Denon DBP-4010UDCI - Page 31

There was a firmware upgrade available for UK owners last night, so I did that first. (the first firmware upgrade for a long time)
It cured my Edge of Darkness issue were it had showed 'No Disc' after loading. The movie played fine.
Checked Salt next, which exhibits a display of 16 0:00:00 after loading and then freezes. It still did this. I then followed the advice above, initialised SD card and while I was at it initialised the BD Live data as well, (which also initialises the SD card, it told me). Disc loaded again, asked me if I wanted to grant access to the internet and I selected No. The disc loaded and played ...... hurrah.
So not sure if this has cleared all my 16 0:00:00 issues as all the other discs having this issue were rented discs.
I did check today again with Salt and this time I allowed access to the internet and it loaded and played again, so I'm very hopeful now that the (UK) 4010's are running a good bit better now.
It does also clear up my concern that the machine itself had a hardware issue which was causing it not to load some discs properly.

Interesting guys long time since been in this thread. As sold my 4010 off. But I will say I remember playing both edge of darkness and salt in this player without issue and thats without a sd card. Only time I recall needing the sd card was for sound of music ?

Yep and some require it to be removed. Can't remember which ones but a couple only played when I removed the SD card so there were BD Java issues in the area where the disc wanted to access the Internet.

With SD card in and if a disc would not play then re-initialised SD card and BD data then tried again. If still did not work then removed card and initialized BD-data again.

All have played less source code by doing this, though Knight and Day had playback issues that were fixed in a firmware upgrade.

Have watched about 400 Bd's on player and has been very reliable.

Did update without incident and can confirm that Source Code ( Reg A version) now plays !

I'll keep all the above in mind in case I have any further issues with discs not playing. Useful to have some fall back options in hand in case I run into this again.

Hi guys.
1. Am I correct in assuming the DBP A100 Anniv model is essentially the same unit as this model? AFAIK the differences being mostly cosmetics: shiny faceplate, iron feet and one special capacitor (I've no idea what that that might help).

2. Any leads on best pricing from authorized seller on either model-pls PM me.

Background story: I'm happy with my Oppo universal BDP83SE's SQ (and very happy with its short load times and lack of problems) but I'm tempted by a used DBP A100 @1.1K. This would specifically be to hear if the DL4 clock thingy is superior to regular HDMI. And the DBP A100 would be a perfect match for my AVR A100 (Anniv model 4311, which I bought used heavily discounted and has been awesome).

Yes, you are correct, very little difference between the two and that's from a Denon tech rep. You would be hard pressed to see or hear any difference.
I was the other way, I was waiting on a DBP A100 coming down in price and got a very good deal on a 4010, which matches my AVP and I use Denon 4th link. Hard to say how much better the sound is but the pq is much better than my Denon 2500 blu-ray transport.

Been having this problem for several weeks now, inability to read either BluRay or regular DVDs. Just did an update to the latest firmware (as of today, October 15, 2011). I grabbed a random sample of 20 discs (BluRay and DVD). None of them played in the Denon 4010, byt my Samsung 2550 BluRay could read them no problem.

Time to send back for repair?

Try initialising the SD card and the BD Live data on your player.
If still not playing anything then it sounds like it has a fault.
See my post within the last couple of pages regarding 5 or 6 new or relatively new discs which weren't playing. The new firmware upgade and initialising the SD and BD live data seems to have resolved my issues.
My older discs still played though before the firmware upgrade.

Whew! I've finished reading the thread and the overwhelmingly positive postings convinced me that I should hear for myself what Denon Link can do with my gear in my room. I've found what seems like a nice used unit which is on the way. In anticipation, I'm trying to sort through the Denonese in the manuals on the correct settings to make my AVR A100 and DBP A100 play nice together for BR, SACD & DVD-A.

Hi,
I own the european version of this Denon player. Last year I had the same issue: the DBP-4010UD wouldn't play any blu-ray disc after having had similar problems on random discs occasionally.
Firmware update had nothing to do with it.
I had to send it back for repair and they replaced the whole optical reading mechanism.
I'm not the only one who had this problem. Many 4010 players have been sent back here in France. It looks like this player has a weakness regarding the laser lens.
I hope you have not reached the end of the warranty coverage, otherwise I'm afraid you will have to pay a lot for the repairing.

Well I finally got my DBPA100. First impression: a very nice machine; the tray mechanism in particular is very precise. Buildwise this Denon unit is superior to all others I've owned including my favorite-to-date OppoBDP83SE, which sold for just under $1K new a few yrs ago. I was very interested to hear if DenonLink would make a difference, which was of course the whole purpose in my spending $1K on this Denon model, as I've actually been quite pleased with the Oppo in all respects. But I was really not all that optimistic about further SQ improvements (as my system sounds pretty darn nice to me) and I half-expected to be considering reselling this Denon player soon after a dissapointing shootout.

