Flagship High-End 8K Dolby Vision & HDR10+ Dual-System Media Player.

Two media processors: reference-grade local playback + Netflix-certified streaming.

High-End 2x ES9038PRO DAC, dual linear PSU, TCXO.
2x HDD racks • 2x HDMI out • 2x HDMI in • BT audio in.

Review by Aymara.hu

Key Features

New flagship 8K media player and High-End audio source

Ultra 8K is the new flagship 8K media player from Dune HD for video and audio, combining high-quality local playback, official streaming video services, and a high-end audio source. It is not just the next step after Ultra Vision 4K, but a new model built around several major upgrades. At its core is a dual-system architecture with two physically independent media processors: the main Dune HD 8K media platform for local video and audio playback at maximum quality, and a separate certified Android TV system for official streaming services. In a single high-end device, Ultra 8K effectively combines two premium playback sources, advanced HDMI 8K processing and HDMI audio extraction, a high-precision TCXO clock generator, a dual linear power supply with two shielded toroidal transformers, two front hot-swap HDD bays with vibration isolation, a larger full-aluminum chassis, and a completely redesigned audio architecture based on two ESS ES9038PRO DACs, premium MUSES operational amplifiers, and the new XMOS XU-316 audio processor.

Cinema without compromise. Two media processors

The media player is built on a true dual-system architecture with two physically independent media processors. The main 8K system, powered by the high-performance Amlogic S928X-K/J processor, is dedicated to reference-grade local media playback and unlocking the full potential of the flagship Dune HD 8K platform. The second is a dedicated Android TV hardware module for certified streaming services. Hardware-level separation eliminates the compromises of single-processor solutions. Both systems share the same outputs and unified control, with apps from both platforms directly accessible in the main menu and operated with a single remote — combining the strengths of each system in one seamless premium device.

Official streaming services (Netflix & Google Certified)

A dedicated Android TV hardware module with official Netflix and Google certification enables streaming in up to 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Leading services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube and others are supported via certified Android TV apps (availability may vary by country). Unlike non-certified Android solutions, streaming runs on a fully certified Android TV platform, designed to meet official platform requirements and ensure reliable compatibility with supported services.

Premium full-size all-aluminum chassis

The full-size 43 cm chassis is made entirely from thick aluminum, with its height increased to nearly 13 cm and a brushed aluminum front panel. The larger and more rigid construction improves heat dissipation and internal component layout while giving Ultra 8K the look and feel of a premium high-end Hi-Fi component.

Dual linear power supply

Advanced dual linear power supply with two fully independent, custom magnetically shielded toroidal transformers. One transformer powers the main digital system, while the other is dedicated exclusively to the DAC and analog audio circuitry, providing complete power separation between digital and analog sections. This minimizes interference, jitter and noise, reduces their transfer through the A/V outputs to connected equipment, and helps achieve outstanding audio and video quality.

High-precision TCXO clock

The media player uses an advanced ultra-low-noise, high-precision TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) clock chip. This specialized clock provides a much cleaner and more precise reference signal than a conventional clock solution for the main processor and key digital audio/video circuits. The TCXO is powered by its own dedicated low-noise power circuit to ensure exceptionally clean and stable operation. This helps minimize jitter, timing instability and noise across all A/V outputs, contributing to the highest level of audio and video quality.

High-End audiophile DAC with 2× ESS SABRE PRO

Ultra 8K takes the proven high-end ESS ES9038PRO SABRE PRO DAC to a new level. Two ES9038PRO chips now operate in true dual-mono configuration, compared with a single chip in the previous design. Each stereo channel has its own dedicated 8-channel DAC chip, with all 8 channels used in parallel to maximize DAC performance and achieve outstanding precision, dynamics, channel separation and analog output quality. The DAC supports stereo PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 when playing audio on the main media system.

New XMOS XU-316 audio processor

The new-generation XMOS XU-316 audio processor provides bit-perfect audio transmission, reclocking and high-precision clock management. Separate dedicated high-precision master clocks are used for the 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sample-rate families. In addition to standard ASYNC operation, the DAC now supports an advanced SYNC mode, where XMOS and the DAC operate from the same master clock, creating a unified synchronous audio architecture for exceptionally low jitter.

