Denon s301 2.1 uses the 2910 guts from what I understand. I'm getting a video hiccup (lack of a better term) occasionally while watching dvds. It's almost like the video connection loses its path. Have it connected to a 32 inch sammy lcd via hdmi. The screen will go black, then bright green. All the while the audio keeps playing and once the video flashes back up, it is right along- video isn't behind the audio. Haven't been able to discern a pattern or reproduce it manually as of yet. Does anyone know possible causes/ fixes. I've heard that hdmi connections are picky and if they sag a little bit, the video can go out. The symptom is transient as it only last a few short seconds.

I've heard that hdmi connections are picky and if they sag a little bit, the video can go out.

That is most likely the problem.

had this issue on my s301 i returned got another unit 3 weeks no problem yet

No way, I have this issue to and have been unable to tie down the cause. Now I know it's a known problem, I will return mine too. Good forum :)

I'd actually just make sure the HDMI cable is secure at both ends, no real need to return unless it keeps happening even after you make sure both ends are tight.

Same thing happened to my 2910, checked cables (because I had moved the player recently), never happened since.

I have the same problem and the Denon tech guy suggested that I use a SONY brand HDMI cable. Reason? It's HDCP compliant ... I did use the Monster 400 but apparently this cable is not HDCP compliant. Will let you know how it works out.

Has anyone looked at this as a problem?

Just so you folks know, it seems this is a bigger problem than just cable not being secured. I've spoken to Denon tech and there has been a few complaints. They are looking into it. My suggestion is for you, if you haven't already done so, to contact Denon and provide them with information. They're in the process of trouble shooting.

Using Monster at the moment. Haven't seemed to have much trouble with it recently. But again, this unit is in my bedroom so isn't my primary ht spot.

Has anyone had any updates to this issue?

Thanks

Havent heard anything at all. I haven't had any more problems but I also haven't watched dvds much at all in there here recently.

I know Denon Canada has been actively looking into the problem but no news yet. Have you talked to Denon USA?

I know Denon Canada has been actively looking into the problem but no news yet. Have you talked to Denon USA?

I will call this week. Just wanted to see if there was any news prior to calling so I was prepared when I spoke with them. I will let you know if they have anything new.

I was wondering if there has been any further info on this problem. I recently purchased an s301 and have just experienced this same issue. Actually, I was getting no Video at all until I switched to a Monster HDMI cable....I noticed the video "hiccup" last night and will call Denon. Anyone have any luck getting to the bottom of this?

Thanks.

I have not had any response yet other than Denon's promise to get to the bottom of this and that it is of priority. They can't even provide me with an ETA on it. I've given them until next week and my system is going back. The retailer I bought it from has been good. They have put a hold on S301 orders until the problem is resolved. My suggestion is to speak to your retailer and ask them for support - put some pressure on Denon. CNET has talked about this issue.

Any updates from anyone. I actually don't use the dvd player in the system that much so hadn't noticed if the problem was still a problem. Well, it is. Happened with more frequency yesterday. Same deal, all video. Screen goes blank, then green, then back to the feed. I am close to returning the system if no resolution quickly. Only problem is I bought the system in November. Yikes!

Denon Japan has identified and acknowledged the problem. Apparently it is a faulty transitor in a batch of units. Talk to your dealer. I'm sure they will get you a new system once the new units are produced.

Final message ... After about 4 1/2 months of dealing with Denon and getting the "it is almost fixed" message, I have given up and returned the product. Through this process, I was thanked for my persistence in helping the company identify and resolve the problem. So I asked Denon for some sort of compensation for the inconvenience and they were going to give me some "swag" (cheap logo'd hat, pen etc.). Gee thanks! I am highly disappointed in the company and their lack of service. I bought Denon because of their reputation. The S301 was my first and last Denon product.

Just so you folks know, my unit progressively got worse. It experienced problems loading certain DVDs, at times it would stall (aside from the data change which is normal) and it also pixelated. Maybe you folks can live with it but for the price this unit costs, it should be pretty darn good.

Good luck with your system. I highly recommend either extending your warranty (if possible) or taking it back before it is too late. If Denon is an honorable company, they should be recalling the units. You might get a 'cool' hat for it.

Just another update. I, too, bought the unit and have the same problem. In speaking with Denon yesterday, they claim to have solved the problem. You do have to ship the DVD unit (not the speakers) back to Denon. I have the relevant phone numbers and e-mail addresses, but prefer not to post them here because it's an individual's direct line and e-mail address. (Since he was quite helpful, I don't want to post his direct business information.)

