thanks for your input! yeah, from doing quick test-comparison, my eye seems to think YCbCr looks better (sharper?).

Now I'm looking into manual trying to see how to adjust DRE = 0?

Do you mean IRE? If so, the instructions are on page 31/32 of the 3930 manual. Essentially you have to make a custom setting in memory. I did the same on my 2930.

Do you mean IRE?yes


If so, the instructions are on page 31/32 of the 3930 manual. Essentially you have to make a custom setting in memory. I did the same on my 2930.I see, thanks! I noticed this menu selection, but it was a little vague trying to figure out.

That's what I suspected mr-ben but I just was not sure! I'll have to do as you say and experiment with the Denon deinterlacing vs. the Toshiba doing it. If I want to experiment like this do I start with sending a 480i to the Toshiba and letting it do the deinterlacing and scaling? Then try 720p, etc.?


Sure - try them all. I suspect you'll get the best results with the player outputting either 480p or 1080i, but you can't be sure unless you try it, and it's east to do.


Further, if I'm upconverting, say, from the Denon as I am currently, should I select or deselect the "Progressive" setting in the menu or is that a separate issue. That is, I always thought the Progressive setting was only for 480 output. True or false?


That setting is for the component outputs, and does not affect the HDMI output. Assuming your component outputs are not connected to anything, it doesn't matter what setting you use.

IMO you would have to move up to the 3930 compared to the S97. I have a S97 and a 3930 the 3930 wins hands down. My friend has a 2910 it compares to the S97 by my eyes.

Remember that the 2930 has a chipset that is superior to the one in the 2910. I'm using the 2930 now and in all ways I can think of except some sluggishness in the menus, the 2930 beats the S97 pretty handily. I didn't pay much to upgrade because I got a stunner of a deal so I have no regrets ;)

Do you mean IRE? If so, the instructions are on page 31/32 of the 3930 manual. Essentially you have to make a custom setting in memoryyeah, I finally figured out how to make the adjustment in memory, I set IRE = 0 . This setting is absolutely beautiful on my Kuro display. Thanks.......

yeah, I finally figured out how to make the adjustment in memory, I set IRE = 0 . This setting is absolutely beautiful on my Kuro display. Thanks.......
Thanks for the question WestCoastD. I changed my 3930 based on the answer to your question. Now my 3930 compares to the 3800 with the same TV calibration settings for some of my concert SD DVD's. The 3800 is still better than the 3930 IMO for 1080P output.

...

That setting is for the component outputs, and does not affect the HDMI output. Assuming your component outputs are not connected to anything, it doesn't matter what setting you use.

FYI - On the 3930 there is a bug and the setting does affect the HMDI outputs.

General recommendation is 480i over component set to 7.5, all others use 0.

Is anyone else using their 3930 (firmware 8) with a DVDO VP50 Pro? The 3930 locks up every time requiring a hard power cycle if it is turned on before the VP. Has anyone else had this problem?

I know the setup if kind of redundant but I am outputting 480P (Realta) over HDMI then using the VP (ABT) for CUE correction, scaling, and 2-3 inverse telecine. I guess that would be equivalent to a 5910 that outputs 24fps. If i output 480i the VP has problems (jumps) with the inverse telecine.

FYI - On the 3930 there is a bug and the setting does affect the HMDI outputs.


That's interesting - I have a 3930Ci and have never had a problem. Perhaps this was fixed in one of the firmware updates?

yeah, I finally figured out how to make the adjustment in memory, I set IRE = 0 . This setting is absolutely beautiful on my Kuro display. Thanks.......
Cool. Glad to hear it's made an improvement on your setup :-)

A prompt notice for 2930 owners thinking to update firmware of the player:
in british version of firmware update instruction (8283-C) one crucial moment missed, although it's clearly stated in German one - the media you have to use is CD-R(-RW), but not DVD-R(-RW).
Be informed & Good Luck.

Crud. I just noticed that the previously mentioned Euro Denon site has tightened access to their firmware download page. I'm no longer able to log in and the US Denon site still has no firmware listed for the 2930 or the 3930. Clearly, customers are their #1 priority.

I've just bought my first DVD-Audio disk (Nightwish's epic new album, Dark Passion Play) and am having a difficult time deciphering the instructions of the 3930 in order to make sure I'm getting the best audio.

I'm running everything over HDMI to a AVR-3808CI. When I play the DVD-A, the AVR displays MULTI-IN so I think I'm getting the best audio from the 3930. Should the HDMI Audio Set-Up be set to MULTI(NORMAL) or MULTI(LPCM)? Will I get better audio for DVD-A's if I use the Denon Link cable?

DVD movies look and sound great, as do CD's, I'm just not too familiar with DVD-Audio--or SACD's for that matter--so any set-up advice would be appreciated.

You should always use Denon Link when possible. It's as good as it gets in terms of audio transfer.

Check page 18 of your manual. 3930 is HDMI spec 1.1 and cant send SACD audio over HDMI.
If youre not into SACD then maybe thats not an issue for you though.
Im using DL3 for all audio from my 2930 to 4306.

I've searched the forums but can't find a straight answer to my question. For the DVD-2930, what do the four settings (progressive, interlaced, HDMI, and other) mean? The manual is utterly worthless in giving definitions for what these settings do.

I'm running my 2930 through HDMI to an AVR-3808 which is connected via HDMI to a Sammy 4671 - any idea which of these settings would be best for my setup?

I've searched the forums but can't find a straight answer to my question. For the DVD-2930, what do the four settings (progressive, interlaced, HDMI, and other) mean? The manual is utterly worthless in giving definitions for what these settings do.

I'm running my 2930 through HDMI to an AVR-3808 which is connected via HDMI to a Sammy 4671 - any idea which of these settings would be best for my setup?
Set it to HDMI synch if you are using HDMI.

Set it to HDMI synch if you are using HDMI.

Thanks!!

Hey guys, I have a DVD-3930CI that I bought a year or so ago...

I have been having problems playing some DVDs (a lot more then I should with a player this expensive). Rambo 4 wouldn't play (COMMERCIAL disc) at all without ripping it, 21 had a few glitches (taking FOREVER to load the disc) -- again a COMMERCIAL disc. A lot of rips that I *know* worked a few years ago suddenly don't work anymore.

Is there a new firmware or something I can do on my end? I'm in the US by the way and YES, I did use the search... but I couldn't find anything in this thread by searching for "firmware" -- unless I'm blind or something.

Thanks!

Is there a new firmware or something I can do on my end? I'm in the US by the way and YES, I did use the search... but I couldn't find anything in this thread by searching for "firmware" -- unless I'm blind or something.


If your player worked previously, and is showing signs of deterioration, it's likely that you need a lens cleaning, rather than a firmware update.

Dutchman has been kind enough to keep us updated on firmware releases. His post here contains the most recent download: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13603647&postcount=3546

Remember that updating the firmware incorrectly can cause your player to become useless, so be cautious.

If your player worked previously, and is showing signs of deterioration, it's likely that you need a lens cleaning, rather than a firmware update.

Dutchman has been kind enough to keep us updated on firmware releases. His post here contains the most recent download: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13603647&postcount=3546

Remember that updating the firmware incorrectly can cause your player to become useless, so be cautious.

Thanks for the info.

Is a lens cleaning something I can do myself?

How do I check my current firmware level?

I see the file you linked to is a UK file. Is there any issue with loading this on a US 3930CI player?

Does anyone else have problem with the latest firmware on their DVD-2930?

When I play a normal CD and turn on or off my TV, a Sony KDL-32V2500, the dvd-player starts to "stutter". I now have to turn the player completely off to fix this problem, because standby doesn't help at all. This never happened using the learlier firmware.(8283-B)

So I will now install the old firmware again, cause I've noticed no other differences than this.
I use HDMI-connection from my player to the TV.

Is a lens cleaning something I can do myself?

I don't know - I've never looked into this.


How do I check my current firmware level?
I see the file you linked to is a UK file. Is there any issue with loading this on a US 3930CI player?

These questions have been asked often - you should try the search. The firmware is the same for all versions of the 3930, and here is the procedure to check what you have now:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13472085#post13472085

After just over 12 months of near-perfect use, I've started to experience problems with my Denon 2930 (UK model). I was using firmware 8283-B but upgraded to 8283-C this evening and it made no difference.

A few months ago I noticed my first "glitch" on a disc. It was "Star Trek: Insurrection" SE. I'd watched several times already so I knew it wasn't a disc fault. At the time I thought it was a power surge or something.

But then it happened again on another title. Just once.

Last week I watched "Live Free Or Die Hard" Unrated for the 2nd time and, at each branch point, my player froze for a second. It had worked perfectly on first viewing. I turned the power off and back on again and it worked fine.

But this weekend I've had problems with 2 different CDs. Sometimes they'll load okay but when you press "play" they'll just spin and click a bit. Other times they won't load at all.

General DVD playback still appears (touch wood) to be fine.

Am I experiencing the first signs of Denon optical rot or whatever the heck it is? Is the machine only going to get worse? I'm poised to buy a second 2930 for backup purposes cos I love its performance so much, but I'm now worried that IT might go wrong 12 months down the road too.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

John

PS. I'd be surprised if my player is over-heating because it's at the bottom of my rack, underneath my amp, and there's a fairly big gap between the two.

I'm reposting this message due to the recent lost of messages.

My 2930CI almost never recognizes the SACD layer in SACD discs (the CD/SACD key has no efect). On the other hand, it recognizes non hybrid SACD, DVD, DVD-A and CD discs without problems. This problem started with only two days of use! I sent a message to Denon technical suport and I had no answer. Does anyone have the same problem or know the solution?

Thanks.

I'm reposting this message due to the recent lost of messages.

My 2930CI almost never recognizes the SACD layer in SACD discs (the CD/SACD key has no efect). On the other hand, it recognizes non hybrid SACD, DVD, DVD-A and CD discs without problems. This problem started with only two days of use! I sent a message to Denon technical suport and I had no answer. Does anyone have the same problem or know the solution?

Thanks.

Did you set the SACD Priority in the menu?

Did you set the SACD Priority in the menu?

There is no set for SACD priority in the setup menu and the CD/SACD keys (front panel and remote) don't work. Also, the display indicates that the disc is a CD and not a SACD.

Thank you Sam!

There is no set for SACD priority in the setup menu and the CD/SACD keys (front panel and remote) don't work. Also, the display indicates that the disc is a CD and not a SACD.

Thank you Sam!

Sorry, the adjustment I was referring to is on the remote, not the set-up menu. Please see page 39 of the manual.

If this still does not work, I would say the player needs service to adjust the laser. Focusing "through" the redbook layer to reach the DSD layer is difficult if the laser adjustment is not perfect.

Sorry, the adjustment I was referring to is on the remote, not the set-up menu. Please see page 39 of the manual.

If this still does not work, I would say the player needs service to adjust the laser. Focusing "through" the redbook layer to reach the DSD layer is difficult if the laser adjustment is not perfect.

This adjustment doesn't work (neither the key in the front panel). I think you are right about the need of service (after two days of use!?). I heard that this is a comom problem in several models of Denon players. At least, I would like to receive an answer from Denon about the problem (I sent a message to the technical suport some days ago).

Thank you again Sam!

This adjustment doesn't work (neither the key in the front panel). I think you are right about the need of service (after two days of use!?). I heard that this is a comom problem in several models of Denon players. At least, I would like to receive an answer from Denon about the problem (I sent a message to the technical suport some days ago).

Thank you again Sam!

I had this problem in the first 2930 I bought. After doing some investigation on the net to confirm it was a frequent problem I called Denon US customer service. They said they're never heard of the problem and I should use a lense cleaning disc - obviously that wasn't the problem but I was able to exchange with the store I purchased through.

replacement player was fine but still has some operational quirks - freezes when loading discs occasionally and needs a hard reset. I've been toying with going back again and trying to exchange for a different player, however, playback performance is generally excellent so I haven't done it. I wanted to buy a last, best DVD player so I do hope it stands the test of time.

I would say NEVER BUY one of these Denon players from a retailer WITHOUT A SOLID RETURN POLICY.

I just got my 3930ci yesterday, went through setup menu and the SACD setup (set to stereo for two channel playback) today.
I've tried 4 SACD's and all show up with CD symbol on the display, sound good though. I just called Denon support and amazingly got right through. They said that the symbol will be CD but the SACD stereo layer is played.
The manual, pg.6, shows "Super Audio" as one of the symbols available on the display. Perhaps the "Super Audio" symbol is only displayed with multi-channel output?
I will greatly appreciate any insights or confirmation of the info Denon support gave me. TIA! :)

I just got my 3930ci yesterday, went through setup menu and the SACD setup (set to stereo for two channel playback) today.
I've tried 4 SACD's and all show up with CD symbol on the display, sound good though. I just called Denon support and amazingly got right through. They said that the symbol will be CD but the SACD stereo layer is played.
The manual, pg.6, shows "Super Audio" as one of the symbols available on the display. Perhaps the "Super Audio" symbol is only displayed with multi-channel output?
I will greatly appreciate any insights or confirmation of the info Denon support gave me. TIA! :)

I have the 3930.
It would seem Denon gave you incorrect information.
Your manual is right:
The SACD symbol to the left of the disc tray should be lit up in blue when playing an SACD, either stereo or multichannel. That's how mine works.

Mine is also set for SACD stereo. Once in blue moon the SACD light won't come on when I load a disc meaning the machine hasn't detected the SACD layer. I eject the disc and reload. The player then recognizes the SACD and the blue light comes on.

my blue SACD indicator always lights up when a SACD is inserted... they are screwing with you... yours is obviously defective...

I just got my 3930ci yesterday, went through setup menu and the SACD setup (set to stereo for two channel playback) today.
I've tried 4 SACD's and all show up with CD symbol on the display, sound good though. I just called Denon support and amazingly got right through. They said that the symbol will be CD but the SACD stereo layer is played.
The manual, pg.6, shows "Super Audio" as one of the symbols available on the display. Perhaps the "Super Audio" symbol is only displayed with multi-channel output?
I will greatly appreciate any insights or confirmation of the info Denon support gave me. TIA! :)

Maybe this is obvious. If you press the SACD button you can cycle the through the formats.

