DVI or HDMI? Denon 3910 vs. 3930- Help!!

[Jeff G]

I have an older Samsung 43" DLP with 720p native resolution. My DVD player is an antiquated (~8 years old) Panisonic player,. I am using an S-video cable to allow th evideo processing to be done by the Sammy. I am more of an audio guy, but want to have decent video as well.

Time to upgrade. I am not ready to jump on the Blu-ray/HD-DVD train (although the Sammy 1200 was tempting). I am looking at a Denon 3930SI vs. a Denon 3910. THe 3910 has DVI out (my TV does not have HDMI, only DVI). Is there and advantage to getting the older player that has a DVI output? The 3930 is newer and appears to be a great player, but only has HDMI (and component of course). I assume I can use an adaptor and use the digital out into my processsor. The 3910 appears to be a great machine.

Any help greatly appreciated.
Jeff

 

[j_garcia]

There is no reason not to be ready to go HD. Unless you need SACD and DVD-A, there is really no reason to spend top dollar on a SD DVD player at this point. If audio isn't a priority, I'd just pick up one of the Oppo players as their picture quality is quite excellent and they don't cost an arm and a leg.

For DVI/HDMI it doesn't really matter. I use a DVI to HDMI cable that I got from bluejeans and everything works perfectly. Analog out (for SACD and DVD-A if you don't have a Denon receiver that is D-link capable) and digital for DVDs would work fine.

 

[westcott]

I have an older Samsung 43" DLP with 720p native resolution. My DVD player is an antiquated (~8 years old) Panisonic player,. I am using an S-video cable to allow th evideo processing to be done by the Sammy. I am more of an audio guy, but want to have decent video as well.

Time to upgrade. I am not ready to jump on the Blu-ray/HD-DVD train (although the Sammy 1200 was tempting). I am looking at a Denon 3930SI vs. a Denon 3910. THe 3910 has DVI out (my TV does not have HDMI, only DVI). Is there and advantage to getting the older player that has a DVI output? The 3930 is newer and appears to be a great player, but only has HDMI (and component of course). I assume I can use an adaptor and use the digital out into my processsor. The 3910 appears to be a great machine.

Any help greatly appreciated.
Jeff

Your decision really boils down to what your priorities are. Is video performance your first priority? Or is audio performance equal or more important? It sounds like you have a healthy budget so you have a lot of options. You also want to consider what you plan for the future.

Option 1
If I were trying to save money and wanted great video performance and good audio performance, The Oppo Digital DV-981HD would be a great solution for video and a good solution for DVD audio and SACD playback. Only drawback is the lack of support for the new high resolution audio and video formats on HD DVD and Blu-Ray.

Option 2
Both the BD-P1200 and the HD-XA2 provide support for the new HD video and audio formats, provide excellent video performance with SD DVDs, and are available for prices half to 1/4 of what a 3930CI would set you back. The only drawback is that neither support SACD or DVD Audio and at their respective prices, that is a disappointment for audiophiles. Choosing one of these players (although you said you were not ready to make this jump) would future proof your video path, give great SD DVD playback, and save you some money in the process over the 3930CI.

Option 3

SACD and DVD Audio is as important to you as SD DVD video performance with audio being very important. Then your best bet is the 3930CI from Denon. A great player and one I will be acquiring soon for its excellent SACD and DVD Audio performance myself. It also has excellent SD DVD performance. The only drawbacks are that it is the most expensive solution and does not support the new HD video formats.

I have a Denon receiver that supports D Link so that is what is driving part of my decision. It is one of the few ALL digital connections for SACD and DVD Audio and I place a high priority on quality audio. I also already have the two HD players mentioned earlier so that also weighted my decision.

Hope this helps and Happy Holidays!!!

P.S. DVI vs HDMI really is not an issue from a compatibility standpoint although some have had some handshaking issues with some component combinations on the new HD players. A converter should be a feasible solution and not a major part of your purchasing decision.

 

[Jeff G]

Thanks for your reply fellas. Audio is a prioity for me. However, I use a Squeexebox with a MHDT Paradesia DAC for audio. I would like to add DVD Audio and SACD, but am not so excited about going out to get a bunch of new discs.

For video, I will not likely be upgrading my Samsung DLP any time soon (unless it croaks). I was considering the Sammy 1200 BD player. I was put off by folks on the forum having trouble playing SD DVDs as well as Bluray discs. Additionally, my TV is a 720P model. Not sure how much better BD at 720P would look compared to the Oppo or Denon upconversion? It would give me a more sound upgrade path.

I am able to get the Denon 3930 as an open box for under $400. I could do the Sammy 1200 for a about $325. Just a bit apprhensive about its stability, etc.

Jeff

 

[j_garcia]

I think the Sammy 1400 is a better unit and has been going for around the same or less. All of these players will need to regularly update their firmware to keep up with most/all discs.

 

[westcott]

I think the Sammy 1400 is a better unit and has been going for around the same or less. All of these players will need to regularly update their firmware to keep up with most/all discs.

Correct me if I am wrong but the BD-1400 does not use the Silicon Optix Reon video processor. I consider this a step backwards and therefore can not recommend it for SD and HD play back.

 

[j_garcia]

Correct me if I am wrong but the BD-1400 does not use the Silicon Optix Reon video processor. I consider this a step backwards and therefore can not recommend it for SD and HD play back.

Not speaking from experience, just what I had read, so you may be correct.

 

[flipper699]

I just picked up the 3930ci last month. (my Denon 2900 Croaked) and it is an AMAZING machine. I have a Sony rear-projection LCD. It is a 1080i which is the same as 720P. I have a monster cable HDMI to DVI cable. (No adapter needed). The audio is through my Denon 5803's "D-Link" Until I get the upgrade "D-Link III" from my current "D-link SE" I have the 6 analog cable hookup for SACD. I picked up my player from an online Denon Authorized B-stock e-tailer for $700. I am a Denon Lover, and I am waiting before I go the Blue-ray route, as well. I had just spent too much on TV, Receiver, to upgrade now.

 

[j_garcia]

You lost me at Monster Cable....