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Denon DVD-3930 & DVD-2930 w/Realta T2 Chip Coming September- - Page 71

post #2101 of 4912
2/12/07 at 2:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ehlarson View Post

My Upconversion Ranking:

1. 3930
2. 2930
3. XA2
4. A2

The XA2 is very close to the 2930, but not quite as good.

If you want the best upconversion get an external scaler and a SDI output player.

How did you arrive at your conclusions? What did you use as criteria?

larry
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post #2102 of 4912
2/12/07 at 4:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by PooperScooper View Post

How did you arrive at your conclusions? What did you use as criteria?

larry

Features and the performance I saw in dealerships, freind's systems and my home system. I generally use superbit versions of 5th Element and Laurence of Arabia as reference disks. The 3930ci won with just flat out smoother presentation than anything that didn't have the numbers 59 in the model name and the most flexible image manipulation and best chipset. The 2930 has the same chipset as the XA2 and ability to handle PAL, DSD which the XA2 doesn't, plus I think better control features.

The A2 is not in the same class as these players for upconverting DVD playback. It's a good player, but the 3930/2920/XA2 are a level above.

If you want very good DVD + HD-DVD get the XA2. If you want the best up converting DVD player under $1500 get the 3930ci.
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post #2103 of 4912
2/12/07 at 5:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

I would make an attempt to contact Denon-USA directly (eliminate the middle-man if you can), let them know your situation just to see what happens.

I contacted Denon directly (via email). They were quick to respond, but said that there is no ETA on the availability of the 3930.

I'm going to see what my local dealer says tomorrow. Assuming this does not pan out, I will need to choose between buying the 3930 online (Denon pointed me to a vendor that still had one) or buying the Marantz 9600 locally.
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post #2104 of 4912
2/12/07 at 9:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ehlarson View Post

My Upconversion Ranking:

1. 3930
2. 2930
3. XA2
4. A2

The XA2 is very close to the 2930, but not quite as good.

If you want the best upconversion get an external scaler and a SDI output player.

Did you by any chance compare these models for audio playback ? (music, not movies).
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post #2105 of 4912
2/13/07 at 12:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dsroberti View Post

I will need to choose between buying the 3930 online (Denon pointed me to a vendor that still had one) or buying the Marantz 9600 locally.

the Marantz 9600 does look like a very good player. It has I-Link (if you value having that connectivity), the Denon does'nt. I'm sure it performs well for audio.

I would have to hear both unit's connected to same electronics and speakers to really say which has better audio.

However, the Denon DVD-3930CI is one hell of a unit- audio & video. Also, is approx. $600.00 less retail than the Marantz. If I were able to actually purchase it right now I would probably opt for the Denon.

Good luck.
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post #2106 of 4912
2/13/07 at 4:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

the Marantz 9600 does look like a very good player. It has I-Link (if you value having that connectivity), the Denon does'nt. I'm sure it performs well for audio.

I would have to hear both unit's connected to same electronics and speakers to really say which has better audio.

However, the Denon DVD-3930CI is one hell of a unit- audio & video. Also, is approx. $600.00 less retail than the Marantz. If I were able to actually purchase it right now I would probably opt for the Denon.

Good luck.

Yes, the Denon looks to be a better player and costs less than the Marantz as well. It's too bad that Denon has had ongoing availability problems with both the 2930 and 3930 but if you can't buy them then it really doesn't matter how spiffy they are. And if you're unfortunate enough to have gotten one that went bad you may be waiting quite some time for a replacement (I waited almost 7 weeks before throwing in the towel). One feature missing from the Marantz that I'll miss is that is has no time remaining display. OTOH, I'm hoping the Marantz navigation is much faster than the 3930 which is it's achilles heel. Audio-wise I expect the Marantz to be better than the 3930 but that isn't a big concern of mine.

The Toshiba XA2 HD DVD sounds like a viable alternative to the 3930 (if SACD and DVD-A don't matter) but personally I'm not jumping into the HD-DVD fray until the format war becomes a bit more clear.
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post #2107 of 4912
2/13/07 at 6:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ehlarson View Post

My Upconversion Ranking:

1. 3930
2. 2930
3. XA2
4. A2

The XA2 is very close to the 2930, but not quite as good.

If you want the best upconversion get an external scaler and a SDI output player.

What kind of difference did you see between the 2930 and 3930 and on what display? Also, was this an A/B comparision?

