In a move that is sure to widen the eyes and perk up the ears of many audio and videophiles, Denon showed off its new DVD-A1UDCI Blu-ray Disc player at CES 2009.

What makes this latest entry into the Blu-ray disc player market different is that the DVD-A1UDCI not only plays Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs, but is also the first Blu-ray Disc player available to consumers that feature both DVD-Audio and SACD playback.

Also, another welcome feature for audiophiles is bass management control, and, for videophiles, the DVD-A1UDCI expands 2.35 aspect ratio images so that they are displayed properly with systems using 2.35 aspect ratio screens and lenses.

Also, this player also utilizes the Silicon Optix Realta Chip for DVD upscaling. On the interactivity side, the DVD-A1UDCI meets Blu-ray Profile 2.0 specifications with the required Ethernet port as well as a slot for memory expansion via SD card. Another bonus is that the DVD-A1UDCI features not one, but two, HDMI outputs, which can be designated to output both audio and video, or one can be assigned for audio/video and the other for audio only output.

In addition to all the great features and specs of this unit, it is definitely industrial strength, weighing in at over 40 pounds.

The DVD-A1UDCI is definitely not a Blu-ray Disc player for the bargain hunter, with its proposed $3,800 price tag. It is expected to be available in February, 2009.

For more examples of Blu-ray Disc players and products at CES 2009, also check out my Blu-ray Disc at CES 2009 Photo Gallery.

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