Denon 5900 and rental DVDs

[Jack]

I've had my 5900 for several months and have played hundreds of purchased DVDs without problems.

Recently I rented four DVDs and all of them either do not load or play for a while and then freeze or skip to the point that the moives are unwatchable.

Phyiscal inspection of the discs shows that they are not in good condition (actually they are in terrible condition). I never paid attention to the physical condition of rental DVDs when I had a cheapo DVD player. It's amazing the punishment they take. I don't know what people do with them!

In any case, what's really frustrating is that I can play the same damaged rental DVDs on my cheap DVD player with no problems.

1. Have others noticed that high end DVD players are too sensitive to handle beat up rental DVDs?
2. Is it worth getting some sort of cleaning device to try to repair the rental DVDs so that they will play in the 5900?
3. I suppose I could just hook up my cheapo DVD player to my Denon 3805 for rental movies but that seems so pathetic. The thing doesn't even have surround sound out and it's not progressive scan.

Any ideas for a solution or at least some consoling words (;-))?

Thanks in advance.

 

[zumbo]

I noticed years ago on cd players that some handled a scratched cd better than others. Back then, I found that Yamaha home (Alpine car) cd players performed better than others. So I have stuck with the brands. My S840 does a good job with rented dvd's, but I also rent from the store that cost the most because their dvd's are in better shape. I am not sure if this is true about Yamaha dvd players vs others, but I am very happy with mine.

 

[gene]

Jack;


I have had similar problems with my DVD 5900 and even 2900. In fact, I couldn't even play Star Wars Episode 1 on my 5900 when it was brand new. Check your firmware version. Having the latest firmware uploaded does help this problem alot.

 

[Jack]

Jack;
Check your firmware version. Having the latest firmware uploaded does help this problem alot.

Is there some way I can check the firmware version on the machine? I keep asking my local Denon representative and he tells me that I have the latest but I don't know if I should believe him. Usually I know more about the details of the Denon products from loitering on the web than he does. Also, does Denon have any information on its website about what the latest version is? If so I haven't found it.

Thanks.

 

[marty]

Is there some way I can check the firmware version on the machine? [...] Also, does Denon have any information on its website about what the latest version is? If so I haven't found it.

Thanks.

Hi Jack-

I too own a 5900, and I've been dealing with Denon since September with a problem I'm having playing back multichannel SACDs from the Universal label. See the thread elsewhere in this forum.

As for checking the firmware, do this:

* remove all discs from the player and turn it off.
* while holding the play AND open/close button, turn the 5900 on
* using the remote, press the MENU button to cycle through the settings.
* when done checking the versions, just turn it off and on again.

I just received and installed the latest (as of two weeks ago at least) from Denon, and here's what I've got for my versions:

ESS 6334-D
MAKEDAY 921
DRIVE 030825
SYS 6542-3
DSP1 6332
DSP2 6333

If you have anything different, contact Denon. I started with the website, just sending an email to the "contact us" or whatever for support. From there, I was given a contact who I'm dealing with directly for my problem. Denon has been quick to respond, with no more than a day turnaround when I've sent emails or called since September.

I've upgraded my firmware twice now, going from (I think) version 6334-7 to 6334-B and now to 6334-D. None have fixed my problem, but to be fair they said they're still working it.

I have never seen anywhere on the web what firmware version is the latest outside of forums like this. If Denon does publish it, it's hidden rather well!

Good luck!

-Marty

 

[Jack]

Marty,
Hey, great tip!
Here is what I have:
ESS 63341
Makeday 1015
DRV 030825
Sys 6542-2
DSP1 6332
DSP2 6333

Do you know what these different items are? For example I have the same DRV, and DSPs as you but the others are different. The ones that are different, what do they control?
How do you get the upgrades? Are they loaded onto a cd?

 

[marty]

Do you know what these different items are? For example I have the same DRV, and DSPs as you but the others are different. The ones that are different, what do they control?
How do you get the upgrades? Are they loaded onto a cd?

I don't have a clue what they mean, sorry.

As for getting the updates, the first place to check is the Denon website. From there, you can find a page under support to enter your model and serial number. This will tell you if there's anything new available. There should be. If not, call (973) 396-0810 and ask to speak with an engineer for Denon DVD players. From there you can find out if you're running the latest and greatest. The website tells me there are no updates, although there should be. I had to call to get it.

Both of my firmware updates have been shipped to me on CD-Rs, and loaded without any issues. Now, they didn't solve my problem, but that's a story for another thread located elsewhere on this forum...

-Marty

 

[marty]

I've played quite a few discs from Netflix in my 5900. I've seen almost all of them show up with a decent amount of scratches. I guess people let their pets put them back in the envelopes.

I've had a problem with one disc that skipped a bit, and one last week, Lost in Translation, refused to let me choose the DTS audio selection (I "suffered" with DD.) Otherwise the tolerance for scratches seems to be pretty good on the 5900, at least mine.

-Marty