Really need help on setting up DVD3930CI

[h317]

I got a demo Denon DVD3930CI yesterday and had a hard time getting the multi-channel to work. I want to make sure that I did not miss anything before taking it back to the dealer for help.

For some reason, out of the 5.1 set that I have, the 3930 can only output sound to the FR and FL. All SR, SL and SW are dead silent. I use the the set of RCA cables to connect to my Sony BD player and it worked just fine.

The other strange thing is that the entire page of "audio setup" is grayed out other than the "compression" setting. That means I can's access options under the "audi channel", "digital output", "down sampling", "source direct" and "bass ehancer". Why are they grayed out?

I am getting very frustrated as the only reason I get this equipment is to play SACD, which has to be played using multichannel. Any Denon DVD player (particularly 3930CI) oweners here who can help?

Thanks in advance.

[Jeepers]

I looked in the manual. Do you have the Denon Link set to Off ? (Digital interface setup screen).

[h317]

Yes, the Denon Link was set to off. Since you said you "looked in the manual", I assume that you own a 3930CI. Are all but one item of the your "audio setup" page grayed out like mine? Thanks.

[Jeepers]

Yes I own a 3930CI (actually a 3930, the European version).
I don't have any SACD and consequently don't use the 5.1ch audio out or Denon link but NONE of the items on the "audio setup" page are grayed out.

[Nomo]

I have never owned a Denon, so I'm only guessing here.

First the obvious: is the disc you are playing a multi channel recording not just stereo?

Secondly: On my Yamaha player, certain menu functions can be grayed out depending on what type of disc is currently in que.
Are these menus also grayed out with a CD in the tray?

[PENG]

Yes, the Denon Link was set to off. Since you said you "looked in the manual", I assume that you own a 3930CI. Are all but one item of the your "audio setup" page grayed out like mine? Thanks.

I don't know if my 3910's setup menu is similar to your 3930 but with the 3910 you have to set Denon Link, IEE1394 to off and HDMI to 2 channel in order to access the audio setup. Again, mine is 3910 but no harm giving it a try.

[h317]

First the obvious: is the disc you are playing a multi channel recording not just stereo?

Secondly: On my Yamaha player, certain menu functions can be grayed out depending on what type of disc is currently in que.
Are these menus also grayed out with a CD in the tray?

Yes, the CD is a SACD Multi-channel disc. I even tried the Eagles Farewell Tour DVD on both my BD player (with multi-channel connection) and my 3930 (with multi-channel connection). The BD player produced output to all 5.1 channel while the 3930 didn't so I am almost certain that it's the 3930 issue.

And yes, the menu grayed out regardless of whether there is disc in or not.

The other strange thing is that certain menu items are available (e.g. Dialog Language, Disc Menus Language) when I reset the player following the manual instruction. I am not sure if it's a defective model so I really need the current Denon DVD player owner to let me know if that is normal.

[h317]

I don't know if my 3910's setup menu is similar to your 3930 but with the 3910 you have to set Denon Link, IEE1394 to off and HDMI to 2 channel in order to access the audio setup. Again, mine is 3910 but no harm giving it a try.

Thanks, Pen.

Ok, I am half excited now. The multi-channel connection works now as soon as I change the HDMI to "2 channel". But that means I lose the convenience/luxury of 1 HDMI cable for both audio/video signal unless I switch the HDMI between "2 channel" and "Multi Channel" every time I change from SACD listening session and movie watching session. Is there another way to do that?

[Jeepers]

Thanks, Pen.

Ok, I am half excited now. The multi-channel connection works now as soon as I change the HDMI to "2 channel". But that means I lose the convenience/luxury of 1 HDMI cable for both audio/video signal unless I switch the HDMI between "2 channel" and "Multi Channel" every time I change from SACD listening session and movie watching session. Is there another way to do that?

Have you tried the "Super Audio CD Setup" key on the remote or on the 3930, next to the "Video mode" key ?

