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denon s301/ dvd2910 problem.

post #1 of 82
Thread Starter 
Denon s301 2.1 uses the 2910 guts from what I understand. I'm getting a video hiccup (lack of a better term) occasionally while watching dvds. It's almost like the video connection loses its path. Have it connected to a 32 inch sammy lcd via hdmi. The screen will go black, then bright green. All the while the audio keeps playing and once the video flashes back up, it is right along- video isn't behind the audio. Haven't been able to discern a pattern or reproduce it manually as of yet. Does anyone know possible causes/ fixes. I've heard that hdmi connections are picky and if they sag a little bit, the video can go out. The symptom is transient as it only last a few short seconds.
post #2 of 82
Quote:
Originally Posted by rvanya View Post

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

That is most likely the problem.
post #3 of 82
had this issue on my s301 i returned got another unit 3 weeks no problem yet
post #4 of 82
No way, I have this issue to and have been unable to tie down the cause. Now I know it's a known problem, I will return mine too. Good forum
post #5 of 82
I'd actually just make sure the HDMI cable is secure at both ends, no real need to return unless it keeps happening even after you make sure both ends are tight.

Same thing happened to my 2910, checked cables (because I had moved the player recently), never happened since.
post #6 of 82
I have the same problem and the Denon tech guy suggested that I use a SONY brand HDMI cable. Reason? It's HDCP compliant ... I did use the Monster 400 but apparently this cable is not HDCP compliant. Will let you know how it works out.

Has anyone looked at this as a problem?
post #7 of 82
Just so you folks know, it seems this is a bigger problem than just cable not being secured. I've spoken to Denon tech and there has been a few complaints. They are looking into it. My suggestion is for you, if you haven't already done so, to contact Denon and provide them with information. They're in the process of trouble shooting.
post #8 of 82
Thread Starter 
Using Monster at the moment. Haven't seemed to have much trouble with it recently. But again, this unit is in my bedroom so isn't my primary ht spot.
post #9 of 82
Has anyone had any updates to this issue?

Thanks
post #10 of 82
Thread Starter 
Havent heard anything at all. I haven't had any more problems but I also haven't watched dvds much at all in there here recently.
post #11 of 82
I know Denon Canada has been actively looking into the problem but no news yet. Have you talked to Denon USA?
post #12 of 82
Quote:
Originally Posted by kinghifi View Post

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

I will call this week. Just wanted to see if there was any news prior to calling so I was prepared when I spoke with them. I will let you know if they have anything new.
post #13 of 82
I was wondering if there has been any further info on this problem. I recently purchased an s301 and have just experienced this same issue. Actually, I was getting no Video at all until I switched to a Monster HDMI cable....I noticed the video "hiccup" last night and will call Denon. Anyone have any luck getting to the bottom of this?

Thanks.
post #14 of 82
I have not had any response yet other than Denon's promise to get to the bottom of this and that it is of priority. They can't even provide me with an ETA on it. I've given them until next week and my system is going back. The retailer I bought it from has been good. They have put a hold on S301 orders until the problem is resolved. My suggestion is to speak to your retailer and ask them for support - put some pressure on Denon. CNET has talked about this issue.
post #15 of 82
Thread Starter 
Any updates from anyone. I actually don't use the dvd player in the system that much so hadn't noticed if the problem was still a problem. Well, it is. Happened with more frequency yesterday. Same deal, all video. Screen goes blank, then green, then back to the feed. I am close to returning the system if no resolution quickly. Only problem is I bought the system in November. Yikes!
post #16 of 82
Denon Japan has identified and acknowledged the problem. Apparently it is a faulty transitor in a batch of units. Talk to your dealer. I'm sure they will get you a new system once the new units are produced.
post #17 of 82
Final message ... After about 4 1/2 months of dealing with Denon and getting the "it is almost fixed" message, I have given up and returned the product. Through this process, I was thanked for my persistence in helping the company identify and resolve the problem. So I asked Denon for some sort of compensation for the inconvenience and they were going to give me some "swag" (cheap logo'd hat, pen etc.). Gee thanks! I am highly disappointed in the company and their lack of service. I bought Denon because of their reputation. The S301 was my first and last Denon product.

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

Good luck with your system. I highly recommend either extending your warranty (if possible) or taking it back before it is too late. If Denon is an honorable company, they should be recalling the units. You might get a 'cool' hat for it.
post #18 of 82
Just another update. I, too, bought the unit and have the same problem. In speaking with Denon yesterday, they claim to have solved the problem. You do have to ship the DVD unit (not the speakers) back to Denon. I have the relevant phone numbers and e-mail addresses, but prefer not to post them here because it's an individual's direct line and e-mail address. (Since he was quite helpful, I don't want to post his direct business information.)