My unit behaved as cdj described until I did the firmware update provided by dutchman1. I suggest you check your firmware revision and update information earlier in this thread.

I just got my 3930ci yesterday, went through setup menu and the SACD setup (set to stereo for two channel playback) today.
I've tried 4 SACD's and all show up with CD symbol on the display, sound good though. I just called Denon support and amazingly got right through. They said that the symbol will be CD but the SACD stereo layer is played.
The manual, pg.6, shows "Super Audio" as one of the symbols available on the display. Perhaps the "Super Audio" symbol is only displayed with multi-channel output?
I will greatly appreciate any insights or confirmation of the info Denon support gave me. TIA! :)

I have the same problem with my 2930CI. Your 3930ci is defective. Try to play non-hybrid SACDs (stereo and multi-channel) and you'll see the symbol SACD on the panel. The problem hapens only with hybrid SACDs. In this case, the player doesn't recognize the SACD layer and the SACD/CD key doesn't work. The firmware update doesn't solve the problem.

Hi

Denon 3930ci

I upgraded to latest firmware 8284-8. I thought the region would stay the same - just increased fiunctionality - WRONG- machine is now region 2 ( I am in Sydney - region 4)

I have scoured the net for a region 4 firmware - no luck

Can some PLEASE point me to a region 4 firmware? or multiregion firmware? like I had with my 3910.

I don't want to take this to the shop...

Hi

Denon 3930ci

I upgraded to latest firmware 8284-8. I thought the region would stay the same - just increased fiunctionality - WRONG- machine is now region 2 ( I am in Sydney - region 4)

I have scoured the net for a region 4 firmware - no luck

Can some PLEASE point me to a region 4 firmware? or multiregion firmware? like I had with my 3910.

I don't want to take this to the shop...

Check out the following forum. I made my 3930 region free by using this menu:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=408066&highlight=2930+regionfree

This worked great for me. The 3930 have stayed region free ever since. I am currently using firmware 8284-8.

How is the procedure to access the Test Mode in the 3930/2930? Is it possible to make some adjustments?

Just watched a new PAL disc COLOSSUS THE FORBIN PROJECT. Many comb effects and diagonal lines looked terrible. I remember loading new firmware earlier in the year - but that may have been in Jan. I think I missed a firmware update since then that might correct this. Any idea which firmware this might be - and where can I get it (Dutchman???)

Just watched a new PAL disc COLOSSUS THE FORBIN PROJECT. Many comb effects and diagonal lines looked terrible. I remember loading new firmware earlier in the year - but that may have been in Jan. I think I missed a firmware update since then that might correct this. Any idea which firmware this might be - and where can I get it (Dutchman???)

You can get the last firmware version, with all updates, in http://firmware.denon-online.eu/index.php. Before this, check the 3930/2930 setup. If you are using a NTSC (only) monitor, you should select TV TYPE as NTSC and not MULTI.

Just watched a new PAL disc COLOSSUS THE FORBIN PROJECT. Many comb effects and diagonal lines looked terrible. I remember loading new firmware earlier in the year - but that may have been in Jan. I think I missed a firmware update since then that might correct this. Any idea which firmware this might be - and where can I get it (Dutchman???)

Are you aware that there is a problem with these player for PAL material? It's something to do with the chip. For more information do a search on this forum. Apparently Denon will fix the problem for you if you are still under warranty, but you will have to send them your unit.

Yep. I'm aware now. Looks like I need a replacement circuit board. And my one year warranty was up last March. So basically I'm screwed for PAL material:(

Yep. I'm aware now. Looks like I need a replacement circuit board. And my one year warranty was up last March. So basically I'm screwed for PAL material:(

I would push Denon to do it. Needing to be under warranty may not be official Denon policy. After all, they sold you something that doesn't work as advertised. Let me know what Denon says.

Yes - I'll call them tomorrow. Be interesting to hear what they say about fixing a PAL problem on a 3930 that was sold in the USA. Strange - this is the first PAL title I've had a (serious) problem with (out of approx 40 viewed).

If approved - Huge hassle to send it in - but going forward - If I don't get it repaired - I'll be gun shy about ever purchasing any more PAL discs. And I do plan on keeping this machine exclusively for SD DVD (NTSC/PAL) playback for several more years. It's one of only a couple that offer a truly seamless layer change. Even the new pricey Denons and Pioneer Blu-ray/SD DVD players have a slight layer change pause w/ SD DVD playback.

Good luck with Denon. I knew about the PAL problem while my 2930 was still under waranty. I never sent it in because I couldn't stand to part with it. I almost never use PAL DVDs anyway. Still, it would be nice to have the full PAL cabability just in case.

Good luck with Denon. I knew about the PAL problem while my 2930 was still under waranty. I never sent it in because I couldn't stand to part with it. I almost never use PAL DVDs anyway. Still, it would be nice to have the full PAL cabability just in case.

Sorry guys, but this problem is not very clear for me. I have a 2930CI and I played several PAL discs without problems (using HDMI). My TV is multi system and I also tryed different configuratios, transcoding PAL discs to NTSC and NTSC discs to PAL, and I couldn't see any problem. I also read in this forum that the PAL problem was present only in the european version of 3930 and it was solved by firmware update. In fact, my big complain about this player is the unsolved problem related to hybrid SACDs.
Thanks.

Sorry guys, but this problem is not very clear for me. I have a 2930CI and I played several PAL discs without problems (using HDMI). My TV is multi system and I also tryed different configuratios, transcoding PAL discs to NTSC and NTSC discs to PAL, and I couldn't see any problem. I also read in this forum that the PAL problem was present only in the european version of 3930 and it was solved by firmware update. In fact, my big complain about this player is the unsolved problem related to hybrid SACDs.
Thanks.

Take a look at the AV Forums (post #12):

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6470575&highlight=pal+3930+chip#post6470575

You may also search on the AVForums for more information. I saw a picture of the problem but I can't find it now.

This was confirmed to me personally to also apply to the US players by an executive at Denon, US. It requires adjustment or replacement of the Realta chip and can not be solved by a firmware update.

Is there other workaround other than updating the Realta FW? Will it help the pal issue if i let the player converts the source from pal to ntsc?

Is there other workaround other than updating the Realta FW? Will it help the pal issue if i let the player converts the source from pal to ntsc?

Sorry, that is all I know. You may try to PM "Dutchman01." I believe he has addressed the problem extensively.

Dutchman01 are you still out there? :)

I tried to let the player covert pal to ntsc and picture quality went downhill.. its better to keep to PAL for PAL disc

Take a look at the AV Forums (post #12):

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6470575&highlight=pal+3930+chip#post6470575

You may also search on the AVForums for more information. I saw a picture of the problem but I can't find it now.

This was confirmed to me personally to also apply to the US players by an executive at Denon, US. It requires adjustment or replacement of the Realta chip and can not be solved by a firmware update.

I think the 2930 doesn't have this problem because it uses another model of Realta Teranex chip.

Thank you!

I think the 2930 doesn't have this problem because it uses another model of Realta Teranex chip.

Thank you!

You may be correct! :)

Sorry, that is all I know. You may try to PM "Dutchman01." I believe he has addressed the problem extensively.

Dutchman01 are you still out there? :)

About the Realta Firmware upgrade for the DVD-3930


1* Firmware Upgrade was made special for the 3930 and fix playing PAL DVD's as we only have at europe.

2* the upgrade can only be done by denon becaus the unit must open to upgrade the unit with a special cable for the flash operation.

When the unit is still under warrenty it does cost you nothing at all.

when out of warrenty call denon first the may charge you.

call them please.

Dutchman1:
1. Do you know if the 2930 has the same problem with PAL discs? I have several PAL european discs and they play very well as NTSC discs.
2. Do you know details about the 3930/2930 Test Mode?
Thank you!

About the Realta Firmware upgrade for the DVD-3930


1* Firmware Upgrade was made special for the 3930 and fix playing PAL DVD's as we only have at europe.

2* the upgrade can only be done by denon becaus the unit must open to upgrade the unit with a special cable for the flash operation.

When the unit is still under warrenty it does cost you nothing at all.

when out of warrenty call denon first the may charge you.

call them please.

Good to hear from you again. Are you still enjoying your 3930? I still love my 2930 especially for music. Have you heard any news about new firmware upgrades?

Will YCbCr480/567i or YCbCr1080p from DVD-3930 give me (in theory) the best picture when I send it to my Denon AVC-A1HD (AVR-5308CI)? In the first case I let the AVC-A1HD do the scaling.

Yes - I'll call them tomorrow. Be interesting to hear what they say about fixing a PAL problem on a 3930 that was sold in the USAI'd be curious to know how much they charge for this fix out-of-warranty.........

I have some problems with a couple SACDs. On disc 2 of The Who: Tommy it will only play the CD layer no matter what I try. I have tried the two latest firmware versions. Is there somone out there who have this SACD and can play disc 2? :confused:

I have some problems with a couple SACDs. On disc 2 of The Who: Tommy it will only play the CD layer no matter what I try. I have tried the two latest firmware versions. Is there somone out there who have this SACD and can play disc 2? :confused:

My 2930 started this problem after two days of use and now it doesn't play the SACD layer in any hybrid SACDs. On the other hand, it plays normal CDs and non-hybrid SACDs without problems. I sent an e-mail to the Denon technical support, but I had no answer. I think the cause could be a drive misalignment, but I’m not sure. I’m also trying to find out how to use the 2930 Test Mode (service mode), but I got no information about this feature.

I'd be curious to know how much they charge for this fix out-of-warranty.........

I brought my other PAL player (Cambridge Audio) down into my Theater and played same DVD (Collosus The Forbin Project) and noticed same problem (combing effects) so thankfully it's not my 3930. Like I said I've played over 50 PAL (and 150+ regular DVD's) discs on the 3930 and this is the first I've seen of this problem.

I'm guessing Denon would charge at least a couple hundred for the repair/testing. Plus shipping this beast is a huge hassle (and expense).

Anyway - I dont watch many PAL discs any more - so even if the 3930 were at fault I doubt I would send it in.

On the other side of the coin - my 3930 never fails to impress and I plan on keeping it for many years to come:)

my 3930 never fails to impress and I plan on keeping it for many years to comeI plan to keep my unit as long as possible as well. The reality is that the DVD-3930CI model is not old (barely two years).

Denon should be more generous on their warranty... for a high end name a one year warranty is substandard, especially with their track record on their products.... Ever since they moved production to China, their reliability and quality control has been deteriorating. Onkyo is two years, Sony ES is five...

I agree. And this is probably why my 3930 is the last Denon I'll buy for a very long time (I've owned three). One year does go by in the wink of an eye. Yes - my Sony ES player (9000) came w/ a 5 year warranty and the Pioneer Elite player - at least has a 2 year warranty.

Indeed a bad thing for US and other country's.

In all Europe country's we have on all Denon products, a 2 Year Warranty Standard, so why not the rest of the world.

I don't know.

(maybe all of you people dammage to mutch Denon products)

:)LOL:)

is there someone now which HDMI version that 2930ci use? just 1.1 or 1.2?

is there someone now which HDMI version that 2930ci use? just 1.1 or 1.2?

HDMI Version 1.1 does the DVD-3930 and 2930 use.

HDMI Version 1.1 does the DVD-3930 and 2930 use.
I think it's 1.2, meaning that it can stream DVD-A, but not SACD/DSD. Anyway, that's its capability, if not the correct version number.

I think it's 1.2, meaning that it can stream DVD-A, but not SACD/DSD. Anyway, that's its capability, if not the correct version number.

Look in the manual it's HDMI version 1.1 and not higher.

The problem I have was posted earlier: I am trying to play a SACD from my 2930 to the 4308 using ext in, but only get 2 channel audio. The 2930 says that it is sending the multi layer of the SACD and the L,R,C,SW,SL,SR light up on the display.It is connected via 6 analog cables to the ext in on the 4308, The blue super lights up

The problem I have was posted earlier: I am trying to play a SACD from my 2930 to the 4308 using ext in, but only get 2 channel audio. The 2930 says that it is sending the multi layer of the SACD and the L,R,C,SW,SL,SR light up on the display.It is connected via 6 analog cables to the ext in on the 4308, The blue super lights up
Did you turn HDMI audio to mute or off? Better yet utilize Denon link for audio. Also put player in audio mode and not video mode. This is how my 3930 feeds my 4306.

Did you turn HDMI audio to mute or off? Better yet utilize Denon link for audio. Also put player in audio mode and not video mode. This is how my 3930 feeds my 4306.

I do agree with this, try Denon Link.

Denon Link is a Great connection between your player an receiver.

I do agree with this, try Denon Link.

Denon Link is a Great connection between your player an receiver.

I can't find my DL the 2930 is from last year and just got the 4308, don't wabt to fork over $500 for a new DL.

I can't find my DL the 2930 is from last year and just got the 4308, don't wabt to fork over $500 for a new DL.

You don't need the $500 cable. Its just a CAT5 cable, and you can buy one on-line for less than $1 (in a wonderful range of colors!!). Or at any electronics store for around $10, if you're in a hurry.

And yes, I do wonder why Denon sells this. It shows a serious lack of respect for their customers. Makes me wonder how much they're overcharging for their more legitimate products (which I love).

-Reid

You don't need the $500 cable. Its just a CAT5 cable, and you can buy one on-line for less than $1 (in a wonderful range of colors!!). Or at any electronics store for around $10, if you're in a hurry.

And yes, I do wonder why Denon sells this. It shows a serious lack of respect for their customers. Makes me wonder how much they're overcharging for their more legitimate products (which I love).

-Reid

So a simple cat5 will work just the same as DL?

So a simple cat5 will work just the same as DL?

Yes, it will. My DVD-2930 came with a DenonLink cable packed in the box...:)

I used a Cat5 and it worked perfect! What a rip off if anyone wanted to buy a DL!

