For the third day of the CES 2005 , we have decided to focus on the market for amplifiers, as the majority of manufacturers will introduce during 2005 a new generation of products.
On top of the list in this hot race are Denon and Marantz who are presenting their new "locomotives", with the introduction of the AVCAX-1 and the SR-9600 , which are in the stores already in the US and will be available in Europe in the coming weeks.
Denon will add to its rich catalogue a completely new audio-video receiver under the reference code AVR-4806 . This model will offer a THX Ultra 2 certification, with an exceptional new audio decoder technology inside, and outside the latest in video connections to accept the different sources via HDMI .
AV amplifier Jamo
AV amplifier Boston
Many manufacturers that were up to now absent in this market segment are revealing to the public " en avant première " there finalized versions for Home Cinema. We noted in particular JBL , Jamo and Boston with products that will be available first in the US market but should be in the stores across Europe during the second half of 2005.
AV amplifier JVC
One of the most exciting product innovations could be seen on the stand of the Japanese manufacturer JVC , where we admired a new generation audio/video amplifier no larger that a DVD player with 7 channels each offering 150 watts! And that's not all, this "bomb" has a WiFi connection for wireless signal reception as well as exceptionally complete HDMI connections for the video input.
As we have mentioned since the beginning of the CES this year, we continue to see more examples that confirm that HDMI is clearly becoming the standard for video signal transmission. Introduced just two years ago, the vast majority of manufacturers have now integrated this technology into their product lines. Almost everywhere at this year's CES, we have seen HDMI connections available on DVD players (and even on the basic models!) as well as on many video projectors. Clearly, there appears here that the market trend has become irreversible as High Definition TV is developing as the "must" for viewing pleasure.
Closing out today's' highlights is a quick look at the new DVD standards. For our readers in France, a new DTS sampler, N°9, will soon be available (we have one in our suitcase!). Dolby presented its new 5.1 format as well as the Dolby Digital Plus . This is of particular interest as in the future we will be able to enjoy a sound track in both 5.1 and 7.1 formats with a bit rate of 6 Mo/s compared to the current maximum of only 640 KB/s ! Dolby told us that this new system will remain compatible with the Dolby Digital decoders that are currently on the market.
To round out today, and last but far from least, THX announced the imminent launch of a brand new series of games that will receive THX certification. In addition, they are introducing an innovative, more stringent quality standard, THX Select 2 , for audio/video amplifiers and receivers that will manage the latest modes of THX Music, Games and Cinema.