Please don't thread fart or get way off-topic here guys, I intend this thread for owners of the 3910, to discuss and share experiences and set-ups with this particular DVD player.

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I owned a Denon, 2800, 3800, sent them back... you all know the problems. Owned a 5900, sent it back to..... ditto the reasons.

==============

I have now owned the Denon 3910 for only two days, but I just had the chance to hook it up to my Seleco HT300Link Projector (HD2+ DLP) a few minutes ago.

All I can say is WOW!! The DVD picture on this thing looks to me to be as good as you can possibly wring out of standard DVD. I have not watched a movie yet, just Avia Pro Test patterns and set-up fields, but I can say that this thing absolutely pushes the limits of detail from standard DVDs. If a HTPC or a different zillion $ DVD player can look any sharper or clearer, I do not see how. The only thing that looks better than this is HD with plenty of bandwidth.

I am using the HDMI input, and I can tell you the 3910 is definitely sharper than my 5900 was (with the same projector) going from DVI-HDMI. I cannot explain why, since I have read that the 5900 and 3910 are essentially the same, but I can tell you this, on my set-up, the 3910 looks to be about 15-20% sharper, without ringing or artifacts. I can set this thing on a 10 sharpness level with no ringing !!

With component input in progressive or interlaced the player looks no sharper than my Panasonis RP-91, but the pisture is still quite a bit brighter and snappier. HDMI is where this player shines.

The whitelevel on this thing is incredible, as is the black level.

I am gonna watch some movies this weekend to test for all the other stuff, layer change, colors in movies, MB, etc. One of the reasons I sent the 5900 back was subtitles popping up at odd times, so I hope I don't see that !!

I'm curious what HDMI setting you find looks the best on your set-up, and can you please post what TV or projector you are using with this DVD player ??

What DVDs and particular scenes are you folks using to test out your Player??

Thanks, more later,

- Cain

Excellent! A 3910 FAQs thread! I hope you and Echo on the 1910 FAQs thread can get the mods to sticky both of them. Glad you made it and good luck!

Exactly, that is what I had in mind. A FAQ thread for 3910 folks.

I got the 1 meter Monster Cable HDMI cable BTW for my player.

-- Cain

Cain, If you have the time, I was wondering if you could try the DVI-HDMI setup on the 3910, the same as you used on the 5900? I would love to know if the better picture is due to the HDMI-HDMI transfer or just improvements made to the 3910. I'm in the market for a digital projector and would like to know if HDMI inputs enable a better picture than DVI. What are you using for the audio output? I'm curious if the Denon link works when the HDMI-HDMI transfer is used.

No Problem. I only have a HDMI input on my projector that is HDCP though, so it will be Denon DVI---- Seleco HDMI..

-- Cain

Yippeee! I can finally feel like I belong! I picked up my 3910 this afternoon from my dealer (who kicks msrp's ass on a regular basis!). I haven't had a chance to unpack it and set it up yet, but I'm so overjoyed and full of jubilee that I just had to post...just kidding...I am excited but not that excited! I'll chime in once I get it fired up (hopefully tonight!).

I'd like to thank all the 3910 owners that have helped me get through the waiting by posting impressions of their own machines...again, just kidding.

Jason

Imagine my disapointment last Wednesday when I unpacked my new 3910 & couldn't get it to play at all--not DVD video or CDs. The player read the time on the disc, but when I hit play, it stayed at all zeros, obviously not reading any discs. A few DVD videos ran for 5 secs & then froze. I stayed up late into the night thinking I was doing something wrong, but the tech advised me the next day it was defective. I joined the forum to make this post so that anyone else who had this sad experience would know they were not alone. Anyway, the replacement is coming next week, so I'm giving it one more shot.:(

This is incredible already how many of our forumers have already wrote in with defective units. Gee whiz. I realize nothing can be perfect all the time, but...when you scour all the Denon threads here, it feels like the number of folks who've had problems is quite signifigant.

Originally posted by Cain


The whitelevel on this thing is incredible, as is the black level.

- Cain

Could you please elaborate on this? Peak white and black levels each have one and only one correct level, which can be readily verified on a waveform monitor, but whose measurement can be finessed using a tool like AVIA. (Actually, it could be argued that black level has two correct settings, depending on whether you use setup or not. But that doesn't change the general principle.)

So, do you mean that these levels are "incredibly accurate"? Do you mean "there is no crushing of details close to white and black"? Or do you mean something else?

Originally posted by JasonColeman
Yippeee! I can finally feel like I belong! I picked up my 3910 this afternoon from my dealer (who kicks msrp's ass on a regular basis!). I haven't had a chance to unpack it and set it up yet, but I'm so overjoyed and full of jubilee that I just had to post...just kidding...I am excited but not that excited! I'll chime in once I get it fired up (hopefully tonight!).

I'd like to thank all the 3910 owners that have helped me get through the waiting by posting impressions of their own machines...again, just kidding.

Jason

Cool, I'm very curious of your impressions of the audio.

Jim :)

Originally posted by keenan
Cool, I'm very curious of your impressions of the audio.

Jim :)

Jim-

Yeah, I'm pretty excited. I'm going to keep my 45a connected and A/B them via several connections. I've got a handful of SACD's and DVD-A's that I'll compare as well as the requisite barrage of 2-ch CD's. I'll probably really get into it tomorrow during the day...look for some commentary around (what hopes to be) Happy Hour.

Jason

So, do you mean that these levels are "incredibly accurate"? Do you mean "there is no crushing of details close to white and black"?

Yep... And it puts out a much brighter picture than my old player, which lets me dial down the projector.

-- Cain

Really good thread......I am waiting for my 3910 to arrive. I will certainly post regarding its performance. Hope there aren´t any bugs!
Anyone know how to de-region-fy the machine? Disc..I guess+ (I live in Europe.)

I've had my 3910 for about a week now. So far it's all good, no problems. I have watched a few movies and concerts and they all look and sound great. Unfortunately I have an older Sim2 HT-300 with only component in so I am relegated to that. Sim2 will upgrade the unit to DVI for 2k but I think I'll wait a while. Probably wind up getting a new PJ at some point. All in all I am very happy with the quality I get with the 3910/HT-300 via 480P/component in.

On a slightly different topic.

I have never used a setup disc to calibrate my player/projector. I know
this may sound dumb but is it worth it? Does the disc walk you through
the calibrations? Which one is the best/user friendly one? I have never used one before so I am clueless.

Fretman

Sim2 will upgrade the unit to DVI for 2k but I think I'll wait a while.

I've never heard of that, but if they do, you need to be certain that their DVI is HDCP compatible. The DVI on my Sim2 HT300Link is NOT HDCP compatible, so it is essentially useless.

The best Calibration set-up disc is Avia, it makes this stuff very easy and walks you through it. I highly recommend it. If you wanna take it to another step Avia Pro is even better but Avia Pro costs a few hundred bucks.

Take care, and welcome to AVS!

-- Cain

Just curious if anyone has been listening to DVD-audio? My question is whether or not the onscreen menus (from the discs) can be sent over DVI. Mine is just saying no signal. If I switch to component the menu is there. Are these able to be sent over DVI? I know you can use Denon Link and DVI together b/c I've been watching plenty of Season 3 Alias without a problem. Thanks

So I spent most of yesterday applying some service menu tweaks from the RPTV forum to my HLN567, and then calibrated to the 3910. After a year of user-menu-only calibration plus a '931 player, it's like I've got a whole new setup! I've still got a smile on my face. :)

At any rate, while trying to jump around the DVE disc, I noticed a bug. For some reason, the 3910 wouldn't let me jump to another title after already jumping into one. The "Search Mode" button seemed to function correctly, but entering a title number just ensued in the "can't do that" icon. I would have to stop all the way, restart the disc, and then jump to the title I wanted.

Playing around, I discovered that if I used the "Display" button, I could enter a new title there. That seemed to work as expected.

Since I probably won't need DVE much now that I'm dialed in the way I like it, and I rarely if ever jump around titles in my normal viewing, I'm not too concerned about this. But I thought I'd mention it, and the workaround, for the sake of anyone else who's getting frustrated by this one.

I just watched my first movie. "Man on Fire". The picture was jaw dropping.

HDMI input, 720p to my projector. This is my third or fourth Denon DVD player, and so far, this one looks like it is the keeper for me.

-- Cain

Hey Jason,
I'm a fellow Buckeye and 3805 owner.
I 'm wondering how DVD-A by Denon link compares to DVD-A by EXt in.
on the 3910/3805 . Like most 3805 owners I'm disappointed that Denon link 3 wasn't approved for SACD. I know the 3910 has better DAC's than the 3805, so maybe the EXT in would be the way to go anyways????You've been the pointman on avs for the 3805, so I'm eagerly awaiting your input on the 3910 as well.
THANX for all your help,
Shawners

just giving a shout out to the Buckeyes!! Sorry, had to be done. I'm a 3805/3910 owner as well. What displays and speakers are you guys using? I have a Samsung DLP (HLN-507W). And using Definitive Technology 7.1 setup. (What an ugly game this past weekend huh? I'm glad we've got 2 weeks to work on that non-existant running game!)

Do any of the owners notice a difference in picture (brightness and contrast most obvious) when you change the digital output of the player. I was using a DVI cable to my projector, and then switched it to a HDMI->DVI cable just for fun and noticed that the HDMI->DVI picture is darker. Any other people try the different digital out methods? I guess there are three - DVI, HDMI, HDMI->DVI.

You might be on to some thing. I was using DVI to DVI and just changed to HDMI (RGB) to DVI. I had AVIA setup to show the black bars fine using DVI and I just checked a while ago using HDMI and the bars were missing (brightness too dark). I thought it was because the room wasn't totally dark but just might be the different input.

Originally posted by FoolintheRain
Just curious if anyone has been listening to DVD-audio? My question is whether or not the onscreen menus (from the discs) can be sent over DVI. Mine is just saying no signal. If I switch to component the menu is there. Are these able to be sent over DVI? I know you can use Denon Link and DVI together b/c I've been watching plenty of Season 3 Alias without a problem. Thanks


I've got several DVD-Audio discs I've been using quite a bit since I got the 3910, and I'm using DVI to my Sony GWIII. I haven't had any problem with the menus not showing up over DVI --- they've all been just fine. I've got my DVI default set to 720p, but the menus show up at 480p or 1080i, as well. Not sure what's going on for you, unfortunately.

FoolintheRain,

I've played several DVD-Audio discs, which usually have still-picture menus that can be viewed on screen. I've had no problem using them over DVI. Maybe you have the video turned off in the setup menu.

Regarding the HDMI output being darker than DVI I found that flipping the Video Setup from 0 to 7.5 pretty much reverses the darker image. Using AVIA my black bars are pretty much the same and the actual image appears to be a little closer to being right on.

When I was using DVI and set to 0 I had to adjust brightness up six and now with HDMI (set at 7.5) I can return brightness back to zero. I had no luck at all trying to get the black bars correct using HDMI and Video Setup at 0 (within the player settings).

I see 1910, 2910, 3910 etc.... is the higher the number, the newer the model, or the other way around?

Hi Charles,

Thx for the post, and info. What projector are you using?? does your projector have a native HDMI inout, or does it have a DVI input ?? IOW are you using a HDMI-DVI cable ??

Thx!!

-- Cain

Beefgude,

The higher the number the better the player, nothing to do with age.

Scott

I'm probably going to get banned from AVS for saying this, but I actually haven't hooked up my 3910 yet. We had friends over on Sunday for the Browns game (ugly, ugly, ugly...and expensive, too, with all the injuries! :mad: ). I didn't get home until 9 last night either, so it's waiting at home for me this afternoon. I'm eager as hell to get this thing set up and take it for the proverbial spins.

I'm using the 3805/3910 combo with Paradigm Reference 100/570/ADP speakers with a Servo-15 on the way. I've got Sony's HS10 for display. I'm really psyched to get this all hooked up. I'm much more geared towards audio than video, so I'll really be checking out the SQ of the 3910.

Hopefully you guys can forgive me...:)

I'll post later this evening!

Jason

Greetings,

Jason, I look forward to your response. I have a Sony HS10 as well and have ordered a 3910 which will hopefully be in later this week. I assume you will be connecting your 3910/HS10 via DVI? How long of a cable run do you have from the player to the projector?

I am running a 10M Lindy DVI cable to my HS10 for High Def. right and this combo works great. I will be running the same cable from the 3910.


Regards,

Last night I finished hooking up the 3910 for SACD/DVD-A to my Halo C2 . I bought just a few SACD/DVD-A disks from Amazon to test out the 3910. I only had a few minutes to take a listen, but I was very impressed by most of the disks. I have a good system already for 2-channel music, but the dynamic range, clarity, and depth of the SACD/DVD-A recordings was better than I ever heard music on my system (especially the DVD-A of Yes: Fragile).

