Denon AVR-1912
Manufacturer: Denon Part number: AVR-1912
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Denon AVR-1912 gets our Editors' Choice Award in the midrange AV receiver category, with built-in AirPlay, outstanding sound quality, and six HDMI inputs.
Read more
Where to buy
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| Not yet rated | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/14/2013 |
| ![]() | In stock | as of 05/14/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Denon AVR-1912 price range: $429.00 - $549.99
- Reviewed by: Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 05/19/2011
- Released on: 05/01/2011
The good: The Denon AVR-1912 is the most full-featured AV receiver we've seen at this price, with built-in AirPlay for Apple's iOS products and six HDMI inputs. Its networking features also include DLNA compatibility and several streaming media services, such as Rhapsody and Pandora. And its sound quality is just a little better than the competing Pioneer VSX-1021-K.
The bad: The GUI can look pretty bad if your HDTV has mediocre standard-definition processing. Denon also doesn't offer a Wi-Fi dongle, so you'll need to use a workaround if you don't have Ethernet in your living room. And we would have preferred one of those six HDMI ports to be on the front panel.
The bottom line: The Denon AVR-1912 gets our Editors' Choice Award in the midrange AV receiver category, with built-in AirPlay, outstanding sound quality, and six HDMI inputs.
User reviews
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Good, but please do some research to get better!
by FrankPreston on March 25, 2012
Pros: + Sound quality of Audyssey EQ calibration
+ Full-featured (though not perfect) Android App
+ Highly customizable (thanks to Audyssey EQ)
+ Respected brand with 2year warranty
+ Best sounding AV receiver around $500 (it is widely sold for $550 today)Cons: - Interface is crap
- Streaming is buggy (very slow and unresponsive...and the Android app doesn't help)
- Airplay is buggy and absolutely requires an Apple device (no - Android or Windows workaround)Summary: Okay, so I set out to make my home theater for for the first time. I am a technology geek (work as an network admin) and do my research before ...
Summary: Okay, so I set out to make my home theater for for the first time. I am a technology geek (work as an network admin) and do my research before settling on purchases.
I tried all of the popular AV receivers and was able to hear the sound difference. All the middle-class receivers I tried were able to produce great, but they sounded different when they did their processing. Using "(pure) direct" sound made all of the receivers sound VERY similar. Thus, it really boiled down to what receiver was able to do its magic to make my speakers sound better in my home theater room. Audyssey EQ hands down did the best job.
My grip with this review is that they fail to mention you are able to get the Denon AVR-2112CI for $440 (you have been able to get this price since it came out and still can) and AVR-1712 for $400 and BOTH of them have a better Audyssey EQ (XT) that will make the receiver exponentially better at making your speakers sound good.
CNET is for some reason obsessed with AirPlay. which the 1712 doesn't have, but 2112ci does. I have tried using this fear on the 1912 and found it did not work flawlessly for my Ipad. Sound quality was better plugging in my Galaxy SII via MLA convert to HDMI...so much so that I think it is silly to use Airplay. Also, Sonos CONNECT has much better sound quality and features if you want to use your phone as remote to play music.
Thus I don't give the 1912 5 stars because it does not have Audyssey EQ XT (it has Audyssey EQ). This techology is the single thing that makes the receiver great and having better makes it even better, but CNET seems to think dropping XT and getting Airplay is worth it (that or playing more to not have XT and Airplay). Ironically, if you do a little research, you can get XT AND Airplay on the 2112ci for $100 less than the 1912!
Either way, Denon is making the best AV receivers hands down but be mindful of the cons I list. Yamaha deals with the cons, but their EQ technology is far worse than Audyssey EQ and it sounds worse (different maybe a better way to put it). Some claim Yamaha makes music sound better (less tiring because sounds don't jump out at you), but I would counter this the flexibility of the Denon can make music sound the same or better with manual tuning.
The difference in Yamaha and Denon sound can be described that Yamaha sounds 'loud and wide' and Denon sounds 'localized and fine tuned,' which is what I want from a 5.1/7.1 system.