You don't need the $500 cable. Its just a CAT5 cable, and you can buy one on-line for less than $1 (in a wonderful range of colors!!). Or at any electronics store for around $10, if you're in a hurry.

And yes, I do wonder why Denon sells this. It shows a serious lack of respect for their customers. Makes me wonder how much they're overcharging for their more legitimate products (which I love).

-Reid

That cable was brought up when Gene DellaSala of Audioholics interviewed Jeff Talmadge from Denon (interview is available here (http://www.avrant.com/?p=311)). It's quite entertaining.

It does show a lack of respect for customers to sell only one aftermarket "Denon Link" cable at that price without informing people about the nature of the interface. At least the company does provide one with the relevant players; anything less would have been completely unforgivable.

That cable was brought up when Gene DellaSala of Audioholics interviewed Jeff Talmadge from Denon ... It's quite entertaining.

Yeah, thanks for the pointer! Jeff's response is pretty lame, at best.

On the other hand, reading through the customer reviews for this cable on Amazon is hilarious!

-Reid

I use a Cat 6 (250mhz) cable and if i easy could get Cat 7 cable i use that as connection.

I notice a little improofment with the cat 6 cable over the cat 5 cable.

If you easy can get cat 7 at your local store i say get it.
Cat 7 should be better because it's double shielded.

I use a Cat 6E cable and if i easy could get Cat 7 cable i use that as connection.

I notice a verry little improofment with the cat 6 cable over the cat 5 cable.

I'd be curious to know what improvement you do hear. I'd maintain that Denon's claims - although vague at best - are totally bogus. Consider:

Cat-5, Cat-5e, and Cat-6 all support 1000BASE-T, or 1Gbit/sec - the Gigabit Ethernet specificationCat-6a supports 10GBASE-T - 10 Gbit/secCat-7 is expected to support 100 Gbit/sec (in the future)Denon (well, Jeff) claims their Denon Link cable supports 1.4 Gbit/sec. The *implication* is that they are actually running the link that fast.

So it would seem that you can't use Cat-5, Cat-5e or Cat-6 for Denon link. However, it appears Cat-6a is more than sufficient. But a few important points:

First, the ethernet standards are all defined to work over a 100M run-length!! Noise and error rates are strongly correlated to run-length. The $500 Denon Link cable is a mere 1.5M. I'm not an expert at this stuff, but I would guess that the Cat-5 cable could easily handle 1.4 Gbit/sec for 1.5M.

And clearly Cat-6a could be used, even if it was a 100M length!!! BTW, Cat-6a can be had for about $13 for a 10 ft length. Oddly enough, a 100M run of Cat-6a costs about $300-$400.

So, lets assume Denon really is running the link at 1.4 Gbit/sec. Why???? What the heck are they transferring that fast? Hmm. Lets see...

The total capacity of a single-sided, double-layer DVD is 8.5 GB - or a total of 68 Gbits. So a 1.4 Gbit/sec link would allow them to transfer the *entire* contents of the DVD to the AVR in less than a minute, assuming you could read it that fast... which you can't.The maximum DVD "1x" read rate is 10.5 Mbits/sec. For a 20x drive, this translates to 210 Mbits/sec. But of course, this includes both the audio and the video, so Denon *could* be transferring both the audio and the video over Denon Link using about 20% of the rated bandwidth.A 48Khz 16-bit PCM audio track requires only 768 Kbits/sec. So 8 channels (for 7.1) would therefore require merely 6144 Kbits/sec. At this speed, 802.11b is sufficient - who needs wires, much less ultra-pure copper???

So if I have my math right, Denon is implying that they are running Denon Link more than 200 *times* faster than they need to. Curious. No wonder my BS alert is going off. Why would they do this? Future proofing for when we have 200 channels in our HTs, perhaps? Or perhaps we need to upgrade PCM from 16-bit PCM to 3200-bit? Or perhaps we need a 9.6Mhz sampling rate for audio. Probably not.

Of course, I might be totally wrong - the information from Denon is pretty sketchy. I really wish they would provide a little more real *data*. But I think its important to keep in mind that Cat-5 cable *does* work, after all. On the other hand, I don't doubt that Denon's claim that their cable can potentially handle 1.4Gbit/sec transfer rates over 1.5M are legit. But pointless, and not particularly impressive either, given the length.

I'd also be curious to know if anyone has opened up any of the Denon Link-enabled products and looked at the Link controller chip. Perhaps its proprietary, but I kinda suspect its just an off-the-shelf ethernet controller.

To be honest, what I suspect is that Denon introduced this cable for installers. If someone is spending $50k-100K (or more) on a custom no-holds-barred HT install, who's going to notice $500 for a cable?

Ok, I'll quick ranting now... (but I feel much better...:))

-Reid

Yesterday, I tried video 2 on the PAL materials and this seems to be the mode to use for the problematic PAL deinterlacing issue. The picture is smooth now. The only issue is that I have to switch back to Auto mode when playing video materials.
I know concerts and documentaries are usually shot in video. What other contents are in video? Are all movies done in film mode?

I have this strange issue with my 2930 that I wouldn't mind y'all's input on.

It has to do with the picture settings; when I press the appropriate button on the remote, the menu comes up as it should, and when I move from 'STD' to one of the other picture settings, the picture on my screen changes. Most prominently the reds seem to become less saturated (quite easy to see using anime). This only happens the first time I change the setting though, as I can then move between any of the (unchanged) picture modes, including STD/standard, without anything happening to the PQ on my screen. After the player's been turned off it also happens if I move from M1 to M2, or something, even though all settings in both are at default/zero.

Has anyone else noticed anything similar? I can't say which picture is the most correct one, but the 'changed' one seems a bit better. But that's all preferences and my impression changes from show to show; what I want is the most correct picture quality the 2930 can get me, and not something that's merely impressive to look at.

Thanks to all who offered their help regarding my SACD problem!
I ordered two single layer stereo SACDs to see if they would play. The blue SACD icon lights up and the SACD wording shows up on the display with the single-layer discs. The player still does not recognize the SACD layer on surround or stereo hybrid discs, only the CD layer.
So the player goes off to a Denon Service Center on Monday.
I just hope I get better service from them than I got from my phone call.:rolleyes:

Thanks to all who offered their help regarding my SACD problem!
I ordered two single layer stereo SACDs to see if they would play. The blue SACD icon lights up and the SACD wording shows up on the display with the single-layer discs. The player still does not recognize the SACD layer on surround or stereo hybrid discs, only the CD layer.
So the player goes off to a Denon Service Center on Monday.
I just hope I get better service from them than I got from my phone call.:rolleyes:

Dear CDJ:

Please, let me know what technical solution Denon Service applied in order to solve the SACD problem in your player. In my opinion they are going to change the traverse unit and I would like to confirm my opinion obout the problem. Thank you and good luck with your player!

kunz,

UPS delivered the player to the Service Center today. Since it is no longer under warranty I expect to hear something from them next week about proposed repairs and costs. I'll post an update when I hear something.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but do any of these players output film based DVD's at their native rate of 24Hz progressive?
Like in 1920*1080 @24p?

Just curious.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but do any of these players output film based DVD's at their native rate of 24Hz progressive?
Like in 1920*1080 @24p?

Just curious.

Regular DVD is recorded and played back at 60fps...only blu-ray dvds are capable of reproducing film based 24fps.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but do any of these players output film based DVD's at their native rate of 24Hz progressive?
Like in 1920*1080 @24p?

Just curious.

The New Toshiba XDE player dose 1080p 24F that is better in pictures then the denon 3930CI & the XDE is cheap.

This is from Toshiba's website: "Viewing 24 frames per second requires content created in 480p / 24 frames/sec and an HD display capable of accepting a 1080p/24 Hz signal."

And, I believe there are no commercially available dvds that have recorded content with the format above.

The Denons can't output 1080p/24. That isn't to say it is not possible for DVD players at all.
Film based content (24fps) on R1 DVD is stored as 60i with 3:2 pulldown flags, so it could easily be outputted as 1080p/24.
The problem lies in the DVD menus and DVD extras which often cannot be played back correctly at 1080p/24 (as they are filmed on video in a real interlaced format).

The Denons can't output 1080p/24. That isn't to say it is not possible for DVD players at all.
Film based content (24fps) on R1 DVD is stored as 60i with 3:2 pulldown flags, so it could easily be outputted as 1080p/24.
The problem lies in the DVD menus and DVD extras which often cannot be played back correctly at 1080p/24 (as they are filmed on video in a real interlaced format).

Your statement doesn't make sense. My understanding is the 3:2 and other cadences are already implemented in dvd players but do not correspond to any mathematical conversion to change a 60fps to 24fps. A 3:2 cadence corresponds to taking 3 frames and squeezing it into two, at 60fps the output will be 40fps. But because 3930 handles this conversion flawlessly it comes as close to film as you would expect.
The dvd manufacturer who advertises the 1080/24p indicates the dvd must be created in 24fps before it can be up convert to 1080/24p. To the best of my knowledge only bluray dvds have been created with 24fps.

Yeah, I wasn't completely clear there. Film based content is stored on NTSC DVD's as "48i" (the original 24 progressive frames are split into 48 interlaced frames or better, 48 half frames) and encoded with 3:2 cascade flags in the MPEG2 stream to be outputted as 60i.
This is not the problem. The problem lies in the menus and additional content that is often true 30p or true 60i.
For a DVD player to correctly display both the menus/extra's and the main movie it would need to switch automatically between the different output formats.

Only recently screens have started to accept 1080p/24 so this was never an option.


Btw I do not see where you get 40fps from.
The original 24 film frames are split into 48 interlaced frames. Half of these interlaced frames are then repeated 2 times (2x12=24) and half of them are repeated 3 times (3x12=48). Resulting in 24+48=60 half frames.

"Progressive scan" DVD players will just de-interlace the 48 half frames to the original 24, scale those to 720p or 1080p and again repeat them in a 3:2 pattern to output 60p.

The Denons can't output 1080p/24. That isn't to say it is not possible for DVD players at all.
Film based content (24fps) on R1 DVD is stored as 60i with 3:2 pulldown flags, so it could easily be outputted as 1080p/24.
The problem lies in the DVD menus and DVD extras which often cannot be played back correctly at 1080p/24 (as they are filmed on video in a real interlaced format).

That is correct. I'm currently using an OPPO 980 and DVDO video processor. Outputting 1080p/24 from film-based SD DVDs eliminates cadence judder, and thus allows for a smoother picture if your display is able to properly accommodate it. While not a make or break feature, it is nice to have for those trying to get the absolute most out of the format.

I'm having (another) weird problem with my Denon 2930 and forgive me if this sounds thick but I'm new to the whole upscaling game.

Last weekend I bought a Panasonic TX-32LZD85 HDTV.

When I watch a Blu-Ray disc though the HDMI-1 input using "Normal" picture mode the picture is absolutely sensational. I have the contrast set to roughly 75%, the brightness to 65% and the colour to 40%.

However, when I watch DVDs on my Denon 2930 upscated to 1080p through the HDMI-2 input the picture is absolutely horrible and I realised that the TV is knocking the brightness down by about a half when reading an HDMI signal from the Denon (I don't even have to put a disc in, the TV just senses the HDMI input from the Denon when it's powered-on and drops the brightness).

In order for DVDs to look anything like as bright as Blu-Rays I have to raise the brightness to 90%.

I loaded up the THX calibration from the Attack Of The Clones DVD (also run though the Denon) and, sure enough, it guided me to set my brightness at about 90% (i.e. when the shadow behind the THX logo disappears but the logo remains)

Is this normal? Should the TV be dropping the brightness as soon as is picks up an HMDI signal from the Denon 2930?

I'm using the same HMDI cables from both the Panasonic BD-50 Blu-Ray player and the Denon 2930 (i.e. Panasonic v1.3a cables with deep colour)

Thanks!!!

The service center called today to say that the laser needs to be replaced, about $225. The laser unit has to be ordered so no idea when repairs will be completed since their experience recently has been that lasers are being reported as on backorder. :(

Crazytrekker,
Try setting the IRE to 0 on your 2930 before adjusting the brightness and see if that helps. The instructions are on page 30 of the 2930 manual. Essentially you have to make a custom setting in memory.

The service center called today to say that the laser needs to be replaced, about $225. The laser unit has to be ordered so no idea when repairs will be completed since their experience recently has been that lasers are being reported as on backorder. :(

Dear cdj: I think they are going to replace the complete traverse unit (laser pickup plus control motors) because Denon doesn't recomend any service in this unit (it is factory calibrated). In my opinion, there is a project problem in this unit or the factory adjustment is not very precise. It could explain the high number of reports about this problem.

ok guys i uploaded the problems with my denon 2930Ci

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZocYGoK_IYM

The good news is if you can do it yourself it'll only cost you 86 bucks.

The service center called today to say that the laser needs to be replaced, about $225. The laser unit has to be ordered so no idea when repairs will be completed since their experience recently has been that lasers are being reported as on backorderI sent my DVD-3930CI to Denon Fatory Repair (Mahwah, NJ) a few weeks back. I just recieved an (e-mail) estimate of repairs with a total charge of $364.63 .

It lists:
part No. 9KA2A692 Traverse Unit DVD3930CI quan-01 $110.50
to be replaced

Not sure if this is the laser assembly, or a related mechanical assembly?


Dave

I sent my DVD-3930CI to Denon Fatory Repair (Mahwah, NJ) a few weeks back. I just recieved an (e-mail) estimate of repairs with a total charge of $364.63 .

It lists:
part No. 9KA2A692 Traverse Unit DVD3930CI quan-01 $110.50
to be replaced

Not sure if this is the laser assembly, or a related mechanical assembly?


Dave

Dave: The 3930CI and 2930CI use similar (but not equal) traverse units. As this unit has the laser pickup and the servo motors, it is not clear the origin of the problem. It could be mechanical misalignment, laser faults or both. It is related that replacing the traverse unit solves the problems related to hybrid SACD reading. I wondering if it is really necessary to replace such unit or it could be adjusted. I my case, my new 2930CI started this problem with only two days of use.

