Connectivity
On the front-panel are: HDMI (3 inputs/1 output, all certified for HDMI 1.4, SD card inputs, plus direct iPod connectivity via the USB port. Speaking of connectivity of the S-5BD can also entertain you in multiple rooms – people could be watching a Blu-ray movie in the lounge room, while simultaneously a CD is busting out in the study.
Ease of use
First up out of the box, the S-5BD’s ‘First Setup’ feature automatically calibrates the unit to better suit the room’s acoustics using the supplied microphone. Audyssey MultEQ and Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ help to deliver great sound without having to lose yourself in complex settings. Play much music on an iPod? The S-5BD uses a built-in Compressed Audio Restorer, designed to go some make to make the compressed music files sound a little better. The Automatic Sound Mode is a neat feature – play music, the S-5BD automatically switches to stereo sound; play video, it switches to surround sound.
On the remote control there’s a ‘One Touch Play’ button for instant movie playback, buttons on the front are not only large, but only the most-used buttons are there. All the less-used functions are located benath a hidden back panel.
Specifications
- 5 channels x 75 watts @ 4ohms
- Supports HDMI V1.4 with 1.4 Audio return channel
- New 2.1 Dynamic Play mode which automatically assigns surround amps to the main speakers for stereo sources
- Audio: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, dts-HD Master Audio, Dolby Virtual Speaker, Dolby Pro Logic IIz., AL24 Processing for superior PCM performance, Audyssey MultEQ, Auto Setup and calibration, Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Compressed Audio Restorer
- Audio and video outputs for a second zone as well as RS-232 connection (with Crestron and AMX support), infra-red input and output and a 12V trigger output
- 1080p/24 video output
- 3 x HDMi inputs including 1x front panel, 1 x S-Video input, 2 x analog audio inputs, 3 x digital audio inputs (2 x coax, 1 x optical), 1 x USB (front) for direct iPod audio playback
- Ethernet input for BD Live and firmware updates
- AVCHD support, DIVX, MP3, WMA & Jpeg support
- Independent power supplies for each stage: Digital, Power amplifier, and Pre-amplifier stages
Price and availability
Denon’s S-5BD will go on sale in late April, at an RRP of $3,499. It is covered, as are all Denon products, by a two year warranty with an additional year of warranty provided when buyers register their purchase online with the local distributor.
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