I need to read the 3910's manual again to figure out if I have all the audio settings right (especially if Enhanced Bass should be on). But so far, I love what I'm hearing.

Originally posted by placidman
I assume you will be connecting your 3910/HS10 via DVI? How long of a cable run do you have from the player to the projector?

I will be hooking it up via DVI, but I don't have a cable yet. Where'd you pick yours up? I need something around 10 meters, too. I'm also looking to pick up a 10 meter component to run from my 3805...I've been using the PJ's multicable so far, but when I permanently mount it, I'd like to run good cabling in the walls.

Damn, I'm really excited to get this thing hooked up! I'll post back this evening (or sooner! :D).

Jason

Greetings,

Jason, I got my Dual link DVI cable from Lindy cable USA. You can find them at:


http://www.lindy.com/us/index.php

For high def from my Pioneer Voyager 3510HD cable box the image is awesome. I am hoping that DVD via this same setup yields similar results.


Regards,

Jason: I have a HS20 and I am using Dynaudio Countour 5.4 for fronts and the S3.4 for rears. I too have a Servo-15 which I love, but since having kids it rarely gets turned on. That being said I have used the Panasonic RP-56, great video quality, but the audio is sure lacking. The first thing I noticed when I hooked up the Denon 3910 is everything sounded better and more clear, especially the voices, I am currently using the HDMI cable that was supplied with the projector so it, isn't a HDMI to HDMI calble, still need to buy a DVI cable and HDMI. Regardless of cables the picture looks fantastic. This is my four Denon player over the years, and hopefully it is one I won't have to return.

Originally posted by Cain
Hi Charles,

Thx for the post, and info. What projector are you using?? does your projector have a native HDMI inout, or does it have a DVI input ?? IOW are you using a HDMI-DVI cable ??

Thx!!

-- Cain I'm using a HDMI to DVI cable. So the differences (darker image via HDMI) can't be from the projector's inputs.

Whats up FoolintheRain,
Cool name , sounds like a cool name for a 80's power ballad.
(Ya the truths out ..Shawners is a old 80's , big hair butt rocker that lost his hair because of too much gel and hair spray ;) )
I have a 55"WS mitsubishi RPTV ,feed HD by a DISH 6000,Denon 3805(replaced a yamaha 2090), jvc723 dvd( hence , my intrest in the 3910), Klipsch KG 5.2 fronts , Klipsch ksp-c6 center,klipsch KSW-15,klipsch rs-3 rear surrounds. I almost had my wife talked into me upgrading my front speakers to Klipsch rf-7's, but now I'm thinking of the 3910. Please keep us posted on your thoughts/impressions of the 3910.

JASON, Jason,JA....son,
Your an Oak my friend ;) ,
I don't know how your controlling the urge to not burn the midnight oil ,while putting the 3910 to the test. I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Take care guy's,
Shawners

What happens if you output Ycc via HDMI instead of RGB? DOes that bring the brightness back up to more similar to DVI? If so.. it could be due to the colorspace conversion in the HDMI chip.

** Reread and saw that were using HDMI-DVI cables and thus cannot do Ycc out. Issue may still be codespace conversion in HDMI chip. Earlier posts by Stacy Spears was pointing out HDMI chip issues with colorspace conversions leading to crush.

Okay...so I'm listening to The Shins "Chutes Too Narrow" on my freshly hooked up 3910 connected via analog to my 3805. All I can say is W:DW! The separation and clarity seems leaps and bounds beyond my Pio Elite 45a (which I wasn't really expecting). Some people seem to think the 45 a good audio contender...they obviously haven't listened to the 3910! :D Damn, you can hear the sound of the tip of the drumstick bouncing on the cymbals!

As somebody else noted, the voices seem remarkably clear...and forward, too. It's only the 3rd song on the first CD on this bad boy, and I haven't even set anything else up yet other than making some connections. I haven't changed any settings or anything and it sound remarkably good. I'm a huge fan of the Paradigm 100's and they sound so damn awesome right now. I've got to get things set up for DenonLink and SACD/DVD-A...oh yeah, this thing plays DVD's, too...I almost forgot...guess I need to get a 10m DVI. Thanks for the Lindy recommendation...nice price...any others? I'll hook up for now via component to my PJ and check it out later tonight. We don't have a dedicated theater room and our living room has a wall of windows that faces west (sans window treatments ala my wife), so I can't really get a good sense of the DVD performance until night sets in.

Ooohhh...next CD...Tortoise's self-titled, or maybe "Standards", or anything of theirs...if you don't know it, check it out. It's the sh!t. Instrumental experimental jazz rock funk fusion on drugs...all courtesy of Chicago. Good stuff! :D

Wow...happiness abounds!

I'll check back in a bit!

Jason :D

Originally posted by JasonColeman
guess I need to get a 10m DVI. Thanks for the Lindy recommendation...nice price...any others?

Blue Jeans Cable (http://www.bluejeanscable.com/) now sells DVI/HDMI cables. I haven't ordered this type of cable from them, but I've ordered other cables. Good company.

Originally posted by Beefgude
I see 1910, 2910, 3910 etc.... is the higher the number, the newer the model, or the other way around?

The xx10 models are the new models (replacing the xx00 models). From 1910 to 2910 to 3910, you go up in build quality, features, and price.

I am using DVI out to a Panny 50PHD6UY on Auto 1. I have noticed that when the screen has large amounts of black or dark areas that there is a lot of what I can only describe as pixel movement. Its like ligher black blocks dancing around a darker background. It really looks kinda bad. I haven't calibrated my plasma yet...will this get rid of the problem? Could it be me using the DVI cord that came with the Panny DVI blade? Anyone else see these effects? I can see it a lot in movies with a lot of black like Blade 2 and Lord of the Rings.

I'm using a HDMI to DVI cable. So the differences (darker image via HDMI) can't be from the projector's inputs.

What I am wondering is if the DVI-HDMI conversion is making a difference in black level ?? I'm running HDMI-HDMI and blacker than black looks best for me.

Wasn't there some issue with black level on one of the Pioneer Elite players when there was a HDMI-DVI conversion??

-- Cain

Hi Guys,
My 3910 arrived today. Audio through analog is absolutely awesome (SACD Syro Gyra) . I had a 2900 before the sound is much better.
Only have picture through component at the moment still waiting for HDMI cable.
Watched the new Star Wars DVDs very nice picture, cant wait to see it through HDMI.
By for now

subscribing and asking a question...

i have the 3910, 3805, and a directv hr10-250. i'm THINKING of buying a television with 1 DVI and 1 HDMI input (samsung hlp6163w). the directv hr10-250 only has HDMI output, so i'm going to hook it up to the tv with that. i was planning on hooking up my 3910 via a monster 1M DVI cable.

which is considered better? DVI cable? HDMI cable? or HDMI-DVI cable? i would assume there would be no difference b/c it's digital (duh!) and 2 of the three choices only send video while the HDMI sends audio and video...

btw, all this stuff is still in boxes awaiting setup. can't convince myself the samsung hlp6163w is the right set, but i don't want to hijack the thread...

Originally posted by Cain
What I am wondering is if the DVI-HDMI conversion is making a difference in black level ?? I'm running HDMI-HDMI and blacker than black looks best for me.I don't have both HDMI and DVI on my projector to test. I'm sure someone has both to see if the black level is the same coming out of the player. This would be assuming the display device handles both inputs the same. So far I'm not sure either one is better rather just different.

scorpion,
I just got a 3910 and am planning to hook it up to my sammy 5685W which has all but the denon link and ieee1394 connectors. I still have to order cables so it will be a while before I can test DVI-DVI and HDMI-HDMI connections and black levels. I'm sure someone will post their findings, but if they haven't by next week, i'll post mine.

I just purchased a 3910 works great. Now I need a new dlp with hdmi. Greg

Here's my opinion on the DVI or HDMI connection question. I've always been told a direct connection is better than a non-direct connection. For example. When you use component video out of the DVD player hook it directly to the component ins on the TV, as opposed to going to the receiver and THEN to the TV.

With this theory in mind, I don't quite understand HDMI. It passes audio and video. Great, but someone who has a surround system probably doesn't want the audio going to their 2 channel TV speakers. Likewise if you have a receiver that has HDMI input/output, it would still be an indirect approach for the video in my opionon.

I'm probably in the minority here, but I think for TV (video) DVI is more than enough. Its digital. Go right form the DVD player to the TV. Use a separate connection for the audio to your receiver (analog, digital, or Firewire). I really can't see the need for HDMI. Sure it does more, but I don't think its needed

I use Samsung HLN-507W DLP with DVI in
Denon 3910 DVI to TV for video; Denon Link to receiver for sound (except analog for SACD).
Denon 3805 receiver

Any comments? I just think HDMI is overkill and no real value for audio at this point.

PS....Scorpion, love my Sammy DLP. Won't need to upgrade until the 1080p sets are dirt cheap in my opinion. Mine's a 2nd gen, yours will most likely be a 3rd (even better)!

Originally posted by Omen
I need to read the 3910's manual again to figure out if I have all the audio settings right (especially if Enhanced Bass should be on). But so far, I love what I'm hearing.

Omen, when you find out more about the bass management capabilities could you write here a quick report about it? I'm considering 2910/3910 as my universal player but there is this open question of bass management on DVD-A and SACD discs.

I think that the LFE/.1 channel can't be steered into mains. But what can you feed to .1 channel? What happens if you have subwoofer as 'yes', bass enchane as 'yes' and all speakers as large?
Nothing?
L+R+.1 into the .1 channel?

Originally posted by JasonColeman
I will be hooking it up via DVI, but I don't have a cable yet. Where'd you pick yours up? I need something around 10 meters, too.
I bought a 10 meter DVI cable from Ram Electronics, along with component, VGA, and composite cables in the same length. They all work perfectly.

-- Chouca

IO had a Full-Screen video, and the player stretched it into 16:9.

Does that "squeeze mode" set it such that a 4:3 video gets shown as 4:3 on a 16:9 TV ??

Thx. (I no longer have the full-scren video so I can't test it out).

-- Cain

Originally posted by FoolintheRain
PS....Scorpion, love my Sammy DLP. Won't need to upgrade until the 1080p sets are dirt cheap in my opinion. Mine's a 2nd gen, yours will most likely be a 3rd (even better)!


actually, your 2nd gen is probably better than the 3rd. i'm not sure what chip you have, but the set i'm looking at (hlp6163) has the HD3 chip. i'm told the HD2+ chip is much better. i'm waiting on a samsung tabletop 61" with HD2+ chip or better. hope i'm not waiting long...

Originally posted by Cain
IO had a Full-Screen video, and the player stretched it into 16:9.

Does that "squeeze mode" set it such that a 4:3 video gets shown as 4:3 on a 16:9 TV ??

Thx. (I no longer have the full-scren video so I can't test it out).

-- Cain

Yes.

I just have the HD2 chip...not the HD2+. You are correct though. The HD2+ is better than the HD3 (mass produced for economy). The names are a little misleading though huh? Check out this site, its explains all the improvements and differences.

www.digiupdate.com/105_DLP_RPTV.html

My ISF calibrator came today and fixed the black moving squares in my picture...its was just the fact that I was using DVI out and I didn't have the Advanced Black Level setting checked on my 3910. Cleared that up right quick. However now I am noticing that all my blacks look greenish as others have reported. The ISF calibrator did a good job of minimizing this effect but I can still notice it. He said it is a shame Denon puts out a product with such green looking black levels for that much money. All the other inputs to my plasma look fantastic with no such effect from other input sources(another DVI and one component from GameCube and HR10-250).

Originally posted by Osl2004
My ISF calibrator came today and fixed the black moving squares in my picture...its was just the fact that I was using DVI out and I didn't have the Advanced Black Level setting checked on my 3910. Cleared that up right quick.Since the only difference between Enhanced and Normal is a lower black level I'm guessing if you raised your black level to match the Normal setting you would see the same issue. The lower black level is just masking it better.

Well guys, so far I'm still REALLY pleased with this player.

The picture simply amazes me everytime I see another movie. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop and find some ctitical flaw, but so far, nothing yet.

The sharpness of this picture is simply amazing. Like I said I believe this is all that can be wrung out of DVD. It is looking more and more like this will be me last DVD player until Blu-Ray or whatever is next.

Have you guys tried fiddling with that H and V pixel enhancement thing ?? I don't see how the picture can look any sharper.

-- Cain

The sharpness of this picture is simply amazing

Cain
Is this due to the Image Enhanced circuit being enabled if so what does it look like disabled

cheers laurie

for those of you interested, when the 3910 is queried through the serial port, the model number returned is "Denon 5900"...