Since my 3930ci isn't under warranty now, I sent it to Electronic Express in Chicago on the recommendation of Frank who did the Upgrade Company mods. This might explain the repair cost difference.

Dave: The 3930CI and 2930CI use similar (but not equal) traverse units. As this unit has the laser pickup and the servo motors, it is not clear the origin of the problem. It could be mechanical misalignment, laser faults or both. It is related that replacing the traverse unit solves the problems related to hybrid SACD reading. I wondering if it is really necessary to replace such unit or it could be adjusted. I my case, my new 2930CI started this problem with only two days of use.thanks for your input. At this point I would much rather prefer to have the complete laser/traverse mechanical assembly replaced, as I want to reduce the chance
of failure (maybe get at least a year of trouble-free use before the next failure:)).

To Dutchman01

From UK site http://www.avforums.com/forums/denon-owners-forum/708609-dvd-3930-benchmark-dvd-registration-3.html "..Just had my 3930 Realta update via denon uk and it now reads:
BE 8284-8
MAKE DAY 111
DSP 8250
IP 08 01 02

this seems different to other forum members' updates? revised newer firmware or more up to date hqv chip?

picture has improved and is generally smoother."

Do you have information about new changes in to FW for Realta?

Okay now that I've finally joined the HDTV/LCD revolution and my Denon 2930 (UK model) is linked via HDMI to a Panasonic TX-32LZD85 it looks like I've discovered that I'm suffering from the "Progressive Mode" bug that was discussed several dozen pages back.

When "Progressive Mode" is set to "auto" I'm finding that R2 PAL DVDs are incredibly jerky and hideous to watch. When I switch from "auto" to "video1" the problem instantly goes away.

This is ridiculous considering that both the DVD player and TV are UK models and PAL is the UK standard! (Thankfully most of my movies are R1 but I still have a fair amount of PAL TV material).

The last I heard, this fault could only be fixed by sending your player back to the factory. Is this still the case? If it is I'll be seriously p'd off because I only just got it back from the last fix (not reading discs properly) and the panel at the front was all scratched! Couldn't it be fixed by a firmware update instead? (I'm using the latest firmware from Denon's UK site)

What have other UK (or Euro) customers done about this?

Would there be any issues if I simply left the player in "Video 1" mode?

To Dutchman01

From UK site http://www.avforums.com/forums/denon-owners-forum/708609-dvd-3930-benchmark-dvd-registration-3.html "..Just had my 3930 Realta update via denon uk and it now reads:
BE 8284-8
MAKE DAY 111
DSP 8250
IP 08 01 02

this seems different to other forum members' updates? revised newer firmware or more up to date hqv chip?

picture has improved and is generally smoother."

Do you have information about new changes in to FW for Realta?


This is fun and great news for you and us.
I did not know about a new upgrade firmware for the realta chip.
nice to see you got a newer one.

I did send a email back to Denon and ask the head technical service Denon netherlands for more info about this.

if i have news i will post it here as soon i have the info.

Thanks for the info DIMA Netu.
Dutchman

In my DVD2930CI I can activate the random play and repeat functions at the same time using SACD discs. On the other hand, when I listen to CDs, I am not able to activate both functions at the same time, but they work alone. Is it normal to 2930CI or 3930CI?

Hi Dutchman,
I already had it repaired once in London (back in June), and after only using it for a few hours before my holiday, I went on a 2 month holiday.
I did NOT use the 3930 for 2 months!
Then I had a terrible problem (for the second time) with my 3930 just after coming from holiday. (?!)
The same problems again, even though the traverse mechanism and the power board were already changed. (?!)
I had no picture and no sound. Just today I received 3930 after having the video/audio board changed. Now I have a same problem now and then with coloured stripes (yet again) on TV through HDMI.This was happening before it was repaired for the first time.
The new problem is that now I can't adjust the picture. If I use any of the memories 1, 2,3,4,5 my picture is lost and HDMI output messed up.
Also, my firmware is: 8284-5 (presumably it is the older version and very odd because it used to be 8284-8), MAKE DAY is 305 (used to be 111), DSP 8250 (is unchanged) and IP is 080102 (used to be 070518).
I will enquire with the repair centre about this, but in the meantime do you or anyone knows what all these numbers mean and should you also be contacting your Denon service in regards to my IP number being higher than yours- what might indicate that your Realta should be upgraded?

Cheers.

Well just to give everyone an update, I replaced the traverse unit myself and it works perfectly now.

I had a problem before with a blue line of dots running vertical on screen when I had the unit upscaling, now thats gone.

And the grand total was $90 bucks, got the replacement the very next day and it only took me about 40mins to get it up and running.

To Dutchman01

From UK site http://www.avforums.com/forums/denon-owners-forum/708609-dvd-3930-benchmark-dvd-registration-3.html "..Just had my 3930 Realta update via denon uk and it now reads:
BE 8284-8
MAKE DAY 111
DSP 8250
IP 08 01 02

this seems different to other forum members' updates? revised newer firmware or more up to date hqv chip?

picture has improved and is generally smoother."

Do you have information about new changes in to FW for Realta?

Ok here i'm back more info about this updated realta chip version 080102

IP 080102 resolve a bug with 1 dvd.

SYMPTOM: When "Picture with early movement" of ch12 of "Don Quixote"
on the DVD disc is reproduced, the picture is not smoothly reproduce.
Thats all it update's over IP 070518.

I don't bring in my unit for this update.
One day when i'm arround denon head office i do bring it in.
No need for me to get this fix today.

Ok here i'm back more info about this updated realta chip version 080102

IP 080102 resolve a bug with 1 dvd.

SYMPTOM: When "Picture with early movement" of ch12 of "Don Quixote"
on the DVD disc is reproduced, the picture is not smoothly reproduce.

Thats all it update's over IP 070518.

I don't bring in my unit for this update.
One day when i'm arround denon head office i do bring it in.
No need for me to get this fix today.

Produce new updating only for one disk, Good fellows from Denon!
I handed over the player in service two times, and two times to me changed a video-board with an old FW of the Realta chip, and I think, may be, in general did not nothing.
Dutchman01 did you see as do chip modernization? I think, that a player hook up through RS 232 to the computer and do change FW. Right?

Produce new updating only for one disk, Good fellows from Denon!
I handed over the player in service two times, and two times to me changed a video-board with an old FW of the Realta chip, and I think, may be, in general did not nothing.
Dutchman01 did you see as do chip modernization? I think, that a player hook up through RS 232 to the computer and do change FW. Right?

The Realta chip has is own firmware onboard the chip.

It't cant be updated true the rs-232 poort in the design from the 3930.
The motherboard that holds the chip does have a little socket that kan be used to program this realta processor.

It can only be done by denon service center.

The first IP update is the most important for al dvd's, special in mind for the Pal regio's. This second IP revision just for 1 disc most special for NTSC regio.
(Not Europe).

Not that said it's not useable for you, I know lots of people here in europe with other disc's they playing than the regio 2 (Europe disc's).
(Or Visa Versa).

For me i stick at IP 070518 witch resolve a lot bad picture quality for my regio for more info about this, please go back this topic.

The Realta chip has is own firmware onboard the chip.

It't cant be updated true the rs-232 poort in the design from the 3930.
The motherboard that holds the chip does have a little socket that kan be used to program this realta processor.

It can only be done by denon service center.

The first IP update is the most important for al dvd's, special in mind for the Pal regio's. This second IP revision just for 1 disc most special for NTSC regio.
(Not Europe).

Not that said it's not useable for you, I know lots of people here in europe with other disc's they playing than the regio 2 (Europe disc's).
(Or Visa Versa).

For me i stick at IP 070518 witch resolve a lot bad picture quality for my regio for more info about this, please go back this topic.

In Spain they have absolutely no idea of what we are talking about here, or they won´t do the upgrade :(.

I wait 3 months with the 3930 at service for the upgrade and finally they only update the firmware to 8284-8 :(

This is very sad for me as my loved 3930 has severe problems of combing :(

I wrote Denon Germany few times but never got an answer :(

It will be nice if somebody could tell me how to make myself the upgrade of the Realta chip.

Nacho.

In Spain they have absolutely no idea of what we are talking about here, or they won´t do the upgrade :(.

I wait 3 months with the 3930 at service for the upgrade and finally they only update the firmware to 8284-8 :(

This is very sad for me as my loved 3930 has severe problems of combing :(

I wrote Denon Germany few times but never got an answer :(

It will be nice if somebody could tell me how to make myself the upgrade of the Realta chip.

Nacho.

Again for the last time said to me,

REALTA CHIP Update's CAN NOT BE DONE BY US CUSTOMERS.


YOU NEED TO BRING IN THE UNIT TO DENON SERVICE CENTER.


please, read my past posts.

i can imagine your mind about this,
sorry but you have to keep the pressure on them.

Maybe something can be done if you contact also to DenonJeff.
Sometimes active here on avsforum, a big man from denon he is if you didn't know.

maybe he can make some phone calls for you.

Don't know what i can say more about this if your country dealer doesn't want to upgrade your unit.

Dave: The 3930CI and 2930CI use similar (but not equal) traverse units. As this unit has the laser pickup and the servo motors, it is not clear the origin of the problem. It could be mechanical misalignment, laser faults or both. It is related that replacing the traverse unit solves the problems related to hybrid SACD reading. I wondering if it is really necessary to replace such unit or it could be adjusted. I my case, my new 2930CI started this problem with only two days of use.yeah, I finally got my DVD-3930CI unit back in the mail today. Have'nt had the chance to install it yet. But was reading through the customer service invoice, it states (quote):
"CLEANED/CHECKED/TESTED ALL FUNCTIONS
REPLACED LISTED PART
RESET CPU
UPDATED SOFTWARE
HEAT RUN TESTED FOR 3 DAYS"

"Parts Used:
DVD3930CI PROG SCAN UNIVERSAL DVD/S QUAN-01
9KA2A692 TRAVERSE UNIT DVD3930CI QUAN-01 ($110.00ea)
Parts Total 110.00
Labor 200.00
Tax 09.13
Shipping 45.00
Total 364.63"

Thought $200.00 for labor was extremely high. Also, don't know which version of firmware it has now (will check once everything is re-installed).

Anyway, hope this unit provides stable playback at least for another year (or two) to make it all worth it:o

But I'm glad to have it back.............

Well just to give everyone an update, I replaced the traverse unit myself and it works perfectly now.

I had a problem before with a blue line of dots running vertical on screen when I had the unit upscaling, now thats gone.

And the grand total was $90 bucks, got the replacement the very next day and it only took me about 40mins to get it up and running.

Where did you purchase the part?

Where did you purchase the part?

I got mine direct from my local Denon Headquaters.

Contact the one nearest you and see what they say... if you want I could give you the e-mail of the guy who helped me.

I haven't used my 3910 for awhile (~6 months). Yesterday, I watched a few hours of a DVD. It worked great. Then I started listening to SACD (multichannel). I started hearing pauses in the songs. I started to watch the display and saw that the time readout was either skipping or stopping.

I cleaned the disk and tried again. The same problem. I tried a few other discs with similar results. I popped in a regular CD and had no more problems. This morning I popped in a few DVDs and had display problems. Red streaks become prominant in the picture, pixel blocking etc. The problem is also seen on the Denon splash screen as well (red tinges/outlines) on what should be a normal blue screen.

The problem occurs via DVI and Component cables. The same cables do NOT reproduce the problem with my Toshiba Xa1. This rules out the cables and the projector leaving the problem with the Denon unit. I purchased a cleaning disk and it did not solve the picture problems or the SACD problems.

Any ideas? I'm guessing maybe the laser/assembly is going bad? How do I get this diagnosed and fixed as quickly as possible? Or is this a more expensive and extensive problem than I think? I'm really not looking to buy a new premier player after just 4 years. Any advice/help would be appreciated. Thanks!

I realize this isn't the 3910 thread, but just asking all Denon owners to be most efficient :)

FoolintheRain:
Six months is a very short time to achieve the laser end of life. I have similar problems with my 2030CI (started with only two days of use!). In my opinion, there is some misalignment (electrical or mechanical). Unfortunately, Denon doesn't recommend any service in the laser unit and they normally change the called traverse unit (see WestCoastD #3865 above).

Can the 2930 or 3930 be made multi-region via remote control? Can the US model play Pal discs? If so, has anyone tried Pal-to-NTSC conversion via composite, s-video, or component? If so, does it do a good job, or are there major artifacts?

Can the 2930 or 3930 be made multi-region via remote control? Can the US model play Pal discs? If so, has anyone tried Pal-to-NTSC conversion via composite, s-video, or component? If so, does it do a good job, or are there major artifacts?

1. Yes - and you can find the instructions in this thread
2. Yes - I believe both models do this - my 2930CI does
3. Yes - I've watched PAL discs via component into my Panasonic TH-50PF9UK. It looked OK but I don't have NTSC versions of those discs to compare to. I don't think I had any problems with artifacts when viewing the PAL material.

3. Yes - I've watched PAL discs via component into my Panasonic TH-50PF9UK. It looked OK but I don't have NTSC versions of those discs to compare to. I don't think I had any problems with artifacts when viewing the PAL material.

Is your TV NTSC capable? If so, I would like to know how well the Denon handles Pal discs when the TV type is set to NTSC.

My 3930 wont play PAL discs on my 36" Sony Wega tube NTSC TV. I use a Momitsu or Cambridge Audio (or you can use Oppo) for that. But the 3930 plays PAL discs perfectly to my (multi-format) JVC RS1 projector. Only PAL disc I've had a problem w/ so far was "Colossus: The Forbin Project" (aliasing).

My 3930 wont play PAL discs on my 36" Sony Wega tube NTSC TV. I use a Momitsu or Cambridge Audio (or you can use Oppo) for that. But the 3930 plays PAL discs perfectly to my (multi-format) JVC RS1 projector. Only PAL disc I've had a problem w/ so far was "Colossus: The Forbin Project" (aliasing).

