Onkyo Debuts THX Ultra DVD Player With DVD Audio and Progressive Scan

Onkyo has introduced its first DVD player with DVD Audio capabilities. Designed to meet the needs of the most discriminating audio- and videophiles, the new top-of-the-line Onkyo DV-S939 is also the company's first DVD player with progressive scan video, and its first with the coveted THX Ultra certification. It plays DVD Audio and DVD Video discs, video CDs, audio CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs.

The single-play DV-S939, which has built-in decoders for Dolby Digital and DTS, offers superior audio and video playback with internal or external processing. It has premium, 192 kHz/24-bit Digital-to-Analog converters that faithfully reproduces 192 kHz 2-channel stereo, or 96 kHz 5.1-channel surround sound.

When used with an external processor, the DV-S939's Direct Digital Path design collects the raw signal from the pickup circuits and sends it directly to the output. Conventional systems usually clip the data in a preamplifier stage, removing some of the immense quantity of data encoded on these discs. Direct Digital Path supplies a much more robust signal with more data for an external digital processor. A heavy-gauge shielded cable further reduces induced noise from the power supply and other circuits. The Onkyo DV-S939 has dual transformers and separate power supplies for the analog and digital circuits.

The DV-S939 also offers exceptional video playback. It is capable of delivering superior progressive scan video via its two component-video outputs. With progressive scanning, all the scan lines are projected on each full frame, rather than alternating half the lines on sequential fields like broadcast television. Many so-called progressive scan players use simple line doubling after the NTSC modulator, while Onkyo uses the more sophisticated 3:2 pull-down technology to generate 30 completely individual frames every second. This greatly increases resolution and eliminates any visible flicker. The DV-S939 also uses multiple professional-grade 54 MHz/10-bit video DACs.

This is also the most connectable DVD player in Onkyo's line. It has two digital outputs with coaxial and optical connectors for each output. It has DB-25 and RCA 5.1-channel audio outputs and one stereo output. The two video outputs can be channeled to two S-Video or composite outputs, or to two component-video outputs that can be configured for progressive scan or composite signals. There is also an RS-232 port for upgrades and for integrating with home control systems.

The Onkyo DV-S939 has an upgradeable processor that can be accessed via the RS-232 port. An open IEEE-1394 buss will allow users to install an upgrade card to utilize this high-speed digital communications standard once it becomes available for audio/video use.

The Onkyo DV-S939 will be available in late September with a suggested retail price of $1799.95. www.onkyousa.com

Source: Onkyo