 (which upscales nearly as good as these players we're talking about). I've gone this many years without HD discs - what's another 6-12 or 18 months? I have no personal preference with HD DVD or Blu-ray really (2nd generation HD DVD player will be 1080p...discs already are). I just know Sony has promised an awful lot with Blu-ray and I'll be curious to see if they can fulfil those promises. Think of the bright side - we can just sit back, eat some popcorn and watch it all play out - and not worry about losing a penny if or when a particular format falls. When I invest in any format (i.e., VHS, CD, and DVD)., it was/is for the long term...no gambling involved as this case is with HD discs.

I'm thinking 2007 for me too. I returned the Toshiba player because of issues (HD DVD picture quality is amazing...especially with certain discs..Serentiy, Swordfish, etc.). The latest firmware might have corrected those problems, but I just figure I will wait it out a bit. I was able to snag a Sony 3100ES brand new for well under $300 (which upscales nearly as good as these players we're talking about). I've gone this many years without HD discs - what's another 6-12 or 18 months? I have no personal preference with HD DVD or Blu-ray really (2nd generation HD DVD player will be 1080p...discs already are). I just know Sony has promised an awful lot with Blu-ray and I'll be curious to see if they can fulfil those promises. Think of the bright side - we can just sit back, eat some popcorn and watch it all play out - and not worry about losing a penny if or when a particular format falls. When I invest in any format (i.e., VHS, CD, and DVD)., it was/is for the long term...no gambling involved as this case is with HD discs.
I have seen the future, and it is high definition. But I am getting glorious hi-def via my cable company. The DVR I lease from them holds 20 hours of hi-def and I've just added external storage to one STB that pushes it to 50 hours and the other STB to 80 hours. I am in absolutely no hurry and can easily sit back and watch.

I am in no hurry to buy Fifth Element for the fourth time either. :)

Friends do not let friends double-dip...err...triple-dip, I mean dip four times.

I have seen the future, and it is high definition. But I am getting glorious hi-def via my cable company. The DVR I lease from them holds 20 hours of hi-def and I've just added external storage to one STB that pushes it to 50 hours and the other STB to 80 hours. I am in absolutely no hurry and can easily sit back and watch.

I am in no hurry to buy Fifth Element for the fourth time either. :)


My broadcast HD isn't exactly glorious but is generally better than my 3910. However, the broadcast audio isn't even in the same neighborhood as my 3910; it just doesn't seem to have any life or dynamics. For me at least, the soundstage is what really draws me into a movie. I can't tell you how many movies I have started to watch but didn't finish because of this. I think it is this reason that will likely push me over the edge of indecision and get one of these players. I am still very hesitant to shell out $1000 for an unproven device though.

My broadcast HD isn't exactly glorious but is generally better than my 3910. However, the broadcast audio isn't even in the same neighborhood as my 3910; it just doesn't seem to have any life or dynamics. For me at least, the soundstage is what really draws me into a movie. I can't tell you how many movies I have started to watch but didn't finish because of this.
HMMM, I've never noticed if the DD from HBO on my cable is different from the DD on the same movie on DVD, but I'll check.

HMMM, I've never noticed if the DD from HBO on my cable is different from the DD on the same movie on DVD, but I'll check.


My provider is Direct tv and I have to crank the volume WAY up for HBO HD, etc. Even at those levels though, it just has no punch. I have heard of great cable providers though so hopefully you fall into that group.

My broadcast HD isn't exactly glorious but is generally better than my 3910. However, the broadcast audio isn't even in the same neighborhood as my 3910; it just doesn't seem to have any life or dynamics. For me at least, the soundstage is what really draws me into a movie. I can't tell you how many movies I have started to watch but didn't finish because of this. I think it is this reason that will likely push me over the edge of indecision and get one of these players. I am still very hesitant to shell out $1000 for an unproven device though.

