Denon
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Denon intros two new high end Blu-ray players
Denon cares about you, movie-buff, and you need only look at the company's two latest Blu-ray player offerings to realize that. Enter the DVD-3800BD and DVD-2500BT, the former supports 1080p, 12-bit DAC at 297MHz, the exciting acronyms of D.D.S.C-HD (or Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit-HD), and D.P.I.C. (Denon Pixel Image Correction), plus HDMI, RCA / BNC, and RS-232C connectivity. The latter is a slightly more stripped-down version which axes some of the capital-letter feature flourishes. Both players will be available in Japan in January of 2008, priced at ¥336,000 for the DVD-3800BD, and ¥231,000 for the DVD-2500BT.[Via Akihabara News]
Denon offers up Smart S-302 / S-102 systems
Denon has loosed a pair of new semi-HTIBs on the world, with the compact (and admittedly stylish) 2.1 systems catching most of our attention. These additions to the S-series both tout DVD playback (sorry, no Blu-ray action here) and 1080p upscaling via HDMI, but the higher-end S-302 adds WiFi for streaming audio and a slightly more powerful amplifier. Reportedly, the DVD player within is the same drive found in the firm's DVD-2930 player, and while both units reserve 100-watts for the subwoofer, the S-102 pushes 35-watts to its satellites while the S-302 cranks out 50. Both sets are scheduled to land soon for $1,699 (S-302) and $999 (S-102).[Via Pocket-Lint]
Hands-on with Denon's pricey DVD-3800BDCI Blu-ray player
We've certainly seen no shortage of Blu-ray players at CEDIA, but it just wouldn't feel right to neglect the uber-expensive, ultra-desirable DVD-3800BDCI. This player was found in numerous locales within Denon's fanciful booth, and while the setup may not have been ideal, the image quality of Speed was noticeably lacking. Nevertheless, we stooped down to snag a few images for those still wondering what a $2,000 Blu-ray player really looks like, so go ahead and quell that curiosity, won't ya?%Gallery-7143%
Denon's CEDIA booth tour
Nah, Denon's futuristic Blu-ray player / receiver concept didn't show up at CEDIA, but a whole host of other players, speakers, and receivers sure did. Among the highlights were the S-52 wireless multi-zone music system, the ASD-3N iPod / Network Client Dock, and racks of home theater gear we could only dream of affording. Check out Denon's small but sufficient booth below.%Gallery-7104%
Denon launches USB / MIDI-equipped DN-HC4500 for digital DJs
It was close to this time last year when Denon unveiled the DN-HD2500, and now it's time for DJs the world over to get a glimpse of the DN-HC4500 Media Player and Controller. The unit itself is the firm's "first USB / MIDI audio interface designed exclusively for computer performance club and mobile DJs," and it plays nice with both Macs and PCs. Additionally, you'll find internal 24-bit processing, BU4500 drive support, a touch-sensitive jog disc, integrated displays, and a trial version of Reflex LE software. Word on the street tags this sucka with a pricetag close to £399 ($795), and while you won't be able to get your hands around it 'til next month, click on through for a few more looks.[Via TechDigest]
Denon launches programmable RC-7000CI remote
Right on cue, Denon has gone and launched the oh-so-snazzy RC-7000CI remote, which we had the pleasure of seeing a tad early thanks to the FCC. The fully programmable, ZigBee-based remote allows for universal command and control of all Denon remote controlled products "as well as products from other manufacturers," and those with internet access (that'd be you, hot shot) can simply connect the remote to a PC via USB and "program the functionality of all the products in their system" care of the online IR database. Paired up with one or two RC-7001RCI RF/IR Remote Bases (pictured after the jump), the duo creates a multi-room remote control system that allows for "both two-way communication and IR functionality." As with everything labeled Denon, don't expect either of these August-bound niceties to come sans a premium, as you'll be asked to cough up $299.99 for the remote itself, while each base station adds another $199.99.[Via TrustedReviews]
Denon delivers a pair of packed tabletop radios
Denon has launched a pair of tabletop music players with plenty of features, including wireless streaming and the nearly-ubiquitous dock for your iPod. The $500 S-32 can decode MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, WMV, and Rhapsody subscriptions, while the $700 S-52 adds a CD player, HD radio tuner, satellite radio support (no mention of which service, although won't that be a moot point soon, anyway?) and a USB port for future expansion. Both players will start rocking your desk in October.