Is this due to the Image Enhanced circuit being enabled if so what does it look like disabled

It is disabled by default, and I have not turned it on. I don't see how the picture can be any sharper.

My replacement 3910 arrived & it's very impressive. I'm sorry if this has been covered already, but I can't seem to find an answer. Does anyone know what the pros and cons are of the 2 available options for HDMI video signal output, ie, HDMI Y Cb Cr or HDMI RGB--both look good to me on my Panasonic LCD.

I just got mine last night as well, despite my reservations due to previous "buggy" Denon dvd players (dvd-1000 and dvd-3800) and the number of bug reports here.

Played a few CDs and SACDs and everything seemed ok. Got a little confused why it wouldn't output both DVI and Component, but figured that out.

The few minutes of Star Wars IV I watched looked great.

I'm also glad they fixed a lot of the little quibbles I had w/ the ergonomics of the 3800. Like soft and hard power buttons on the front. Also, I really like that, unlike the 3800, when my house's power is interrupted and reset the DVD player doesn't default to on.

Is there a FAQ up yet, or a list of recommended settings?
So far I've decided to use either DVI or Compoent, I set the IRE to 0 (that menu took a little finding), left Black level at normal.

Anyone have any clue about "Picture mode"? I've left mine on Auto 1, but couldn't really tell and diff. w/ Auto 2 (or any of the Video modes for that matter).

Also, are there any general tips for the "Chroma delay" and "Chroma level" series of adjustments? I've just left everything at default, other then the "H enhancement".

thanks,
Jon

Anyone have any clue about "Picture mode"? I've left mine on Auto 1, but couldn't really tell and diff. w/ Auto 2 (or any of the Video modes for that matter).

Read the indepth review here for which one to leave it on-

HERE (http://babel.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cine4home.de%2Ftests% 2Fdvd-player%2FDenon_DVD-3910%2FDVD3910.htm&lp=de_en)

Spero D.

Yeah, I've tried to read that review briefly a few times. Was hoping for something in English...

What I got from the review is Auto 1 does 3:2 pulldown and Auto 2 does 2:2??

From the review-

Despite its many De-Interlace de DVD3910 large "experiments" does not require modes for the selection of the correct mode: Both "Auto1" and "Auto2" supply almost identically perfect of results to film DVDs. Thus the 3910 more comfort than many other DVD Player offers clearly: Here applies simply, turn on and ensureless enjoy.

Therefore roughly translated I would suggest as per the DVD-5900 that it is left on Auto 1.

Spero D.

For whatever reason (maybe Kris will chime in), Secrets rates Auto 2 a hair above Auto 1 for the 5900. No explanation in the text though.

Thanks Kevin. Looks like they are both pretty close. Hopefully Kris or the reviewer will post here.

So we watched Star Wars last night and the picture was really amazing. The 3910 can be sluggish at times and it takes much longer than my Pio 45a to load a disc, but that's pretty minor. One thing that I noticed is that many of the colors seem off or too intense. The blue on R2-D2 was nearly electric and C3P0's "skin" was almost a reddish-gold. This was really evident after they landed in the escape pod and were walking through the desert. Otherwise, the picture looked fantastic. Maybe it's time to calibrate our PJ, but it's the first time I've noticed it. Are there picture settings that need to be adjusted from the defaults?

The other thing I noticed was the audio levels are really low. I saw where to adjust the channel levels, but it seems that you can only turn them down from 0 dB instead of being to turn them up. I had to set the volume on my 3805 about 10-15 higher than I have had to in the past. Is there some other adjustment?

Thanks,

Jason

Jason,
I watched SW last night too, colors seemed right on to me and controls didn't seem any more sluggish than the 3800 this unit replaced.

Are you watching through a new input (DVI/HDMI)? Is it possible that you haven't calibrated your projector on that input? I'm watching through component input (which I've calibrated my GWII for) and the only adjustment I've made is in the "Picture memory" menu going to the "Set" menu and changing IRE from 7.5 to 0. Looks pretty calibrated to me. One quibble I have is the 3910 seems to slightly push Green. Not convinced yet, since I've only watched one movie, I'll have to get Avia/DVE back from my friend and really check into this.

Also, audio, through the digital coax out seems at the same level as my 3800 was. I think the channel levels only apply to the analog output, is that what you're using?

Originally posted by JasonColeman
So we watched Star Wars last night and the picture was really amazing. The 3910 can be sluggish at times and it takes much longer than my Pio 45a to load a disc, but that's pretty minor. One thing that I noticed is that many of the colors seem off or too intense. The blue on R2-D2 was nearly electric and C3P0's "skin" was almost a reddish-gold. This was really evident after they landed in the escape pod and were walking through the desert. Otherwise, the picture looked fantastic. Maybe it's time to calibrate our PJ, but it's the first time I've noticed it. Are there picture settings that need to be adjusted from the defaults?

The other thing I noticed was the audio levels are really low. I saw where to adjust the channel levels, but it seems that you can only turn them down from 0 dB instead of being to turn them up. I had to set the volume on my 3805 about 10-15 higher than I have had to in the past. Is there some other adjustment?

Thanks,

Jason

Colors have been fine for me, exceptional actuallly. Have you run through a calibration DVD since youve hooked the 3910 up?

The levels in the 3910 only affect the analog outputs. Is that what you are using when playing movies, the 5.1 analog in? I didnt have any issues with the 3910 and volume levels. From my previous player (another Denon) there was probably only minor adjustments required for the different channels.

John

Thanks you guys. Sorry I wasn't more complete with info earlier. I'm using the component outs through my 3805 for now, until I get a DVI cable to run to my PJ. I am using the analog outs for audio, too. I've got a digital coax from my Pio 45 that I'll swap in this evening and see if there's a difference. I haven't run a calibration disc yet, hopefully that'll make a difference in the colors. I've got to sit down with a pot of coffee and go through the owner's manual...there are a lot of settings between the 3805 and the 3910 that I need to get figured out.

Thanks again,

Jason

Okay, for you 3910 owners, where's a good inexpensive place to buy one? I've seen $974 at hometheatertown but they have a disclaimer that Denon won't honor the Denon Warrantee??? Nice Electronics has it for $980 WITH a US warrantee. That's the best I've seen so far...
Anyone else?

I'm sorry if this has been covered already, but I can't seem to find an answer. Does anyone know what the pros and cons are of the 2 available options for HDMI video signal output, ie, HDMI Y Cb Cr or HDMI RGB--both look good to me on my Panasonic LCD.

Well, since no one answered this outright, could someone at least pick from multiple choice?
(a) Your question was answered already you moron, do a search & don't bother us!
(b) Your question is so stupid that it doesn't merit an answer.
(c) No one knows the answer to your question.
(d) HDMI Y Cb Cr is better
(e) HDMI RGB is better.
Thanks!

Originally posted by Gus B
Well, since no one answered this outright, could someone at least pick from multiple choice?
(a) Your question was answered already you moron, do a search & don't bother us!
(b) Your question is so stupid that it doesn't merit an answer.
(c) No one knows the answer to your question.
(d) HDMI Y Cb Cr is better
(e) HDMI RGB is better.
Thanks!

Gus-

As I'm using the component connections of the 3910 for now, waiting for a 10m DVI to arrive for my PJ, I'll have to go for....letter C. However, I give you an A for creativity. :D

Jason

Originally posted by MaxPaws
Okay, for you 3910 owners, where's a good inexpensive place to buy one? I've seen $974 at hometheatertown but they have a disclaimer that Denon won't honor the Denon Warrantee??? Nice Electronics has it for $980 WITH a US warrantee. That's the best I've seen so far...
Anyone else?

What exactly is a US warranty? Nice Electronics isn't listed at Denon's site as an authorized dealer, so I'm not sure what their language means exactly. I've read about a lot of defective 3910s already, so I'd be a bit leery getting one from a non-authorized source. However, 980 is an awesome price (320 off msrp...did you read that, Rich?)

Jason

IMO, if I had to choose between purchasing a Denon unit from a NY dealer who isn't listed as an authorized Denon dealer and working with an authorized dealer, I'd choose the authorized one because: this is a newer model and some have reported defects, and I'll have peace of mind knowing I can try the unit out and return it within 30 days if dissatisfied.

OTOH, saving money is usually a good thing, so caveat emptor.

here's what reseller ratings (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1683.html) had to say about nice electronics. HTH

Originally posted by heffalump
...here's what reseller ratings (http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1683.html) had to say about nice electronics. HTH

Thanks for that link!

I'd LIKE to buy from a local authorized dealer, but as I'm about to drop some major bucks into a 3910, PLUS new separates (either Sherwood or B&K so far), it's gonna add up VERY quickly. I could probably get a 3910 for free with the money saved buying the separates online vs. local store! Maybe... And yeah, I know, caveat emptor! :)

MaxPaws,

PM me, or email scottyb@scottyb.com

Scott

I mentioned this on the 10.5 (Integra) thread, but I'll repeat it here:

I had the chance to compare a 10.5 ($2500) with the 3910 ($1200) in my home theater. I calibrated both units over their digital connections (DVI for the 3910), running digital audio from each to my Casablanca III for processing.

The 3910, to my eyes, had a slighly preferable picture on some content to the 10.5. On other content, it was a dead draw. When the image was better, it was more "film-like" to me, fewer artifacts, slightly better color. Subtle, but definitely there. Given the price difference, and the slight edge in image, the 3910 is the better value and choice for video, in my opinion. Sound was equivalent (as a transport).

Hope that helps! I returned the 10.5 and kept the 3910. Build quality on the 3910 is good, but it's great on the 10.5. Still, you can't have everything, and quality of image is more important to me than heft :)

-Adam

Originally posted by MusicmanSeattle
I've got several DVD-Audio discs I've been using quite a bit since I got the 3910, and I'm using DVI to my Sony GWIII. I haven't had any problem with the menus not showing up over DVI --- they've all been just fine. I've got my DVI default set to 720p, but the menus show up at 480p or 1080i, as well. Not sure what's going on for you, unfortunately.

Follow up to my previous post --- I now have two 3910s, and they exhibit different behavior with the DVD-Audio menus over DVI. I thought maybe I was I was going crazy, so I set them back to factory defaults (instructions for that are in the manual), then went through exactly the same set of (minimal) configuration steps. One player shows the DVD-Audio menus over DVI, one doesn't.

What gives? Anyone have any ideas? There's definitely a consistency problem here....

The "older" player, based on serial number, incidentally, is the one that doesn't display the menus.

Thanks!

What is the date of manufacture of the players? I have had two units and both were made in June and both properly displayed DVD-A menus thru DVI.

Originally posted by MusicmanSeattle
The "older" player, based on serial number, incidentally, is the one that doesn't display the menus.



Can you please post your SN's so we can know which ones to look out for?

Originally posted by scsiraid
What is the date of manufacture of the players? I have had two units and both were made in June and both properly displayed DVD-A menus thru DVI.

My unit that DID show the menus was a black June 2004 unit in the upper 700 serial number range (last three digits were 7**).

My unit that DID NOT show the menus was a silver July 2004 unit with a serial number below 50 (last digits were 0**).

(I don't feel like it's a good idea to post the EXACT serial numbers here, so those should get you close enough.)

My SN is in the upper 400's, but I don't have a DVI cable yet so I'm just using the component connection to my PJ. The cable should be here in a couple days, so I'll find out.

Jason

Originally posted by MusicmanSeattle
My unit that DID NOT show the menus was a silver July 2004 unit with a serial number below 50 (last digits were 0**).



We can probably eliminate serial #'s from the equation since my last 3 digits are below 100 (0*0) and the menus show just fine over DVI.


Bill

Off topic, but I need some help from fellow 3910 owners.

I am trying to go through DVE and cannot change title numbers. Even through the menus. I can easily change chapters, that is a no-brainer, but I want to get to some test patterns and cannot.

Granted - I have not spent a huge amount Of time with this, but I do not know what else to try. Also granted - I have not navigated DVE before.

If someone could help, I'd appreciate it.

I posted this way back on page one, as I ran into the same problem:

At any rate, while trying to jump around the DVE disc, I noticed a bug. For some reason, the 3910 wouldn't let me jump to another title after already jumping into one. The "Search Mode" button seemed to function correctly, but entering a title number just ensued in the "can't do that" icon. I would have to stop all the way, restart the disc, and then jump to the title I wanted.

Playing around, I discovered that if I used the "Display" button, I could enter a new title there. That seemed to work as expected.

That's my workaround.

That didn't work for me...I think. I'll try it again.

Sorry - Obviously I haven't read all five pages.

Originally posted by dave7
...I haven't read all five pages.

Or the five-hundred page manual! :D That thing should be separated into volumes.

Good luck!

Jason

Kris Deering has a post in another thread that says we should use "normal" black level when using HDMI-HDMI.

I'll ask him to post here also.

