DHT500SD.QXD

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M O D E L

I N F O R M A T I O N

Home Theater System

DHT-500SD

Home Theater Package with 5.1ch Speakers and DVD Surround Receiver in Slim Elegant Design
- DVD Surround Receiver s 6-channel digital power amp with total output of 600 watts Power Output 100W x 6 (6 ohms)
s Full support for the latest surround formats - Dolby Pro Logic IIx Dolby Pro Logic IIx not only lets you enjoy special sound effects from 2-channel movie material encoded in Dolby Surround, it also reproduces various types of stereo music material in 6 or 7-channel surround. - Dolby Digital EX The 6.1-channel acoustic field playback that includes the Surround Back channel easily realizes sound image localization immediately to the rear of the listener, dramatically improving the spatial expressiveness and localization of the Surround channels. - DTS-ES There are two DTS-ES modes: "Discrete 6.1" faithfully recreates 6.1-channel signals recorded on DVD, and "Matrix 6.1" matrix-processes the Surround Left and Surround Right channels and brings out the Surround Back channel. - DTS NEO:6 DTS NEO:6 lets you enjoy 2-channel analog, PCM, and Dolby Digital 2-channel sources in full 6.1-channel surround sound. - DTS 96/24 DTS 96/24 is a surround format that features 5.1-channel playback in superior 96-kHz, 24-bit sound quality. s Progressive-scan circuitry, for superior picture quality (PAL/NTSC) The progressive-scan circuitry with 625P output supports the high picture quality of DVD. Video images of superior quality can be enjoyed when the DHT500SD is combined with a monitor that supports progressive-scan input.
s On-screen Display The DHT-500SD lets you make system settings via displays on your TV screen from the comfort of your chair. You can at any time fine-tune the settings on-screen to more closely match your particular listening space. In this case, making the settings from your chair has the added advantage of listening to the effects while you adjust the settings. s Expandable to 7.1-channel playback system Since the DHT-500SD provides PRE OUT jacks for surround back L/R, the system could be further expanded by adding amplifier and surround back speakers to create a genuine 7.1-channel surround system. s Quick Setup The DHT-500SD is also easy to set up. All you need to do is follow two steps using on-screen operation: (1) select the size of your theater room, from Small, Medium, or Large, and (2) select the listening position, from Center or Back. The Quick Set-up feature then automatically adjusts the soundfield to suit this environment. s Elegant Half Mirrored Dot Matrix Display The half-mirror feature of the DHT-500SD's front display panel allows the normally dark area on the unit to subtly reflect light or surrounding objects, enhancing the DHT-500SD's aesthetic appeal in your room. The number and text information appears on the surface of the mirror in dot matrix clarity, making it much easier to read. s RGB Output via SCART Terminal s Wealth of analogue and digital in- and output The DHT-500SD provides 2 sets of video and 2 sets of audio terminals to connect a video player, television, or other video and audio devices. Composite video or S-Video output from a single terminal. When you are playing a DVD, you have the option of RGB output as well. s 60-Station AM (30-Station)/FM (30-Station) Random Preset Memory Tuning s RDS (Radio Data System) with Radio Text s 4 Ambient Sound Effects to Complement Sound Sources The DHT-500SD provides 4 original surround modes to let you enjoy an ambient effect that matches the sound source you are playing: HALL, CINEMA, CONCERT, 5-CH STEREO.
s Auto Decode When you insert a disc, the convenient Auto Decode function automatically detects the sound format (Dolby Digital or DTS) and starts playing the disc. It also detects digital broadcast satellite (DBS) signals, so that when you are receiving a 5.1-channel broadcast, for instance, you will automatically hear it full surround sound. With Auto Decode, you can just enjoy the programs and not worry about making manual settings of your own. s CD and CD-R/CD-RW Playback (*1) Enjoy your favourite music CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs with Denons legendary audio playback quality. Enjoy CD-R/RW discs encoded in MP3/WMA/JPEG/Kodak Picture CD.

Discs that have been poorly finalized following recording may be only partially playable or not playable at all.