If you need the information, please send me a PM and I will forward it to you. My unit goes back to Denon today. Turn around time given is between 2-8 weeks, although they're doing their best to make it closer to two.

Thanks for insight on the Denon S301 issues. I just bought the S301 system (along w/ Samsung HP-S4253 plasma) - and I'm very happy with the sound quality - it sounds excellent . I am, however, worried about the problems I have been reading regarding HDMI DVD playback issues. In addition, I had a problem with CD audio playback (may be related to user error, as I am by no means an expert). It seems I cannot play a CD and have the plasma TV on (mute) at the same time. The CD skips every 2-3 seconds - tried several CD's - it is not an issue with CD quality. Granted this is not a big deal - not too often am I playing a CD with the TV on - however it was alarming considering the other problems I've been reading on CNET. I called Best Buy, and the tech came out and exchanged HDMI cable w/ composite cables for the Denon to plasma connection - no more CD issues. My question:

1.) Wouldn't using composite cables defeat the purpose of having the Denon S301 - meaning, doesn't the HDMI connection to the plasma provide a better quality DVD picture, thus a reason for buying the Denon in the first place? I do not want to spend $1300 on an expensive HTIB when I am not using its full functionality. So, my primary question - Is there a big picture quality difference between HDMI and composite cable connections? Is the Denon priced higher due to the HDMI functionality, creating a better picture? The BB tech said no measurable PQ difference, the BB Sales Mgr said there is a difference (?). CNET seemed to tout the Denon's HDMI connection capability, so I am confused.....

2.) Would connecting composite cables rectify the "black" or "green" screen that periodically interrupts DVD playback on HDMI? While I did notice this issue once on the last DVD I watched w/ HDMI hookup, I did not notice this problem when connected w/ composite cable.

Thanks for your help - I just recently joined this forum (1st post) because BB has provided 3 differing opinions (I guess I'm not surprised at that). From reading the posts it appears the real experts are the members of this forum. Thanks in advance......

Regarding your first question ... using composite/component cables will defeat the purpose of getting HDMI. If this is the case, then you are better off saving your money and getting the S101. The HDMI is to 'upscale' the picture quality. I am not familiar with your TV, but from my perspective, I really didn't notice too much of a difference. This could be due to the size of the TV, EDTV vs HDTV etc.

#2) using composite/component cables will rectify the black outs but when i tried it, my screen started to pixelate. Again, you are paying a whack of money more because of the ability to use HDMI and have a bigger 'boom'. If you are not getting the most from your system, then why pay the price.

If you are having the blackouts, regardless of how you hook up your system, you should take the system back. The CD skips is a problem. There player is suppose to be the DVD player with all the latest technology and should be forgiving when playing CD/DVD (ie. play when there are minor scratches on CD's)

good luck

One of the main reasons for getting the S301 is the virtual sourround sound capabilities ... I just bought a Harmon Kardon (Avr140) receiver with (Vmax technology - one the uses virtual surround sounds) with 2.1 speakers and a decent DVD player with HDMI. Maybe its just me, but I am getting the same 9if not better) sounds, images etc at about 1/2 the price, with more bells and whistles.

A lot of questions here. I'll answer a few.

1.) The major problem with dvd playback seems to be over hdmi. I haven't heard of any problems over component, s-video, or composite. But you brought up a point. Most people, I think, buying this unit are highly interested in the upconversion over hdmi. So I'm not sure how many of us would have even tried the other connections. Formal reviews like cnet do try those and no problems have been mentioned to my knowledge.

2.) I have experienced better picture quality via component vs. hdmi; but that was with a satellite receiver, not with this unit. But never once have I compared hdmi to composite. Are you wording that correctly- composite meaning single yellow jack? If so, the bb tech guy should quit. Either he doesn't understand the field he works in or he is just lying to you. Now if you meant component instead of composite, then there may not be a huge difference, I haven't compared them directly. But, the dvd player in the s-301 doesn't upconvert over component which leads to why buy this one if the upconversion isn't what your'e going for?.

Thanks for the replies - I did use incorrect wording - I had meant to say component - not composite - cables. In any event, thanks for the input - curious to hear about Denon's "fix" to the HDMI problem - I believe someone earlier had mentioned a transistor problem. Would calling Denon's customer service be the place to start?