Have to agree with you on the audio. And is anybody else tired of watching sports coverage (like the US Open Golf tournament now playing on ESPN HD and NBC) that is advertised "in High Definition", but is clearly shot using a variety of HD and SD cameras? They cut from a glorious looking birds-eye shot above the green (HD), to a close up of the guy putting that just looks hammered (SD). And don't even get me started on the sound. My receiver said Dolby Digital, but there was no sound whatsoever coming from the center channel!

They should advertise it as being "Broadcast in Mixed-Definition with Dolby 4.01"

Have to agree with you on the audio. And is anybody else tired of watching sports coverage (like the US Open Golf tournament now playing on ESPN HD and NBC) that is advertised "in High Definition", but is clearly shot using a variety of HD and SD cameras? They cut from a glorious looking birds-eye shot above the green (HD), to a close up of the guy putting that just looks hammered (SD). And don't even get me started on the sound. My receiver said Dolby Digital, but there was no sound whatsoever coming from the center channel!

They should advertise it as being "Broadcast in Mixed-Definition with Dolby 4.01"
What should we expect in the way of a digital surround mix from a golf tournament? I guess Fox could tart it up a bit, but otherwise - ho hum. Inconsistent PQ, though, is unforgiveable.

What should we expect in the way of a digital surround mix from a golf tournament? I guess Fox could tart it up a bit, but otherwise - ho hum. Inconsistent PQ, though, is unforgiveable.

Well, I'm not looking for thunderous gallery applause in the surround channels or anything, but I would like to hear the commentator's voice in the center channel rather than having a phantom center. And this isn't limited to golf, also the NBA finals and occasionally football, not to mention Leno, Letterman and some primetime TV.

Basically, I ran 2ch analog out of the TV (for OTA broadcasts) to my receiver so that I can at least have Pro Logic II when watching these "problem" broadcasts. Really I'm more concerned about the use of SD cameras for an HD broadcast. That, like you say, is unforgivable. I mean, the major networks have had several years to iron this stuff out, you would think they would have their s**t together by now.

Well, I'm not looking for thunderous gallery applause in the surround channels or anything, but I would like to hear the commentator's voice in the center channel rather than having a phantom center. And this isn't limited to golf, also the NBA finals and occasionally football, not to mention Leno, Letterman and some primetime TV.

Basically, I ran 2ch analog out of the TV (for OTA broadcasts) to my receiver so that I can at least have Pro Logic II when watching these "problem" broadcasts. Really I'm more concerned about the use of SD cameras for an HD broadcast. That, like you say, is unforgivable. I mean, the major networks have had several years to iron this stuff out, you would think they would have their s**t together by now.
I hate to be realistic, but what is the saturation of HDTV displays? And what percentage of those owners are watching any of the programming you mention? Even if you and I went on a mailbox bashing spree across Kansas with "Free the HDTV" spray-painted on ench one and gave interviews to Matt Lauer and Larry King as we went would it make any difference.

HMMM, I've never noticed if the DD from HBO on my cable is different from the DD on the same movie on DVD, but I'll check.

I have a number of DVD concerts that I watch quite regularly. The sound is typically WAY better in terms of soundstage and dynamics than what I get when I watch and listen to a performance that I've recorded on my DVR, which is usually one that's been broadcast in DD 5.1 on INHD2. Since I've had my 3910 since just after they were introduced, and added the DVR afterwards, I can't recall how much of this is due to the great audio capability of the 3910 vs. just the inferior/compressed audio you typically get from cable TV. On the other hand, it seems that some movies that I've recorded in HD/DD 5.1 have had audio that's at least comparable to a DVD disk.

Even if you and I went on a mailbox bashing spree across Kansas with "Free the HDTV" spray-painted on ench one and gave interviews to Matt Lauer and Larry King as we went...
Pepar-

You and me and your cat and my dog SERIOUSLY need to hang out! Now you're talking my kind of party! We just need to figure out a way to get 5.1 from a 3910 in my wife's Honda Pilot! And I suppose we need to figure out who's driving and who's doing the "spraying!" We should also probably get a designated driver, because we're likely to take this to the extremes...! :eek: Maybe JBaumgart would volunteer...:)

Dude, you ROCK...and your little dog (cat), too! :D

J.