Next-generation High-End hardware design

The high-end audio subsystem has been extensively redesigned with full galvanic isolation from the rest of the media player not only across power lines, but also across data and control lines, helping prevent digital noise from entering the audio path. The upgraded all-linear, multi-stage ultra-low-noise power architecture uses separate ultra-low-noise regulators for each ES9038PRO DAC chip and for the operational amplifiers of the left and right channels. The analog signal path has no coupling capacitors and uses precision low-noise 0.1% resistors. Premium Panasonic OS-CON SEPF polymer capacitors are used in digital regulator circuits, while Nichicon MUSE Fine Gold audiophile capacitors are used in the analog-path power supply. A dedicated chassis ground connector is also provided for integration with high-end audio systems, helping to minimize potential grounding-related noise and interference.

Upgraded Hi-Fi analog audio outputs

High-quality RCA and professional balanced XLR outputs now feature an upgraded analog stage based on premium MUSES02 and AD826 operational amplifiers. The XLR output now uses a fully differential architecture with optimized matching to the ESS DAC output stage. New selectable output levels for both RCA and XLR provide optimal matching with different amplifiers, preamplifiers and active speakers.

Improved headphone amplifier

The front-panel 6.35 mm headphone output now uses a dedicated high-performance OPA1622 headphone amplifier, internally connected to the DAC output stage using a balanced architecture for maximum signal quality. It supports headphones with impedance up to 600 Ohm and now provides selectable output levels for optimal matching with different headphone models.

Expanded sources for the built-in DAC

The built-in high-end DAC can now be used with the main media system, the Android TV system, HDMI inputs, coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs, and Bluetooth audio input. This significantly expands the use of the built-in DAC across different playback scenarios. HDMI, coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs support stereo PCM up to 192 kHz, allowing Ultra 8K to also function as a high-end DAC for external sources.

Bluetooth audio input

Ultra 8K can now work as a high-quality Bluetooth audio receiver, allowing music from a smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth audio source to be played through the media player. Bluetooth audio can be output through the reference-grade built-in DAC to the Hi-Fi RCA, XLR and headphone outputs, or routed digitally through HDMI, coaxial S/PDIF and optical S/PDIF outputs. Advanced Bluetooth audio codecs including LDAC and aptX HD are supported.

Hi-Fi coaxial S/PDIF output

A dedicated Hi-Fi coaxial S/PDIF output provides a high-quality digital audio connection for external DACs and other Hi-Fi equipment. Unlike the basic S/PDIF outputs, it is driven directly by the new XMOS XU-316 audio processor and uses its advanced reclocking to minimize jitter and provide exceptionally clean and precise digital audio output. Supports stereo PCM up to 192 kHz.

Dedicated port for external USB DAC

For audio lovers who prefer to connect an external Hi-Fi USB DAC, the media player is equipped with a dedicated USB audio output port. This USB port has a special hardware design and uses special components to filter out electrical noise. This helps to minimise noise transfer from the media player to the USB DAC and improve sound quality. A gold-plated connector prevents oxidation and ensures perfect contact over time.

Dual 3.5" HDD racks

You can easily install two 3.5" SATA HDDs into the media player using specially designed vibration-isolated HDD racks, with support for 32 TB and more per drive and 64 TB and more of total media storage. HDD hot swap is supported, and no tools are needed for HDD installation. Installed HDDs can also be accessed from the local network via the built-in SMB file server. You can also install 2.5" SSD/HDDs using 2.5"-to-3.5" adapters (not included). Details: https://dune-hd.com/hdd25

Dual HDMI outputs

Two separate HDMI outputs for video and audio allow optimal signal paths, ensuring maximum performance from each component in your home theater system, especially in setups where the TV supports newer HDMI standards than the AV receiver.

Dual HDMI inputs

Two independent HDMI inputs allow integration of additional HDMI sources with shared audio/video outputs and advanced audio splitting. Each input supports up to 8Kp60 HDR, 4Kp60 Dolby Vision, 4Kp120, all HD audio formats up to DTS:X, and HDCP 2.3, with video+audio passthrough to the HDMI1 output and audio extraction to the HDMI2 output (audio-only) and S/PDIF. Stereo PCM audio from HDMI inputs can also be processed by the built-in DAC and output through the Hi-Fi analog audio outputs.

Built-in advanced 8K HDMI switching

The media player integrates a reference-class 8K HDMI switching and audio splitting engine, built on the same hardware platform as the well-known HDFury 8K VRROOM video processor (a $549-class device). This integrated engine delivers professional-grade 8K HDMI switching and advanced audio splitting, eliminating the need for a separate HDMI switch or splitter.