So in preparation for the SQ shootout, I left the Oppo connected as it has been to the HDMI BR input (I don't use the Oppo's dedicated stereo analog outs anymore since upgrading to the AVR A100). I connected the Denon via HDMI to the DVD input of the AVR and also used the provided DL cable. I must say that, even for an experienced Denon AVR owner, the manual was really confounding irt DenonLink setup. So I thank awhb for this post , which was very helpful in getting the third blue light to work with my A100 (AVR4311). I was also stymied for awhile on getting it to bitstream BR but after fruitlessly searchimg the Menu I finally discovered the "MODE" button and set it to HD Audio output after RTFM again and again.

In preparation for A/B tests, I set both inputs in the AVR the same, Audyssey ON, DEQ OFF. I have 2 copies of Herbie Hancock's "Possibilities" redbook CD for just this sort of thing. It is both well-recorded and nice to listen to. I was able to switch and re-hear identical passages in well under 10 secs. It sounds to me much like the SQ improvement in switching fro Stereo (Audyssey off) to Direct mode in the AVR (though I always use Audyssey for normal listening).

First SQ impression:

More pleasing SQ overall. So much so that I had to pull out my RS SPL meter to level-check the two sources/inputs. Nope, it's not that, they measure the same. It's the distinctly more detailed sound, most obvious in the usual places, such as quiet acoustic passages, especially obvious with cymbals, strings and vocals room ambiance.

I have not tried to A/B the Denon against itself (DL On/Off, Pure Direct, etc) nor compared it to the Oppo with 2 copies of a BluRay or SACD/DVDA but so far I am quite favorably impressed with the SQ in all modes.

Question on DLink4:

The AVRA100 (4311) does not have the DLink light light next to the HDMI light lit when playing a BR. It does light when playing DL3-a SACD, for ex. Does this mean I actually may not be getting DL for BR or is that normal behavior, perhaps indicative of there being only clock info being carried in the DL cable for BR? Note that I have the 3 (quite bright) blu lights on the player and am bitstreaming (the AVR shows DTS HD, for ex.). It sounds excellent but there is not the SQ difference evident that I noticed with RBCD and posted above.

When CD/SACD/DVD then u have 2 bright blue lights.

With BD there should be 3 bright lights meaning DL4 engaged for BD.

I also have SACD audio out set to NO under HDMI.

Thnx, yes, I see 2 during SACD playback.

Yes. I mentioned that I have achieved the elusive 3 light status after much shenanigans in settings.


Thnx, I just tried that but not only does it not get the DLink light indicator lit during BluRay playback, but the HDMI indicator remains lit during SACD playback and SQ seems unaffected. Strange.

Correct, no third blue light with SACD's and never checked if HDMI light was on when I had SACD playback set to 'NO' in HDMI. I know it does not use HDMI as can set to pure direct and HDMI Off via remote and SACD still works over DL.

But not sure what SACD Off does on HDMI though I suspect it is more to do with connection to non DL AVR's.

I am now experiencing the NO DISC error. My 4010 will not play any blu-ray disc I put in. Just downloaded the most current firmware. No change. Of course mine is out of warranty. I can only hope this would be a covered repair as I have been reading quite a bit about this problem. This really upsets me....

Have you tried initialising it?

I had trouble with mine once and this fixed it. You will loose all settings though.

I have initialized it, cleared bd live data, nada. Denon recommends using a lens cleaner. So I guess I will give that a shot. Wonder how much a new optical assembly is.

Shot some compressed air through the drawer and it seems to be working now. Very strange. Discs are playing again. Except for the first Jurassic Park. Anyone else having issues with this disc? 2 and 3 seem to be fine. I even exchanged a copy at Best Buy and still not playing. Have not read about any authoring issues.

As I don't have 2 copies of any one SACD title, I went to my library and got 2copies of a nice SACD, LSO Live! Mahler: Symphony No. 1. I washed them, put one in the Oppo and one in the Denon. I used used the std Audyssey curve (no DynEQ), which is how I'd normally listen to a good recording at close to reference level. DSD was sent to, and decoded in, the AVR in both cases, over HDMI of course. 2 blu lights showed the Denon, indicating DL3. I only listened to the MC layer. I checked that they were indeed level-matched and as before, I synced them up so I could listen to short passages back-to-back with only momentary A/B delay.

Verdict: Denon Link clearly wins, with the same sort of SQ improvements as noted for redbookCD-it sounds significantly more detailed and realistic, and smoother. Delightful.

For this test I used the exc AIX Stravinsky & Ravel Firebird/Bolero DVDA disc. I'd mistakenly ordered an extra copy so I was ready for this. I set this test up the exact same way as the others. I checked that they were level-matched, 2 blu lights showing on the Denon player. Listed to MC only, MLP 5.1 audience mix. Marvelous recording. DenonLink wins again, with the same distinct and significant SQ improvements as noted above. Sounds fab.

Due to another duplicate ordering error on my part I have I have 2 copies of the wonderful BluRay, kd lang "Live in London with BBC Orchestra", which has a nice 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless mix encoded at 16/48khz, and nice video too.