Denon isn't a perfect brand and there is a lot I don't like about them, but for under $500, the sound quality they produce is hard to argue against when looking at the competition.
Lastly, if you're will buy the Denon AVR-1912, I suggest you have to compare prices before you decide at -> *******************/Denon-AVR-1912
Good luck!12 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Beautiful Sound!
by Normand_Mcnelly on August 30, 2011
Pros: See in summary
Cons: See in summary
Summary: After returning 2 failed (video problems) Onkyo TX NR609 receivers, I gave this Denon a try and am happy I did. It has gorgeous sound and was easy to set ...
Summary: After returning 2 failed (video problems) Onkyo TX NR609 receivers, I gave this Denon a try and am happy I did. It has gorgeous sound and was easy to set up and calibrate and has a wide array of features, including Apple Airplay.
*** P.S. IF you will buy this Denon AVR-1912 I suggest you have compare prices before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004U403XQ?ie=UTF8&ref_=dp_olp_new&condition=new#?ie=UTF8&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957
Pros:
1) Beautiful sound! Dolby ProLogic IIz; 7 discrete amps!
2) 6 HDMI ports
3) 2 year warranty
3) Ease of setup; Audyssey automatic calibration of speakers with included microphone
4) "Airplay" for use with Apple products--this is very cool.
5) No need to buy expensive Wifi adapater. This will use any wireless bridge to allow you to connect to internet (I bought one for $50).
6) Pandora, Rhapsody, and Napster!
7) Attractive looking with rounded corners and matte black finish
8) On-screen menus and volume control (Pioneer does not have this feature)
9) USB port on front of receiver for Iphone or Ipod connection (using the Apple USB cord)
Cons:
1) Difficult to use remote control (note: You have to press the AMP button on the remote first THEN Menu button before you can access the Setup Wizard). Confusing instructions on setting up remote to work with other devices. I still cannot get the "Quick Select" buttons to work, and will have to contact technical support for advice. Will update this post with instructions when/if I obtain them.
2) No manual! Instead they give you a CD with PDF of the manual. I found this annoying since my PC is in a different room than the receiver and going back and forth to follow step-by-steps was frustrating. You can print pages out of course, but a hard copy of the manual would have been my preference. On the up side...no bulky manual to file away, and I have the CD smartly stored away and a saved PDF of the manual on my computer for future reference.
3) Front USB port is not compatible with the IPad. (Airplay does, however, work with Ipad)
The unit does not seem to run hot, and from what I have read, Denon receivers enjoy a long and stable life. Based on what I have experienced so far, I highly recommend this unit over the Onkyo TX NR609 and even the Pioneer VSX-1021-K, which I also tried. I could not tell the difference in sound between the Denon and Pioneer, but the Pioneer does not have on-screen menus or volume, which I found very annoying. Pioneer also wants an outrageous $150 for their Wifi adapter. Both the Pioneer and Denon sound better than the Onkyo.
Updated on Aug 30, 2011
Updated on Nov 1, 2011Edit link
Suggest compare prices before you decide at: beam.to/Denon-AVR-1912
Enjoy!13 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Sound For Movies And Video Games
by monelectronics on June 12, 2011
Pros: Amazing sound, V-Tuner for Internet Radio!, IPod Controls
Cons: Music presets sounds horrible, video upscaling very bad
Summary: I bought the Denon 1912 returned it because the video up scaling was horrible and the audio playback in music mode was very bad. Movies and Video gaming sounds amazing. ...