Denon's first Blu-ray player stuns with features and $2k pricetag
Denon has announced its first real Blu-ray player, with an appropriate assortment of never-before-seen features and price tag to match. The DVD-3800BDCI will launch this fall as the first high definition player to include Silicon Optix's 10-bit Realta HQV video processor, recently seen in Syntax-Brillian's $10k LCD and the big brother to the Toshiba HD-XA2's Reon. The first Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player we've seen, it supports separate picture-in-picture audio and video streams. Unfortunately, $1,999 isn't enough to provide an Ethernet port, so any online content will need to be downloaded on a PC and sneakernetted to the player via SD card. Finally, internal decoding for all Blu-ray surround sound formats is included, and it's the first player with an HDMI 1.3a output, providing enough bandwidth to pass sound natively to a receiver for decoding. Announced but unfortunately unpriced for $1,199 is the DVD-2500BTCI Blu-ray Transport, dropping the advanced audio and video processing for those with their own receivers and scalers. Coming from a company that sells a $3,800 DVD player, the price isn't too surprising, but we hope there are cheaper (& network-enabled) new Blu-ray options forthcoming.Read - TWICERead - Beyond3DRead - CraveRead - Press Release
Futuristic Denon Blu-ray player / receiver concept
Denon isn't typically known for throwing out any futuristic pieces of AV luxury, rather, it tends to side with the more traditional, classy look. Of course, there's always a first time for everything, and while we're highly doubtful that this supposed Denon rendering will actually come to fruition, it certainly is a sight to behold. The two-piece kit consists of a rumored DVD-HD8910 Blu-ray player up top, with a 2TB AVR-HD8910 media center / receiver below. The 7.1-channel box also claims to handle iTunes music files and offer a direct connection to the iTMS, and while it's understandably simple to brush this all off as a fanboy's fantasy, Denon's no stranger to stuffing unusual extras in uncommon places.[Via AVSForum]
Denon's LCD-packin' RC-7000CI remote hits the FCC
Universal Remote's MX-810 sure was nice, but now it's got a bit of competition coming its way care of the forthcoming Denon RC-7000CI. This stylish RF remote comes pre-programmed to play nice with a plethora of Denon components right out of the box, and the built-in LCD screen should make setting up your non-Denon hardware a lesson in simplicity (more or less). Additionally, the device looks to support multizone control and network control when used with the optional RC-7000RCI node. As you'd expect, the FCC isn't dropping any hints as to how much this beauty will cost nor when we can hope to see it land, but it's practically a foregone conclusion that the brand name alone here will demand a pretty penny. Check out a few more glances after the jump.
