The "Official" Denon DVD-2910 Owners Thread [Text View] - Page 7

coreymd

05-26-05, 07:25 PM

there really should be a thread started for everyone who has problems with this unit. i love my player & have no problems at all with it. i keep returning to this thread to find useful tweaking info or firmware facts only to find 90% complaining about power cords or macro-blocking etc...
please, start a new thread for the problems & leave this open for positive info!

Carmine.

Don't all the *official* threads follow this pattern?

"I can't wait until the ... is released.", then
"I just ordered my ...", then
"I can't wait to get my ...", then
"I just got my ...", then
"I just tweaked my ...", then
"I love my ...",

and ultimately either

"I'm having issues with my ...", or
"Why isn't my ... perfect?", or
"I have no issues and still love my perfect ... !!!"

I agree with your point though. I'd also prefer to see an *official* problems thread so that I don't have to slog through dozens of whinny posts to read the latest news (and the negative tilt can be misleading to newcomers).

But then there should probably also be other threads like "new owner questions", "prospective buyer questions", "tweaks and mods", etc. Heck it'd be nice to have one sub-forum for each of the most popular manufacturers and/or products. It'll never happen though because there's too much upkeep.

BTW- mine's still in the shop. Can't wait to get it back because I love my 2910!

-Corey

HumanMedia

05-26-05, 07:44 PM

Do people have anything nice to say or any latest tweak on 2910 anymore ? It seems everybody has been complaining this unit on issue like MB etc., n nothing positive.

:) :) :)

Its human psychology. When things are good peoples minds focus upon other things like the content of the movies or audio that they are experiencing rather than the media/hardware. It is a low priority to keep posting how things are good and going as they should be.

When things are not working well, people rightfully bitch and moan until they can get things working as they expect to.

You will find that for one issue reported here there are a 100 happy customers (who are probably even on older firmware) and dont have any issues.

Just to re-assure you:

I am now very happy with the 2910. I was wary about spending so much on a DVD player, but wanted the best image I could get without spending what I consider a stratospheric price. I also wanted to test the water of SACD multichannel which I have heard about for years. The image quality is 97% of any other player I have seen at many times the price, and now that I have my second SACD disc a whole new door has been opened into the world of hires multichannel audio.

Now i had wished I had paid more for a 3910 to get the better audio. But thats not a negative for the 2910, quite the contrary, as it has met and exceeded my original requirments for the player.

ac388

05-26-05, 10:40 PM

Finally, it is nice to hear some positive feedback on 2910.

Talking on the subject of multi-channel SACD, I recently bought a copy of the 'Brothers in arm' by Dire Strait. The recording is wonderful, you can hear so much ambience from the recording(especially track 4 n 5), that you don't usually get from a receiver. I used to have their orignal stereo CD about 15 years ago, I could not get that kind of ambience as well as dead-center imaging, until I moved my gear up to the class of Levinson, Cello n Jadis etc..

As for MB problem, I won't blame Denon. But rather on Faroudja, n they should be ashame of themselves for releasing a product with so much problem, n spreading it like virus to makers using their chipset. They should at least have a factory-recall or firmware fix, to redeem their good reputation. Don't you guys agree ???

:p :p :p

noizemaker07

05-27-05, 12:05 AM

that is exactly what i'm saying. i'm not here trying to sound nasty or anything. i love my Denon 2910!!! it's just that i'm tired of sifting through negative posts about this unit. i'm always looking for positive info on how to make my viewing experience as best as possible. i think that firmware 9.0 has definately impacted my Denon in a positive fashion. my picture seems to be a lot sharper than ever before. anyway just stating a point that it's kind of annoying to come here just to read negativity.

thanks guys for all the info.
Carmine.

Rolando A

05-27-05, 12:38 AM

I hope you guys can help.

Need a new player and I am having a heck of a time. Am considering the 2910 due to positive reviews, Faroudja chip and a dew other things I remember hearing about it.

Just a few questions to yu guys who already own.

First is if you were buying a player tommorrow would you buy the same? I don't mean you are unhappy with it but is there one that came out that you almost wish you had waited for?

Also Is the site right and this player has both DVI out AND HDMI out? WOW, that might make it worth it alone!

how is the layer switch? lightning fast? long enough to have time to get up for a snack? or where in between?

does it do 480p over component? Does it upscale to 1080i over component? If not out of the box is there a way to do it? I know there is a way to make it region free but is it possible to make it upscale over component?

does it have variable speed fast forward and rewind? I love that my current player can do as slow as 1/20 speed forward or back. it of course does fast forward X 20 as well.

last does it have variable zoom? I like that with my current player I can zoom OUT and even PAN to compensate for overscan.

thanks in advance guys!

ac388

05-27-05, 08:21 AM

I am waiting for the next Pioneer player out, until then, I don't think there is another one better than the 2910 for the price/performance

One of the reason I bought 2910 is because of its HDMI/DVI. Since I can use DVI/DVI for my Panny AE500, n then HDMI/HDMI for a future DLP projector.

Layer change is fast enough but sometime it depend on the disc itself.

It does 480P over component n 720P n 1080i have to be done thru HDMI/DVI, definitely not on component which is just a rumour.

Yes, it does have variable FF n FR as well as Zoom in feature.

Hope the above info helps.

. I hope you guys can help.

Need a new player and I am having a heck of a time. Am considering the 2910 due to positive reviews, Faroudja chip and a dew other things I remember hearing about it.

Just a few questions to yu guys who already own.

First is if you were buying a player tommorrow would you buy the same? I don't mean you are unhappy with it but is there one that came out that you almost wish you had waited for?

Also Is the site right and this player has both DVI out AND HDMI out? WOW, that might make it worth it alone!

how is the layer switch? lightning fast? long enough to have time to get up for a snack? or where in between?

does it do 480p over component? Does it upscale to 1080i over component? If not out of the box is there a way to do it? I know there is a way to make it region free but is it possible to make it upscale over component?

does it have variable speed fast forward and rewind? I love that my current player can do as slow as 1/20 speed forward or back. it of course does fast forward X 20 as well.

last does it have variable zoom? I like that with my current player I can zoom OUT and even PAN to compensate for overscan.

thanks in advance guys!

mattbugz

05-27-05, 09:31 AM

I have the 3910, but your some questions of your questions still apply.

I hope you guys can help.

Need a new player and I am having a heck of a time. Am considering the 2910 due to positive reviews, Faroudja chip and a dew other things I remember hearing about it.

Just a few questions to yu guys who already own.

Also Is the site right and this player has both DVI out AND HDMI out? WOW, that might make it worth it alone!

My monitor only has DVI so the HDMI at this point is useless for me. It's excellent of Denon to support older generation monitors that still have DVI since most are now equipped with HDMI.

how is the layer switch? lightning fast? long enough to have time to get up for a snack? or where in between?

It's not horribly slow, but I can definitely detect the layer switch.

does it do 480p over component? Does it upscale to 1080i over component? If not out of the box is there a way to do it? I know there is a way to make it region free but is it possible to make it upscale over component?

Yes, 480p over component. No, it will only upscale through DVI/HDMI. I seriously doubt there's a hack currently available that would allow this.

does it have variable speed fast forward and rewind? I love that my current player can do as slow as 1/20 speed forward or back. it of course does fast forward X 20 as well.

Yes it does.

last does it have variable zoom? I like that with my current player I can zoom OUT and even PAN to compensate for overscan.

Yes, but I would not recommend using the zoom as it greatly affects picture quality. Interpolation is pretty noticeable. There are vertical/horizontal settings that allow you to adjust the viewing area which may help with overscan slightly.

skaman

05-27-05, 10:52 PM

Anyone got older 2910/3910 firmware that they're willing to email?

I'd especially like to see the 2910 6720-8 US firmware. I'm a bit lazy to trace through the MIPS code so hopefully a quick comparison with the codefree version will reveal what they're using as the region flag.

Send them to sakman56 at yahoo.com

Thanks!

Late!

gyusher

05-29-05, 08:24 PM

I bought my 2910 today. . . What a trip. . . Paid full pop only to hear something rattling inside the box when I picked it up at the counter.

Call it paranoid but once I got to my car I opened the box to find a remote loose with batteries inside and the power cord just laying inside loose. I decided to look at the unit itself and found dust and fingerprints and a build date of Sept. 2004.

Pissed is not adequate to describe how I felt so as fast as I could I took it right back inside only to get the run around over how to get my money back as this was the only 2910 that they had period.

Wanting to get set up and running this weekend I asked them to refund 200 bucks and I would keep it if it worked OK. They gave me 150.00 so now my 699.00 player is 549.00. . . Hope it works. . .

Got home hooked her up and now 3 movies later I am thrilled. . . Oh the store called me to say they ordered me a brand new one and as soon as it gets here they will swap it out and the price stays the same. . .

I did give them a piece of my mind for selling "USED" gear as "NEW". . . I think it must have been their demo. . . . Way too sloppy putting it back in the box, typical of a salesman. . . .

Anyway I might just keep it. With VE it was as perfect as I have seen and PQ. . . well I am amazed. . . I will search for firmware upgrades but for now I am happy as a clam. . .

For now I keep the store name to myself until I see how they are once the NIB one gets here. I did not ask for a new one as I was happy enough with a buck fifty but I am thrilled that I still have the new one comming. . .

Kevin Johnson

05-29-05, 09:57 PM

For now I keep the store name to myself until I see how they are once the NIB one gets here. I did not ask for a new one as I was happy enough with a buck fifty but I am thrilled that I still have the new one comming. . .

Assuming it was sold as new and assuming you bought it from an authorized dealer, I'd keep it. I've see used ones go for for $550 on eBay. Why pay 150 just to break the seal?

gyusher

05-29-05, 10:34 PM

Assuming it was sold as new and assuming you bought it from an authorized dealer, I'd keep it. I've see used ones go for for $550 on eBay. Why pay 150 just to break the seal?

They are getting me a new one at the same money. . I pay no more money. . . Said to compensate me for my trouble. . . Otherwise I agree completly. . . Still I might keep this one if it continues to work as it has been working today.

It was sold to me as a NIB player at full retail. Only after intense discussion did they credit my card 150.00 plus tax. . . I paid for a new one, walked to my car and came right back inside mad as blue blazes.

A very authorised store. . . tried to sell me a 36.00 dollar warrenty thing too. . . these guys never quit. It was after I got home that my phone rang with the offer of a new one as soon as it arrives, about a week or so. . .

ac388

05-30-05, 12:22 AM

They are getting me a new one at the same money. . I pay no more money. . . Said to compensate me for my trouble. . . Otherwise I agree completly. . . Still I might keep this one if it continues to work as it has been working today.

It was sold to me as a NIB player at full retail. Only after intense discussion did they credit my card 150.00 plus tax. . . I paid for a new one, walked to my car and came right back inside mad as blue blazes.

A very authorised store. . . tried to sell me a 36.00 dollar warrenty thing too. . . these guys never quit. It was after I got home that my phone rang with the offer of a new one as soon as it arrives, about a week or so. . .

If I were you, I will still get the new one, since you don't know how many hours it had gone thru, especially the built date was 2004.

gyusher

05-30-05, 07:35 AM

If I were you, I will still get the new one, since you don't know how many hours it had gone thru, especially the built date was 2004.

With a Sept 04 BD that is my biggest concern especially if it was a demo unit. However I know some stores that rarely turn on their demos while others run them 24/7. . .

This "used" piece is wonderful however. . . no jitter, no MB (as yet), no green blacks, no issues spoke of after running long hours. I ran it continous yesterday for about 10 hours, barely warm. . . much cooler than my 5 year old 4800 Toshiba.

What scares me is that I almost gave up on this piece yesterday and had decided to continue using "budget" players. . . It has been years since I bought a high dollar player (some would call the 2910 a budget player).

There is much more to a DVD player than raw PQ in my mind. I love the flexibility you get from a heavier better built not to mention it just "feels better" even if it does not look better. . .

buc18

05-30-05, 10:42 AM

gyusher

05-30-05, 12:53 PM

gyusher.....
i saw where a few months back you started a thread on the Toshiba SD5980 and were quite pleased with that unit. What happened with that player and why the switch to the 2910? Just curious. I have the 2910 myself and aside from some MB issues when upconverting to 720p thru HDMI, I am happy with it. Hope this one is a keeper for you.

Just couldnt be happy with any of those budget players for one reason or the other. . . Now this guy (2910) has a substantial look and feel about it, I was going to buy the Elite 59AVi but changed my mind at the last minute.

I checked the firmware on this player (ESS6720-8). . . funny it has a Sept 04 build date and a firmware update that was not even available until 6 months later. . .Yet they still sold her to me as new. . . . I downloaded -9 or "A" for later if the dealer doesnt honor his deal where I get a new one. . .

I really like this player . . . I just dont know about its history. . . . I would rather have a "brand new" new one rather than a used new one. . . . .

gyusher

06-01-05, 07:05 AM

After several days of intense movie watching (10-12hr per day) trying to decide wether or not to keep the pre-owned 2910 that I bought thinking it was new I have now got a pretty good impression of what this player is all about.