-- Cain

I am an audio manic starting a home theater/muti-canals system. I did a few researches and finally decided to build the following system:

Infocus 4805
Da-lite Comopolitan Electrol fabric TBD
Denon 3910 to replace an old Toshiba progressive scan DVD
Anthem AVM 30 or AVM 20
Anthem MCA 30 or MCA 50
ProAc CC2
ProAc Reference 8
Sub TBD
The main left and right will be connected to my current stereo system.

I am currently going through the procurement phase. I will purchase one item every 4-6 weeks. Since it will take me sometimes before I complete the system, I would like to have a good centre sound ASAP. I saw that the Denon 3910 includes a set of 6 analogue outputs and includes DTS decoding and speaker managements. Will I get a good centre sound if I connect a centre channel directly in the centre analog output through a spare integrated amp that I have? I understand that I will have to play with 2 volume knobs (one form my stereo system and one for the centre channel) but will the Denon 3910 perform the proper movie sound decoding? The answer to this question will drive the order in which I will perform the procurement. Do I start with AVM20 or the DVD replacement?

Thanks

Benoit

Originally posted by Cain
Kris Deering has a post in another thread that says we should use "normal" black level when using HDMI-HDMI.
FWIW, using the THX optimizer found on many DVD's like Monster's Inc., you can easily see the difference between the two settings during the video test. Using a HDMI-HDMI connection to a Sammy 5685W display, I could see all shades of gray using "normal", but not the "enhanced" setting so I've switched back to "normal".

btw, both PQ and SQ were simply stunning on Monsters Inc.! I never thought I'd enjoy a DVD that much after being spoiled by high def. programs.

Newb question: Sorry if this somehow was answered previously. I could use a little help determining how best to hook up my 3910 to my display.

I have the dlp4663w that accepts both HDMI/DVI (720 native) Right now, i'm using the dvi connection for my satellite and hooking up the dvd player using component. I'm also using the digital hookup to my receiver and analog as well; as the jury is still out to which sounds better.

Should I stay with component, or should I go digital with either dvi/dvi, hdmi/hdmi, or dvi/hdmi?

If I use HDMI/HDMI to my display, is the sound going to be only sent to my display?

What if I use DVI/HDMI? Positives/negatives, which is more preferred for those who've tried them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You should go DVI/DVI or HDMI/HDMI at 720p (with the latter, I believe you can still send audio to your receiver). The big disadvantage of DVI/HDMI is that you then get black crush, which you don't get with either DVI/DVI or HDMI/HDMI.

connecting the 3910 to the 4663w? IMO, you should use HDMI-HDMI since you're already using the DVI for the Sat STB.

While you'll be sending uncompressed both audio and video to your display, you can also use a separate digital audio connection such as digital coax from the 3910 to your AV receiver for 5.1 surround sound.

See page 19 of the User manual (http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/DVD3910%20DFU.pdf) regarding HDMI audio setups.

Originally posted by BillP
You should go DVI/DVI or HDMI/HDMI at 720p (with the latter, I believe you can still send audio to your receiver). The big disadvantage of DVI/HDMI is that you then get black crush, which you don't get with either DVI/DVI or HDMI/HDMI.

What are you referring to when you say, "black crush"?

Has anyone here tried a 192 kHz DVD-A disk yet? My 3910 won't play it.

Black crush refers to not being able to display blacker than black. What this means is that you lose details (ie, shades of gray) in dark scenes. With black crush, for example, there might be a nighttime street scene where everything at the right edge of the screen is lost in dark shadows, whereas without black crush, you may actually see stairs or a door or a black cat that are totally invisible with black crush. Many players suffer from this (all the Samsung upscaling players). With the 3910, there is no black crush when you connect the DVI output to a DVI input, or an HDMI output to an HDMI input. However, black crush occurs when you connect DVI-to-HDMI.

Originally posted by dave7
Has anyone here tried a 192 kHz DVD-A disk yet? My 3910 won't play it.

I have Linda Rondstadt's "What's New", and both the 5.1 96kHz layer and the 2.0 192kHz layer play just fine on my 3910.

What happens when you try?

It just stops a moment after it shows the title screen. 96 is fine. The disks are good, and played fine on my Lexicon...when I had it.

on a side not about ghosting, i had tested nemo (scence where 2 fish meet shark) on my samsung HLN467 dlp and it was all around the shark edges at any setting. went to the dealer today, hooked it up to infocus projector (777???) with 3 chips and same thing. then it went on an elite plasma and was present as well. so it might be the movie itself, but try it out tonight and it will piss you off. sorry for breaking the beans on this one.

Anthony-

Have you tried a different player on these displays? I saw what you saw using the 3910 on my sharp 10K PJ, but not with the Integra 10.5. Nevertheless, the 10.5 should be better for 2x the pricetag.

Greetings,

I got my 3910 yesterday and have found the same results. I am running mine via DVI to a Sony HS10 LCD front projector. The " enhanced " black level setting is a definite improvement. I had previuosly had my projector ISF'd, however that was with the Denon 2900, and via the Component in. I will need to have the grayscale recalibrated with the 3910.

I was able to to dial things in using both Avia and DVE. I am not 100% satisfied yet with white level/black level balance, but I am getting there.

Two things I noted relative to the 3910's performance when compared to the 2900. First, noticable layer changes ( once on SW Episode II AOTC, and the other on Episode V TESB ). Secondly, the 3910 is slower when selecting a chapter from the " search " mode via the remote. There is a noticable pause once the chapter is selected. On the 2900 this was immediate, and layer changes were seemless. While neither of these issues is a deal breaker, I am a little annoyed that they exist. I really can't see why a step up player like this would take a step back in these areas.

I tried both SACD and DVD A discs which sounded incredible. I did not try a 192khz disc though. I check into that tonight and post back.

Aside from what I stated above the units strengths are notable and well worth it.

Secondly, the 3910 is slower when selecting a chapter from the " search " mode via the remote. There is a noticable pause once the chapter is selected.

I have similar observation on my 3910 as well. I don't have experience with 2900, but I guess there's something more to responsiveness than merely the size of buffer (8MB).

Originally posted by Anthony A.
on a side not about ghosting, i had tested nemo (scence where 2 fish meet shark) on my samsung HLN467 dlp and it was all around the shark edges at any setting. went to the dealer today, hooked it up to infocus projector (777???) with 3 chips and same thing. then it went on an elite plasma and was present as well. so it might be the movie itself, but try it out tonight and it will piss you off. sorry for breaking the beans on this one.

It is annoying.

I have the 3910 and a new Panasonic DLP (50DL54). I see the same artifacts in NEMO...both HDMI and Component. I also see color banding in some of the blue ocean scenes (false contouring). My big question is whether this is a digital display (DLP, plasma, etc.) artifact or the player? I haven't been able to confirm. Sounds like there is some evidence it is the player (dave7 post). Can anyone with a CRT and an "alternate" player confirm?

Originally posted by placidman
Greetings,

Two things I noted relative to the 3910's performance when compared to the 2900. First, noticable layer changes ( once on SW Episode II AOTC, and the other on Episode V TESB ).

On the 2900 this was immediate, and layer changes were seemless. While neither of these issues is a deal breaker, I am a little annoyed that they exist. I really can't see why a step up player like this would take a step back in these areas.

They're a deal breaker for me. I'll stick with my 2900. (Denon, are you listening?)

i checked the 'american history x' scene using my cheap samsung 480p dvd player. what do you know. its gone. i will test the nemo scene tonight. it may well be a dlp/plasma thing. someone else has to confirm this as i don't have that display.

I know we all pick apart every piece of equipment we acquire and I'm just as guilty. Two nights ago I viewed K-PAX on my new DTheater deck and last night I viewed The Last Samurai on the 3910.

There certainly was a drop in viewing image and I would never recognize one for the other but all and all the upscaling to 1080i simply makes it a much more live-able alternative until we get everyday HD media.

Originally posted by placidman


Two things I noted relative to the 3910's performance when compared to the 2900. First, noticable layer changes ( once on SW Episode II AOTC, and the other on Episode V TESB ). Secondly, the 3910 is slower when selecting a chapter from the " search " mode via the remote. There is a noticable pause once the chapter is selected. On the 2900 this was immediate, and layer changes were seemless. While neither of these issues is a deal breaker, I am a little annoyed that they exist. I really can't see why a step up player like this would take a step back in these areas.

I'm speechless. I was let to believe that the 3910 was supposed to be superior in every conceivable fashion. Is it possible, based on what I've read here from other forumers, that you MIGHT have a defective unit?

If not, that's sad. Not earth shattering, but as awesome the 2900 is, this was supposed to be at least equal if not better. Certainly at this price range, there should be no such thing as a layer change.

That's not a comment against Denon specifically, just in general. I must say, all these Denon threads have certainly opened my eyes. Some for the good, some not so good.



Aside from what I stated above the units strengths are notable and well worth it.

Very likely, but honestly, those two issues you mentioned should not be at this price. Well, hell, even the menu and chapter thing I could probably overlook, but if this has a layer change like my Zenith 318 does, at $160, that's really sad.

I can definitely see where a happy 2900 owner probably doesn't have much incentive to upgrade if all this is really true. I may gravitate towards the 2900 myself based on all that I've read here in the forums. (Heh, it's one of several considerations...) :p

Greetings,



Very likely, but honestly, those two issues you mentioned should not be at this price. Well, hell, even the menu and chapter thing I could probably overlook, but if this has a layer change like my Zenith 318 does, at $160, that's really sad.


I would have to agree. I have not watched an entire film as of yet. I will check into this and post back.


Regards,

^^ Good deal! :)

Originally posted by Q of BanditZ

I can definitely see where a happy 2900 owner probably doesn't have much incentive to upgrade if all this is really true. I may gravitate towards the 2900 myself based on all that I've read here in the forums. (Heh, it's one of several considerations...) :p [/B]

Aren't a large percentage of 3910 purchasers (myself included - my unit is due in a week) buying it as much for the audio as the video? Given that, I would think this is not a comparable unit to the 2900 as the DAC's are superior and the bass managment much more advanced in the 3910.

That's not to say video isn't critically important, but I'm not sure why one would buy a Universal player unless they cared deeply about hi-rez audio.

Originally posted by dingJam
It is annoying.

I have the 3910 and a new Panasonic DLP (50DL54). I see the same artifacts in NEMO...both HDMI and Component. I also see color banding in some of the blue ocean scenes (false contouring). My big question is whether this is a digital display (DLP, plasma, etc.) artifact or the player? I haven't been able to confirm. Sounds like there is some evidence it is the player (dave7 post). Can anyone with a CRT and an "alternate" player confirm?

I've been auditioning the Denon 3910 and I've noticed the ringing and color banding. It's not pleasant. I've been tweaking the controls and I recalibrated my set (it was ISF calibrated last year), but it's still present. Although the picture is sharp, it's nowhere near as good as I thought it would/could be. (Should I even be playing around with the controls for CSS, V-Line, H-Line, Middle & High Frequency, Hue, etc. on the Denon menus? Some changes seem to improve the picture (I'm changing the settings very slightly), but am I adding additional picture information which ultimately introduces more picture "noise?")

I've been rethinking keeping the Onkyo SP-1000, even though the price is nearly twice that of the Denon. I found it produced a more pleasing image than the Denon. I'd use the Onkyo for film-based DVDs and SACD/DVD-A/CD and keep my Zenith 318 to run video-based DVDs.

Hi all you 3910 owners.

I'm probably going to buy one and have a quick question.

Is it possible to output 480i over the HDMI. It does not to seem to indicate it is possible in the manual listing only 480p/720p/1080i, but then there seems to be a seperate selection for progressive/intelace, so I was wondering does that that also apply to HDMI or is it for component only.
Thanks,

I haven't read this thread from the beginning, so i don't know if this has already been brought up, but a friend had problems with his 3910 whenever he used it on the DVI output. Component was fine. He was told by Denon tech support to go into the player menue and change the IRE setting from 7 to 0. Apparently some of the first run units went out of the factory without this adjustment having been made.

Pete,

Both of my 3910's came from the factory with black level = 7.5. Correct setting (in most cases) is black level 0 and HDMI/DVI mode normal.

Steve,

No 480i over HDMI. Shame....

I've been auditioning the Denon 3910 and I've noticed the ringing and color banding.

This sounds something like one of the problems with the Samsung 931. The way that it "setup" the Faroudja chip caused some unwanted edge enhancement. Displays without pixel structure (CRT) probably don't see this (as much) and may actually make the image look better as long as the "enhancement" is small. Does it happen if you turn off the "pixel magic" or whatever it is called? I'm picking up a 3910 later tonight. I'll be looking for things like this in addtion to the i.Link dropouts.

larry

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Larry,

You described exactly what I'm seeing--edge enhancement. It's evident to me on my RPTV and plasma. (Actually, it's worse on the RPTV which is connect through component.)

