Denon continues to offer a full suite of capabilities to integrate its latest two S-series audio/video receivers with current and next-generation 4K Ultra HD video sources and 4K TVs.
Like their predecessors at the same price points, the $479-suggested AVR-S720W and $579 AVR-S920W feature full-speed 18Mbps HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 copy-protection technology on all of their HDMI inputs and outputs.
Both 7.2-channel models continue to offer Dolby Atmos object-based surround, and both will, like their predecessors, accept a firmware upgrade to add DTS:X object-based surround. The upgrade is scheduled for August. The AVRs will be available in April.
The DTS:X upgrade for last year’s S-series models is not available yet.
Also like their predecessors, the new models feature built-in Bluetooth, dual-band Wi-Fi, DLNA 1.5 networking, AirPlay, Internet Radio, Pandora, Spotify Connect, SiriusXM, and high-resolution audio streaming of DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, and WAV files.
Both models support 5.1.2 Atmos speaker configurations but won’t deliver 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 surround with the addition of a two-channel amp. They continue to offer Audyssey MultEQ room-acoustic measurement and DSP correction.
The HDMI ins and outs of both models pass through 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video with 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, high dynamic range (HDR), 21:9 video, 3D, BT.2020 color gamut, and HDCP copy protection.
Like before, the $479 AVR offers these capabilities on all six HDMI inputs (including one front input) and its single HDMI output. The $579 model offers the capabilities on all eight of its HDMI inputs (including one front-panel input) and dual HDMI outputs.
