News

Parasound Unveils its First DVD Player, the New Classic D 200 Universal Disc Player (31/10/2005)

NewClassic D 200 universal disc player features 480p/720p/1080i HDMI output, Faroudja DCDi processing, DVD-A/SACD bass management, two-way RS-232

Parasound debuted its first DVD player to custom installation professionals at the CEDIA Expo here today. Part of the company's custom-installation focused NewClassic line of audio/video products, the D 200 features scalable HDMI output with HDCP, Faroudja DCDi processing for precision progressive scan, two-way RS-232 port, and is compatible with every major disc format currently in use, including multichannel DVD-A and SACD.

"We've worked long and hard to create a DVD player that we liked enough to put our name on," said Parasound President Richard Schram. "The D 200 delivers a level of audio and video performance that makes it a source unit for the true enthusiast, and also has the features and capabilities that make it ideal for the custom installer. We are very proud to add it to our NewClassic line."

The Parasound NewClassic D 200 features one of the most sophisticated arrays of video processing suites available today, including a 216 MHz/12-bit precision video DAC. There is a rear panel HDMI digital audio/video output with HDCP for compatibility with high end video displays. Faroudja DCDi processing is included for precision progressive scan performance, and internal video scaling for the digital output is selectable to 480p, 720p, or 1080i. It is capable of simultaneous output of progressive scan component video and interlaced composite video for optimal performance on all outputs when multiple display devices are used.

The Parasound D 200 is fully compatible with nearly every disc and file format currently in use, including DVD-A, SACD, DVD+/-R/RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG, and even playback for Kodak Picture CDs and DivX video. Comprehensive bass management is available for DVD-A and SACD high resolution audio sources, and SACD DSD bit streams are sent directly to the audio DAC's, eliminating intermediate conversion that can be detrimental to audio fidelity.

The D 200 features both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. There are gold-plated 5.1-channel analog output jacks, plus a two-channel audio down-mix output. Digital to analog conversion is handled by 192 kHz/24-bit audio DAC's on all channels, and the video and digital audio circuits are defeatable for the purest analog performance possible.

For use with whole-house integration and control systems, the D 200 includes an RS-232C two-way communication port with DB9 connector, and external IR repeater input and looping output jacks. It includes a heavy duty IEC AC power cord and an easy to use full function remote control with glow-in-the-dark buttons. The Model D 200 occupies three rack spaces when rack mounted with the optional RMK33 rack mount kit.

The Parasound NewClassic Model D 200 will be available in the fourth quarter of 2005 at a suggested retail price of $1,500.

www.parasound.com