You and I are moving between pretty much the same players (more or less.) I'll be interested to read about your feelings on the Denon 3910 compared to the Integra 10.5.

There is no button/menu to turn off "pixel magic" or whatever you call it. But you did spark an idea in my mind about changing the "enhancements" on my player. Some of these options have negative values. Instead of going in the positive direction, I'll try going in the opposite direction and see if that eradicates the ringing/banding.

I'm also speechless.

I'm sitting here listening to the SACD of Pink Floyd 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and am floored with the sound going 'pure direct' to my P-965 Pre/Pro. Actually every SACD I own sounds astonishing....even with the analog (gasp) pre-outs.

Video wise, for the most part I'm happy as a pig in sh*t. Not one obvious layer change after three weeks of ownership. I haven't seen any MB instances with either the NEC HT1000 PJ or the ED Panny plasma displays we own with anything thats been played. I guess we try to actually enjoy a movie rather than sit there looking for the couple second 'issues' that may appear and which may be inherent to faroudja based players. Maybe were ill or something. :rolleyes:

I was really sceptical when purchasing this player (video wise) because it was going up against a SDI modded RP91 and scaled via a HOLO3D II HTPC. Boy was I wrong. It sure as hell doesn't beat it, but for all practical purposes it's it's equal and much more family friendly by a long shot. And the 3910 audio wise leaves the RP91 right where it now resides....in it's packaging box.

Maybe I'm in the minority, but at this point (knock on wood) this was worth every full retail dollar I spent on it from Crutchfield.

Bill

Greetings,


Aren't a large percentage of 3910 purchasers (myself included - my unit is due in a week) buying it as much for the audio as the video? Given that, I would think this is not a comparable unit to the 2900 as the DAC's are superior and the bass managment much more advanced in the 3910.

Both Audio and video are equally important for me. This is why I stated that even though the apparent layer change and slow search mode chapter access is an annoyance, it is not a deal breaker for me. The unit has plenty of positives which make it worth the minor annoyance.

I must say that I have become spoiled. Let's see, my first progressive scan player ( Toshiba SD5109, $1000 msrp ) had the dreaded Chroma upsampling error quite badly. My second DVD player, a Pioneer Elite DV-38A ( $2000 msrp ) had it's layer change that seemed to take forever, although I loved it's picture and feature set. The Denon DVD 2900 was not perfect in terms of features, however it offered the best video playback of any player I owned before it. Prior to the 2900, each unit I had had it's share of imperfections, which I happily lived with. I did so because overall they each offered picture quality which at that time was great.

I have to say that the 3910 really should not have any problems that the 2900 does not. In spite of that though it offers a step up in terms of image quality. For those who have not experienced that, I cannot comment.


Regards,

Originally posted by Mr. Biggles
I'm also speechless.

I'm sitting here listening to the SACD of Pink Floyd 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and am floored with the sound going 'pure direct' to my P-965 Pre/Pro. Actually every SACD I own sounds astonishing....even with the analog (gasp) pre-outs.

Bill

I've been waiting to see some comments on the audio of the 3910, and it sounds very positive. Now you know what it was like when us 5900 owners first played some Hi-Rez audio. And you guys get that astonishing sound for $700 less MSRP. I'm jealous. :D

Jim

Originally posted by Franchot
^^^^^^^^^^^^

Larry,

You described exactly what I'm seeing--edge enhancement. It's evident to me on my RPTV and plasma. (Actually, it's worse on the RPTV which is connect through component.)


Franchot,
Can you give me some examples (DVD timestamps) where you see this? I picked up the 3910 tonight and didn't see any evidence of edge enhancement. So far I'm not really impressed with the 3910. At 480p via component I can't tell any difference on test patterns and viewing DVDs between the 3910 and my Panny XP30. DVI from the 3910 was looking good until I put up the Avia Y/C delay test pattern. 1080i, 480p, and 720p all have noticeable Y/C delay in order of increasing magnitude. 1080i was borderline, but 1080i didn't look as good as 480p component wrt ringing in the DVE resolution patterns around the text characters - could be my display not handling 1080i as well for some reason. At 720p, there is a solid black shadow on the left side of the red columns. I can make the same thing happen at 480p component my using the players chroma adjust and moving one "tick" (I forget what direction). 480p component Y/C looks ok at 0 (default). Also, chapter access is SLOW. When I click on a test pattern name in the menu, it takes a few seconds to begin displaying - very frustrating. On the positive side, what little viewing I did with sound coming from i.Link was fine - no dropouts. I'm still impressed at how well my trusty ole XP30 stacks up with these newer players. The 10.5 had slightly better PQ, but I'm not convinced it's worth it to me for the difference in price. Too bad the 10.5 has the DVI clipping bug. Unless by some miracle or hidden setting the chroma delay I see can be fixed, I'll be taking the 3910 back this weekend.

larry

Originally posted by PooperScooper
Franchot,
Can you give me some examples (DVD timestamps) where you see this? I picked up the 3910 tonight and didn't see any evidence of edge enhancement.

larry

I was playing "Baadasssss!" which I had rented and it looked poor. (I'm not talking about the scenes which were copying/mimicking the film "Sweet Sweetback's...) I switched to "From Hell" and that looked poor, also. So, I recalibrated my TV by eye using a paused shot from "From Hell" and came up with a more pleasing picture. I went into the Picture Setup menu of the Denon and zeroed everything out except adding one click to Hue and Mid and High Sharpness. That seemed to help things. I went back to "Badasss!" and it was significantly better. The dark scenes were nice and detailed and the color banding was minimal. Edge enhancement was still there, but not to such a strong degree.(Maybe the DVD has edge enhancement or maybe my TV introduces it or maybe a combination of both.) I finished up with a b&w Three Stooges short from a recently released DVD which had remastered and cleaned up the shorts. That looked good.

Wish I hadn't been spoiled by the Onkyo's ease of use, better build quality, and vibrant picture when viewing films. (Actually, I'm beginning to see how nice the Denon can be. But the Onkyo is more expensive for a reason.)

Originally posted by keenan
I've been waiting to see some comments on the audio of the 3910, and it sounds very positive. Now you know what it was like when us 5900 owners first played some Hi-Rez audio. And you guys get that astonishing sound for $700 less MSRP. I'm jealous. :D

Jim

Jim-

The audio performance of the 3910 is outstanding. I've spent much more time with the audio end of it than the video end, although we've managed to squeeze in the episodes 3 & 4 over the last few days (unreal PQ!). I've played many of my SACD's and DVD-A's as well as a barrage of stereo CD's and the 3910 has performed incredibly. Multichannel is absolutely immersive, but what amazes me is the 2-channel performance. The separation and clarity are much better than my 45a (which I've been A/B'ing with via my 3805). Now I just need to upgrade my surrounds to the ADP-470's! :D

Jason

Greetings,


Jason, have you noticed layer changes on your 3910 while watching either of the Star Wars DVD's?


Regards,

Originally posted by placidman
Jason, have you noticed layer changes on your 3910 while watching either of the Star Wars DVD's?

Only once, and it was very brief. Nothing like my 45 which seemed to take forever.

Jason

I noticed the layer change during Star Wars IV also. It was very brief and my processor didn't lose sync on the audio.

Greetings,

Thanks guys. I just wanted to ensure that I was not experiencing something others were not.


Regards,

Originally posted by jon g
I noticed the layer change during Star Wars IV also. It was very brief and my processor didn't lose sync on the audio.

With the same 8mb buffer as used in the 2900 - why is the layer change suddenly noticable?

Greetings,


THAT John, is the burning question.




Regards,

Originally posted by John Ballentine
With a 10mb buffer - why is the layer change noticable at all?

Possibly the fault of the disc and not the player. Do you notice it in another player, same disc?

Jim

Originally posted by JasonColeman
Jim-

Multichannel is absolutely immersive, but what amazes me is the 2-channel performance. The separation and clarity are much better than my 45a (which I've been A/B'ing with via my 3805).

Jason

Yes, that's what struck me most about the 5900, the MCh sound was great but the Redbook stuff was what got my attention the most.

Jim

Greetings,

Possibly the fault of the disc and not the player. Do you notice it in another player, same disc?


I noticed it on SW Episode II AOTC, chapter 28. It occurs right in the beginning as Jango Fett's ship is flying toward the plant below. My 2900 never exhibited the layer change before. I have run the same scene many times because I use it as a demo. I have checked it five or six times to ensure it was not a hiccup etc. and it happens in the same location every time.

I was also watching SW Episode V TESB and noticed the layer change ( although I did not note the chap/location.

I don't believe that this is disc related, but I wish that it was.


Regards,

Originally posted by keenan
Possibly the fault of the disc and not the player. Do you notice it in another player, same disc?

Jim

FWIW, thedigitalbits.com reports a defect in SW IV that causes a freeze up at what they suspect is the layer change. I'd hate to think the 3910 is getting a bad rep on the layer change due to a defective DVD. Can anyone confirm layer change problems on other disks?

MiD

Could someone verify that the 3910 outputs DVD-A out via HDMI, but not SACD? And is it possible that SACD could be output via an upgrade in the future? How would this upgrade be performed?

Thx,

Originally posted by mjmbond
I'd hate to think the 3910 is getting a bad rep on the layer change due to a defective DVD.Oh come on. Why should this be any different than all of the other times and all of the other hardware. Each person's perception is the world's reality is it not? :)

The 3910 DOES have a visible layer change.

I had posted layer-change related observations if anyone is interested:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4358551#post4358551

Originally posted by Kris Deering
The 3910 DOES have a visible layer change.

Any idea what could be the cause, considering that Denon's previous models (2900, A11) didn't suffer from this in spite of having the same 8MB buffer?

Yves

Originally posted by Charles R
Oh come on. Why should this be any different than all of the other times and all of the other hardware. Each person's perception is the world's reality is it not? :)

Please... I'd like to think one's perception of reality has some basis in fact. To that end, what's the problem with this pursuit?

Cheers!

Originally posted by Kris Deering
The 3910 DOES have a visible layer change.

Thanks for the dose of reality Kris!

Originally posted by mjmbond
Please... I'd like to think one's perception of reality has some basis in fact. To that end, what's the problem with this pursuit?

Cheers! So would I though the odds appear fairly small at times. I think you missed the smiley face or at least its meaning.

Originally posted by Charles R
So would I though the odds appear fairly small at times. I think you missed the smiley face or at least its meaning.

Sorry Charles, macro-blocking problems obscured your smiley face. Imagine those odds!

Regards,

MiD

I've sent my 3910 in for an SDI modification, and plan to couple it with the iScan HD+ SDI input sometime in October.

When I get it all set up I will write up a quick comparison of the SDI route vs. the DVI 720p route (which to my eyes has the best picture of the 3910 settings on my 1366X768 plasma).

Cheers,

-Adam

Greetings,

I have a front projector with a 1366X768 resolution as well and the 720p setting via DVI looks best for mine too.


Regards,

Originally posted by John Ballentine
With a 10mb buffer - why is the layer change noticable at all?

1. The buffer is 8 Mb
2. 1 sec of vid and audio would be roughly (6000Mb/120 min of film / 60 sec/min = 0,8 Mb/sec) 0,8 mb so the 8 mb buffer should hold about 10 seconds of video and audio. That must mean it "pre-reads" 10 seconds into the buffer so when a layer change takes more than 10 seconds **** happens.
Could it be that the buffer stores the recalculated image (after DPIC and so on) and the enhanced pic uses more space/bandwidth (if converted to rgb before storing to buffer it defenitely will but im not so deep into the electronics of the 3910 that i could tell).

But I mean 10 seconds to change layer - that is A LOT of time IMO!!!!

regards
boogieman

I spent an hour aned a half today testing.

For my projector HDMI - "Enhanced" black with 7.5 IRE is the best.

Any other combination of settings and I cannot set black level correctly.

YMMV.

- Cain

Greetings,


For my projector Enhanced" black with 7.5 IRE is the best.

I have gone back and forth with mine as well. I have found the same results, 7.5 IRE and " Enhanced " black level via DVI. I have an LCD front projector and of course a good balance between white level and black level settings is challenging. I have found with the 3910 that I need to bump the black level ( brightness ) down a few more notches than I did with my DVD2900. The white level ( contrast ) stayed essentially the same.

FWIW.


Regards,

When you guys set "Enhanced" black level, do you see "blacker than black" bars in DVE and "whiter than white" box in the Snell&Wilcox test pattern in DVE?

larry

My testing showed that with enhanced mode selected you dont get BLB Pluge if setup level is set at ire 0 but you do if setup level is set at ire 7.5. My preferred setting is normal mode and ire 0.