Denon busts out headphones aplenty
Denon isn't exactly the first name that comes to mind when you think of headphones, so you can be forgiven for mistaking this group here for the company's first ever when they're in fact only the latest, albeit the most consumery the company has yet offered. The most affordable of the lot is the $150 AH-D1000 set, available in your choice of black or silver and designed to be equally at home hooked up to your MP3 player or home stereo, also packing Denon's trademark "microfiber diaphragm technology," which supposedly boosts sound quality and reduces distortion. Taking things up a notch, the $350 AH-D2000 cuts down on the portability but presumably ups the aural enjoyment, while the $700 AH-D5000 tops things off with a genuine mahogany covering on the cans, which Denon says will improve acoustics, not to mention fit in nicely with your collection wood-paneled electronics. Look for all three of 'em to be available later this month. Also now hitting our shores but announced in Japan a few months back are a pair of earbud models, including the $50 AH-C350, offering just about the lowest entry-point for any Denon product, and the $200 AH-C700, which should provide that little extra something for the more discerning listener.[Via Crave]
Denon's D-F103HRDAB Network Hi-Fi rocks DAB, CDDB capabilities
There's nothing like a good upgrade now and then, but when it comes time to throw down for yet another Denon product, your wallet can't help but cringe. Nevertheless, the firm is upping the ante on its D-F103 digital mini system by adding DAB radio functionality as well as CDDB Gracenote support. Sure, the system still touts the same FM and internet radio reception abilities, support for AAC, MP3, and WMA, and it can rip CD tracks directly to its hard drive, but thankfully Denon figured out that coloring the speakers in the same tone as the device itself was a bright idea. The device is also compatible with the ASD-1R iPod interface, and sports USB connectivity to play tunes from your ultraslim flash drive. Reportedly, users can even add WiFi via an "optional adapter," but we're not sure how much this subtle luxury will cost you. For £1,000 ($1,950), you can snap up the full monte -- FS-103 HiFi speakers included, or you can forego said drivers for a pair of your own if you've only got £850 ($1,658) lying around.[Via ShinyShiny]
Denon unveils DVD-1930 1080p upscaling universal DVD player
Denon has a proven track record in the 1080p upscaling game, and its latest entry-level player looks to be yet another winner. Replacing the DVD-1920, the DVD-1930 sports a "premium" silver enclosure, HDMI output (HDCP compliant), optical / coaxial digital audio out, and support for SACD / DVD-Audio in addition to DVD. While you won't have much luck tossing any HD discs in here, this device sports a Faroudja DCDi chipset and 11-bit video DAC to fool your eyes into seeing 1080p footage from those plain ole DVDs. On the audio side, it touts 5.1-channel surround via analog outs for SACD, while DVD-Audio can take advantage of HDMI's single cable simplicity. Of course, you can expect the usual MP3, WMA, and JPEG playback here as well, and it even boasts built-in Dolby Digital / DTS decoders. So if you're still patiently waiting for that ever-elusive HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player to emerge, or just want a solid upscaling universal player in your AV cabinet, you can pick up the DVD-1930 now for ¥49,800 ($423).[Via Impress]
Denon @ CEDIA - Rack full of non-HD DVD players
This scene is all of the '06 CEDIA EXPO show: rack full of high-end DVD players and not a signal high-def media player in the mix. A Denon minion reaffirmed what we already figured that these higher-end boys are waiting till the dust settles before choosing sides. Just too much at stake to pick the wrong side, plus, they want to be able to provide the user with the best possible experience that cannot be done at this point in the game. Give 'em a few years and there will be one out.
Denon DN-HD2500 Adds Internal Hard Drive to Digital Turntable
Hey Mr. DJ, we thought you said we had a deal? You scratch our back and we'll scratch your USB flash drive connected to our turntable, right? Not unlike rival Numark, Denon is now sporting a digital turntable, the DN-HD2500. It's got support for additional USB peripherals, such as a flash drive, iPod, or external hard drive. It's got dueling CD spinners, your usual faders, and what appears to a slick little screen in the middle of the whole setup for song queuing and beatmatching. But the best feature on the new Denon device is that in order to supply that screen with your favorite tunes, the turntable packs an internal 2.5-inch hard drive. No word on the price yet, but if Denon wants to win this DJ contest, it'll have to spin lower than $799.
