Harmon KardonÆ 3.0 DVD Player Leads Lineup Of Advanced Signature Series Home-Theatre Components
The Harmon Kardon Signature Series 3.0 DVD Player is the latest product in the Harman Kardon Signature Series line of home theatre components. Designed and manufactured in the United States, the 3.0 features HDCDÆ decoding capability, and is the first consumer DVD player with RS-232 or RS-485 computer connectivity for sophisticated custom-installation flexibility and control. The 3.0 is the winner of a prestigious Innovations ë99 Design and Engineering Award. Tom McLoughlin, Harman Kardon President pointed out: ""The Harman Kardon Signature Series embodies the ultimate expression of Harman Kardon design expertise - no-compromise components created to achieve the highest levels of performance. With digitally based products at the core of our 1999 products lineup, we considered it essential that Harman Kardon offer a DVD player to its customers. Harman Kardonís commitment to provide Power for the Digital RevolutionÆ mandated that our first DVD player be a totally new product, designed and built by Harman Kardon to meet the highest standards of performance. With Signature Series 3.0 DVD player, we have developed the ideal companion to the rest of the Signature Series line and created what we consider to be the finest DVD player available."" The Signature 3.0 DVD Player uses a third-generation DVD drive, advanced MPEG-2 decoding circuits, a proprietary user interface and high-end audio and video DACs. Designed from the ground up by the hardware and software engineers at Harman Kardonís Digital Entertainment Products Center in Sunnyvale, California, and built in the United States, the 3.0 also delivers system integration by seamlessly combining its operation with that of the Signature 2.0 Digital Processor/Tuner. The Signature 3.0 incorporates 10-bit video processing, specialized MPEG-2 decoding circuitry, 96kHz/24-bit audio capability, built-in HDCD decoding and DTSÆ compatability. The 3.0 utilizes separate circuit boards for the digital and analog processing stages, isolating the sensitive analog circuits from digital noise for maximum audio and video signal purity. The Signature 3.0 provides both RGB or Y/PR/PB component video outputs, for ready connection to both existing video projectors and line doublers with RGB inputs as well as with newer DTV-ready display devices and TVs with component video inputs. The 3.0 also includes S-Video and composite video outputs, and features a full complement of digital audio outputs, both optical and digital, along with analog audio outputs. The Signature 3.0 features a third-generation DVD drive assembly mounted on Harman Kardonís exclusive Velvet Glide drawer mechanism. Custom engineered by Harman Kardon, the mechanism uses aluminum strengthening rods on both sides of the disc platter for added stabilization and minimal vibration. The mechanism also includes built-in lighting that illuminates the drawer, enabling discs to be safely loaded in the player in darkened home theatre environments. Another unique feature of the Signature 3.0 is its internal flash memory, which allows future feature upgrades without the need to replace hardware or internal EPROM chips. The flash memory also allows the 3.0 to memorize user preferences for thousands of discs, enabling the user, for example, to program specific surround modes, aspect ratios, and audio tracks for any disc - which will automatically be recalled any time the disc is played. The flash memory may also make it possible to provide compatibility with future improvements to the DVD format or new DVD-based audio systems. The Harman Kardon Signature 3.0 DVD player will be available late January 1999 at a suggested retail price of $2,000. The Signature 2.0 Processor/Tuner The Harman Kardon Signature 2.0 Dolby Digital Processor/Tuner features six composite and two S-Video inputs, six digital audio and six analog audio inputs, AM/FM stereo tuner with RDS/RDBS, and a separately switched record output. The Signature 2.0 features a software-based interactive menu system that allows the user to create a different group of settings for each of six program sources. For example, when the CD player is selected, using a digital coax input, True Bypass Mode and flat tone control settings may automatically be engaged, while the Dolby Digital mode may automatically be engaged in conjunction with DVD-player operation. The Signature 2.0 can be operated from a simple on-screen menu or via its large two-line fluorescent display. The Signature 2.0 also provides automatic trigger control to turn external amplifiers on and off or even lower projection screens or control motorized blinds. The Signature 2.0 is available at a suggested retail price of $2,495. DTS capability will become available in early 1999 through a plug-in upgrade card at a price to be announced. Signature Series Power Amplifiers Rounding out the Signature Series are two high-end, high-power amplifiers: the Signature 2.1 five-channel amplifier and the Signature 1.5 stereo amplifier. Both amplifiers utilize classic Harman Kardon high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth topologies and state-of-the-art components to deliver the full dynamic spectrum of digital movie soundtracks and music sources with astonishing sonic accuracy. The Signature 2.1 provides 100 watts into 8 ohms (20Hz ñ 20kHz less than 0.03% THD, all channels driven with a current capability exceeding 100 amps. The 2.1ís frequency response and power bandwidth are both 1 Hz to more than 100kHz (± 3dB), with a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 115 dB at rated power. The Signature 1.5 stereo amplifier delivers a full 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20Hz ñ 20kHz less than 0.08% THD, both channels driven; 350 watts into 4 ohms), with high-current capability greater than 130 amps. For applications requiring ultrahigh power, the 1.5 is bridgeable to mono operation with an incredible 700 watts power output. Each Signature Series amplifier can be remotely switched on from the Signature 2.0 Tuner/Processor. The Signature 2.1 carries a suggested retail price of $1,495, while the Signature 1.5 is available at $1,395 suggested retail.