Azur 751BD Universal Upsampling Blu-ray Player
Introducing the best sounding Blu-ray player yet!
If sound is as important to you as experiencing the ultimate in image definition, the all new 751BD is the universal 3D Blu-ray player you've been waiting for...
With support for BD-3D, all the latest surround sound formats, QDEO video processing and Anagram Technologies audio up-sampling, the 751BD is a lightning-fast, easy to use player and is guaranteed to reproduce your movies and music with all the gusto of the original performance! ...Read more
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The only player you'll ever need!
Featuring almost universal disc compatibility, the 751BD not only plays Blu-ray discs - including those with 3D content - but also CD, HDCD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio and SACD.
Twin screen connection
With twin HDMI outputs, the 751BD can deliver video to multiple displays (such as a your 3D TV and your projector) and both are fully compatible with the HDMI 1.4 standard for 3DTV and Deep Colour support.
The primary HDMI output also features a high quality Marvell QDEO video scaler with motion adaptive noise reduction for quiet and natural video, free from noise and artefacts.
As well as stunning performance with Blu-ray discs, the 751BD delivers unbeatable picture quality from existing DVDs, which can also be up-scaled to 1080p resolution.
Comprehensive format support...
The 751BD supports decoding of the very latest formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. And for the ultimate in user choice, these formats can be output as bitstreams over HDMI for an AV receiver to decode internally.
An audiophile extravaganza...
However it is the 751BD's musical performance that really sets it apart from its peers with genuinely uncontested audiophile credentials. A mouth watering specification including five Wolfson WM8740 24-bit/192kHz Digital to Analogue converters, Anagram Technologies Q5 192 kHz upsampling, a choice of digital filters and zealous attention to the design of audio circuits ensures the 751BD can reproduce the dynamics and scale required for the most elaborate movie soundtracks. The 751BD truly excels as an audio source supporting all high-resolution formats including DVD-A, SACD plus of course CD.
Designed for all the family...
With such a vast specification you might expect the 751BD to take some getting used to but you'll be delighted to hear that's not the case. Genuinely simple to use with essential operations available on the ergonomic front panel and more comprehensive control via a clear on-screen menu, the 751BD is as easy to operate as any ordinary player. In use it's whisper quiet and lightning fast for delay-free access to your movies and music.
Aesthetics and premium build quality are further strengths and Cambridge Audio's trademark wrap-around casework houses the 751BD's proprietary engineering within a low resonance, acoustically damped chassis.
Supplied with a wireless dongle...
The 751BD is ready to connect to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and supports BD Profile 2.0 (BD-Live and BonusView) and other interactive features.
With an immense combination of multi-format capability, 3D video performance and spine-tingling audio capability, the 751BD is waiting to show you how Blu-ray can really perform!
Universal audiophile music and movie playback
We know how extensive many of your movie libraries are so a really important consideration when we developed it was the 751BD's ability to maximise performance of standard definition DVDs.
From the primary HDMI output, an onboard Marvell QDEO scaler with motion adaptive noise reduction and a host of other technologies offers huge gains in picture quality from all disc types.
In addition, the 751BD is equally at home with a wide array of other formats including CD, SACD, DVD-A, AVCHD and HDCD.
As well as universal disc playback, dual USB ports (front and rear) and a rear mounted eSATA port means you can also experience high definition video, photos and music from your external hard drives.
Mind-blowing video performance
A full range of HDMI, digital and analogue outputs offer connection to the widest possible choice of TVs, projectors and home cinema receivers.
All the latest surround-sound formats are supported and in particular, support for the true lossless Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio formats provides unprecedented audio fidelity from Blu-ray discs. The 751BD is also capable of outputting all of these formats as bitstreams over HDMI for decoding in a suitable AV Receiver. Twin HDMI outputs allow older non 3D compatible AV receivers to be sent audio via one link whilst the 3D video is sent on the other to a suitable 3D display.
Video of up to 1080p resolution from BD discs at 50/60Hz or 24fps can be output over HDMI. The 751BD can also process DVDs to provide an upscaled 1080p output massively enhancing existing movie collections.