Yes. They will give you the number mentioned above to the person who has been assigned to handle this problem. When I called, all he said was to send it in; that they knew what the problem was and knew how to fix it. My problem is that I have to take it back to the ultimate where I bought it and have to wait however long to get it back. I have a feeling I won't see it for at least a month. Overall, I would say that this whole project of mine is a disappointment. When I think of how much money I have spent on a bedroom system that I am disappointed with, it makes me sick. But that's all part of it I guess. I won't go so far as to say that I'll never buy Denon again. But I won't steer people in the direction of this piece, even if I get it back perfect.

Just wanted to update everyone on the current status of my s301 issue (see above). Denon has now had the defective unit for 4 weeks and I can't get a hold of anyone to check on its status. I was on hold for the repair office for (I kid you not) three hours without an answer. The person who was initially helpful before I sent the product in, is now MIA. In short, I'm stuck in limbo and have no idea if or when Denon will ever get back to me.

I had heard that Denon customer service was bad, but I didn't realize it was non-existent. I've also found more people with the same (or worse problem) with their s301/2910 unit.

Despite the fact I liked the unit (minus the hiccup problem), I strongly recommend against buying this unit in case you're one of the "lucky" ones who encounter this problem.

Wow, that's bad news. I haven't taken mine in yet to return it because I am afraid of how long I will have to wait to get it back. I also bought mine at a store 100 miles from where I live and am skeptical of the way they do things also. I may just send it in, buy something completely different, and sell it when I get it back. Too bad for Denon because I am in the market for a new receiver and they just ruled themselves out.

I have a 1920, a few months old, and it just did the blank screen-morph to blue trick on me last night for the first time. It's connected to a Yammy 1400 via Component and into a Sony Rear LCD Proj also via Component. Seems to be a transistor, not a cabling problem. Any extra news would be grateful, but I'll be bringing it back to my dealer. :(

This is truly a shame...I am newly entering the HD TV world as I embark on my first big screen purchase, and I saw the Denon S101 or S301 2.1 system as the perfect compliment, but it looks as if they do not have it together on this one...

Although I will say that I have read reports on CNET of some who have gotten their S-301 back and it now works perfectly...so who knows...perhaps I will wait a month or so and see what comes of it...I am thinking there should be a price drop sooner or later, especially with this hdmi issue...but who knows.

Here's a laugh courtesy of Denon. Although I haven't been able to get a hold of Denon, the store where I purchased the unit was able to get a hold of someone. Denon's excuse for not having done anything so far..."The technician was sick for a week and he is now working overtime to catch up." They wouldn't say anything more about the repair.

One technician?

Anyone have informaiton on where to complain so that Denon has to consider a product recall? I don;t expect anything to come of it but, at this point, I just want to be as annoying to them as they are to me.

Finally took my s-301 unit back this weekend. I mentioned to the salesman the inconvenience of this whole deal considering the fact that you cant hook the existing speakers and sub up to something else. He says "we can give you a loaner, all you have to do is put down a deposit- which is the total cost of the new system" Wow, what a deal. I can give them another 1600 bucks for a product that doesn't work and is disappointing. What an idiot. I guess he was just trying to be helpful but that isn't much incentive.

Real reason I'm posting. What are some of the wait times people have had to endure before getting their repaired s-301 unit back.

five weeks so far and still counting.

FYI. Filed complaint against denon today at Better Business Bureau requesting replacement of defective unit and recall of product line. Probably won't amount too much, but at least I get a little revenge. They also won't be able to claim they were not aware of the problem anymore as an official compliant by third party is filed.

Nice touch. I hadn't thought of that. But I don't have 5 weeks of frustration built up quite yet.

Just got a voice mail from Denon. They said they have fixed the issue and are sending the unit back to me. I won't have the unit for a few days, but I'll update as soon as I can as to whether they actually fixed it.

Funny how I get nothing byut stone cold silence from them for five weeks, then I file a complaint with the better business bureau, drop a few e-mails to denon with the words "nationwide product recall" and then all of a sudden my package is on its way back. Hmmmm.

That's a shame really. Hope it works out for everyone that sent their Denon back for repair.

I've watched a couple DVDs using the HDMI connection to my new TV and so far, so good. *crosses fingers*

I just got my s-301 and I have the same problem folks have been complaining about. I bought from Crutchfield so they are sending me a new unit ASAP, but I'm starting to wonder if it worth the trouble since the problem is so widespread. Anyone have any thoughts on a good substitute?

Thanks.

Depends on what you're looking for. When shopping, I listened to the sony dav-x1, both denons (s-101, 301), bose (it was there), and the yamaha ysp-1. By far, I liked the ysp by yamaha the best sound wise. Granted it was actually set up in a theater room and the other "all in one" units were out on the sales floor of an ultimate elec. The thing was that I wanted an all in one system with a dvd player and further wanted an upconverting dvd player. I have and really like the denon 2910 so it seemed like a good choice to go with the 301 despite it being the most expensive unit by far. I regret my decision!

