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DENON HISTORY

 In 1910, Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd. (originating from “Nippon Chikuonki Shokai” – Japan Recorders Corporation) was established by Frederick Whitney Horn. Horn was a U.S.-born trader engaged in importing machine tools and recorders in Yokohama since 1896. In an attempt to commercialize records and recorders, he initiated the "Japan-U.S. Recorders Manufacturing" in 1907 and constructed a special-purpose factory to begin the manufacturing of recorders. These recorders, equipped with a wine glass-shaped speaker commenced the sales of single-side disc records and gramophone players.

In 1912, the Nippon Columbia merged with Japan-U.S. Recorders Manufacturing, thus launching the double-side management of "software and hardware", an integration of manufacturing and sales.

The term "Columbia" came into the company name, when the company entered into a capital tie-up with "Columbia,” a world-class major record company in 1927. Japan Columbia Recorders was founded in 1928, when the Columbia label and the familiar note were born.

The DENON brand originated from the merger of Japan Denki Onkyo (commonly known as "Den-on"), one of the affiliates. Den-on was a group of engineers in business-purpose audio equipment, dating back to Japan Electric Recorders Mfg., which was established in 1939. The company was developing and manufacturing turntables and cartridge tape-recorders for NHK and other broadcast stations.

 The company was renamed "Nippon Columbia" in 1946. Then in 1947, the company assimilated Japan Denki Onkyo, which would help make the "DENON" brand come true later on, among its network of affiliates.

In addition to commencing the sales of Japan’s first LP records and stereo records, Denon introduced the world’s first stereo moving-coil phono cartridge in 1951. This sophisticated product was merely a foretaste of what was to come, as it actually preceded the commercial debut of stereo seven years later. Continuing its prowess within the professional broadcasting industry, Denon also developed the professional-use tape recorder in 1953 and commenced production of open-reel audio tapes in 1959.

In the 1960’s, Denon became engaged in a wide array of acoustics and electronic components, including records, audio cassette tapes (in 1964), professional tape recorders for the broadcast industry, stereo sets, radios, televisions, musical instruments (the Elepian series of electronic pianos in 1962), and electric calculators. In addition, the legendary DL-103 moving coil phono cartridge was introduced in 1963, which became one of the longest running products in audio history. The DL-103, still used by broadcasters and audiophiles, spawned the development of a series of outstanding MC cartridges that continue to be an indispensable component for music lovers, audiophiles, recording studios, sound professionals, musicians and custom installers today.

The 1970’s marked the beginning of Denon’s first full line of high fidelity audio components, including amplifiers, tuners, loudspeakers and turntables. With the digital audio revolution taking place within the market, Denon’s unique association with NHK, Japan’s national broadcast network, gave the company a significant advantage in developing innovative digital technologies. In particular, Denon pioneered the world’s first commercially available PCM recorder for regular studio recording use and the world’s first LP originating from a digital recording (Mozart: The Two String Quartets, Nippon Columbia NCC-8501N) in 1972. PCM is defined as Pulse Code Modulation – the digital format that would eventually become the worldwide standard for the now ubiquitous Compact Disc.

Another world’s first was the launch of the practical 8-channel digital recorder, the DN-023R – a massive machine consisting of three pieces: a tape transport, monitor and a signal processor.

In 1977, Denon received the prestigious Billboard Magazine “Trend-Setter Award” for Denon’s outstanding contribution to the industry through its development of PCM digital recording.

In 1978, Denon commenced the sales of Denon DX audio cassette tapes.

Throughout the 1980’s, Denon continued to advance digital technology for both the professional and consumer markets by inaugurating a number of “world’s first” in digital recording technology.

In 1980, Denon’s PCM recording system received the 13th Montreux International “Diplome d’honneur technique” award in Switzerland. In the same year, DENON America, Inc. was established in the United States, where a new state-of-the-art recording facility was built.

In 1981, the Philips/Sony compact disc system was announced, which initiated the development of Denon’s DN-3000FE, the world’s first professional-use CD player. Only one year later, in October 1982, the Denon’s DCD-2000 hit the market – the world's first consumer-use CD player. Through precision engineering, Denon continued to pursue even more microscopic reproduction quality and quantizing distortion, which comes from step-like strains of low-level bits.

In 1983, Denon initiated sales of the world's first Compact Discs available at retail and led the industry in the introduction of consumer-use CD players. The company also commenced sales of video cassettes worldwide. Then, in 1987, Denon debuted the world's first CD Cart™ Player, the DN-950F, for the broadcast and professional industries. The second CD pressing plant was opened in Madison, GA in 1987 as well. Denon commenced sales of its legendary line of high fidelity, high performance audio/video amplifiers in 1988.