[h317]

Have you tried the "Super Audio CD Setup" key on the remote or on the 3930, next to the "Video mode" key ?

I believe that key is to toggle among "CD/SACD Stereo/SACD Multi". I set it to "SACD Multi" for the SACD that I am testing.

[h317]

Ok, I don't want to add another thread for a simple question. I have a couple of Mon$ter video RCA cable that I bought years ago (way before internet so don't bash me for falling for that hype :(). Can I use them for the multi-channel audio connection?

[leo1058]

yes you can

[PENG]

Thanks, Pen.

Ok, I am half excited now. The multi-channel connection works now as soon as I change the HDMI to "2 channel". But that means I lose the convenience/luxury of 1 HDMI cable for both audio/video signal unless I switch the HDMI between "2 channel" and "Multi Channel" every time I change from SACD listening session and movie watching session. Is there another way to do that?

After configuring your analog outputs to 5.1, if you set HDMI output back to multichannel, I would think the analog outputs should remain 5.1. You can try it and see what happens. If that does not work you still have the option to use the 5.1 analog outputs for movies. The 3930 probably has better DACs than you receiver anyway.

[h317]

After configuring your analog outputs to 5.1, if you set HDMI output back to multichannel, I would think the analog outputs should remain 5.1.
No, the HDMI has to remain at 2 channel for the multi-channel analog to work. As soon as I change to HDMI multichannel, the analog multichannel will only output to FR and FL. It's not a big deal as I find 5.1 analog multichannel produces better sound than HDMI multichannel but I just want to know the "flaw" is common to all Denon DVD/SACD players (particularly 3930/3910/2930). If that is the case, I can live with it. Otherwise, I would like to let Denon know of the issue.

If that does not work you still have the option to use the 5.1 analog outputs for movies. The 3930 probably has better DACs than you receiver anyway.

I am using a Yamaha RVX3800. I am not sure if my Denon DAC is better than my Yamaha but I must say I am very impressed with the 3830CI's upscaling result. It's way better than the upscaling cability of my BD player.

[PENG]

No, the HDMI has to remain at 2 channel for the multi-channel analog to work. As soon as I change to HDMI multichannel, the analog multichannel will only output to FR and FL. It's not a big deal as I find 5.1 analog multichannel produces better sound than HDMI multichannel but I just want to know the "flaw" is common to all Denon DVD/SACD players (particularly 3930/3910/2930). If that is the case, I can live with it. Otherwise, I would like to let Denon know of the issue.



I am using a Yamaha RVX3800. I am not sure if my Denon DAC is better than my Yamaha but I must say I am very impressed with the 3830CI's upscaling result. It's way better than the upscaling cability of my BD player.

I am not sure if my 3910 has the same flaw beause with HDMI set to multchannel the analog audio setup is grayed out and I have not yet tried the surround outputs to see if they work. I will try it and let you know. Just a reminder, be sure to check and see if your player has the latest firmware.

Regarding the DAC, I don't know what is in the 3930 but for a $1500 (listed) universal player, one would think that Denon could afford to put in better DAC than those in the mid end RX-V3800 or even their own upper mid end AVR-4308 receivers. That said, I doubt any difference would be easily audible compare to other more important factors such as room acoustics.

[h317]

Thanks, Peng.

I have sent Denon a email already and waiting for their answer. I will ask them if the issue is related to firmware update.

[PENG]

I have sent Denon a email already and waiting for their answer. I will ask them if the issue is related to firmware update.

I hooked up the analogs to try and got exactly the same results. There is no getting around; HDMI must be set to 2 channels in order to get 5.1 from the analog outs. I have my firmware updated already but it is still an older model. You may have better luck for an update but that is only if Demon considers this a bug.

[PENG]

I read the manual again and found that on page 19 they made it clear that HDMI must be off, or set to 2 channel, in order to output multi-channel sound from the analog output connectors. The 3930 owner's manual is not as clear, but it basically implies the same if you read page 11.

