You can go straight to the Internet without PC, and listen to 2300+ (only?) radio channels through online Radio Denon. Just connect to the broadband. Denon's last baby, christened AVR-4306 is crammed with new technology and is fully up-to-date with the convergence mania, and it shows:
A very interesting feature is the presence, aboard the AVR-4306, of the Audyssey Laboratories’ room calibration system “MultEQ-X”. Simple as this: just install the mike in every seat you’re normally sitting on in your room (eight maximum) and the AVR-4306 takes care of everything, i.e. all these lengthy calibration and settings that some among you might have experienced in the past, like setting the delays, equalizing speaker after speaker, fine-tuning the level... MultEQ XT is a sophisticated software, so that you are not limited to one only, "ideal" place in the room, and everyone there can listen to the perfect sound.
Nice beast ! As it is usual with Denon
Also coming with the beast is the portable music device integration. iPod is among the crowd, naturally, and you can connect it straight to the iPod terminal (located on the front panel), thus access your entire digital music files. The iPod menu is reproduced on the screen, so that you can navigate using the AVR-4306 remote.
If you are, say, a Creative Zen Vision:M (also a good bet, read our article here), you can use the USB 2.0 port to connect it.
The AVR-4306 is solidly built, using the home made anti-resonance chassis and a massive power supply. Its power is a 130 watts per channel and it also carries advanced surround processing.
One can hook up three high resolution video components through HDMI connectors –HDMI is present on many DVD players and HDTV tuners. You can send all video sources to an HDMI capable TV using a single cable, thanks to an analogue-to-HDMI conversion. It is also a multi-room system, three rooms in total, as well as a three source audio/video capable system.
Enough...
One can also go on the Internet in order to setup and control the beast, there is a remote access and diagnosis capacity for installers. Several Ethernet functions equip the device, of which audio streaming, from networked PCs using either Windows Media Connect, or designed to Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standards. Other connection also, to Crestron and AMX network control systems. In addition, the PC can also be used for customisation and setup and settings can be backed-up on the PC as well, and this will undoubtedly rejoyce every installer, amateur or pro...
For US consumers, it is XM Satellite Radio ready. You will have to purchase the XM-connect and antenna separately and you should be subscribing to XM.
Specs (source Denon):
Ethernet Functions Audio Media Client allows audio streaming using Windows Media Connect Audio Streaming from networked PC PC control, customisation and setup. Internet functions allows global web radio with no PC Full iPod integration & control for 3G & above with Dock Connector Front & Rear dedicated iPod inputs Full on screen displays with remote control from AV receiver handset USB input allows full control of Rio and Creative MP3 players & many more USB Control Interface, Play music from USB memory sticks & USB hard drives. HDMI-output (HDCP) video conversion with 1080i upscaling Future proof 1080p HDMI-output (HDCP) switching & repeater functions. Denon Link 3 for the best digital sound Auto Setup and Room EQ with Audyssey MultEQ for up to 6 listening positions Stunning Audio Performance & Huge Power 7 x 130 watts at 8 ohms impedanceNice beast... for £1500 approximately
Visit Denon here