NAD Introduces New Blu-ray Player Packed with Advanced Features, Web Access and Affordability

High-Performance, Format-Friendly T 557 Boasts BD Live,
1080p Resolution, Deep Color, Instant Open, Fast Loading and More

SHARON, MA, Nov. 30, 2009 – NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, will introduce the T 557 Blu-ray Player at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, beginning Jan. 7 in Las Vegas. The T 557 is designed to expand the Home Theater viewing experience by including the Internet and the ability to stream audio and video from a home network, while retaining an affordable, accessible price.

An ideal signal source for sophisticated home theaters, the T 557 supports the latest Blu-ray disc features and the latest HD audio and video formats, as well as compatibility with existing CD and DVD collections. BD Live Network connectivity (Profile 2.0), 1080p/24 fps video resolution, Deep Color and xvYCC extended color space propel the player to the cutting edge of the technology curve, while Instant Open, fast loading and last scene memory features maximize its convenience and ease of use.

The T 557 offers onboard decoding for the latest lossless high bit rate music formats from Dolby, including TruHD and DTS MA 7.1. The T 557 sends decoded PCM via HDMI to an AV Receiver, and also supports Audio CDs and CD-Rs and CD-RWs with MP3 or WMA decoding. A USB 2.0 port on the player’s rear panel allows it to play music and image files stored on a memory stick or portable MP3 player.

On the video side, the T 557 delivers stunning picture quality in the Blu-ray format’s native resolution of 1080p with pure digital transmission via HDMI outputs. NAD’s upscaling engine gives even standard-definition DVDs a boost with resolution to 1080p over HDMI, and Component video output up to 1080i. The T 557 also supports 1080p at 24 frames per second, displaying the most fluid motion available from film-based material, when suitably supported by the TV. This avoids the so-called “3:2 Pull Down” motion artifacts commonly seen using DVD players.

An array of additional features further enhance the T 557, including BD Java and BD Live, which offer new levels of interactivity when supported by appropriate source materials. BD Live, for example, lets a viewer connect in real time over a broadband network to the studio that produced a given movie for alternate takes and additional material.

The T 557 loads most Blu-ray discs in just a few seconds, and has an Instant Open feature to quickly eject a disc. Many players take over a minute to load picture, sound and navigation. The T 557 also includes picture-in-picture capability and the ability to simultaneously play HD and SD video. An external IR input allows integration with advanced control and automation systems.

NAD’s T 557 Blu-ray Player is available now from authorized NAD dealers at a suggested price of $599 (U.S. MSRP). It can be seen with other outstanding NAD products at the Venetian Hotel, Suite 29-336, during CES.

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