[TLS Guy]

I read the manual again and found that on page 19 they made it clear that HDMI must be off, or set to 2 channel, in order to output multi-channel sound from the analog output connectors. The 3930 owner's manual is not as clear, but it basically implies the same if you read page 11.

Makes one nostalgic for the days of yore with knobs and switches, doesn't it?

[Jeepers]

h317

I went through my 3930 settings again and with HDMI Audio set to Multichannel; the items on the Audio setting page (apart from compression) can not be changed. I misunderstood what you meant with "grayed out". All items on the Audio setting page are displayed the same way.

[h317]

I read the manual again and found that on page 19 they made it clear that HDMI must be off, or set to 2 channel, in order to output multi-channel sound from the analog output connectors. The 3930 owner's manual is not as clear, but it basically implies the same if you read page 11.

Thanks you, Peng for spending your valuable weekend time for the research:)

Yes, there is a subtle implication on page 11 but I could not find anything on page 19 that suggested clearly of the "requirement". Maybe because you are
reading a 3910 manual? Anyway, now that we know the workaround and that it's a Denon thing, I am relieved that my demo unit is as functional as a new one :).

As I mentioned in my initial post of this thread, I tried connection 5.1 multichannel to my Sony BD-300S and it worked without any problems. I could switch between HDMI multichannel and multichannel analog output easily through my receiver's selection. Something to do with HDMI version as Denon uses 1.1?

[PENG]

Thanks you, Peng for spending your valuable weekend time for the research:)

Yes, there is a subtle implication on page 11 but I could not find anything on page 19 that suggested clearly of the "requirement". Maybe because you are
reading a 3910 manual? Anyway, now that we know the workaround and that it's a Denon thing, I am relieved that my demo unit is as functional as a new one :).



Yes, it is clearly stated in the 3910 owner's manual on page 19 but only implied/hinted in the 3930 manual on page 11. I did read both manual as I was curious to know more about the new and improved 3930. I am now pretty sure that there is nothing wrong with your demo unit. Good to know that you can now sit back and enjoy those high definition SACD/DVDA sound.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...I am using a Yamaha RVX3800. I am not sure if my Denon DAC is better than my Yamaha...



...Regarding the DAC, I don't know what is in the 3930 but for a $1500 (listed) universal player, one would think that Denon could afford to put in better DAC than those in the mid end RX-V3800 or even their own upper mid end AVR-4308 receivers...

The Yamaha 3800 has the slightly "lower-end" Burr-Brown PCM-1791 (SNR 113), while the Denon DVD-3910 & 3930 have the slightly "higher-end" PCM-1796 (SNR 123).

PCM-1791 (113dB SNR, 0.001% THD): Yamaha V1800 & 3800, Denon 3808, 4308, DVD-2930
PCM-1796 (123dB SNR, 0.0005% THD): Onkyo 805/875/905, Denon 5308, DVD-3930CI, DVD-3910
PCM-1792 (127dB SNR, 0.0004% THD): Yamaha RX-Z9 and RX-Z11, Denon 5805ci and DVD-5910

The PCM-1796 & 1792 are supposed to be capable of Straight DSD -> Analog conversion, whereas the PCM-1791 goes from DSD -> PCM -> Analog conversion.

[Jeepers]

[QUOTE=AcuDefTechGuy;396181]
PCM-1791 (113dB SNR, 0.001% THD): Yamaha V1800 & 3800, Denon 3808, 4308, DVD-2930
PCM-1796 (123dB SNR, 0.0005% THD): Onkyo 805/875/905, Denon 5308, DVD-3930CI, DVD-3910
PCM-1792 (127dB SNR, 0.0004% THD): Yamaha RX-Z9 and RX-Z11, Denon 5805ci and DVD-5910

QUOTE]

Are you sure that the Z11 has the PCM-1792 ?
The catalog mentions :
"RX-Z11BL High Quality Audio Parts
1 Volume IC JRC NJM1194 (left), Burr Brown audio DAC
(DSD1796, center) and Op amp LM4562 (right)
2 Schottky barrier diodes"

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Are you sure that the Z11 has the PCM-1792 ?
The catalog mentions :
"RX-Z11BL...Burr Brown audio DAC...DSD1796..."