I had problems from day 1. I live 100 miles from where I bought it. Sending in the unit renders everything powerless. It's not like I could connect the speakers and sub to another source (special connectors ala bose). I finally took the unit back last week. Got a call yesterday from the retailer telling me I had to bring all of the other stuff with it too as denon could not test it without all of the pieces. I've talked to the person that is supposedly spear-heading this issue at denon and he emphasized that all I needed to send in was the dvd player/receiver unit for warranty. I had to make another special trip on one of my few days off (I work 72 hours a week) because according to the sales/ customer service kid, denon was going to send it back unrepaired unless I got the rest of the pieces to them yesterday or this morning.

So what to do? I already did it. I bought a yamaha ysp-800, sub, and oppo 970. The dvd player smokes the denon, and it works. The yamaha does not disappoint at all in its creation of a surround field. I have an L-shaped bedroom and gave myself that excuse when the denon never did convince me of a surround field. The sub is a push but I bought a $100 sub that they were pairing with the yamaha on a promotion. Neither perform great but the new sub has much more functionality and is controllable unlike the denon one.

And the great thing is that, overall, my new bedroom system costs considerably less than the denon one does and now I look forward to watching something in there. Bad thing is, I bought the denon last november. Getting my money back would be great but I'm not sure only giving them one chance to fix one problem will justify them refunding the money. I know the retailer wont do it. I'm getting rid of it either way. So if anyone is interested, pm me or look on ebay in about a month. If I have it back by then. Who knows, I may have to send them my tv, cables, and armoire so they can test it all to see if it will work:)

Thanks.

I bought a S-301 back in march. Overtime the HDMI blackout started and has gotten worse. Finally I called a Denon "Super Sevice Center" and they told me it was the buffer and to send it to them. I got it back 2 weeks later and it was worse! No HDMI at all and DVD through S-Video puases every 1.5 seconds or so. The "Super Service Center" said they had no way of testing and to contact Denon directly. So, $38 to ship to the "Super Service Center" now $47 to send it to the black hole of Denon. Every time I call I am on hold for half an hour and no one seems to know what they are doing. Scary. I bought the S-301 for the same reason many of people did, the quality. Guess I was wrong. We will see what they come up with now.

Sorry for the delay, I had an intervening vacation. A day or two after I filed the better business bureau complaint, and sent an e-mail to Denon noting them of that fact and using the term "product recall," I received an e-mail from Denon indicating that they had fixed my unit and it was being shipped back to me. I have just received the unit.

First, its not the unit I sent in. They either sent me a new unit or someone else's refurbished unit. The serial number is different and I had marked the bottom of the unit when I sent it it to make sure I knew if they sent my original unit back.

I hooked up the unit last night and watched my first DVD since we got it "back." We had none of the problems we had before. When the unit was new, the problem showed up during the first DVD. So, while I can't say the problem won;t reoccur, so far, we're one DVD further than we were last time.

Since they didn;t send back my original unit, I don't know if they can "fix" the units as they indicated on the phone.

So, if you are considering sending the unit back, I would suggest giving them two - four weeks and then filing complaints with the New Jersey Better Business Bureau as additional leverage.

I'll let you know if any problems reappear but, hopefully, I'm done with this ordeal. The length of time from original shipment back to Denon and return of the new unit, was about two months. Even if the unit works from this point on, and even though I like the sound and picture quality, I'm not sure the purchase was worth it.

I haven't heard from them yet. Good to see you haven't run into problems yet but it's kind of bittersweet that they didn't send back the same unit. Goofy asses! Either way, mine's getting sold as soon as I get it back. Bitter about having to go through this process and I am impatient as can be.

I was on the verge on buying one of these units but now I am having second thoughts after reading about the video problem. I notice the price on Tweeter.com has been discounted twice this week. It looks like they really want to get rid of them.

Stay away my friend. I don't know your exact needs but there are better priced and better performing products to be had.

This isn't against the denon but has to do with returning the product. Just have to tell this story.