I ask because I have the 2930 and I demo'd a 3930. I didn't have both players at the same time, so I had to rely on reference discs which I always use and memory. But, after calibrating each player, they seemed identical on my ISF'd Sony 57" CRT RPTV.
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post #2108 of 4912
2/13/07 at 9:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geof View Post

Yes, the Denon looks to be a better player and costs less than the Marantz as well. It's too bad that Denon has had ongoing availability problems with both the 2930 and 3930 but if you can't buy them then it really doesn't matter how spiffy they are. And if you're unfortunate enough to have gotten one that went bad you may be waiting quite some time for a replacement (I waited almost 7 weeks before throwing in the towel). One feature missing from the Marantz that I'll miss is that is has no time remaining display. OTOH, I'm hoping the Marantz navigation is much faster than the 3930 which is it's achilles heel. Audio-wise I expect the Marantz to be better than the 3930 but that isn't a big concern of mine.

The Toshiba XA2 HD DVD sounds like a viable alternative to the 3930 (if SACD and DVD-A don't matter) but personally I'm not jumping into the HD-DVD fray until the format war becomes a bit more clear.

i agree, im don't care that the unit does hd dvd, but many report it is a phenominal upconverting player for sd discs, so that is my main intention in its use. i guess one can say that the hd-dvd is a bonus to have, like sacd or dvd-a (for those who don't own any).
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post #2109 of 4912
2/13/07 at 9:55am
Remember that the Tosh HD-DVD players output PC RGB to DVI displays (99% of them). Unless the player you buy is temporary I'd hold off on buying the HD players. They all seem to have some issue(s) that would be considered serious for SD-DVD players. However, you can't beat the PQ of BD and HD-DVD discs!

larry
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post #2110 of 4912
2/13/07 at 11:58am
yeah, I understand the HD-DVD/BluRay PQ is unbelieveable! However, I'm in no hurry to get one right now. I'll probably wait at least a year, or until the market finally settles in on this product, and there is a significant amount of source material available (instead of the typical popular movies).

I imagine Denon will eventually adopt whatever format and produce comparable machines to the 5910CI, 3930CI, etc.,...only with HD-DVD video processing capability.
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post #2111 of 4912
2/13/07 at 12:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geof View Post

I'm hoping the Marantz navigation is much faster than the 3930 which is it's achilles heel.

you mean processing time to load, read, and play disc? Or to switch from one function to another?
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post #2112 of 4912
2/13/07 at 1:03pm
I have a 15' RAM DVI/HDMI cable going to an NEC HT1100. The HT1100 is HDCP compliant (or so says the manual). I also have component cables hooked between the HT1100 and the 2930. I have the HDMI indicator flashing, with no signal being recieved by the HT1100 when the HT1100's DVI input is selected. The component signal is recieved when the HT1100's component input is selected.

Audio is via Coaxial to my reciever.

I have had previous DVI hookups from other players to the HT1100, and all have worked just fine.

Can someone point me to a post in this thread where an HDMI checklist might exist? Or can someone post an easy-to-follow checklist? I have tried to follow the manual, but I must be dense or something.
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post #2113 of 4912
2/13/07 at 1:34pm
All,

As some of you pointed out, the problem is probably related to HDCP & the DVI input on my Fujitsu Plasma.

In summary, when I connect the HDMI output of the Denon 2930 to the HDMI input of the Fujitsu, the picture on the plasma is fantastic. However, when connecting the HDMI output of the Denon 2930 to the DVI-D input of the Fujitsu (via a Monster HDMI - DVI converter cable), the picture on my plasma would blink to a black blank screen every second or so.

I have now rearranged the inputs to my plasma TV. The Denon 2930 is now connected via HDMI to my plasma, while my cable box uses the component inputs.

/Adil.
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post #2114 of 4912
2/13/07 at 2:17pm
Your Fujitsu manual should indicate if the DVI port is HDCP compliant of not. Evidence shows that is probably is not. I'm sure other owners in the plasma forum will concur. HDMI switches work well, that's another option. I've never had any problems with DVD players or other DVI and HDMI output devices going into the DVI/HDCP input on my 4 yr old P50. The first cable stbs to use DVI output had issues, but it was a source problem.

larry
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post #2115 of 4912
2/13/07 at 3:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

you mean processing time to load, read, and play disc? Or to switch from one function to another?

