Denon has unveiled two new Blu-ray Players to be released by June of 2010, the DBP-1611UD and the DBP-2011UDCI. What is surprising is that both will be Full HD 3D compatible. This is surprising since Denon is usually slow of the mark when it comes to new technology. Not wanting to sacrifice quality in any way. But getting on board with the 3D trend seem like a safe gamble and like past Blu-ray Players, both will be universal players.

Another change Denon is taking is a reduction in price. Denon's universal players have always been on a different price level than that of its competitors. With the DBP-1611UD, the price is listed at $399. While still higher than most entry level Blu-ray Players, but it is the lowest price for a Denon player.

The DBP-1611UD incorporates the classic Denon sturdy design. The power button is to the left and all the playback control buttons on the right, including a USB Port. The display and disc loading tray is located in the center. All other connections are located on the back of the player.

Video Quality: The DBP-1611UD can be connected via the HDMI output, the Component Outputs or the Composite Output. Like all Blu-ray Players, the HDMI connection will give you the best possible video image. The HDMI Output is the latest 1.4a version.

Audio Quality: Audio connections for the DBP-1611UD can be made through the HDMI Output, Digital Audio Outputs (Coaxial and Optical) or through the Analog Audio Outputs (2.0ch). Unfortunately it lacks the 7.1 ch analog outputs, so this could be a problem if you have an older Audio/Video Receiver without a HDMI Input. It has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus and bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio. It also has support for high resolution audio formats like DVD-Audio and SACD.

It is a Profile 2.0 player with 1 GB on internal memory, so you can access any BD-Live content found on Blu-ray discs. Movie studios can future-proof their Blu-ray discs titles. They can add more content to BD-Live Ready discs even after they have been made and shipped out. You connect your Blu-ray Player to the Internet to download images, subtitles and more. You can chat live with friends while you are both watching the movie, or play trivia games against others to unlock exclusive video content and earn discounts on other products. Even get access to live commentary. You do have to be connected to the internet to take advantage of and BD-Live content.

The DBP-1611UD has an Ethernet Port to connect to the internet. It has Online Streaming Services where you can access Netflix and YouTube. It is also DLNA certified, so you can connect to your Home Network and stream movies, music and photos from a connected computer to be displayed on your TV.

The DBP-1611UD, as stated before, is 3D Blu-ray compatible. You will not be able to use this feature until a firmware update is released in the fall of 2010. This really should not be a deterrent in purchasing the DBP-1611UD, considering there are not a lot of 3D Blu-ray content currently available. More is expected later this year and in 2011.

Key features of the Denon DBP-1611UD:

• Universal disc player (Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, SACD, DVD, CD)

• 3D Blu-ray compatible via a firmware update in the fall of 2010

• Netflix and YouTube streaming

• 1GB onboard memory

• $400 list price; will be available in June, 2010

THE PROS: The Denon DBP-1611UD is a universal Full HD 3D Blu-ray enabled and has internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus. Supports DVD-Audio and SACD. Is a Profile 2.0 with 1 GB of internal memory. It is DLNA certified.

THE CONS: The price is still more than other Blu-ray Players, but cheaper the Oppo BDP-83. But since it has not been released yet, we still do not know how it will compare to Oppo's excellent Video and Audio quality. No 7.1ch analog outputs.

THE FINAL WORD: The Denon DBP-1611UD is an universal Blu-ray Player with the added features of online streaming and Full HD 3D Blu-ray playback. If the DBP-1611UD has the same Video and Audio quality that Denon is known for, than this Blu-ray Player will be worthy addition to anyone's Home Theater. -- Price you should look for when purchasing -- Under $400.00