DENON ANNOUNCES BRAND NEW LINE OF THIRTEEN ADVANCED AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVERS

— New Models to Offer Expanded Multi-Zone Home Entertainment Capabilities, Plus a Host of Custom-Integration Features and More —-

Mahwah, NJ - July 24, 2007 — Denon Electronics, one of the world's premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today announced a brand new lineup of thirteen advanced A/V receivers. The company's new line features leading-edge technologies such as HDMI 1.3a capability with support for Deep Color, advanced networking and specially designed custom integration features at attractive new prices. Led by the flagship AVR-5308CI (SRP: $5,199), scheduled for December 2007 shipment, the line includes the feature-packed multi-zone distribution models AVR-4308CI (SRP: $2,499) and AVR-3808CI (SRP: $1,599), as well as five new entry and mid-tier models, including the AVR-2808CI (SRP: $1,199), AVR-2308CI (SRP: $849), AVR-1908 (SRP: $599), AVR-1708 (SRP: $499) and AVR-1508 (SRP: $349). The initials "CI" (for Custom Integration) in the five models noted above emphasize the inclusion of special features and capabilities geared specifically toward professional custom integrators. Denon is also introducing five high-performance receivers in its Retail Home Theater Series line, including the models AVR-988 (SRP: $1,199), AVR-888 (SRP: $749), AVR-788 (SRP: $549), AVR-688 (SRP: $449), and AVR-588 (SRP: $349). The AVR-1908,-1708 and -1508 are scheduled to ship in September. All other models are currently available.

Joe Stinziano, Denon's Senior Vice President for Sales & Marketing, noted, "This is the first time in nearly ten years that Denon is introducing a completely redesigned lineup of new A/V receivers. These introductions are at the heart of our whole-home, multi-zone entertainment strategy, which is all about making it easier for people to enjoy all their home entertainment content, from packaged media to streaming content, virtually wherever and whenever they want.* To this end, we've integrated technologies such as Wi-Fi™ and remote management in our upper-end models, expanded Ethernet connectivity to a new price point and offer support for HDMI1.3a throughout the line."

Ultimate Support for High-Definition Audio and Video Sources
Following its success in Denon's renowned DVD players, Denon has added the Silicon Optix Realta chipset to its flagship receiver, model AVR-5308CI, providing enhanced video performance with upconversion and scaling to 1080p from all analog sources. This is the first receiver in Denon's line as well as one of the first in the industry to include the Realta chipset in an AV receiver. The AVR-5308CI and the AVR-4308CI also allow for second-zone video output via component with onscreen display for meta-data from iPod®/XM/streaming audio while the AVR-3808CI uses composite for this task. Models AVR-2308CI through the AVR-4308CI feature analog video upconversion with scaling to 1080p using Faroudja DCDi. In addition, models AVR-1908 and AVR-1708 allow upconversion to component from S-Video and composite sources. All new models from the entry-level AVR-1508 to the flagship AVR-5308CI can handle1080p signals with Deep Color via HDMI.

More Custom-Integration Friendly Features
Models AVR-2308CI through the AVR-5308CI include support for Dolby TrueHD and
DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. The top three models in the line include Ethernet connectivity while the AVR-5308CI and AVR-4308CI add Wi-Fi connectivity. Both network protocols allow custom integrators to diagnose, correct, update and remotely perform maintenance on the units without the need to travel to their customer's home. In case of error or lost settings, the custom integrator can remotely restore all of a customer's settings from their office. In addition, all CI models include "Secret CI Modes," a feature set for certified Denon Integrators that allows them to lock out certain settings to a customer. Other CI-friendly features throughout the line include RS-232 and assignable high current DC trigger outputs. With the exception of the AVR-1508, all new models feature setup and room correction from Audyssey which can calibrate the receiver rather than having to go through the time staking process of manual calibration.

Multi-Source, Multi-Zone Capability in More Models
Recognizing the demand for receivers capable of delivering audio and video to multiple zones within the home, Denon's new lineup includes four models (AVR-5308CI, AVR-4308CI,

AVR-3808CI, AVR-2808CI) that offer three-zone, three-source capability.* Models AVR-2308CI, AVR-1908 and AVR-1708 offer dual-zone, dual-source capability. For enhanced control flexibility, all new Denon CI model receivers are compatible with the company's new RC-7000CI / RC-7001RCI Remote Control System (see separate release).

Enhanced Music Performance from Multiple Sources
A compressed audio restorer feature in all models allows users to enjoy enhanced music quality from portables and networked audio files. In addition, models AVR-3808CI and above all feature USB ports for music streaming from USB hard drives, flash drives and MP3 players. Additionally, three discrete and independent tuners - AM/FM, XM and HD Radio (AVR-4308CI and up) provide for multi-zone distribution in models AVR-2308CI through the AVR-5308CI.

Newly Designed Graphical User Interface
All Denon receivers from the AVR-3808CI and above feature the company's newly designed Graphical User Interface (GUI) that makes accessing all the advanced features simpler and more intuitive than ever. In addition, many of Denon's new receivers feature the company's new, improved multi-zone EL programmable remote control. For added convenience, models AVR-1708 through AVR-2808CI also include a basic second-zone remote, while models AVR-3808CI and above feature a new enhanced second-zone remote specifically geared toward custom-integration applications. For installers that plan to add a 3rd party control system, Denon makes all of its remote codes available.

AVR-1908, AVR-1708, AVR-1508: Exceptional Performance, High-Value
The new Denon AVR-1908, AVR-1708, and AVR-1508 are advanced 7-channel receivers
(85 watts/channel, 75 watts/channel, 75 watts/channel, respectively) that offer consumers a simple and affordable way to bring the enjoyment of cinema-like surround sound audio into their lives. The AVR-1908, AVR-1708 and AVR-1508 include features traditionally available only on higher-priced receivers, such as HDMI 1.3a with support for 1080p and Deep Color via HDMI. Additionally, the AVR-1908 and AVR-1708 feature Audyssey Laboratories Auto Setup and Calibration/ MultEQ.

New Retail Home Theater Series Models: High-Value, High-Performance
Denon's new Retail Home Theater Series line of advanced receivers, includes the AVR-988, AVR-888, AVR-788, AVR-688, and AVR-588, and offer many of the same high-quality features found in Denon's companion models, including compatibility with HDMI 1.3a throughout the line, as well as Dolby Digital, dts ES Discrete and Matrix 6.1 decoding, 24-bit/192-kHz Analog Devices DACs, multi-zone distribution capability and much more. In addition, all models offer integration features such as dedicated iPod dock accessory control ports that provide command and control capability for iPods via the on-screen GUI and more.

*A home network is required for networking functionality.

For today's Frankenfight, two 7.1 HDMI receivers compete for that special place in our heart home theater. Onkyo's TX-SR674 is a worthy contender, but how will it fare against Denon's AVR-2307CI? Hit the jump to find out what the experts at CNET, Sound & Vision, AV Guide, Home Theater HiFi, and the Gadget Guide have to say about these two just-over-$500 systems.

Setup
The Onkyo features an automated setup system, which uses a supplied microphone to measure speaker distances, speaker levels, and to perform the Audyssey room correction. As soon as you plug the microphone in, the Onkyo goes straight into its setup menu. From there it is only a matter of following a simple set of prompts to complete the setup. (4)

One thing that I could not change was an input's name, and thus I was stuck with the generic Video 2 for my TiVo. (4)
[Denon] has the supplied mini-mike and auto-setup routine that most receivers north of about $500 feature today...after running it...I checked the results with a sound-pressure level meter against my own test sources as well as the receiver's own internal test noise. Result: very good. Channel levels were all within ±1 dB of what I'd have set manually, and crossover choices and distances were spot-on. (1)

Unlike Denon's implementation of the Audyssey system that requires the user to run the setup program six times from six different positions in the room, Onkyo's analyzes the room's acoustics from just three positions. (5)

Why HDMI?
...a digital audio cable is still required to transmit Dolby and DTS multichannel audio from the player to the receiver. But Onkyo's TX-SR674 receiver delivers all of the HDMI features one can readily expect...(Dolby Digital, DTS, CD and DVD-Audio, and uncompressed PCM soundtracks) and all HD video formats (including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p). Additionally, the TX-SR674 is capable of converting analog component, composite, and S-Video source signals to HDMI, which means you'll need to run only one cable from your video source to the receiver and another from the receiver to your TV. (5)

Through HDMI, the Onkyo takes full advantage of the new high-resolution audio formats available on Blu-ray and HD DVD.(4)
The [Denon] TX-SR674 does pass Dolby Digital, DTS, and linear PCM (LPCM) soundtracks via HDMI. LPCM compatibility means you can get the uncompressed HD-DVD or Blu-ray soundtracks. (5)

My Comcast cable box still refuses to pass signal to any component identifying itself as an HDMI repeater (will they ever deliver the promised firmware update?), and since the 2307CI does so, like nearly all A/V receivers, I was restricted to the set-top's component output... (1)

Sound
Super Speedway is an IMAX film about open-wheel racing in the U.S., and it features lots of very impressive in-car camera and sound work. This creates very loud passages where you have the engine blaring over a myriad of bumps and rattles from the road noise and the car itself. The Onkyo excelled at these scenes, giving me the dynamics one would expect from being in a race car, while resolving the subtle details of the soundfield. Overall, I was very impressed as to how well the Onkyo reproduced this movie. (4)

[The Onkyo] could in many ways hold its own relative to an expensive 200Wpc reference receiver. And in some respects actually sounded better...only at the extreme volume levels did the bigger receiver's power advantage become apparent. (6)

[The Denon] receiver sounded first-rate on every music or movie program I tried: clean, dynamic, transparent. Top-quality recordings (1)

In regard to the sound, I enjoyed the [Denon's] "Night" feature that pumps up the center channel, letting you hear characters speak to each other while keeping music and sound effects down a bit (which is great for apartments or when you have a baby sleeping elsewhere in the house). (2)

A lot of 100-watt-per-channel receivers don't feel all that powerful, but the AVR-2307CI surely did. We even subjected it to the ultimate test by running our Dynaudio speaker set to Large, because that setting generally sounds best, but makes far greater power demands. The Denon didn't mind one bit. (3)

Video
[With the Onkyo] the incoming analog signals are automatically deinterlaced—converted from 480i to 480p—if the HDMI input on the connected TV can't handle 480i resolution, something very common in HDTVs sold before 2006... (5)

[The Denon] doesn't offer de-interlacing (480i to 480p conversion), so all of the analog video remains in its native resolution...including such common devices such as VCRs, camcorders, video iPods, and older game consoles—it's 480i. Furthermore, the AVR-2307CI's onscreen display shows only at 480i resolution over the HDMI connection as well...other 480i limitations—the lack of de-interlacing and the dearth of onscreen display at HD resolutions over HDMI—mean the AVR-2307CI's HDMI compatibility is questionable with the many older and some current HDTVs that can't receive 480i video via their HDMI inputs (3)

Result: [Denon had] no onscreens via HDMI in my system (1)

Direct comparisons of my best video sources on their component outputs direct-to-screen versus the Denon's converted-to-HDMI version showed the converted image to be slightly—very slightly—softer and, I felt, a hair less saturated (1)

Denon cut one too many corners for those looking for robust HDMI and high-def support (3)

Extras: Neural Sound (both have)
Neural surround's primary selling point is that it is the codec being used by XM for the XMHD channels, which offer full 5.1 surround... My experience using Neural surround on the XMHD channels was generally positive...adding a nice sense of spaciousness that is often lacking in XM broadcasts.... When I used Neural [unsupported channels], everything ended up in the center channel, and it was a significant downgrade from listening in stereo or using DPL-II Music. (4)
Extras: iPod Docks (both have)
[The Onkyo] supports [their] second-generation DS-A2 iPod dock, which can handle video iPods and provides its own remote and onscreen display. (6)

[Denon's] iPod dock works fairly well. The audio integration is great. You just plop your iPod into it, change source to VCR2, and navigate all your iPod menus on your TV. The playlist titles and artists do get cut off as only so many characters fit on a TV screen, but I could easily find my playlist of favorites and hit play.... The iPod video integration isn't nearly as smooth...as the Denon unit can't navigate iPod Video menus on your TV...(2)

Extras: Zone 2 Speaker Outputs [both have]
Instead of the usual B speaker outputs, the [Onkyo] features stereo Zone 2 speaker outputs, which can be fed a different source—say, XM radio—while the main 5.1 system is playing a DVD. (5)

[With the Denon] there's not only a set of B speaker outputs, you can also reassign the two Surround Back channels for use as Zone 2 speakers. (3)

Winner: Onkyo TX-SR674
The Onkyo and Denon models here are very close in features and performance, but Denon's lack of 480i support over HDMI will be nothing but trouble for anyone with an HDTV that is just a few years old. The only distinct feature that could make the Onkyo better would be to support the HDMI 1.3 standard (as opposed to the 1.1 that both models here use)...and we'd take a few more HDMI inputs, too. – Mark Wilson

Onkyo TX-SR674
Denon AVR-2307CI

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Their other high-end model (the AVR-3808CI) will only have Ethernet connectivity. (Both will be out in July). September will bring the AVR-1508 and the AVR-1708, both of which will have HDMI 1.3, but no internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing. Pricing has yet to be announced, though by the looks of it, you should be in good shape with whichever model you choose. – Louis Ramirez

Denon Next-gen A/V Receiver Specs Leaked? [Crave]

Harman Kardon makes it easier to incorporate your iPod into the system with its included "The Bridge" dock that works with all these receivers, a device that isn't exactly new but welcome nonetheless. The Bridge is highly capable, moving audio and video into the receiver, giving you acess to the player with the receiver's remote, and letting you see the iPod's menus on your TV screen.

Expect to see the four receivers shipping in April. – Charlie White

Harman Kardon Bridges the iPod Gap [Gearlog]

Denon's 22-channeled receiver is meant to use its 10 discreet, 170-watt THX certified amps to power multiple zones (rooms, just call them rooms, you marketing weirdos.) It also has 5 HDMI inputs, and will upscale any video source to 1080p. Oh, and it has an ethernet port for streaming music from your PC (it's PlaysForSure certified). The ethernet port also works for setting up the box through a web interface and streaming internet radio. Like all gear of this caliber, it'll automatically calibrate your speakers per room. The $7,000 piece-o-gear seems like it does it all. Check the spec sheet at Denon, and if you spot something its lacking, I'll give you a high five.–Brian Lam

Denon AVR-5805MkII [Denon]

The The AVR-740 ($3,500) uses Faroudja technology for upconverted and enhanced HD 780p and 1080i video output through its HDMI connection, which should mean nice clear images. It also includes that EzSet/EQ II automatic room equalization system, which automatically measures the frequency response by bouncing sound around your room, and helps you set up your system correctly. All A/V receivers also work with the Harman Kardon iPod interface called the Bridge ($70), which gives you a direct audio and control link between iPod and receiver.

The HS-100 Integrated Home Theatre System ($899) is pretty, that's for sure. It includes an extremely slim receiver/progressive-scan DVD-A/V player, 5.1-channel loudspeaker with wall-mountable speakers and a unified remote control. Perfect for flat panel TVs.

The CP-35 System Solutions is a 7.1 channel home theatre package with just about everything you need for a kickin' home theatre. It includes an AVR 335 receiver, a DVD 31 progressive scan DVD A/V player, multichannel loudspeaker system and unified remote control, as well as cables and satellite wall-mount brackets. Not bad for $1,900.

If you've got some bucks to spend this new year and want to build a killer A/V system, there's nothing wrong with checking out Denon's new A/V receiver, which will include available Dolby and DTS surround sound decoding technologies, IR remote in/out terminals for integrated system control, and feature assignable amplifier configuration for either 7.1-channel surround operation or 5.1 surround with an amplified second zone.
The AVR-2807 includes HDMI digital video source switching, room correction and calibration technology called MultEQXT from Audyssey Laboratories that maximizes room acoustics for multiple listeners, and XM Satellite Radio s new Connect-and-Play technology. And hey, at $1100, you'll get the quality of Denon without the $6000 pricetag of its higher-end receivers.

Let's face it, A/V receivers aren't really the darling of the CE world these days. Phones, gaming consoles, PDA's, these are the things we tend to look at when we want to drool. But Denon has always been a favorite of mine. Although its products aren't exactly exciting to look at, the company always packs a really great punch into a boring silver or black box. Take this new AVR-3806 receiver, which can upscale your analog TV signal to HDMI to make it almost as good as an HD signal. It'll also make your DVD images and console games look sweet as well. Has seven power amps and lets you feed multiple rooms from one source. Goes for around $1300.

Denon's new AV Receiver goes Hi-Def crazy [T3]