Denon AVP-A1HDCI Ultra Reference A/V Network Streaming Preamplifier

For the ultimate home theater experience, Denon presents the ultimate A/V surround sound and video processor – the AVP-A1HDCI(A). With features and capabilities simply not found on any other controller, the AVP-A1HDCI(A) sets the standard for both audio and video processing ability, along with state-of-the-art next-generation digital media connectivity with built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) that lets you access music and photo files as well as Internet radio stations. An optional adapter lets you stream your favorite songs and videos from your iPod. Built with uncompromising attention to detail, the AVP-A1HDCI(A) is equipped with an astonishing six individual power transformers to ensure the ultimate audio and video fidelity, eliminating interference between the various audio and video processing sections. Featuring unparalleled audio connectivity, the AVP-A1HDCI(A) is equipped with 12 high definition video inputs (6 HDMI v1.3a/6 component) and an additional 16 standard definition inputs, with deinterlacing, upscaling and conversion to HDMI outputs via the Silicon Optix HQV Realta reference video processor. This latest "A" version now includes Audyssey Dynamic Volume, and is also Sirius Radio Ready.

Technology

2 way RC

2-Way Remote capability allows the status information and current mode of a receiver or pre-amp to be shown directly on the display of the remote for ease of control without looking on the front panel of the receiver or pre-amp, or on the display.  This allows multi zone operation and control without being in direct line of sight with the receiver, pre-amp or display which is perfect for RF control.  (RC-7000CI & RC-7001RCI required and is also dependent on the Denon receiver or pre-amp used.)

7-Channel Stereo

Denon's 7-Channel Stereo mode enables top quality normal two channel stereo output from the surround speakers to provide a unique 7 channel stereo option. This mode can be fully utilized from any high quality stereo source via CD, tape, FM-radio or video recorder for dynamic 7-channel output. The 7-channel stereo is available if you have a surround back right speaker connected as well as the surround back left speaker used in 6.1, otherwise you can still experience multi-channel stereo output using a 5-channel-stereo or 6-channel-stereo configuration.

8-Channel Input

These input jacks are for inputting multi-channel audio signals in high definition MUSE 3-1 format, multi-channel audio signals from an MPEG multi-channel decoder, SACD and DVD-Audio. The 8 channels are the Front left, Front right, Center, Surround left, Surround right, Surround Back Left, Surround Back Right and the Subwoofer. These connections are made by using 8 standard phono (RCA's) cables. The inputs are on the amplifier and by selecting 'Ext in' you can receive analog audio signals via a source such as a DVD player. Denon DVD players can be connected via the 6 phono cables to a Denon amplifier's 6-CH or 8-CH EXT inputs to allow for SACD or DVD-Audio transfer. This can also be used as an alternative to IEEE1394-output (Digital Audio) FireWire connection or the DENON LINK connection.

Advanced AL24 Multi

In addition to the existing AL24 Processing Plus bit expansion technology, DENON has also developed Advanced AL24 Processing that dramatically improves information volume in the time axis region using high-speed signal detection and processing technology.  In addition to expanding original 16-bit digital data to 24 bits, Advanced AL24 Processing uses data interpolation along the time axis or up-converted sampling to achieve natural interpolation without losing the original data. Advanced AL24 Processing Multi Channel is conducted for all channels and modes other than DSD DIRECT.

ASD-1R

The Denon ASD-1R (and the newer ASD-11R released in 2008 both sold separately) is a convenient iPod docking station compatible with this Denon component. Charging, iPod control, and playback of audio and video content is possible, and is dependent on each device's capabilities.

Audyssey Dynamic Volume

Audyssey Dynamic Volume solves the problem of large variations in volume level between television programs, commercials, and between the soft and loud passages of movies.

