Denon DBP-4010UDCI Universal Blu-ray Disc Player First Look

When you put out a $4500 Blu-ray player and then next one in your line retails for $800, you need something in between. While the $2000 price tag for the DBP-4010UDCI may not be exactly midpoint, it certainly rounds out Denon's lineup of Blu-ray players. The DBP-4010UDCI is what we are calling a Universal Blu player. This is a player that can play not only Blu-ray discs and DVDs, but also SACDs and DVD-As. For your audiophile looking for a one stop solution, the DBP-4010UDCI may be it.

As you'd expect from Denon, the DBP-4010UDCI sports the latest in video upconversion and scaling via ABT VRS processing. They also included the proprietary Denon Link 4th Edition which incorporates the new HDMI clock control feature. This allows the connected Denon receiver to control the master clock of the player to eliminate digital jitter via HDMI. 

Of course all the latest audio formats are supported and can be decoded internally including Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD. The DBP-4010UDCI can also bitstream these formats to a capable receiver if you so choose. The 12 bit, 297MHz Analog Devices Video DACs are top of the line as are the Burr-Brown 24/192 PCM1796 audio DACs for high quality discrete 2-channel playback.

The back of the unit sports all the usual connections including a single output of each type (HDMI, component, S-video, composite, coaxial, and optical). You have a choice between 7.1 channel analogue outputs or a set of dedicated two-channel outputs. For your hardcore audiophile, the two channel outputs are perfect for pairing with an analogue preamp/amp combo for a high quality two channel experience. The stereo outputs automatically downmix everything to stereo so you could (theoretically) use these if you are running a stereo system without having to worry about changing the audio designation on whatever movie you are watching.

The newest innovation with the DBP-4010UDCI is that it is the first player to include a built-in web browser and remote access capabilities, allowing iPhone and iPod Touch remote control via LAN/network as well as installer remote setup and configuration functionality. This is great for higher end users (or maybe just people that love to use their iPhone for everything) and installers.

Conclusion

The DBP-4010UDCI isn't cheap unless all you have to compare it to are the top of the line Denon, Marantz or Lexicon players. Still, for the added money, you are getting top of the line components, cutting edge technology, and the piece of mind that you could have spent thousands more. While we don't expect the DBP-4010UDCI to fly off the shelves at this price point, for the user that has to have (almost) everything, or at least wants to match his other high end Denon components, this is the player for them.

For more information, please visit usa.denon.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.