A be-all, end-all audio-video powerhouse, Denon's astonishingly affordable DVD-955S high-end DVD player plays and processes just about any media format out there, from the highest resolution audio formats (DVD-Audio, multichannel SACD) to the lowest, and most convenient (MP3 and Windows Media Audio, including WMA 9). The "everything in between" includes DVD-Video, recordable DVD (video-mode DVD-RW and DVD+R/+RW), and recordable CD configured for digital photo viewing (JPEG image CD, Kodak Picture CD, and Fujicolor CD). Denon has built the DVD-955S with care, using high-grade parts and features at every turn. For its video stage, the player employs dual, discrete, Analog Devices ADV-7310 featuring 216 MHz, 4:4:4, 12-bit video digital-to-analog conversion with noise-shaped video processing and 1 chip each for progressive and interlaced outputs as well as 8x oversampling for progressive and 16x oversampling for the interlaced output.

The unit's progressive-scan video outputs are powered by the latest DCDi by Faroudja FLI-2310 decoding engine. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts (appreciable on high-definition and HD-ready TVs only). An 8 MB memory buffer decreases layer-change pauses or pickup dropouts during DVD playback.

For video connections, choose from a set of wideband, relay-switched component-video outputs, standard composite- and S-video outputs, and either of 2 cutting-edge digital-video outputs: DVI-D (with HDCP, High-Definition Content Protection) and HDMI with selectable 480p/720p/1080i output.

In the audio realm, the player uses Burr-Brown 24-bit, 192 kHz DSD-1791 audio DACs and the Sony CXD-2753 second-generation DSD decoder, which together decode PCM and DSD signals discretely, with no cross-conversion of DSD. The DVD-955S even decodes HDCD (High-Definition Compatible Digital), a 20-bit encoding method used on many commercial CDs to deliver better sound than is possible through standard CD playback.

DVD-Audio discs provide 192 kHz/24-bit multichannel and stereo sound, high storage capacity, and unique bonus materials not available on regular audio CDs. Depending on the disc, Sony's proprietary SACD format provides extended-bandwidth multichannel and/or stereo sound, often presented in a dual-layer format compatible with both standard CD players (at standard resolution) and SACD-equipped players like the DVD-955S (for full-resolution playback). The player performs its own decoding of both DVD-Audio and SACD signals, passing high-resolution analog, not digital, audio to your integrated amplifier or surround receiver. You'll need an audio/video receiver with multichannel analog-audio inputs to fully appreciate multichannel DVD-A and SACD releases.

If you're not planning to use the DVD-A/SACD capability for multichannel programming, both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (1 each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for simpler connection with your receiver. The digital-audio outputs are configurable for 24-bit, 96 kHz PCM passthrough to compatible receivers and stand-alone DACs.

Icing on the cake: you also get full digital bass management for both high-res formats to ensure proper sound from your subwoofer no matter what you're listening to. Bass management is also available for all formats via the HDMI output.

What's in the Box DVD player, remote control, remote batteries (2 AA), user's manual, a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, and an AC power cord.

Denon DVD-955S Progressive-Scan DVD-Video-DVD-Audio-SACD Player is the Electronics version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around  Too Low ToUSD.