Audyssey MultEQ XT

The Audyssey MultEQ XT provides advanced room correction and calibration technology. During the Auto Set-Up mode, MultEQ XT automatically determines how many loudspeakers are connected, whether they are connected in phase and whether they are satellites or subwoofers. After processing, it then analyzes and calibrates speaker level, size, and distance. MultEQ XT detects the proper crossover point and determines correct frequency response for up to eight listener positions simultaneously. Denon's implementation of MultEQ XT uses multiple DSP processors with high-end digital-to-analog converters. Both the Room EQ and Auto Set-Up features can be disabled if required. For additional information, you can download an Audyssey MultEQ XT tech note in the download section for the products having the feature.

Cinema Equalizer

The sound from movie sources recorded in Dolby Digital, dts, or other formats emphasizes high-frequency range due to a theaters front speakers being placed behind the movie screen. If this sound is reproduced in the home theater without correction, the high-frequency range can be too strong. Denon amplifiers feature a Cinema Equalizer to correct these high-frequency components so that the sound is clearer and easier to listen to.

Custom Integration

Custom Integration "CI" is Denon's certification to custom installers that models marked with the CI stamp have advanced connectivity and control features often required for custom home integration and theater applications using premium control systems.

DDSCHD

D.D.S.C.-Digital-Circuit is used for high-quality Sound Reproduction. It is a circuit configuration specially designed by Denon in which all elements of the surround processor are optimized through the use of selected high-performance discrete components, including separate A/D and D/A converters, with sophisticated DSP surround decoding. The latest version D.D.S.C.-HD, incorporates the latest updates to accommodate today's HD requirements.

DENON LINK

Connected via a shielded twisted pair (STP) RJ-45 fitted cable to a Denon Link-compliant A/V amplifier, the balanced signal transfer offers lower voltage than coaxial or unbalanced cables. Since Denon Link is far less susceptible to radiated noise, it ensures the highest level of signal transfer. The Denon Link interface is able to transfer high grade LPCM 24-bit, 192kHz, 2-channel and 96kHz, 24-bit, multi-channel digital output. Denon Digital Link uses low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS). Transfer capabilities of greater than 1.2 Gbps at a differential voltage of approximately 0.3 Vpp are possible. For additional information, visit the Denon Tech Showcase.

Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital is the multi-channel digital signal format developed by Dolby Laboratories. Dolby Digital consists of up to 5.1 channels – front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right, and an additional channel exclusively reserved for additional deep bass sound effects. Dolby Digitals main channels can all contain full range sound information, from the lowest bass, up to the highest frequencies – 22 kHz. The signals within each channel are distinct from the others, allowing pinpoint sound imaging and tremendous dynamic range from the most powerful sound effects to the quietest, softest sounds, free from noise and distortion.

Dolby Headphones

In conventional headphones, sound is directed into the listeners ears from two sides in order to preserve the stereo effects from the speakers. The Dolby Headphone, however, generates signals that more closely emulate surround sound from the speakers to give you a more realistic multi-channel sound effect through your headphones. It supports Dolby Pro Logic, Pro Logic II, and Dolby Digital as well as stereo and multi-channel signals. Dolby Headphone reproduces the sonic experience you receive through your speakers from stereo or multi-channel sources. It provides three distinct modes: o DH1: Referred to as Dolby Headphone Reference Room, this mode recreates a small, acoustically dry room, well-suited to both music and movie programs. o DH2: This mode has an acoustically softer effect than DH1, and is best suited for music recordings. o DH3: This mode gives a greater sense of distance and sonic dispersion to create a large room such as a concert hall or movie theatre.

Dolby Pro Logic II

Dolby Pro Logic II is a new multi-channel playback format developed by Dolby Laboratories using feedback logic steering technology and offering improvements over conventional Dolby Pro Logic circuits. It can be used to decode not only sources recorded in Dolby Surround, but also regular stereo sources into five channels (front left, front right, center, surround left and surround right) to achieve surround sound. Dolby Pro Logic II offers a wider band range (20 Hz to 20 kHz or greater) and the surround channels are played as stereo signals. Various parameters can be set according to the type of source and the contents, so it is possible to achieve optimum decoding.