I'd like a little help with understanding something about this player before I commit to a purchase - it has to do with squeeze mode.

When set to off, and if screen size is set to 16x9; does the player automatically stretch 4x3 material to fit the 16x9 aspect ratio?

When set to on; does it display 4x3 in original, correct aspect?

That's the way I read the manual - am I correct?

Thanks!

Correct....

Squeeze off on 16x9 set with 4x3 material fills the 16x9 frame (stretches)
Squeeze on on 16x9 set with 4x3 material sets correct aspect ratio 4x3

Originally posted by scsiraid
My preferred setting is normal mode and ire 0.

I believe that's the setting recommended by Kris Deering (he even stated that one should never use Enhanced).

Originally posted by BillP
I believe that's the setting recommended by Kris Deering (he even stated that one should never use Enhanced).
Yes, I think that is becasue the manual says, IIRC, that "enhanced" is for 0-255 (black to white) range which is not what you want for video. But, it seems that using 7.5 IRE for black and "enhanced" does not clip btb and wtw. So if it helps some people, all the better even if 7.5 IRE black is not "correct" for HDTV video resolutions. In general, 0 IRE/Normal should be the setting of choice when not using a PC RGB range display device.

larry

Originally posted by BillP
I believe that's the setting recommended by Kris Deering (he even stated that one should never use Enhanced).

Correct... however he qualified that a few posts later recognizing that there are a few exceptions where the display uses PC RGB and should use Enhanced. I dont remember which displays it was though.... He will probably be along later and will set the record straight... For the vast majority... ire 0/normal is the ticket.

When you guys set "Enhanced" black level, do you see "blacker than black" bars in DVE and "whiter than white" box in the Snell&Wilcox test pattern in DVE?

Yep. I use AVIA Pro, though. I can check the Snell & Wilcox.

Normal should be the setting, as translating Studio RGB and expanding it to fit PC RGB, which is what I assume the enhanced setting is doing here, is undesireable.

Also, 0IRE is not a "correct" setting. It is an option that affects the analog output. One may use 7.5 IRE output, or 0IRE output, depending on the adjustment capabilities of the display. Hopefully BTB material is maintained in BOTH of these situations, though not knowing this player personally, it may only maintain in one or the other, or neither, in which case if possible with your display, you should attempt to use a setting that maintains BTB data.

The 3910 passes BTB over DVI with both setup settings as long as the DVI/HDMI mode is set to normal. If you set DVI/HDMI mode to enhanced, only the 7.5 setting passes BTB.

My apologies if this has already been asked, but searching the thread hasn't brought much goodness.

Here's the planned setup:

- Denon DVD-3910
- Denon AVR-3805 (already own)
- Samsung 61" DLP (the xHD3 based one, has DVI for sure, and I think HDMI).

What's the best way to hook it up? I can do anything really as I haven't bought any cables yet. Is HDMI the best bet? or DVI and Optical Audio (either coax or toslink) or maybe Denon Link? What's the word?

I do plan on getting some DVD-A discs and perhaps some SACD disks as well (if so I will get the EXT IN. analog connection cables setup).

Thoughts?

Thanks guys!

- Daphoid

I've had a DVD-3910 for a few weeks now. I do notice quite a bit of "splotchiness" in the image... not sure if this is really macroblocking or something else. I performed calibration using DVE and Avia. I also notice a general green cast. My display is a NEC 42XM2/S plasma and I have been using primarily the DVI input at all of the resolutions. I have also used the component input and do not notice a substantial difference.

I have an AVR-3805 and found DVD-Audio over Denon-Link to be excellent. I like being able to use the EQ/signal processing with Denon-Link. The direct analog input does not give me the control I would like to have. I've abandoned SACD for now.

I picked up a floor demo DVD-1600 today and find the image to be much smoother (no splotchiness) and accurate looking color-wise (without performing any calibration).

I may return the 3910 due to the image quality on my display - I would like to see Denon come out with a DVD-Audio and SACD player (no video DVD) with Denon-Link at a lower price.

Lee

Progressive output on the 3910 is a half a second or so behind the component and S-Video output. When I display the HDMI on my Panasonic TH-42PX25U and the component on my Sony 36” CRT. The sound is running through a 5803 optical input and is always the same of course but the HDMI is a little behind the component. I also found that the macroblocking, if that is what it is, was not as bad. Also watching Walking Tall, the HDMI had a green edge around the Rocks face and the component did not. Others have said that the DVI and HDMI have some color issues of there own and I would agree. With the component output to the TH-42PX25U the brightness and contrast was easier to adjust with the Avia DVD and the picture was sharper. The TH-42PX25U will take 720p through the component input but not the HDMI witch may be part of it.

For those that care, using the 3910s component output set at 720P and sent to the Panasonic TH-42PX25U gets me:

Better brightness and contrast. (Those two almost black bars actually show up in the Avia contrast setup.)
No lipsink issues.
No green edge on the Rocks face.
Picture is sharper.

This is the second time I have tried a progressive setup but again the 480i to my Sony 36” XBR in many ways still looks better and is much easy to set up.

My last DVD player died witch started the most recent mess, anyone know a good DVD player with 480i component, chroma bug free, DVD-A and SACD?

Thanks, great forum.

Originally posted by Tanquen2000

For those that care, using the 3910s component output set at 720P ...


I don't believe the 3910 upconverts over component.

Ok so with all this worry of macroblocking, what's my best bet for video connection? I can do DVI, I can do component, and I'm pretty sure I can do HDMI.... so which to use? It doesn't matter to me I just want it to look awesome, so which?

Same goes for audio? Denon Link? Toslink? what?

I just noted, I can't use HDMI cause that would have to go direct to the TV and thus by pass the whole receiver, which is bad :P

- D

If the TV has an HDMI input, I would use HDMI in YCbCr mode hands down and find a way to live the with a direct to TV connection. I would not mess with any DVI-HDMI or HDMI-DVI conversion, they seem to cause problems such as black level errors etc.

For audio TOSLink/Coax will give you a clean digital connection for everything except DVD-Audio and SACD.

DenonLink will give you a clean digital connection for everything except SACD.

IEEE1394 will give you a clean digital connection for all formats (assuming the receiver can handshake with the 3910 properly)

If you use either DenonLink or Toslink/Coax you must also use analog out in order to send the formats that are missing on those connections.

Originally posted by jmr21
I don't believe the 3910 upconverts over component.
Correct. As I said in the Macroblocking thread, you can be watching component output and still set the HDMI/DVI resolution via the remote. The resolution will show up in the player's LEDs, but component output resolution does not change. This is from memory 'cause I don' the unit now. If it did upscale component, we would have known long ago. :)

larry

Originally posted by uzun

IEEE1394 will give you a clean digital connection for all formats (assuming the receiver can handshake with the 3910 properly)

If you use either DenonLink or Toslink/Coax you must also use analog out in order to send the formats that are missing on those connections.

His receiver is a Denon 3805, so no IEEE1394, which certainly would have made things easier.

When using the HDMI output on the 3910 does it carry the audio also, or can the audio be sent through another output simultaneously?

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
When using the HDMI output on the 3910 does it carry the audio also, or can the audio be sent through another output simultaneously? HDMI carries both digital audio and video. The audio can also be sent through another output. For my setup I'm using HDMI-HDMI to a Samsung HDTV and Digital Coax to the AVR.

Edit 1:
1. does the HDMI output carry the audio also? YES
2. can the audio be sent through another output simultaneously? YES

FWIW, I have an HDMI - HDMI connection to an HDTV and both digital and analog audio connections to the AVR. While listening to a movie soundtrack like Finding Nemo, I can hear audio from both connections, but usually just mute the TV speakers and use the x.1 audio from the AVR.

In the case of a 3805 I would use HDMI YCbCr to the TV, Denonlink to the receiver, and analog 5.1 outs to the receiver.

Analog because the audio section on the 3910 is better than that of the 3805, and you need analog for SACD anyway. You can get equilization on DVD-A's if you wish using Denonlink, and Denonlink should be fine for movie soundtracks, etc.

Originally posted by heffalump
HDMI carries both digital audio and video. The audio can also be sent through another output. For my setup I'm using HDMI-HDMI to a Samsung HDTV and Digital Coax to the AVR.

Jim's question wasn't whether HDMI carries audio, but whether the 3910 will simultaneously output audio over the HDMI as well as another connection (optical, coax, DenonLink, etc). I've read on the forums that it will do this, but I don't have first-hand knowledge as I don't use HDMI (yet!).

Jason

Originally posted by Tanquen2000
Also watching Walking Tall, the HDMI had a green edge around the Rocks face and the component did not.

This is probably the slight Y/C delay thru DVI/HDMI which isn't adjustable. Thru component it is.
Denon have a fix for this apparently..

-Jonathan

For folks who have the Philips Pronto TSU3000, I have uploaded my PCF file with the Denon 3910 remote codes to remotecentral.com. In addition, the PCF file has the following useful macros:

- Macro to do "squeeze on" (4:3 ratio). If "squeeze" if off, it will turn it on. If squeeze is already on, the macro will keep it on.

- Macro to do "squeeze off" (16:9 ratio). If "squeeze" is on, it will turn in off. If squeeze is already off, the macro will keep it off.

- A Replay macro - this macro will rewind the DVD a few seconds, turn on subtitles, play for a few seconds, then turn off subtitles. Useful for situations when you didn't quite hear what was said in the DVD.


The PCF is available from the following URL (if this URL spans multiple lines, you'll need to concatenate the lines to one line):

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=prontong&db=systems&br=blackwhite&dv=&md=randymangobastaskbasedsetup&fc=bw&kw=&st=&dt=&so=&pg=1&file=prontong/systems/randy-mangoba_pcf.zip


randman

Greetings,

I have a TSU3000 Randy, and will give your PCF a look. Thanks !





This is probably the slight Y/C delay thru DVI/HDMI which isn't adjustable. Thru component it is.

I was able to obtain the firmware patch for the Y/C delay from a media contact, and can confirm that it does fix the problem. I am sure that Denon will make it available down the road.


Regards,

Sweet! Thanks guys! I wasn't aware that HDMI was better then DVI.

So I will use

VIDEO: HDMI to HDMI (direct from DVD to TV)
AUDIO: DenonLink + 6 Analog Outs

Now is denon link just a RJ45 cable? or what, where do I get said cable?

- D

Originally posted by Daphoid
Sweet! Thanks guys! I wasn't aware that HDMI was better then DVI.

So I will use

VIDEO: HDMI to HDMI (direct from DVD to TV)
AUDIO: DenonLink + 6 Analog Outs

Now is denon link just a RJ45 cable? or what, where do I get said cable?

- D

Do you have a 3910? Mine came with a cable and it looks like a regular RJ45 cable though I wouldn’t put it passed them to change the wires around. I have to wait for my 5803 upgrade before I can try it. I was a little surprised that the second addition is not compatible with the first one my 5803. :(

No I haven't purchased it yet, but now that I know it comes with a cable, all is well.

- D

Originally posted by randman
For folks who have the Philips Pronto TSU3000, I have uploaded my PCF file with the Denon 3910 remote codes to remotecentral.com. In addition, the PCF file has the following useful macros:

- Macro to do "squeeze on" (4:3 ratio). If "squeeze" if off, it will turn it on. If squeeze is already on, the macro will keep it on.

- Macro to do "squeeze off" (16:9 ratio). If "squeeze" is on, it will turn in off. If squeeze is already off, the macro will keep it off.

- A Replay macro - this macro will rewind the DVD a few seconds, turn on subtitles, play for a few seconds, then turn off subtitles. Useful for situations when you didn't quite hear what was said in the DVD.


The PCF is available from the following URL (if this URL spans multiple lines, you'll need to concatenate the lines to one line):

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=prontong&db=systems&br=blackwhite&dv=&md=randymangobastaskbasedsetup&fc=bw&kw=&st=&dt=&so=&pg=1&file=prontong/systems/randy-mangoba_pcf.zip


randman

Will theese work also for Philips Pronto Pro?
Can I convert them?
I only need the 3910 part of the setup but i guess there is some way to retreive only that with the pronto edit software?
Do you know any easier editing software for the pronto?
I find it quite messy to work with actually :(

Regards
Boogie

Originally posted by uzun
In the case of a 3805 I would use HDMI YCbCr to the TV, Denonlink to the receiver, and analog 5.1 outs to the receiver.

Analog because the audio section on the 3910 is better than that of the 3805, and you need analog for SACD anyway. You can get equilization on DVD-A's if you wish using Denonlink, and Denonlink should be fine for movie soundtracks, etc.

Sorry for such a basic question from a newcomer, but if I'm using both digital and analog connections from the DVD player to the receiver (to accommodate SACDs) does the receiver use some sort of hierarchy to know which connection to use for different media types (DVD vs CD vs SACD)? Or do I have to manually switch a setting everytime I want to hear sound via a digital connection vs. analog?

