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Denon DVD-2800
Progressive scan DVD video player
Recommended retail price: $1999
(inc. GST)
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Reviewer: Richard Morgan
Denon claims its model DVD-2800 is the first progressive scan-equipped DVD-Player on the local market to feature the PureProgressive system, a technology that has been developed by major high tech digital video component designer and maker, Silicon Image Inc.
Forgetting the progressive scan system for the moment, this player offers advanced DVD-Video form, function, features and operation. It not only enhances Denon's standing in the DVD industry, but also its range of models - that now covers an even wider array of price and performance points in the high end area of the market. With progressive scan the player pushes the developmental envelope in a big way.
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Features that in other players are major selling propositions are almost second string on the DVD-2800. The unit accepts all disc types and can even replay MP3 format tracks and PC generated discs. The problem I have with MP3 is that it's not noted for high fidelity sound quality and it's my guess owners of this player will be wanting the best fidelity possible. On the other hand I regard CD-R replay as a useful benefit.
There's an enhanced speed drive for CD discs and a large buffer for DVD discs that ensures uninterrupted viewing when the laser switches its tracking to a different layer on a disc. Other performance enhancers on the DVD-2800 include a very rigid chassis; centre load disc drive mechanism; a hybrid metal and plastic disc loader system; a 15mm think front panel; and highly rated electronic and mechanical components throughout the player's construction.
Now to the progressive scan system. It sounds like techno babble but it's a method of image enhancement that is said to offer benefits similar to those witnessed when moving from VHS tape to DVD video, and we all know what a revelation that was.
It's a system that stores and replays images as complete non-interlaced single frames. The conventional system uses alternate lines of information interlaced to create a full picture and is subject to all sorts of reproduction problems - problems that progressive scan eliminates.
You'll need a monitor or screen that can handle the new system, so don't expect it to work on your standard large screen television. The system shows most improvement on very large screen viewing devices such as rear and front projection systems where resolution and other performance attributes can need a lot of help. It's also most beneficial in relaying accurate moving images where the improvements in detail and clarity can be breathtaking because you're getting 100 percent of the picture 100 percent of the time.
All things being equal - that is, if the transfer to DVD is up to a high standard (otherwise vertical resolution is compromised) - progressive scan images don't have sawtooth artefacts or line flicker and are brighter, which is an important factor in all projection systems. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to assess the progressive capabilities of this unit but reports are very enthusiastic and I have no doubts about the veracity of Denon's claims.
The DVD-2800 uses the Analog Devices 54MHz 12-bit digital to analogue video conversion system for progressive scan but automatically selects a 27MHz 10-bit system when conventional (interlaced video) is detected. There's much more to those machine, but I'd better leave some stuff for the sales person to cover. Suffice it to say that, in terms of performance, the DVD-2800 kicks some serious DVD derriere.
It's capable of excellent performance in conventional video mode with deep, well saturated colours (Gladiator reproduction was simply glorious on my reference Grundig Xentia) and minimal loss of edge integrity (same flick and nary a waver where gold meets blue on Ceaser's battle armour). Naturally, sound through the reference Onkyo TX-DS9789 receiver and Sonique speaker set-up is detailed and beautifully controlled.
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