The DVD-2910 is slightly taller than the average DVD player, with dimensions of 434 x 101 x 322mm and a considerable weight of 5.5kg, although these figures are still down on the measurements of its predecessor, the taller and heavier DVD-2900.
It is also visibly different from the DVD-2900, with a longer display bezel and circular rather than square buttons. The remote control has also been updated and is now more uniform with other Denon AV component remote controls, such as those used with its AV receivers, thus is also not backlit. The DVD-2910 case is available in silver and black and the front panel is quite attractive and conservative in appearance.
Features
The strong points of the DVD-2910 are many, not least of which is its universal disc playing credentials. The DVD-2910 is not only a DVD-Video player, but also supports the high resolution multi-channel audio formats of SACD and DVD-Audio, making it an audiophile's delight. Although these high fidelity audio formats have failed to set the world on fire, there are still many devotees whose hearts will be warmed to learn of the DVD-2910.
It also supports playback of recordable media such as DVD-R/RW as well as CD-R/RW and its many variations including MP3, WMA, JPEG and Kodak Picture CDs. Besides regular Audio CDs (CDDA), the DVD-2910 will also decode HDCD for those who have embraced this particular audio format.
However, the biggest addition to the specifications list of the DVD-2910 is the HDMI port that is multi-channel audio and high definition video ready. With few monitors supporting HDMI presently, users can make do with the DVI (with HDCP) output, both of which allow scalable 720p and 1080i High Definition viewing modes that deliver premium DVD performance. This is due largely to the high-end Faroudja FL12301 DCD-i Progressive Scan chipset inside the DVD-2910, which allows superb HD resolution of 1280 x 720 from advanced display devices.
The DVD-2910 uses Denon's DDVC (Dual Discrete Video Circuit) for video transfer as well as dual Analog Devices ADV-7310 12bit/216MHz video DACs with one used for component and the other for S-Video and composite output. Besides the composite, S-Video, component, HDMI and DVI outputs, there is also an RGB SCART output, while audio outputs include SCART as well as stereo RCA, optical digital, coaxial digital and a full set of multi-channel RCA outputs for SACD and DVD-A.
Audiophile grade playback is assured with dual Analog Devices SHARC processor and the use of four Burr-Brown 192kHz/24bit PCM 1791 DACs. Purists are also catered for with a two-stage Pure Direct mode that defeats non-essential processing during playback if desired.
Performance
The performance of the DVD-2910 left us wanting for little, with fast loading and disc recognition, automatic switching and breathtakingly crisp and spectacular performance on both the audio and video fronts. First to be played were a variety of SACD and DVD-Audio test discs, which were a snap to set up and adjust with the on-screen menu system. The handy bass management system ensured that the low frequencies were correctly delivered to the subwoofer, rather than the speakers.
Any audio enthusiast who has harboured doubts about these high resolution audio formats should really audition an SACD or DVD-A to hear for themselves the delicacy and precise spread of a multi-channel track. The playback is remarkably pure and every nuance of the music, from a vocalists' breath to a guitarists' fingers sliding over frets can be discerned in its own separate space.
The outstanding audio playback is matched with quite spectacular video playback at high resolution, with extremely rich and vivid colour rendition and detail that will have you finding new details in scenes you have watched many times before. With almost flawless performance the Denon DVD-2910 proved to be every bit the premium universal disc player and lived up to the high expectations held having experienced its predecessors.
