DJ Technology Timeline (Denon)

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Denon (Kabushiki Kaisha Denon) is a Japanese electronics company that was involved in the early stages of development of digital audio technology, while specializing in the manufacture of high-fidelity professional and consumer audio equipment. For many decades, Denon was a brand name of Nippon-Columbia, including the Nippon Columbia record label. In 2001 Denon was spun off as a separate company with 98% held by Ripplewood Holdings and 2% by Hitachi. In 2002 Denon merged with Marantz to form D&M Holdings. The Denon brand came from a merger of Denki Onkyo and others in 1939.

1910 Manufacturer of single-sided disc records and gramophones.

1939 Launched first professional-use disc recorder for broadcast industry and disk cutting lathe.

1951 Commenced sales of Japan’s 1st LP records.

1953 Launched professional-use tape recorder for broadcast industry.

1958 Introduced sales of stereo records.

1959 Commenced production of open-reel audio tapes.

1962 Introduced Elepian series of electronic pianos.

1963 Developed the DL-103 phono cartridge.

1964 Started sales of audio cassette tapes.

1971 Started producing hi-fi audio components, including turntables, amplifiers, tuners and speakers.

1972 Introduced the world’s first viable 8 channel digital recorder.

1977 Awarded US Billboard magazine's "Trend-Setter Award for outstanding contribution to the industry".

1980 Awarded the 13th Montreux International Diplome d’honneur technique award.

1981 Developed a professional-use CD player.

1982 Industry leader in the introduction of consumer-use CD players.

1988 Introduced range of AV amplifiers to product range.

1990 Awarded three component awards at Paris hi-fi show.

1993 Developed the twin deck DJ CD player DN-200F. Other early models are the DN1000F, DN2000F and the DN2500F. Denon also made the world's only twin MiniDisc player designed for DJ use.

1994 Awarded European Audio Innovation of the Year.

1995 World's first Dolby AC-3 and THX 5.1 certified home theater system.

1997 Introduced DVD player into product range.

1999 World's first THX-EX home theater system (THX Extended to provide fuller surround sound).

2001 Produced first Mini system with 5.1 surround sound.

2002 Denon link technology developed for improved digital connectivity.

2004 Launch of world's first consumer product featuring HQV (Hollywood Quality Video).

2006 Denon introduces the AK-DL1 CAT5 Ethernet cable. It wasn't until mid-2008 that it caused controversy because of its high price ($499) and the company's claims that the cable is "designed for the audio enthusiast," and would "bring out all the nuances" in digital audio signals transmitted over it.

2007 Denon releases the AVP-A1HDCI Pre-Amplifier and matching POA-A1HDCI Power Amplifier set which marks the company's first additions to a new line of high-performance custom-focused components.

2008 Denon announces the world's first Universal Blu-ray player capable of DVD-Audio and SA-CD playback