We have yet another vendor offering an HD DVD player. This time it is Integra, with their $1,099 DHS-8.8. No, that is not a typo on the price. Clearly, this is a high-end component. I suppose the HD DVD camp could use something at that end of the scale – Toshiba has been focusing on the low-to-mid range of the market. Blu-ray has been more focused on the high-end of the market than HD DVD. See the press release below for more info – picked up from EngadgetHD.
Integra Introduces its First HD DVD Player at 2007 CEDIA Expo
DENVER (9/5/07) — Integra announced the introduction of the DHS-8.8, the company’s first HD DVD player, at the 2007 CEDIA Expo here today. This player has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the custom installer, and to fully exploit the potential of high-definition HD DVD content. It is among the first HD DVD players to enable transfer of high-bit-rate audio content via HDMI version 1.3a.
The DHS-8.8 is designed as an ideal source component for use with Integra’s 2007 A/V receiver and preamplifier/processor range, which also include HDMI version 1.3a capabilities. In combination, these components are an ideal platform for high-definition 1080p video images, including Deep Colorâ„¢ technology for improved color tones and finer color gradation. Additionally, HDMI 1.3a allows streaming of the new lossless surround sound formats, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS®-HD Master Audio, as well as two high-bit-rate “lossy” formats, Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio.
The Integra DHS-8.8 HD-DVD player also features the capability to support playback at different frame rates, including 24 frames per second, which is the native frame rate of the original sources for most HD content. This ensures that the user will be able to experience the playback of films recorded to HD DVD with the smoothest, most stable reproduction possible.
The DHS-8.8 features onboard HQV Reon VX video processing, currently recognized as the leading video processing technology in the home theater industry. This allows the player to provide precise video scaling to 720p, 1080i or 1080p output from both HD-DVD and standard definition DVD sources, delivering video at the native resolution of the video display device and stantially reducing video noise and distortion. For component video output, the player incorporates an Analog Devices 297 MHz/12-bit NSV video DAC that support 4x oversampling for outstanding reproduction with analog-based displays.
The DHS-8.8 features Wolfson and Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit audio DACs for conversion of audio sources for analog output via the 2-channel or 5.1-channel analog outputs. It also includes a bi-directional RS-232 port for integration with home automation and control systems. Finally, the player includes a rear-panel Ethernet port to make use of the web-based connectivity allowed for in the HD-DVD standard, including access to additional content from movie studios. This feature also provides installers and users with the ability to easily download any future firmware updates.
The DHS-8.8 will carry a suggested retail price of $1099, and will be available in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Integra designs and manufactures premium Home Theater receivers, processors, amplifiers, and DVD players that are specifically designed to meet the needs of custom audio/video systems installers. Systems integration and convergence technology protocols include RS-232, IR and on-board Ethernet for network connectivity and TCP/IP control. Integra has access to vast technical resources, and bears a proud heritage of 60 years of audio engineering excellence. For more information about Integra and its many fine products, visit www.integrahometheater.com or call 800 225-1946.