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s GLO-KEY Remote Control The main buttons on the remote controller are illuminated in fluorescent colors for easy operation in the dark or during playback.
- 5.1 ch Speaker System Satellite Speaker/Center Speakers
s Expertly designed cabinet made of extruded aluminum, minimizing stationary waves The speaker enclosure sporting a slim design is made of extruded aluminum to produce a solid, high-quality finish that offers a sense of presence in any interior. The extruded aluminum has been molded into a shape that discourages the occurrence of stationary waves to ensure a clean, high-quality sound. s Hybrid construction for slim design and high-quality sound reproduction The use of highly rigid aluminum of 3 mm thickness has enabled a slim design while retaining the enclosure's ability to accommodate the usual speaker components. In addition, an MDF material has been used above and below the aluminum to produce a sandwiched wood panel. This novel hybrid construction featuring metal and wood produces a high-quality sound with acoustic characteristics not possible with aluminum alone.
2-way 3speakers (P.P.D.D.) System Magnetically Shielded Super Tweeter Capable of Sound Reproduction up to 90 kHz 70 (W) x 210 (H) x 155 (D) mm (Satellite Speakers) 210 (W) x 72 (H) x 155 (D) mm (Center Speaker ) 1.1 kg Sub Woofer 16cm Woofer Passive Operation Magnetically Shielded 210 (W) x 316 (H) x 352 (D) mm 5.8 kg
Specifications s DVD Section Signal system.PAL/NTSC Disc played..DVD Video, Video CD, Music CD, CD-R/RW...(audio/MP3/WMA/JPEG), DVD-R/RW, +R/RW Video output level/Load impedance Composite output:.1.0 Vp-p (with 75 ohms load) S-Video output:..Y; 1.0 Vp-p (with 75 ohms load),...C; 0.3 Vp-p (PAL), 0.286 Vp-p (NTSC)...(with 75 ohms load) RGB output:..0.7 Vp-p (with 75 ohms load) Audio output level/Load impedance Audio output..2 V (VIDEO1)(1 kHz, 0 dB: DVD) s Power Amplifier Section Rated output Front..100 W + 100 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10 % THD) Center..100 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10 % THD) Surround..100 W + 100 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10 % THD) Subwoofer.100W (6 ohms, 70 Hz, 10 % THD) s Analog Section Frequency response.10 Hz - 60 kHz (+1.5, -3 dB) (Stereo mode) Signal-to noise ratio..94 dB (A-weighting) (Stereo mode) Tone control..Treble: 10 dB at 10 kHz...Bass: 10 dB at 100 Hz Input sensitivity/Impedance VIDEO1, VIDEO2..300 mV/47 kohms Output level/Load impedance VIDEO1..300 mV/47 kohms SUBWOOFER(PRE OUT).1.2 V (20 Hz) s Digital Section Digital inputs/output 2 digital inputs..OPTICAL x 1, COAXIAL x Optical digital output..OPTICAL x 1 s Video Section Video inputs/outputs 2 Composite inputs..VIDEO1, VIDEOComposite outputs..VIDEO1, MONITOR TV (MONITOR):.Composite output, S-Video output (DVD only),...RGB output (DVD only) or Audio output (L/R)...Component (DVD only) s FM Section Tuning frequency range..87.5 - 108.0 MHz Usable sensitivity..1.5 V (14.8 dBf) s AM Section Tuning frequency range..522 - 1611 kHz Usable sensitivity..20 V s General Power supply.AC 230 V, 50 Hz Power consumption..155 W (1.0 W in standby) Dimensions..434 (W) x 80 (H) x 368 (D) mm Weight..5.4 kg

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On test
DVD home cinema system G Approx price: 400

Denon DHT-M330DV

Denons latest one-box solution is a micro DVD system. Its certainly dinky, but has it got what it takes to shine in the living-room? David Smith gives it an audition
enon has some stiff competition in the all-in-one market not least from itself.The DHT-500SD is an excellent and elegant system that garnered a Best Buy badge when we looked at it last October. Now Denon has come up with a new one-box solution.The 400 DHT-M330DV is a micro DVD surround-sound system comprising the DVD-M330 DVD player,AVR-M330 receiver and SYS-M330 sub/sat speaker system.
and S-video socket.There is no provision for HDMI or DVI signals. Digital audio is handled by a pair of optical outputs and there is stereo audio back-up as well. The absence of six-channel outputs confirms that there is no DVD-Audio or SACD compatibility, but Denon has stated clearly that at this sort of price they consider them to be unnecessary extras. You do get playback for WMA, MP3 and JPEG files, however.
The presentation is always a little edgy and occasionally verges on the screechy
It is a 5.1-channel set-up out of the box, but is upgradeable for 6.1- or 7.1-channel sound and is aimed primarily at small-room installations (possibly as second installations in bedrooms). The AVR-M330 carries six channels of amplification at 20W per channel.This is decidedly modest compared to other systems around this price, but again we would remind you that this is a set-up aimed at small-room use. There are three optical digital audio inputs (shame there is no electrical option as well), for piping in sound, along with stereo support for two inputs and one output.There are also three pre-out sockets, one for an active subwoofer (if the one supplied does not satisfy you) and two for surround back channels.You would need to provide the extra amplification needed for these extra channels as well. Speaker sockets are colour-coded plugs, matching the plugs on the ends of the supplied speaker cables.