New line of cutting-edge 8K media players from Dune HD

The new flagship 8K line is based on the high-end S928X media processor, has full 8K support, very powerful hardware and various other advantages. At the same time, this line keeps the most important features of RTD1619DR models (except BD3D). Top picture quality, Dolby Vision VS10 technology, full support for all formats of HD audio, advanced support for playback of Dolby Vision files, support for full menu in ISO images and disc structures.

High-End S928X media processor with 8K, AV1, VS10

The media player uses the high-end version of the S928X media processor with Dolby Vision VS10 engine. It is the most powerful and the most advanced media processor from Amlogic. It gives outstanding picture quality, supports true 8Kp60 decoding and true 8Kp60 output, includes the new AV1 video codec, and has top performance overall.

Full 8K video support

8K is a next-generation video format, which offers 4 times as many pixels as 4K. 8K format gives the most immersive viewing experience and delivers a truly smooth and crisp image. The media player supports both 8Kp60 HDR video decoding and 8Kp60 HDR video output. The media player can downscale 8K content to any resolution and upscale any content to 8K resolution. YouTube 8K HDR is supported.

AV1 video codec

The media player supports the new AV1 video codec, which helps to get up to 50% video quality improvement without increasing video bitrate (or requires up to 50% lower bitrate for the same video quality). This new video codec is already used by YouTube and will be increasingly important for compatibility with various video services and content sources.

Top performance

The media player has a very powerful CPU and GPU. The CPU includes four 2.0 GHz ARM A55 cores, a "big" 1.9 GHz ARM A76 core (with very high performance), and also an extra core for system needs. The resulting CPU performance is up to 2x higher than in RTD1619DR. GPU has been upgraded to Mali G57. Combined with super-fast LPDDR4X and super-fast eMMC, this gives blazing fast overall system performance. Total Antutu score exceeds 300,000 points, which is significantly more than in the previous generation media players. The Android TV module uses a separate quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor.

12 GB operating memory

The media player features a total of 12 GB of operating memory: 8 GB for the main 8K platform and 4 GB for the Android TV hardware module. The memory of the Android TV module is fully isolated, ensuring that running streaming services does not affect the performance of the main system. The main system, powered by a 64-bit kernel, efficiently utilizes its 8 GB of RAM for caching system and apps code and data, delivering high performance even in the most demanding scenarios. Apps launch, run, and switch faster, while the increased memory available for graphics caching further enhances the smoothness of the user interface.

96 GB flash memory

The media player provides a total of 96 GB of built-in flash storage: 64 GB for the main 8K platform and 32 GB for the Android TV hardware module. The dedicated 32 GB for Android TV ensures sufficient space for app installation and smooth operation of streaming services without affecting the main system. The 64 GB of the main system provides large storage capacity for demanding applications, system data (such as movie posters and media library metadata), as well as internal storage for various user needs. For example, you can store media files in the internal storage and share them across your local network via the built-in SMB file server.

Dolby Vision and HDR10+

The media player supports not only HDR technology, but also the most advanced Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats. In conventional HDR technology, the brightness range is set at the beginning of the film and does not change during the film, so completely dark and completely bright scenes may have insufficient detail. In the latest Dolby Vision and HDR10+ technologies, the brightness range can vary from frame to frame, so the maximum picture detail is provided even in scenes that contain only dark or only light elements.

Dolby Vision VS10 video processor

The advanced Dolby Vision VS10 video processing engine ensures maximum image quality when playing any type of content (SDR, HDR, Dolby Vision) with any type of video output signal (SDR, HDR, Dolby Vision). In particular, it improves the quality of conversion between Dolby Vision, HDR, and SDR. This gives benefits even when using the media player with TVs that do not support Dolby Vision, including Plasma TVs, and especially when using projectors.

Dolby Vision for HDR Projectors

The media player allows Dolby Vision to be used even with HDR projectors that do not have native Dolby Vision support. A special advanced LLDV-HDR mode performs full Dolby Vision processing and outputs the image in a format that can be correctly displayed by an HDR projector. This is especially beneficial for high-end HDR projectors and can often deliver a higher level of image quality. Previously, similar functionality typically required a dedicated external HDMI processor.

Advanced Dolby Vision Tuning

The media player allows Dolby Vision to be used even with HDR projectors that do not have native Dolby Vision support. A special advanced LLDV-HDR mode performs full Dolby Vision processing and outputs the image in a format that can be correctly displayed by an HDR projector. This is especially beneficial for high-end HDR projectors and can often deliver a higher level of image quality. Previously, similar functionality typically required a dedicated external HDMI processor.