I watch 99.9% movies on DVD and so far I have thrown everything I can at it with not a single hiccup. Some are troublesome discs that my other players had great difficulty with such as the Video Essentials copy I have. I bought this particular DVD in the beginning when Pro-Logic was king and wide screen displays were few and far between.

Anyway every player I have had has difficulty navigating this VE disc with the exception of this Denon 2910.

PQ is wonderful, no MB period, no green blacks, no jitter on 1080i, none of the problems I have read about here.

2810;
build date ________________ September 2004
Firmware ________________ 6720-8 (I have 9 or "A" waiting)
Settings _________________ normal or default, Auto 2
Display __________________ Sony 55WF655
connection _______________ HDMI/HDMI
Display settings ___________ Well below default / PRO / 6500K

I tried componet at 480p but HDMI at 720p is the best for my display. . . 1080i is fine but not the "real" look I get from 720p. . . . 480i does great as my display upconverts it to 1080i where 480p stays 480p and you loose a lot of adjustments that you have with Sony's DRC

Everyone just about passes out when I tell them what this player costs and they are about ready to have me comitted. . . they just dont understand, but they like watching movies on my system, and me. . . I am a convert that much I do know. . . I love this player. . . Holy Grail??? Hardly . . .but great none the less. . .

paulfries

06-05-05, 03:43 PM

Does anyone know where I can get the latest firmware for the dvd-2910?. I tried Denon's site, but it always says "There are no updates available for your product..."

wingnut4772

06-05-05, 05:03 PM

It says that when I try too but I thought that just meant that for my unit, with my serial number, there are no updates that it needs right now.

ac388

06-06-05, 01:52 AM

I really don't know why you guys are so keen to get the latest upgrade. I did the ESS6720-8 n don't know what it improved. Even from Denon, there was no mention what benefit you get from each n every upgrade. Please enlighten me if I am wrong.

dacoop1

06-06-05, 10:22 PM

The description of the updates is described in each download. The download is a zipped file that includes a .cfw (the firmware) and a pdf with instructions on how to update. The pdf also contains a short list of the updates in that particular firmware version.

While these are the Denon released comments on the update YMMV significantly. Sometimes changes happen that are not listed (no video updates listed, but a recalibration is definitely needed) and by the same token sometimes listed changes don't really seem to be there. I'm just waiting for the firmware release that fixes all of MY problems.

ac388

06-06-05, 10:47 PM

Did you have the ESS6720-8 upgrade done ? If yes, can you tell me what does it improve. Thanks.

The description of the updates is described in each download. The download is a zipped file that includes a .cfw (the firmware) and a pdf with instructions on how to update. The pdf also contains a short list of the updates in that particular firmware version.

While these are the Denon released comments on the update YMMV significantly. Sometimes changes happen that are not listed (no video updates listed, but a recalibration is definitely needed) and by the same token sometimes listed changes don't really seem to be there. I'm just waiting for the firmware release that fixes all of MY problems.

gyusher

06-07-05, 05:42 AM

My 2910 seems to have a bug of some sort. . . Every so often when I put a known DVD in it I get a "Wrong Region" message on the screen and I can do nothing untill I remove the disc turn it off , unplug it for 1 minute (or more) then plug it back in and she's fine untill she wants to act up again.

I have -8 FW in it and -A(9) waiting in case I were to need it. . . I see nothing in the FW updates that would address this need for a "Hard Reset".

Called the dealer and my new one will be in Wed. Just that this one is just about perfect except for this "bug"

Anyone have this trouble??????????????????

buc18

06-09-05, 09:45 PM

gyusher....

ever get your problem fixed?

gyusher

06-10-05, 09:21 PM

gyusher....

ever get your problem fixed?

I hope to get my "New" player in the morning. . . However with the one time exception of a "Wrong Zone" code on a couple DVDs and after a hard reset this "tampered with" 2910 has been exceptional. . . I am beginning to not care if I get the new replacement or not. . . Except for the "Peace of mind" I would have knowing that a factory sealed box, after spending this amount of money, does mean something. . .

Only a week or so before the 30 day period ends so I either need to make a decision this weekend or get my new one as I will be leaving for Denver Tuesday for a week or so. . .

ac388

06-11-05, 03:02 AM

Get a new one anyhow, because that demo you had will still probably be at the store if you decide not to keep the new one. Or you can talk them into letting you to keep both units at your house for a short period of time.

gyusher

06-11-05, 07:48 AM

Or you can talk them into letting you to keep both units at your house for a short period of time.

Best idea I have heard all day. . . I dont understand what the problem is with them getting the new player unless he put his foot in his mouth and is unable to cut the deal he promised. . . "The Great Indoors" is the store here in Columbus, Ohio. . . They have a great selection of high end players but none in stock. . . They also carry the big Yamaha 2500 but. . . . out of stock. . . .

There was supposed to be a truck in yesterday and I am supposed to know something this morning. . .

Originally I wanted the Elite 59AVi. . . if this guy keeps fooling around I will go after that one. I can get the Elite from the same dealer I bought my VSX56TXi receiver from, although "B" stock I trust the guy. . . .

Stay tuned. . .

scannerman

06-15-05, 07:38 PM

My unit was returned monday with work/ repair order included. It seems there was a bad laser pickup mechanism. No problems yet. No bugs. I sure hope it lasts.

ac388

06-15-05, 10:27 PM

Did you request for a firmware update during service ?

ac388

06-16-05, 02:36 AM

Just wondering if I can hookup my 2910 with DVDO HD+, thru their DVI/HDMI connection. I know people insist 480i signal going into DVDO n what's wrong with 2910 sending out 480P signal into it.

RBats

06-16-05, 10:03 AM

Getting ready to watch a film, went to select subtitles with my Logitech Harmony remote and the screen flashed funny, and 2910 is useless.

When I turn the power on, I get the "2910" display for 3-4 seconds, then the display goes black. only buttons on the remote that will light up the display are: HDMI/DVI Select, Format and Super Audio CD Setup.

I just did some reprogramming on the remote, possible the remote could of sent out a funny signal that did something to the Denon?

I tried to initialize the player and nothing. :(

I had the EXACT problem occur last night. The player is DEAD! Did you get this fixed, and if so, how long did it take? Thanks.

scannerman

06-17-05, 06:51 PM

ac388:

I had already upgraded to v9 fw before service - I just assumed they would send it back with the latest vesion on board.

I'll watch for future bugs!

ac388

06-18-05, 03:18 AM

Do you guys think all these problem originated from upgrading the firmware by ourselves ???

pimpcasso

06-18-05, 05:44 PM

Do people have anything nice to say or any latest tweak on 2910 anymore ? It seems everybody has been complaining this unit on issue like MB etc., n nothing positive.

:) :) :)
I too have a 2910 that has been performing flawlessly for over 6 months now.I initially posted rave reviews and quotes from various hifi publications on what a great performer this machine is on a regular basis but quit as it seemed I was only aggravating those that were having macroblocking problems e.t.c... on a side note; I have never been a fan of these new LCD /plasma screens ( pq just doesnt look as good as CRTs to me) and I think this unit (2910)probably does not mate well with that technology. Just last night I was watching The Eagles farewell tour and was just amazed at the outstanding pq on my good old toshiba 65 inch rptv hooked up via components.

ac388

06-18-05, 10:05 PM

Give Me Five !!!

:d :d :d

Sonet.MD

06-20-05, 12:56 PM

I just picked up a 2910. So far I haven't seen any problems. I use HDMI connected to a PIO 4350. Denon is set at 720p. Is it recomended to input at the monitors native resolution reducing extra conversions?

Another question I have is with calibration. After calibrating the dvd input, would these settings be appropraite for another input such as HDTV? Or would it be a starting point, eyeballing any needed changes.

One last question at this time. I notice quite a few problems with this player on this thread. I know that regardless of any player out there you can find negative comments on the product. For the current owners: Are you satisfied with your purchase? Unfortunately I have not been able to A-B this unit with my alternate choices. I'm still on the fence with this product and will try and compare it with the Yamaha S2500 and Elite 59Avi. Has anyone done this? Would any of you trade your player in for either of these if you had the chance?

Thanks for reading...Great info in these forums and in this thread,

Jeff

Rijax

06-20-05, 01:51 PM

Are you satisfied with your purchase?

Jeff Absolutely! I've no experience with the Yamaha or Pioneer you mentioned, so I can't say how they compare to the 2910. All I know is, I'm enjoying my 2910 very much, and I'm happy to have it.

nash0r

06-20-05, 02:39 PM

I just picked up a 2910. So far I haven't seen any problems. I use HDMI connected to a PIO 4350. Denon is set at 720p. Is it recomended to input at the monitors native resolution reducing extra conversions?

Definitely, especially for digital displays like DLP, LCD, etc. The less scaling/conversion involved, the better your picture will be.

tennberg

06-20-05, 04:33 PM

Definitely, especially for digital displays like DLP, LCD, etc. The less scaling/conversion involved, the better your picture will be.

Does anyone know what is the currently available U.S. firmware for the DVD-2910? Last time I attempted an upgrade, it was version -7. However, when I upgraded to it from version -5, my TV would not recognize the incoming signal as being 16:9. It would think it was 4:3 and I'd have to adjust the TV settings to get the proportions right. I had to downgrade to -5 to get it working properly.

Does anyone know if this has been fixed yet?

Sonet.MD

06-20-05, 04:37 PM

Just picked my 2910 up last week. FW is at 9. Never had earlier versions so I have no idea whats been addressed along the way.

tennberg

06-24-05, 01:50 PM

I checked Denon's website today and the latest firmware available for the DVD-2910 is ESS-6720-A. So, it seems the firmware has gone from 9 to A. The included fixes are:

1. Corrects for a programmed CD playback problem of discs with at least 10 tracks.
2. Corrects for playback on "Raging Bull" disc.
3. HDMI improvement when connected to displays with EDID memory over 258 bytes.
4. Corrects for playback on "River Dance" disc PAL version.
5. General improvement when connecting HDMI to a TV or projector.

millerwill

06-24-05, 04:39 PM

buc18

06-25-05, 12:00 PM

Thanks very much for making this update known. Item 5 sounds particularly useful for many of us; hope it does away with the MB issues.

As for the MB issues....keep on hoping(at least at 720 or 1080).

tennberg

06-26-05, 12:52 AM

mingus

06-26-05, 04:58 AM

tennberg

06-26-05, 11:35 AM

Which version would this be, and what is the new file name?
http://www.usa.denon.com/support/downloads/D21ZSAVD.zip

The version is 6720-A and the file name I downloaded from Denon is D21ZSAVD.zip.

scannerman

06-26-05, 04:39 PM

several days later...no errors

tennberg

06-27-05, 12:32 PM

I sent an e-mail to Denon about this one:

I've tried updating my DVD-2910 to both 6720-7 and 6720-A firmwares (from 6720-5) on a couple occassions. In both instances after updating, when playing a 16:9 DVD, my TV thinks that the incoming signal from the DVD player is 4:3. The DVD player is set to a 16:9 display, NTSC, and progressive scan. The TV is set to keep signals in the right format and not modify them in any way. The connection between the two is component video.

If I stretch the image horizontally via the TV settings, I get a somewhat normal picture. If I downgrade to firmware 6720-5, everything is back to normal.

FYI, my TV is a Sony KD-34XBR960 CRT HDTV.

I hope to hear back from Denon soon. Hopefully, this means a "-B" firmware.

Wow! I wasn't expecting a quick response from Denon. I heard back from someone within 24 hours. They are not aware of that issue with my combination of equipment. However, the problem has been forwarded to their engineering department for testing, and they will let me know if they discover anything. Since they only setting that changes on my DVD player or TV is the firmware version, it should be easily discoverable.

oink

06-27-05, 04:42 PM

rodal

06-27-05, 05:29 PM

tennberg

06-27-05, 07:03 PM

tennberg:

I have the 34xbr800 with the 2910.

It also doesn't work perfectly together.

When upconverting to 1080i (native) there is strange scanning artifacts. Oddly, 720p looks fine, as does 480p.

Hopefully, new firmware will fix this.

Which version of the firmware is your 2910 currently running? I'm curious to hear more about your issue since we have similar sets.

HumanMedia

06-27-05, 07:50 PM

I have a Yamaha rx-v757 hooked up to the 2910. I only have one DVD-A disc so when I try to play the Linkin Park DVD-A disc the volume level for the subwoofer is very low compared to the other 5 channels. I can only play a few tracks in Dolby Digital and those tracks play fine.

Can someone please help me with this. Thanks in advance.

Go to audio setup where you set up all of your timings and distances and there is a specific setting called Subwoofer +10db

This needs to be set for SACD (something to do with subwoofer line level different standards - dont know why they dont do this automatically tho...)

bruce73

07-02-05, 07:44 PM

Will the 2910 play dual layer media? There's no mention in the manual, and I tried playing a Verbatim DVD+R DL disc, but it wouldn't load. I don't know if it's a media issue or possibly a region code conflict. But I'd kinda like to know if it's the first before wasting another $7 disc. :(

oink

07-03-05, 01:39 AM

Which version of the firmware is your 2910 currently running? I'm curious to hear more about your issue since we have similar sets.

