Denon S-5BD combines a receiver with a Blu-ray deck, costs too much

We're not sure why you'd want to spend $1,799 on a 5.1-channel receiver with an integrated Blu-ray deck when you can mix-and-match plenty of terrific 7.1 receivers and BD players separately for far less, but hey -- it's CES and Denon's introducing the S-5BD in case you do. Sure, it'll do BD-Live and do two-source, two-zone audio distribution with 3 HDMI inputs and an optional iPod control dock, but you know you're doing something wrong when you have to buy a separate amp to use the 7.1-channel analog outputs. Denon, you have made us shake our heads in confusion. Congratulations. In return we offer you this gift of PR after the break.

Show full PR text

DENON® INTRODUCES GROUNDBREAKING S-5BD BD/RECEIVER:
INTEGRATED PROFILE 2.0 BLU-RAY PLAYER AND 5.1-CHANNEL RECEIVER

-- Award-Winning S-5BD BD/ Receiver Offers Superior Audio and Video Performance, High-Impact Surround Sound, Plus Convenience and Flexibility of Multi-Room A/V Networking --

LAS VEGAS, NV, January 7, 2010 - Denon Electronics, one of the world's premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today introduced the S-5BD BD/Receiver, an innovative single-component home entertainment solution that elegantly combines an audiophile grade 5.1-channel surround sound receiver with an advanced Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player featuring BD Live connectivity. Named an International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree, the Denon S-5BD BD/Receiver is scheduled for availability in March 2010 with a suggested retail price of $1,799.

With its 5.1-channel surround sound receiver featuring 2-source, 2-zone distribution capabilities and advanced Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player featuring BD Live connectivity, the S-5BD BD/Receiver allows discriminating consumers to enjoy the very best in audio and video performance, including high-impact surround sound and state-of-the-art high-definition video, with the convenience and flexibility of multi-room audio/video. Notably, the S-5BD is one of the first products announced to feature HDMI 1.4 with support of Audio Return Channel.

Phil Cohn, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Denon Electronics, noted: "The S-5BD brings together the finest of audio/video source components with 21st century connectivity and advanced surround sound processing to solve many of today's home entertainment challenges. It is ideal for discriminating space-conscious consumers who want to enjoy superior audio and video home entertainment without any "component clutter." Notably, in addition to being an audiophile-grade surround sound receiver, the S-5BD also has many of the same leading-edge technologies, breakthrough network interconnectivity and features as our revolutionary Model DVD-A1UDCI Blu-ray player at a significantly more affordable price."

Interconnectivity, Interactivity...and Total Ease-of-Use
Several technological advancements define the state-of-the-art S-5BD. The built-in Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Disc Player delivers video and audio perfection, with 1080p/24p video output, DVD video scaling up to 1080p, plus network interconnectivity and advanced interactivity with BD-Live. Denon engineers made connectivity a top priority in designing the S-5BD. The unit features convenient front-panel HDMI (3 inputs/1 output, all certified for HDMI 1.4) and SD card inputs, as well as iPodâ direct connectivity via the USB port (with connectivity for Denon's Networked Control Dock for iPod as well). For total ease of use, it provides Plug 'n Play convenience (iPod/USB/Blu-ray/DVD/CD) as well as automatic sound mode, auto setup and an advanced GUI.

The S-5BD includes support for Dolby Pro Logic IIz, featuring Front Height Effects Channels, as well as Dolby TrueHD/ DTS-HD Master audio support for decoding the multi-channel recordings featured on Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs. The unit is 7.1 channel capable with preouts for Surround Back or Front Height Channels. For unrivaled audio quality, the unit features Denon's AL24 Processing, a high-grade analog waveform reproduction technology that dramatically enhances the music listening experience by improving the player's ability to reproduce moments when music quietly fades away or starts following complete silence. Other audio-enhancing technologies include strictly selected sound parts and Denon custom made OFC winding coil for improving.

Multi-Zone System Building, Ideal for Custom Installations
The unit provides a variety of high-performance options for multi-zone system building. For example, thanks to advanced Power Amplifier assignment for multi zone applications, users can enjoy a 3.1-channel main system and power up zone 2, or use the zone preamp output and still enjoy 7.1-channel surround on their main system.

The S-5BD is engineered specifically for use in today's advanced custom installation systems. Among its many custom installation-friendly features are RS-232 for 3rd Party control and assignable high current DC trigger outputs, as well as front-panel lockout and IR lockout. Additionally, in the event of future firmware updates and possible upgrades, owners of the S-5BD can download them directly via its Ethernet port.*

For total ease and accuracy of set-up, the unit features Audyssey MultEQ Auto Setup and Calibration. In addition, Audyssey Dynamic Volume, a volume leveling technology, frees listeners from the disruptive changes in volume levels when broadcast material changes between television shows and commercials or even while watching a movie. Coupled with Audyssey Dynamic Volume is Audyssey Dynamic EQ, a loudness correction technology that enhances the overall entertainment experience even further. At a lower playback volume, voices tend to change, bass disappears, and the surround soundstage becomes less enveloping. By selecting the correct frequency response and surround volume levels moment-by-moment, Dynamic EQ lets users enjoy the full palette of original rich sound at any volume.
*A home network is required for firmware updates and upgrade via the Ethernet port.