Dolby Vision profile 7 FEL

The media player supports direct playback of Dolby Vision profile 7 FEL double-track and double-layer files. This is the most advanced Dolby Vision format. The media player plays video in this format using information from both tracks/layers. The most important Dolby Vision information from the second track/layer (Dolby Vision RPU metadata) is transmitted to TV together with video data from the first track/layer. The passed video data uses 10-bit color depth - the maximum color depth supported by OLED panels in OLED TVs, i.e. this fully uses the capabilities of OLED TVs. Combined with the full use of Dolby Vision metadata this gives an excellent Dolby Vision picture on the TV screen.

Widest support for Dolby Vision file formats

Dolby Vision is supported for all popular file formats (MKV, MP4, TS, M2TS, ISO, movie folder structure). All popular Dolby Vision profiles (P5, P7 MEL and FEL, P8) are supported. The media player supports the largest number of Dolby Vision file format variations of any media player.

Playback of Dolby Vision ISO/folder structures

The media player supports direct playback of movie ISO/folder structures in Dolby Vision format (MEL and FEL). The extended Dolby Vision information is used and transmitted to the TV to improve the picture quality. This is possible due to the unique video playback and output engine created by Dune HD.

Full support for HD audio

The media player can output all formats of HD audio (up to Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X) to HDMI in bitstream passthrough mode. Additionally, the media player can decode all formats of HD audio to multichannel PCM (up to 7.1 channels).

Audio playback with original sample rate and native DSD

The media player plays high-quality music files while preserving the original sample rate. PCM from 44.1 to 192 kHz is supported via HDMI and S/PDIF. The built-in DAC and external USB DACs support stereo PCM up to 768 kHz and native stereo DSD up to DSD512.

Multichannel DSD and other advanced music formats

You can play music in various advanced formats, including multichannel FLAC, WavPack, APE, ALAC and even multichannel Super Audio CD (SACD). SACD music files, encoded using the advanced DSD audio codec, are supported in all popular formats (ISO, DFF, DSF), including both stereo and multichannel files, including files which use the DST compression. Multichannel DSD files can be output to HDMI as multichannel PCM. Stereo DSD files can be output to HDMI and S/PDIF as stereo PCM.

Audio Disc Images and CUE Sheet Support

The media player supports audio disc images and CUE Sheets for various music file formats. Both external CUE files and embedded CUE Sheets are supported. Gapless playback is also available, allowing concert recordings, concept albums, and other continuous musical programs to be played without pauses between tracks.

DLNA Streaming for Hi-Res Audio

The media player can operate as a DLNA renderer, allowing Hi-Res music to be conveniently streamed over the network from a smartphone, computer, or music server and played through the media player’s available audio outputs in high quality. When using the Hi-Fi audio path, the original audio is transmitted from the source to the DAC in bit-perfect form, without unnecessary processing, ensuring the highest possible sound quality.

New Audio Player Interface

The redesigned and more user-friendly audio player interface provides better-organized playback information, switchable display modes, selectable backgrounds, a graphical spectrum analyzer, and expanded control capabilities through the Dune Control mobile app.

Maximum flexibility for Android apps

You can run Android apps both on the main 8K system, featuring more powerful hardware and advanced configuration options, and on the dedicated Android TV hardware module. The Android TV module provides official platform certification and full compatibility with streaming services. Install and use apps freely on either system depending on your needs. Both systems are seamlessly integrated into a single unified user interface, delivering a smooth and intuitive user experience.

Vibration-isolated HDD racks

Each HDD rack uses a special vibration-isolation design that mechanically decouples the HDD from the chassis. The rack is completely isolated from direct contact with the chassis and mounted using special anti-vibration dampers. This significantly reduces the transmission of HDD vibrations to the chassis and minimizes operating noise.

Entire case as a heatsink for super-efficient silent cooling

The S928X processor is a very powerful processor. It needs very efficient cooling to achieve the maximum performance without any slowdown. The media player implements the best passive cooling approach, which uses the entire metal case as a huge heatsink. Heat is very efficiently transferred from the processor directly to the metal case via special heat transfer elements.

Premium 120 mm fan for extra HDD cooling

Besides the passive cooling solution, the media player also has a silent fan, which helps to ensure HDD longevity under maximum loads. The fan is a well-known 120 mm premium ultra-silent fan from Noctua.

