The black looks sharp. Any news from there little show up in Jersey where they announced their Blu-ray player as well as their new receivers? I have not seen anything concerning a release date or true features yet. I was out of town for the last 10 days without computer access and was wondering if there was a link somewhere.
At the show Denon had in New Jersey they were pretty tight lipped an any specifics (official pricing, availability, etc.). They did have the AV processor and matching amp on display though, and from what I've read from ones who attended the event, the pair are really built well (and HEAVY!). So that in itself is a good sign anyway
Right now the only place that I'm aware of that has detailed specs on the AVP-A1HD is Denon Japan. Of course it's all in Japanese, but if you have a web translator program, you can at least see what the main specifics are. Here's the webpage: http://denon.jp/company/release/newavamp.html
Also here's an interview with Jeff Talmadge of Denon USA. In the article he discusses the company's upcoming receiver line and talks a bit about the new separates.
I'm about as curious on that as you are. Original rumors were saying that they were due out this November, but now I'm hearing December sometime. Either Nov. or Dec. at least we know it's scheduled for this year. I know that I want the AVP-A1HD bad.
Well it looks like even though Denon's Blu-ray player is going to be delayed until Spring '08, their advanced AV controller will be available by years end. And pricing has officially been announced at $7,000.
Here's the whole scoop on this AV controller from CEDIA in Denver:
Denon AVP-A1HDCI AV Processor
Scheduled for delivery this Fall, the AVP-A1HDC1 is engineered from the ground up to provide the ultimate in audio and video performance, as well as to meet the demands of Denon’s valued custom integration customers, including the growing need for advanced multi-zone networking capabilities. The introduction of this processor and matching 10 CH amplifier (Denon POA-A1HDCI) marks the debut of a new family of high-performance custom-focused components.
Jeff Talmadge, Director, Product Development and Systems Integration noted, “We’ve had many requests from our enthusiast customers to get back into this market, which we have not focused on in over 10 years. After talking to many of our customers, we determined that these two products we’re introducing are what people want most from Denon. We’ve combined the advanced functionality of our ultimate-quality components with advanced multi-zone and networking capabilities. Our goal is to bring dedicated home entertainment aficionados the upscale solutions they need to enjoy ultimate-quality audio and video performance, and to give custom integrators new ways to meet the demands of their discriminating clientele.”
AVP-A1HDCI – Powerful Audio/Video Controller Processor with Silicon Optix Realta Chipset Following its success in Denon’s renowned DVD players, Denon has added the advanced Silicon Optix Realta chipset to its new AVP-A1HDCI, enabling enhanced video performance with upconversion and scaling to 1080p from all analog and digital sources, including the ability to use Realta Noise Reduction circuitry for 1080p input signals. This powerful chipset is just one of many advanced features that make the reference-quality AVP-A1HDCI one of the world’s most advanced audio/video controllers.
The AVP-A1HDCI features six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs and also includes built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g connectivity. Both network protocols allow custom integrators the ability to diagnose, correct, update and remotely perform maintenance on the units without the need to travel to their customer’s home. The SimplayHD certified AVP-A1HDCI also features DLNA and Windows Vista certification, and allows users to stream multimedia content from network attached devices including computers and the popular iTunes software as well as media servers and network attached storage devices.
Other CI dedicated-features include RS-232 and assignable high current DC trigger outputs, Audyssey MultEQ XT Auto Setup and Calibration, and the ability to use the Audyssey Pro installer package, which measures ideal sonic performance in up to 32 different positions, allowing installers to define the ultimate sound quality for virtually any size or shape room.
The AVP-A1HDCI is a multiple source/multiple zone controller processor, capable of up to four zones and providing digital output to Zone 2. Users enjoy discrete command, source select, volume, power and more in each zone. In addition, three discrete and independent tuners; AM/FM, XM satellite radio ready (subscription required) and HD Radio provide for multi-zone distribution with high quality playback and support of multicasting from HD Radio.
The AVP-A1HDCI features the company’s newly designed Graphical User Interface (GUI) that makes accessing all the advanced features simpler and more intuitive than ever.
Enhanced Music Performance from Multiple Sources For those users who enjoy streaming music via Ethernet / Wi-Fi or listening to their MP3 player via an iPod dock or USB flash drive/HDD, the AVP-A1HDCI features a compressed audio restorer that enhances music files that may be lacking in quality.
"But why would someone with 15k to spend on this not want 7.1?"
I think 7.1 is pretty useless. And we could easily afford to get it if we wanted it. What next, 9.1?? I think it's just an excuse to try to get people to buy new equipment.
It's all a matter of preference I guess. Some people really like 7.1 sound (myself included), while others feel otherwise. For me I would welcome a discrete 9.1 system. I have been amazed with what can be done with 7.1 DD-EX sound (all the new Star Wars films). Sound to the front, the sides, and behind (using two speakers) gives a more realistic presentation, and when done properly will give you goose bumps.
Now if they would do that with TrueHD and DTS-HD/MA, it would sound phenomenal. I mean maybe right now I can't use two extra side surround speakers, but someday I will. So for me, I would rather have a pre/pro that offered it than one that didn't.