The receiver is equipped with five channels of high-current amplifier power and DSP processing technology like that found on Denon's more expensive receivers, and it's also equipped with XM-HD surround and iPod command and control functions (optional ASD-1R Control Dock available). Denon's Multi Source function lets you select different audio sources for listening in the main room and the secondary room. It also features an AM/FM tuner with 56 station presets, front A/B speaker terminals, and the Personal Memory Plus function that allows the receiver to store the surround modes, level setting for all speakers, and the delay time to further customize the sound source.

The DVD player has an HDMI output and scaling function that upconverts low-resolution video to 720p and 1080i high-definition resolutions to better match the capabilities of your HDTV. In addition to standard DVD movie and CD audio discs, the DVD-557 is compatible with DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-R/RW, and CDs burned with JPEG, MP3 and WMA files. Built-in surround sound decoders include Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS Digital Sound, DTS-ES, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 94/24. Playback features include picture zoom (2x, 4x), JPEG slideshow, and a bookmarking function.

The acoustically matched, European-tuned, magnetically shielded speakers bring the most out of movie soundtracks and your favorite music. The center channel speaker features a 2-way design with dual 3.6-inch mid-bass drivers and an efficient tweeter. The other four satellite speakers use similar drive units, but with only a single midrange and tweeter complement. The 100-watt subwoofer features an 8-inch woofer to optimize low frequency sounds.

Cinema Equalizer
The sound from movie sources recorded in Dolby Digital, DTS, or other formats emphasizes high-frequency range due to a theater's front speakers being placed behind the movie screen. If this sound is reproduced in the home theater without correction, the high-frequency range is too strong. This Denon receiver's Cinema Equalizer feature corrects these high-frequency components so that the sound is clearer and easier to listen to when using Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital EX and DTS surround modes.

Tech Talk
HDMI is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link any audio/video source (such as a set-top box, DVD player, or AV receiver) with your TV--all over a single cable. HDMI supports standard, enhanced or high definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It supports all ATSC formats--standard (SDTV), enhanced (EDTV), and high (HDTV).

What's in the Box
AVR-487 receiver, DVD-557 DVD/CD player, remote control (with batteries), subwoofer, center channel, four surround speakers, speaker cable, printed operating instructions