Set your 3930CI's TV type to NTSC. Its factory default is multi, auto or similar.

Not much action w/ this thread lately.

I just watched my 200th DVD on my 3930:)

Not much action w/ this thread lately.

I just watched my 200th DVD on my 3930:)

(1) The Denon Link audio output limits you to Denon receivers if you want pure digital audio. (2) With the combination of HDMI 1.2A for DSD digital output and high-end receivers to decode it, it is becoming more and more pointless to have a DVD player with high-end analog circuitry for audio and video.

(1) The Denon Link audio output limits you to Denon receivers if you want pure digital audio. (2) With the combination of HDMI 1.2A for DSD digital output and high-end receivers to decode it, it is becoming more and more pointless to have a DVD player with high-end analog circuitry for audio and video.

1. True agree with this

2. i don't agree with this.

If you take as example the DVD-3930 and AVR-4306, The onboard DA converters on the DVD-3930 are better.

I can hear the differents between them when playing a source decoding bij the DVD-3930 and Decoding Digital from AVR-4306.

In this example i like the analog circuits on the player above my receiver.

My 3930 is connected to my 5308 AVR with HDMI and Denon Link. I have yet been able to figure out how to play a DVD with anything other that a 2 channel output from the 3930 to the AVR.

I have tried every setup combination that makes sense and I cannot seem to get the 3930 to send a 5.1 output to the AVR.

Any advice on what I am doing wrong?

If the downmix light comes on during DVD-A playback this means the disc is capable of being downmixed, right?

If I simply activate Downmix in the audio menu do I automatically get the full disc, including what would normally come from the surrounds and sub, from my 2 front speakers?

The disc I use an an example is Natalie Merchant's Tigerlily. There is no 2 channel option via the disc menu. But the downmix light is there. I tried it with the feature activated on the player but couldn't tell if I was getting "everything".

It showed as outputting 6 channels on the DVD display.
I'm confused (as usual ;))

My 3930 is connected to my 5308 AVR with HDMI and Denon Link. I have yet been able to figure out how to play a DVD with anything other that a 2 channel output from the 3930 to the AVR.

I have tried every setup combination that makes sense and I cannot seem to get the 3930 to send a 5.1 output to the AVR.

Any advice on what I am doing wrong?


When you configure the inputs on the 5308, have you assigned HDMI or Denon Link as the audio input ? Assuming you want denon link for audio and have configured the input on the 5308 that way, make sure to turn on the denon link on the 3930.

Im going to buy one of these two DVD players my qustion is the 3930ci worth 450.00 more than the 2930ci will I hear a defference in sound on the 3930ci I have a Denon 3808ci and some old infinity Kappas speakers veoldyne sub and a new panasonic 58in tv I think I read something that if you use the denon link theres no sound difference but cant remember also I dont have any SACDs or DVD A I may not ever use this fuction

Thanks Tim

Dear Tim: I owned both 2930 and 3930, get the higher-end 3930 because its a state of the art model. No other DVD player could deliver the buttery smooth, ultra-sharp resolution that the 3930 could muster - owing largely to the HQV Realta video chip. The 2930 produces judders, meaning if you looked closely to an image of a person speaking, his mouth would have motion jitters, as do every swift movement in every frame of image. I've seen it for two years using the 2930 through two DLP projectors, one 480p and another 720p, with Kimber Kable HDMI.
When I retired it and took the 3930, the judders have been effectively eliminated on this model - still with the same projectors, but not only that. The 3930 gives you a theoretical 5% improvement in image and double the color palette of the 2930. I can't comment on the audio side as I have practically no interest on that. If what you're concerned foremostly is the image above everything else, then the Denon 3930 and if possible, the 5910 - will gratify you for years.

Dear Tim: I owned both 2930 and 3930, get the higher-end 3930 because its a state of the art model. No other DVD player could deliver the buttery smooth, ultra-sharp resolution that the 3930 could muster - owing largely to the HQV Realta video chip. The 2930 produces judders, meaning if you looked closely to an image of a person speaking, his mouth would have motion jitters, as do every swift movement in every frame of image. I've seen it for two years using the 2930 through two DLP projectors, one 480p and another 720p, with Kimber Kable HDMI.
When I retired it and took the 3930, the judders have been effectively eliminated on this model - still with the same projectors, but not only that. The 3930 gives you a theoretical 5% improvement in image and double the color palette of the 2930. I can't comment on the audio side as I have practically no interest on that. If what you're concerned foremostly is the image above everything else, then the Denon 3930 and if possible, the 5910 - will gratify you for years.
I agree with everything CultureClub said about the '3930's video quality and features. On the audio side, for those to whom it's important, I would say there's an even stronger argument to be made for '3930 over the '2930. In particular, the two-channel analogue out, with its AL24 Advanced filter and other processing upgrades, is truly an audiophile-level CD music player.

It's tough for me to compare video on the 2930 vs 3930, I didn't own the 2930 long enough to play that many DVDs, and those I did watch I wasn't really watching critically.
For audio it's a different story. I recall the 3930 sounding better when I demo'd the two side by side. But I saved the $450 and bought the 2930.
When I got it home I wasn't all that impressed playing hi-rez or CD.
After 2 months I upgraded to the 3930 and the difference was obvious and significant (to my ears, on my system).
More, and better defined, bass. Much larger soundstage. It paid immediate dividends IMHO and was well worth the extra $$$

Same old story. You get what you pay for. All the reasons above are why I originally chose the 3930 over the 2930.

caveat emptor... just be aware that the Denon 2930/3930s are not the most reliable player out there. They seem to have issues with their optical blocks, plus they only have a paltry one year warranty...

:(

^ I agree 100% - and for that reason will not buy another Denon DVD or Blu-ray player:(.

However (knock on wood:)) my 3930 has been simply SUPERB and gives me day in and day out near perfection in picture and sound. I've watched 212 DVD's on my 3930 and all have played and looked SUPERB. It will be a sad day for me when she gives up the ghost (and I probally wont pay to have her repaired).

caveat emptor... just be aware that the Denon 2930/3930s are not the most reliable player out there. They seem to have issues with their optical blocks, plus they only have a paltry one year warranty...

:(

is the 3800bdci more relibale than the 3930ci I have seen a few of these going for $1200-$1300 range would it be worth it to get the 3800bdci ??

^ I agree 100% - and for that reason will not buy another Denon DVD or Blu-ray player:(.

However (knock on wood:)) my 3930 has been simply SUPERB and gives me day in and day out near perfection in picture and sound. I've watched 212 DVD's on my 3930 and all have played and looked SUPERB. It will be a sad day for me when she gives up the ghost (and I probally wont pay to have her repaired).


Do you keep track of the number of DVDs played? or does the machine know somehow.

(e.g. my TV will tell you how many hours if you the secret code)

Having read the many posts in this thread regarding problems with the 2930/3930, I can only comment that my experience with the 3930 has been flawless. Perhaps I was just lucky.

A great piece of equipment in both the video and audio areas.

Having read the many posts in this thread regarding problems with the 2930/3930, I can only comment that my experience with the 3930 has been flawless. Perhaps I was just lucky.

A great piece of equipment in both the video and audio areas.

Ditto :)

Having read the many posts in this thread regarding problems with the 2930/3930, I can only comment that my experience with the 3930 has been flawless. Perhaps I was just lucky.

A great piece of equipment in both the video and audio areas.

My experience with the 2930 has been and still is superb.

On a forum like this I think you have to consider that a few complaints can make a lot of noise. The hundreds of happy consumers are never heard from.

Nevertheless, there is no way to know for sure; only Denon knows. And I am certainly very sorry for those who have had trouble.

Do you keep track of the number of DVDs played? or does the machine know somehow.

(e.g. my TV will tell you how many hours if you the secret code)

I keep track of the movies I watch. However I do believe there is an hours played timer accessible through the service menu.

my 3930 has been simply SUPERB
Hey John:

I just got my DVD-3930CI back up and running, it had been back to customer service (for the second time). My system has been down since like May (as my brand-new DVD-3800BDCI failed as well), so it has been a long summer. But I'm excited to watch material again.

So I'm trying to remember which set-up level setting was best- ie. 0IRE or 7.5IRE? Right now I have it set = 0, contrast is beautiful (nice blacks on my Pioneer Kuro plasma). All other setting are default.

I'm open for experimenting with any idea's on settings/configuration.........


Dave

Hey John:

I just got my DVD-3930CI back up and running, it had been back to customer service (for the second time). My system has been down since like May (as my brand-new DVD-3800BDCI failed as well), so it has been a long summer. But I'm excited to watch material again.

So I'm trying to remember which set-up level setting was best- ie. 0IRE or 7.5IRE? Right now I have it set = 0, contrast is beautiful (nice blacks on my Pioneer Kuro plasma). All other setting are default.

I'm open for experimenting with any idea's on settings/configuration.........


Dave

I thinking about getting a 3930ci or a 3800bdci is there a learing curve to set these up would it be ok if I ran the HDMI cable stright to the Tv and than ran the coax audio to my receiver I dont think I will use the SACD or the DVD-A audio

Thanks Tim

Hey John:

I just got my DVD-3930CI back up and running, it had been back to customer service (for the second time). My system has been down since like May (as my brand-new DVD-3800BDCI failed as well), so it has been a long summer. But I'm excited to watch material again.

So I'm trying to remember which set-up level setting was best- ie. 0IRE or 7.5IRE? Right now I have it set = 0, contrast is beautiful (nice blacks on my Pioneer Kuro plasma). All other setting are default.

I'm open for experimenting with any idea's on settings/configuration.........


Dave

Glad to hear you're back in business:). I have my 3930 set at 0IRE.

I have my 3930 set at 0IRE.thanks! yeah, IRE = 0 looks like the way to go, very nice contrast.

I'm thinking about getting a 3930CI or a 3800BDCI, is there a learing curve to set these up?both are great functioning units (when they're working), you would be definitely happy with the performance from either unit. There is a learning curve for any of these unit's, however you should be able to find your way to set either up and run properly by reading through the manual, as well as post's on these threads.


Would it be ok if I ran the HDMI cable straight to the TV and than ran the coax audio to my receiveryes, you can set things up this way, Just have to configure audio settings as such.


I dont think I will use the SACD or the DVD-A audiothen I would go with a DVD-3800BDCI.

Somebody already did. :) The 5910 uses the Realta chip. The 3930 will use the Reon. I believe the new scalers are using the Realta - have to check over in the video processor forum.

larry

5910 is used old version "Realta" which is no upscale function, 3930 is used new version "Realta" which has upscale function same as AVP, AVC & DVD-3800BD.

as a relative newbie here (but one who has been reading various forums for the last year or so), i thought i'd just let the list know that i, too, have had problems with my 3930 reading several SACDs (sometimes it just won't read the MC layer, sometimes it won't read the disc at all).

however, unlike many of the other folks in here, i'm in japan, and the customer service level here is superb. i've sent my unit in once and it was returned to me in less than five days. unfortunately, i have to send it in again with the same problem that it was having before, and the unit is still less than one year old. let's hope they get it right this time.

keeping my fingers crossed...:)

i, too, have had problems with my 3930 reading several SACDs (sometimes it just won't read the MC layer, sometimes it won't read the disc at all)don't you just love it:(

Hi

Denon 3930ci

I upgraded to latest firmware 8284-8. I thought the region would stay the same - just increased fiunctionality - WRONG- machine is now region 2 ( I am in Sydney - region 4)

I have scoured the net for a region 4 firmware - no luck

Can some PLEASE point me to a region 4 firmware? or multiregion firmware? like I had with my 3910.

I don't want to take this to the shop...


Hi All,

I just wanted to follow up on benjamiah's post quickly before I update the firmware on my 3930..

If I'm reading his post correctly, it seems as though when he upgraded his firmware, his region was switched from R4 to R2.

This makes a certain amount of sense, as Dutchman's firmwares have all originated in R2, but this is the first comment I've seen from someone making note of a region-change resulting from a firmware upgrade, despite the fact that a number of people from R1 have reported flashing their firmwares in this thread.

Can anyone who has upgraded their firmware (ideally with v8284-8) on an R1 player please comment on whether or not their region changed as a result?

I know the player can easily be made region free, but I'd rather not get into that right now.

FYI... I also own a Pioneer BDP-05FD... admittedly it has not been a trouble free player, but in my opinion, the Pioneer is superior to the Denon DVD-3930CI when playing standard DVDs as well as playing back CDs... It's lack of SACD playback is disappointing tho... Even tho, I have not used the Denon since the Pioneer was added to the system... just my two cents worth...

FYI... I also own a Pioneer BDP-05FD... admittedly it has not been a trouble free player, but in my opinion, the Pioneer is superior to the Denon DVD-3930CI when playing standard DVDs as well as playing back CDs......I finally have my BDP-05FD integrated into my system along-side my DVD-3930CI and DVD-3800BDCI. While I have'nt played any SD-DVD or BD titles yet I have played an array of CD's, the sound quality is definitely good. However, so far, I could 'nt really say the Pioneer is better sounding than either Denon player for CD playback, it's hard to tell (I think). Both Denon players are very nice sounding units, I believe the AL24 technology yields slightly better performance comparing to conventional analog playback (disregarding PQLS) from the Pioneer.

I have been using my Denon 2930 for 9 months already. I do not use any HDMI upscaling when sending signal to my Pioneer plasma - this gives me best picture quality. However I have recently noticed that when I use HDMI connection the picture motion is not stable. It is not the case for component link. I tried to change cabling to see whether this may have an impact. No change. Have you experienced such problem? If so how did yuo manage it. Thanks

Bump

Can anyone who has done a firmware upgrade tell me if it resulted in their region being switched, as it did for benjamiah?

I have updated my 2930 several times. It never changed regions. Although I did make it region free.

My 3930 never changed regions either when I updated the firmware.

Thanks for confirming that, guys.

I updated mine without issue, and the region seems not to have changed for me as well, so I'm not sure what could have happened in benjamiah's case.