Oops. My Bad! Sorry about that. It looks like the Z11 does have the Burr-Brown (Texas Instrument) PCM-1796, which is the same one used in the Denon AVR-5308ci.

[PhilCohen]

I just got my Denon DVD-3930ci machine a few days ago(I bought a modified "Code-Free" version,for unrestricted playback of imported discs)

If you plan on playing DVD-Audio discs,and you want to play the ACTUAL Hi-Rez DVD-Audio tracks(not the DTS or Dolby Digital tracks),you must:

1.Push the setup button on your remote control.

2.Go to Special Settings(of the six icons you'll see on-screen,this icon will be on the far right)

3.Use the up/down/left/right buttons on the remote control to go DOWN to "Player Mode".

4.You'll see two options("Audio" & "Video")

5.Select "Audio" and push the "enter" button on your remote control.

6.Don't worry.Even though you have selected "audio",you'll have no problem playing video materials or watching other on-screen content present on the DVD-Audio disc(by contrast,if you selected "Video" in "player mode",the machine will ignore the Hi-Rez DVD-Audio content,and only permit you to play the Dolby Digital or DTS versions;the same as you would get if you put a DVD-Audio disc into a regular DVD player that didn't have DVD-Audio capability)

[h317]

I just got my Denon DVD-3930ci machine a few days ago(I bought a modified "Code-Free" version,for unrestricted playback of imported discs)


I thought the 3930ci is NTSC/PAL compatible, which means code-free from the factory already?

[PhilCohen]

I thought the 3930ci is NTSC/PAL compatible, which means code-free from the factory already?
The stock,off the shelf U.S.A. DVD-3930ci can play NTSC Region One discs and any disc(PAL or NTSC) that is Region Zero(AKA "All Regions").To play regionally coded region 2,3,4,5 or 6 discs,you must have a modified,code-free unit.I'm not yet permitted to post links,since I'm a newcomer to this forum.The dealer goes by the names 220-electronics or regioncodefreedvd
I got my unit for $1294(final price after shipping),which is less than many dealers charge for a stock,off the shelf unit.

[MDS]

I thought the 3930ci is NTSC/PAL compatible, which means code-free from the factory already?

NTSC vs PAL refers to the video format. NTSC is what we use in the US and is 29.97 fps at 60 Hz. I'm not sure of the frame rate for PAL but am pretty sure the frequency is 50 Hz.

The codes people refer to on a DVD are region codes. The region code is embedded on the disc and restricts the playback to certain locations. You can't play a region 2 disc on a player set to only play region 1 discs (or any other region code). This 'feature' is part of the DVD spec and really is just a way for studios to restrict where and when they sell discs; eg if it is released in Japan first and won't make the US for several more months you can't go out and get the imort disc and play it.

A region free player has been modified to ignore the region codes. It is not technically allowable nor spec compliant yet more and more players seem to have the ability to ignore the region code.

[PhilCohen]

NTSC vs PAL refers to the video format. NTSC is what we use in the US and is 29.97 fps at 60 Hz. I'm not sure of the frame rate for PAL but am pretty sure the frequency is 50 Hz.

The codes people refer to on a DVD are region codes. The region code is embedded on the disc and restricts the playback to certain locations. You can't play a region 2 disc on a player set to only play region 1 discs (or any other region code). This 'feature' is part of the DVD spec and really is just a way for studios to restrict where and when they sell discs; eg if it is released in Japan first and won't make the US for several more months you can't go out and get the imort disc and play it.

A region free player has been modified to ignore the region codes. It is not technically allowable nor spec compliant yet more and more players seem to have the ability to ignore the region code.

No stock,off the shelf DVD player is code free,because the owners of the DVD patents require hardware licensees to include the region code detection circuitry.But there are many fine modification companies that offer modified "code free" players.The modification has no detrimental effect on the player.

