DVD-3910 Remote Control & Video Tests

A little quirk we found in the DVD-3910 is actually tied to a very cool feature. As a result, we're hesitant to really harp on it, but it's something that the advanced user should be aware of. HDMI 1.0 is enabled and included with the DVD-3910. The significance is that it allows transfer of DTS and Dolby Digital multi-channel audio to an HDMI 1.0-compatible processor/receiver. What this means is that using only an HDMI cable and a compatible processor/receiver (like the AVR-5805 for example) you can send digital video and Dolby Digital/DTS through a single cable. As usual, SACD has not yet approved transmission via this format (I'm sure this will not come as a big surprise to anyone) and HDMI 1.1 is required for transmitting DVD-Audio (currently only available on the Denon DVD-5910 as of this writing). The quirk we found is that when multi-channel transmission of these signals is enabled in the Denon DVD-3910 you lose the ability to simultaneously utilize the analogue multi-channel outputs. So, for example, if you are listening to a DTS disc through your HDMI connection, you cannot switch to an SACD or DVD-Audio disc without going into the menu and disabling multi-channel via HDMI. This is the same for DD. In effect, if you want to use multi-channel audio over HDMI you will need to go to the Setup menu each time you want to play an SACD or DVD-Audio disc (the only unsupported format. We recommend getting used to enabling and using the Firewire connection for all of your audio signals, stereo and multi-channel. This eliminates the aforementioned problem, and it is likely that those opting to purchase this level of player will couple it with a new IEEE 1394-equipped receiver. HDMI/DVI should still be used for video but this solution offers a nice one-cable-fits-all solution for audio.

The new RC-972 remote that accompanies the DVD-3910 is somewhat larger than the RC-962 remote that shipped with the DVD-5900. It doesn't offer a whole suite of new functions, but rather spaces out the buttons a bit more. In fact, by our count there are only an additional 6 buttons (Pure Direct Memory/Select, SACD Setup, HDMI/DVI Select & Format and Backlight) but the remote is over an inch longer and over 50% heavier than the RC-962. I really like the feel of the cursor buttons and the addition of a backlight is great, even though it only lights up the navigational buttons. The buttons you'll use most are well within reach and the rest are spaced out enough that you won't hit one mistakenly. I again fall back to my previous assumption - if you can afford a $1499 DVD player, you will likely have a nice processor or receiver that comes with a programmable universal remote. As such I doubt you'll ever touch this one except, perhaps, for the initial setup of the player.

Performing measurements and tests on a DVD player using tools at our disposal is somewhat objective, but results in a certain amount of subjective decision-making in terms of scoring and evaluation. As such, we recommend that these test results be used as a guideline only. For the review of this DVD player, the performance was based on the player in conjunction with the display monitor. We used the Yamaha LPX-510 3LCD projector which was calibrated as close as possible to ISF reference standards. For the test and evaluation of the DVD-3910 we used Avia, Video Essentials and Silicon Optix HQV Technology benchmark DVD test discs.

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. We also do our best to try various settings, outputs and adjustments to ensure the best possible results. 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. From here on out, until we establish a new standard, our DVD player reviews will subject all units to these tests. 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 final test scores were derived with the DVD-3910 set to progressive scan mode in 1080i using the DVI video output connected to the projector with a DVIGear HDMI 10 meter SHR cable.