Denon DVD-3800BDCi Blu-ray Player Reviewed

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Performance
4 Stars
Value
4 Stars
Overall
4 Stars

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denon_dvd_3800bdci.jpgThe Denon DVD-3800BDCi is the flagship model in Denon's Blu-ray lineup, primarily because it uses Silicon Optix's highest level chipset, the Realta sxT2 HQV chip. The $1,999 DVD-3800BDCi is a Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player, which means it contains the secondary audio and video decoders needed for picture-in-picture playback. However, it does not support BD-Live Web functionality.

In terms of video connections, the player offers HDMI, component video (with both BNC- and RCA-style connectors), S-video, and composite video outputs. For HDMI, the output-resolution options are Auto, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p/60, and 1080p/24. While this player lacks a Source Direct output mode, it provides separate 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 modes so you can easily switch between the two for comparison. For component video, output-resolution options are 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i; 1080i the maximum output resolution for Blu-ray, and 480p is the maximum output resolution for standard-def DVDs. In the audio realm, the DVD-3800BDCi offers HDMI, coaxial and optical digital audio, and two- and 7.1-channel analog audio outputs. The player has internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders, and it will also pass these formats in their native bitstream form over HDMI, for your receiver to decode. This gives you nice flexibility when mating this device with an A/V receiver.

Additional Resources
• Read more Denon Blu-ray and AV receiver reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com here.
• Read over 100 high performance Blu-ray profile 2.0 players from the likes of Oppo Digital, Denon, Yamaha, LG, Samsung, Sony, Sony ES and many others....

Given the unit's higher-end price tag, one expects the ability to integrate the player into an advanced control system, and the DVD3800BDCi does not disappoint. It offers both RS-232 and IR input and output ports. The player supports BD, DVD, CD, MP3, WMA, JPEG, and Divx playback through its disc drive, and it has an SD card slot through which you can view JPEGs and listen to MP3/WMA audio files. Unfortunately, it does not have an Ethernet port to access BD-Live Web features on Blu-ray discs or to perform quick firmware updates.

The use of the Realta chipset results in excellent picture quality with both high- and standard-definition discs, and the menu includes a number of advanced video adjustments, in case they are missing from your TV's setup menu: digital noise reduction, gamma correction, sharpness settings, hue, white level, black level, chroma, and more. The player also offers excellent audio performance with all sources. Not to ignore lovers of high-quality music, the DVD-3800BDCi even has a Pure Direct mode that shuts down unneeded video circuitry to achieve higher-quality audio through the analog audio outputs.

Read more about the high points and low points of the DVD-3800BDCi on Page 2.

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  • Comment on this article

  • By greg

This Denon player seems to deliver the goods. Especially on the video side, with both Blu-Ray and SDVD. And at this level, it really should. Though, I always feel, when your at the top, every feature should be included, I`m not going to fault the Denon for not having BD live.
It seems Denon has put out a top of the line blu-ray player, that will not disappoint.

  • By Ken Taraszka, MD

I have the Denon 2500 right now, and it does have excellent picture and sound but I still wonder if it is too early to invest in a high end Blu-ray player.

  • By Augustine

I'm currently considering between the Denon DVD-2500TBCI & Denon DVD-3800BDCi. Can someone assist to see if it's worth in getting the DVD-3800BDCi ?

Thanks in advance.

  • By Jerry Del Colliano

Spend the extra $$$. Its worth it...

  • By Jerry Crossfield

I own a 3800 and it is well worth the money just to have the realta video chip, Regular DVD's never looked this good before and there is a very noticeable improvement on Blu Ray. I have never seen such deep acurate colors.Music play back is equally as good,in my opinion worth every penny.

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