Denon 2009 Lineup

Denon's American branch this afternoon bowed its core lineup for 2009 and headlined it with both Blu-ray players as well as network-aware iPod docks. The DBP-2010CI and DBP-1610CI both bring Blu-ray Profile 2.0 support for Internet-based special features and will play both AVC (H.264) and DivX video in HD. The higher-end 2010CI touts a higher-grade Anchor Bay digital imaging processor and a serial port for home automation. Both ship in July with the 1610CI costing $499 and the 2010CI asking a premium at $699.

The ASD-51N and ASD-51W in turn are companion pieces meant to bring iPod audio across a network; attaching to a home theater receiver, they not only supply music to the local receiver but to as many as five other Denon receivers. The new models can also be automated through IP-based control units, allow WPA encryption (on Wi-Fi) and tune into Internet subscription music services like Napster and Rhapsody. These ship in August, with the 51N using Ethernet-only at a $250 price and the 51W gaining Wi-Fi for $300.

Nine new home theater receivers are joining Denon's line and gain a new on-screen interface for HDMI as well as HDMI 1.3a (including Deep Color) support on all models. Prices will range from $349 to $1,999 and add newer features at the high end, including Ethernet-based media sharing and HD Radio from the $1,499 AVR-990 and AVR-3310CI upwards. The $1,999 AVR-4310CI has these plus Denon Link 4, which lets the HDMI-connected receiver steer clock and anti-jitter functions on newer Denon movie players. Shipments start this month and end in July for some models.

Rounding out the introductions are three in-ear headphone launches, including the AH-C360 ($49), AH-C710 ($149) and AH-NC600 ($199). While quality scales upwards through the line, the NC600 is unique in adding active noise cancellation beyond the passive effect from the earbuds themselves. Denon ships these by July.

by MacNN Staff