I had called the person at denon that is supposedly in charge of taking care of the problems with the s-301. Don't know if he's the actual tech or just a coordinator, doesn't matter. He told me to take the receiver unit back to where I bought it, they would send it to them and it would be taken care of.
So I took it apart, drove 110 miles the ultimate I bought it from, dropped it off, and called it a day. I get a call a couple of days later from some kid fresh out of high school saying that "the place testing the unit" needs the subwoofer and cable to troubleshoot it. I told him that I was told differently and asked why. He didn't know and then preceded to give me the name of some place in Colorado that they send some of their defective products to for service. Didn't go to denon like arranged. I then asked him if all he needed was the woofer and cable or if they needed the other speakers as well just to make sure. He wasn't sure so I told him that I would just bring the whole damn thing to him and let him know that I had to take one of my few days off and drive 250 miles round trip for something that didn't make any sense. By the way, he had been told by the repair place that without that stuff, they were going to send the receiver back, un-repaired. You can see where this is going.

Last week, I decided to call and check the progress. Was given a number to the place out in Denver-- they had never heard of my name or the product. Called back, same kid by the way. Was given a different number- a rent-a-center who is an authorized repair shop. They confirmed the story of needing the cable and woofer that has nothing to do with my problem and said they had put in a request for the additional parts. They said that they informed ultimate that the unit would be sent back without that stuff. She further told me that the unit and extra parts crossed paths and that they now have the woofer, cable, etc... but no receiver. Her notes showed they should have it "sometime this week."- which is last week now.

I called ultimate back and asked to speak to a manager. Same kid, manager on conference call, call me back, blah blah, never got a call. I call back the next day, light up some manager telling him how big of a joke this whole deal is- wasn't rude, but let him know I was aggravated at best.

The original salesman calls me on Saturday, 4 days after the manager convo, to "update me" on the status. The receiver is still in the local warehouse and "should go out next week sometime."

RICICULOUS!!!!

Update on my S-301 nightmare...

My S-301 showed up yesterday from Denon in Mahwah, NJ. I hooked it up immediately to find nothing was repaired! They had it for two weeks and did nothing! The DVD still pauses in S-Video and composite and the HDMI does not work at all.

I gave Denon a nasty call today, they said I had to send it in AGAIN! They said more than likely they will replace the defective unit, but only after testing. I asked them why they didn't test it when they had it for two weeks! I also asked them to send me new packaging because my unit has been on a UPS truck longer than I have used it in my home. No luck on packaging, but after giving them the riot act for 20 minute they agreed to pay for shipping.

So, once again I am sending in my wonderful, high quality, amazing Denon product for a third try at fixing the defect they have created! Can you see how happy I am???

Right on cue. I got a call from said retailer today saying that the unit was back. Just out of curiosity, I asked the salesman what had been done. He said that little was actually on the service ticket but it did mention that they opened it up and cleaned it real good and that all seemed to be working fine when the unit shipped out. Don't know why, but I have a feeling that nothing in the way of transistor replacement was done. I would bet the mortgage on the fact that this won't be fixed and I am gonna create a path of flames on everyone I talk to who offers me anything less than 1599.99 back in my pocket.

Then again, it may be fixed. If so, I still don't want it and still gonna sell it.

rv

In the for what it's worth category, the new unit Denon sent me does not appear to have the problem. The problem for the potential buyer is that no one has an estimate as to the percentage of new units that are defective. If the defect is only 1 out of 100 new units, it may be worth the risk. However, Denon's consistantly bad customer service record should also weigh against making the purchase. Despite the fact I truly enjoy my now-working system, I would still advise against anyone purchasing one.

I too have suffered through the problems many of you have described with the Denon S-301 and its DVD playback "blank outs". I purchased the unit in May from Tweeter. I exchanged two units with them between May and June and have been on my third unit. I urged them to read the CNET and AVS reviews on the problem and to contact Denon regarding it. I even obtained the name/number of the contact at Denon. Who did ask me to have the people at Tweeter call him and who willingly gave his contact info to me to give to Tweeter. Despite all of this, nothing.

In fact, as someone mentioned the person at Denon is truly MIA. He has not answered an email or his phone in the last three weeks.

The Tweeter store manager (who is now himself out from the company) told me I could switch my unit with the Bose 321 or something similiar. Another Tweeter store manager suggested I use the component connections rather than the HDMI connections b/c the picture will be the same!! Can you believe that! Why would I buy it if not for the upconversion!

Anyway, I see that Sony has a new 2.1 system out, the DAV-XV1 and I also read a post stating the Yamaha was good. Can anyone offer suggestions as to what to do since I get nowhere with Denon and now am stuck getting an exchange on it at Tweeter.

Lastly, Denon and Tweeter's customer service throughout all of this has been quite poor.