Yeah...all of that actually.
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post #2116 of 4912
2/13/07 at 3:50pm
I've owned a Denon 2900 for several years now and it's been an incredible machine. Been reading this thread on a daily basis for several months and am just about ready to pull the trigger on a 3930 as a replacement. Although Crutchfield is out of stock right now.

I don't care at all for the SD playback capability of either my Toshiba XA2 HD-DVD or the Sony BDPS1 Blu-ray players. For numerous reasons not to mention the sucky layer change they both suffer from, no "time remaining" OSD feature, audio pops when you chapter skip ahead, as well as the choppy FF and REW. I'm looking for a high-quality workhorse specifically to support my (2000+) SD DVD collection for many years to come. Any thoughts?
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post #2117 of 4912
2/13/07 at 4:19pm
Considering the 2930 is very, very similar in video performance to the 3930, I don't see the point unless you're into audio. However, I do notice layer changes at times with the 2930 and the remote response time is slow in DVD menus, etc.
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post #2118 of 4912
2/13/07 at 5:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geof View Post

Yeah...all of that actually.

actually, I think the load-read-play time for the DVD-3930CI is very good (not excellent, but good).

I had a Sony DVP-NS90V prior to the DVD-3930CI and it was very slow. Can't give an actual time measurement, but it was slow.

I know a few members actually posted measured times a little while back in this thread.
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post #2119 of 4912
2/13/07 at 5:32pm
Wanted to note (for the record), I was playing an SACD today (Patricia Barber- "Modern Cool") on my DVD-3930CI, and on the sixth song selection the audio cut-out for a second, came back, then eventually cut-out for good. When I went up close to the player I could barely hear a "cycling" noise from the disc-drive, as if it were still trying to function (or was "hung"). I entered "stop" command and the noise stopped.

I turned the unit OFF, then back ON. I entered "play" command and it would not play. So I opened tray and removed disc, and replaced with a different disc, it played okay. I switched disc back to Patricia Barber disc and it played okay now.

Don't know what to make of this behavior. Not sure this is a disc-specific issue? This occured after hours of playing several disc's, mostly SACD's (in "source direct" mode).
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post #2120 of 4912
2/13/07 at 6:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

actually, I think the load-read-play time for the DVD-3930CI is very good (not excellent, but good).

I had a Sony DVP-NS90V prior to the DVD-3930CI and it was very slow. Can't give an actual time measurement, but it was slow.

I know a few members actually posted measured times a little while back in this thread.

I agree 100% with WestCoastD. My last DVD player was a Denon 756s and my new 3930ci is no slower on load-read-play time. The pluses for my 3930ci over my Denon 756s (i also have a sony and a samsung dvd-hd850 upconverter dvd player) are many and significant.

I got my brand new 3930ci from a NY online vender for very cheap shipped about 2 weeks ago. The only problem i had was that because this vendor was not a vendor for Denon there was no warranty. The vendor that sold me my 3930ci told me this before my cc was charged and offered to sell me a 3 year warranty for $67 that i bought.

Also after talking to Doug about anything i could do to improve my DVD to TV setup he said no not really, except of corse have him calibrate my system. He will be at my house this thursday doing his thing.
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post #2121 of 4912
2/13/07 at 7:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

Wanted to note (for the record), I was playing an SACD today (Patricia Barber- "Modern Cool") on my DVD-3930CI, and on the sixth song selection the audio cut-out for a second, came back, then eventually cut-out for good. When I went up close to the player I could barely hear a "cycling" noise from the disc-drive, as if it were still trying to function (or was "hung"). I entered "stop" command and the noise stopped.

I turned the unit OFF, then back ON. I entered "play" command and it would not play. So I opened tray and removed disc, and replaced with a different disc, it played okay. I switched disc back to Patricia Barber disc and it played okay now.

Don't know what to make of this behavior. Not sure this is a disc-specific issue? This occured after hours of playing several disc's, mostly SACD's (in "source direct" mode).

I've got that same Patricia Barber SACD and I never experienced that problem. However, the Denon firmware update that a couple of our European friends in this thread have mentioned is supposed to fix disc compatibility issues. It's the version three release of the original software. I think if you got a hold of it that would solve your problem.
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post #2122 of 4912
2/13/07 at 7:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by s2silber View Post

I've got that same Patricia Barber SACD and I never experienced that problem. However, the Denon firmware update that a couple of our European friends in this thread have mentioned is supposed to fix disc compatibility issues. It's the version three release of the original software. I think if you got a hold of it that would solve your problem.

thanks for your input! I believe we are on the same "wave-length" because I was thinking the same thing.