Summary: I bought the Denon 1912 returned it because the video up scaling was horrible and the audio playback in music mode was very bad. Movies and Video gaming sounds amazing. I exchanged it for the Onkyo TX-NR609, i was very pleased with the Onkyo except for the fact it did not have the airplay. The sound quality wasn't as good as the Denon 1912 but the overall sound was satisfying meaning movies, gaming and music sounds great. It wasn't amazing but great. So i came back to CNet to review other receivers and i came across the Pioneer VSX-1021-K CNet raves on the amazing feature such as the iPhone remote control app, Airplay and the great sound it produces. I figured I have now found the perfect receiver. So i then take the Qnkyo Tx-NR609 Back to exchange it for the Pioneer VSX-1021-K. By this time i could tell Best Buy was getting fed up with me buying and returning so much lol. I brought it home set it up and i was blown away by the amazing sound, the technology was futuristic and state of the art. I said to myself this is the one. Until i tried turning up the volume and setting the listening modes. Then i discovered THERE ARE NOT ANY ONSCREEN VISUAL CONTROLS. i said this can't be correct. I looked at the manual just to make sure i didn't have the settings wrong BUT sure enough there are no visuals at all. Denon and Onkyo has it why not Pioneer. I was very disappointed. Some of you might say this is a petty thing to complain about. But if you knew how far my reliever was from my listening area you would understand. So i may be returning the pioneer and going back to the Onkyo . Pioneer would have been the perfect receiver if they would took the extra step and installed this very simple feature ONSCREEN VISUAL CONTROLS. I think their main focus was trying to impress us with the apple features.
Overall Summary
Denon 1912 Best Sound for Movies and Gaming (Music's Horrible)(Poor Video Up scaling)
Onkyo TX NR609 Overall Best Mid-Range Receiver great sound after a little Tweaking great video up scaling No
Airplay alternative is to Buy Apple TV $99 and your set.
Pioneer VSX-1021-K Sounds Similar to the Denon Great features Amazing Video Up scaling but no ONSCREEN VISUAL CONTROLS. It's almost like they are forcing you to purchase an IPad or an iPhone.
Here's my view on all three of the most talked about AV Receivers of 2011
Hope this helps.
Monelectronics7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Everything I Want
by uber6eek on April 26, 2011
Pros: Internet Radio
Excellent sound quality
ipod controls
6 HDMI inputsCons: -limited ipod controls
-Beware you may have to press the AMP button on the remote to use set up Wizard or enter Menu. I thought I had a diffective unit at first.Summary: i can only compare the audio quality to my 10 year old Harmon Kardon but the sound quality is amazing. I recently upgraded my speakers which made a big improvement ...
Summary: i can only compare the audio quality to my 10 year old Harmon Kardon but the sound quality is amazing. I recently upgraded my speakers which made a big improvement but I was unsure a new receiver would make much more of a difference. I was blown away when I heard the difference.
A few days later, I went to change the input manually and realized they removed the dial on this model. I'm a little disappointed but its a minor issue I suppose.
I went with Denon because I was looking for the best audio quality for a mid range receiver. I was pleasantly suprised when I went to purchase and found out they just got this year's model which has more hdmi inputs, an improved GUI and many new network features
Updated on May 6, 20115 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pretty much everything one needs!
by adlieb on May 20, 2011
Pros: V-Tuner for Internet Radio! IPod Controls on the front of the Receiver! IPod DAC bypass for better sound! 6 HDMI Inputs! 2 Zone 2 Source! GUI overlay on top of content! DLNA filesharing! And most importantly EXCELLENT SOUND!
Cons: No Input selector wheel (Hard Button or on Remote). No front HDMI. No pre-amp outputs for Zone two.
Summary: Overall for the money this new Denon takes the cake for the low-priced leading receiver on the market. It comes in with almost every feature available for well under the $...
Summary: Overall for the money this new Denon takes the cake for the low-priced leading receiver on the market. It comes in with almost every feature available for well under the $600 price point ($529 MRSP).
Some may criticize DENON for not including Wi-Fi built into the unit, but this is done for safety reasons to the equipment more than anything else. DENON does not want their products to be subject to the end-users lack of a solid Wi-Fi network in the home, so they offer the HARDWIRE ethernet connection only. In my opinion this is not a bad thing. As an installer, I have witnessed the unfortunate destruction of A/V gear doing Wi-Fi firmware updates, and thus turning top shelf A/V into nothing more than a glorified BRICK.