[h317]

But there are many fine modification companies that offer modified "code free" players.The modification has no detrimental effect on the player.

Hmmm... I will try poping in some region 2 DVD to see if that works. Does the modification void warranty?

[PhilCohen]

Hmmm... I will try poping in some region 2 DVD to see if that works. Does the modification void warranty?

The equipment modifiers who sell the "code-free" players provide their own equivalent warranty & repair service.

[PENG]

No stock,off the shelf DVD player is code free,because the owners of the DVD patents require hardware licensees to include the region code detection circuitry.But there are many fine modification companies that offer modified "code free" players.The modification has no detrimental effect on the player.

Except for some cheap made in XXXXX players. I believe they do play just about anything, right out of the box.

[PhilCohen]

I don't yet have an HDMI cable,so I haven't yet been able to evaluate how my DVD-3930ci will perform with its' video connected digitally to my(720p) Digital LCD T.V.,so I've been trying the unit's 480p performance via component video.

I'm finding the performance to be only fair to middling;quite pixelated in darker areas of the picture,though maybe this player is simply revealing more of the DVD format's limitations,limitations that are far less visible on my cheaper players.

I'll withhold judgement until I see how the DVD-3930ci performs when connected by HDMI.

[PENG]

I don't yet have an HDMI cable,so I haven't yet been able to evaluate how my DVD-3930ci will perform with its' video connected digitally to my(720p) Digital LCD T.V.,so I've been trying the unit's 480p performance via component video.

I'm finding the performance to be only fair to middling;quite pixelated in darker areas of the picture,though maybe this player is simply revealing more of the DVD format's limitations,limitations that are far less visible on my cheaper players.

I'll withhold judgement until I see how the DVD-3930ci performs when connected by HDMI.

I hope you have better luck with the 3930. My 3910 actually did better with component video than with upconversion via HDMI.

[PhilCohen]

I hope you have better luck with the 3930. My 3910 actually did better with component video than with upconversion via HDMI.

While I have yet to get to a store and buy an HDMI cable,I'm pleased to report that I'm starting to get better performance from my DVD-3930ci.

With the unit's settings as they are(Straight out of the box),the unit was showing DVD's in too much details, exaggerating grain, and showing too much MPEG artifacts, artifacts that were not visible,or far less visible on $500-$600 machines.

I have now used the "Picture Adjust" mode,and created and stored some settings in the first(of 5) memory postions.I've turned on both video noise reduction modes(MPEG noise reduction "on",and "DNR" at +3),and reduced sharpness at the mid & high video frequencies to "-2").This is producing more satisfactory results when playing discs with less than ideal MPEG encoding,or (somewhat) grainy videotaped productions shot at night(I've been playing "Pink Floyd-Pulse" & "Kraftwerk-Minimum Maximum")

DVD is a medium quality convenience format. It wasn't intended for real videophiles, and can't withstand the scrutiny of being shown in a super- revealing way, like the DVD-3930ci's fresh from the box factory settings will show it.

The stock, fresh out of the box settings,are simply too revealing. I was feeling really down while watching the DVD-3930ci during the first four days that I owned it. Gadget freaks will appreciate that there are so many(seemingly hundreds) of user adjustable parameters in the DVD-3930ci, but for the average person,a cheaper player is a quicker route to a good, clean satisfying picture.

I'm not criticising the DVD-3930ci's craftsmanship.Of course,as reviews have indicated, the build quality is superb.

[h317]

The equipment modifiers who sell the "code-free" players provide their own equivalent warranty & repair service.

Meaning that the Denon warranty is voided, right? By the way, mine is not code free. I can't play region 2 DVDs.

[PhilCohen]

Meaning that the Denon warranty is voided, right? By the way, mine is not code free. I can't play region 2 DVDs.