I noticed on all three units I have the manufacture date on the bottom next to the serial number is Sept 2005, for anyone who has received a "fixed" or new unit from them. What date are you seeing on the bottom?

I bought the yamaha ysp-800, and a $150 dollar sub that was paired with it on a special. I bought an oppo 970 for the dvd player. Sounds pretty good, much better than the denon ever did. And the oppo clobbers the denon in pq. Grand total under a grand.

Here is an update on my latest Denon experience.

They have now had my 301 for the second time into the 4th week. I called them monday and got the "We are waiting for parts, as soon as we get them we will pop them in and ship it back to you." We will see how long this takes!

Just to finish my story. I did get my denon back and I did check the service ticket and I did call the place that "fixed" it. It was confirmed that they tested all of the speakers and the playback of the dvd and found no malfunction. At that time, they thought that the unit must be in a high dust area. They took the receiver shell off and cleaned it up real good for me. That was nice of them. That was what I was afraid of.

Well, within five minutes, our problem returned. I went straight to the corporate office with my phone call and had the regional manager call me. Full refund. The only bad thing is that it is in the form of store credit. Now i have a $1500 credit to a store. I need new speakers but don't like any of theirs. I could buy a new receiver but don't really need one. Both of my hdtvs have been bought within the last 18 months.

So I'm officially done with my s-301 debacle. Onto the next problem for me.

Hi,

I had the same problem after reinstalling my s301 and connecting some other stuff.
After reading through this thread, got very uneasy :( about my purchase since I had jus hooked it up to a brand new wall in my living room.
But, after checking the rear panel very carefully, I realised the following.
I hooked up different outgoing connections to the same aux number, but using different types of connections (HDMI vs red/white jacks). I guess this causes an internal conflict somehow which caused the snow and blank screen.
I changed the r/w jacks to another aux channel and, since then, I had no more troubles.
I truly hope this is what caused it. I hope I'm right.
I am not an expert on this, but it sounds logical.
Let me know if this helps.

Have fun,
Dikkie

Depends on your problem. If it was snow and a blank screen, as in you never saw any picture at all- then maybe it was an input assignment problem. But the problem with video hiccups over hdmi is something else. That problem is this: you will be minding your own business watching a dvd of your choice and BAM-- the screen will go black, then green. All the while you can hear the audio playing just fine. After a few seconds (literally like 1-2 seconds), the screen comes back up. It's a true hiccup. But there is never any snow, at least not with mine.

The problem you describe was exactly my problem, except for the snow-bit then.
Just my 2 cents,
The snow is not complete, just a lot of interference in an otherwise perfect image (white dots) then it goes black and audio continues. Ones it does this, it goes on for a few seconds, then normal, then the same again. Always for about three to five seconds.
Mine is a plasma screen.
After some time, the screen goes and stays black and we're stuck with only audio (be it high quality :rolleyes: )

Have fun,
D

Another up date... after getting told the parts were in and the unit was on the bench to be fixed, should ship in a couple of days I waited over a week to call. Once again waiting on parts and it sat in the warehouse. 2 weeks later I call again, still in the warehouse. After raising cane for a while the finally agreed to send me a B-stock unit. I get it and it has the same problem as my first one but is at it's beginning stages of DVD video pausing for a fraction of a second about every 1-2 seconds. So, the b-stock unit on it's way back (Denon paid the freight). I have asked that they send me a DVD-3910 and NOT another S-301. After 3 1/2" months, shipping my unit in 3 times and getting a B-stock unit with the same problem I am done with the S-301. Give me a product that works as intended! We will see if they give me what I asked for.

Dude, that sucks super bad. I was thrilled when I was able to take mine back and get full credit and start fresh. Between Denon's fumbles and the B&M stores overwhelming mistakes, there is no telling when I would have gotten anything done.

Hopefully.. the final update. After a week of calling every name I knew of at D&M Holdings I got them to agree to send me a B-stock DVD-3910. After 2 broken promises of shipment they overnighted it to me. After one night, I am very happy with the 3910. Outstanding picture and sound going through my new Denon AVR-2807 and my new Definitive Technologies ProMonitors and SuperCube II sub. Yes, I bought another Denon but I got a highly rated AV receiver and DVD player now. It cost me another $2,500 but I have a system I am very happy with and am rid of the problematic S-301. I will say, out of the dozen or so people I communicated with it all came down to one person that took the time to really help me! Big thanks to Felicia!!!