I set this test up as with all the others, with identical discs in both players and checked that they were indeed level matched. These BluRays were sent bitstreamed via HDMI to be decoded in the AVR.

Results: The video looks great from both players to my 4 yr old (near top of the line at the time) Sammy 1080p 40" LCD. It is basically indistinguishable to my eye (but I am no videophile). The SQ is also great and also very similar. It's much harder than in the other comparisons to pin down distinct differences . Unlike redbook CD, DVDA and SACD I'm uncertain I could pick this out correctly under "blind" A/B conditions. That said, my unblind preference is for the Denon over the Oppo. It could be placebo, but it seems to have a slightly smoother, richer, lusher sound with very minor differences in detail/imaging.

To compare BluRay films, I got a copy of Sherlock Holmes from the library to match my personal copy. This is a great film with a delightful soundtrack. Exact same setup for the tests, DTS HD.

Results: basically the same as with the other BluRay above, very minor differences.

NOTE: As I mentioned in one of my posts above, though 3 blu lights remain lit on the player and "Denon Link" appears briefly initially on the AVR FPD, the little DLink light on the AVR FPD is not lit during the playing of any BRD. This fact, along with the lack of significant improvement in PQ and SQ, casts a slight shadow of doubt on whether I am truly getting DLink4.

Hehe, you had the same euphoria I had when I first encountered DL

I still keep my 4010 for my MC SACD, and MC/Stereo DVDAs. Been buying a lot of OOP titles off Amazon. And also some of the new SACDs from Warner Japan and SHM SACDs from Amazon Japan.

I was listening to Santana Supernatural DVDA and Fourplay Fourplay DVDA earlier. They were glorious. Well worth the premium on Amazon marketplace.

For BR, you'll see a bigger difference if you use LPCM (i.e. from LPCM soundtracks or using the BR player decode DTS HD/TrueHD) vs bitstream when DL4 is engaged.

Compared to my Oppo83SE (and I suspect my 95 too but I haven't really checked in detail), I noticed far less banding with my Denon 4010 during scenes with graduated shades.

If not for the glacial loading times on the Denon, I'd use it for all my BR playback except for 3D

Yes, this is delicious SQ. Just received the new Santana Caravanserai SACD printing and it is superb.

I haven't tried PCM out of the Denon cuz I haven't figured out what button to push to do that. But the real question is, why bother? The bottom line is PQ/AQ, so would PCM/DL4 have any advantage, theoretical or more importantly discernible, over bitstreaming/DL4?

Yes, so true, I also have an Oppo83SE and it is remakably nimble irt startup, FF, etc and has a far easier Menu to navigate, for ex., switching from bitstream to PCM is clear and obvious. I don't know if I'll end up selling it. It will depend on the HiRes streaming solution I settle on and whether I get a 3D TV. If I got a new Oppo now it'd be the 93 but I'm really not in the market.

So as it stands I could sell this Denon DBP A100 to get a less expensive non-BluRay DL3 universal player like a 3910 or 3930 but since I have it in hand and got a great deal, it matches my AVR A100, has the long warranty and is at least a back-up BluRay player, it's a keeper.

For this test I used 2 DVD copies of Disney's "POTC...Curse of the Black Pearl". What a great film!

Results: basically the same as for BluRay; very subtle differences in PQ and SQ. The upconversion to 1080p was marvelous in both cases. The DTS soundtrack (though not HiDef of course) sounds great, as does the DD 5.1.

My conclusion at this point is that for RBCD, SACD and DVDA the advantage to Denon Link for me in my system is quite clear. But for DVD and BluRay films and concerts, there is little apparent difference.

Admittedly,this is complex technology and I found the various Denonese instructions and settings daunting to say the least, so I may be screwing something up somewhere. Perhaps someone with more technical knowledge can chime in and explain this result, or at least provide some theoretical basis, but I am a bit confused by the lack of improvement for both DVD and BluRay, especially since bitstreamed DSD is improved by DLink.

I suspect one may only hear a difference with Blu-ray if it was a music Blu-ray; be it live concert or recording. Not sure dialog or blow-em-up audio would provide a discernible difference.

^Good point. But the kd Lang disc I cited is a music BluRay. I listened to the details of her voice, the snare drum, the guitar, etc.

For film I specifically avoid loud special effects, action scenes and dialog-heavy portions and instead pick soundtrack passages that would highlight any added detail and realism such as:
1. acoustic musical interludes such as when Sherlock Holmes follows Irene through the street carnival/circus to the sounds of that wonderful tango. My technique is to focus on several instruments in turn as well as the soundfield overall.
2. scenes in which there is an effort by the film remixer to establish detailed delicate sound ambiance such as the scene in which Sherlock is early to arive and awaits his dinner companions in the restaurant, or several street scenes in the movie with the sound of horses, people, a crow, etc. Again I listen over and over, to specific sounds as well as the entire surround bubble.
3. For PotC, CotBP DVD I use scenes with musical passages such as the very opening scene, or the one when Capt Sparrow is sailing the dinghy up to the dock as it sinks.