Press Release Digital Media Transport ND-S1

Onkyo unveils its first Digital Media Transport for the iPod

Next generation Onkyo dock delivers Bit-Perfect Audio from iPod players and syncs with iTunes

Onkyo is proud to unveil the ND-S1, an advanced new breed of iPod dock that allows music lovers to tap directly into the digital audio content on their iPods before it is processed by the player's own DAC (digital to analogue converter) and output stage.

Why do that? Simple – it'll sound better. Send the audio digital signal you've extracted to a better DAC (digital to analogue converter) than is present in the iPod and you can enjoy a massive uplift in sound quality, readily apparent with full-resolution file formats such as Apple Lossless and .WAV.

KEY FEATURES

• Digital Outputs (Optical/Coaxial)
• High-precision Clock Reference to minimise jitter
• iPod video playback
• iTunes Sync/Unsync switch
• Audio Selector (iPod/PC)
• Resume Music and Video Playback Function
• Shuffle/Repeat (one/all tracks)/Random Playback of Songs/Albums
• iPod/iPhone charging function
• USB Port
• Compatible with iPod touch [1G and 2G], iPod classic, iPod [5G*], iPod nano [1G*, 2G, 3G, and 4G] and iPhone 3G/3Gs [Flight mode]
• Works with Onkyo AV Systems equipped with a USB Port and Audio/Video terminals
• Single handset control via Onkyo A/V System’s RI (Remote Interactive) protocol
• Dedicated remote control also supplied
• Compatible with Windows XP/Vista

*Extended mode only.

Designed to partner Onkyo's award-winning range of AV receivers, as well as the company's new DAC-equipped A-5VL amplifier, the dock can also be used as a standalone device walongside any AV receiver/amplifier (equipped with a digital input) or a suitable standalone DAC.

Adding an ND-S1 Digital Media Transport to an AV or (DAC-equipped) hi-fi system effectively turns an iPod into versatile audiophile-grade multimedia server that can be held in the palm of a hand.

For maximum connection flexibility both optical and coaxial digital outputs are provided on the Transport's rear panel. A mini USB output allows connection and synchronisation between an iPod mounted on it and iTunes on a PC (audio from your computer can also be output from the ND-S1's digital audio outputs).

To ensure maximum audio fidelity Onkyo has added a high-precision Clock Reference (accurate to +/- 10ppm) to the Transport. This ensures that sonically harmful jitter levels are kept to an absolute minimum, ensuring truly outstanding, high definition sound quality.

Naturally, the ND-S1 Transport charges all compatible iPods when docked and will also charge/play back from the iPhone 3G/3Gs (in Flight Mode). The video output is of composite quality, perfectly adequate for casual viewing or monitoring.

A comprehensive remote control is supplied which allows most of the usual command functions one would expect (shuffle, repeat, resume etc). The Transport can also be integrated into Onkyo AV and Hi-Fi systems via RI (Remote Interactive), our well known control protocol which allows simple, one-remote control of the entire system.

Measuring just 205 x 175mm square and 35mm deep the transport will prove easy to accommodate in any AV/hi-fi system. The enhancement it'll give to your listening pleasure will most likely mean it won't be removed again any time soon.

About Onkyo
Onkyo, which means 'sound harmony’ in Japanese, founded 61 years ago, is one of the leading names in hi-fi and home cinema throughout the world.
The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theatre and digital revolutions.
While many manufacturers are intent on building components at ever cheaper prices, Onkyo has a different vision. Their approach is to perfect the basics, leave out the frills, pay attention to details, and use only the finest parts.
The results can be seen in the obviously high quality of any Onkyo-manufactured product, even before it is turned on...

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