Other key advantages over competitors

Best-in-class movie ISO/folder structure playback

Dune HD media players have the best-in-class support for playback of movie ISO/folder structures, including full support for disc menu, 4K, DV, HDR10+, HDR10, HD audio. Movie ISO/folder structures can be played from any source - local drive (USB, SATA) or network drive (SMB, NFS). A special engine helps to ensure smooth playback of the entire movie w/o any audio/video interruptions even when playing movies with complicated structure.

Automatic framerate/resolution switching

The media player can automatically switch output framerate and resolution to match the played content. This helps to ensure absolutely smooth video playback and use the best way for video resolution upscaling (resolution upscaling by the media player or by the TV).

Flicker-free framerate/resolution switching

Dune HD media players implement their own advanced flicker-free approach for automatic framerate and resolution switching, which performs video mode switching before the start of file playback (rather than after). Most other media players perform video mode switching after the start of file playback, which causes unpleasant flickering.

Widevine L1 for premium video services

Support for Widevine Level 1 DRM (the most advanced DRM level) makes it possible to watch premium online video services with HD and Ultra HD video quality. Media players without Widevine Level 1 support can only output low quality (standard definition) video in many such services.

Linux-based Dune HD OS

The main 8K system of the media player runs on a unique hybrid platform that combines the Linux-based Dune HD OS (for stable operation and smooth media playback) with Android OS (for support of Android apps). Both operate simultaneously and complement each other.

Optimized Android

Android on the main 8K system is optimized for maximum performance and flexibility, without the constraints typically associated with certified platforms. The player does not create unnecessary Android folders on connected hard drives. System performance is not affected by Android file indexing on connected storage devices.

Dune HD Android Playback Accelerator technology

This unique technology intelligently manages the resources of Android OS to minimize the influence of Android OS on the media playback engine and ensure smooth and high-quality video and audio playback.

Dune HD ecosystem

Based on the open Dune HD SDK and APIs, various TV-optimized apps, plugins, extensions, GUI skins, collection management solutions, integrations with home automation systems are available via official Dune Store, third-party vendors, and from the large user community.

Dune HD UI

The famous Dune HD UI, developed and polished for more than 15 years, specially optimized for use on TV screens and operation via a standard remote control, tuned for the best possible usability, makes it easy and convenient to use the media player.

Dune HD movies organizer and movies encyclopedia

“My Collection” function organizes a user's movie collection into a nice-looking catalog. A comprehensive movies encyclopedia provides information about hundreds of thousands of movies with detailed descriptions, posters, cross-links between movies and persons, trailers, direct links to online video services, etc. The advanced file browser automatically recognizes movies.

Dune HD mobile app

The unique Dune HD mobile app (Dune Control) for iOS and Android mobile devices provides full access to all functions of the Dune HD media player in a very convenient and powerful way. It fully replaces the standard IR remote control, allows browsing and choosing the media content directly on your mobile device (the menu shown on the mobile device mirrors the menu shown on the TV screen), and includes a Now Playing section for convenient media playback control.

Smart home

The media player provides a powerful IP control interface that enables integration with smart home and home automation systems.

Proven history of software updates during a very long period

Dune HD is known for listening to user feedback and providing software updates for many years. For example, for some old models, software updates with additional functions have been provided for more than 10 years already. This is possible due to the unique "single code base" approach, which means that firmware for all Dune HD models is based on the same software (continuously developed and improved based on user feedback).

Other key features

1 Gbit Ethernet

Ensures fast data transfer and smooth playback of high-bitrate video when using a wired connection to the home network.

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 standard provides better wireless performance and better wireless range, when using a wireless connection to the home network.

Built-in Bluetooth 5.2

The built-in Bluetooth interface allows you to easily connect various remote controls, wireless keyboards, mice, joysticks, audio speakers, headphones, headsets and other devices. The new Bluetooth version 5.2 improves performance and compatibility.

Bluetooth remote with microphone, IR learning, Air Mouse, backlight, IR mode

The included Bluetooth remote controls the media player via a radio channel, includes a microphone (for voice search in apps which support it), and has an IR learning function (allows you to configure the remote control to control not only a media player, but also a TV or other equipment). The Air Mouse function allows convenient control of Android apps not optimized for controlling via a conventional remote. The remote has a configurable backlight (can be set to 3 brightness levels or switched off). The remote supports Bluetooth and IR modes (can be manually switched into IR mode if needed).

