Denon DVD-3910 DVD Player Review

After unpacking the unit I felt it to be a hefty, nicely-constructed player. Though a full 7 pounds lighter than the DVD-5900 "brick", the DVD-3910 gives the impression that there is more under the hood than your average universal player. The front panel is well laid out, with easy access to play controls as well as a pleasant surprise - a soft On/Standby button to complement the hard power button. In addition, the front panel can be used to select video output formats and there is a Pure Direct feature. The rear panel, the details of which have already been listed, is impressive as well with a clean layout and easy access and spacing for all connectors.

Being the finicky person that I am, I have to admit that the first thing I did with the player was plug it in and see what happened when the unit was placed in 'Standby' mode while the tray was open. The DVD-3910, unlike the DVD-5900, nicely sucked the disc back into the player before shutting down. Progress is a good thing.

Setting up the DVD-3910, despite its complex options and available configurations is actually not that difficult, provided you know where to look and are aware of some important menu areas. Assuming you'll want to use the player for analogue multi-channel SACD or DVD-Audio playback, one of the first places you'll need to stop is the Speaker Configuration menu (a subset of Speaker Setup) where you can configure your bass management options for the player. For Reference System 2 we configured the player to recognize all speakers as Small with a crossover setting of 80Hz - this coincided with the bass management I had already configured for the Integra DTC-9.4 processor.

The Channel Level menu allows you to configure the analogue output levels of the universal player in order to ensure that you have a balanced sound stage and that your subwoofer output level, in particular, isn't overbearing or non-existent. To my surprise, an SPL meter revealed that the levels did not need to be adjusted at all, a big improvement from the DVD-5900, in which the subwoofer +10 boost had to be enabled and the test tones were somewhat less than accurate. The DVD-3910 showed none of these problems, and as a result, setup was a breeze. While we cannot guarantee such an easy setup with everyone's system, this was shaping up to be a great user experience. Moving on, you'll also want to set up your Delay Time in order to select the distances between the loudspeakers and the central listening position. The heavy math (approximately 1.1ms delay per foot) is done in the player so you only have to have a tape measure to get good results. The Delay Settings, unfortunately, are limited to 1 foot in the English system - we always like to see at least .5 foot increments for better accuracy. For better results, change the units to 'meters' and you'll find you can adjust to within .1 meter increments (this equates to about 1/3 foot resolution).

You'll definitely want to set up the player to match the type of TV you'll be using it on. I can only assume that if you are buying a $1499 DVD player, then you most likely have taken the plunge into HDTV. In either case, be sure to select Wide (16:9) as your TV a spect ratio, unless you have a 4:3 television, in which case you may choose 4:3 LB (letter box). You will also see Squeeze Mode on this screen. This is only to be used to display 4:3 content in its proper aspect ratio on a 16:9 TV - unusual, and thus I recommend leaving it on the factory default OFF. Denon has always had cryptic progressive modes - something that is a thorn in the side of anyone wanting to take advantage of the different deinterlacing options available. While we recommend everyone leave it in the Default AUTO 1 24fps Film mode, you may wish to experiment with the other modes in certain instances when you are not watching a theatrical DVD with 24fps film source on it. Here's a quick breakdown of the progressive modes:

Of course, if for some reason you would like the display device to do the deinterlacing and video processing, you can always disable Progressive output of the player by selecting INTERLACED in the Video Out menu.

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.

Using the Avia test DVD, I checked the resolution capabilities of the player. The 6.75MHz pattern in the test is clearly visible and well defined as shown in the photo lower right corner. Be sure to use the Widescreen enhanced version on the Avia test disc on 16:9 HDTVs. The 4:3 version will show the same results and is a valid test, but the aspect ratio will be incorrect on a widescreen TV unless you set it to 4:3 mode. As a fun note, using the DVD-3910's DVI output I ran a test pattern that determined the unit only crops 1 pixel from the bottom of the screen and a combined total of 3 pixels from the sides. Average pixel cropping for NTSC compliant DVD players is somewhere between 6-12 pixels, so the Denon is doing an incredibly accurate job at showing the full composition of the encoded signal. This is often hidden by your display's overscan, but for those using digital front projection or displays with less overscan, this can mean a bit more picture information for you to enjoy.

