Denon debuts universal disc player

(Credit: Akibahara News)

Looks like Denon has beaten Oppo in launching what could be the world's first player that spins Blu-ray, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, and CD.

The new Denon DVD-A1UD is not only a "true" universal player, it's also fully equipped to unlock the full potential of Blu-ray. It's BD-Live-ready to support Web-based interactive features and decodes high-resolution Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks.

For hardcore enthusiasts with dual displays such as a separate projector and flat-panel TV, the DVD-A1UD's twin HDMI 1.3a terminals are sweet additions, while professional-grade balanced audio output will integrate effortlessly with any premium home theater system. As for pricing and availability, this player's Japan launch is scheduled for January and will be available for $3,800 in the U.S in February.

Via Crave Asia

[chadwsmith]

It's not truly universal if it doesn't play HD-DVDs.....

[John_Johnson]

Haha you beat me to it

[mmntech]

Aside from the second HDMI port, what advantages does this have over the much cheaper Playstation 3? I guess it doesn't play SACD anymore (mine does though, I have the 60gb) but nobody listens to SACD. I don't think I've even seen them in store.

[chrkeller]

Wow, only overpriced by about $2500.

[Ekkostorm]

Seriously, what can this do that I can't do with a computer for $2500 less as chrkeller pointed out. Anyone savy enough to know about SACD has most likely already played with turning a console game system or a computer into a DVR.

[Alan6738]

oh my god, talk about sticker shock.

[BlackPenguin]

Of the listed things that this thing can play (Blu-ray, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, and CD) I thought a sony BDP-S350 could already do all that. Obviously I was wrong. What items can't the BDP-S350 play? Other then the super audio cd I mean.