I've only had the 3930 for a little over a week, but so far I'm absolutely blown away by this player. I happened to wander into my favourite A/V shop one day and discovered that they had one left, NIB, fully warranted, that they were selling for 50% off :eek: I pretty much tore the pocket right off my pants trying to get the credit card down before someone else snatched it up!

When I got it home and quickly set it up, I popped in Finding Nemo and my GF (who hadn't really paid much attention to what I was doing up to that point, except to note that it was taking me too long, LOL) immediately said, "Woah! That's a really good picture!" And that was just the menu :D

She and I just sat there jaws dropped while the actual movie played out.


I've managed to lock it up twice so far, which is a bit disappointing, but build date on my unit is July 2007, and it shipped with 8284-7 on it, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm working with some vaguely reliable parts here (reading through this thread has been an exercise in terror to say the least).

Even if not I really have no regrets -- this thing is an absolute gem when it's working.

I've only had the 3930 for a little over a week, but so far I'm absolutely blown away by this player. I happened to wander into my favourite A/V shop one day and discovered that they had one left, NIB, fully warranted, that they were selling for 50% off :eek: I pretty much tore the pocket right off my pants trying to get the credit card down before someone else snatched it up!

Congratulations on a great buy. If you like the picture from the 3930, wait until you hear surround sound music (DVDA and/or SACD)!

I'll echo all the comments here about what an outstanding piece of equipment the '3930CI is. For music, it's really in a class with some of the high-end dedicated CD players out there, while it's SD DVD performance is second to none, except perhaps Denon's own very top-of-the-line player, and even there, not by much.
I've had my '3930 since it first hit the market, and while I did have some operational glitches at the very beginning, they were cleared up by the initial firmware upgrades. The subsequent upgrades, through the current Version 8, must have improved something, but were not as critical as with the first two or three upgrades.

My 3930 never changed regions either when I updated the firmware.

Congratulations on a great buy. If you like the picture from the 3930, wait until you hear surround sound music (DVDA and/or SACD)!

Yeah, even though it's still pricey at half-off retail - at least for me - that's the sort of deal you simply do not pass up IMO.. talk about being in the right place at the right time :cool:

I really can't wait to hear what it brings to the audio side of things.. we're renovating my loft at the moment, so I'm ashamed to admit that the unit is currently running into a fairly ghetto rig I've cobbled together temporarily: HDMI @ 1080P into my Dell 2708WFP monitor (which, thankfully, is a fantastic display), with the 2ch analog outs going into some Sony computer speakers for sound.. I know.. I'm a bad man. :o

Needless to say, I'm expecting to be very very happy with the purchase when I finally hear it through the AVR-5308CI and Totem Hawks I have boxed up!


My 3930 never changed regions either when I updated the firmware.

Good to know, thanks.

It seemed unlikely to me that the region would change, given that there would surely have been more 'discussion' of it had that been the case, but I felt it was worth following up on just to be sure.

Hopefully since benjamiah hasn't posted anything further, he was able to get his issue sorted out without too much trouble.

Yeah, even though it's still pricey at half-off retail - at least for me - that's the sort of deal you simply do not pass up IMO.. talk about being in the right place at the right timeyeah, that's about the [right) price for the DVD-3930CI if you ask me. Although, I admit, the picture and sound is worth a million dollars:)


Needless to say, I'm expecting to be very very happy with the purchase when I finally hear it through the AVR-5308CI and Totem Hawks I have boxed up!yes, should provide for a nice sounding system. I would also recommend going for one of the newer Pioneer Kuro plasma display's (if you're considering a new display), these are the most beautiful performing display's out there, the DVD-3930CI really shines with these units.

Be kind and gentle to these players...............

yes, should provide for a nice sounding system. I would also recommend going for one of the newer Pioneer Kuro plasma display's (if you're considering a new display), these are the most beautiful performing display's out there, the DVD-3930CI really shines with these units.

Be kind and gentle to these players...............

I'm not sure a new display is in the cards at this point, sadly.. we do ~90% of our viewing on a Sony HS51 projector that is hardly cutting edge, but still throws a very pleasing picture, so I'm not in a huge rush to upgrade. I am deeply jealous of your Kuro though :D

Having said that, I bought the 5308CI never planning to pair it up with anything quite like a 3930 for SD DVD and CD content, and now I'm beginning to wonder if so much duplicate circuitry isn't just going to go to waste.. They share the same DACs and video processors, after all.

Part of me is very tempted to return it in exchange for a 4308 instead.. heck the difference in price would nearly pay for our new floor, LOL! Then again, it's always nice to know you're not going to be forced to sacrifice anything just because one component is lacking in a certain area..

Anyone care to help me with this one? Is a 3930 + 5308 setup overkill, or a match made in heaven? What about a 3930 + 4308? Any obvious drawbacks to that pairing that the 5308 avoids?

I bought the 5308CI never planning to pair it up with anything quite like a 3930 for SD DVD and CD content, and now I'm beginning to wonder if so much duplicate circuitry isn't just going to go to waste.. They share the same DACs and video processors, after all?
I guess it could'nt hurt to have the (extra) circuitry.


What about a 3930 + 4308?should work very well together. Even a AVR-3808CI.

If you are able to exchange I would go for a Kuro display:)

I finally have my BDP-05FD integrated into my system along-side my DVD-3930CI and DVD-3800BDCI. While I have'nt played any SD-DVD or BD titles yet I have played an array of CD's, the sound quality is definitely good. However, so far, I could 'nt really say the Pioneer is better sounding than either Denon player for CD playback, it's hard to tell (I think). Both Denon players are very nice sounding units, I believe the AL24 technology yields slightly better performance comparing to conventional analog playback (disregarding PQLS) from the Pioneer.

have you tried using the analog outputs for the Pioneer? That way you use the Wolfson DACS in the Pioneer vs the Burr-Browns for the Denon... I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much better the Wolfsons are over the Burr-Browns...

have you tried using the analog outputs for the Pioneer? That way you use the Wolfson DACS in the Pioneer vs the Burr-Browns for the Denon... I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much better the Wolfsons are over the Burr-Browns...yeah, I am referring to conventional analog playback in both situations- ie. playing through the Burr Brown and Wolfson DAC's. I find it very close. I will test some more as well.......

Dave

Anyone care to help me with this one? Is a 3930 + 5308 setup overkill, or a match made in heaven? What about a 3930 + 4308? Any obvious drawbacks to that pairing that the 5308 avoids?

I'd go with the less expensive receiver and a Kuro.

Sorry, not to highjack this thread but...... speaking of budgets, did you see this?
http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/denons-dvd-a1ud-worlds-first-universal-sacd-dvd-a-blu-ray/

speaking of budgets, did you see this?yeah, there is a thread on the BluRay form somewhere about this unit:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1048326

A great player on paper, especially having descrete balanced 2ch OUT section, and much more.

However with Denon's recent legacy of quality I'd be a little leary of paying the kind of asking price they're quoting (they show $5860.00 in the article, but thread is quoting like $3500.00).

I'd go with the less expensive receiver and a Kuro.
[/URL]

The more time passes, the more I'm inclined to agree.

Looks like I might have an opportunity to get a very nice deal on a Marantz SR8002, which is now really tempting me.. my initial approach to all of this was going to be having the AVR doing all of my processing/upscaling (hence the 5308) so that I could make the most of the bits I already have and/or go with slightly cheaper upgrades in the future..

Now that I have something that does all of that as well as the 3930 does - which I'll be using for the vast majority of my listening and watching - that line of thinking changes quite a bit.. Now I'm beginning to really see the sense in Marantz's approach which is to provide minimal video scaling in the processor, while at the same time making sure the audio stage is top-notch.

So lately I've been thinking it's going to be either an SR8002 (and maybe a Kuro :D), or even better, the Marantz AV/MM 8003 separates..

Weren't you once considering the Marantz 8003s, WestCoastD? What was your conclusion in the end there?

Nice unit the new A1UD, now lets wait for the new 3800 units with SACD etc.

Let see what 2009 will bring us.

I'm shure the 2500 and 3800 will replaced for new models.
But when??

The current DVD-3800 is not a good replacement for the DVD-3930 in my opinion.
lacks SACD, DVD-AUDIO.

Nice unit the new A1UD, now lets wait for the new 3800 units with SACD etc.isn't the DVD-A1UD the DVD-3800BDCI with more features (ie. SACD, DVD-A, etc.,...)?

Can't imagine paying over 5K for this player even if I could afford it...

Dear All!

I have an issue with my Denon 3930: Denon DVD 3930 - Problems reading new/actual DVDs :confused:
To not overload this thread I have opened a new one here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1093241)

Thank you for your support! :)

Can't imagine paying over 5K for this player even if I could afford it...

The DVD-A1UD does look like it will be a very nice technical feat. It is particularly interesting to see Denon embrace 32-bit audio processing with a 32-bit DAC stage. That being said, I would much rather put the money towards over 200 more Blu-ray Disc purchases. Being someone who doesn't use the analog section of a player, my Panasonic BD35/OPPO 980/Denon 2930/DVDO Edge combo is hard to beat.

The DVD-A1UD does look like it will be a very nice technical feat. It is particularly interesting to see Denon embrace 32-bit audio processing with a 32-bit DAC stage. That being said, I would much rather put the money towards over 200 more Blu-ray Disc purchases. Being someone who doesn't use the analog section of a player, my Panasonic BD35/OPPO 980/Denon 2930/DVDO Edge combo is hard to beat.

I have an Edge as well, and am thinking strongly of upgrading my Marantz DV8400 to one of the Denons. Do you get the best results by upscaling in your player, or letting the Edge do it? How does video look versus film?

I have updated my 2930 several times. It never changed regions. Although I did make it region free.

Is there a new firmware for it? The one I have is about 8 months old.

Is there a new firmware for it? The one I have is about 8 months old.

To my knowledge, the last firmware version is: 8283-C. Yes, it's about 8 months old.

I think Denon is done providing firmware for these older players. In fact I don't think Denon "officially" provided any firmware at all for 3930 players here in USA.

if you really believe there is an issue with your DVD-3930CI unit I would send it to the Denon Customer Service Center in New Jersey. They will provide the latest firmware and test/check it out.

Hi all,
just got my DVD-3930 back from Denon-Service. I had some problems with the HDMI input, which they fixed within 4 weeks!
While checking the codefree function I noticed a new firmware being installed already: 8284-9 (!!!)
I checked the Denon website, but the new firmware is not (yet) downloadable!
So I have no idea what benefits the new firmware brings with it!
But anyway, I'm lucky! :-))

To my knowledge, the last firmware version is: 8283-C. Yes, it's about 8 months old.

Thanks for the info!

Hi all,
just got my DVD-3930 back from Denon-Service. I had some problems with the HDMI input, which they fixed within 4 weeks!
While checking the codefree function I noticed a new firmware being installed already: 8284-9 (!!!)
I checked the Denon website, but the new firmware is not (yet) downloadable!
So I have no idea what benefits the new firmware brings with it!
But anyway, I'm lucky! :-))

DO you know if the 2930's and the 390's use the same firmware?

DO you know if the 2930's and the 390's use the same firmware?
No, they don't.

No, they don't.

Thanks - just thought I'd check since the numbers seemed close.

just got my DVD-3930 back from Denon-Service. I noticed a new firmware being installed already: 8284-9I believe I have the same version on my unit

By the way, the problem with that HDMI-Output is still not fixed! :mad: I wonder what these guys had actually done with my player, besides the latest firmware update? After 30 minutes of watching a DVD I still get some strange green-yellow coloured flickering little spots on my Toshiba 52" LCD! And it's only via HDMI, no matter upscaled or not!
Is there anybody here who has noticed the same behavior of his unit? I tried different cables, made sure that there is enough space around the player due to that immense heat it's producing! And I don't want to send it back a second time! But I still think the heat inside the player is responsible for that. They've changed the HDMI-unit already, but that doesn't seem to be the remedy! Any ideas?

Hi guys I just dropped my 3930 into Denon Canada yesterday

I watch alot of PAL discs here in Canada..as I just moved here from Australia so most of my DVDs are R4 (PAL).

Ive bee able to compare some of my R4 discs with R1 discs and they DO NOT look good at all on my Panasonic Plasma.I even noticed a few lip sync problems on a few discs....

I asked Denon Canada,and they said they can update my unit.I dropped it off last night...so I will report back

Hi,

Anyone can tell me that where can get the 3930 firmware 8284-9?

Thanks a lot.

Hi,

Anyone can tell me that where can get the 3930 firmware 8284-9?

Thanks a lot.

I join in. I am running 8284-8 today, but the improvements in the different firmware have been noticable.

My 3930 gets fairly warm (more so than most of my other gear), but I certainly wouldn't call it hot. I've got good ventilation for it in both of my systems mind you.

Is it the Realta processor that generates this heat? Maybe a fan problem?

Hi,

Anyone can tell me that where can get the 3930 firmware 8284-9?

Thanks a lot.


Just send out a e-mail to Denon Head Office,

I will post more info if i get the official info in the next days.

Stay tuned.

Dutchman01

Just send out a e-mail to Denon Head Office,

I will post more info if i get the official info in the next days.

Stay tuned.

Hi Dutchman!

Thank you for your great support (again)!

Looking forward to update my machine to the new firmware... :)

With kind regards
Joe :cool:

Just send out a e-mail to Denon Head Office,

I will post more info if i get the official info in the next days.

Stay tuned.

Dutchman01

Hi Dutchman!

Thank you for your great support !

Finally got it,

After almost 2 years of asking my 3930 was actualized to the lastest Realta firmware here in Spain. I have only check with Terminator 3 PAL but apparently combing was off :)

This is the actual status of my 3930,

BE 8284-9, Make Day 901, DSP 8250, IP 020108

Quite happy right now :p

Nacho.

Just send out a e-mail to Denon Head Office,

I will post more info if i get the official info in the next days.

Stay tuned.

Dutchman01

Hi Dutchman!