After the resolution check, I proceed to the black level test using Video Essentials' 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 DVD-3910 is in the factory default setting, and HDMI/DVI Black Level Enhancer set to ON, and the picture settings set to Standard, the black level was almost dead on. The blacker than black pluge was clearly visible. This is the setting we recommend for most installations.

Editorial Note about Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark Test DVD
Silicon Optix developed the HQV Benchmark DVD in an effort to set a new standard for video processing quality and to attempt to make the testing more objective rather than subjective. The main goal was to help reviewers and consumers measure the performance of the video processing logic inside DVD players, scalers, and displays. The HQV Benchmark helps reviewers generate a ratings score that may be used by consumers to compare products and get a better understanding of the differences they will have in their viewing experience with various competitive products.

The source material for the HQV Benchmark was accumulated by Silicon Optix' Teranex division over the past five years. Teranex has been working closely with Hollywood post production facilities and major broadcasters to collect a variety of real-world samples of video processing challenges. Those sequences are included on the HQV Benchmark DVD. Where possible, the tests include both synthetic tests to aggravate a particular problem along with real-world material that shows the same problem. For the past year, numerous reviewers and industry experts have been evaluating this content and providing feedback to Silicon Optix on both the content and the ratings systems. The current HQV Benchmark DVD is a direct result of this industry collaboration.

Perfect Score is 130
Denon DVD-3910 Benchmark total score: 75130 (This player had some surprising issues but is still a decent performer )

** See note about AUTO 2 Mode lock-on issue.

We had a very interesting time running the Silicon Optix HQV tests and ran into several interesting anomalies that we would like to note in an effort to make sure you get the best possible performance out of this player. First off, it's important to remember that each display device is different, and some displays will fare better at different output resolutions than others. When using the DVI or HDMI outputs of the DVD-3910, be sure to experiment with different output formats to arrive at the best possible setting. An example of this is that we first began testing the player using 720p in conjunction with a Yamaha LPX-510 3LCD projector (1280 x 720 resolution). During the Film Detail test, the player could not seem to lock on and eliminate the moiré pattern from the scene quickly or consistently. Switching the DVI output to 1080i immediately rectified this problem and resulted in a perfect Passing score - however it's important to note that at this point, the projector was hadling the deinterlacing, so the DVD-3910 still technically fails this test. The Film detail test would not pass via component video or HDMI, even when we tried another display (a MAXX Products LCOS projector with a resolution of 1400 x 1050.)

The cadence tests also presented unique challenges for the DVD-3910 and our reference display. We found that in AUTO 1 mode (the default progressive mode) the Denon DVD player passed all of the Jaggies tests with only minor artifacting. AUTO 2, however, was not without its interesting traits. After switching to AUTO 2, which is more optimized for video cadences) we found that upon returning to the Flag test or Jaggies #2 test, the player would not correctly apply directional filtering until the Setup Menu of the DVD player was engaged and disengaged. We have brought up this anomaly with Denon and are also reproducing it in-house to see if we can isolate and identify the problem. We recommend staying with AUTO 1 mode for general use of this player.

After reading the benchmark test results you'll see that the DVD-3910 is an excellent player. While not scoring a perfect 130 points, it does exceptionally well for a player in its price class and passes the majority of tests with flying colors.

DVD: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Viewing evaluations are always subjective, but they are a great opportunity to see the practical demonstration of the above test results. In selecting movies for our demo we chose some reference DVDs as well as some content with less than stellar source material. Because of the nature of 3D animation and the use of motion blur in the rendering process, I tend to shy away from those DVDs, however you may see them pop up from time to time simply to demonstrate color and/or image detail. I chose Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back because it features some excellent film source footage that is both revealing and honest in its presentation. Though Lucas did a lot of work on these films when bringing them to DVD, he did more in terms of restoration and addition of additional scenes, resulting in some pretty pristine film material that serves as excellent test material.