Dolby Pro Logic IIx

Dolby Pro Logic IIx furthers the matrix decoding technology of Dolby Pro Logic II to decode audio signals recorded on two channels up to 7.1 playback channels, including the surround back channel. Dolby Pro Logic IIx also allows 5.1-channel sources to be played in up to 7.1 channels. The mode can be selected according to the source – Music mode is best suited for playing music, Cinema mode for playing movies, and Game mode for playing games.

Dolby True HD

True high definition sound, identical to studio masters. Provides up to 7.1 channels of pristine lossless audio playback 100 percent of the time.

DTS 96/24

DTS-ES® is used to describe 6.1 channel extended surround sound. DTS Neo:6 is used to describe our matrix technology that takes any 2-channel source material and emulates an immersive surround sound experience using a multi-channel surround sound system. DTS 96/24 is used to describe the high resolution technology featuring 96 kHz sampling rate and 24-bit word length

dts Digital Surround

dts Digital Surround (also called simply dts) is a multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems. dts is a 5.1-channel surround sound format that is available in movie theaters, and as an optional soundtrack on some DVD-Video movies for home theater viewing. The primary advantage of dts is that it offers higher data rates, leading many home theater enthusiasts to claim the sound quality for movie or music audio tracks to be closer to the original master recordings.

dts-ES Extended Surround

dts-ES Extended Surround is a new multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems. Used professionally in movie theaters since 1999, dts-ES Extended Surround greatly improves the 360-degree surround impression and space expression thanks to further expanded surround signals. In addition to the 5.1 surround channels, dts-ES Extended Surround also offers Surround Back, sometimes also referred to as surround center channel for surround playback with a total of 6.1 channels. dts-ES Extended Surround includes two signal formats with different surround signal recording methods, dts-ES Discrete 6.1 and dts-ES™ Matrix 6.1.

DTSHD Master Audio

DTS-HD Master Audio™ delivers multi-channel audio that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master and delivers the ultimate high definition sound experience.

dts Neo:6 surround

This mode applies conventional 2-channel signals to the high precision digital matrix decoder used for dts-ES Matrix 6.1 to achieve 6.1-channel surround playback. High precision input signal detection and matrix processing enable full band reproduction (frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz or greater) for all 6.1 channels, and separation between the different channels is improved to the same level as that of a digital discrete system. dts Neo:6 surround includes two modes for selecting the optimum decoding for the signal source – dts Neo:6 Cinema and dts Neo:6 Music

EL-Touch-Panel Remote Control

This remote control utilizes an electroluminescent display, similar to the technology employed by LCD backlights. On this Denon remote, the luminous blue color of the buttons is the backlight being allowed through the insulating surface that covers the remotes functions. Each function, or button, has its own parent EL area and is configured to allow different buttons to become lit when certain modes are engaged.

HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital)

HDCD is an encoding/decoding technology that encodes with 20 bits of real musical information, as compared with 16 bits for all other CDs, greatly reducing the distortion that occurs upon digital recording, while maintaining compatibility with conventional CD formats. HDCD overcomes the limitation of the 16-bit CD format by using a sophisticated system to encode the additional 4 bits onto the CD while remaining completely compatible with the existing CD format. HDCD provides more dynamic range, a more focused three-dimensional soundstage, and extremely natural vocal and musical timbre to achieve the highest resolution. With HDCD, you get the body, depth, and emotion of the original performance not a flat, digital imitation

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)

This is a digital interface standard for next generation television developed based on the DVI (Digital Visual Interface) used for computer displays and optimized for use in non-professional equipment. With it, non-compressed digital video and multi-channel audio signals can be transferred with a single connector, eliminating the need to use separate cables for picture and sound and making it possible to make connectors smaller. HDMI is compatible with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Contents Protection), a technology for protecting copyrights that encrypts digital video signals.

Made For iPod

The Made for iPod mark signifies that this product has been designed to work with iPod devices either through docking stations or connection cables.  Available features will be dependant on the products used.

