Joe Stinziano, Senior VP President for Sales and Marketing kicked things off with a Denon Review and moved forward with the resounding message, “to establish Denon as the number one A/V receiver brand in the US.”
Indeed, a key driver for the company is to “reinforce the A/V receiver as the core of the networked home,” and with that in mind the company introduced ten new, advanced audio/video receivers to prove that mission. The ten are designed to give consumers simple, powerful and more affordable solutions for enjoying the very best performance from today’s advanced home entertainment formats, as well as provide additional multi-zone A/V capabilities to enhance a user’s lifestyle.
Denon’s new offerings include the multi-zone Models AVR-2809CI (SRP: $1,199), AVR-2309CI (SRP: $849), AVR-1909 (SRP: $649), AVR-1709 (SRP: $449) and AVR-1609 (SRP: $349), as well as five new high-performance, high-value receivers in its Retail Home Theater Series line, the AVR-989 (SRP: $1,199), AVR-889 (SRP: $749), AVR-789 (SRP: $599), AVR-689 (SRP: $399), and AVR-589 (SRP: $299). The initials “CI” (for Custom Integration) in the two models noted above emphasize the inclusion of special features and capabilities geared specifically toward professional custom integrators.
Also introduced was Denon’s new Blu-ray player the DVD-1800BD. Denon is following through on its commitment to provide customers high-performance video and audio with the introduction of a third member to its Blu-ray Disc line. The Model DVD-1800BD (SRP: $749) features HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and Bonus View support (BD Profile 1.1), Full bitstream output of Dolby and DTS-HD audio formats, 1080p scaling from SD DVDs, and 2-channel analog audio output. There were hints that more BD players would be added to the line before the year is out.
Jeff Talmadge, Director, Product Development and Systems Integration explained that, “All of the receivers have HDMI 1.3a capability for Deep Color and Audyssey Dynamic Volume, a volume leveling technology that frees listeners from the disruptive changes in volume levels when broadcast material changes between television shows and commercials or even while watching a movie. Audyssey Dynamic Volume constantly monitors the volume of program material moment-by-moment, maintaining the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range to preserve the impact.
The new receivers also include Audyssey Dynamic EQ, which lets users enjoy the full palette of original rich sound at all volume levels, and Audyssey MultEQ. Audyssey MultEQ is the in-room acoustic measurement and correction system that fine-tunes the listening space via the supplied microphone, with up to six measurement points to ensure even tonal balance throughout the listening room. Once the ideal sound pressure level measurements have been established by MultEQ, Dynamic EQ then determines the proper loudness compensation, while Dynamic Volume prevents unwanted overall disruptive volume changes. A demo of these technologies in Denon receivers by Chris Kyriakakis, Chief Technology Officer, Audyssey proved that the combination provides impressive listening conditions at any volume level.
Companies Mentioned:
 |
