DENON's History of Excellence

From its beginning in

1910 as a manufacturer of single-side disc records and gramophones, DENON has become a world leader in the manufacture of high quality audio and audio/video equipment and software products for the entertainment and information industries. Our professional-use and consumer-use equipment and software products are recognized internationally for their originality and standards of quality, durability and innovation.

- denotes industry milestone

1910	Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd, founded by Frederick Whitney Horne, commenced sales of single-side disc records and gramophone players
1939	Developed Japan's first professional-use disc recorder for the broadcasting industry
1951	Commenced sales of Japan's first LPrecords
1953	Developed a professional-use taperecorder for the broadcasting industry
1959	Commenced commercial production of open-reel audio tapes
1962	Introduced the Elepian series ofelectronics pianos
1963	Commenced sales of the DL-103 phonocartridge, one of the longest running products in audioHistory. Still used by broadcasters and audiophiles, itspawned the development of a series of outstanding MCcartridges
1964	Commenced sales of audio cassette tapes
1971	Commenced sales of hi-fi audio components, including turntables, amplifiers, tuners and loudspeakers
1972	Developed the world's first PCMdigital recorder for regular studio use, thus launching thedigital audio revolution. Commenced sales of PCM records.
1977	Received America's prestigious Billboard Magazine "Trend-Setter Award" for DENON's outstanding contribution to the industry through its development of PCM digital recording
1978	Commenced sales of DENON DX audiocassette tapes
1980	DENON's PCM recording system received the 13th Montreux International "Diplome d'honneur technique" award in Switzerland. Established DENON America Inc. in the U.S.A. Completed a new state-of-the-art recording facility
1981	The Philips/Sony Compact Disc system was announced. Developed the DN-3000FE professional-use CD player ( 1983)
1983	Inaugurated sales of the world's first Compact Discs available at retail and led the industry in the introduction of consumer-use CD players. Commenced sales of video cassettes on a large scale
1987	DENON introduces the world's firstCD Cart™ Player, the DN-950F, for the broadcast andprofessional industries. DENON opens its second CD pressingplant in Madison, GA
1988	Commenced sales of audio/video amplifiers
1989	DENON's industry-leading Super Linear Converter (SLC) mechanisms replaced by the Real 20-BitSuper Linear Converter. Greatly expanded line of hi-fi caraudio components. Completed CD player plant in Germany. DENONreorganized its operations to reflect ongoing changes in itsproduct line-up. Established DENON France S.A. Began CD-ROMpremastering and pressing services.
1990	Three DENON products (CD player, power amplifier and cassette deck) won coveted "Diapason d'Or"Component Grand Prix awards at "Les Journees de la HauteFidelite '90" hi-fi show in Paris. Commenced sales ofhigh-grade portable CD players and compact system audiocomponents. Celebrated DENON's 80th anniversary. CentralResearch Laboratory completed in the Kawasaki plant.
1991	Announced standard DVI player, which enables one-hour playback of full motion video into a12cm diameter CD. Opened a multimedia studio in the headoffice.
1992	Developed the ALPHA processor forseparate type CD player.
1994	DENON introduces MiniDisc Cart Players and MiniDisc Cart Recorders for the broadcast and professional industries.
1995	DENON delivers the world's first family of MiniDisc products for the broadcast, DJ and professional industries. Delivered the world's first Dolby Digital/THX pre-amp/tuner/processor.
1996	DENON ACTIVE MEDIA (DAM) is formedin Atlanta GA. to develop DVD disc pressing business
1997	Introduced and began sales of DVD-2000 Digital Video Discplayer, continuing active role in evolution of 5"" optical disc

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