MP3 (MPEG 1, Audio Layer 3)

MP3 is considered one of the most popular codec (encoder/decoder) for storing and transferring music. Though it employs a "lossy" compression system that removes signal components judged to be inaudible, MP3 still manages to deliver reasonable sound quality in files that are 80 to 90% smaller than comparable uncompressed WAV files. You can select varying amounts of compression when creating MP3 files.

Multi-Room Entertainment System

Denons Multi Source function lets you select different audio sources for listening in different locations (some models may have volume adjust only for zone 2). Different sources can thus be enjoyed in the main room (MAIN) and sub-room(s) – ZONE 2, ZONE 3 or ZONE 4 – simultaneously (number of zones is model dependent). For additional information, check the instruction manual of the A/V receiver or power amplifier of interest for complete functionality.

network

The Network symbol is Denon's commitment to expanding the home audio experience and indicates this Denon product can be connected to a LAN network.

Neural Surround

Neural Surround™, a breakthrough in audio technology, brings the excitement of surround music to more of Americas listening audience. It provides the rich envelopment and discrete image detail of surround sound in a format 100 % compatible with stereo. With superior spectral resolution and channel separation, Neural Surround™ draws the brains attention to sonic details in musical instruments, vocals, and ambience that are typically masked by other playback systems. This allows the listener to fully experience the richness and subtleties in recorded performance as never before.  Neural Surround™ is the chosen format for XM Satellite Radios new XM HD surround programming.

Noise Shaped Video (NSV)

The NSV precision video feature works in the digital domain to reduce noise in the video signal frequency band in order to enhance video signal linearity, provide the most accurate signal representation, and enhance the picture quality. Noise shaping techniques can be combined with dynamic element matching techniques in order to reduce the matching requirements of DAC elements by converting the analog mismatch into out of band noise. This approach of dynamic element matching and noise shaping has been shown to allow the use of sigma delta modulation at video data rates. NSV is the only product on the market that can achieve ultimate precision with 12-bit fidelity in both digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital domains.

Personal Memory Plus

Personal Memory Plus is a function that allows a receiver to store the surround modes, the level setting for all speakers, and the delay time to further customize the sound source. With the push of a button, the receiver will be turned to the source of choice and the preset settings will be activated.

Progressive Scan

Progressive Scan technology represents a vast improvement over the interlaced scanning method used in TV broadcasts and other conventional applications. It can process approximately twice as much video data to produce a sharper, noise-free image with finer details. High-definition video images are faithfully displayed with optimum naturalness and beauty.

Radio Data System (RDS)

RDS is a standard for sending small amounts of digital information using conventional FM radio broadcasts. Widely used in Europe, but less so in North America, the RDS system standardizes several types of information transmitted, including time and station identification. Radio Broadcast Data System is the official name for the U.S. version of RDS, though the "RDS" name seems to be at least as common in usage. The two standards are nearly identical, with only slight differences, mainly in which numbers are assigned to each of 31 musical and other program formats the RBDS system can identify. Both use a 57 kHz sub-carrier to carry data at 1187.5 bits per second to prevent interference or inter-modulation.

THX Ultra2

THX Ultra2 Cinema Mode produces appropriate sound field effects when 5.1 channel movie sources (without Dolby EX or dts-ES encoded effects) are played in a 7.1 channel system. With the advent of very high speed digital processing, more sophisticated trimming is applied to accurately recreate a large theatre-type sound in a conventional home cinema size room. Advanced processing widens the rear soundstage, which allows the side surrounds to deliver predominantly ambient information, the surround-back channels directional information. Likewise, the THX Music Mode produces appropriate sound field effects for Dolby Digital, dts, and other 5.1 channel music sources when they are played in a 7.1-channel system.

WMA (Windows Media Audio)

WMA is an audio compression format developed with Microsoft technology. It claims to offer the highest quality sound available in the industry. Becoming a standard audio compression format, rivaling the popularity of MP3, WMA is used to compress a music CD on a computer with an equivalent quality of sounds to that of the original CD (when using Encoder 9).