By DENON elliminating the Wi-Fi on this unit, they have ensured the Network A/V user a SOLID connection with error free updates.
If you want to get a little bit more function out of your unit upgrade to the new AVR2112 ($599). One step above the AVR 1912 gets you the input selector wheel, a THREE year warranty, and Pre-Amp Outputs for Zone 2. (yes you get all that for just $70 more).
But if low cost is the #1 factor in a buying decision, the AVR1912 takes the cake for this years AV Receiver Market.
Good listening and watching for all those fortunate to pick up a DENON AVR-XX12 receiver this year!5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Really, really wanted to like this product...
by cre813 on September 6, 2011
Pros: Has most of the features I was looking for in a receiver
Cons: CUSTOMER SUPPORT
UX a little clunky - in this day and age this should be *much* better
Loud clicking noise when switching inputsSummary: I hate when people do what I am about to do, which is to rate a product based on customer support but, in this case, I am compelled to give ...
Summary: I hate when people do what I am about to do, which is to rate a product based on customer support but, in this case, I am compelled to give the product the lowest possible rating as I wasn't able to get it to work AND customer service was simply non-existent. I am in the process of returning the receiver and am reevaluating my decision to purchase anything from Denon at this point.
One of the primary reasons that I bought this receiver was because of its ability to connect a LAN. AirPlay and Internet Radio are just as important to me as the home theater features.
Unfortunately, I was never able to get the receiver to connect to my LAN. I verified that the issue was not the connection but the NIC within the receiver. I contacted Denon customer support several times about this issue and other than the initial automated "Thank you" email I heard absolutely nothing from the manufacturer.
I understand that manufacturers have, from time to time, production issues and, while no one likes it, we accept it and move on WHEN we are supported by the manufacturer. That wasn't the case for me. Your experience may be different.
I rate this product an A- for innovation. I give it a B- for execution. As for customer support, it simply doesn't exist. And, that is, in my book, absolutely unacceptable.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great AV receiver, but please research before purchase
by neckemoff on February 6, 2012
Pros: Sound quality of Audyssey EQ calibration
Full-featured (though not perfect) Android App
Highly customizable (thanks to Audyssey EQ)
Respected brand with 2 year warranty
Best sounding AV receiver around $500 (it is widely sold for $550 today)Cons: Interface is crap
Streaming is buggy (very slow and unresponsive...and the Android app doesn't help)
Airplay is buggy and absolutely requires an Apple device (no Android or Windows workaround)
Cheap built (made in China) and Denons are known to breakSummary: Okay, so I set out to make my home theater for for the first time. I am a technology geek (work as an network admin) and do my research before ...
Summary: Okay, so I set out to make my home theater for for the first time. I am a technology geek (work as an network admin) and do my research before settling on purchases.
I tried all of the popular AV receivers and was able to hear the sound difference. All the middle-class receivers I tried were able to produce great, but they sounded different when they did their processing. Using "(pure) direct" sound made all of the receivers sound VERY similar. Thus, it really boiled down to what receiver was able to do its magic to make my speakers sound better in my home theater room. Audyssey EQ hands down did the best job.
My grip with this review is that they fail to mention you are able to get the Denon AVR-2112CI for $440 (you have been able to get this price since it came out and still can) and AVR-1712 for $400 and BOTH of them have a better Audyssey EQ (XT) that will make the receiver exponentially better at making your speakers sound good.
CNET is for some reason obsessed with AirPlay. which the 1712 doesn't have, but 2112ci does. I have tried using this fear on the 1912 and found it did not work flawlessly for my Ipad. Sound quality was better plugging in my Galaxy SII via MLA convert to HDMI...so much so that I think it is silly to use Airplay. Also, Sonos CONNECT has much better sound quality and features if you want to use your phone as remote to play music.
Thus I don't give the 1912 5 stars because it does not have Audyssey EQ XT (it has Audyssey EQ). This techology is the single thing that makes the receiver great and having better makes it even better, but CNET seems to think dropping XT and getting Airplay is worth it (that or playing more to not have XT and Airplay). Ironically, if you do a little research, you can get XT AND Airplay on the 2112ci for $100 less than the 1912!
