If you're looking for a DVD player that will deliver the best picture quality without going for a true high definition HD or Blu-ray player, then the Denon DVD-2930CI is probably it. Unfortunately, such performance doesn't come cheap. The DVD-2930CI is priced more like a Blu-ray player than an upscaling DVD player. For those with the budget who are reluctant to take a gamble on either HD DVD or Blu-ray, the Denon DVD-2930CI is a high quality piece of audio visual equipment.

Using the HDMI connection for upscaling video output to 720p, 1080i or 1080p high definition resolutions and the DVD-2930CI will deliver an impressive picture, the next best thing to true HD with reduced noise and fewer video-processing artifacts. As good as the video performance is on this DVD player, it is matched by the unit's audio performance. The DVD-2930CI supports both high resolution audio formats, DVD-Audio and SACD and Super Audio CD. The audio reproduction is superb. The player offers a bass management system that allows you to select speaker size, distance and location. It also includes built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoders.

In addition to DVD-Audio and SACD formats, the DVD-2930CI is compatible with a wide variety of video and audio disc formats. These include home recorded formats DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R and CD-RW. The DVD-2930CI is compatible with DivX video content and plays both MP3 and WMA music files, and tt can create digital slideshows from Kodak Picture and JPEG CDs.

Despite its great performance and high price tag, the Denon DVD-2930CI will not be to everyone's taste. It is a stocky machine, larger and bulkier than most other single disc players. The included remote control is also more cumbersome than many competing models. That said, the DVD-2930CI is clearly built for solidity rather than to compete with budget-priced players.

The Denon DVD-2930CI is a serious A/V component that will appeal to video and audiophiles with deep pockets who want the highest performance from their existing DVD library and are prepared to pay.

Pros: HDMI upscaling to 720p, 1080i and 1080p, excellent audio reproduction, SACD and DVD-Audio compatible
Cons: Very expensive, larger than most budget priced players

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor