Denon Line Show Report: Receivers, DVD Players, Boston Acoustics, More...

[Audioholics]

These will come in as fast as we can post them... First off is DVD players:

<A href="http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/DenonDVD3930CI1080p.php"><IMG style="WIDTH: 125px; HEIGHT: 60px" alt=[DVD3930CIrear1] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/DVD3930CIrear1_th.jpg" align=left border=0></A>Denon Electronics today introduced five new models to its line of advanced DVD players and changers. The new models place a clear focus on enhanced image quality, connectivity and maximum utility for custom installations. To emphasize the inclusion of special features and capabilities geared toward professional custom installers, in fact, three of the new products include the initials “CI” (for Custom Integration) in their model numbers. Denon’s new DVD players include: DVD-3930CI (SRP: $1,499), DVD-2930CI (SRP: $849), DVD-1930CI (SRP: $369) and DVD-1730 (SRP: $169). The company is also adding a new 5-disc DVD changer: the DVM-1835 (SRP: $249).

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<A href="http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/DenonAVR2307newreceivers.php"><IMG style="WIDTH: 125px; HEIGHT: 83px" alt=[receivers3] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/receivers3_th.jpg" align=left border=0></A>Denon Electronics is setting new price/ performance benchmarks in home theater surround sound as it expands its line of advanced A/V receivers with four new entry level and mid-tier models, including the AVR-2307CI (SRP: $799), AVR-1907 (SRP: $549), AVR-1707 (SRP: $449) and AVR-1507 (SRP: $329). To emphasize the inclusion of special features and capabilities geared toward professional custom installers, Denon has added the initials “CI” (for Custom Integration) in the model numbers. Denon’s four new A/V receivers include a host of advanced features such as a dedicated port for connecting Denon’s new Apple iPod docking station (Model ASD-1R) and the ability to decode XM Radio’s new XM-HD 5.1 channels using Neural Surround Technology. These four receivers will join Denon’s current line of A/V receivers – 10 models in all.

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This year the Denon and Boston Acoustics Summer Line Show was held in Cleveland, OH, at the Ritz Carlton. The press event began at noon in the Century Restaurant, where we ate with Denon and Boston Acoustics executives. I sat with Boston Acoustics’ new Senior Vice President, General Manager Eli Harary. Harary has had a long and successful career in consumer electronics and came to Boston Acoustics earlier this year from Harmon. Over lunch we discussed the challenges he is facing as he seeks to re-energize the Boston Acoustics brand, which has been recently acquired by D&amp;M Holdings. I commented that while many years ago I remember Boston Acoustics being a familiar brand with a good reputation, they seem to have been off the radar for a while. He agreed with the assessment and sees a fantastic opportunity to grow this brand and return to the strong reputation their products deserve...

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[FierceTIMbo17]

thats sweet especially since i just bought a denon 1920 like a month ago, o well my tv doesnt have 1080p anyway

 

[e73bass]

New Denon Receiver and 1080P DVd

So any word on Denon putting out a Blue-ray disc player or a receiver with HDMI 1.3---If so when is this expected?

 

[ironlung]

So any word on Denon putting out a Blue-ray disc player or a receiver with HDMI 1.3---If so when is this expected?

Maybe next year.

 

[billy p]

Not to offend anyone, or cloud their judgement, oppos 970 is better value in my opinion then the lesser models. It's nice to see that denon is giving quality now without the huge price tag.

1930CI with hdmi 1.1.Ah,no thanks.

 

[zildjian]

I can see from the photo that the DVD-2930CI ($849) has the Denon Link output; anybody know about the DVD-1930CI? I wish they'd put that feature on a player that doesn't cost what a receiver does.

I'd like to have a new player right now, especially one of this quality. If I'm going to spend almost $400 on a DVD player though, I think I'd have to go with an HD-DVD one for $500.

I know it's all conjure @ this point since no one has seen one, but any speualtion as to whether one of these players, say the 1930CI would possibly rival or even perform better than the $500 Toshiba HD-DVD player playing standard def DVDs?

 

[billy p]

I can see from the photo that the DVD-2930CI ($849) has the Denon Link output; anybody know about the DVD-1930CI? I wish they'd put that feature on a player that doesn't cost what a receiver does.

I'd like to have a new player right now, especially one of this quality. If I'm going to spend almost $400 on a DVD player though, I think I'd have to go with an HD-DVD one for $500.

I know it's all conjure @ this point since no one has seen one, but any speualtion as to whether one of these players, say the 1930CI would possibly rival or even perform better than the $500 Toshiba HD-DVD player playing standard def DVDs?

Yeah, kinda my logic as well. You can be certain DENON 1930 & 1730 will not have denon link ability, just like the 5910 & 3910 did and 2910 & 1910 did not.
If they are to make a true hd or blue ray player I hope its priced right!

 

[ned]

Denon is probably out of touch with current technology. With no HDMI 1.3 and HD DVD costing less than their SD DVD there is no comparison.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

zildjian: I know it's all conjure @ this point since no one has seen one, but any speculation as to whether one of these players, say the 1930CI would possibly rival or even perform better than the $500 Toshiba HD-DVD player playing standard def DVDs?

That's a fair question, but my answer would be who cares, as the new formats will start hitting Blockbuster and Netflix before you know it. There is no comparison between 720p/1080i resolution and 480i upconverted to whatever. Apples and oranges.

