Marantz America, a provider of home entertainment solutions, has introduced two Universal Media Players, Models UD7005 and UD5005, both offering universal compatibility with virtually all of today's most advanced video and audio formats. The UD7005 (SRP: $899), which will replace the Marantz BD7004, will be available in September; the UD5005 (SRP: $499) replaces the BD5004 and will be available next month.
Additional Resources
• Read more Blu-ray player news from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Find an AV receiver to connect to the new universal players.
Both models feature dedicated audio sections. The UD7005 features a 32-bit Audio DAC w/ analog multichannel audio output, with 7.1-channel Capability. Both models are also equipped with online video streaming through such online providers as Netflix* and YouTube.
Both new Marantz Universal Media Players accept Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, standard and recordable CDs, DVD-Audio, SACD, as well as DivX files in addition to AVCHD (high definition video format for camcorder) contained on discs or solid-state memory devices, and WMA, MP3, and JPEG files from either discs or SD cards. HDMI v1.4 outputs on both models transmit video and audio, and "future-ready" Blu-ray 3D-ready capability. In addition, both players are DLNA 1.5 certified Digital Media Players that offer A/V networking with PC, NAS, HDD-DVDR and music servers. Users also may enjoy online video streaming via Netflix and YouTube, with network connectivity to stream VOD content and as DLNA v1.5 (Digital Living Network Alliance), powering content sharing among connected devices.
Read more about the new universal players on Page 2.
Noted Kevin Zarow, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Marantz America: "Our new UD7005 and UD5005 Universal Media Players are literally 'game changers' in the source component marketplace. Both units are much, much more than simply advanced Blu-ray players. They are 100% future-ready media players that offer today's discriminating consumers an affordable way to take advantage of all today's most advanced high-performance content sources. In addition to supporting HDMI 1.4 and 3D capability, they will play virtually any 12cm digital audio or digital video disc ever created, and provide maximum audio and video enjoyment."
Features Geared Toward Custom-Installation Market
In addition to their performance and content sharing capabilities, the UD7005 and UD5005 are targeted toward integrators for the way they can be retrofitted for installation to existing home entertainment systems. Notably, both units are designed to be packaged as a system with Marantz A/V receivers, providing the same functionality as Marantz' flagship preamp/processor. The IR flasher input and output add system-wide control capability and the Ethernet port allows for firmware updates and RS232 support in the UD7005.
Aesthetics
Both units offer design similarities with Marantz AVRs for aesthetic matching in home entertainment systems. The new slim chassis design (4.1875 inches) is intended to facilitate installation and the contoured front panel features both aluminum and reinforced resin. Custom-engineered feet are designed to reduce vibration and the disc tray sits at the center of the chassis to help protect it on all sides from external influences.
Additional information is available at www.us.marantz.com.
Additional Resources
• Read more Blu-ray player news from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Find an AV receiver to connect to the new universal players.
