Big Picture Big Sound

Back in October, Denon and Marantz were teasing us with an announcement that the company would soon offer Apple's AirPlay technology in its products. Today, at the Consumer Electronics Show, both companies say that the AirPlay feature is now available for your streaming pleasure.

AirPlay music streaming capability is now available on a total of nine network-enhanced A/V components across the two brands. These are the first official home theater products to include AirPlay, which allows homeowners to stream music directly from iTunes, as well as portables, such as the the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

The AirPlay feature will be available on four Denon receivers: the AVR-4311CI, the AVR-3311CI, the AVR-991, and the new 100th anniversary product, the AVR-A100. Depending on the model, this selection of receivers can handle 7.2- and 9.2-channel systems, adding in 3D support and web radio options.

Just last month, writer Dennis Burger gave a glowing review of the AVR-3311CI -- so much that it earned our own BIGGIE Award for 2010. Read his full review of the AVR-3311CI or get more information on each product on Amazon.com:

• AVR-991 7.2-Channel Network Multi-Source/Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a (MSRP: $999)
• AVR-3311CI 7.2-Channel Network Receiver with HDMI 1.4a (MSRP: $1199)
• AVR-4311CI 9.2-Channel Network Multi-Room Receiver with HDMI 1.4a (MSRP: $1999)
• AVRA100 9.2-Channel 100th Anniversary 3D-Ready Home Theater Receiver (MSRP: $2499)

Also getting the AirPlay treatment will be Denon's N7 Networked CD Receiver and 2.0 Channel Speaker System. First announced back in September, this Apple-inspired setup includes the RCD-N7 CD Receiver and the SC-N7 Stereo Loudspeakers, both of which are sold separately. Aside from the AirPlay feature, the RCD-N7 includes an iPod/iPhone dock, and can stream Rhapsody, Napster, Pandora and Last.fm music, as well as content from any networked PC.

• Denon RCD-N7 Wi-Fi Network Streaming AM/FM Receiver with CD Player and iPod/iPhone Dock (MSRP: $599)
• Denon SC-N7 Speaker System (MSRP: $199 per pair)

Marantz says that its new IP-based products will also feature AirPlay. That collection includes the SR7005 A/V receiver, the AV7005 preamp, the NA7004 Network Audio Player, and the M-CR603 Networked CD Receiver.

• Marantz MCR603 Network Stereo Receiver with CD Player (MSRP: $699)
• Marantz NA7004 Network Audio Player (MSRP: $799)
• Marantz AV7005 Audio Video Pre-Processor (MSRP: $1499)
• Marantz SR7005 Audio Video Receiver (MSRP: $1599)

"AirPlay adds yet another great dimension to content enjoyment and enhances the overall home entertainment experience," said Bob Weissburg, president of D&M Holdings NA. "This is yet another example of how both the Denon and Marantz brands utilize ahead-of-the-curve innovations and technologies to take home entertainment to the next level."

If you already own one of the above products, the AirPlay upgrade is available through both the Denon and Marantz websites for $49.99.

For More Information:

• Apple AirPlay