But ... these players are nice for the guys who have dvd collections in the hundreds or thousands. Standard dvd is a step down for anyone who has an HD set. It's too bad there's still a format war going on.

 

[Leprkon]

I'd like to have a new player right now, especially one of this quality. If I'm going to spend almost $400 on a DVD player though, I think I'd have to go with an HD-DVD one for $500.

this does beg the question... are the people at Denon marketing idiots by selling new DVD players or do they know something about BluRay/HDDVD that we don't ?

 

[birdonthebeach]

It is obvious that they are taking a "wait and see" attitude about the dueling formats. There are plenty of "issues" with the players that have been released. DENON does not want to rush a product to market with a new and unproven, not to mention buggy, technology. I didn't feel there was anything idiodic about their position on this. In fact, quite the opposite.

 

[ned]

But ... these players are nice for the guys who have dvd collections in the hundreds or thousands.

I would recommend a good video scaler instead for about the same price as you could use it for other source.

 

[ned]

It is obvious that they are taking a "wait and see" attitude about the dueling formats. There are plenty of "issues" with the players that have been released. DENON does not want to rush a product to market with a new and unproven, not to mention buggy, technology. I didn't feel there was anything idiodic about their position on this. In fact, quite the opposite.

On the contrary most people with the HD DVD have a good working, issue/bug free player.

 

[Audioholics]

Denon is probably out of touch with current technology. With no HDMI 1.3

Well, to be fair no one is going to have HDMI 1.3 for quite some time. There's no silicon for it yet. Pricing is another thing, but remember that Denon is a dealer-centric company. Also, I was pleased to see the DVD-1730 with 720p/1080i HDMI output - if I'm not mistaken that's a direct competitor to some very popular players right now.

 

[ned]

Well, to be fair no one is going to have HDMI 1.3 for quite some time. There's no silicon for it yet. Pricing is another thing, but remember that Denon is a dealer-centric company. Also, I was pleased to see the DVD-1730 with 720p/1080i HDMI output - if I'm not mistaken that's a direct competitor to some very popular players right now.

Clint,
When is 1.3 expected to show up on products? Cedia is just around the around the corner and hopefully there will be some kind of announcement.

 

[AdrianMills]

this does beg the question... are the people at Denon marketing idiots by selling new DVD players or do they know something about BluRay/HDDVD that we don't ?

Well I just bought a 4306 and a 3910 for a number of reasons;

1) I have a reasonable collection of DVD's that I watch over and over and probably will do for the foreseeable future
2) The 3910 has Denon Link which an el-cheapo player+scaler will not have.
3) It is available now.
4) Who really is daft enough to buy these early model HiDef DVD players when they are going to have dubious build and reproduction quality, cost the earth for what you get and there's next to nothing to watch.
5) I don’t even think these things are available in Norway yet even if I wanted one.
6) In a year or two one of them will more than likely die a death as did Betamax - I cannot see that the movie market can or will support the two indefinitely. Maybe one of them will move into PC-centric applications only.
6) HDMI 1.3 - when was that going to be around again? Yeah, right.
7) In two years, things will have settled down, the race will have been won, the technology more stable, it will cost half the price and there will be more than a few movies to watch, and it’s then that I’ll consider upgrading my receiver and adding a HiDef player.

 

[ironlung]

...7) In two years, things will have settled down, the race will have been won, the technology more stable, it will cost half the price and there will be more than a few movies to watch, and it’s then that I’ll consider upgrading my receiver and adding a HiDef player.

Guess what? That's what I thought two years ago. Since I purchased my HDTV comcast has added 2 HD channels but INHD2 is going away next month so I net 1, I don't know where I'm going to see red bull bike battle reruns or Jethro Tull at the Isle of Wight 17 more times. At least there is a format war...some glimmer of HD hope. But few titles on two formats...I'm not dancing in the streets yet.



Maybe next year

 

[billy p]

The one thing that is obvious,denon has released some new equipment of better quality & performance with flexibilty, without the big $$ sign attached.
PS: It would be nice to have the denon link option in more then the top 2 dvd player. DVD 2930 will be a least $1200.00 CDN I mean come on!!

 

[ned]

4) Who really is daft enough to buy these early model HiDef DVD players when they are going to have dubious build and reproduction quality, cost the earth for what you get and there's next to nothing to watch.

Well then you're misinformed. The 1st gen Toshiba will prob the best one avial as it is based on PC. As far as software there are 2-4 releases /week and more announced for the fall. I must say you're out of touch. Read up.

Daft — British slang for stupid

6) HDMI 1.3 - when was that going to be around again? Yeah, right.
7) In two years, things will have settled down, the race will have been won, the technology more stable, it will cost half the price and there will be more than a few movies to watch, and it’s then that I’ll consider upgrading my receiver and adding a HiDef player.

It will be here soon just wait for Cedia. In 2 years I've been enjoying HD DVD for 2 years already and you're just starting.

 

[Audioholics]

When is 1.3 expected to show up on products? Cedia is just around the around the corner and hopefully there will be some kind of announcement.

They may announce things, but shipping isn't expected until mid-2007 at the earliest on any HDMI 1.3 products (at least not ones that truly meet the spec). I'm half expecting them to come up with a new intermediate version just so they can pass through the audio they need/want without upping the bandwidth requirements for cables and hardware.