WiFi

Wi-Fi Certification assures tested and proven interoperability by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a group certifying interoperability among wireless LAN devices. IEEE 802.11b is one wireless LAN standard and IEEE 802.11g is another wireless LAN standard set by the 802 working group that establishes LAN technology standards at the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) of the United States. 802.11b uses the 2.4 GHz band usable freely without a radio frequency license (ISM band), enabling communications at a maximum speed of 11 Mbps. 802.11g is compatible with IEEE 802.11b and it also uses the 2.4 GHz band, but enables communications at a maximum speed of 54 Mbps.

XM-Ready

XM Radio ready receivers offer enhanced features over traditional radio receivers as their source is broadcast from a digital satellite.  An optional plug and play XM antenna and service contract is required to active the XM Radio feature.

Deatailed Specifications

GENERAL

• Equal Power Amplifiers           
• Power Output; Watts Per Channel
  • All Channels Rated 20-20kHz @ 0.05 THD
  • All Channels Rated 20-20kHz @ 0.08 THD
• THX Ultra2-Certified
• Low Impedance Drive Capability
• High-Current/Discrete Amplifiers Pre-amp Only
• dlna 1.5 Certified YES/1.0
• Windows 7 Certified
• Apple AirPlay Certified
• Made for iPod/Works with iPhone Certified
• RadioDenon.com - access to over 12,000 Internet Radio Stations        
• Flickr Photo Streamming
• Pandora Radio Streaming
• Rhapsody and Napster Streaming Rhapsody Only
• Microprocessor User Re-set
• Detachable Power Cord
• Pre-programmed Remote Control EL Touch/Learning
• Low Power Consumption in Standby Mode (0.1w)
• Interactive Owners Manual on CD-R
• Weight: In Pounds 59.5
• Width (inches) 17.1
• Height (inches) 8.4
• Depth (inches) 19.25

CONNECTIVITY

• Digital Inputs: Coaxial 4 + 2 BNC
• Digital Inputs: Optical 6
• Digital Input – DENON Link 4
• True 24-bit/96-kHz Digital Input Capability
• True 24-bit/192-kHz Digital Input Capability (Denon Link)
• Assignable Digital Inputs
• Digital Outputs: Optical 3
• Digital to Analog REC Out
• Analog Audio Inputs, Incl. Tuner 11
• HD Radio Tuner
• Phono Input
• Analog Record Outputs
• HDMI Video Inputs – v1.4a Supports 3D and Audio Return Channel 6(v1.3a)No 3D or ARC
• HDMI Video Outputs 2
• HDMI Audio/Video Repeater Function
• HDMI Video Switching Function
• HDMI Deep Color Support-36Bit
• HDMI xvYCC Color Space Support
• HDMI SACD Support
• Composite Video Inputs 8/Incl. Front x 1
• Composite Video Outputs 1
• S-Video Inputs 8/Incl. Front x 1
• S-Video Outputs 4
• Component Video Inputs x Bandwidth - *Assignable 6 x 100MHz/Incl. BNC x 1
• Component Video Outputs 3/Incl. Zone 2 x 1
• Front Panel A/V Inputs w/Cover * Composite
• RJ-45 Etherent Port - IP Control and Network Audio/Photo Streaming
• RS-232 Port – Third Party Remote Controllers
• PC Setup and Control Capability
• IR Serial Remote In/Out terminals
• +12v Trigger Output - Assignable 4 (150mA)
• Sirius Satellite Radio – with optional antenna YES/Also XM Ready
• Pre-amp Outputs for Multi-Zone
• High Pass Filter for Multi-Zone Outputs
• Multi-Zone Pre-Amp Outputs – Selectable Output Levels
• Discrete Multi-Zone Composite Video Output YES/Zone 2 and 3
• Main Zone Pre-Amp Outputs 9.3
• iPod Dock Control Port (Using optional ASD-11R DOCK)
• USB Audio Port Flash/HDD x 2
• Front Panel Stereo Mini-jack for Portable Music Players
• XLR Analog Input YES X 2
• XLR Analog Output YES X 12
• 6-Ch. External Analog Input
• 8-Ch. External Analog Input