Audio dynamite
The 751BD is the ideal no-compromise choice for audiophiles who demand the ultimate audio reproduction with superb sonic performance as standard via two channel and multi channel outputs. Five dedicated Wolfson WM8740 DACs ensure every channel is decoded in the very highest quality and Anagram Technologies Q5 192 kHZ upsampling further enhances audio quality whether played from CD, DVD, Blu-ray or any other supported format.
If you're interested in reading more, further information on Q5 upsampling technology is available at www.cambridgeaudio.com/Q5
In addition to superb quality decoding, the ultimate in control is offered with a choice of digital filters. Linear phase, minimum phase and steep filters can all be selected to suit an individual's listening preferences.
And for the ultimate audiophile touch, select Pure Audio Mode and the 751BD shuts down all video processing to prevent any audio signal interference or degradation.
The 751BD again benefits from Cambridge Audio's rich musical heritage by supporting all high-resolution audio formats including DVDA and SACD. Both can be output via HDMI or using the 2ch or 7.1 channel analogue connections - the 7.1 connection in particular enables older, non-HDMI AV receivers to benefit from a new lease of life.
It's kinder on the planet too
Cambridge Audio takes its commitment to the environment seriously and as well as minimising power consumption in use, the 751BD boasts an environmentally friendly low power (<0.5W) standby circuit to help conserve precious energy...
Its beauty is more than skin deep...
A wrap-around all-metal casework - which matches Cambridge Audio's latest home cinema receivers - adds significant appeal and is augmented by a substantial brushed aluminium front panel. All this proprietary engineering is housed within a new low resonance, acoustically damped chassis featuring dual layer damped feet. The sum of these small but carefully considered details not only add to an aura of luxury, but help contribute to the 751BD's uncontested audiophile performance.
A highly ergonomic navigator remote handset also offers full control of the 751BD's wide range of features and functions and can be used to control virtually any Cambridge Audio home cinema receiver or amplifier.
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Features -
Universal media support – Blu-ray discs (including those with 3D content),CD, HDCD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD Marvell QDEO video processor Anagram Technologies Q5 192 kHz upsampling – as featured in Cambridge Audio DacMagic On-board decoding of lossless Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio in Stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 CODECs. 7.1 multi channel and dedicated Stereo analogue outputs 5 x Wolfson WM8740 24bit/192kHz DACs for superior audio performance Choice of digital filters – linear phase/minimum phase/steep filter Pure Audio Mode prevents any audio signal interference or degradation 1GB internal storage plus 2 x USB 2.0 and 1 x eSATA sockets for external drive connection New simple-to-operate colour OSD (On Screen Display) and set-up menus Lightning quick power-up and loading speed New, low energy standby circuit – consumes <0.5Watt in Standby Supports Profile 2.0 – (BD-Live and BonusView) – Ethernet or wireless connection (supplied with 802.11 b/g/n wireless dongle) Navigator style Azur remote which also controls:
• All current, forthcoming and most legacy Cambridge Audio AVRs and Amplifiers
• Discrete commands for custom install useAll metal wrap-around casework with substantially thicker front panel and an ultra rigid, acoustically dampened chassis Fully controllable over RS232 Clear Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) Available in black
Inside story
1. Universal Transport
The 751BD offers high quality universal disc playback, including Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD, DVD-A, AVCHD and HDCD.
2. Wolfson DACs
The 751BD uses 5 separate Wolfson WM8740 D/A converters, to ensure that every audio channel is decoded in the highest possible quality.
3. Marvell QDEO video scaler
The 751BD incorporates a high quality Marvell QDEO video scaler to produce incredible picture quality from your existing DVD's too, which can now be viewed in full HD 1080p resolution.
4. Anagram Q5 DSP
The 751BD uses Cambridge Audio's proprietary Anagram Q5 192 kHz up-sampling technology, derived from the multiple award winning Azur 840C CD player, to up-sample all audio to 24-bit/192kHz output, providing the ultimate sound quality for audiophiles who want the best from both music and movies.
5. Mediatek chipset
Offering support for 3D Blu-ray and the latest CODECs including Dolby Digital Plus, DTS- HD High Resolution and the Lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats as well as full support for legacy formats.
6. Switch mode power supply
The 751BD features a high quality and efficient universal power supply which uses less than 1W of power when in Standby.