I have a number of DVD concerts that I watch quite regularly.
What concerts do you watch? I only ask because we also watch a few...U2, Snow Patrol, Zeppelin (nothing new...;)), Coldplay, Radiohead, The Concert for George, etc...

J.

Pepar and Jason,

I wouldn't mind hanging out with you guys either. I am in Ohio, where do you folks hail from?

I hate to be realistic, but what is the saturation of HDTV displays? And what percentage of those owners are watching any of the programming you mention?


Yeah, I hear you on that point, but I would venture to guess that there are a large number of HDTV adopters who did so SPECIFICALLY for sports coverage (after seeing their first HD football game at their local sports bar). I don't count myself among them, I'm a movie/music guy primarily, but I do enjoy the occasional sporting event. Also, I find myself watching and enjoying more sporting events since I got an HDTV just to see the great PQ. But let's be real here, should we the viewer just accept marginal sound and picture quality? I mean, very soon the saturation will increase exponentially, with manufacturers basically making nothing but digital televisions and the analog broadcast cutoff looming (assuming the FCC doesn't push it back another couple years). And, just to reiterate, it's not like HDTV is "new" technology anymore.

Anyway, I'm way off topic here for this thread, just needed to rant a bit..

I love my 3910 (see that, back on topic!)

Z

What concerts do you watch? I only ask because we also watch a few...U2, Snow Patrol, Zeppelin (nothing new...;)), Coldplay, Radiohead, The Concert for George, etc...

J.

I have maybe 25 DVD concerts. Some of my favorites include:

Collective Soul - "Home"
Eric Clapton - "One More Car, One More Rider"
Allison Krauss + Union Station - "Live"
Boz Scaggs - "Greatest Hits Live"
Roy Orbison - "Black and White Night"
Diana Krall - "Live in Paris"
Eagles - "Hell Freezes Over" and "Farewell I Tour"
Keith Urban - "Living Right Now" (although audio is not up to the standards of the others)

Joel

Pepar and Jason,

I wouldn't mind hanging out with you guys either. I am in Ohio, where do you folks hail from?
Pennsylvania. Go Lions!

You'll bring the battle axes, right? ;)

Back, almost, to on-topic. Honestly, the picture on HD material had/has me so enthralled, I never noticed any audio deficiencies. Most of the movies I have on my DVR I have on DVD as well, so I should be able to A/B and focus on the soundfield.

Pepar-

You and me and your cat and my dog SERIOUSLY need to hang out! Now you're talking my kind of party! We just need to figure out a way to get 5.1 from a 3910 in my wife's Honda Pilot! And I suppose we need to figure out who's driving and who's doing the "spraying!" We should also probably get a designated driver, because we're likely to take this to the extremes...! :eek: Maybe JBaumgart would volunteer...:)

Dude, you ROCK...and your little dog (cat), too! :D

J.

Guys, I have a question regarding the instructions for the Denon Firmware Upgrade (SYS-6767-5). I'd forgotten I'd received the upgrade discs after putting them in a stack of mail...several months ago. :rolleyes: Is there a printed "How to do it." sheet, or do you just start with disc 1 & go from there?

I tried a search but must not have used the right words. This thread is getting too long to page through.

Thanks,
Geoff

Guys, I have a question regarding the instructions for the Denon Firmware Upgrade (SYS-6767-5). I'd forgotten I'd received the upgrade discs after putting them in a stack of mail...several months ago. :rolleyes: Is there a printed "How to do it." sheet, or do you just start with disc 1 & go from there?

I tried a search but must not have used the right words. This thread is getting too long to page through.

Thanks,
Geoff

Denon is usually pretty good about supplying instructions with the disks. You sure you dont have printed directions? To be cautious I would contact Denon via email (contactservice@denonnj.com), tell them what firmware updates you are installing and ask for printed directions.