Either way, Denon is making the best AV receivers hands down but be mindful of the cons I list. Yamaha deals with the cons, but their EQ technology is far worse than Audyssey EQ and it sounds worse (different maybe a better way to put it). Some claim Yamaha makes music sound better (less tiring because sounds don't jump out at you), but I would counter this the flexibility of the Denon can make music sound the same or better with manual tuning.
The difference in Yamaha and Denon sound can be described that Yamaha sounds 'loud and wide' and Denon sounds 'localized and fine tuned,' which is what I want from a 5.1/7.1 system.
Denon isn't a perfect brand and there is a lot I don't like about them, but for under $500, the sound quality they produce is hard to argue against when looking at the competition,2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A REVIEW SHOULD BE ON A PRODUCT OWNED, BASED ON FACTS
by davzway on May 27, 2011
Pros: READ FEATURES ON MANUFACTURERS SPECS
Cons: NONE KNOWN
Summary: THERE ARE SEVERAL NEGATIVE ONE STARS, SPEAKING ON OTHER PRODUCTS OR SLAMMING THEIR VIEWS ON CNET'S APPROACH TO A REVIEW. IT ONLY DRAGS DOWN A PRODUCTS SCORE FOR NO ...
Summary: THERE ARE SEVERAL NEGATIVE ONE STARS, SPEAKING ON OTHER PRODUCTS OR SLAMMING THEIR VIEWS ON CNET'S APPROACH TO A REVIEW. IT ONLY DRAGS DOWN A PRODUCTS SCORE FOR NO REASON, POINTLESS WHEN YOU DON'T OWN THE PRODUCT AND WASTEFUL OF THE TIME FOR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS WHO LOOK TO REVIEWS FROM ACTUAL OWNER'S.. THE CONSUMERS ONLY SOURCE FROM CORPORATE PAID TO TOUT A MANUFACTURERS PRODUCT.
4 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Poor 2 channel, non dynamic, very thin/tin can sound
by harthenry on November 29, 2011
Pros: Tech support at Denon was superb. Quick to get in contact, and very knowledgeable.
Cons: NO PRE-Amp out!
After using older Denon equipment for 30 years, I am dissapointed in the amplification section of Denon and the direction they are going with lack luster sound.Summary: I purchased the AVR1912 based upon CNET review. However when building out my basement for the Home Theater, I only wanted to listen to 2 channel stereo. Compared to my ...
Summary: I purchased the AVR1912 based upon CNET review. However when building out my basement for the Home Theater, I only wanted to listen to 2 channel stereo. Compared to my 30 year old Marantz 2252b (only 50 watts) and Denon 1025, the AVR1912 sounds like a tin-can. It is very thin, almost no low end, and the quality of the sound is nothing like my Dennon DRA-1025RA. I worked with a Denon tech person (who was very helpful), and together we determined the receiver was working fine. Unfortunately, in today's world of Receivers, too much of the revenue of the Receiver's is taken up from all the Logos on the front (Airplay, THX, Dolby, etc.) Each one of these companies want a cut of the profit, and hence, the quality of the amplifier must suffer. I am saddened that younger people have not had the opportunity to listen to good quality Class A/B amplified music either from movies, LP, or CD. I think society has accepted compressed, MP3, head phoned, ear budded quality as today's norm.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great receiver!
by Raginbird on May 29, 2011
Pros: Excellent sound, 6 HDMI outputs, Airplay.
Cons: None that affect me, but I could see where some would need Wi-fi.
Summary: This is why you should always read reviews, rather than just go by the average rating. I don't know why some people feel the need to give a low ...