Can you find out about any firmware updates for the 2930?
2930and 3030 usually have updates released at the same time.
Thanks for all your support. :)

My 3930 gets fairly warm. Is it the Realta processor that generates this heat? Maybe a fan problem?yeah, this is "normal", the processing generates a significant amont of heat. Notice the left-side of the unit (where it is vented on the side), it's usually more hot in that area. I believe that's the video board.

Hello,
I've had this player for about a year now and have noticed problems occassionaly when playing a movie that I've 'backed up'. Movies I've burned to DVD+R DL discs will sometimes pause and become blocky then will skip ahead. Sometimes it's a few seconds sometimes more. Usually it's 5-10 minutes into a movie. After this happens a few times the player usually gives up and refuses to play the disc. At that point I've had to eject the disc and try playing again.
I've not seen this happen with purchased, studio created discs.
I've tried burning at lower speeds but that doesn't appear to be the issue. When playing these discs the laser seems to do a lot more searching and orienting than with purchased studio dvds.
I noticed that once the player warms up this problem seems less of an issue. Sections that formerly skipped don't any longer. Very strange.
Im wondering if it might be the brand of discs Im using. Has anyone had/seen this issue?
Im using firmware 8283-C and the HDMI and DenonLink outputs. Thanks.

Hi rsalexan,
I had this same problem with my 2930CI with both DVD+R and DVD-R disks. I sent it in with some sample disks after speaking with a tech. My unit was repaired and although no note was included when it was returned, I believe the laser assembly was replaced.
It really helped that I had a DVD-1920 to "a-b" against at the time to be sure that it was not media related. Note that Denon claims "conditional" support for DVD+R on the 2930CI. So if you can, I suggest you try the disks in a different Denon DVD player first so that you can tell the tech you've already confirmed the media is not the issue. It should save you some hassle if you're considering repair from Denon.

Info Firmware update DVD-3930CI/DVD-3930 Firmware: BE8284-9 Date: 26-09-2008

Here it is the latest firmware


changelog for BE8284-9 makeday 901

* Translation error in French. ("arrcat image" is not correct. We improved to "arret image").

Link tofirmware:

http://rapidshare.com/files/176416608/GEN8284-9_901_DVD3930CI_DVD3930.zip

This 9th firmware for the 3930is not so big as you may thougt.
It does only fix a Frech update translation.
But some people always wants the latest firmware isn't it. :):):)

little instuction:

1- Unzip the files also the file in the zip with the rom insite it.

2 -Burn the Folder DVD_3930 with the content D393SAVD.ROM inside it on CD according to ISO 9660 (No Joliet) at 4x or slower and finalize the CD.
[I recommend NERO BURNING ROM for this job] a CD-RW works also without a problem.

If the update disc is not created or structured in this way the
player will not be able to read the update disc and update will fail.

Manuals and changelog are also added withe the update rom.

As always, Upgrading you firmware is always a risk.
Take care, Please Read instructions fully.

Happy Hollidays :)

Dutchman01

Hi Dutchman!

Thank you for your great support again!

link added to the post above.

Upgrade done on my own 3930.

works like a charm to me.

Happy Holiday's to all of you.

greetings,

Dutchman1

Hello
I can confirm Denon Canada updated my 3930CI DVD with the Realta update to fix issues with PAL discs

I havent picked up the unit yet to see the difference . Thanks to all for letting me know this update was around.

Merry Christmas to you all

Hello,
I've had this player for about a year now and have noticed problems occassionaly when playing a movie that I've 'backed up'. Movies I've burned to DVD+R DL discs will sometimes pause and become blocky then will skip ahead. Sometimes it's a few seconds sometimes more. Usually it's 5-10 minutes into a movie. After this happens a few times the player usually gives up and refuses to play the disc. At that point I've had to eject the disc and try playing again.
I've not seen this happen with purchased, studio created discs.

I had the same problem with my 3930ci. After a while it started affecting my commercially pressed disks too. I sent it in to the NJ repair facility for repair and they replaced the laser assembly this August. Works great now.

It was out of warranty so it cost me $300 or so. If I had known it was possible to do this as a DIY repair I would have.

I am wondering if I should by a spare traverse unit just in case.

Has anyone worn out TWO of these?

I had the same problem with my 3930ci. After a while it started affecting my commercially pressed disks tooyeah, I've found that CD-R's and DVD-R's, etc.,... are somewhat un-stable in these machines, tend to cause erratic behavior. So I don't screw with them at all, I only play commercial disc's just to be safe. I think these may lead to pre-mature laser dysfunction?

I play home-burned disc's (CD-R's, DVD-R's, etc.,...) in my cheaper priced players (Oppo, etc.,...), they seem to handle them better anyway.


Has anyone worn out TWO of these?yeah I have. The second time around it cost me $350.00-plus.

just tried to renew the firmware on my 3930 and failed. It wont read the CD. Just says READING then STOP. Thats it.

Any clues why this doesnt work?

Thanks.

A.I have the same problem with the latest firmware. Now, when I play a movie, there is a white vertical line on the left and it's fuzzy on the edge.

I'm still stuck on:
BE 8284
Make Day 711
DSP 8250
IP 060711


Just got off the phone with Denon USA.

They confirmed there is a firmware upgrade for the 3930CI, that it will be posted to the US web site when they've completed testing it, and service is hoping that will be sometime in the "next few weeks."

Since my 3930CI is working just fine, I'm not in a hurry, but it is coming for US customers.Over a year and still no US firmware!

link added to the post above.

Upgrade done on my own 3930.

works like a charm to me.
Hi Dutchman01!

The firmware update works fine with my player - no problem updating it.
Thank you for your support!

Unfortunatly it did not change/help with my problem - described here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1093241). :mad:
But it was clear as only french wording was changed... :)

With kind regards
Joe :cool:

Hi Dutchman01!

The firmware update works fine with my player - no problem updating it.
Thank you for your support!

Unfortunatly it did not change/help with my problem - described here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1093241). :mad:
But it was clear as only french wording was changed... :)

With kind regards
Joe :cool:

I did read your topic about your problems with your player.

I bet the problems will be resolved if you bring in the unit to denon to replace the optical block as fast as posible.

1 question i have:

Do you own hybrid SACD's???

If so, does the player run the SACD layer or only the CD layer?

If it only runs the cd layer your optical block is very bad and will get worser
soon.

The laser as you discribe does current working hard to read the cd/dvd's.
It does not have a long life this way.

Send in as soon as you can, contact denon if you still are under warrenty.

I had my optical block fail twice in six months. Now that it is out of warranty, it is having the same issues again. It's not worth having to repair the 3930 for $350 (and shipping to and from Hawaii to Denon costs about $200) and knowing it will probably fail again.

This has cost Denon a customer and anyone who asks me about Denon will be another lost customer. How does that saying go? One bad customer experience costs a company ten future sales??? With all of us here with broken players... I figure Denon lost over a hundred plus new customers easily...

I have the same problem with the latest firmware. Now, when I play a movie, there is a white vertical line on the left and it's fuzzy on the edge.I was finally able to complete the update using Nero. But when watching Blade Runner, the screen is still off-centered, the vertical white line is still on the left side of the screen and the left edge is fuzzy. The attached image shows the fuzzyness, but the vertical white line doesn't show up too well.

Would anyone know if this is the due to the DVD mastering :confused:?

Hello a_ok2me:

I just checked Blade Runner Special Edition with my Denon 3930CI updated with the latest firmware 8284-9 installed as Dutchman recommended yesterday. I didn't find the still frame you attached but opened chapter 2 and I see no white line as shown and the edge to edge sharpness is great on my 3 year old Hitachi plasma set for this DVD.

Maybe with more information about your equipment, someone here may be able to provide a recommendation to fix your problem.

Hello a_ok2me:

I just checked Blade Runner Special Edition with my Denon 3930CI updated with the latest firmware 8284-9 installed as Dutchman recommended yesterday. I didn't find the still frame you attached but opened chapter 2 and I see no white line as shown and the edge to edge sharpness is great on my 3 year old Hitachi plasma set for this DVD.

Maybe with more information about your equipment, someone here may be able to provide a recommendation to fix your problem.I think you have a better version. I have the original director's cut released in 1999. The PQ isn't that great to begin with. The still frame is an example. The entire movie is off-centered with the vertical white line and fuzzyness on the left. Also, the movie doesn't fill the entire screen, left to right. On my old 50" Elite (non-Kuro), it filled the entire screen all around. I might have always been this way and I never noticed. A couple more pictures below.

As for my setup, it's just the 3930 hdmi to the 60" Elite 151FD.

Kuro screen size = Auto / Full (same problem with other sizes)

HDMI Format
V & H Keystone = 0
YCbcr = Auto @ 1080p

Digital Interface Setup
HDMI RGB Setting = Enhanced
HDMI Audio Setup = Multi(LPCM)
HDMI Auto Format = Panel Res.
Denon Link = Off

Video Setup
TV Aspect = Wide(16:9)
TV Type = Multi
Component Video Out = Progressive
Audio/Video Sync = HDMI
Squeeze Mode = Off
Progressive Mode = Auto
Pixel Cropping = Off

:confused:
In my DVD2930CI I can activate the random play and repeat functions at the same time using SACD discs. On the other hand, when I listen to CDs, I am not able to activate both functions at the same time, but they work alone. Is it normal to 2930CI and 3930CI?
:confused:

I'm sure this has been discussed, but I can't seem to find it; I no longer get sound on my receiver.

My setup:
Denon 3930 to Plasma via HDMI
Denon 3930 to Denon 3806 AVR via Denon Link

In my DVD setup menu, the DLink option is OFF and I can't change it. I assume this is because it detect HDMI :confused:?

The Audio Input setup on my receiver is set to DLink for DVD, but it is not showing a DLink connection on the screen. I also selected the Input to "AUTO" to detect the incoming signal. My DLink connection appears to be severed.

By default, does the new firmware only allow HDMI connections to the AVR if it detects HDMI to the plasma? I don't want to have to buy another HDMI cable for this. Any suggestion?

@a_ok2me:

Try to change the settings without any disc in the player!
To check the amp-settings connect a single cinch-cable (yellow) between amp (Monitor-Output) and your tv.

@a_ok2me:

Try to change the settings without any disc in the player!
To check the amp-settings connect a single cinch-cable (yellow) between amp (Monitor-Output) and your tv.Thanks - I figured that out when I stuck in an audio CD. It doesn't allow you to turn on the DLink on the fly. I vaguely remember this was discussed in this thread a long time ago, but I couldn't find it. Oh well...

:confused::confused:
In my DVD2930CI I can activate the random play and repeat functions at the same time using SACD discs. On the other hand, when I listen to CDs, I am not able to activate both functions at the same time, but they work alone. Is it normal to 2930CI and 3930CI?
:confused::confused:

Reading some of these posts, I'm getting nervous about buying one of these units. Still, my setup is far more simple (straight 2-channel stereo) than many who report problems so I'll surely bypass some of the issues discussed here...

DEAR PAL PREPRESS: Shake away your jitters over getting these two Denons. I've had five Denons through the years and I never regretted getting the brand consistently because they always deliver more than brilliantly. Take the now-dated 5910, it'll give you at least a qualifiable 5% benefit in picture quality from that of the 3930. Plus an incremental advantage in surround capability - if audio is your main concern. The occasional troubles reported here are too paltry to dissuade most of us to shy off from Denon. Lemons are inevitable but thats because Denon has largely subcontracted their assemblies to China. The only time the brand "failed" me is pricing their Blu Ray 3800 beyond my budget, thats why for my first Blu Ray I grab the Panasonic BD35.

I had my optical block fail twice in six months.

Doesn't Denon provide warranty coverage on their repairs, or is it 30 days?

DEAR PAL PREPRESS: Shake away your jitters over getting these two Denons. I've had five Denons through the years and I never regretted getting the brand consistently because they always deliver more than brilliantly. Take the now-dated 5910, it'll give you at least a qualifiable 5% benefit in picture quality from that of the 3930. Plus an incremental advantage in surround capability - if audio is your main concern. The occasional troubles reported here are too paltry to dissuade most of us to shy off from Denon. Lemons are inevitable but thats because Denon has largely subcontracted their assemblies to China. The only time the brand "failed" me is pricing their Blu Ray 3800 beyond my budget, thats why for my first Blu Ray I grab the Panasonic BD35.

My thinking had been to replace my Marantz DV8400 with a 2930 or 3930 to use for DVD and CD playback, then I could get a smaller Blu-ray (such as the Panasonic you got) which would be for Blu-ray playback only, or get a super player like the 3800 or the new Marantz BD8002 and have it do everything; that may be the more expensive route. I'm not much on movies and would like to see more music/special interest material on Blu-ray before taking a plunge, so I might go for one of these Denons and bide my time on the Blu-ray. Thanks for the input.

I never regretted getting the brand consistently because they always deliver more than brilliantly yes, Denon really has some wonderful designs, but reality is reality. And the reality is that the DVD-3930CI, while an awesome performing unit, has experienced consistent failures by several owners, including myself, within less than a few months of purchase. My unit has been back to customer service twice (the second time at a cost of $400.00)


Lemons are inevitable but thats because Denon has largely subcontracted their assemblies to China.more than just lemons but a major percentage sample of their production shipment


The only time the brand "failed" me is pricing their Blu Ray 3800 beyond my budgetyeah, I own the DVD-3800BDCI, a very impressive performing unit. However mine failed (blue laser) within two months of use. Had to be shipped back to Denon customer service.

