High-end AV brand Krell has announced the introduction of the company's first Blu-ray player, the Evolution 555, which purports to "set the reference standard for performance in the Blu-ray player category". It is BD-Live compliant and its dual HDMI output is upgradeable to HDMI 1.4
The Evolution 555 features an onboard Ethernet port that allows for Internet connectivity, firmware updates, BD Live interactivity and IP control. Additionally, an 802.11b/g/n wireless card can be added to perform the same functions. This network capability also provides access to online streaming and media files resident on a home network.
The Evolution 555 features the acclaimed 12-bit Sigma Design VXP technology, which delivers "the world's highest quality video processing algorithms for noise reduction, de-interlacing, scaling, image enhancement and frame rate conversion." It also includes aspect ratio control including a vertical stretch feature for systems employing 2.35:1 Constant Image Height display systems.This player has 1GB of onboard memory; an SD card slot allows for expanded memory for BD-Live and BonusView movie titles, as well as playback options for photos and music files.
Dual, assignable, HDMI outputs are provided with the option of full audio and video output to 2 systems, or dedicate one HDMI for audio, the other for video – this option promotes a high level of jitter reduction for both signal paths.
The Evolution 555 is fully HDMI 1.3 compliant but with a direct fix on the future, the Evolution 555 includes an upgrade path to the future. Already equipped with an HDMI 1.4 transmitter, the Sigma VXP video processor is located on a plug-in card for in-field upgrade to HDMI 1.4 with full support for 3D, 4K x 2K Resolution Support, and HDMI Ethernet Channel.
On the audio side, the Krell features the ESS Technology 32-bit Sabre Reference DACs connected to Krell differential Krell Evolution Current Audio Signal Transmission (CAST) analog circuitry. CAST is a proprietary method of sending audio signals between components in the current domain. Krell components connected in Evolution CAST act together as an electrically unified whole, free from the deleterious effects normally imposed by connecting cables. Balanced outputs and single ended outputs are also included for use with conventional preamplifiers.