I am using F/W 9.
I ordered the newer "A" a few days ago.
I will let you know if it is helpful to my setup.

I find it interesting that progressive signals look good and 1080i has artifacts.
Originally, the 2910 was hooked up to my Sammie 5685 dlp.
MB was unacceptable; so I moved it to the Sony.

tonydeluce

07-03-05, 05:10 PM

I posted the following on the Denon DVD-3910 but thought this might
also be valuable and get some response on this thread:

I visited Ken Krane's "Big Screens" on Friday and the salesperson was nice
enough to hook up a Denon DVD-2910 to the new 52in. Mitsubishi 1080p DLP
and I definitely saw macroblocking. I suspect the set could be adjusted to
minimize this. I understand that the DVD-3910 uses the same scaler / conversion
chip.

Therefore I have personally observed macroblaocking on the

JVC D-ILA's
Mitsubishi 1080p DLPs

Has anyone ever observed macroblocking on Samsung DLPs?
Has anyone not seen macroblocking on Samsung DLPs?

oink

07-03-05, 10:45 PM

Tonydeluce:

See above.

Absolutely the 2910/3910 shows MB.
Checkout Kris Deering's Secrets site for reviews on players.
I currently use a Onkyo sp1000 on my Sammie DLP; it has zero MB.

tonydeluce

07-03-05, 11:46 PM

thanks oink.

It is my understanding that the 2910/3910 show MB only a some
displays but not on most displays.

Is the above statement incorrect?

thanks again,

Tony

ozdvduser

07-04-05, 01:50 AM

AFAIK that is Correct - I'm running a 2910 via DVi to the HS10 and so far have not seen any MB.

nash0r

07-04-05, 12:06 PM

I have never seen MB on my 2910 -> Sammy 720p DLP (HLN series) using DVI or HDMI->DVI, and I have watched a number of the movies mentioned in this thread.

Lunch

07-04-05, 01:05 PM

tennberg

07-04-05, 01:41 PM

has anyone ever tried to find out their frirmware version and note been succesful?
countless times, i've tried the directions i found here for getting the version # for the 2190.
i do the whole routine, play+open/close then 3265 menu- but to no avail.
am i just not nimble enough?
i wonder- how fast do you cycle through 3265 and menu? maybe that's my problem?
...and exactly when after "loading" appears in the display, should i start to tap the buttons- anytime after, or imediately?
any help is GREATLY appreciated!

-gabe

gabe: I hold down play and open/close, then turn on the ON/OFF button (the hard, small push-in button). I keep holding those until DVD-2910 disappears from the display and "Loading" appears. I then press the number sequence then MENU (*not* Top Menu), and keep pressing MENU to cycle through all the info.

I am still on firmware -5 since anything higher causes my TV (Sony KD-34XBR960 via component) to think that 16:9 signals coming from the DVD player are actually 4:3. I then have to stretch the image on the TV. I mentioned it to Denon and they are looking into the issue.

kring

07-05-05, 02:14 PM

Yes tonydeluce, MB is heavy on the Samsung DLP's I have a 4674 and it's very noticible. I've tried a great deal to reduce it with little success. I find that setting it to 480p is better then 720p, and switching to component is also better then DVI/HDMI. but it still is there, Dark reds and blues are where MB is so visible it's an eye magnet from 10' away.

pepar

07-07-05, 10:43 PM

I have a 3910 in my home theater and just ordered a 2910 from Dakmart for my bedroom system, Before it arrives, I thought I'd drop in here and find out what's the same and what's different between the two units. As I read the release notes for the firmware, I see a lot of familiar language. Do both the 3910 and 2910 use the same firmware?

Edited: Nevermind on the firmware question; I went to Denon's site and used the "enter the serial number from the pictured unit" trick to get to the firmware download - version 9. I guess they had common problems with the two models and addressed them simultaneously with different firmwares.

captdusty

07-08-05, 09:35 AM

Just received my 2910 yesterday. Returning two Pio 588s in a row for randomly shutting down convinced me to bite the bullet and get a "step up" player. So far, I really like it, but I'll be monkeying with Avia for a couple of days before I love it. (Am I the only one who can never get it right the first time, because my eyes get fatigued staring at those patterns?)

Mine came with fw version 9 loaded. What are everyone's thoughts on updating? I'm torn between two viewpoints. Should I load every revision that comes down the pike, you know, just in case? Or should i adopt an attitude of "if it ain't broke..."

Thoughts?

mikemorel

07-09-05, 08:25 AM

Mine came with fw version 9 loaded. What are everyone's thoughts on updating? I'm torn between two viewpoints. Should I load every revision that comes down the pike, you know, just in case? Or should i adopt an attitude of "if it ain't broke..."

Thoughts?

I bought mine refurbed. Came with an early fw and displayed a serious green push issue via DVI. Subsequent fw updates fixed it (w/Samsung HLN display). Updating is your friend, even if Denon isn't as forthcoming as they should be regarding the reasons for the update.

pepar

07-09-05, 10:47 AM

What are everyone's thoughts on updating? I'm torn between two viewpoints. Should I load every revision that comes down the pike, you know, just in case? Or should i adopt an attitude of "if it ain't broke..."

Thoughts?

It's not like computer BIOS revisions where you do only upgrade to fix a problem or enable the use of a more advanced CPU. These revisions many times improve the performance of some feature that is already working, but not as good as it could. At the very least, one should read the revision notes to see what it affects.

rodal

07-13-05, 11:58 PM

Does anyone here use the Pure Direct Mode when playing SACD / DVD-Audio disc?

ozdvduser

07-14-05, 02:40 AM

Does anyone here use the Pure Direct Mode when playing SACD / DVD-Audio disc?
Sure do - use PD for 2ch/5ch SACD and 2ch CD.

HumanMedia

07-14-05, 07:26 PM

Sure do - use PD for 2ch/5ch SACD and 2ch CD.

Doesnt Pure Direct inactivate the channel volume adjustments, channel delay timings and +10 subwoofer compensation though? (all the things you really need the player to do for a non-equidistant 5.1 speaker arrangement)

ozdvduser

07-14-05, 07:46 PM

Doesnt Pure Direct inactivate the channel volume adjustments, channel delay timings and +10 subwoofer compensation though? (all the things you really need the player to do for a non-equidistant 5.1 speaker arrangement)
Yeh, but I've set the speakers levels, bass management etc. etc. in the 2910

Zen Traveler

07-15-05, 12:23 AM

Doesnt Pure Direct inactivate the channel volume adjustments, channel delay timings and +10 subwoofer compensation though? (all the things you really need the player to do for a non-equidistant 5.1 speaker arrangement)

I am with you. I set all of that on my 2910 and 3910 and skip the "Pure Direct" mode. I guess to each their own. :cool:

nmo

07-15-05, 08:17 PM

I have a 2910 hooked up via HDMI to my Sony 51" CRT RPTV and have noticed jerky video during pans and sweeps. I found it the most noticable on Titan A.E.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Its as if the player slows down during pans/sweeps. I've tried to reconnect the HDMI cable but no luck so far.

Some help please.

scannerman

07-15-05, 09:26 PM

pepar

07-16-05, 09:02 AM

well guys....

my denon died again - won't play anthing and this is after it was repaired!!
local dealer sending it back to denon for a new unit - I guess it was a bad unit afterall.

I will post after some experience when my new unit arrives.

2910/happy - died/sad - fixed/happy - died again/sad - getting new unit/happy.

A real roller coaster, eh?

:)

trupp

07-16-05, 02:23 PM

I'm wondering if the 2910 outputs DVI and composite at the SAME time. I want to send video to a second room, and my current player (momitsu v880 doesn't do it).

Also, I currently have a DVI->VGA converter to hook up my Sony D50 CRT projector. Will this scheme still work on the 2910? The projector has RGBHV inputs.

Thanks for your help.

GeoffW

07-17-05, 12:20 AM

Yes, the 2910 outputs composite and S-video at all settings - I think this is so that there is a fail-safe output always available to change settings when the HDMI or component outputs are not visible because of a faulty setup etc.

Geoff.

scannerman

07-17-05, 07:01 PM

pepar:

Yes, technology is wonderful!!!

nmo

07-18-05, 01:28 PM

Kevin R. Anderson

07-18-05, 02:22 PM

The HDMI is a digital signal and the CRT is an analog display device, so your Sony must do some Digital-to-Analog conversions that might be creating the artifacts. Try using the component connections, which are analog, from the Denon to the Sony to see if there is any improvement.

With many analog (CRT) and less-than-perfect digital display devices (LCD, DLP, Plasma, etc.), the analog component connection will look "smoother" and have fewer artifacts than the digital connection (DVI, HDMI). Of course, using component will sacrifice some resolution, but life is full of compromises. Try both and see what looks best to you.

oink

07-18-05, 04:45 PM

NMO:

MB? Yeah, return the 2910 and get the Pioneer 59AVI. Problem solved.

nmo

07-18-05, 04:55 PM

Kevin, I'll try out the component connection and see if that makes it better. I had a Sony 975 that never had any issues like this thru HDMI so I am wondering why its happening with the Denon.

Oink, Can't return it. :(

pepar

07-18-05, 06:10 PM

NMO:

MB? Yeah, return the 2910 and get the Pioneer 59AVI. Problem solved.

.

oink

07-18-05, 07:00 PM

I have a 2910.

It is known for MB.

There is only two known cures: change display or change player.

But don't take it from me; check with Kris Deering.

Troll? :rolleyes:

pepar

07-18-05, 07:05 PM

I have a 2910.

It is known for MB.

There is only two known cures: change display or change player.

But don't take it from me; check with Kris Deering.

Troll? :rolleyes:

You don't understand my reference, or you don't understand why I said it?

Absent an emoticon on your original post, it looked like you were a Pio owner here trolling.

tor ove

07-18-05, 07:17 PM

Or....
My D3910 gives me MB when connected via component.
Using DVI wipes all MB clean.
Both connetions to my BenQ 7700 projector.

oink

07-19-05, 04:00 AM

I moved my 2910 from Sammie HLP5685w to a Sony XBR CRT.

This ended MB issues with the 2910.

Have an Onkyo sp1000 on the Sammie now: no MB and no BS.

kring

07-22-05, 09:42 AM

I moved my 2910 from Sammie HLP5685w to a Sony XBR CRT.

This ended MB issues with the 2910.

Have an Onkyo sp1000 on the Sammie now: no MB and no BS.

I agree oink, The MB on my Sammy is driving me nuts, I have a 4674 via HDMI. I just can't blame the TV because HD looks phenominal on this Sammy unit and SD is not that bad, while DVD is the issue. I have to put this MB directly on Denon. I would think that Denon would offer tweaks to compensate for DLP, LCD & CRT. I would expect at this price point, they would offer selectable modes based on the display unit. I'd image it would just be a mater of some tweaks to greatly reduce MB. The player is nice, but overall I'm quite disappointed in the 2910 video quality on DLP, certainly NOT worth the money over $100 disposable players. my $99 Sony via component doesn't show any MB.

AlDente

07-22-05, 10:12 AM

thanks oink.

It is my understanding that the 2910/3910 show MB only a some
displays but not on most displays.

Is the above statement incorrect?

thanks again,

Tony

I have a LG 44" DLP. I experienced MB on the Denon 1910, upgraded to the 2910 still MB, upgraded to the 3910 no MB observed. All units were connected via DVI. I am considering one of the new 1080P Samsungs and would be interested in hearing how your 3910 works with the new display.

jszei

07-22-05, 10:14 AM

2 questions...ok, maybe 3

Does anyone have the multi-region v9 firmware for the 2910?

What's the difference between v9 and vA, which one is newer?

Thanks

CarlosC

07-22-05, 10:14 AM

For Samsung DLP owners...make sure the digital noise reduction and DNIe options are both turned off. You might need to re-calibrate black level using Avia or DVE. I am currently using DVI at 720p (since after making the above changes I find the picture quality acceptable), but using 480p output instead will further reduce macroblocking artifacts as well as give you better color accuracy. Try it and report back your findings...

oink

07-23-05, 02:07 AM

CarlosC may be on to something...

Both the 2910 and the Sammie HLP use the dreaded Faroudja 2310 chip(sort of a double dosage of crap). Turning off as much video processing as possible is probably a good thing. :cool:

Unfortunately, if you bought the Denon for upscaling (I did) 480p is not the desired outcome and kring is right: 99 bucks will do.

noizemaker

07-23-05, 11:28 AM

i have my denon 2910 hooked up hdmi upconverted to 720p. my picture is way beyond acceptable with my sony lcd rptv. no macroblocking seen as of yet.

pepar

07-23-05, 03:32 PM

I moved my 2910 from Sammie HLP5685w to a Sony XBR CRT.

This ended MB issues with the 2910.

Have an Onkyo sp1000 on the Sammie now: no MB and no BS.