Summary: This is why you should always read reviews, rather than just go by the average rating. I don't know why some people feel the need to give a low rating for reasons that have nothing to do with the product...get a life. Bottom line: This is a great receiver, it sounds awesome and has everything I need!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Denon
- Part number: AVR-1912
- Description: Transforming any ordinary home theater into an extraordinary one, the Denon AVR-1912 7.1 home theater receiver offers a 3D experience with exceptional picture and dynamic sound quality. Equipped with the latest inputs and network functions, this robust receiver brings out the best in your Blu-ray/DVD players, game consoles, and other entertainment devices. The AVR-1912 boasts an equal amp power design and supports multiple high-resolution audio formats, providing for an absorbing listening experience in surround sound. It also supports HDMI, allowing you to get the most out of 3D content. Enhanced by digital network audio/photo streaming capabilities, the AVR-1912 will satisfy even the most demanding home theater enthusiasts.
General
- Product type Home Theater Network Receiver
- Dimensions (WxDxH) 17.1 in x 15 in x 6.4 in
- Color Black
Audio
- Surround System Class 7.1 channel
- Amplifier Output Details 90 Watt,
8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.08 % - 7 channel(s) ( Surround ),
6 Ohm - THD 0.7 % - 7 channel(s) ( Surround ) - Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
- Audio D/A Converter 24bit / 192kHz
- Built-in Decoders Dolby Digital Plus,
DTS-HD High Resolution,
DTS-HD Master Audio,
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1,
DTS Neo:6,
Dolby Pro Logic IIz,
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1,
Dolby Digital EX,
Dolby TrueHD,
DTS 96/24 - Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Yes
- DSP Presets Jazz club,
Matrix,
Rock Arena,
Mono Movie - Input Impedance 47 KOhm
- Input Sensitivity 200 mV
- Response Bandwidth 10 - 100000 Hz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 100 dB
- Apple AirPlay AirPlay compatible
- Additional Features Audyssey Dynamic Volume,
Audyssey MultEQ Auto Calibration,
Audyssey MultEQ,
Dual-zone capability,
iPad compatible,
iPod and iPhone compatible,
DLNA technology Networking & Digital Media
- Connectivity Ethernet
- Internet Streaming Services Napster,
Rhapsody,
Pandora,
Flickr - DLNA Yes
- Network protocols supported DHCP
- Network audio standards AAC,
WMA,
FLAC,
MP3 - USB features USB flash drive playback
- USB audio standards WAV,
MP3,
WMA,
FLAC,
AAC Tuner
- Tuner Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
- Preset Station Qty 56
Inputs & Outputs
- HD connectors HDMI connection(s) on this receiver make it a great choice for your High-Def home theater. One cable carries digital audio and video data directly to your display.
- Connections 1xHeadphones-Front,
1xComposite video/audio input(RCA phono x 3)-Front,
5xAudio line-in(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
1xHDMI output(19 pin HDMI Type A)-Rear,
6xHDMI input(19 pin HDMI Type A)-Rear,
1xComponent video input(RCA phono x 3)-Rear,
2xComposite video input(RCA phono)-Rear,
1xComposite video output(RCA phono)-Rear,
1xS-Video input(4 pin mini-DIN)-Rear,
1xSubwoofer output(RCA phono)-Rear,
1xSPDIF input-Rear,
1xSPDIF input(RCA phono)-Rear,
1xEthernet(RJ-45)-Rear,
7xSpeakers output(Banana/spade x 2)-Rear,
1xUSB(4 pin USB Type A)-Front - Headphone Jack Yes
- Coaxial Digital Input Yes
- Optical Digital Input Yes
Signal Processing
- HDMI Switching Yes
- Video Conversion/Scaling Analog to HDMI up conversion
- HDMI features 3D pass-through ,
Audio return channel (ARC) ,
Deep Color ,
x.v.Color Accessories
- Type of remote control Universal remote control - Infrared
- Included accessories Auto calibration microphone,
FM antenna,
AM antenna,
Universal remote control Miscellaneous
- Built-in clock Sleep timer
- Timer Sleep
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power Consumption Operational 460 Watt
- Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 0.1 Watt
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Denon products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Denon
- Address:
100 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2041 - Phone: 1-201-762-6665
- Fax: 1-201-762-6695