I know this is a Denon page, but my belief now is that users should seriously consider the Pioneer BDP05FD Elite or BDP051 (non-Elite version) if you are considering the Denon for audio. While the Pioneer does not have SACD capability, the Wolfson DACs are very impressive. As a DVD player, the Pioneer is excellent as an upscaling unit. As a Blu-Ray player, the image is unbeatable. However, the Pioneer has been going thru some teething problems but the latest firmware 1.21 has been fairly stable but not perfect (it is still missing DTS HD Master decoding and some minor bugs with blu-ray playback)

I have both the Pioneer , the Denon DVD3930CI and a Sony PS3. With a rather large display of 108", I can attest to the performance of the Pioneer visually over the other two units. Since the Pioneer is cheaper than the Denons, it's a good option unless SACD is a requirement. I do not even use the Denon and the PS3 now with the Pioneer in the system. It's that good.

users should seriously consider the Pioneer BDP05FD Elite or BDP051 (non-Elite version) if you are considering the Denon for audio. While the Pioneer does not have SACD capability, the Wolfson DACs are very impressiveyeah, as you know, I own a BDP-05FD. Now that I've played a significant amount of CD material through my unit the sound is very nice, very refined. I'm impressed.


As a DVD player, the Pioneer is excellent as an upscaling unit. As a Blu-Ray player, the image is unbeatableI've had my unit for a few months now, I have yet to sample any BD or SD-DVD titles as I have'nt had a chance to upgrade the stock firmware yet, but I can't wait to compare video quality with the Denon's.


However, the Pioneer has been going thru some teething problems but the latest firmware 1.21 has been fairly stable but not perfect (it is still missing DTS HD Master decoding and some minor bugs with blu-ray playback)Actually this is why (DTS-HD MA) I actually bought this player, also why I've been holding-off on upgrading the firmware. But now looks like the DTS-HD MA upgrade will probably not happen until like January or february or march, so I've just been using my Denon players to watch movies. But I plan to install v1.21 tonight and watch movies using whatever audio tracks I can use (I'm spoiled with the DVD-3800BDCI this way).

But I still really believe the BDP-05FD is a great unit for the price, and Pioneer will have this unit functioning well soon (it is rediculous it has taken this long though).

Reading some of these posts, I'm getting nervous about buying one of these units. Still, my setup is far more simple (straight 2-channel stereo) than many who report problems so I'll surely bypass some of the issues discussed here...

I can understand your concern. I am pretty happy with my purchase even though I had to pay for out of warranty replacement on my laser assembly. Otherwise the performance of the 3930ci has been top notch in all respects - audio and video. There was nothing comparable at the time I made my purchase.

Personally I think Denon should extend the warranty on the laser assembly because it is quite clear that there is some abnormal rate of failure with this part.

Now I am not so sure that I would buy a new 3930ci. I think that the competition is looking much stronger. The Oppo BDP-83 in particular may outdo the 3930ci with the exception of the question of region free playback.

As for my setup, it's just the 3930 hdmi to the 60" Elite 151FD.

Kuro screen size = Auto / Full (same problem with other sizes)

HDMI Format
V & H Keystone = 0
YCbcr = Auto @ 1080p

Digital Interface Setup
HDMI RGB Setting = Enhanced
HDMI Audio Setup = Multi(LPCM)
HDMI Auto Format = Panel Res.
Denon Link = Off

Video Setup
TV Aspect = Wide(16:9)
TV Type = Multi
Component Video Out = Progressive
Audio/Video Sync = HDMI
Squeeze Mode = Off
Progressive Mode = Auto
Pixel Cropping = Off
What is the advantage of he HDMI RGB "Enhanced" setting? Also, what's the basic difference between RGB and YCbCr, particularly as it relates to certain types of displays?

Now I am not so sure that I would buy a new 3930ci. I think that the competition is looking much stronger. The Oppo BDP-83 in particular may outdo the 3930ci with the exception of the question of region free playback.If I knew the laser assembly on a newer manufactured DVD-3930CI unit was upgraded I would'nt have a problem buying a new one. Maybe by calling the headquarters (Customer Service, New Jersey) they could confirm this?

I too think the new debut Oppo BD unit (BDP-83) may out-do the DVD-3930CI especially for price. And, moreover, the fact that the Oppo will play, both, BD and SD-DVD titles (not to mention CD, SACD and DVD-A formats).

However, a well functioning DVD-3930CI is very impressive. I don't believe the new Oppo will out-perform the Denon for 2ch and 5.1ch analog audio quality. I really prefer playing my CD, SACD and DVD-A titles in my DVD-3930CI via-analog OUT's, it yields a nicer (warmer) characteristic than my Oppo DV-980H using analog OUT's. Now when considering HDMI audio (LPCM) that's a different story, the Oppo sounds very impressive for movies and music (SACD/DVD-A), but I still think the Denon has a more "natural" warm sound.

So, for the right price (maybe $800.00 or $900.00), a solid functioning DVD-3930CI would be worth it (to me).

So, for the right price (maybe $800.00 or $900.00), a solid functioning DVD-3930CI would be worth it (to me).

What about the Oppo DV-983H? I hear it compares favorably to the 3930. Has anyone seen one and compared them? For $400, it seems like it could be "good enough" for SD DVD's (but I still love my 3930 ;)).

-Reid

What about the Oppo DV-983H? I hear it compares favorably to the 3930. Has anyone seen one and compared them?yeah, from what I understand, the Oppo DV-983H has SD-DVD video-quality at least equal to, if not better, than the DVD-3930CI. At least that's what I read on the DV-983H threads right after it was released. So I figure the up-coming Oppo BDP-83 should yield the same, if not better, SD-DVD performance as the DV-983H, with the addition of BD, CD, SACD, and DVD-A capability- all for around ~$500.00 or so. Not bad.

I still love my DVD-3930CI as well, I don't see the new Oppo BDP-83 surpassing it in analog audio capability.

If I knew the laser assembly on a newer manufactured DVD-3930CI unit was upgraded I would'nt have a problem buying a new one. Maybe by calling the headquarters (Customer Service, New Jersey) they could confirm this?

I too think the new debut Oppo BD unit (BDP-83) may out-do the DVD-3930CI especially for price. And, moreover, the fact that the Oppo will play, both, BD and SD-DVD titles (not to mention CD, SACD and DVD-A formats).

However, a well functioning DVD-3930CI is very impressive. I don't believe the new Oppo will out-perform the Denon for 2ch and 5.1ch analog audio quality. I really prefer playing my CD, SACD and DVD-A titles in my DVD-3930CI via-analog OUT's, it yields a nicer (warmer) characteristic than my Oppo DV-980H using analog OUT's. Now when considering HDMI audio (LPCM) that's a different story, the Oppo sounds very impressive for movies and music (SACD/DVD-A), but I still think the Denon has a more "natural" warm sound.

So, for the right price (maybe $800.00 or $900.00), a solid functioning DVD-3930CI would be worth it (to me).

Or the 2930CI? It has the same audio DAC.

Or the 2930CI? It has the same audio DAC.

2930 is not use same DAC as 3930

2930 DAC: PCM1791
3930 DAC: PCM1796

2930 is not use same DAC as 3930

2930 DAC: PCM1791
3930 DAC: PCM1796

Ok, I meant they both use Burr-Brown DACs. I take it the 1796 is better?

Ok, I meant they both use Burr-Brown DACs. I take it the 1796 is better?


Yes, the 3930 with the 1796 Burr-Browns sounds really bettter than the 2930 with the 1791 one's inside it.

Also the 3930 has 2 dacs more than the 2930 has for analog 2 channel appart from the dacs for 5.1 channel.

Compare the units somewhere.

The 3930 is a very good player.

Yes, the 3930 with the 1796 Burr-Browns sounds really bettter than the 2930 with the 1791 one's inside it.

Also the 3930 has 2 dacs more than the 2930 has for analog 2 channel appart from the dacs for 5.1 channel.

Compare the units somewhere.

The 3930 is a very good player.


I agree, after auditioning both in my home system I concluded the difference was substantial.

:confused::confused::confused:
In my DVD2930CI I can activate the random play and repeat functions at the same time using SACD discs. On the other hand, when I listen to CDs, I am not able to activate both functions at the same time, but they work alone. Is it normal to 2930CI and 3930CI?
:confused::confused::confused:

I agree, after auditioning both in my home system I concluded the difference was substantial.

Crazy, but perhaps I might get a 3930 for CD only. Another thought.

Crazy, but perhaps I might get a 3930 for CD only. Another thought.

I should point out that I did not do any comparisons, 2930 vs 3930, with regular redbook CDs.

For music in my system this player is primarily used for DVD-A and SACD (and the occasional HDCD CDs). Most of my comparisons were done using SACD.

While the Denon is a nice unit, you should remember that the unit is a two year old design. Some of the newer players may be a better designed unit. While the 3930 was a state of art when released, i think the current high end players may have equaled or surpassed the Denon in performance.

I just had a thought. Since I'm using an outboard VP (DVDO Edge), is it really necessary to go after a player with killer processing? If I were feeding my 111 directly that would be different, but I'm beginning to think a modest but solid upgrade (if any) is sufficient, as long as it sounds good. The Denons do, by all accounts, but I'm not sure the 3930 is "modest."

While the Denon is a nice unit, you should remember that the unit is a two year old design. Some of the newer players may be a better designed unit. While the 3930 was a state of art when released, i think the current high end players may have equaled or surpassed the Denon in performance. Which newer players? For video performance in DVD players, the Silicon Optix and ABT chips(ets) are still top dogs. Comparing the two is splitting hairs. The other chips are only found in video processors/scalers.

larry

Their Denon Link can only be used with DENON receivers. Also, they never upgraded to HDMI 1.2A, adding pure DSD via HDMI for playback on a wide variety of receivers, or better yet, 1.3A with PQLS! Although for video, the experts claim they're top notch. For audio however, the Onkyo DV-SP506 and Pioneer Elite DV-58AV use the Burr-Brown PCM1796 DACs in the Denon DVD3930CI, as well as HDMI 1.2A DSD output. I own a Pioneer Elite DV-58AV. If I couldn't have gotten one of those for whatever reason, I would probibly have been happy with the Onkyo DV-SP506. So if you are looking for a high quality, yet more recent design, you should check out one of the models I mentioned above.

still top dogshey Pooper:
do you actually use a DVD-3930CI in your set-up? If so how has your unit operated over time?

Their Denon Link can only be used with DENON receivers. Also, they never upgraded to HDMI 1.2A, adding pure DSD via HDMI for playback on a wide variety of receivers, or better yet, 1.3A with PQLS! Although for video, the experts claim they're top notch. For audio however, the Onkyo DV-SP506 and Pioneer Elite DV-58AV use the Burr-Brown PCM1796 DACs in the Denon DVD3930CI, as well as HDMI 1.2A DSD output. I own a Pioneer Elite DV-58AV. If I couldn't have gotten one of those for whatever reason, I would probibly have been happy with the Onkyo DV-SP506. So if you are looking for a high quality, yet more recent design, you should check out one of the models I mentioned above.

Pioneer Elite DV-58AV and Onkyo DV-SP506 are using Taiwan MT1389EXE chips which is same as low end DVD players...such as DV-610S, DV-600, the picture quality is much lower than DVD-3930. I owned DV-LX50(Same as DV-58AV) before.

http://www.avbuzz.com/bbs/av/av-uploads/2008/07/24/1216866750.jpg

hey Pooper:
do you actually use a DVD-3930CI in your set-up? If so how has your unit operated over time?
No. I'm just going by the measurements done on the various players that use the chips. I don't need "fancy" video processing in a player since I have a external video processor.

larry

No. I'm just going by the measurements done on the various players that use the chips. I don't need "fancy" video processing in a player since I have a external video processor.

larry

That's the way I'm thinking at this point. The 2930 might make a nice CD player, though I'm thinking a dedicated unit would sound better since I understand clock speed in a DVD-based drive isn't the same as in a CD drive, which may affect CD performance negatively.

:confused:
In my DVD2930CI I can activate the random play and repeat functions at the same time using SACD discs. On the other hand, when I listen to CDs, I am not able to activate both functions at the same time, but they work alone. Is it normal to 2930CI and 3930CI?
:confused:

I checked other 2930 unit and it presented the same behavior. It is clear now that it is a firmware problem. Same behavior for 3930?

Which newer players? For video performance in DVD players, the Silicon Optix and ABT chips(ets) are still top dogs. Comparing the two is splitting hairs. The other chips are only found in video processors/scalers.

larry

IMHO, the new Pioneer BDP-05FD/BDP-051 and probably the BDP-09FD/BDP-LX091 are superior to the Denon in upscaling SD-DVDs to 1080P. The HQV Realta/Reon processors are still excellent, but they are three year old chips.

IF INDEED the Pioneer Blu Rays could deliver qualifiably brilliant SD-DVD image, I would not have taken a Denon 5910 because its three times the price. I would've saved a couple thousands. But the stubborn, unsinkable fact is that Pioneer created those models as mainly BR players, not state of the art DVD upconverters. No authority has ever commented that those Pioneers also delivers killer DVD playback, if Pioneer does it would've touted this as one of its marketing point. The fact is Blu Ray players are not yet manufactured to be honestly good for both tasks - you can by all means take a reference-grade Blu Ray but the DVD is total bunk; or, you can have both but you need to pay in excess of a thousand dollars for that - and only Denon and Marantz puts out these models. And they're not priced in a populist-oriented way, a shame. Even the upconversion comments about the now obsolete Toshiba XA-1 with its HQV Reon can be promptly demolished as its DVD playback is not even on par with the Denon 2930.

There might be new upconversion technology lurking around the R & D corner somewhere that could shamed the HQV Realta or DVDO scaling - but I've not seen it yet, nor heard anything. So until that is unleashed, the Realta remains the reference.

IMHO, the new Pioneer BDP-05FD/BDP-051 and probably the BDP-09FD/BDP-LX091 are superior to the Denon in upscaling SD-DVDs to 1080P. The HQV Realta/Reon processors are still excellent, but they are three year old chips.
How did you measure? The "old" HQV chips pretty much handled any SD deinterlacing test thrown at them and scaled well. I'm curious to see how the "new" chips (what are they?) do to surpass them. Some new being sold in players today don't deinterlace as well as some did 5 years ago. Unfortunately, since Kris stop doing Secrets reviews our source for good objective reviews dried up. There's been on benchmark test since he left - the Denon 2500 which didn't fair to well with SD video performance.

larry