One of the first things I really took notice of was the crisp hair detail in Chewbacca's fur. In the Rebel base on Hoth, Chewbacca leans his head against a support strut as he hears news that Han Solo is to be locked out of the base - trapped in sub-zero temperature until morning. The camera follows the reactions of Princess Leia and C-3P0 and eventually lands on a rare hanging close-up of Chewbacca. The hair detail was consistent even through motion, but during this close-up was almost "graspable" on our reference projector.

The scenes on Degobah varied from blurry fast pans to locked down shots revealing a very detailed scenescape complete with snakes, vine work and clear edge details of the moving swamp water. The colors were more accurate than I remembered, meaning that while not highly saturated, the textures of trees, R2-D2's machined body, and even Yoda's skin looked incredibly realistic. Check out the water lapping up against the shore when Yoda reels in the X-Wing using the force - this is truly a great looking scene.

Finishing out this disc I couldn't resist jumping to the all black set that makes up the final scenes where Han Solo is encased in carbonite and Luke Skywalker engages in a saber battle with Darth Vader. There is some pretty good shadow detail in these scenes if you look for it and the Denon DVD-3910 doesn't miss a thing. Every corner was visible, and nothing appeared to be washed out or missing within these dark scenes. Lighting detail was very revealing and actually quite detailed with smooth blends of bluish light that filled the screen at times. On lesser players you would see banding and a greater amount of noise, however the Denon showed no problems with rendering the scene as intended.

DVD: I, Robot
The next series of shots came from I, Robot which I felt had a myriad of scenes with which you could get an idea of the Denon DVD-3910's ability to handle detail, 2:3 film detection, and black levels. In this scene, foreground elements are exceptionally clear while motion in the background is crisp and detailed throughout the scene. There is also a ton of black level detail noticeable in the corners of this shot. Shadow and texture gradients abound in this movie and I found myself really observing lots of excellent natural detail in each scene.

Here, a close-up of Will Smith shows detail of similar quality to my favorite close-up shot of Bruce Willis in the Superbit version of The Fifth Element . Perspiration and skin texture is exceptionally noted along with a realistic color tone and various shadows which fall across his face without visible gradation lines. Even though there is subtle movement, the details stay in focus and hold their natural edge detail throughout the shot. These closeups are, to me, just excellent scenes in which to see just how clearly your system can reproduce what the original cameras captured on film.

This shot has a lot of vertical and horizontal elements which serves well as a real-world "jaggies" test during this scene as the camera pans across the room. As expected, this test yielded equally-impressive results as did the HQV test DVD. Overall, I found this DVD to contain a good selection of test elements and will be adding it to my reference collection for future display and transport reviews. This movie, aside form being a pleasure to watch, really showed off a lot of the DVD-3910's better qualities, especially its ability to reproduce deep black levels and full-motion detail.

There is so much to say about this player it's hard to sum it all up without rehashing the entire review a second time. Video quality is on par with anything I've seen up to this point. The DVD-3910's ability to present a detailed picture with accurate 2:3 pulldown and excellent scaling gives it very high marks as an almost-flagship player. The only nitpick disappointment in the video arena would be the fail grade on the Film Detail test when using the component outputs of the player. Black level and shadow detail are excellent. Color reproduction and noise reduction are great and the fact that this player can handle any format on the market gives it a huge thumbs up. In addition, it can handle SACD and DVD-Audio soundtracks with the utmost audio fidelity - both two-channel and multi-channel alike. I can't really recommend this player enough for those looking to settle down with a future-sensitive player that has all of the options required with today's technology and available formats. Last year we said the DVD-5900 was a hot player. This year, the DVD-3910 has dropped the price, added some features, and redefined what a universal player should be at this price point.