7. Analogue Audio outputs
The 751BD features a dedicated 2 channel analogue stereo output, a Pure Audio mode for dedicated audio playback and also a full set of 7.1 multi-channel analogue audio outputs to allow connection to older non-HDMI AV Receivers and for the highest quality of audio playback from high resolution audio formats such as SACD.
Reviews
751BD wins Best Blu-ray player in Netherlands!
Netherlands, November 2011
"... as impressive when playing music as it is when showing Blu-rays... trusty"
UK, September 2012
751BD wins China's Super AV Award!
China, December 2011
751BD wins Best Blu-ray player in Spain!
Spain, November 2011
"If we could design our own Blu-ray player it would be just like Cambridge Audio Azur 751BD... All audiophiles will soon want to have one."
Croatia, October 2011
UK, September 2011
UK, July 2011
UK, July 2011
“Cambridge Audio has gotten my attention with the 751BD... Compared to some of the "high end" universal Blu-ray players that have hit the market, the Cambridge Audio 751BD is a solid offering.”
USA, June 2011
Specifications
| Disc Types: |
Blu-ray (BD) including BD-3D, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, AVCHD, SACD, CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD±R DL, BD-R/RE |
| BD profile |
BD-ROM Version 2 Profile 2 (also compatible with Profile 1 Version 1.0 and 1.1) |
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| Decoder | Mediatek MTK8530 |
| Upsampler | Analog Devices ADSP-21261 32 bit SHARC(R) DSP running Anagram Technologies(TM) Q5 up-sampling to 24 bit/192kHz (All 10 channels) |
| D/A Converters: | 5 x Wolfson WM8740 24/192kHz Digital to Analog converters |
| Video Scaler | Marvell DE2750 QDEO Video Scaler (on Primary output) |
| Internal memory | 1GB (Actual available storage varies due to system usage) |
| External storage | 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x e-Sata |
| Analogue audio outputs |
7.1 RCA/Phono Can be set for Stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 output Dedicated stereo RCA/Phono |
| Analogue video outputs |
Composite Video (CVBS) Component (YCbCr/YPbPr) |
| Video frame rates | 24Hz/50Hz/60Hz |
| Video decoding |
MPEG2, MPEG2 HD, MPEG4, MPEG4 AVC, VC-1, XviD, VCD, AVCHD, AVI, VOB, MKV (4.1), JPEG, JPEG HD |
| HDMI output |
(1.4a) x 2 Video NTSC: 480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p, 1080p24, PAL: 576i/p, 720p, 1080i/p, 1080p24 Audio Stereo, up to 7.1ch high resolution PCM, up to 5.1ch DSD, bitstream or decoding to PCM of Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio. |
| Frequency Response: | 20Hz-20KHz -0.2dB |
| THD+N @ 1kHz | < 0.001% |
| THD+N 20Hz-20kHz | < 0.003% |
| IMD 19/20KHz | < 0.0002% |
| Signal to Noise Ratio: | > -108dB |
| Crosstalk @ 1kHz: | > -100dB |
| Total correlated jitter: | < 50pS |
| Composite Video | 1.0V p-p (75 Ω) |
| Component Video: |
Y: 1.0V p-p (75 Ω) Cb/Cr: 0.7V p-p (75 Ω) Pb/Pr: 0.7V p-p (75 Ω) |
| Ethernet | 100BASE-T |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n via supplied dongle. |
| IR emitter in | 3.5mm mini jack, isolated, modulated |
| PSU | Universal switch-mode 100 – 240V AC, IEC inlet |
| Max. Power Consumption: | 35W |
| Standby Power Consumption: | <0.5W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D): | 430 x 85 x 312mm (16.9 x 3.3 x 12.3’’) with feet |
| Weight: | 5.0Kg (11.0lbs) |
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Click here for information about the latest firmware update -
May 2012
There are two new firmware updates, each corresponding to the different Blu-ray region versions of the 751BD/651BD. The 751BD and 651BD use the same firmware. As such, the following update applies to both models.
- Region A (North, Central and South American and Southeast Asian countries plus Taiwan, Japan, China Hong Kong, China Macau and Korea).
- Region B (most European, African and southwest Asian countries plus Australia and New Zealand).
