DVD-2910 Remote Control and Build Quality
The Denon RC-985 is much better than typical remotes that come with DVD players. It is very responsive,
the buttons are well laid out, and it works from long distances and even at extreme angles. It is not
backlit and that's something we think is important assuming this remote will actually get used. In all
reality, we can see most users using this remote to program a universal remote - and Denon probably
realizes this. After transferring the functions, store it away for back up or set up functions
only.
Build Quality: A Look Inside the Denon
DVD-2910
Removing the top cover of the Denon DVD-2910
revealed the heart of the DVD player. The Denon DVD-2910 is beautifully constructed with high quality
components and its board layout and design are well engineered. Please don't remove the cover from your
DVD player. I am a qualified technician with the knowledge and tools to do this.
The Denon DVD-2910 uses a very robust power supply. Also note the ferrite core on the primary power cable and the size of the heat sinks!
The DVD-2910 uses a very high quality transport that is mounted up high and away from heat generating sources. It is a vibration resistant design to reduce the effects of unwanted vibration from outside sources.
The DVD-2910's video board and FL2310 processor uses a 12bit/216 MHz video D/A converter. Once again very high quality components are used on this player's video board and the physical PC board was secured to the chassis with 10 screws.
The Denon DVD DVD-2910's audio board is mounted directly below the video board. I removed the video board for a closer look and found that the DVD-2910 uses 24 bit, 192kHz DSD-1791 audio DACs, an Analog Devices 32-bit processor and 80 Hz crossover with 12dB and 24dB low pass slopes, HDCD decoder, and 24/96kHz compatible digital outputs.
Now just for perspective let's take a look at the inside of a well-known DVD player that many of the electronics chain stores sell for about $200.
As you can see from these pictures the power supply power board and general power board layout is much smaller than the Denon DVD-2910. This is the typical transport found in lower end DVD players. It is an open design that is not isolated from vibration. You should also be able to see the video board and the small audio board located just behind. These pictures, visually at least, show the difference between a higher-end DVD player and a low-end DVD player. This particular DVD player was well regarded for its price point. But in this case you really do get what you pay for. There are simply no short cuts to building a high quality player. Engineering, R & D and higher quality components cost money; and in this case the Denon DVD-2910's build quality is exemplary.