I might have the instructions on the stack that I found the discs in. Reckon that'll teach me to do the deed when I get the mail. I was hoping to find it on the Denon site, but no luck. Seems everybody is taking a cue from the phone book people. Remember when you could find information in the phoe book? I may be dating myself.

Geoff

Here's a PDF with the instructions...

BTW, if you end up burning a bunch of coasters, send them to me...Pepar and I are starting a high-tech "Beverage Resting Area" business together with all of our spent CD-R's. I think Joel might get in on the action if Pepar promises to keep his dog (cat) on a leash! :D

J.

Thanks, Jason. I didn't have to burn the discs as Denon sent a set.

OTOH, it's nice to know that there's someplace to send CDs that are now coasters.

Geoff

Oh yeah...we'll take 'em...! :D

I think Pepar was going to make a prototype Big Wheel for his dog (cat) using some of our beloved coasters...he/she (Pepar and dog/cat) is a real thrillseeker! And then he was going to use the coasters to make wheelchairs for disabled dogs and cats that don't have the use of their rear legs anymore. In fact, he's trying to figure out a way to make a front-end wheelchair for dogs and cats that don't have the use of their front paws anymore. (I've been trying to talk him into a 4WD model, but propulsion seems to be the sticking point.)

As for Joel, he's been coming up with ways to recycle the old coasters into kaleidoscopes and pinwheels and mobiles for impoverished children around the world. "The way that the recordable layer catches the light," Joel muses, "really has a way of bringing a smile to a kid whose parents are broke as a joke. Especially when there's a breeze..."

As for me, I either use them as a beer coaster or I see how far I can throw them into the woods behind our house...(they are biodgradable, right?).

Either way, they're put to good use...though that's not meant as encouragement to simply burn coasters for the sake of burning coasters...see what happened to me when I burned too many...[INSANITY (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5803756&&#post5803756)].

J.

Dang, that's a lot of coasters...I might have been tempted to take them to the range & used 'em for target practice. Would have relieved a lot of aggravation! :D :D

Dang, that's a lot of coasters...I might have been tempted to take them to the range & used 'em for target practice.
Bling for Oddjob.

Greetings,

I was wondering if ther are any 3910 owners who are using their units for DVD Audio playback via HDMI ? I recently added an Anthem AVM 50 to my setup and have been looking to utilize the HDMI 1.1 feature for DVD Audio via HDMI.

I have the unit set for HDMI Multi ( Normal ) and have tried the other setting for HDMI LPCM which has yielded some rahter nasty pops and noise through the speakers with DVD Audio discs.

Looking for any input.

Regards,

Greetings,

I was wondering if ther are any 3910 owners who are using their units for DVD Audio playback via HDMI ? I recently added an Anthem AVM 50 to my setup and have been looking to utilize the HDMI 1.1 feature for DVD Audio via HDMI.

I have the unit set for HDMI Multi ( Normal ) and have tried the other setting for HDMI LPCM which has yielded some rahter nasty pops and noise through the speakers with DVD Audio discs.

Looking for any input.

Regards,
DVD-A/SACD cannot be outputted via HDMI.

DVD-A/SACD cannot be outputted via HDMI.
Yes it can, SACD is outputted as PCM but both can be transmitted over HDMI 1.1.

I'm not sure about the 3910, I don't have one, but the spec is certainly capable of it.

Yes it can, SACD is outputted as PCM but both can be transmitted over HDMI 1.1.

I'm not sure about the 3910, I don't have one, but the spec is certainly capable of it.
I'm sorry, as this is a 3910 thread, the context is with that device. And I think most would read my reply with that in mind.

Amended statement: The un-decoded digital streams from DVD-A and SACD are not outputted via HDMI from the Denon 3910. Choices for listening to those formats are limited to iLink/IEEE1394/Firewire, Denon Link and the multi-channel analog outputs. On the 3910. :)

I'm sorry, as this is a 3910 thread, the context is with that device. And I think most would read my reply with that in mind.