looks & features

The design of this two-deck system is faintly retro and it certainly stands out from the plethora of combined DVD player/receiver boxes weve seen lately.The two main units are each 210mm wide and 70mm high, making them much squatter than were used to. Its a pleasing design. The DVD-M330 has some basic disc transport controls on the fascia, but it remains mostly uncluttered. Connections at the rear include component video outputs for PAL and NTSC progressive scan, alongside an RGB-capable Scart
Decoding formats cover Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, Pro-Logic IIx, Dolby Virtual Stereo and Dolby Headphone.There is also a single, rather lonely, DSP mode.The AM/FM RDS tuner wraps things up. On to the speakers and for the first time the budget nature of the system begins to show. Where the more expensive DHT-500SD is graced by beautiful wooden speaker cabinets, the satellites here are small and plasticky, although they are finished in a quite pleasant faux brushed aluminium. Each satellite is packed with a 57mm mid-range cone and a 25mm super-high range tweeter. Power handling is rated at 30W, with peak power handling a rather optimistic 80W.The centre is identical, except for the fact that it carries an extra 57mm woofer and is horizontally aligned.The subwoofer is compact at 210(w) x 322(h) x 304(d)mm, carrying a 160mm cone and claiming a frequency response of 30Hz-240Hz. Each speaker has spring-clip cable connectors.

Details

FEATURES
HDMI/DVI output: no/no Prog-scan output: yes DVD-A/SACD: no/no Audio formats: DD EX/DTS-ES/DPL IIx/DTS Neo:6; Virtual Surround/Dolby Headphone; Hall Sats power: 5 x 20W Sub power: 20W Dimensions: DVD-M330: 210(w) x 70(h) x 317(d)mm; AVR-M330: 210(w) x 70(h) x 325(d)mm Weight: DVD-M330: 2.1kg; AVR-M330: 3.9kg Other features: AM/FM RDS tuner; 16x zoom; MP3/WMA/JPEG playback; slow motion; repeat playback; 100x high-speed search

ease of use

Were always wary of labelling a system as being less than easy to use. Its so often a case of needing to familiarise yourself with the controls over a respectable period of time. Even so, it must be said that this is a rather tricky system to get to grips with. The remote control is the problem.Admittedly it has a lot to do,but it is festooned with buttons,

SOCKETS

DVD-M330: component video output; RGB Scart output; S-video output; composite video output; 2 optical digital audio outputs; stereo audio output; system connector AVR-M330: Front: headphone socket Rear: 3 optical digital audio inputs; 2 stereo audio inputs; stereo audio output; subwoofer pre-out; 2 surround back pre-outs; speaker plug connectors; AM/FM aerial connections; system connector

CONTACT

200 www.denon.co.uk

Key connections

Component video outputs
For progressive scan signals
Colour-coded plug sockets

For speaker cables

The Scart is RGB capable the next best option after component
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Also Consider >>

PHILIPS MX6000I Add DiVX playback, network capability and superior power output subtract prog scan Reviewed: Feb 05
JVC TH-SW9 Not quite as good a picture, but slightly better sound, plus wireless rear speakers Reviewed: Dec 04

Remote

Too many buttons with multiple functions for real ease of use - but youll get used to it
set to DVD.This blights an otherwise user-friendly set-up procedure.
Looks ##### Layout ##### Labelling ##### many with multiple functions.The biggest issue is with the function controls at the centre of the remote. There are two of them and you have to have them correctly aligned before you can do whatever it is you want to do.For instance,in order to access some of the DVD controls (such as initial set-up) you need to have both function controls

performance

The performance of the DHT-M330DV falls into two distinct categories. The picture is excellent,the sound is average. To start with the good news, the image is dynamic, detailed and beautifully presented. Colour rendition is accurate, with cartoon material looking saturated and luxurious, while live action is naturalistic and believable. The picture is obviously best on a progressive scan-capable monitor, but we also loved the RGB Scart feed to a conventional TV.This means that the DVD-M330 earns top marks. The AVR-M330 does not, but that is more than likely due to the limitations of the speaker system it is paired with. Certainly there are no issues with the steering of sound effects and you get the impression of an enveloping soundstage. But the satellites are unable to present the information with which
they are provided with any real depth.The presentation is always a little edgy and occasionally verges on the screechy. Dialogue, in particular, causes problems, especially at higher volumes, where a slight but noticeable crackle can be discerned. Push this system close to its maximum volume setting and the effect becomes uncomfortable. The subwoofer puts in a game effort, with some effective bass, but it struggles to mesh convincingly with the satellites, leaving you with a fractured soundstage.
The two-deck system has a certain retro charm and the speakers boast a pleasing design

Ratings

WHATS GOOD

Picture; looks; features

WHATS BAD
Remote; average sound; no electrical digital audio input

conclusion

This system is aimed at small-room installations and it is probably up to the task in these circumstances, as long as the volume dial is treated with respect.There is severe doubt, however, about its ability to step into a bigger arena and still deliver a quality performance.The SYS-M330 speaker system supplied just does not seem to be capable of stepping out of its weight class I

Fact file

Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value
##### ##### ##### ##### #####
I PAL/NTSC progressive scan I 5.1 surround sound system I 6.1/7.1 upgradable I 20W per channel I DD EX/DTS-ES decoding

OVERALL VERDICT

In the right setting this system could be just the ticket but dont ask too much of it
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