My 2910 will arrive Monday and get connected to a Sony 30XBR910 (CRT). Being analog, I'm thinking I should use the component output, but it offers no scaling. Or should I use the DVI and have the D/A conversion?

pepar

07-25-05, 11:39 PM

Is everyone on vacation?

ac388

07-26-05, 08:01 PM

Did anyone post the latest International firmware upgrade here ? If yes, can you help to tell me where. Thanks.

millerwill

07-26-05, 10:29 PM

Has anyone with a 2910 had any experience yet with one of the new Samsung 1080p DLP's? Would be extremely interested in hearing how it performs with this display.

Octavio

07-26-05, 11:13 PM

My 2910 will arrive Monday and get connected to a Sony 30XBR910 (CRT). Being analog, I'm thinking I should use the component output, but it offers no scaling. Or should I use the DVI and have the D/A conversion?
My TV is a Sony 30XBR910 CRT. I have had DVD 2910 since October 04 and have changed many times between DVI connection and component connection. Always component connection has showed better results.

Under DVI picture is blurry. Picture quality is noticeably better (sharper and less green push) under component hookup than under DVI. I didn't expect this result when I bought the player.

Component cables I'm using are Bettercable (6 feet)
DVI cable I´m using is Monstercable DVI 500 (6 feet)

Octavio

PS. I'm very satisfied with my Sony 30XBR910

pepar

07-26-05, 11:32 PM

tennberg

07-27-05, 12:51 AM

My TV is a Sony 30XBR910 CRT. I have had DVD 2910 since October 04 and have changed many times between DVI connection and component connection. Always component connection has showed better results.

Under DVI picture is blurry. Picture quality is noticeably better (sharper and less green push) under component hookup than under DVI. I didn't expect this result when I bought the player.

Component cables I'm using are Bettercable (6 feet)
DVI cable I´m using is Monstercable DVI 500 (6 feet)

Octavio

PS. I'm very satisfied with my Sony 30XBR910

Octavio: I agree with pepar. Since it's not a plasma or LCD set, DVI would not provide any significant improvement over component inputs. I use component connections from my 2910 to my Sony 34XBR960.

Btw, did you ever upgrade the firmware on your 2910 and have it fix the problem where the TV thought the incoming signal was 4:3 when it was really 16:9? I upgraded my set to the latest firmware again ("A") and still found the same problem. I had to downgrade back to -5. I e-mailed Denon and they said they'd investigate the issue. That was about 3-4 weeks ago. I e-mailed recently inquiring about the status, but have not received a reply.

jszei

07-27-05, 11:25 AM

Tennberg,

Is the firmware A you have multiregion? If so can I get it from you?
My email is jszei (at) yahoo

Thanks,
John

Octavio

07-27-05, 12:36 PM

Btw, did you ever upgrade the firmware on your 2910 and have it fix the problem where the TV thought the incoming signal was 4:3 when it was really 16:9? I upgraded my set to the latest firmware again ("A") and still found the same problem. I had to downgrade back to -5. I e-mailed Denon and they said they'd investigate the issue. That was about 3-4 weeks ago. I e-mailed recently inquiring about the status, but have not received a reply.

I have upgraded the firmware every time a new version comes available. Last version was "A". However, not only the incoming signal is wrongly taken as 4:3 when it was really 16:9, but also I feel picture quality is not as good as it was with older versions. As a result, I downgraded to version "4" (international) and now I'm getting correct read of aspect ratio and better PQ. I think I lost my version "5" (international) so I couldn't checked it again.

I hope your e-mails to Denon will make them to release a new version with the problem fixed.

With respect to DVI vs Component:
I understand that the DVI input of Sony 30XBR910 TV (CRT) is ready to receive digital HDTV (ATSC) signals, but what DVD 2910 player sends through DVI output, is a digital upconverted 480i NTSC signal. I also understand that color equation decoding is different in each case and that would explain why PQ is better under component hookup than under DVI. Maybe it can be changed using the Service Menu of TV. Well, If someone has a different explanation please submit it!!

Octavio

Edmundo Lopez

07-27-05, 12:44 PM

Octavio:

Did you try -8 international? Is -4 better than -8?

Thanks

pepar

07-27-05, 12:48 PM

I have upgraded the firmware every time a new version comes available. Last version was "A". However, not only the incoming signal is wrongly taken as 4:3 when it was really 16:9, but also I feel picture quality is not as good as it was with older versions. As a result, I downgraded to version "4" (international) and now I'm getting correct read of aspect ratio and better PQ. I think I lost my version "5" (international) so I couldn't checked it again.

I hope your e-mails to Denon will make them to release a new version with the problem fixed.

Sounds like I shouldn't rush to apply the new firmware patch? :confused:

SwampDawg78

07-28-05, 08:33 PM

Have had my 2910 for a week now & so far meets all expectations. No MB seen so far on my Toshiba 52" DLP and DVD-A/SACD sound fantastic. Unit has Feb '05 build date with firmware Ver. 5. I download the latest 6720-A firmware, but have not installed as I believe if it ain't broke don't fix it! I am hooked up via DVI from the 2190 with DVI-HDMI cable to the TV. Upconverting to 720p (native display of the DLP) and results are fine so far. Audio through SonyES receiver. Would like comments from 2910 owners as to which firmware version seems to be the best or offer justifiable improvement over version 5.

It's all in the eyes & ears of the owner.....................

tennberg

07-29-05, 12:06 AM

I'd like to get some people's opinion on this, as I've heard an equal amount of views from both sides of the aisle.

I currently connect my 2910 (firmware -5) to my Sony KD-34XBR960 direct-view CRT HDTV via high-quality component video cables, and use progressive scan so that everything is at 480p.

I've heard from 50% of people I've asked that component is the best way to go with my type of set and that I won't get any benefit from HDMI/upscaling. They've recommended an ISF calibration and said I will be very satisfied with that. The other 50% have said I will see a better picture with HDMI and even better by upscaling to 1080i on my set.

I am trying to find a place that will sell an HDMI-HDMI cable with a good return policy. In the meantime, what is truly the best route to go considering the set I have? Is the same type of signal sent out through both component and HDMI for the set to receive?

GeoffW

07-29-05, 01:00 AM

Hi Tennberg,
I found a pretty decent HDMI cable on the web for less than $20, so it's worth just buying one to try over an extended period. I've found that some DVD's, especially the older ones, even look a bit better in s-video NTSC on my KDF-55WF655. Also, in NTSC the automatic aspect ratio still works.
I decided to stick with the "International" v8 firmware, even though it has the problem of not recognizing 4:3 video in HDMI 720p or 1080i. Multiregion is more important to me. As far as I remember this firmware has the reverse problem in 480p HDMI - it defaults to 4:3.
For my system, with a good DVD, 720p HDMI gives the best results. For your setup, I would just try HDMI with a bunch of different DVD's at differing settings - it could be fun just to try it all out.

Regards,
Geoff.

bruce73

07-29-05, 10:07 AM

Octavio

07-29-05, 11:17 AM

Octavio:

Did you try -8 international? Is -4 better than -8?

Thanks
Yes, I did. To my eyes, version -4 is better than -8. Also, it recognizes correctly the signal as 16:9 when reading an anamorphic widescreen movie.

Octavio

tennberg

07-30-05, 12:17 AM

Yes, I did. To my eyes, version -4 is better than -8. Also, it recognizes correctly the signal as 16:9 when reading an anamorphic widescreen movie.

Octavio

Octavio:

When you say PQ was not as good with recent revisions of the 2910 firmware, I have a couple questions:

1. Was it a noticable difference or a very subtle difference? For example, if you upgraded from U.S. version -4 to U.S. version A, was the PQ 2% worse, 5% worse, 20% worse? What made it worse for you?

2. After you upgraded to a more recent version of firmware, did you initialize the player (thus resetting all picture settings) and then set them back to their previous values?

*I am assuming all of thise was done while using component video connections.*

I'm having my Sony TV ISF calibrated this Fall and am hoping to have a properly working firmware version on the 2910 at that time. I am assuming Denon just changed some value that caused 16:9 signals to be read as 4:3 by my TV, but that it would not worsen actual picture quality. If anything, I would think it would improve it in some areas.

P.S. - The ISF calibrator is suggesting I use HDMI to connect my 2910 to my TV, as I will gain a lot from upscaling to 1080i. Does 1080i upscaling improve all DVDs, or only some (while making others look perhaps worse)?

millerwill

07-30-05, 12:20 AM

Does anyone here have experience yet with their 2910 and one of the new Samsung 1080p sets?

Octavio

07-30-05, 10:52 PM

Octavio:

When you say PQ was not as good with recent revisions of the 2910 firmware, I have a couple questions:

1. Was it a noticable difference or a very subtle difference? For example, if you upgraded from U.S. version -4 to U.S. version A, was the PQ 2% worse, 5% worse, 20% worse? What made it worse for you?

2. After you upgraded to a more recent version of firmware, did you initialize the player (thus resetting all picture settings) and then set them back to their previous values?

*I am assuming all of thise was done while using component video connections.*

I'm having my Sony TV ISF calibrated this Fall and am hoping to have a properly working firmware version on the 2910 at that time. I am assuming Denon just changed some value that caused 16:9 signals to be read as 4:3 by my TV, but that it would not worsen actual picture quality. If anything, I would think it would improve it in some areas.

P.S. - The ISF calibrator is suggesting I use HDMI to connect my 2910 to my TV, as I will gain a lot from upscaling to 1080i. Does 1080i upscaling improve all DVDs, or only some (while making others look perhaps worse)?

1. Subtle. Maybe 2-5%.
2. Yes.
*. Yes, component was used.

Since we have almost same Sony XBR TV (as many other members of this forum) it would be interesting if you report how PQ changes after calibration. Particularly if better results can be achieved using DVI/HDMI rather than component from 2910 to TV.

Octavio

web

08-01-05, 10:19 PM

I asked this before, but didn't see a response, so I'll try again. Does the 2910 support dual layer media (specifically Verbatim DVD+R DL)?

I successfully burned one but it wouldn't play either on the 2910 or with the burner on my PC (Plextor 716UF). Makes me think there might have been something wrong the folder structure used in the image file, even though it opened OK when mounted to Daemon. Anyway, I'd like to know for sure before creating another $7 coaster.

Yes, it does. I have burned many dual layer DVDs, specifically Verbatim DVD+R DL. What application are you using to burn with? I have had no problems at all using Nero with the "Book Type" setting at 'DVD-ROM' and, of course, "DVD high compatibility mode..." checked. The burner used is a Plextor 716A.

web

bruce73

08-01-05, 10:54 PM

web:

We basically have the same burner, but I can't remember the app used to burn. I'm pretty sure it was TMPGEnc DVD Author. Its writing tool doesn't offer many changeable settings; I would assume the hard-coded ones would be OK, since I have no problems using it to burn DVD5 images/folders (the only aborts have been when I tried to write >4x), but perhaps not.

I'll try Nero next time. I hate the trial and error approach with these ridiculously expensive discs, but thanks for confirming it's not the 2910.

jszei

08-04-05, 02:53 PM

So, I'm using the "A" multiregion firmware and I try a region 3 disc and no go, then a region 2 disc and no go. Region 1 plays no problem. I'm connected via DVI. When I play a region other than 1 I get a lot of squigly lines. I can see part of the picture there it's just very distorted. Anyone have any ideas? Do I have to view through component? PAL VCD's from other regions play fine, it's only DVD's that I'm having a problem with.

Thanks,
John

jszei

08-09-05, 11:24 PM

Well. problems solved. There are 2 versions of firmware A floating about. The one dated 4/22/05 is the MR version. The one dated 5/9/05 is not MR. I have tried the MR version from 4/22 and it works like a charm.
On the NTSC/PAL issue; you have to select NTSC if you want to convert your PAL DVDs to NTSC. If you have multi selected it will not figure out you don't have a PAL set and send a 576 signal. Dumb mistake on my part. Now to see what this baby has under the hood. Connecting it to a Mits RP CRT. Sadly no 720P but 1080i looks good. We'll see what DVE can do for the picture.

jszei

08-10-05, 09:57 AM

Here's the file and the instructions. Pretty simple. Make sure you set your burning software to the correct settings in the instructions then pop the cd in the player and don't touch a thing until it's complete.

Enjoy!

http://www.zeifamily.net/2910MRA.zip

tennberg

08-11-05, 05:02 PM

ozdvduser

08-11-05, 05:21 PM

Silly question:

I have a U.S.-purchased DVD-2910 with Region 1 firmware. Why does it even give me the option of selecting either NTSC or PAL for display device? If this is the case, can I play PAL DVDs on it wihout moving to the multiregion firmware? There are some DVDs that are only on Region 2 that I'd like, as I am dying to get rid of the VHS copies that I have.
The unit has the options to [1] convert NTSC to PAL output for those that want to show NTSC on a PAL only display device, [2] convert PAL to NTSC output for those that want to show PAL on a NTSC only display device, [3] natively output either NTSC or PAL output for those that have a NTSC/PAL capable display device

The answer to your question is - Yes, so long as the PAL disks are region encoded as 1. If you want to play disks from other regions you will have to go to the region free firmware version.

tennberg

08-11-05, 05:50 PM

The unit has the options to [1] convert NTSC to PAL output for those that want to show NTSC on a PAL only display device, [2] convert PAL to NTSC output for those that want to show PAL on a NTSC only display device, [3] natively output either NTSC or PAL output for those that have a NTSC/PAL capable display device

The answer to your question is - Yes, so long as the PAL disks are region encoded as 1. If you want to play disks from other regions you will have to go to the region free firmware version.