Amended statement: The un-decoded digital streams from DVD-A and SACD are not outputted via HDMI from the Denon 3910. Choices for listening to those formats are limited to iLink/IEEE1394/Firewire, Denon Link and the multi-channel analog outputs. On the 3910. :)


Greetings,

Pepar, the original 3910 was upgraded via firmware to HDMI 1.1 specs. DVD Audio ( not SACD ) can be transmitted over HDMI in accordance with HDMI 1.1. The current models beng sold since the upgrade include the 1.1 specification.

SACD is not currently being transmitted via HDMI although the 1.2 specs supposedly allow for it.


Regards,

Greetings,

Pepar, the original 3910 was upgraded via firmware to HDMI 1.1 specs. DVD Audio ( not SACD ) can be transmitted over HDMI in accordance with HDMI 1.1. The current models beng sold since the upgrade include the 1.1 specification.

SACD is not currently being transmitted via HDMI although the 1.2 specs supposedly allow for it.


Regards,
DSD-SACD cannot be transmitted over HDMI 1.1, if the player converts the DSD to PCM then it should be capable of passing over HDMI 1.1

Greetings,

Pepar, the original 3910 was upgraded via firmware to HDMI 1.1 specs. DVD Audio ( not SACD ) can be transmitted over HDMI in accordance with HDMI 1.1. The current models beng sold since the upgrade include the 1.1 specification.

SACD is not currently being transmitted via HDMI although the 1.2 specs supposedly allow for it.


Regards,
Oops. Sorry. I stand corrected then.

...I might have been tempted to take them to the range & used 'em for target practice. Would have relieved a lot of aggravation! :D :D
Now THAT'S a great idea! :D :D

J.

Greetings,

I was wondering if ther are any 3910 owners who are using their units for DVD Audio playback via HDMI ? I recently added an Anthem AVM 50 to my setup and have been looking to utilize the HDMI 1.1 feature for DVD Audio via HDMI.

I have the unit set for HDMI Multi ( Normal ) and have tried the other setting for HDMI LPCM which has yielded some rahter nasty pops and noise through the speakers with DVD Audio discs.

Looking for any input.

Regards,

Greetings,

Problem solved. Anthem had already addressed the issue. They e-mailed me the latest software upgrade which resolved it.

Thanks to all for your input.

Regards,

Glad to hear that Anthem fixed you up... I have an Anthem AVM20 and have always been happy with the service from them....

How do you like the sound of DVD Audio through HDMI to the Anthem..?

Don

Glad to hear that Anthem fixed you up... I have an Anthem AVM20 and have always been happy with the service from them....

How do you like the sound of DVD Audio through HDMI to the Anthem..?

Don


Greetings,

Don, I like the sound of DVD Audio over HDMI. I ran a comparison and really could hear no real difference versus 6 analog cables. The option to have everything with one cable connection is priceless.


Regards,

Greetings,

Don, I like the sound of DVD Audio over HDMI. I ran a comparison and really could hear no real difference versus 6 analog cables. The option to have everything with one cable connection is priceless.
Regards,

Thanks for the reply.... I am thinking about getting my AVM20 upgraded to support HDMI (Anthem is offering an upgrade)... love the idea of a single cable, but SACD can not be played over HDMI..... so I would still need the 6 cables to play ALL formats....

How is the AVM 50 with video? does it scale and de-interlace well?

Don

[QUOTE=placidman]Greetings,

Don, I like the sound of DVD Audio over HDMI. I ran a comparison and really could hear no real difference versus 6 analog cables. The option to have everything with one cable connection is priceless.[QUOTE]

Priceless is not the word I'd use. After all, if you already own the six analog cables, then the price of going to one cable connection is the cost of the HDMI cable that you may not already own ($50 and up, typically). Why not spend the money on some more source material (DVD-A discs, for example)?

Greetings,

Priceless is not the word I'd use. After all, if you already own the six analog cables, then the price of going to one cable connection is the cost of the HDMI cable that you may not already own ($50 and up, typically). Why not spend the money on some more source material (DVD-A discs, for example)?