I would assume that the manufacturers' warranty would be voided by the "code-free" modification,but, as I've said, the companies selling the "Code-Free" units provide their own equivalent warranty(equivalent in duration to Denon's warranty) and the dealers do the repairs. Anyhow,I'm not sure that these companies will do the modification on machines not purchased from them.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I hope you have better luck with the 3930. My 3910 actually did better with component video than with upconversion via HDMI.

...I've turned on both video noise reduction modes(MPEG noise reduction "on",and "DNR" at +3),and reduced sharpness at the mid & high video frequencies to "-2...

For Video, I set my 3910 to HDMI RBG, HDMI Black Enhance On, Progressive Mode, 1080i resolution, kept everything @ factory setting except turned both Mid & High Sharpness to -6 and DNR to +6. I think it looks fantastic.:D

For audio, I turned Direct Source to ON and kept all Channel Levels and Delay to ZERO.

[PhilCohen]

h317

I went through my 3930 settings again and with HDMI Audio set to Multichannel; the items on the Audio setting page (apart from compression) can not be changed. I misunderstood what you meant with "grayed out". All items on the Audio setting page are displayed the same way.

If controls in the on-screen menus ever refuse to allow you access to set certain things,you need to "reset".Simultaneously hold down the ">" and ">>I" buttons(on the unit's front panel) until the word
"Initialize" appears,then disappears on-screen. Operation of all user-adjustable parameters will then function normally again. I had the situation happen to me, where none of the "audio setting" items(in the "Setup" system) except "Compression" were available to adjust.(the other items were grayed out and unavailable). Resetting the player solved this problem. Try resetting the player

[edmcanuck]

I just got my Denon DVD-3930ci machine a few days ago (I bought a modified "Code-Free" version,for unrestricted playback of imported discs)
Hehe, I hope you didn't pay much for your modification :rolleyes:

Since it seems to be drawing attention, I will again draw everyone's attention to Denon's Region-free command. The 2930CI and the 3930CI are shipped in North America as NTSC/PAL Region 1 machines; however, Denon lets you easily deactivate the Region-detection and make the units able to play any DVD on Earth. It's not a "hack" nor a warranty-voiding "mod," it's a built-in process on all of the machines that anyone can access if they wish. Instructions as follows:

1. Remove any disc currently in the unit.
2. With the unit on (green light, not red), power off using the front panel On/Off button (not standby).
3. Press and hold Stop and Still/Pause buttons on the front panel (not remote).
4. Keep the above buttons held and Power-up the player using the On/Off button, hold the above buttons for steps 5 and 6:
5. Wait until the unit finishes LOADING and the front panel of the player shows 0:00:00.
6. On the remote handset, press in sequence; 7 3 1 9 4 6 2 8
7. The unit should enter standby mode. On the front panel of the player, press the Standby button to turn the unit back on.
8. To confirm the update, press Stop and Skip Forward (>>I) simultaneously on the front panel . The front panel will briefly display "Region_A1."

Enjoy :)

[h317]

It worked!!! Thanks a lot.

[Jeepers]

For Video, I set my 3910 to HDMI RBG, HDMI Black Enhance On, Progressive Mode, 1080i resolution, kept everything @ factory setting except turned both Mid & High Sharpness to -6 and DNR to +6. I think it looks fantastic.:D

For audio, I turned Direct Source to ON and kept all Channel Levels and Delay to ZERO.


Can anyone tell me when to use HDMI RBG and when HDMI YCbCr ? I know it can be found in the manual on page 29.

[PENG]

Can anyone tell me when to use HDMI RBG and when HDMI YCbCr ? I know it can be found in the manual on page 29.

You may want to read this:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/dvd-players/denon-dvd-5910ci/setting-up-the-player

I tried both many times and could not tell the difference in picture quality.

[Jeepers]

You may want to read this:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/dvd-players/denon-dvd-5910ci/setting-up-the-player

I tried both many times and could not tell the difference in picture quality.