I had never experienced any issues with this disc, or any others, with my Sony player. These high-resolution Patricia Barber disc's are some of the more high-quality manufactured products.

Also, I just remembered this problem happened one other time, a week ago, while playing a different SACD disc. It behaved almost as if it were "skipping", then audio pretty much cut-out. I figured it was an "odd" disc that was bad (but it was new, never played before that). Now I'm beggining to believe this may be a disc compatibility issue.

I remember a few weeks back a member, from Canada, posted that he had contacted Denon (by e-mail I believe), and they sent him a firmware update disc. I would like to do this.
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post #2123 of 4912
2/13/07 at 8:05pm
Has anyone with a US 3930ci tired the eruo firmware Ver8284-3_DVD3930.zip?
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post #2124 of 4912
2/13/07 at 8:28pm
i realize that to make the denons shine, one should have a 1080p display. assuming though, that one only has a 720p/1080i lcd display, would you all still recommend the denon? are there cheaper options that would better suit me? i am concerned with nest performance, regardless of price.
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post #2125 of 4912
2/13/07 at 10:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geof View Post

It's too bad that Denon has had ongoing availability problems with both the 2930 and 3930 but if you can't buy them then it really doesn't matter how spiffy they are.

Just a closer to this story... My local Denon dealer has given me their floor model as a loaner while I wait to get a new one. It's in great shape, and I've had lots of fun tonight listening to music and watching DVDs. (This kind of service is why I will always buy this kind of electronic equipment locally.)

I think the video is definitely several notches up from my 2910. The blacks look more consistent and the skin tones look great. The audio is fantastic and outshines my Rotel CD player in its warmth (though the Rotel is a great player in its own right).

I'm a happy camper. I look forward to re-reading this thread and experimenting with the settings.
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post #2126 of 4912
2/14/07 at 12:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sillysally View Post

Has anyone with a US 3930ci tired the eruo firmware Ver8284-3_DVD3930.zip?

is it safe to use euro firmware in a US Denon product? I was looking on their (US) website and there is a disclaimer:
"Updates/Upgrades Warning

These updates are for U.S. products only. Attempts to use them in similar model products built for other countries may render the product inoperable or may affect features so that they no longer work properly. In the case of DVD players, it may change the region code which will leave the player unusable as our updates are for region 1 players. It may also affect the warranty coverage on your unit. Please use this site only if you are a U.S. customer with product purchased from a U.S. dealer. "

I know this statement is referring to US products, however, I would imagine this goes visa-versa as well.
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post #2127 of 4912
2/14/07 at 2:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony A. View Post

i realize that to make the denons shine, one should have a 1080p display. assuming though, that one only has a 720p/1080i lcd display, would you all still recommend the denon? are there cheaper options that would better suit me? i am concerned with nest performance, regardless of price.

I would also like to know this.
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post #2128 of 4912
2/14/07 at 5:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony A. View Post

i realize that to make the denons shine, one should have a 1080p display.

Why? DVDs are only 480p. If you have a 1080p display it's better to send 1080p so there's no reinterlace like when sending 1080i. Other than that, once you get past 480p it's all "make believe".

larry
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post #2129 of 4912
2/14/07 at 5:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

I remember a few weeks back a member, from Canada, posted that he had contacted Denon (by e-mail I believe), and they sent him a firmware update disc. I would like to do this.

I think that would do the trick for you. Call or write the Mahwah, New Jersey, headquarters. They were supposed to have the firmware available on the U.S. website sometime in February.
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post #2130 of 4912
2/14/07 at 4:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by s2silber View Post

I think that would do the trick for you. Call or write the Mahwah, New Jersey, headquarters. They were supposed to have the firmware available on the U.S. website sometime in February.

thanks. Yeah, I looked on the Denon-US web-site, I'm surprised the "Product Update's and Upgrade's" page does'nt show any listing for the DVD-3930CI model.
http://usa.denon.com/ProductUpdatesUpgrades.asp
I also called their customer service line and they were closed today (maybe the winter weather shut them down?). I'll try again tommorrow.
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