Actually the HDMI cable I am using I have been using since I bought my Denon ( Oct. '04 ). As I am sure you know the term "priceless" referred to ease of use and the ability to apply time alignment, bass management and DSP to my high rez discs.


Don, the Gennum VXP processor is an excellent video processor. It does a great job deinterlacing 480i/1080i sourced material. It's scaling is far and away a step up from my Sony VPL-HS51a projector.


Regards,

Hey...just wondering how warm everybody else's 3910 ran. I'm kind of surprised at how warm my discs are when we take them out of our player. We've got an open stand (on all 4 sides) with a few inches of space above the 3910, but the discs (and the unit) still get pretty warm. Maybe I need to add a fan of some sort, but it would seem odd with a completely open stand...:confused:

J.

I'm kind of surprised at how warm my discs are when we take them out of our player...:confused:

J.

What kind of discs are you putting in there, Jason? :rolleyes:

Seriously, I haven't noticed mine being unusually warm compared to any other player I've used.

What kind of discs are you putting in there, Jason? :rolleyes:

You know...Eggo waffles...instant pancakes...hot pockets...mini pizzas...

The 3910 actually does a nice job doubling as a low-heat toaster...:D

Just kidding...it's our regular CDs...copies and otherwise. I'm not even talking DVDs that would play continuously for 2 or so hours. Even if a disc sits idle in our player, maybe an hour or so after it was played, it comes out of the 3910 surprisingly warm...which can't be good for the disc, but more importanly can't be good for the player (the old goose and the gander conundrum in action!). Maybe I'll pull it out of the rack and make sure that the intake vents aren't blocked. It's just surprising that it would run so warm...

J.

Greetings,

Jason, mine is the same way and has been since day one. I would not worry about it.

Enjoy.

Regards,

Hey, just curious if anyone has messed with the gamma adjustments in the "picture adjust" menu on their 3910. I'm specifically trying to improve Black Level and detail in darker scenes. I'm outputting 720P via HDMI to a Grand Wega IV (KDF55WF655). I've been pretty happy with the TV for a couple years, except for the high black level. I've already tweaked the TV using the UMR (and others) tweaks on the owners thread for the TV, but messing with the gamma in the TV's service menu, while it does make the dark scenes a bit more "punchy", also introduces noise that wasn't there before. I would like to improve the black level slightly without having to crack the TV open to add a neutral density filter. Anybody got any suggestions?

THX,

Zach

Hey, just curious if anyone has messed with the gamma adjustments in the "picture adjust" menu on their 3910.

From memory I think those adjustments are not operational on DVI/HDMI but definitely operate via component?

From memory I think those adjustments are not operational on DVI/HDMI but definitely operate via component?

Just looked in the manual, and you are correct. Since I want to use the upconversion, looks like neutral density filter here I come!

Hey...just wondering how warm everybody else's 3910 ran. I'm kind of surprised at how warm my discs are when we take them out of our player. We've got an open stand (on all 4 sides) with a few inches of space above the 3910, but the discs (and the unit) still get pretty warm. Maybe I need to add a fan of some sort, but it would seem odd with a completely open stand...:confused:

J.

Mine is the same way, very hot media. I also noticed the power supply area gets very hot, this may bet the reason why the media is also very warm. It's never caused any issues. I wouldn't worry about it.

SC.

Hey, just curious if anyone has messed with the gamma adjustments in the "picture adjust" menu on their 3910. I'm specifically trying to improve Black Level and detail in darker scenes. I'm outputting 720P via HDMI to a Grand Wega IV (KDF55WF655). I've been pretty happy with the TV for a couple years, except for the high black level. I've already tweaked the TV using the UMR (and others) tweaks on the owners thread for the TV, but messing with the gamma in the TV's service menu, while it does make the dark scenes a bit more "punchy", also introduces noise that wasn't there before. I would like to improve the black level slightly without having to crack the TV open to add a neutral density filter. Anybody got any suggestions?