Thanks. I read the review of the 3930 several times but not the one of the 5910 which I will do later. Anyway I had it on HDMI YCbCr so it wasn't that bad after all.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Can anyone tell me when to use HDMI RBG and when HDMI YCbCr ? I know it can be found in the manual on page 29.

I think it depends on your TV/Display and your picture preference.

When I had it on HDMI YCbCr, the picture was just too "grey" for me since it would not allow Black Enhancement. Only the HDMI RBG allowed Black Enhancement, which gave me a very "black" Black level.

In the Normal Mode (YCbCr), black is like @ "16", instead of "0". This allows for "blacker" than Black, which means GREY.:D

[PhilCohen]

I have a question about "Picture Adjust".One of the things that can be adjusted is "Setup Level" which gives you a choice of 7.5 IRE(the factory setting) or zero IRE.

I've noted that the zero IRE settings almost totally eliminates the visibility of MPEG artifacts during scenes where total deep black is on much or part of the screen,but alas,during bright scenes(or bright areas of an otherwise dark scene) it reduces contrast,and obscures or darkens otherwise visible picture details.

In either of the two settings(7.5 IRE or zero IRE) there are good and bad things.Either of the two settings involves a compromise.Can you experts tell me what,exactly IRE is? Should I go with the factory setting(7.5 IRE)? Assuming a well encoded DVD,7.5 IRE obviously looks more natural,but on badly encoded discs,zero IRE helps hide artifacts in dark areas,but at the expense of compromising contrast.

I await the feedback from you Denon DVD player experts.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have a question about "Picture Adjust".One of the things that can be adjusted is "Setup Level" which gives you a choice of 7.5 IRE(the factory setting) or zero IRE.

I've noted that the zero IRE settings almost totally eliminates the visibility of MPEG artifacts during scenes where total deep black is on much or part of the screen,but alas,during bright scenes(or bright areas of an otherwise dark scene) it reduces contrast,and obscures or darkens otherwise visible picture details.

In either of the two settings(7.5 IRE or zero IRE) there are good and bad things.Either of the two settings involves a compromise.Can you experts tell me what,exactly IRE is? Should I go with the factory setting(7.5 IRE)? Assuming a well encoded DVD,7.5 IRE obviously looks more natural,but on badly encoded discs,zero IRE helps hide artifacts in dark areas,but at the expense of compromising contrast.

I await the feedback from you Denon DVD player experts.

I'm no Denon expert, but I'll chime in anyway.:D

I just reset my Denon 5910CI to HDMI YCbCr, Normal mode (instead of Enhance), both Sharpness to -6, DNR to +3, and IRE to Zero. It just looks the best to me.:D

I think most "experts" recommend setting the IRE to factory 7.5, DNR to +1, and Sharpness and everything else to Factory "0" setting. But I'm not trying to please the "experts".:) I'm trying to please myself so whatever looks the best is the CORRECT setting.:D

[eirepaul]

This is a little off-thread, but not too far. I just got a 2930CI and I am using the Denon Link cable for audio (no HDMI, using component for video). Firstly, I was a bit surprised by how flimsy the D-Link cable is, given that most high-tech cables seem to be pretty thick. Is there an upgrade to this cable out there anywhere, and would it be worth it?

Secondly, I’ve only had the unit a couple of days and as I understand it, if you use the D-Link, processing is performed in the receiver (3805 in my case). Therefore, for me there are no audio settings to be concerned about in the 2930, except D-Link “on” (which greys out audio settings anyway, as previously discussed).

With my 3805, when I switch from “Multi-Channel In” to “Multi-Channel Direct” I seem to lose a lot of bass. Are the multi-channel (D-Link) modes tied to the original “Direct” “Pure Direct” modes? With the D-Link connected it seems to have opened up a few more sound modes I didn’t even know I had. I was connected via multi-channel analog cables to an Onkyo DVD before. Any help from seasoned D-Link users would be much appreciated. I thought it would simplify things, but I don’t quite have the hang of it yet.