I thought I'd check this thread after my last entry and WOW ... how disappointing. I'm glad I returned mine early. I posted a poor review on CNET and recommend all to do the same. This will drive the user review average down. It's incredible how poorly Denon treated this situation. Its bad business practice when, I would say, the majority of us who purchased this expensive system probably earn a good income and will likely purchase more products in the future .... well Denon, not anymore. And think about how many people we will tell.... stupid!

Good point kinghifi.

I recently bought a new receiver for my main ht. Looked hard at the denon 4306 which probably matched up best for what I wanted. But I still had a bitter taste in my mouth about the s-301 so went with something else. I still have the denon 2910 but am in the process of pushing that out of the rack. The stories of denon's poor customer service is all over this forum and elsewhere. It isn't just with this situation. Bad Bad Deal.

Hello all. I have been wanting the s301 since it came out then did some research and find that it has has the hdmi problem and there customer service is lacking. I did make a call to customer service today and they admitted the problem and said all units built after September have been updated and are ok. I was only on hold about 15 minutes. I think I am going to take a chance and order the unit anyway as it is priced right at Crutchfield right now. I guess I'll buy the extended warranty , just in case.

Good luck with the unit. But read through the posts. Personally, I didn't like the virtual surround either. I have the yamaha ysp-800 now and it does a much better job imo. Combined it with an oppo 970 and a sub. Now I have a system that looks better (performance wise), sounds better, and costs quite a bit less.

Thanks , I may need it ( luck) . If it has a date on the box or inside I will send it back immediately. It justs seems to meet my needs in a nice package. I really appreciate all the feedback - positive and negative - that this forum has. I recently sent back my oppo 971 because it seems to have alot of the macroblocking issues. I hope the Denon does a better job. It is a pretty small room , so that should help with any sound issues. I had a demo of the s301 in a Tweeter and was pretty impressed. Thanks to all for the posts you submit , I am really learning alot. I will let you know how I make out with the Denon.

Good luck etpiejr ... for me, the concern with Denon was more about their ability to service customers as opposed to whether they will. It's fine to say I'll fix the problem, but if it takes a long time, then it is a problem in my opinion. Like rvanya, I found (imo) a better system for a lot cheaper price. I bought a low end Harmon Kardon receiver (AVR 135), a decent toshiba DVD and a 2.1 speaker system. The HArmon Kardon has virtual surround (VMAX) technology. Granted the pieced together system was not as sleek as the S301 but I paid about 50% less. That's a whole lot of DVD's you can buy ....

Hope you have better luck than most of us ...

Another thing I wanted to mention to this thread is that I emailed CNET and asked if they will reconsider updating their review of the S301. The editor told me they will, especially given the negative user reviews.

Well, it arrived . It has a July build date so it could be one of the ones with a problem. Crutchfield wants me to try it anyway and return it under 30 days if I am not satisfied. I may do that. I guess I should see if I like the video and sound .Maybe I won't like it regardless that it does or does not have the problem. I called Denon again and they claim if it has a problem they would pay for the shipping and expedite the service on it. WHo knows if they are telling the truth, but in the 3 times I have called them they seem to be helpful. I guess they are reading the forums or reviews. I paid 1100.00 for the Denon with a 5 year warranty thru service net , so the price has come down some. Thanks for the reply kinghifi. I hope Cnet does issue something regarding the neg reviews.

I just received my S-301 from Crutchfield...hooked it all up, watched a DVD (Superman Returns) and about 30 minutes in got the blank screen for a few seconds that has been described here. I am connected via the HDMI connection.

I called Crutchfield and they didn't recognize this issue at all. Since I am in my 30 day return window, I am returning this and getting a refund.

Sounds familiar. How do you feel about the rest of the system?

Sounds familiar. How do you feel about the rest of the system?


I liked the sound output very much. The manual was very long and wasn't organized very well...no index...so it made it hard to find where to make adjustments.

The other thing I didn't like was the blue display. If you aren't right up next to the unit, you can't see what it says...that was annoying.

If the picture dropping wasn't an issue, I would have lived with the hard to read display, but when you pay $$$$ for a component, it had better be perfect...

I finally hooked mine up and it has the blank screen issue as well. I also purchased mine thru crutchfield and they said they just got a new batch. The salesman on the phone told me he had never heard of the problem either. The sound quality is excellent !! I love everything about the sound. But I thought the video quality was poor. In dark scenes there was snow and macroblocking or something similar. Reflogwa - how was the video quality on your unit? There are so many settings with this setup and the manual only gives brief descriptions on what the changes will be. Honestly , from what I have seen so far , I would be returning it because of the poor video quality even if it did not have the HDMI issue. There seemed to be no upconversion . The OPPO that I sent back because of the macroblocking issue had a superior picture compared to this one. Did I mention I love the sound quality though . What a shame.