I'm just a little unclear how to prevent the receiver from producing analog sound when I really want it to produce digital sound. I am eagerly awaiting delivery of both the 3805 and the 3910.

Thanks.

If the 3805 is like my 3803, yes, you will have to manually switch to the Ext-In if you want to use the 3910's DACs. That is if you have the DVD audio input set to either a digital or 2 channel analog in to take advantage of some of the advanced sound processing or 7-Channel options of the 3805.

If you always want to use the 5.1 Ext-In for the 3910 DVD player, the 3805 will remember that Ext-In is your audio preference for the DVD input and will always return to Ext-In when selecting the DVD input on the receiver. Just remember if you always use the Ext-In, all you 2-channel music will only be 2-channel (or 2.1 if you set the 3910's main L/R speakers to small).

See my post here if you are planning on using the HDMi or iLink between you 3805 and 3910...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4458591#post4458591

Best of luck with you purchase!

Originally posted by hallibee
Sorry for such a basic question from a newcomer, but if I'm using both digital and analog connections from the DVD player to the receiver (to accommodate SACDs) does the receiver use some sort of hierarchy to know which connection to use for different media types (DVD vs CD vs SACD)? Or do I have to manually switch a setting everytime I want to hear sound via a digital connection vs. analog?

I'm just a little unclear how to prevent the receiver from producing analog sound when I really want it to produce digital sound. I am eagerly awaiting delivery of both the 3805 and the 3910.

Thanks.

If you are using a 3805 with a 3910 and are going to use the Denon Link connection, these source material changes can be automated for you.

See this link here, it's for the 3805 and the 5900 but should be applicable for the 3910 also,

http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/5900_3805%20setup%20tips.pdf
5900_3805 setup tips.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
If you are using a 3805 with a 3910 and are going to use the Denon Link connection, these source material changes can be automated for you.

......

Jim

Jim - thanks this is exactly the type of solution I was wondering about. I'll definitely try it out.

However, can anyone provide a rationale/reason for using an analog connection exclusively between the 3910 & 3805? Is there any reason why someone would choose to do that vs. switch between digital for DVDs & CDs & analog for SACDs?

The DAC's and audio section of the 3910 are superior to what's found in the 3805. For that reason you might want to go analog only. The problem is that equalization etc has to be set using the 3910, since the 3805 will bypass it's equalization, room settings when you use analog in.

Originally posted by hallibee
Jim - thanks this is exactly the type of solution I was wondering about. I'll definitely try it out.

However, can anyone provide a rationale/reason for using an analog connection exclusively between the 3910 & 3805? Is there any reason why someone would choose to do that vs. switch between digital for DVDs & CDs & analog for SACDs?

It depends on which device "sounds" better, I have a 5900 and I think it sounds better doing the work decoding than the 3805 on CDs. With SACD analog is your only choice. With movie material and DVD-A I just let the DL carry the signals and let the 3805 do the decoding. I don't listen to many DVD-A titles anyway and with movies I'm not going to bother trying to discern the small difference between the player and the receiver.

It's all personal preference but I recommend you listen to them both ways and decide for yourself. Since these players provide an extra set of LR outputs it's easy to switch on the fly using the 3805 remote.

Jim :)

Originally posted by uzun
The problem is that equalization etc has to be set using the 3910, since the 3805 will bypass it's equalization, room settings when you use analog in.

Only on the Ext Inputs, when using any pair of stereo inputs the DSP functions and BM are all there if one chooses to use them.

Jim

Kris Deering (Secrets of Home Theater) came out with the latest DVD shootout. The DVD-3910 did the best out of all the other players:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=120

Thx for the info, and link.

I have been testing my 3910 vs 5900 all afternoon and night. So far the 3910 has been vonsistently better than the 5900, I have seen NO MB with the 3910 where I have seen it on the 5900. Explain that one DENON! Anyway, I have also been experimenting with the DVI-DVI and the HDMI-DVI settings. I haven't finished judging that yet though. Normal black level with IRE set to 0 seems to be the best so far, but I still have yet to make my mind up completely. When it is set to 7.5 I do see alot of the black=crush in many darker scenes or day scenes with shadows. I know it should be the same signal going out, but thus far the HDMI-DVI seems a little more colorful or lively that the DVI-DVI output. I know logicaly you should stick with DVI-DVI when possible. Has anyone else out there found the HDMI to DVI setting the best for them? I will be doing alot more testing tomorrow. After further adjusting I may be able to get them the same. I do agree with the 3910 being able to sharpen 15-20% better than the 5900. I do not still know if it is worth getting the 3910 if you already have the 5900 though. I do like having format and HDMI?DVI buttons on the remote though. There are a few other nicer options that the 3910 does have that the 5900 does not. As far as audio goes though, the 5900 is superior. But I want a dvd player for pic Q not really audio. I have a 5803A to handle my audio! So I really am concerned about the picture! More later...

Is there a way to turn off the on screen display for "play" "pause" etc?
I scanned the menu and the owners manual but only saw a couple of things related. I switched them around and they didn't work.

The Secrets review of the 3910 confirmed what I was thinking about this player. It is an awesome piece of equipment. While it still costs a lot of money, I felt a lot better about buying this one rather than the 5900 at 2 grand, especially considering the HD players could be coming out in 2 years or less.

Steve

Originally posted by joerodcowboys
I have been testing my 3910 vs 5900 all afternoon and night. So far the 3910 has been vonsistently better than the 5900, I have seen NO MB with the 3910 where I have seen it on the 5900. Explain that one DENON! Anyway, I have also been experimenting with the DVI-DVI and the HDMI-DVI settings. I haven't finished judging that yet though. Normal black level with IRE set to 0 seems to be the best so far, but I still have yet to make my mind up completely. When it is set to 7.5 I do see alot of the black=crush in many darker scenes or day scenes with shadows. I know it should be the same signal going out, but thus far the HDMI-DVI seems a little more colorful or lively that the DVI-DVI output. I know logicaly you should stick with DVI-DVI when possible. Has anyone else out there found the HDMI to DVI setting the best for them? I will be doing alot more testing tomorrow. After further adjusting I may be able to get them the same. I do agree with the 3910 being able to sharpen 15-20% better than the 5900. I do not still know if it is worth getting the 3910 if you already have the 5900 though. I do like having format and HDMI?DVI buttons on the remote though. There are a few other nicer options that the 3910 does have that the 5900 does not. As far as audio goes though, the 5900 is superior. But I want a dvd player for pic Q not really audio. I have a 5803A to handle my audio! So I really am concerned about the picture! More later...

Greetings,


I have been going back and forth with my setup as well. I have mine connected to my LCD front projector via DVI-DVI. I am trying to determine whether 7.5 IRE/Black level Enhanced or 0 IRE/Normal looks better. My biggest issue is that the 3910 seems to be significantly brighter than my 2900 ( which was obviously connected via component ). So far though the 0 IRE/Normal Black level seems to look the best. I have even tried 0 IRE/Enhanced Black level and then calibrated from there. I get a very nice picture as well however blacker than black is not passed this way.

I will leave it at 0 IRE/Normal Black level for a few days and see. Overall picture quality is excellent. I would say that it looks just a little better than my 2900. Overall I am very pleased with the 3910.


Regards,

joerodcowboys,
Kris Deering reported black crush when going HDMI/DVI (and no black crush with DVI/DVI or HDMI/HDMI). On the other hand, just go with whatever looks best to you. I just got mine yesterday, and look forward to setting it up and enjoying this fantastic player (I can't see spending so much more for the 5900, and I got it for less than I could get the 59ai locally, so it was a no brainer).

joerodcowboys and placidman

In making your comparisons between the 3910, 5900 and 2900, please look at DVE, title 12, chapter 19.

How does the edge enhancement around the circle compare between the default settings for sharpness between the players you're comparing.

I'm trying to track down if the additional sharpness reported on the 3910 has more to do with the default sharpness settings being changed (i.e. 3910 default sharpness of "0" is similar to the 5900's setting of "~+5")

Greetings,


JimP, when I get a chance later I will take a look at that.


Regards,

Me too. I will check it out soon...

Is there a firmware fix for the DVI YC delay from Denon as noted by Kris in his review?

Nevermind - I called Denon today and they are issuing it for those who call.

Greetings,

I obtained the firmware fix last week and can confirm that it fixes the problem with Y/C delay.


Regards,

Questions:

1. I have the TH-42PX25U on loan and the only output that does not show bad macroblocking is the 480i over the component inputs.
2. Calibrated with the Avia DVD everyone is very pink. Anyone have any settings that I should try.
3. Does the new firmware address anything else?

The firmware is on it’s way and I took the opportunity to ask the guy about macroblocking and he got a little upset (too many calls on that I guess) and basically said that there was nothing they could do and that it depended on the type of display that I was using. I just don’t understand how a different display is going to remove the little baddies that the 3910 has added. Maybe on a CRT display with better blacks and more colors or are the ones that you don’t see it on just have the brightness turned down? I don’t know, I want to keep the 3910 but…

Thanks for any information.

Richard

Originally posted by No Clue
Is there a way to turn off the on screen display for "play" "pause" etc?
I scanned the menu and the owners manual but only saw a couple of things related. I switched them around and they didn't work.

Steve

Anybody know of a way to do this? Primarily, I don't want to see the commands flash on screen whenever they are issued.

Steve

What Denon number did you call to ask for the firmware fix?

Thanks

I called 1-973-396-7499.

I called earlier today and they are shipping me out a DVI y/c firmware upgrade as well. I also talked to tech support about the DVI-DVI and the HDMI-DVI outputs and one said since HDMI does have a little more bandwidth that it could possibly look a little better. The other said No way, they are the same. So which is it again???? DVI to DVI or use HDMI to DVI??? Where's KRIS DEERING when you need a tough one answered???

Subtitles On The Fly?

I've been comparing the Onkyo SP-1000 to the Denon 3910 and I was fooling around with the subtitles while watching the film, "Ghost World." On the Onkyo, I can turn the subtitles off and on while the film is playing, however, the Denon gives me a "Can't Do" icon while the film is playing. I then stopped the film and tried to put the subtitles on, but, again, got the "Can't Do" icon. To make the subtitles appear, I had to cycle back to the top menu of the film and select it from the Subtitles menu on the DVD.

Is this a quirk of the Denon or a quirk of the DVD? Anyone have any experience with this? TIA

I have the 3910, and I can turn on and off the subtitles while the film is playing.

Joerodcowboys,
HDMI is backward compatible to DVI but has some additional flexibility for the future, including the OPTION to transmit at higher bandwidth (actually higher bit depth). Even if your display has an HDMI input, you are unlikely to have a display which can take advantage of the additional flexibility today.

When you hook up an HDMI source to and HDMI display, a handshake is performed to make sure the source and display are using the best possible bandwidth for both of them -- but TODAY that is almost always identical to just what a DVI connection would use. When you hook up an HDMI source to a DVI display a handshake is performed which always puts the connection in DVI mode.

Thus although the HDMI circuit is CAPABLE of higher bandwidth, when used with any DVI display, or even the commonly available HDMI displays today, the HDMI circuit won't actually USE that higher bandwidth. It will, instead, act just like a DVI to DVI connection.
--Bob

I know what you are saying and it makes perfect sense. I also appreciate your reply. I am getting that Y/C color firmware sent be DENON today that effects the DVI output. I think that is why the HDMI has better color. Because when it comes from the HDMI output, the colors are stronger ,ore natural like, and when they come from the DVI they are not as intense. My big example is Monster's Inc. I can tell a difference between them with that movie. Maybe after the firmware is added the DVI will be the same as the HDMI. At this point, it doesn't really matter which one I use, as long as the picture is optima;...Joe

Joerodcowboys

When you said that the color over HDMI is better, are you saying that it is more intense or more accurate(or both)?

Did you ever get a chance to check the edge enhancement between the 3910 and the 5900?

I think it is both. The DVI does have a color issue like Kris mentions and until I get their (DENON's) firmware I will not be able to tell if the DVI can look as good as the HDMI. Denon has told me that they are supposed to be equal, and that the y/c is holding the DVI back a bit. I understand about the handshake rule between your outputs to inputs, but when the source comes directly from the HDMI it doesn't have the y/c problem that it does when it comes from the dvi. Anyway, maybe I have one of those "MAGICAL" units. I did and still am able to test the 5900 against the 3910. The 3910 has more options that help tweak the picture a bit more. They are both very close but I am still giving the nod to the 3910. Edge Enhancement is nearly identical. But keep in mind the 3910 has a more consistent sharp level 15%-20% better than the 5900. Why? Denon has said they addressed problem areas that effected the 5900 and they tweaked the parts for the 3910. That being said the 3910 is everything the 5900 should have been. If not then why did DENON discontinue the 5900 already with the 5910 not available for months to come? Granted the audio on the 5900 is superior to the 3910, but as I said before, I want a dvd player for PIC Q. I have the 5803 upgraded to A to worry about the audio...

joerodcowboy

Thanks for responding.

