I’m shocked that Parasound would release a highend “Universal” DVD player so close to the launch of the much anticipated High Definition DVD players. Maybe that’s why they are calling this the NewClassic DVD Player. Priced at $1500, this is aimed for the highend market, or for the folks that swear by Parasound AMPs and Processors, and have been waiting for a DVD player from them for this long. However, don’t let the classic name and look fool you, this DVD player is advanced. The D 200 features scalable HDMI output with HDCP, Faroudja DCDi processing for progressive scan output, a two-way RS-232 port, and is compatible with every major disc format currently in use, including DVD-A, SACD, DVD+/-R/RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG, and even playback for Kodak Picture CDs and DivX video — sans HD.

The Parasound NewClassic Model D 200 will be available soon so contact your local dealer for more details.