I find it odd that a PAL disc would be encoded for Region 1, as Region 1 encompasses only the U.S. and Canada, both of which use NTSC.

Nevertheless, I will probably wait for these VHS tapes to come out on region 1 NTSC, as I don't feel like using a non-standard firmware on my 2910.

millerwill

08-11-05, 06:21 PM

Has anyone used their 2910 with one of the new Samsung 1080p dlp's? Would be very interested to know how they two perform together.

GeoffW

08-11-05, 11:00 PM

Hi Tennberg,
The PAL/NTSC coding is entirely separate from the region coding. For example Japan is region 2 and NTSC, whereas Europe is also region 2 but PAL. The 2910 is capable of handling both PAL and NTSC and outputing either PAL or NTSC. It is also capable of being set to one region, as is the case in Europe (R2) or USA (R1), but also all regions as is the case for Australia (as far as I understand it). The multi-region firmware is probably not non-standard, but comes from the Aussie firmware version. I have just tried the MR "A" version, and it appears to work just fine, except of course it still has the same aspect ratio setting problem as before. In my setup I see no difference from R1"A" version apart from the MR feature.
Geoff.

jszei

08-12-05, 12:15 AM

tennberg

08-12-05, 01:01 AM

Octavio,

you said "but what DVD 2910 player sends through DVI output, is a digital upconverted 480i NTSC signal". Where did you get this information. I just can't believe Denon would engineer a player that way.

BTW, I am using MR A and have not seen the apect ratio problem. I will report it as soon as I do. My TV is a RP HD CRT Mits.

John

John,

The aspect ratio problem I get is when I try to view a 16:9 DVD over component cables to my Sony HDTV direct-view CRT with any firmware higher than -5. If it's higher than -5, the TV thinks the incoming signal is 4:3 and I have to stretch the image on the TV. Move it back to -5, and everything is recognized properly. All settings on both the 2910 and the TV remain the same. Octavio can cofirm that he has the same issue.

I mentioned this to Denon and they are *still* investigating it, nearly a month after I mentioned it to them. Hopefully, something good will come out of this.

arioch

08-12-05, 04:27 AM

Octavio,
you said "but what DVD 2910 player sends through DVI output, is a digital upconverted 480i NTSC signal". Where did you get this information. I just can't believe Denon would engineer a player that way.
Hmmm... I might have missed something in this thread, but this is exactly what 100% of all 720p/1080i-capable DVD-players are doing. Nothing else.
Of course ther are a minority of players that combo as HD-players, that can output true HD from true HD-material on disc or network, but that has nothing to do with this player. And that's not DVD either. NTSC DVD is 480i, period. PAL DVD is 576i perion. All other output resolutions are upscaled...

jszei

08-12-05, 10:16 AM

Right. All DVD Video is 480i. The player converts it to the enhanced format to be viewed on your TV. So regardless of component, DVI, HDMI you're still getting the same enhanced signal. The only difference with this player is that via the digital outputs (DVI, HDMI) it will upscale the signal further than 480p. So...how good is the scaler in the 2910?

HumanMedia

08-14-05, 07:27 PM

Another undocumented fix that occurred somewhere between firmware 8 and A, is an audio synch problem introduced with firmware 7.

I noticed the problem since day one of upgrading to version 7, but since v7 fixed an abyssmal black levels problem over DVI, I lived with the audio synch issue. now with Version A the synch issue has cleared up.

floydman

08-14-05, 09:47 PM

Anyone out there had problems playing the Avia disc on a 2910 ?

When I play the disc it goes right to a test pattern not the main menu, when I get to the main menu using the remote control the disc will often freeze when making certain selections. No trouble playing this disc on a Pioneer DV-563A or a cheap Cyberhome player. Just upgraded the 2910's firmware from 7 to A and still the same problem.

buc18

08-15-05, 09:55 PM

Octavio

08-15-05, 11:11 PM

Octavio,

you said "but what DVD 2910 player sends through DVI output, is a digital upconverted 480i NTSC signal". Where did you get this information. I just can't believe Denon would engineer a player that way.

BTW, I am using MR A and have not seen the apect ratio problem. I will report it as soon as I do. My TV is a RP HD CRT Mits.

John
What the player 2910 does is to digitally upconvert a 480i NTSC signal (which is recorded in the DVD disc) to a 1080i/720p signal and send it over DVI or HMDI output to the TV or monitor. In other words, the original 480i picture gets distributed in more pixels, and it shows softer in the screen.

The above does not mean that the 480i picture recorded in the disc is upconverted to high definition. HD is a completely different stuff. To enjoy HD you need a HD or Blue Ray disc played in a HD DVD player or Blue Ray player.

What I said in the thread mentioned by John is that I suspect is that the DVI input of my Sony Wega 30XBR910 TV is prepared to receive HD signals coming from an HD ATSC decoder or an HD DVD player, and that's why picture quality from regular DVD's is better under component connection than under DVI. Color equations used by NTSC (regular DVD's upconverted to 1080i/720p) are different than ATSC (HDTV or HD DVD).

Octavio

pepar

08-15-05, 11:32 PM

What the player 2910 does is to digitally upconvert a 480i NTSC signal (which is recorded in the DVD disc) to a 1080i/720p signal and send it over DVI or HMDI output to the TV or monitor. In other words, the original 480i picture gets distributed in more pixels, and it shows softer in the screen.

The above does not mean that the 480i picture recorded in the disc is upconverted to high definition. HD is a completely different stuff. To enjoy HD you need a HD or Blue Ray disc played in a HD DVD player or Blue Ray player.

What I said in the thread mentioned by John is that I suspect is that the DVI input of my Sony Wega 30XBR910 TV is prepared to receive HD signals coming from an HD ATSC decoder or an HD DVD player, and that's why picture quality from regular DVD's is better under component connection than under DVI. Color equations used by NTSC (regular DVD's upconverted to 1080i/720p) are different than ATSC (HDTV or HD DVD).

Octavio

Deinterlacing is turning an interlaced format - 480i or 1080i - into a progressive one, 480p and 1080p respectively. Upconversion or scaling is taking a lesser resolution and turning it into a higher one. NO NEW INFORMATION IS CREATED, but more pixels are generated. The image is improved, in large part by removing the jaggies. The 2910 will, over component, deinterlace the 480i format on DVDs and output 480p. Over DVI/HDMI, it will also upconvert the 480i to 720p/1080i. FWIW, my 2910 is connected by 480p component to my analog Sony 30XBR910. My Scientific Atlanta 8300HD hi-def cable box is also connected by component, but it is set to pass whatever format is being broadcast. My Sony has an HDCP DVI input, but I see no difference between it and component. As my Integra DTR-4.5 receiver switches component video but not DVI, I use component connections.

A true hi-def source, HDTV for example, has considerably more information than an upconverted one. The "extra" pixels there DO contain more information, and the picture is noticeably - dramatically even - better. More information = more detail.

HTSteve

08-17-05, 03:36 PM

HTSteve

08-17-05, 03:43 PM

pepar

08-17-05, 04:03 PM

I am a little confused on this item. I am looking to purchase a 2910, but need clarification on this.

Ultimate AV indicates that you can send multi-channel DVD Audio over the HDMI, but when I read the product brief, it does not mention this, but HDMI Multi-channel Audio Ready. It specifically mentions Multi-Channel audio over analog 5.1.

Can someone please clarify?

I am planning to use the DVDO VP30 A/V Processor with 4 HDMI inputs - one of which would be the 2910. I would then switch the audio out of the digital (optical or RF) output to my A/V receiver for playback. Will this work?

Is the 3910 the only Denon player to support DVD-A over HDMI?

I have an older Pioneer Elite that does not have 5.1 analog inputs.

Thanks for the assistance.

I'm sure others will chime in on this, but DVD-A over HDMI is an "HDMI thing" and not player-related. Depends on the version of HDMI, though, that is supported by the A/V gear.

HDMI consumer FAQ (http://www.hdmi.org/consumer/faq.asp)

"Does HDMI support Dolby 5.1 audio and high-resolution audio formats? Yes. From the start, HDMI was defined to carry 8-channels, of 192kHz, 24-bit uncompressed audio, which exceeds all current consumer media formats. In addition, HDMI can carry any flavor of compressed audio format such as Dolby or DTS. (Such compressed formats are the only multi-channel or high-resolution audio formats that can be carried across the older S/PDIF or AES/EBU interfaces.) The fact that the vast majority of HDMI products shipped are two-channel TVs that don’t support more than two-channel audio doesn’t make this any less the case. Most existing HDMI sources can output any compressed stream, and the newer sources can output uncompressed 6-channel, 96kHz audio from a DVD-Audio disk. There are several A/V receivers on the market that can accept and process the 6- or 8-channel audio from HDMI and more are expected to be available shortly."

millerwill

08-17-05, 04:24 PM

Firmware Upgrade:

Is there anything tricky about getting the latest firmware upgrade on line? Does one just burn it onto a CD and then plop it into the 2910?

pepar

08-17-05, 05:20 PM

Firmware Upgrade:

Is there anything tricky about getting the latest firmware upgrade on line? Does one just burn it onto a CD and then plop it into the 2910?

Download and look at the included instructions for burning it to CD.

HTSteve

08-17-05, 05:37 PM

So...if my VP30 (DVDO Processor) accepts audio via HDMI (ver 1.1) I should not have a problem with the 2910 outputing uncompressed audio via HDMI - correct?

I understand the HDMI standard allows for this, but I am concerned about whether the 2910 has incorporated this - especially for protected commercial DVD-A discs. I was under the impression it is a DRM issue and wanted to know if 2910 supports this. My guess is the manufacturer has to incorporate the capability.

Saying HDMI Multi-Channel Ready, does not imply to me that it is able to do it without some future Firmware update. This is what I am trying to understand. Of course, the sales people at the local B&M stores have no idea what I am talking about.

thanks for any help in clarifying this detail.

ozdvduser

08-17-05, 06:00 PM

bruce73

08-17-05, 07:46 PM

Can you get a 480i over HDMI? It does not appear to support this. I may want to send interlaced to my processor for scaling. I guess I need to use component for this - correct?

Is it possible to have both (HDMI and Component) connected and tell the player what video output to use?

My processor seems to be better with Film sources and the Faroudja solution appears to be better on video DVDs (concerts). So, film based programs use Component and Video based programs use HDMI. This seems unlikely, but I am sure you guys would know. Thanks.
Yes, you would send 480i over Component. I have mine outputting DVI @ 720 (for anamorphic DVDs) and Component @ 480i (for letterboxed DVDs that I can zoom). It ouputs simultaneously to both, so I need only to select the required Input on the TV.

captdusty

08-18-05, 08:10 AM

I am planning to use the DVDO VP30 A/V Processor with 4 HDMI inputs - one of which would be the 2910. I would then switch the audio out of the digital (optical or RF) output to my A/V receiver for playback. Will this work?

I'm pretty sure the 2910 will pass the audio over HDMI just fine. But it sounds to me like the bigger problem is what you're planning to do with the M/C audio AFTER it leaves the 2910, especially if we're talking about DVD Audio:

A) I'd be really surprised if your processor will take the Hi-Rez M/C audio and convert it to something that can be carried over optical or coax digital connections to your receiver, ie DD or DTS.

B) Even if your gear could perform this transcoding, you'd lose the sonic benefits of the lossless compression in DVD-A. You'd be "downrezzing" your audio.

HumanMedia

08-18-05, 08:08 PM

And for those burning Firmware update CD-ROMs on MacOS, I have read in this and the 3910 thread that "its not possible" but thats complete nonsense. Just set Toast to burn an ISO9660 and it works perfectly and without drama.

scannerman

08-20-05, 12:54 PM

I'm Baaack!

Received my replacement player (new - build june/05) and it seems to work fine for now. I hope my troubles are over. The old player had a sept/o4 build date.

tennberg

08-20-05, 02:01 PM

I'm Baaack!

Received my replacement player (new - build june/05) and it seems to work fine for now. I hope my troubles are over. The old player had a sept/o4 build date.

What was wrong with your initial player? What is the current firmware on your June 05 2910?

scannerman

08-20-05, 03:49 PM

Tennberg:

upgraded fw X2 to V9 but player at first was stuck in chapter repeat mode and then eventually would not play any disk. Sent it off for repair where Denon replaced the laser pickup assy. Lasted for about 10 days before it crapped out again. Denon then sent me a new unit.

wingnut4772

08-21-05, 02:00 PM

Millerwill,
I have a Samsung HLR5688 and a 2910. I was experiencing horrendous macroblocking but today I downloaded the firmware upgrade and the improvement is significant. I would say by 90% or so depending on the DVD.

millerwill

08-21-05, 03:39 PM

Millerwill,
I have a Samsung HLR5688 and a 2910. I was experiencing horrendous macroblocking but oday I downloaded the irmware upgrade and the improvement is significant. I would say by 90% or so depending on the DVD.

