The Denon DVD-1940 (also known as the DVD-1940CI in North America) is a universal player originally released around 2007–2008. Highly regarded by home cinema enthusiasts during the late DVD era, it sits just above entry-level models like the DVD-1740 and replaced the award-winning DVD-1930. [1, 2, 3, 4]
It is widely appreciated as an affordable "universal" deck because it plays ultra-high-resolution audiophile disc formats alongside standard video. [1, 2]
Key Technical Specifications
Disc Formats: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), Audio CD, VCD, CD-R/RW, and DVD±R/RW.
Data Formats: DivX (version 6), JPEG, MP3, and WMA.
Video Processing: Powered by an advanced Faroudja DCDi (Fli2301) chipset with a 12-bit/216MHz video DAC.
Audio DACs: Equipped with high-quality 24-bit/192kHz Burr-Brown (PCM-1738) digital-to-analog converters.
Video Outputs: HDMI (version 1.1), Component, S-Video, Composite, and SCART (European models).
Audio Outputs: 6-channel (5.1) discrete analogue outputs, stereo RCA analogue, digital coaxial, and digital optical.
Video Upscaling: Scales standard-definition DVDs via HDMI up to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Core Strengths
Excellent SD Upscaling: Reviewers from What Hi-Fi? and Stuff praised the Faroudja scaling engine for creating sharp edges, incredible depth of field, and natural skin tones when projecting onto HD screens. [1, 2]
True Universal Audio: The ability to play both SACD and DVD-Audio discs made it a favorite for music lovers wanting a budget-friendly hi-fi source. [1, 2]
Analogue Performance: While its digital HDMI video path is strong, its 5.1 multi-channel analogue audio output delivers a highly entertaining, open soundstage for surround music mixes. [1, 2]
Solid Build Quality: The player featured a premium brushed aluminium front fascia, giving it a heavy, high-end look rather than a cheap, plastic profile. [1, 2]