Features of the new update (version 751BD(CU)-14-0413) include the following;
- Improved BD disc compatibility with new releases such as “HUGO 2012”, “Rio 2012”: the problem is that the VFD displays 00:00:00 and no change after this point.
- Improved disc compatibility with some new B region BD releases such as “Jurassic Park: Ultimate Trilogy”, “Kung Fu Panda 2 BD 2011”, “Fast five BD 2011”: the problem is that the BD player won’t play when you select "play" in the menu.
- Improved 720p upscaling from HDMI1 output.
- Improved audio track processing: the problem is when you use the analogue output and HDMI LPCM output, the DTS-HD MA 6.1 is decoded into 5.1ch, such as “Lord Of The Rings BD 2011”.
- Improved BD-Live functionality. The picture could occasionally freeze on some BD discs with BD-Live animated features, such as “Puss in Boots” and “The Lion King BD 2011”.
- Improved BD disc compatibility with new releases such as “Mr. Poppers Penguins BD2011”, “Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury BD2011”, “Human Planet”.
- Improved HDMI compatibility.
- Fix YouTube playback after YouTube changed their service
- Removal of ISO file playback due to copy protection issues.The update is in three parts – the Main Version (751BD(CU)-14-0413), the Sub Version (MCU751-5-0628) and the Loader Version (CN0900 8530). Note: Both the Sub Version and Loader Version updates were included in the previous firmware update from September 2011, so may not be necessary this time.
The easiest way to update your player is to connect it to the internet, via the player’s Ethernet/wi-fi connection. The next time the unit powers up, the player will see that an update is available and will automatically prompt you to update the firmware for your 751BD/651BD (so long as firmware notification is ON in the Device Setup Menu). Alternatively, select Upgrade Firmware – Via Network, also within the Device Setup menu. Updating in this way via the network updates all three parts of the firmware and no further action is necessary.
If it is not possible to connect your 751BD/651BD to the internet to update it, then you can also carry out the update via USB, following the instructions below. However, you will need to separately update all three parts of the firmware via USB.
Please note the following; You must load only the correct region version for your 751BD/651BD. The 751BD/651BD is region locked for Blu-ray, and it is not possible to load the Region A update onto a Region B unit, for example.
Please first check the rear panel of your 751BD/651BD for confirmation of the player’s correct Blu-ray region – you will see A or B clearly marked within a hexagonal globe, just to the left of the mains inlet.
Important: Loading the incorrect firmware version may corrupt your 751BD/651BD. Cambridge Audio accepts no liability for an incorrect firmware version being installed. If you are at all unsure about carrying out the update yourself, please contact your dealer, who will be happy to update your 751BD/651BD for you.-
Main Version -
For Region A units (751BDCU-14-0413)
Download the following zip file by clicking on the link below and when prompted, select ‘Save’ to save the file to an easily accessible location on your computer.
Once the download is complete, double click on the saved zip file to extract it to an easily accessible location on your computer, such as the Desktop.
The extracted file is a folder called UPG, and within this folder is the ‘751BDCU.bin’ update file. This update file must remain within the folder called UPG for the update to be carried out via USB. This update cannot be burnt to CD. To carry out the update via USB you must use a blank USB stick. Simply load (cut/copy/paste) the whole extracted UPG folder onto the otherwise blank memory stick.
Upon insertion into the 751BD/651BD, the player should automatically recognise the upgrade, and you can just select ‘yes’ to the upgrade procedure. In the Device Setup menu, under Firmware Information, the Main Version should now read ‘751BDCU-14-0413’.
For Region B units (751BD-14-0413)
Download the following zip file by clicking on the link below and when prompted, select ‘Save’ to save the file to an easily accessible location on your computer.
Once the download is complete, double click on the saved zip file to extract it to an easily accessible location on your computer, such as the Desktop.
The extracted file is a folder called UPG, and within this folder is the ‘751BD.bin’ update file. This update file must remain within the folder called UPG for the update to be carried out via USB. This update cannot be burnt to CD. To carry out the update via USB you must use a blank USB stick. Simply load (cut/copy/paste) the whole extracted UPG folder onto the otherwise blank memory stick.