Thanks much! So what is the firmware that you are using? The ...A version?

wingnut4772

08-21-05, 06:49 PM

I am not exactly sure which upgrade it is. It says it is new as of May 2005 if that helps.

millerwill

08-21-05, 08:19 PM

I am not exactly sure which upgrade it is. It says it is new as of May 2005 if that helps.

Thanks; yes, that is the 'A' version.

tennberg

08-21-05, 11:03 PM

Thanks; yes, that is the 'A' version.

For those of you with CRT sets, are you finding that you are getting a better, clearer, sharper picture through the 2910's component outputs or the HDMI output?

I am unsure if the DAC in the 2910 is better or worse than the DAC in my Sony 34XBR960.

I realize that using HDMI would allow me to upscale, but upscaling is basically creating information that really isn't there.

pepar

08-21-05, 11:20 PM

For those of you with CRT sets, are you finding that you are getting a better, clearer, sharper picture through the 2910's component outputs or the HDMI output?

I am unsure if the DAC in the 2910 is better or worse than the DAC in my Sony 34XBR960.

I realize that using HDMI would allow me to upscale, but upscaling is basically creating information that really isn't there.

Yep, and just which circuit - the Sony's or the Denon's - is better at making sh*t up? I don't know. I do know that component looks stunning on my 30XBR910 and that's only having the Denon deinterlace.

tennberg

08-21-05, 11:29 PM

Yep, and just which circuit - the Sony's or the Denon's - is better at making sh*t up? I don't know. I do know that component looks stunning on my 30XBR910 and that's only having the Denon deinterlace.

So, is this whole upscaling phenomenon just a way to make consumers think they're getting a better picture when, in reality, they're not?

I figure I will wait until DVDs are released in true 720p or 1080i and played on a true high-def DVD player before jumping into that realm. I figure 480p, properly calibrated, will satisfy my cravings until then.

pepar

08-22-05, 09:07 AM

So, is this whole upscaling phenomenon just a way to make consumers think they're getting a better picture when, in reality, they're not?

I figure I will wait until DVDs are released in true 720p or 1080i and played on a true high-def DVD player before jumping into that realm. I figure 480p, properly calibrated, will satisfy my cravings until then.

Actually, we *are* getting a better picture in that the jagged edges are gone. If you're familiar with curved and diagonal lines on a computer monitor set to 640x480 having jagged edges/stair-step edges, standard definition is approximately that resolution and, especially when displayed at "home theater" sizes, has the same affliction. Upscaling doesn't add more information - that's true hi-def, but it adds pixels that "fill in" the jagged edges creating a much smoother image. Hi-def sources are not only missing the jaggies, but have a LOT more detail.

mattbugz

08-23-05, 08:46 PM

So, is this whole upscaling phenomenon just a way to make consumers think they're getting a better picture when, in reality, they're not?

Let's just say the difference isn't revolutionary. Is it worth it? Perhaps not, but I think so. I always compare DVD's with my XBOX, Sony N85? and Denon 3910. The image improvement from the 3910 is amazing IMHO.

tennberg

08-24-05, 01:25 AM

Let's just say the difference isn't revolutionary. Is it worth it? Perhaps not, but I think so. I always compare DVD's with my XBOX, Sony N85? and Denon 3910. The image improvement from the 3910 is amazing IMHO.

Could the improvement simply be that the 3910 is a much better DVD player than either the Xbox or Sony N85 (is that the right model #?). The 3910 is a $1500 DVD player, whereas the Xbox is a $150 DVD player and the Sony N85 is probably in the same league as the Xbox.

When I went from my Denon 910 player to my 2910, the image improvement was huge, even though I was watching both in 480p. Better internal components, better video DACs, better image.

pepar

08-24-05, 07:56 AM

Could the improvement simply be that the 3910 is a much better DVD player than either the Xbox or Sony N85 (is that the right model #?). The 3910 is a $1500 DVD player, whereas the Xbox is a $150 DVD player and the Sony N85 is probably in the same league as the Xbox.

When I went from my Denon 910 player to my 2910, the image improvement was huge, even though I was watching both in 480p. Better internal components, better video DACs, better image.

Yesssss!

Patherb

08-24-05, 11:26 AM

HumanMedia

08-24-05, 07:57 PM

Hi All,
I just set up my 2910 yesterday and I appear to be getting a good deal of picture noise in dark scenes. I have a non-progressive 27" Sony Wega CRT TV and a Marantz SR7500 Receiver. I have component cables going from the DVD player to the Receiver and component cables going into the TV. I believe this is all happening at 480i as I have HDMI/DVI off. Picture noise / graininess was especially noticeable on the menu / intro to Master and Commander where it is night out and the camera is looking at the ship. If anyone has a similar non-progressive CRT / Component set up, I would like to know what settings you are using. Tks
Jim

Have you updated to the 'A' firmware?
If not read back a few pages of this threadf for details, update the firmware and recalibrate your set brightness/contrast/color with a calibration disc. This may well be the fix you are after, if not its the best variable to eliminate before going further.

Patherb

08-25-05, 09:33 AM

HumanMedia

08-25-05, 07:14 PM

I changed the IRE level to 0 and that seemed to eliminate most of the black picture noise. What problems does the A firmware aim to fix? Is it for macroblocking? I don't think that should be a problem for me as I'm not in progressive mode. I was also messing with the Digital Noise Reduction. I set it up to +5. There seems to be some noise in the white now while the black looks good. Do you know anything about this feature? I definitely plan on calibrating this weekend too.

Update your firmware.

Depending on what version you have you may have green push problems, black level problems, accentuated macroblocking, image graininess etc etc.

Update before you calibrate. Recent versions drastically reduce macroblocking in dark scenes, which seems to be what you are reporting. Read back through this thread, download and update. Otherwise you might be wasting your time.

oink

08-25-05, 07:29 PM

Hi All,
I just set up my 2910 yesterday and I appear to be getting a good deal of picture noise in dark scenes. I have a non-progressive 27" Sony Wega CRT TV and a Marantz SR7500 Receiver. I have component cables going from the DVD player to the Receiver and component cables going into the TV. I believe this is all happening at 480i as I have HDMI/DVI off. Picture noise / graininess was especially noticeable on the menu / intro to Master and Commander where it is night out and the camera is looking at the ship. If anyone has a similar non-progressive CRT / Component set up, I would like to know what settings you are using. Tks
Jim

Try running component straight to TV, bybassing the receiver. :)

fitprod

08-26-05, 04:41 AM

All DVD Video is 480i.

Actually, I believe most major studio product is encoded at 480P... At least that was the line I was being fed by the video compressionist I work with over the previous two years... I know I was supposed to check for it when doing video QC...

fitprod

tennberg

08-27-05, 01:32 PM

I need something cleared up.

I was reading on a store's website that the 2910 uses the Faroudja DCDi progressive-scan for component video output only.

If that's the case, if I were to switch to the HDMI output of the 2910, does that mean my TV would need to do the deinterlacing for 480p and 720p?

pepar

08-27-05, 03:32 PM

HumanMedia

08-29-05, 06:49 AM

Actually, I believe most major studio product is encoded at 480P... At least that was the line I was being fed by the video compressionist I work with over the previous two years... I know I was supposed to check for it when doing video QC...

fitprod

Yes I believe you are right. Most properly encoded film material is captured and stored as NTSC is at 24fps 480p and output from the player as 30fps pulled down 480i. Some occasional 'video' sourced content from TV shows and the like shot in video is stored as 30fps 480i. The other half of the world is PAL and that is stored as 25fps 576P (or occasional video sourced content at 25fps 576i)

pepar

08-29-05, 09:31 AM

Yes I believe you are right. Most properly encoded film material is captured and stored as NTSC is at 24fps 480p and output from the player as 30fps pulled down 480i. Some occasional 'video' sourced content from TV shows and the like shot in video is stored as 30fps 480i. The other half of the world is PAL and that is stored as 25fps 576P (or occasional video sourced content at 25fps 576i)

Interesting. But how can that be? The "cheap" way is to just output 480i; it costs money - REAL money - to output progressive correctly. Perhaps the video compressionist was referring to the material on the master used to cut the DVDs, and is interlaced before doing so.

Patherb

08-29-05, 11:38 AM

jszei

08-29-05, 11:43 AM

I don't think you have to initialize after updating.
How do you change your IRE level?

Thanks,
John

Patherb

08-29-05, 11:58 AM

If you go to the picture adjust menu. You should find it in one of the sub-menus. Factory default setting is +7.5.

HumanMedia

08-30-05, 12:18 AM

Interesting. But how can that be? The "cheap" way is to just output 480i; it costs money - REAL money - to output progressive correctly. Perhaps the video compressionist was referring to the material on the master used to cut the DVDs, and is interlaced before doing so.

I dont believe you are correct. The majority of material is stored on the DVD progressively, NTSC at 24 fps so there is a frame by frame correlation to what is telecineed. There are historical/political reasons for forcing output to be 480i, enforced by the movie studios who didnt want a "pure progessive" signal released, coupled with the fact that most output devices at the initial time of release were interlaced. There is very little cost difference to outputting progressive, it was all political.

bruce73

08-30-05, 11:29 AM

I loaded the MR "A" firmware disc this weekend. Everything appeared to work correctly as it said " Complete" and ejected the disc after a couple of minutes. Is it necessary to initialize to get the firmware to work? I tried to do this, but I don't think it worked as my settings remained the same. Is there a way for me to verify that the firmware is loaded correctly? I tried to go through the procedure in the PDF intructions, but couldn't get it to work. Any easier way to check? Picture quality is much improved, but I believe this is more of a result of setting the IRE level to 0.

You don't have to initialize. As for verifying, I know of no other way than what's stated in the .pdf. I had trouble the first time, but it did work eventually. IIRC, there's only a short window of opportunity where you can punch in the code. Try again.

pepar

08-30-05, 04:18 PM

I dont believe you are correct. The majority of material is stored on the DVD progressively, NTSC at 24 fps so there is a frame by frame correlation to what is telecineed. There are historical/political reasons for forcing output to be 480i, enforced by the movie studios who didnt want a "pure progessive" signal released, coupled with the fact that most output devices at the initial time of release were interlaced. There is very little cost difference to outputting progressive, it was all political.

Perhaps because it is natural to cling to long held beliefs, I'm going to need a technical reference before accepting that DVDs contain 480p. I think they contain "NTSC", which is 480i. Can you point me to something that refutes this?

GeoffW

08-30-05, 11:41 PM

"Perhaps because it is natural to cling to long held beliefs, I'm going to need a technical reference before accepting that DVDs contain 480p. I think they contain "NTSC", which is 480i. Can you point me to something that refutes this? "

I think you're correct. If the dvd was encoded in 480p or some other format, say 24fps etc, it wouldn't play on a good old interlaced NTSC TV set would it? The encoded 480i format may have been optimized for for 3:2 pull down or whatever, but it's still 480i because of the compatibility issues.

Geoff.

dccebby

08-31-05, 10:07 AM

Just purchased the Denon 2910 to go with my Z2 and find the picture over DVI (Monster cable) looks like everything is in a fog or smoke. I am unable to make the basic calibrations using the THX optimizer (can not darken the picture enough). The picture over component is ok and can make necessary adjustments with optimizer. My Sammy HD931 works great via DVI connection. Am I missing something here or could this be a bad player?

Greg

tor ove

08-31-05, 01:04 PM

Sounds like your black level is set at IRE 7.5
Go to picture setup, far right option (STD, 1, 2,3 etc ->) and set it to IRE 0.

jszei

08-31-05, 08:53 PM

pepar

08-31-05, 11:33 PM

To be 100% on this is it:
Picture Adjust button on remote which brings up the Picture Mode then select Set which brings up the Pic setup menu. Then the first option in this menu is Setup Level where the only two options are 7.5 (default) and 0. Is this the IRE level? If so set this to 0 correct?

Are there any other settings under Picture Adjust that need to be changed?

Thanks,
John

I'm not in agreement with the poster who said to set it to 0 IRE. The default is the default for a good reason. If it's being driven by a PC, 0 IRE would be correct. Otherwise, 7.5 is the right one. This allows for Blacker Than Black - BTB - below black - to be passed if your DVD player does so.

millerwill

08-31-05, 11:36 PM

I'm not in agreement with the poster who said to set it to 0 IRE. The default is the default for a good reason. If it's being driven by a PC, 0 IRE would be correct. Otherwise, 7.5 is the right one. This allows for Blacker Than Black - BTB - below black - to be passed if your DVD player does so.

You are correct.

dccebby

09-01-05, 12:05 AM

Thanks for the replies. Any suggestions as to why I'm unable to calibrate?

Greg

millerwill

09-01-05, 11:25 AM

Thanks for the replies. Any suggestions as to why I'm unable to calibrate?Greg

I don't think I can be much help. My 2910 is connected to a Samsung dlp via HDMI, and I use DVE to calibrate (pluge patterns, etc.). Have no problems.

dccebby

09-01-05, 01:12 PM

millerwill

09-01-05, 02:37 PM

udp

09-01-05, 02:47 PM

I have an 8 month old 2910 that has begun skipping lately. Firmware version 8 I believe.