If you need the information, please send me a PM and I will forward it to you. My unit goes back to Denon today. Turn around time given is between 2-8 weeks, although they're doing their best to make it closer to two.
post #19 of 82
Thanks for insight on the Denon S301 issues. I just bought the S301 system (along w/ Samsung HP-S4253 plasma) - and I'm very happy with the sound quality - it sounds excellent . I am, however, worried about the problems I have been reading regarding HDMI DVD playback issues. In addition, I had a problem with CD audio playback (may be related to user error, as I am by no means an expert). It seems I cannot play a CD and have the plasma TV on (mute) at the same time. The CD skips every 2-3 seconds - tried several CD's - it is not an issue with CD quality. Granted this is not a big deal - not too often am I playing a CD with the TV on - however it was alarming considering the other problems I've been reading on CNET. I called Best Buy, and the tech came out and exchanged HDMI cable w/ composite cables for the Denon to plasma connection - no more CD issues. My question:

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

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

Thanks for your help - I just recently joined this forum (1st post) because BB has provided 3 differing opinions (I guess I'm not surprised at that). From reading the posts it appears the real experts are the members of this forum. Thanks in advance......
post #20 of 82
Regarding your first question ... using composite/component cables will defeat the purpose of getting HDMI. If this is the case, then you are better off saving your money and getting the S101. The HDMI is to 'upscale' the picture quality. I am not familiar with your TV, but from my perspective, I really didn't notice too much of a difference. This could be due to the size of the TV, EDTV vs HDTV etc.

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

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

good luck
post #21 of 82
One of the main reasons for getting the S301 is the virtual sourround sound capabilities ... I just bought a Harmon Kardon (Avr140) receiver with (Vmax technology - one the uses virtual surround sounds) with 2.1 speakers and a decent DVD player with HDMI. Maybe its just me, but I am getting the same 9if not better) sounds, images etc at about 1/2 the price, with more bells and whistles.
post #22 of 82
Thread Starter 
A lot of questions here. I'll answer a few.

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

2.) I have experienced better picture quality via component vs. hdmi; but that was with a satellite receiver, not with this unit. But never once have I compared hdmi to composite. Are you wording that correctly- composite meaning single yellow jack? If so, the bb tech guy should quit. Either he doesn't understand the field he works in or he is just lying to you. Now if you meant component instead of composite, then there may not be a huge difference, I haven't compared them directly. But, the dvd player in the s-301 doesn't upconvert over component which leads to why buy this one if the upconversion isn't what your'e going for?.
post #23 of 82
Thanks for the replies - I did use incorrect wording - I had meant to say component - not composite - cables. In any event, thanks for the input - curious to hear about Denon's "fix" to the HDMI problem - I believe someone earlier had mentioned a transistor problem. Would calling Denon's customer service be the place to start?
post #24 of 82
Thread Starter 
Yes. They will give you the number mentioned above to the person who has been assigned to handle this problem. When I called, all he said was to send it in; that they knew what the problem was and knew how to fix it. My problem is that I have to take it back to the ultimate where I bought it and have to wait however long to get it back. I have a feeling I won't see it for at least a month. Overall, I would say that this whole project of mine is a disappointment. When I think of how much money I have spent on a bedroom system that I am disappointed with, it makes me sick. But that's all part of it I guess. I won't go so far as to say that I'll never buy Denon again. But I won't steer people in the direction of this piece, even if I get it back perfect.
post #25 of 82
Just wanted to update everyone on the current status of my s301 issue (see above). Denon has now had the defective unit for 4 weeks and I can't get a hold of anyone to check on its status. I was on hold for the repair office for (I kid you not) three hours without an answer. The person who was initially helpful before I sent the product in, is now MIA. In short, I'm stuck in limbo and have no idea if or when Denon will ever get back to me.

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

Despite the fact I liked the unit (minus the hiccup problem), I strongly recommend against buying this unit in case you're one of the "lucky" ones who encounter this problem.
post #26 of 82
Thread Starter 
Wow, that's bad news. I haven't taken mine in yet to return it because I am afraid of how long I will have to wait to get it back. I also bought mine at a store 100 miles from where I live and am skeptical of the way they do things also. I may just send it in, buy something completely different, and sell it when I get it back. Too bad for Denon because I am in the market for a new receiver and they just ruled themselves out.
post #27 of 82
I have a 1920, a few months old, and it just did the blank screen-morph to blue trick on me last night for the first time. It's connected to a Yammy 1400 via Component and into a Sony Rear LCD Proj also via Component. Seems to be a transistor, not a cabling problem. Any extra news would be grateful, but I'll be bringing it back to my dealer.
post #28 of 82
This is truly a shame...I am newly entering the HD TV world as I embark on my first big screen purchase, and I saw the Denon S101 or S301 2.1 system as the perfect compliment, but it looks as if they do not have it together on this one...

Although I will say that I have read reports on CNET of some who have gotten their S-301 back and it now works perfectly...so who knows...perhaps I will wait a month or so and see what comes of it...I am thinking there should be a price drop sooner or later, especially with this hdmi issue...but who knows.
post #29 of 82
Here's a laugh courtesy of Denon. Although I haven't been able to get a hold of Denon, the store where I purchased the unit was able to get a hold of someone. Denon's excuse for not having done anything so far..."The technician was sick for a week and he is now working overtime to catch up." They wouldn't say anything more about the repair.

One technician?

Anyone have informaiton on where to complain so that Denon has to consider a product recall? I don;t expect anything to come of it but, at this point, I just want to be as annoying to them as they are to me.
post #30 of 82
Thread Starter 
Finally took my s-301 unit back this weekend. I mentioned to the salesman the inconvenience of this whole deal considering the fact that you cant hook the existing speakers and sub up to something else. He says "we can give you a loaner, all you have to do is put down a deposit- which is the total cost of the new system" Wow, what a deal. I can give them another 1600 bucks for a product that doesn't work and is disappointing. What an idiot. I guess he was just trying to be helpful but that isn't much incentive.

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