DVD-2910 Benchmark Testing

The Audioholics/HQV testing is rigorous. The simple fact is that many of the high-end DVD players cannot pass all the Audioholics/HQV tests. We at Audioholics feel there should be no compromise on borderline judgment calls on the tests. The DVD player either passes the test or it doesn't. It is our hope that with this testing, the DVD player manufacturers will continue to upgrade their implementation of the technologies and strive to make products that are fully capable of passing these rigorous test standards. A modest score on our test does not necessarily indicate that a DVD player performs poorly in real world installations. Please read the conclusions for our thoughts on the DVD player's performance.

All tests were performed with the DVD-2910 set in progressive scan mode (AUTO 1). Using the Avia test DVD I checked the player's resolution capabilities. The 6.75MHz pattern in the test was clearly visible and well defined, indicating that it correctly resolves high-resolution images. Switching to DVI at 1080i I was unable to detect any significant difference in the resolution pattern I also noticed very little pixel cropping with the DVI 1080i connection - approximately 2 pixels horizontally and 1-2 pixels vertically.

After the resolution check, I proceeded to the black level test using Digital Video Essential's pluge test pattern. The ability to display correct black level is an important part of a DVD player's performance. Correct black level settings will preserve shadow detail and improve the depth and contrast of an image. Viewing the pluge pattern, I noted that when the Denon DVD-2910 is in the factory default setting, and the picture setting is set to Standard. The black level was way too low and the image was washed out. The blacker than black pluge was clearly visible. I entered the picture setup sub menu and selected M1 or Memory 1. I attempted to correct the brightness level but the brightness control only lets you increase the black level. I then selected Set in the same picture sub menu; this allows you to change the IRE level from the factory setting of 7.5 IRE to 0 IRE. When I selected 0 IRE my black level was near perfect; but all shadow detail was lost. I then reselected M1 or memory one and began to adjust the brightness and contrast controls. Oddly you can adjust the contrast control to a negative setting but not the brightness. I was able to obtain perfect Blacker than black and perfect whiter than white with all three of the monitors I used. However, shadow detail was not correct; I reselected 7.5 IRE and then calibrated black level using the setup menu in the display devices rather than the DVD player. I have been told that the current firmware upgrade has corrected the 7.5 IRE black level gain and is available to all current owners of the DVD-2910. Note that you can see the change made to the image because the picture setup menu is minimized when you adjust a specific item. This makes it very easy to calibrate a display device with a test disk and the user adjustments found on the Denon DVD-2910.

Perfect Score: 130
Denon DVD-2910 Score: 86 (This indicates an exceptional player at this price point)