Denon releases HDMI 2.1 Receivers

[HDFan]

Denon just announced their first receivers with HDMI 2.1 support. Link to the latest top-of-the-line release:

Denon™ Home Theater | Enhance the Entertainment Experience

Every detail of a Denon audio product is crafted with a single goal in mind: to enhance the entertainment experience. Build your home theater here.

usa.denon.com

This model is also Roon certified, as is the HDMI 2.0b NAD T 778:

NAD T 778 AV Surround Sound Receiver Review

Performance Features Ergonomics Value

www.soundandvision.com

 

[vault]

I wish they would make it so that each zone show up as a separate AirPlay device. I have an older receiver and I have to mute the main zone every time I listen on zone 2 because AirPlay takes it over.

 

[HDFan]

Turns out only the NAD has the Roon software. Haven't figured out how the Denon plays Roon.

 

[HDFan]

Here's the press event. Looks like Roon is via Airplay only. Only one 2.1 HDMI input. DTS-X Pro for up to 32 speakers.

Marantz tends to release a month or so later than Denon. No news yet on 2.1 release dates for Yamaha, Sony or Pioneer.

 

[HDFan]

Some interesting things in the video.

They claim that all of the new receivers have a HDMI cable test. Since stand alone cable testers run into the $1000s and the starting price of models in the series is $849 ...

There aren't any 2.1 sources right now. Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox Series X will be 2.1, so it is likely that the PS5 as well. But that's it.

Although the HDMI port is rated at 40 Gbs rather than the full 48 Gbs, this should not be an issue as all consumer TVs are 10 bit rather than 12 bit color. The game consoles will be 10, not 12 bit.