Lastly, someone here stated they had preferred the sound of multi-channel analog connections compared to HDMI. Any opinions on D-Link versus analog? I listen to a lot of multi-channel music on SACD and DVD-A.

Thank you.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Lastly, someone here stated they had preferred the sound of multi-channel analog connections compared to HDMI. Any opinions on D-Link versus analog? I listen to a lot of multi-channel music on SACD and DVD-A.



Both the 3805 and 2930CI have the same exact Burr-Brown PCM-1791 DACs, so theorectically it should sound the same regardless the route you use (D-Link 3, HDMI, or 5.1 Analog).

Gene (president of Audioholics) seems to feel that using the D-Link 3 is the preferred route.

If I had a Denon receiver that had the same exact DACs as my Denon SACD/DVD-A player, I would also choose the D-Link 3 route.

I do not think you can send SACD via HDMI, so cross that option out. I think.:D

I think you can only send SACD via Firewire, D-Link 3, or Analog (Internal Decoding by Player).

But I think overall, the sound should be the same regardless of route.

Yeah, when I use the Source Direct, which bypasses all bass management, I sense a slight decreased in Bass output. But the bass that I do get seems to be tighter and of better quality. I think.:D

[eirepaul]

Yeah, when I use the Source Direct, which bypasses all bass management, I sense a slight decreased in Bass output. But the bass that I do get seems to be tighter and of better quality. I think.:D

OK - I think you are talking about the source direct in your 3930, which is not available to me in the 2930 when using D-Link. I will have to play with the sub level settings in the 3805 to attempt to balance it out. Right now, I think I have different sub level settings for multi-channel output versus standard 2-channel CD output from the 2930. It’s a little strange because I had everything set perfectly through the tone generator on the 3805.

Thank you for responding.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

OK - I think you are talking about the source direct in your 3930, which is not available to me in the 2930 when using D-Link. I will have to play with the sub level settings in the 3805 to attempt to balance it out. Right now, I think I have different sub level settings for multi-channel output versus standard 2-channel CD output from the 2930. It’s a little strange because I had everything set perfectly through the tone generator on the 3805.

Thank you for responding.

Yes, I was using Source Direct in my 5910CI. I think using the D-Link3 also bypasses all bass & speaker management in the player itself. Now your receiver has to do the speaker & bass management.

I actually manage my subwoofer @ the subwoofer itself, instead of the player or pre-pro/receiver. But I suppose any way is okay.

[caupina]

Hehe, I hope you didn't pay much for your modification :rolleyes:

Since it seems to be drawing attention, I will again draw everyone's attention to Denon's Region-free command. The 2930CI and the 3930CI are shipped in North America as NTSC/PAL Region 1 machines; however, Denon lets you easily deactivate the Region-detection and make the units able to play any DVD on Earth. It's not a "hack" nor a warranty-voiding "mod," it's a built-in process on all of the machines that anyone can access if they wish. Instructions as follows:

1. Remove any disc currently in the unit.
2. With the unit on (green light, not red), power off using the front panel On/Off button (not standby).
3. Press and hold Stop and Still/Pause buttons on the front panel (not remote).
4. Keep the above buttons held and Power-up the player using the On/Off button, hold the above buttons for steps 5 and 6:
5. Wait until the unit finishes LOADING and the front panel of the player shows 0:00:00.
6. On the remote handset, press in sequence; 7 3 1 9 4 6 2 8
7. The unit should enter standby mode. On the front panel of the player, press the Standby button to turn the unit back on.
8. To confirm the update, press Stop and Skip Forward (>>I) simultaneously on the front panel . The front panel will briefly display "Region_A1."

Enjoy :)

Does this really work????....I've been putting off buying some concert DVDs Region 2 because my 2930CI is region 1 only. Thanks for your input.

[h317]

Yes, it worked on my 3930CI.

[caupina]

Yes, it worked on my 3930CI.

I'll try it. It just got me thinking 'cause I didn't see much discussion on this issue by the other members so I thought maybe it was meant as BS, but if you confirm it, then what I have got to lose, right????