Upon insertion into the 751BD/651BD, the player should automatically recognise the upgrade, and you can just select ‘yes’ to the upgrade procedure. In the Device Setup menu, under Firmware Information, the Main Version should now read ‘751BD-14-0413’.
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Sub Version -
(MCU751-5-0628) – all regions
Download the following zip file by clicking on the link below and when prompted, select ‘Save’ to save the file to an easily accessible location on your computer.
Once the download is complete, double click on the saved zip file to extract it to an easily accessible location on your computer, such as the Desktop.
The extracted file is a folder called UPG, and within this folder is the ‘MCU751.bin’ update file. This update file must remain within the folder called UPG for the update to be carried out via USB. This update cannot be burnt to CD. To carry out the update via USB you must use a blank USB stick. Simply load (cut/copy/paste) the whole extracted UPG folder onto the otherwise blank memory stick.
Upon insertion into the 751BD/651BD, the player should automatically recognise the upgrade, and you can just select ‘yes’ to the upgrade procedure. In the Device Setup menu, under Firmware Information, the Sub Version should now read ‘MCU751-5-0628’.
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Loader Version -
(CN0900 8530) - all regions
Note: if you have already updated the Loader Version during the previous firmware update, then it is not necessary to carry out this part of the update again.
To update the Loader Version, download the following zip file by clicking on the link below and when prompted, select ‘Save’ to save the file to an easily accessible location on your computer.
Once the download is complete, double click on the saved zip file to extract it to an easily accessible location on your computer, such as the Desktop.
The extracted file is a folder called UPG, and within this folder is the ‘DVD460.bin’ update file. This update file must remain within the folder called UPG for the update to be carried out via USB. This update cannot be burnt to CD. To carry out the update via USB you must use a blank USB stick. Simply load (cut/copy/paste) the whole extracted UPG folder onto the otherwise blank memory stick.
Upon insertion into the 751BD/651BD, the player should automatically recognise the upgrade, and you can just select ‘yes’ to the upgrade procedure.
In the Device Setup menu, under Firmware Information, the loader version should now read ‘CN0900 8530’.
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Click here for 651BD/751BD firmware update history -
Firmware version 751BD(CU)-11-0923 was released in September 2011. Features of this update included;
- Adds 8 kinds of OSD language
- Improves UPnP performance and USB browsing
- Improves CD performance and Blu-ray disc compatibility
- Improved the subtitle support in M2TS/TS playback through USB drive, external hard drive or UPnP streaming. Occasional reports that the movie picture could occasionally freeze up during the playback, while the time counter was still moving forward. This issue was related to subtitles and has been resolved in this release.
- Resolved the subtitle flickering or image stuttering issue during some 3D movie playback. Occasional reports of this happening randomly on some 3D movies released in Asia or Europe. Sample titles include "Step Up", "SAW" and "Resident Evil: Afterlife".
- Resolved the image vertical stretch issue observed on some legacy DVD's. Occasional reports of this happening when playing these DVDs using HDMI 1 and setting Aspect Ratio to "16:9 Wide/Auto", the pictures were vertically stretched. This issue could happen to certain 4:3 DVD's issued before or around 2000, and sample titles include "The Abyss", "Titanic", "TWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH (2002)" and "1941 (1979)".
- Improved support for user-created DVD-Audio discs. In the previous firmware, the on-screen display and the front panel time counters may stop at 00:00:00 when playback advanced from Track 1 to Track 2. This was mostly observed on user-created DVD-Audio discs which were “Audio Only” and contained no menus, backgrounds, or additional features.
- Resolved the Test Tone missing or harsh noise issues. Some customers have reported these using some special combinations of downmix mode and speaker setting.
- Improved the audio information display, e.g., previously "MLP 5.1" was shown as "5.1", "1/2 DTS 6.1" was shown as "1/2 DTS 5.1".
- Added brief chapter information (Current Chapter/Total Chapters) on-screen display when pressing PREV or NEXT button to skip chapters. This feature only applies to commercial discs which include Blu-ray, DVD and DVD-Audio.
- Further improved general disc compatibility based on recent and upcoming Blu-ray releases as well as user-submitted disc samples. Sample movies include "Avatar(3D)", "Journey to Mecca", "Alice (2009 Miniseries)" and "Pirate of Caribbean 4" (3D version released in Asia and Europe).
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