NAD VISO DVD/CD Receivers Preview

NAD Electronics showed off their new VISO FIVE DVD/CD Surround Sound Receiver and VISO TWO DVD/CD Receiver, ideal command centers for advanced audio/video systems today as CES. The VISO FIVE and VISO TWO deliver the uncompromising performance associated with NAD’s acclaimed full-size separate components in a pair of elegant, compact designs created to complement today's advanced video displays. Their compact dimensions and outstanding performance make them ideal for those with minimal space and the craving for a total theater experience.

The VISO FIVE’s graceful proportions and fine details combine a DVD/CD Player and Digital Surround Sound Receiver in a single sophisticated package requiring only the addition of a TV monitor and surround sound speakers to bring theater quality sound and video to any room in a home, or to a dedicated Home Theater. The VISO TWO combines a DVD/CD Player and Stereo Receiver in a package requiring only the addition of a TV monitor and speakers to bring theater quality sound and video to any room.

The VISO FIVE
The VISO FIVE delivers superb DVD picture quality in both interlaced and progressive modes up to 720p or 1080i resolutions. Also included are an HDMI digital video output, a simplified set-up process using the On Screen Display, and a broad range of video capabilities, such as Multi-Angle, Multi-Sound, Multi-Subtitle, Frame, Zoom and Repeat, all easily accessed with the supplied remote. The intuitive On-Screen-Display lets users change settings and parameters as they wish for optimum performance.

On the audio side, the VISO FIVE offers the latest surround formats, including DVD-Audio with 24-bit, 196-kHz resolution and full bass management for superb sound; DTS, Stereo Enhanced mode for all-channel stereo, ProLogic II; and NAD’s exclusive EARS (Enhanced Ambience Retrieval System) mode, widely praised for its ability to enhance two-channel audio sources played through a surround sound system.

The VISO FIVE also includes Dolby Virtual Speaker mode, which provides a convincing surround effect with only two front speakers; and Dolby Headphone mode, which provides a remarkable “holographic” surround effect when using headphones. In all instances, the sound is pure and undistorted, never fuzzy or unclear as is sometimes the effect from modes with lofty sounding monikers like "stadium" and "cathedral."

The sensitive FM/AM tuner includes a 30-station preset memory, which allows listeners to save their favorites for fast, easy recall, and RDS capability, which shows information about all broadcasts from RDS-compliant channels, including station IDs and song and artist information. An XM Ready input allows an XM Satellite module to be easily connected for XM Radio reception, and a rear-panel Data Port accepts NAD’s optional new IPD-1 Dock for connecting an iPod.

The VISO FIVE’s flexibility is on full display at its rear connection panel. It has inputs for three additional video sources, accommodates S-Video and Component Video, and includes a front-panel input ideal for cameras and game consoles. A six-channel audio source can be connected, and two digital inputs accept optical and coaxial sources.

Outputs are provided for the monitor, S-Video and Composite Video. A digital output makes it easy to transfer content to a CD recorder or other digital recording device. Instead of the spring clips usually included for connecting speakers to compact systems, the VISO FIVE comes equipped with the high-quality binding posts usually found in top-level, full-size A/V receivers. A line-level output for connecting a powered subwoofer is also provided, and an RS-232 data port allows the system to be connected highly advanced automated control systems.

The VISO TWO
The VISO TWO delivers DVD picture quality in both interlaced and progressive scan modes with upscaling to 1080i resolution. It also features an HDMI digital video output, a simplified set-up process using the On Screen Display, and a broad range of video capabilities, including Multi-Angle, Multi-Sound, Multi-Subtitle, Frame, Zoom and Repeat, all easily accessed with the supplied remote. The intuitive On-Screen-Display lets users change settings and parameters as they wish for optimum performance.

On the audio side, the VISO TWO offers DVD-Audio for superb sound, as well as Dolby Virtual Speaker mode, which provides a convincing surround effect with only two front speakers, and Dolby Headphone mode, which provides a “holographic” surround effect when using headphones.

The sensitive FM/AM tuner includes a 30-station preset memory, which allows listeners to save their favorites for fast, easy recall, and RDS capability, which shows information about all broadcasts from RDS-compliant channels, including station IDs and song and artist information. An XM Ready input allows an XM Satellite module to be easily connected for XM Radio reception, and a rear-panel Data Port accepts NAD’s optional new IPD-1 Dock for connecting an iPod.

The VISO TWO is flexible as well as versatile. It has inputs for three additional video sources, accommodates S-Video and Component Video, and includes a front-panel input ideal for cameras and game consoles. A six-channel audio source can be connected, and two digital inputs accept optical and coaxial sources.

Outputs are provided for the monitor, S-Video and Composite Video. A digital output makes it easy to transfer content to a digital recording device. Instead of the spring clips that typically serve to connect speakers to compact systems, the VISO TWO is equipped with the high-quality binding posts usually found in top-level, full-size A/V receivers. A line-level output for connecting a powered subwoofer is also provided, and an RS-232 data port allows the system to be connected to highly advanced automated control systems.

The VISO FIVE and VISO TWO deliver their exceptional audio and video performance in part through the use of high-quality components, such as high-resolution analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters from renowned manufacturer Crystal. They also only employ discrete amplifier output stages, as do NAD’s many acclaimed amplifiers and receivers. Most products in this category use digital IC amplifier modules, which fail to meet even basic hi-fi specifications for noise and distortion.

The supplied remote controls make running any A/V system straightforward and enjoyable. Pre-programmed codes allow the remotes to operate virtually any TV, VCR, Satellite or Cable Tuner, and other IR-controlled device. Their ability to learn the commands for up to eight different devices eliminates the clutter of multiple remotes, and their logical layout and illuminated keys make them easy to use regardless of whether a room is brightly lit or Home-Theater dark.

The VISO FIVE DVD/CD Surround Sound Receiver will be available in February for a suggested price of $1,799 (U.S. MSRP), and the VISO TWO DVD/CD Receiver will be available in March at a suggested price of $1,299 (U.S. MSRP).

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.