THX,

Zach

Before you start playing with gamma 1st set the IRE to "0" and not the default "7.5". Hit the picture adjust button, go all the way to the right and select "set". The 1st one on the left is IRE, set it to 0.

When you scroll from std to any of the memory positions (M1, M2, etc) you will notice a nice difference in black level. Try this 1st, its a big improvement.

;)

and yes it works on HDMI and DVI outputs

Before you start playing with gamma 1st set the IRE to "0" and not the default "7.5". Hit the picture adjust button, go all the way to the right and select "set". The 1st one on the left is IRE, set it to 0.

When you scroll from std to any of the memory positions (M1, M2, etc) you will notice a nice difference in black level. Try this 1st, its a big improvement.

;)

and yes it works on HDMI and DVI outputs

I've got the IRE set to 0, it's been that way since I first set up the player. I've got the picture memory on M1.

Are you saying that the IRE setting works over HDMI or that the gamma adjustments work over HDMI? While it's clear that the IRE does (visually), according to the manual, the gamma adjustments do not. I was in there after reading this in the manual, changing values, and I couldn't see any affect on the picture.

Mine is the same way, very hot media. I also noticed the power supply area gets very hot, this may bet the reason why the media is also very warm. It's never caused any issues. I wouldn't worry about it.

SC.
Good to know that mine isn't the only one...I suppose.

Thanks,

J.

I have a 3910 and while it gives great video and SUPERB audio I find that I will retire it for DVDs (both for upconversion and standard 490i/p video.) I have a Toshiba A1. I have watched LOTR, Superbits on this sucker and as far as video is concerned, the $500 player upconverts just the same (or better) then my $1500 3910. Audio is a different matter. If the disks are encoded with DD+ no comparison. But DVD-A, SACD music has now been relegated to the 3910. Flame away...ouch.

I have a 3910 and while it gives great video and SUPERB audio I find that I will retire it for DVDs (both for upconversion and standard 480i/p video.) I have a Toshiba A1. I have watched LOTR, Superbits on this sucker and as far as video is concerned, the $500 player upconverts just the same (or better) then my $1500 3910. Audio is a different matter. If the disks are encoded with DD+ no comparison. But DVD-A, SACD music has now been relegated to the 3910. Flame away...ouch.

so this thread is now a wake for the 3910?

Probably not. The 3930 is coming. I just can't justify the cost for the upgrade for the 3930 at this point in time. I didn't say I was putting the 3910 on eBay, but I have thought about it. I belive others have already done so. Maybe time for a survey on the 3910 forum? I am not techy but how do you post a survey on a forum? Looking for help here. I respect your opinion.

I am not techy but how do you post a survey on a forum? Looking for help here. I respect your opinion.

Let's not and say we did.

Probably not. The 3930 is coming. I just can't justify the cost for the upgrade for the 3930 at this point in time. I didn't say I was putting the 3910 on eBay, but I have thought about it. I belive others have already done so. Maybe time for a survey on the 3910 forum? I am not techy but how do you post a survey on a forum? Looking for help here. I respect your opinion.
I was kidding. Not to take anything away from your observation and conviction, but everyone will play the technology cycles differently. For me, the thought on being an early adopter of HD-DVD or BD for that matter is just too scary. I know I'll have one at some point in the not too distant future, but now? No way. I'm getting my hi-def kicks with HBOHD, SHOHD and HDNet Movies and a huge external hard drive on my cable DVR. Optical is too up in the air to buy ANY new gear in that category.

I am glad that you have great HD via local cable. Not many do. I have Dish network, and while some HD channels are great some are not. Most are not actually, and I can't speak for Direct TV folks but from what I have read it maybe worse for them. I will say this, and probably for some folks in the BD camp. If you get a good press from a high def DVD it does blow away even OTA HD...in spades. No kidding. I want to see this format succeed. HD DVD/BD whichever can prove itself to the consumer.

The cost of the Denon, though one of the best, does not justify its current cost or future cost for the 3930.

Let's not and say we did.

Any help on how to post a survey on this thread? The results may be interesting.