CONVENIENCE FEATURES

• iPhone App Control
• Auto Setup Calibration
• Input Delete Function
• Auto/Manual Room Equalization
• Audyssey MultEQ Room Equalization YES/MultEQ XT
• Audyssey Pro Calibration Ready
• Audyssey Dynamic Volume
• Audyssey Dynamic EQ
• Auto Setup Microphone Included/Type Y
• Variable High/Low Pass Crossover Points (12/24dB) - 40/60/80/100/ 120/150/200/250         
• Source Function Renaming
• Video Conversion –Composite to S-Video to Component
• Video Conversion – Analog to HDMI
• Video Scaling HQV Realta
• Dual Surround Mode Spkr. Selector
• Icon-Based Graphical User Interface with video overlay on 1080p HDMI output
• On Screen first time Setup Wizard
• Personal Memory Plus
• Party Mode Plus
• Audio Signal Delay (Sync. Audio with Video signal) – By source
• Auto Surround Mode (Analog or Digital Input Type)
• 56 Station Auto-Preset Memory Tuning
• Radio Data System (RDS)
• Direct Function (Tone Bypass)
• Volume Control Un-muting
• Video Select Control
• Multi-Source/Multi-Zone 3S/3Z
• Discrete Remote Power On/Off, Source Selection and Volume for Main and Second/Third* Zones      
• Assignable Amplifier Configuration of Surround Back Channels
• Speaker Time-Delay and Level Controls: L/R, Sub, C, Surr. L/R, Surround Back
• Relay-Controlled Protection Circuits
• Pre Labled Assignable Digital Inputs
• Digital to Analog Conversion Multi Zone Outputs

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY

• Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit – D.D.S.C - HD
• Dolby Digital, dts and DSP Modes – Analog Devices, HammerHead SHARC
• Processor(s) – 32-bit, Floating Point ADSP21367 x2, ADSP21366 x 1
• AL24 Processing Advanced AL24
• 24-bit/192-kHz DACs Burr-Brown PCM-1796,4 per channel dual differential
• Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Bit Depth/Sampling Rate 24-bit/192-kHz PCM-1804, 2 per channel differential
• Analog DevicesFull 12-bit Input/Output Video Processing/Scaling HQV Realta
• Analog Devices Noise Shaped Video (NSV)
• Independent Power Supplies
• Pure Audio Construction
• Toroidal Power Transformer
• Banana Plug Speaker Terminals, All Channels

SOUND MODES

• Dolby Pro Logic IIz - with Cinema, Music, Game Modes DPLIIx
• HDCD Decoder
• Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital+ Decoding
• Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding
• dts-HD Master Audio and High Resolution Decoding
• dts ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding
• dts ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding
• dts Neo:6 Stereo-to-Surround Cinema and Music Mode
• dts 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing
• Dolby Headphone
• THX Post-Processing – DPL (4.0), DPL2 Cinema, DD/DTS (5.1), ES Discrete (6.1), ES Matrix, Neo:6 Cinema           
• THX Ultra2 7.1 Cinema, Music and Game Modes
• THX Surround EX Decoding
• Audyssey Dynamic Surround Expansion (DSX) Processing
• Pure Direct/Direct/Stereo Modes on Digital/Analog inputs
• Stereo/Direct Modes w/Pure Analog Path
• Multi-Channel Stereo Mode
• Video Game Mode
• Wide Screen 7.1 Mode
• Mono Movie Surround Mode
• Rock Arena Surround Mode
• Matrix Surround Mode
• Jazz Club Surround Mode
• Virtual Surround Mode – For 2 Speakers/Headphones