If I put in a cd, sacd, dvd-v or dvd-a it starts skipping about every 3 seconds. It does not always happen, maybe every third day. Turning the unit off and on again about 5 times seems to fix the problem.

Any thoughts?

bruce73

09-01-05, 09:12 PM

Millerwill,

I just read in my Home A/V mastersheet supplied by the online retailer that sold me the 2910 that a DVI-D connection which the 2910 has is not compatable with DVI-I connection and that is what my PLV-Z2 has so, I believe this may be my problem? Have you ever heard of this problem?

Don't quite understand this, as a DVI-I port will accept either a DVI-A or DVD-D source. Are you using a DVD-A cable? The 2910 would have problems with that.

Check out this tutorial (http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI_Tutorial.htm). Perhaps it will help.

tennberg

09-01-05, 10:33 PM

Don't quite understand this, as a DVI-I port will accept either a DVI-A or DVD-D source. Are you using a DVD-A cable? The 2910 would have problems with that.

Check out this tutorial (http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI_Tutorial.htm). Perhaps it will help.

Hearing this makes me so glad there are so many competing formats and so many variations within formats :-)

I can just picture having both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray movies on shelves and people not being able to tell which one to buy for their player which will only play one format or the other.

kingdome1964

09-02-05, 05:38 PM

what’s up guys :)
Does anyone know, if I run HDMI from my 2910 to my projector can I still rout my audio
Through fiber optic to my receiver?
Or does the HDMI take over the audio?
My receiver doesn’t have HDMI.
Or should I forget HDMI and go with the DVI/FIBER OPTIC?
I already have the HDMI cable though so I didn’t want to really buy a DVI also.

OH, I would experiment but I don’t have my projector hooked up yet. (Still building)

Thanks for any input.

Kevin R. Anderson

09-02-05, 06:05 PM

As of today, I'm not aware of any receiver that is ready for HDMI audio (I think some issues are still being worked on). I just sold the new Yamaha RX-V4600, and while it has HDMI video switching (2 inputs and 1 output), it doesn't even handle HDMI audio.

Therefore, run your HDMI cable to your projector and your digital audio (optic or RCA) to your receiver and enjoy.

tennberg

09-03-05, 12:06 PM

I was curious if any of you had "Evita" in your DVD lineup.

The reason I ask is that I played a bit of it tonight on my 2910 player connected to a Sony KD-34XBR960 via component and noticed a few things.

There seemed to be fine horizontal striping across the picture, as if I were looking thorugh a screen door. It was quite odd.

I also noticed this light-colored thing banding between the picture and the top and bottom black borders (since it's a 2.35:1 film). There was also some on the sides. It's hard to describe. I've never noticed these before.

Granted, I've only calibrated my player using the DVE disc and I'm running the image over component to the set (which shouldn't matter since component can often be better than DVI or HDMI).

Any idea why this might be happening? I'm curious if you have the same DVD and would notice any of this. Is the "Evita" DVD a poor transfer?

tennberg

09-03-05, 06:27 PM

Does anyone know in which case you should use the HDMI output as HDMI RGB versus HDMI Y Cb Cr?

The manual doesn't go into this in any detail. The 2910 will be connected to a Sony KD-34XBR960. I am going to test out an HDMI cable over the weekend to see if I like it. It may also allow me to upgrade my firmware to version "A". I am still at version "5" due to errors with component connections and my set. If you'd like to know more about that, let me know.

OT: What is a good HDMI cable to get? I know Monster Cable makes their own, Kimber Kable has even gotten into the digital realm. Also, there are manufacturers like RAM Electronics and Blue Jeans. I know (others may disagree) that better quality cables can make a difference in the analog realm. Can they make a difference in the digital realm? I know people says it's all 0s and 1s so it doesn't. But since it's still carrying a signal, won't a better cable carry that signal better?

pepar

09-04-05, 01:17 AM

I buy cables from Ram Electronics, AVCable and sometimes Pacific Cable. Good stuff, reasonably priced and shipped promptly.

bigfan9999

09-04-05, 10:20 AM

Partsexpress.com sells good cables at very good prices, and the service and selection are good as well.

pepar

09-04-05, 10:52 AM

Partsexpress.com sells good cables at very good prices, and the service and selection are good as well.

I've bought from them already, too. AVCable's cables are all custom made and I've established a rapport with one of their salemen - a personal contact is a good thing.

There's probably other companies that are out there that equally good, but these are the ones with which I have experience.

ssabripo

09-04-05, 11:14 AM

pepar

09-04-05, 11:18 AM

I believe the 4806 denon, as well as the upcoming 4306 and the Yamaha rx-v2600 will do hdmi switching including audio...

Seems like a real half-a33ed rollout to me. To debut The Next Big Interface in such a crippled form while still hawking the as-yet-to-be-released final version is just plain stupid. All A/V forums are abuzz with confused and frustrated early adopters.

oink

09-04-05, 07:29 PM

Seems like a real half-a33ed rollout to me. To debut The Next Big Interface in such a crippled form while still hawking the as-yet-to-be-released final version is just plain stupid. All A/V forums are abuzz with confused and frustrated early adopters.

Agreed...connections of computers and AV is/has been ridiculous for decades. :rolleyes:

buc18

09-05-05, 06:04 PM

pepar

09-05-05, 06:09 PM

I have a speaker distance question.....
If I have my speaker distances set on my 2910 and I am listening to multi-channel music do I need to have my Pioneer receiver's speaker distances set as well? I would like to keep the two seperate as when I watch movies I use the optical out on my Pioneer and I sit in a different spot for movies as opposed to music. Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Good question! The spkr distance settings on the 2910 only affect the 5.1 analog output. And when using that output, you'd have your receiver's input as the multi-channel analog BYPASS - it's spkr distance settings, along with the bass management, are NOT engaged.

buc18

09-05-05, 06:49 PM

Good question! The spkr distance settings on the 2910 only affect the 5.1 analog output. And when using that output, you'd have your receiver's input as the multi-channel analog BYPASS - it's spkr distance settings, along with the bass management, are NOT engaged.

Thank you very much! That answered my question perfectly. That is what I suspected but I'd rather have someone more competent affirm it. Again, thanks.

BenF12400

09-06-05, 07:32 AM

I just received from Denon the "most recent" firmware upgrade (disc received Sept. 1); I never installed any of the other upgrades - does anyone know if this new version contains all the other upgrades, or should I start by installing the older upgrades? Did any of the upgrades cause more harm then good? Sorry if this question has been asked before.

ozdvduser

09-06-05, 07:57 AM

pepar

09-06-05, 09:05 AM

Every upgrade contains all previous upgrades, so the latest will have all the ones issued since day dot.

While practically true, it is technically incorrect. Each firmware "upgrade" is complete and can standalone, i.e. be the first to be installed on a new unit. They do not depend on the previous version(s). From a users viewpoint, though, you are right.

arioch

09-06-05, 09:25 AM

What's the difference?

tennberg

09-06-05, 12:05 PM

GeoffW

09-06-05, 12:34 PM

Hi all,

Well, I finally bought an HDMI cable to test out on my 2910 to see whether or not HDMI gives me much of an improvement over my current component cables. Luckily, I have a 30-day return policy if it doesn't improve the PQ.

I am still running some comparisons, but I have noticed something odd:

On some DVDs, when I'm in HDMI Y Cb Cr mode, the picture may be squished if I am at 480p, but it returns to its normal aspect ratio if I switch to 720p or 1080i. All of these DVDs have been widescreen anamorphic.

What is this due to? I am currently at firmware -5 because anything higher, at the time, caused issues between the 2910 and my TV when viewing widescreen DVDs over component (it squished them with no change in settings). Would upgrading to firmware -A fix this?

Hi Tennberg,
As far as I remember, all versions of the fimware ( I'm running -B region codefree) do this when running HDMI in any component format. (I'm using RGB, because I think I saw a slight improvement over Y, Cr, Cb). All DVDs fill the screen running at 720p and 1080i, and all DVDs run in 4:3 at 480p if my memory is to be trusted. I can check again tonight if I get the opportunity. I too am a little disappointed with Denon for not fixing this, to a few of us at least, fundamental problem. Do other upscaling players have this problem? Otherwise, the 2910 gives an outstanding picture on my Sony rp lcd.

Regards,
Geoff.

BenF12400

09-06-05, 01:22 PM

Now I'm really confused - not clear if upgrades are "stand alone" or build on the previous ones

HTBruceM

09-06-05, 02:13 PM

Now I'm really confused - not clear if upgrades are "stand alone" or build on the previous ones You do NOT need to incrementally install prior fw updates. You can go directly from version3 to version9, for example.

jszei

09-06-05, 05:26 PM

GeoffW,

Am I reading this right that you have the MR "B" firmware? If so could you email it to me? Thanks!

BenF12400, They are stand alone & do not rely on previous firmwares.

John

GeoffW

09-07-05, 12:54 AM

jszei,

Sorry, actually it's the MR "A" firmware - my mistake! I think you posted it a couple of weeks ago. There have been so many releases that I lost count. Thanks very much by the way.

Geoff.

millerwill

09-07-05, 01:08 AM

I just loaded in the new 'A firmware, hoping that it would minimize the macroblocking that has increasingly become an irritant to me. But no such luck; it was there just as before.

Then, after reading some old posts from this thread, I changed to output to 1080i, rather than 720p that I had been using (since my Samsung hlp is a 720p machine)--voila, the MB was GREATLY reduced, almost gone entirely! (I still use the YCrCb option on the HDMI connection). My test for MB'ing is Master and Commander, the early scenes with the cloudly sky in the background; MB'ing produces very ugly purple splotches all over the screen. I am truly amzed--and relieved--at how much this has been reduced--almost totally eliminated--by changing from 720p to 1080i.

I'm going to be replacing my hlp6163 by one of the new 1080p machines in the next month or so (either a Sammy or a Mits), and will obviously be outputing 1080i to it. I only hope that this reduction in MB will continue to hold for this new display!

Stocky

09-07-05, 12:30 PM

pepar

09-07-05, 12:49 PM

I have read and skimmed over the 58 pages here.

I still don't know if I should buy this unit.

There sure seem to be alot of concerns and complaints.

I was planning on the 2910 and the 2805 to hook up to my Pannasonic.50PX500U.

You guys have scared the crap out of me.

Would you buy it again if you had the chance ?

????

Has anybody with the Panny model you mentioned posted about MB problems? I think the only persistent, nagging problem anyone is having is with MB. And that only seems to be a few people. I love mine and have zero problems. I bought the 2910 because I really like my 3910, and they have a lot in common.

You read all 59 pages? Whew! :)

clrv

09-07-05, 12:55 PM

I would buy it again in a hart beat. Best player I have ever owned.

pepar

09-07-05, 01:08 PM

Stocky - By the very nature of forums, a LOT of the posts will be problems. If people are not having problems, they're off somewhere enjoying their gear. :)

mczolton

09-07-05, 01:42 PM

Stocky - By the very nature of forums, a LOT of the posts will be problems. If people are not having problems, they're off somewhere enjoying their gear. :)

Agreed. I would also purchase the 2910 again. Even over the cheaper 1920 at this point. It is a very solid player.

Mark

Stocky

09-07-05, 01:51 PM

AH, now thats the responses I wanted to hear,you guys all made me laugh. :)

I skimmed, skimmed being the key word, ya know skipped from page 3 to page 5 to page 9 to page 35.

I read some of the 04' stuff and then alot of the 05' posts, figuring the kinks hopefully had been worked out as the current units were being made.

thanks alot for the good words.

jszei

09-07-05, 02:13 PM

If people are not having problems, they're off somewhere enjoying their gear.
Or we continue to read and post because we love to tweek and play with our equipment!

noizemaker

09-07-05, 02:39 PM

totally agree with jszei, i love tweaking & playing with my gear trying to squeeze every last bit of performance out of it....

Stocky

09-07-05, 03:15 PM

Well this unit better work damn good out of the box, because I'm definately NOT a tweaker.

I suggest you tweakers post your home numbers for me, I'm sure to have lots of questions.

1-800-TWEAKERS ?

mczolton

09-07-05, 03:35 PM

Well this unit better work damn good out of the box, because I'm definately NOT a tweaker.

I suggest you tweakers post your home numbers for me, I'm sure to have lots of questions.

1-800-TWEAKERS ?

I would at least go through some of the basic setup procedures on DVE or Avia after hooking up the player. There are many posts about poor picture quality that could have easily been solved by doing this.

mark

ssabripo

09-07-05, 05:03 PM

DOn't know if it was posted or not, but Audioholics just put on a review for the 2910.....very nice indeed:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/DenonDVD-2910Review1.php

camelad

09-09-05, 02:21 PM

Re- would I buy the 2910 again?

I'm not sure. I've owned several Denon DVD players now, and I love my 2200, but my 2910 failed (eating a disc, luckily it was a firmware CD I was attempting to reload to fix the problems I was seeing, so no real loss). I then had to deal with Denon service, who were pathetically slow to respond (every email exchange seemed to take 30 seconds on my side and 1 week on theirs, and it took several to get them to actually authorize the return).