Have you calibrated the denon with your display? Be sure to do that before you make a final judgement on the picture quality.

for the record: I was disappointed with the pq as well. I just thought it was my 32 inch samsung display that I didn't like in my bedroom. When I returned the piece, I bought an oppo 970 which I have been in love with ever since. My faith in my display was restored.

Hello rvanya,
What specifically should I calibrate on the denon display? There seems to be a lot of adjustments in the manual. Which would make the most difference. Thanks

Sorry it took so long to answer this. You should calibrate your display to get the optimal picture from your source. There are a lot of calibration dvds out there. Avia Guide to Home Theater and Digital Video Essentials are some of the fan favorites. I have another one by Sound and Vision's Home Theater Tune-Up. If you don't have any of these or don't want to try to find them, find a dvd that is thx certified (there's a ton of them). They will have an option called the thx optimizer. That will take you through basic calibration of your tv/display.

I would suggest not adjusting anything in the denon player itself. Just plug one of the above dvd's in and go through the tests. Change the pictures settings on your tv. The dvd's above will give you pointers on just about everything.

Hello , thanks for the info. I tried that and the picture still seemed too blocking during dark scenes. I am in the market for another system if anyone can recommend one.

Which oppo did you have? The macroblocking issue you speak of is well known in any player that uses the faroudja deinterlacer. But it isn't only the chip, it seems to be the implementation of said chip, so some players will be more susceptible than others. And some say that calibration can yank a lot of it.

In recommendations, the 301 for all that it is capable of is a nice unit. At the time when I bought it, I liked it a lot better than anything else out there. The only surround sound solution I liked better in auditioning was the yamaha ysp-1000. When I took the denon back, I replaced it with a yamaha ysp-800, yamaha sub, and an oppo 970. The 970 uses a Mediatek chip which I have had no problems with. Not as sleek looking as the denon is but much more functional. I think the speaker does a better job of surround creation and the oppo smashed the 301 in video performance. Much cheaper too.

Sorry so long

Does anyone know the best number to contact to get some help on getting an SRA number? I had gotten the form and info from a guy at Denon. So far, I have faxed it like 3 times, trying the different numbers on the form. I have gotten no response at all from them. I am trying to get mine in for a fix of the known issue, before my warranty is up.

Thanks
Jeff

I have a whole list of numbers from the ordeal that I went through! The bottom line is I ended up with one person that truly helped me through my problems. Try Falecia @201-762-6617. Hope this helps! I never had a problem getting an SRA#, the issues I had was actually getting it fixed.

Does anybody know when Denon is coming out with a new version/next generation of the s301

Hello all,

Wanted to give an update of my experience with Denon S301 repairs. I basically waited till the last possible minute to send mine in before my warranty was up. Thanks to all the info here, I knew what to expect and how to approach it. Basically faxed in the sheet as told to do. Seemed to take forever and a re-fax before I finally got a response with a SRA on it. Once I had that, I send it in and they got it in two days. 3 weeks from the time I sent it, it was back on my door step. I held my breath and watched a full movie on it last night. To my surprise, the green screen hiccup was not there. The sound was fine as it always had been. So, as of now, my experience has been a good one so far. Time will tell if the fix holds. According to the repair sheet, they cleaned it, installed a HDMI upgrade kit, new firmware, and reset it and tested it. They actually fixed my machine too, I had marked it, to see if I got the same one back and I did. Its too bad others have had such struggles with Denon. I am still not convinced they are a good service company by any means, but for this round I am satisified. Their phone support by the way, is very bad. Thanks to everyones input on this thread, it helped me alot in getting it fixed.

Jeff

I finally returned my S-301 for the HDMI fix just a few months before the initial year warranty was up. I didn't bother with getting the SRA number or faxing the info sheet. I just mailed it away "cold" with absolutely no problems. I think there was some warning stating it would be returned without the SRA, but that obviously did not happen.

Just watched a full movie on it "hiccup" free and now I can finally enjoy this player without the annoying "screen of death" that used to plague it!

Purchased the S301 in January 07 and am also had the same hdmi dropouts. I looked at the receiver and it was made in June 06. Talked with Crutchfield and they said they called Denon and Denon isn't acknowledging it is a problem. They are going to send me a new one.

Nice. I would question whether Crutchfiled actually talked to them. Then again, Denon isn't known for great customer service so the chances that a full blood idiot was on the other end of the phone is a real possibility.