In 1989, Denon's industry-leading Super Linear Converter (SLC) mechanisms were replaced by the Real 20-Bit Super Linear Converter. The company also greatly expanded its line of hi-fi car audio components and built a CD player plant in Germany. Denon experienced a reorganization of its operations to reflect ongoing changes in its product line. Denon France S.A. was also established to begin CD-ROM pre-mastering and pressing services.

Three Denon products (CD player, power amplifier and cassette deck) won the coveted "Diapason d'Or" Component Grand Prix awards at "Les Journees de la Haute Fidelite 1990" hi-fi show in Paris. The company also commenced sales of high-grade portable CD players and compact system audio components .With the celebration of its 80th anniversary, a new Central Research Laboratory was constructed in the Kawasaki plant.

In 1991, Denon announced the standard DVI player, which enables one-hour playback of full motion video into a 12cm diameter CD and opened a multimedia studio in the head office.

In 1992, two decades after the company became the first in the world to have put digital recorders to practical use, "ALPHA Processing" was announced, an epoch-making technology. This technology achieves microscopic smoothness by incorporating a capability consisting of interpolating the 16-bit data of a CD to 20 bits, so as to approach the analog wave forms during recording. It was first incorporated in the D/A converter DA-S1, released in 1993. That same year, Denon's award-winning twin deck DJ CD player, the DN-2000F, becomes the industry standard for club DJ's.

In 1994, Denon’s Alpha Processor wins the European Audio Award for Innovation. In addition, the company introduces Mini Disc Cart Players and the first Professional Broadcast Mini Disc Cart Recorder, now the industry standard in radio stations worldwide.

Continuing its long history of world’s firsts in digital A/V technology, Denon introduces the AVP-8000 in 1995 as the first home theater system to support Dolby Digital decoding with Lucasfilm THX 5.1 post-processing, followed by the AVR-5600, the world's first A/V receiver with Dolby Digital and THX and the Dolby Digital AC-3/THX preamp/tuner/processor. Catering to the broadcast, DJ and professional industries, Denon also delivers the world’s first family of Mini Disc products. Maintaining its heritage as a leader in recordings, Denon releases the Mahler Symphony No. 4 in the UK at the Abbey Road studios. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Jun-ichi Hirokami also performs the piece at the Royal Festival Hall. A new studio dedicated to state-of-the-art digital recording is also established in Yoyogi, Japan, and DVD Video standards are constituted.

In 1996, Denon Active Media (DAM) is formed in Atlanta, GA to launch into the DVD-disc pressing business. To enhance the power of Denon, the world’s first Dolby Digital/THX 5.1 AVP-A1 A/V pre-amp/processor is created with matching 3- and 2-channel power amplifiers.

Denon introduces the DVD-2000 Digital Video Disc play in 1997 to continue its active role in the technological evolution of 5” optical discs. In addition, the world’s first commercial music DVD discs are released by Denon – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”, the Egmont Overture and Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, which were all recorded in 5-channel surround sound.

In conjunction with the release of Star Wars – Episode 1 in 1999, Denon introduces the world’s first THX-EX (Extended) A/V component – the AVC-A10SE. This specialized encoding enhances “Surround Back” channel for both commercial cinema and home cinema equipment. Signals can now be truly available in 360 degree surround sound with panning in any direction.

2000 marked the 90th anniversary of Denon and its parent company, Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd. Throughout its history, Denon’s professional-use, consumer-use equipment and software products have long been internationally recognized for their originality and high standards of quality, durability and innovation. To celebrate its anniversary, Denon launches the world’s first DTS-ES Discrete A/V component, the AVC-A1SE. The DTS decoding option provides digital discrete surround-back channel for even better sound separation.

In 2001, Denon launches the first Mini 5.1 A/V system complete with NXT flat-panel speakers and sub-woofer, the AV-F100 and the first DVD player with Silicon Images Progressive Scan processing, the DVD-2800.

In 2002, a new era for digital connections is formed with the introduction of the DENON LINK technology, which enables high-speed, high-grade, multi-channel digital signal transmission. The first product to incorporate the new DENON LINK technology was the AVC-A1SR and the DVD-A1.

In November 2004, Denon UK previewed the new DVD-A1XV high-end DVD player at the What Hi-Fi Show in London. This event became the world launch for this player, the first consumer product anywhere to incorporate the HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) "Realta" processor from Silicon Optix. Following three years of collaboration between Denon and Silicon Optix, this technology is based on the original Teranex USA HDTV broadcast-standard processor costing over $60,000, now incorporated into a single chip. The comparisons at this show demonstrated how standard DVD discs can produce smooth, clean high-definition images with amazing depth, clarity and detail.

Today, Denon continues to introduce the most innovative audio/video products with the latest technologies, superb craftsmanship and the leading performance worldwide. The company is one of the world’s most diversified specialist audio and home theater providers who offer consumers and professionals with breathtaking sound and images, superior reliability and unrivaled convenience features.