Then I shipped my unit in a cocoon of bubble wrap 3+ inches thick. They shipped it back haphazardly packed back into the same box, with 2 newly damaged corners (dented in and scratched up) and a vague rattling sound inside. The only reason I didn't do anything was the unit now worked again, and I was so tired of coping with Denon's service department.

I have no complaints about the unit's performance since the fix, but I can't forget how poor the service support for a unit that failed within a couple months of purchase was, and every time I look at the new damage (caused by Denon) I get angry. For units under $200 I would chance it and eat the cost of a replacement, but when you lay out $600+?

millerwill

09-09-05, 04:33 PM

Does the 2910 up-convert to 1080i output over component, or only over DVI or HDMI?

mczolton

09-09-05, 04:51 PM

Only over DVI or HDMI.

Mark

phisch

09-10-05, 09:59 AM

I just received the new firmware disc for the 2910 from Denon. The paperwork that came with the disc states that the firmware offers "general improvement when connectiong HDMI to a TV or projector". Does anyone know specifically what this means? Is this an audio or video improvement? Is there any effect with DVI?

Gooddoc

09-10-05, 02:36 PM

I have read and skimmed over the 58 pages here.

I still don't know if I should buy this unit.

There sure seem to be alot of concerns and complaints.

I was planning on the 2910 and the 2805 to hook up to my Pannasonic.50PX500U.

You guys have scared the crap out of me.

Would you buy it again if you had the chance ?

????

No, I would not buy this player again. I have a Panny 507UY and I find the MB'ing to be a big detractor. I believe this is a problem that is common to all Panny plasmas and the faroudja chip. Having said that the picture is excellent in all other respects, looks HD quality. And yes, I use DVE to calibrate but the MB cannot be eliminated on my set. There are other fine players out there that do not have this issue with Panny plasmas and I would recommend you search for a different player since you have a Panny. Avoid the faroudja chip. But thats just my 2 cents.

pepar

09-10-05, 03:12 PM

No, I would not buy this player again. I have a Panny 507UY and I find the MB'ing to be a big detractor. I believe this is a problem that is common to all Panny plasmas and the faroudja chip. Having said that the picture is excellent in all other respects, looks HD quality. And yes, I use DVE to calibrate but the MB cannot be eliminated on my set. There are other fine players out there that do not have this issue with Panny plasmas and I would recommend you search for a different player since you have a Panny. Avoid the faroudja chip. But thats just my 2 cents.

If someone already has a Panny - OK. But avoiding the Faroudja chip dramatically limits one's options for high performing, yet reasonably priced players.

Might be wiser to avoid Panny . . .

millerwill

09-10-05, 05:20 PM

No, I would not buy this player again. I have a Panny 507UY and I find the MB'ing to be a big detractor. I believe this is a problem that is common to all Panny plasmas and the faroudja chip. Having said that the picture is excellent in all other respects, looks HD quality. And yes, I use DVE to calibrate but the MB cannot be eliminated on my set. There are other fine players out there that do not have this issue with Panny plasmas and I would recommend you search for a different player since you have a Panny. Avoid the faroudja chip. But thats just my 2 cents.

Are you using the 1080i output? I found that to give MUCH less mb'ing than 720p (both via HDMI).

DJSloan

09-10-05, 05:35 PM

I just got my first PAL DVD, it came as a bonus disk with the SACD Supernature. When I play it to my Hitachi RPTV (NTSC) over DVI the picture is all messed up. At 1080i the image is all the way to the left with extreme overscan. At 720p all I get is white lines. And at 480i the image is centered with even worse overscan. Any ideas about what could be wrong?

Gooddoc

09-10-05, 09:31 PM

Are you using the 1080i output? I found that to give MUCH less mb'ing than 720p (both via HDMI).

I use 1080i but through DVI and have seen no significant difference between the upscaled resolutions with respect to MB. I have been thinking about switching to component to see if that makes a difference. Maybe it's time to give that a try.

If someone already has a Panny - OK. But avoiding the Faroudja chip dramatically limits one's options for high performing, yet reasonably priced players.

Might be wiser to avoid Panny . . .

Yea, sure. Stupid me. I usually purchase my TV's based on the DVD player I want to purchase. I just completely lost my mind the day I purchased my panel.... just kidding. The truth is that I simply got tired of purchasing a new plasma panel each time I change DVD players :rolleyes:

ozdvduser

09-11-05, 01:31 AM

OK people, need some advice. Got a 2910/2805 combo and have 2 Questions:

[1] On the Remote is the CALL button that the manual states "Press this to check the program contents" - can someone explain what it's used for ???

[2] SACD Filter 50KHz (Factory Default) but can be set to 100Khz - currently it's set at the default, but the 2805 can take 100Khz through its Ext.In connections. Is there any benefit in setting it to 100Khz vs 50Khz seeing as the 2805 can only output upto 20Khz ??

oink

09-11-05, 03:33 AM

pepar

09-11-05, 09:24 AM

Yea, sure. Stupid me. I usually purchase my TV's based on the DVD player I want to purchase. I just completely lost my mind the day I purchased my panel.... just kidding. The truth is that I simply got tired of purchasing a new plasma panel each time I change DVD players :rolleyes:

Perhaps it's really "plasmas" that are the problem. When all of the other display types are fed the 2910/3910 output, they perform beautifully. I've never seen MB om my LCD projector nor hi-def CRT. Interaction with the Faroudja chip? Bah, humbug. All the other displays display what they are fed; why does plasma have a problem?

Back at ya, Gooddoc! :D

mczolton

09-11-05, 11:43 AM

Perhaps it's really "plasmas" that are the problem.

I have read and seen this as well. Although it is well known that the Faroudja 23xx has its MB problems, it does not seem to manifest itself nearly as much on non-plasma displays.

In fact, Secrets of Home Theater said, "In our study of the problem, we have found that the end user’s display plays a key role in the issue. It seems that displays that have their own necessary internal scalers tend to exaggerate the problem to almost unwatchable levels."

By using the 1080i output on the Denon, I am bypassing the internal scaler on my Hitachi RPTV. However, I would suspect that many of these plasmas cannot have their internal scaler defeated thus the MB problem is exaggerate. Of course, this could always be the case for other display types. Why it effects plasmas more often is beyond me.

That being said, I have always wondered, why plasma? If it isn't for space considerations, then I can't see owning one. Of course, this doesn't help those that already own a plasma and are looking for a new DVD player. However, I have to agree with the previous post that stated (I'm paraphrasing here), "finding a non-Faroudja solution at this price/performance point is difficult". The best advice I can give is that if you own a plasma and are considering this player, either try to view it for yourself in the store, or purchase from a retailer with a liberal return policy.

With that caveat, I would still recommend this player.

Mark

pepar

09-11-05, 12:31 PM

oink

09-11-05, 04:27 PM

Gooddoc

09-11-05, 04:28 PM

I have read and seen this as well. Although it is well known that the Faroudja 23xx has its MB problems, it does not seem to manifest itself nearly as much on non-plasma displays.

In fact, Secrets of Home Theater said, "In our study of the problem, we have found that the end user’s display plays a key role in the issue. It seems that displays that have their own necessary internal scalers tend to exaggerate the problem to almost unwatchable levels."

By using the 1080i output on the Denon, I am bypassing the internal scaler on my Hitachi RPTV. However, I would suspect that many of these plasmas cannot have their internal scaler defeated thus the MB problem is exaggerate. Of course, this could always be the case for other display types. Why it effects plasmas more often is beyond me.

The fact is it's not just plasma displays affected, although they seem most affected. What are you going to say if the new Faroudja chip MB's on your display? The fact is, as you point out, Faroudja doesn't even know the cause, or at least they're not saying. So who's to say it won't happen to your display?

That being said, I have always wondered, why plasma? If it isn't for space considerations, then I can't see owning one. Of course, this doesn't help those that already own a plasma and are looking for a new DVD player. However, I have to agree with the previous post that stated (I'm paraphrasing here), "finding a non-Faroudja solution at this price/performance point is difficult". The best advice I can give is that if you own a plasma and are considering this player, either try to view it for yourself in the store, or purchase from a retailer with a liberal return policy.

Aside from space considerations there are other reasons to buy plasma technology. New generation plasmas will last longer than RPTV's and the picture quality does not change with the viewing position throughout the room. The latter being the biggest reason RPTV technology was not a choice for me.

Current LCD black levels are not adequate for movies in a darkened room, an important consideration for movie buffs such as myself. Panasonic Plasmas happen to have some of the best black levels in the industry, rivaling CRT's. Not quite there, but very adequate.

DLP has the same angle of view issues of RPTV's, as well as the rainbow effect for which I am susceptible. An immediate rule out for me.

Some emerging technologies have the potential to slay all of the issues noted above, one being SED. However, at this time they are not available and there is no other display technology that met my expectations other than plasma. In fact, only several plasma displays have black levels that met my requirements, namely Fujitsu and Panasonic.

So that's why I have a Panasonic plasma display.

With that caveat, I would still recommend this player.

Mark

That's ok. It's a fine player in all respects aside from the MB. However, considering that the target demographic for DVD players with this chip are, in a fairly large percentage plasma display owners, it seems that Faroudja should be sure the chip is compatible with those displays.

Let's be clear, my Panasonic display is NOT at fault for the MB displayed. It could just have well been your display affected. The fault lies with Faroudja.

So, when a Panasonic plasma display owner asks if they should buy one, my emphatic answer is no. I was an early buyer of this player before I knew of the MB issue. Had I known I would have purchased a different player. A Panny S97 perhaps.

oink

09-11-05, 04:45 PM

Current LCD black levels are not adequate for movies in a darkened room, an important consideration for movie buffs such as myself. Panasonic Plasmas happen to have some of the best black levels in the industry, rivaling CRT's. Not quite there, but very adequate.

That's ok. It's a fine player in all respects aside from the MB. However, considering that the target demographic for DVD players with this chip are, in a fairly large percentage plasma display owners, it seems that Faroudja should be sure the chip is compatible with those displays.

Let's be clear, my Panasonic display is NOT at fault for the MB displayed. It could just have well been your display affected. The fault lies with Faroudja.

So, when a Panasonic plasma display owner asks if they should buy one, my emphatic answer is no. I was an early buyer of this player before I knew of the MB issue. Had I known I would have purchased a different player. A Panny S97 perhaps.

The words right out of my mouth...

mczolton

09-11-05, 04:56 PM

millerwill

09-11-05, 04:58 PM

As I noted somewhere above, with my dlp, I get pretty bad MB with 720p output (via HDMI), but it is very minimal with 1080i output. Weird, since the display is a 720p one. But that's what I observe.

Gooddoc

09-11-05, 05:54 PM

I didn't say it was just plasma.

Mark

No, you didn't. But you stated that you can see no reason to buy plasma display technology other than for space considerations, with the implication that it is some sort of inferior display technology. I simply wanted to point out that, for me, it is the superior choice of available large screen technologies. It's not just "thin".

Faroudja has a design flaw in their chip or firmware. I simply don't understand why people find a need to defend them.

pepar

09-11-05, 05:57 PM

You guys are way off on MB.

It isn't just plasma.

DLP, LCD, CRT, FP, RP, it doesn't matter, they all can show MB. Just search this forum carefully and you will see that. Whether or not you will see MB from Faroudja players has to do with certain display models of manufacturers, not the display technology used.

Good point, oink. It seems, though, from the posts on this forum, to be MOSTLY plasma. And then there are the certain places on certain DVDs that are seen on all displays; in my book, they don't count.

And how would you respond to this part: "can any plasma owner say that they've been told with credibility and certainty just how long their panel will "live?" - with the follow-up being (sorry Pythons) "did they have to define the meaning of "life"?"

mczolton

09-11-05, 06:19 PM

pepar

09-11-05, 06:34 PM

No, you didn't. But you stated that you can see no reason to buy plasma display technology other than for space considerations, with the implication that it is some sort of inferior display technology. I simply wanted to point out that, for me, it is the superior choice of available large screen technologies. It's not just "thin".

Now who's reading things that aren't there? Where did you see it even implied that it was "some sort of inferior display technology?" It's anything but that. I merely stated that most of the MB problems are being reported here by plasma owners.

Faroudja has a design flaw in their chip or firmware. I simply don't understand why people find a need to defend them.

I'm not defending Faroudja, I am attacking plasmas. :p Rhetorically, of course. And more really on "projected life" (or is it half-life?) than MB. And, btw, plasmas are not "large screen"- FPTV's are.

Gooddoc

09-11-05, 08:18 PM

Now who's reading things that aren't there? Where did you see it even implied that it was "some sort of inferior display technology?" It's anything but that. I merely stated that most of the MB problems are being reported here by plasma owners.

I'm not defending Faroudja, I am attacking plasmas. :p Rhetorically, of course. And more really on "projected life" (or is it half-life?) than MB. And, btw, plasmas are not "large screen"- FPTV's are.

Mczolton and Pepar, I'm sorry. I was reading a different thread and posted here by mistake. My error, you are both correct. Someone on another thread wrote, "That being said, I have always wondered, why plasma? If it isn't for space considerations, then I can't see owning one." I inferred that that person thought plasmas were inferior. Sorry.