Sounds like the 3910 is the unit to get, but I'd sure hate to give up anything on the sound.

The 3910 is NO slouch in the audio department though. It has many options there as well. It may not have all the guts of the 5900 but many non audiophiles would not be able to tell the difference.

Originally posted by Tanquen2000
I called 1-973-396-7499.

Thanks.

BTW - does anyone know how to determine what firmware version is in the 3910? Is there a special key combination to determine that?

Originally posted by No Clue
Is there a way to turn off the on screen display for "play" "pause" etc?
I scanned the menu and the owners manual but only saw a couple of things related. I switched them around and they didn't work. (snip) ...

Steve

No Clue,
If I am reading the manual correctly, you should be able to do this by going to the "etc" tab under setup, and turning "display" to OFF. (See manual page 46.)
However; in practice, this doesn't appear to alter anything. :confused: Perhaps a firmware update can fix this in the future. Someone please correct me if this setting is not related to No Clue's issue.


Randman,
ditto on the key combo for finding the firmware version. Pressing open/close + play while powering up doesn't work like with a few older players. Anyone know??

Mike

If the 3910 works like the 5900, the "Display ON/OFF" stuff has nothing to do with the on-screen display. Rather it has to do with whether the front panel display turns on momentarily to show status changes like "Play".

Some folks like to leave the front panel display dark all the time either for style or because they feel it reduces random electronic noise. Rather than turning on the special "direct" mode, which has other effects as well, they turn off the front panel display with the dimmer adjustment on the remote control.

In the factory default Display OFF setting, the front panel display then remains dark regardless of what you do until you change the dimmer setting. With the optional Display ON setting, even a dimmed out front panel will light up momentarily to show change of status messages such as Play -- thus you can see the unit has responded to the remote but the display promptly dims out again automatically.
--Bob

Originally posted by Bob Pariseau
If the 3910 works like the 5900, the "Display ON/OFF" stuff has nothing to do with the on-screen display. Rather it has to do with whether the front panel display turns on momentarily to show status changes like "Play".

Some folks like to leave the front panel display dark all the time either for style or because they feel it reduces random electronic noise. Rather than turning on the special "direct" mode, which has other effects as well, they turn off the front panel display with the dimmer adjustment on the remote control.

In the factory default Display OFF setting, the front panel display then remains dark regardless of what you do until you change the dimmer setting. With the optional Display ON setting, even a dimmed out front panel will light up momentarily to show change of status messages such as Play -- thus you can see the unit has responded to the remote but the display promptly dims out again automatically.
--Bob

So does this mean there isn't another function that will turn off the OSD for these simple messages like "play"?

Steve

Steve,
I don't know of one for the 5900 -- so there may in fact not be one for the 3910 either short of turning off your TV.
--Bob

yes there is a way of turing off the display in the 3910

kevinca1,
How do you turn off the on screen display in the 3910?
--Bob

Sorry to change the topic ... especially for a message that only few here might be interested:
Just talked to my dealer in Switzerland about the 3910. He said it was expected to be out this week but now postponed to mid November. Anybody has any news about this ? Is it the same for all Europe ?

With the remote you hit it 4 times and it turns off completly

kevinca1,
Really? Are you sure you are not talking about dimming the FRONT PANEL display?

The question is how to keep the unit from putting "Play" or whatever up on the *TV SCREEN* -- the ON SCREEN display.

At least as regards the 5900, I'm pretty sure dimming the FRONT PANEL display (by hitting the dimmer button on the remote 4 times) has no effect on what the 5900 displays on the TV SCREEN.
--Bob

Yes i was meaning the front display. sorry i misunderstood you. as far as that i do not know of any way to turn it off

I have 3910 feeding a Hitachi xwx RPTV - my question is what should I be outputting to the TV. The Hitachi has 540p and 1080i native options - I know the 3910 outputs 480 p , 720p and 1080i . so far i seem to like 480p the best but I haven't tried a variety of material yet.
I am just wondering if there is a "right answer" for a CRT RPTV/ Thanks for any replies.

Lyson, The Hitachi wont display 480p so you're still using the TV's scaler. Feed it a 1080i signal to bypass internal scaling and report back your results.

I think 480P in scaled by the hitachi to 540P looks the best.

Originally posted by kevinca1
Yes i was meaning the front display. sorry i misunderstood you. as far as that i do not know of any way to turn it off

Bummer.

It takes away from the whole presentation now that I have everything automated.

Steve

Greetings,


Well after giving some time I concluded that I could not live with the plastic feet supplied with the 3910. While I am fully aware that corners needed to be cut to allow Denon to sell the unit at $1300 msrp, the chassis is a bit on the unattractive side. My 2900 came with gold plated footers that were a nice accent visually. The 2900 had more of a contoured look to it and a sturdier feel.

As I stated I do understand why. Anyway, I decided to swap out those plastic footers for a set of Epic isolation spiked cones. It was a nice change and the additional vibration isolation certainly does not hurt. I have attached a picture. Please forgive the quality of the picture but in order to get the cones ( which are black to be visible I needed to take the shot without the flash. You can get the idea though.


Regards,

3910 picture (http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/ag.php?fid=35867&mid=20579)

How much do those Epic cones run for? And where did you get them? Thanks, Joe

Greetings,


I got them from my local dealer for $50. The msrp was $80.00 so he cut me a bit of a deal. There are several company's that make isolation cones etc. so you should have no trouble finding them.


Regards,

Kris or anyone else with this player.

I have intermittent problems with the player having difficulty tracking, it will get a line of 5 or more pixels wide that are all green, or red, and sometimes it will completely drop out the picture so badly my projector loses sync and the HDCP handshaking starts again.

Anyone seen anything like this?? It acts as if the disc is badly scratched or very dirty. I suspect I have a defective player.

Anyone seen this player more finicky about tracking scratched or dirty DVDs ?? The worst problems I have seen wiht it though happened on the brand new Aladdin DVD tonight.

-- Cain

Sounds like a defective unit. I would try to send it back. My unit has not had any of those symptons. Knock on wood though. But I would consider returning it. That is not normal though...

Greetings,

Cain, did it always exhibit this problem or did it start recently? Does it do it will all of your discs or just here and there?


Regards,

I got a 10m DVI cable last weekend and have it run between my 3910 and a Sony HS10 PJ and I'm not able to get the signal to work. Component works beautifully, but I'm not sure why the DVI won't work. Is there a setting that I need to change on the 3910? I've checked the HS10's owner's manual and it doesn't say anything about this. :confused:

Any help would be appreciated...I'll post over in the PJ forum, too.

Jason

Did you turn on the DVI output? Use the Select & Format buttons on the remote.

Factory default has DVI/HDMI output set to off. Make sure that setting has been changed.
Secondly, it could be the dvi cable. Try a different one if that is an option, especially if it is a less expensive cable. I read of several people that had an issue with the 10m ones.

Steve

Are you pushing the little button on the fron DVI/HDMI button until it says DVI? Is your Sony PJ HDCP?

Greetings,

Jason, I have the same setup ( 10 Meter DVI cable to Sony HS10 ). I have no problems getting a signal. I would think that perhaps you have selected the DVI " on " option. If you have then the problem might be the cable. I use a 10M Lindy DVI D cable.

Hope you get it working as I would like to compare notes with you regarding picture settings etc.


Regards,

Thanks guys for the responses. I'm on my way out the door right now, but I'll check those settings later this evening and report back. I got the cable from RAM and the cable seems very well constructed. I also picked up a new component cable to replace my PJ's multicable and it's like a black garden hose...only cooler. :)

Thanks again,

Jason

If I buy a 3910 in the next 3 weeks, can anyone tell me if there is a manufacture date I should look for to make sure its got the latest firmware etc.? If that date is too unclear, what firmware level should I be looking for when I first plug in the set? How is the firmware provided, and what steps are necc to install it?

Thanks,
Paul

Originally posted by placidman
Greetings,

Jason, I have the same setup ( 10 Meter DVI cable to Sony HS10 ). I have no problems getting a signal. I would think that perhaps you have selected the DVI " on " option. If you have then the problem might be the cable. I use a 10M Lindy DVI D cable.

Hope you get it working as I would like to compare notes with you regarding picture settings etc.


Regards,

placidman ... I have a Sony HS10, too, and I'm thinking about getting a 3910. However, I though as the HS10's DVI input doesn't have HDCP no connection would be possible via DVI from the 3910. How did you manage to make it work ??? Or is there a difference between the European version (mine) and maybe US / Canadian, etc. ?

placidman ... I have a Sony HS10, too, and I'm thinking about getting a 3910. However, I though as the HS10's DVI input doesn't have HDCP no connection would be possible via DVI from the 3910. How did you manage to make it work ??? Or is there a difference between the European version (mine) and maybe US / Canadian, etc. ?

Greetings,

The HS10's DVI input is HDCP compliant. I would not have bought the projector had it not been for this very reason. To my knowledge there is no difference between your version and mine in this regard.


Regards,

Can anyone see "blacker than black" pluge patterns on the 3910 if the IRE is set to 0?

On my 50" GWII, I can only see the BTB pluge patterns if the player is set to 7.5 IRE. This applies to both the component and DVI outputs.

thanks

IRE 0 and "normal" black is what most people are using for settings. Is there a "black level" option on the Sony? Using 7.5 is fine as long as the TV is calibrated to "black" being 7.5.

larry

No, there's no black level option on the Sony. I believe the "normal" only applies to DVI, not component (it certainly doesn't alter the picture in component...).

I've been using the 7.5 IRE setting, but my cable HD STB looks too dark when the TV is calibrated for the 3910's 7.5 IRE setting... The HD STB looks right when calibrated to the levels with the DVD in 0 IRE, but I'm afraid I'm crushing blacks on DVDs then...

So, if everyone's using 0 IRE, I assume nobody except me has a problem w/ the 3910 passing BTB signals in 0 IRE??

UMR, the undisputed king of the Sony GWII, suggests my 3910's levels must not be set correctly if the player doesn't pass pluge in the 0 IRE configuration.

Jon G

I have black level at 0 and HDMI/DVI mode normal and Pluge is passed just fine.

Are you saying that even if you raise the brightness that you arent seeing the BTB bar?

Yeah, no matter how high the brightness is raised, I can't see the BTB bar if the 3910 is at 0 IRE.

Wonder what's up here. Do you think I should try exchanging my 3910 for another?

Well, I just went back and double checked. With the DVI output and the player set to 0 IRE/Normal black level, I get "some" of the THX BTB drop shadow. I definately don't get as much BTB as if I'm in 7.5 IRE; I can just barely make out the drop shadow, no matter how high the brightness is turned up on the Sony. Also, I can make out all 7 ramp bars on the top of the THX logo over DVI. So, over DVI, I'm able to keep the unit in 0 IRE and lower the brightness until the drop shadow completely disappears.

Furthermore, the "THX" seems to "lighten" or "darken" more via DVI (0/normal again). Over component, the THX is distinguishable, but never really "pops" out like it does via DVI.

I guess I'll stick w/ the DVI/480p setting until I can exchange the 3910.

I'll quit posting the same info in two threads...

Here's a link to the "Upscaling DVD players and the GWIII" post with some photos of what I'm seeing...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4477308#post4477308

Originally posted by placidman
Greetings,

The HS10's DVI input is HDCP compliant. I would not have bought the projector had it not been for this very reason. To my knowledge there is no difference between your version and mine in this regard.
Regards,

Thanks a lot for your fast reply !
This is very good news for me. Stupidly, I believed that the HS10 does not support HDCP as this expression is not mentioned even once on neither technical data sheets from Sony nor the user manual.
So, I'm looking forward to digitally connect my future 3910 to my HS10 :)

Greetings,


Your right. The only reason I knew it was HDCP compliant was that every review I ever read on the unit, plus the original press release, stated that it was. At any rate, you will have to post back when you have your 3910/HS10 combo up and running.


Regards,

I replaced the DVI/DVI cable with an HDMI to DVI connector to my Sony GW3XBR and it looks great. The firmware fix will not affect this connection, right? I understand that it only fixes the DVD/DVI y/c delay.
Also, is AUTO 1 still the best to use?
Thanks!
Elbert

Elbert,
It's been reported that using HDMI to DVI from the 3910 (as opposed to DVI to DVI) causes improper clipping of Blacker than Black data. As I understand it, the firmware fix is supposed to fix that problem as well.

"Auto 1" film/video processing mode should work fine for you, regardless of the cabling you choose.
--Bob