Denon's new 1080p upscaling DVD players
If you can't make heads nor tails of the whole HD DVD / Blu-ray debacle but still want a taste of 1080p, Denon's new lineup delivers just that. Realizing some people are still waiting to see how the next-gen optical disc war pans out, Denon has unveiled three new 1080p upscaling DVD players that are marginally more affordable than its more luxurious options. Apparently Denon is marketing these units to easily fit into any custom installation by labeling each model "CI," although we can't really think of how else to install a DVD player. Regardless, the DVD-3930CI ($1,499), DVD-2930CI ($849), and DVD-1930CI ($369) all offer 1080p upconverting over HDMI and SACD / DVD-Audio playback. The DVD-3930CI sports the same Realta HQV chipset as in the DVD-5930CI, Denon Pixel Image Correction (DPIC), on-board keystone correction, and Burr-Brown PCM-1796 DACs. The mid-ranger features the Silicon Optix REON VX chipset and DPIC while the DVD-1930CI steps down to a Faroudja DCDi chipset and a more economical version of the Burr-Brown DACs. Not much has changed outside of the technical rundown, as all of the units feature Denon's subtle black styling and promise to deliver that "uncompromising quality" we've come to expect. If you need something to hold you off awhile longer before choosing an HD format, or maybe a good reason to see what you've been missing on DVD, Denon's two higher-end models can be grabbed now while the DVD-1930CI will be available in August.
Denon's D-F103 streaming Hi-Fi with 40GB disk
We know it's gotta hurt the likes of Denon to pump those compressed audio files out their quality wares. Still, it brings a tear of joy to the eye to see these pioneers of digital audio embrace convergence so thoroughly. Introducing the Denon D-F103 shelf-system with 40GB disk, CD, USB, and Ethernet jack. As you might have already surmised, you can plug-in and play music directly off your USB-equipped DAP, rip your CDs in PCM(WAV) or WMA files straight to disk, and even stream MP3/WAV/WMA audio from any DLNA or Windows Media Connect server on your home network. She'll also play vTuner Internet Radio and backup your PC music over USB to boot. And don't worry about ripping to untitled tracks when disconnected; that disk comes pre-installed with about 350,000 Gracenote CDDB titles. Expected to drop in Japan in late August for ¥161,700 or $1,389 in that cool, cool green. Come 'ere Denon, it's noogie time.[Via Impress]
Denon's AVC-A1XVA receiver, or a small car?
It really isn't too often we find ourselves covering home theater receivers, but then again it isn't really often a company like Denon launches such a grandiose receiver that it might sets you back £4,800 (about $8,850 US). It might please you to know that for that somewhat sizable chunk of change, Denon's new AVC-A1XVA will supply you with streaming internet radio, network accessible MP3 and WMA audio, a five port 1080p HDMI upscaler and splitter with HDCP, dual-room 5.1, what appears to be a rather nice display driven remote, and a whole host of other features we're probably not even beginning to scratch the surface of. Should be available later this month from Denon UK, though we've yet to receive word on domestic release -- though if you're even considering this, the possibility of importing it is probably not outside your means.
Denon's DVD-3930 upscaler plays it all
Comprehensive format support is becoming more and more the norm, and we have no problem with that. Denon is joining the club with their new DVD-3930, which can upconvert DVDs to 1080p and output over HDMI (with some HDCP in the mix), along with supporting SACD, DivX, MP3 and WMA. The new 10bit upconverter chipset, along with the 192khz/24bit digital audio converter, makes for some high quality entertainment, though the $1,900-ish pricetag will probably leave this to the audio and videophiles. Denon is also trotting out the DVD-2930 for a "mere" $1100 which we're sure lacks some must-have processing capabilities, but on the surface seems to offer most of the functionality of its big brother. Both players should be out in July.[Via Akihabara]
Denon AVC-2920 receiver sports HDMI and 1080p
Denon has a spiffy new receiver out and you must know by know that if a receiver makes news on HDBeat, it must have HDMI ports. Well, you know us pretty good cause it does and the Denon AVC-2920 receiver supports 7.1 to match the HDMI sign and retails for around 800 Euros.We don't think that it is going out on a limb to say that once HDMI becomes a normal connection on sub-$500 audio/video receivers, quality surround sound will become a staple in most homes. The biggest hurdle that many people have with today's audio products is hooking it all up and configuring it, but HDMI solves that: it carries the audio and video so people don't need to know what kind of cable they need and where it goes.