Additional Android TV Remote

Expands control capabilities and is used for the initial setup of the Android TV system. Connects via Bluetooth and features a built-in microphone for voice search. The remote can also use an IR channel to control a TV or A/V receiver.

IR control

The media player has a built-in IR receiver and can also be controlled by IR commands. This means you can use a third-party programmable or learnable remote of your choice to control the media player, or integrate the media player with your smart home via IR. For example, you can integrate the media player with a smart speaker by using an IR emitter device controlled by the smart speaker.

Front panel display

During file playback, the display shows the current playback position. Also it can show the current time. Display mode can be adjusted in the menu.

Notes

HDFury is a trademark of its respective owner. Reference is made for comparison of hardware class only.

Specifications

Hardware

Media processor: Amlogic S928X-K/J (main system), Amlogic S905X4-K (Android TV)

Operating memory: Total 12 GB (8 GB – main system, 4 GB - Android TV)

Flash memory: Total 96 GB (64 GB – main system, 32 GB – Android TV)

Ethernet: 10/100/1000 Mbit/s

Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6), Dual Band 2.4+5 GHz, 2T2R

Bluetooth: 5.2

USB ports: 2x USB 3.0 host (main system), 1x USB 3.0 ATV port (Android TV, for service and special needs)

Built-in HDD racks: 2x 3.5" SATA HDD, each HDD up to 32 TB and more, hot swap, vibration isolation

HDMI1 output: Main output (video + audio), HDMI 2.1a up to 8Kp60 HDR / 4Kp60 Dolby Vision, experimental support for 120 Hz (up to 4Kp120), full support for all formats of HD audio (up to Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X)

HDMI2 output: Audio-only output, HDMI 1.4, full support for all formats of HD audio (up to Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X)

HDMI inputs: 2x HDMI inputs, HDMI 2.1a up to 8Kp60 HDR / 4Kp60 Dolby Vision / 120 Hz (up to 4Kp120), full support for all formats of HD audio (up to Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X), HDCP 2.3, video + audio passthrough to HDMI1 output, audio extraction to HDMI2 output, audio extraction to S/PDIF and analog audio output

Coaxial S/PDIF audio output: Basic digital audio output (from the main system, Android TV system, HDMI inputs, Bluetooth); supports stereo PCM up to 192/24 and compressed multichannel audio formats (Dolby Digital, DTS)

Optical S/PDIF audio output: Basic digital audio output (from the main system, Android TV system, HDMI inputs, Bluetooth); supports stereo PCM up to 192/24 and compressed multichannel audio formats (Dolby Digital, DTS)

USB audio output: One of the USB ports is optimized for connecting an external USB DAC (includes advanced noise filtering to minimize noise transfer from the media player to the external DAC) (supports audio output from the main system)

Front panel display: Multi-segment LED display HH:MM:SS; additional indicators for system status, active input source (media player / HDMI IN 1 / HDMI IN 2), active system (main system / Android TV), active audio input (optical / coaxial / Bluetooth)

Front panel power button: Yes

Front panel input selection button: Yes, selects the active input source (media player, HDMI IN 1, HDMI IN 2)

IR receiver: Built-in IR receiver, supports Dune HD IR codes and Google IR codes

IR input port: For connecting external IR receiver (included); 3.5 mm minijack, T-R-S: 5V-IR-GND, L=14.5 mm (→ details)

Antennas: 2x external Wi-Fi antennas (detachable) + 2x external BT antennas (non-detachable)

Remote: Bluetooth remote with microphone (voice search), Air Mouse, IR learning, backlight, IR mode

Case: Full-sized (43 cm), all-aluminum, brushed aluminum front panel

Cooling: Passive (entire case as a super-efficient heatsink) and active (120 mm premium ultra-silent fan from Noctua for extra HDD cooling)

Dedicated chassis ground connector: Yes

Built-in power supply: Power supply with two shielded toroidal transformers and linear regulation; the transformers are fully independent: one powers the main digital system, the other powers the DAC section

Power input: AC ~220-240/110-120V, 50/60Hz

Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 mm x 128 mm x 358 mm

DAC

Built-in DAC: 2x ESS ES9038PRO (dual mono)

Op-amps: MUSES02 + AD826 (for RCA and XLR outputs), OPA1622 (for headphones)

DAC sources: Main system, Android TV system, HDMI inputs (stereo PCM), S/PDIF inputs (stereo PCM), Bluetooth audio input

DAC audio formats: Stereo PCM up to 768 kHz, native DSD up to DSD512 (when playing audio on the main system)

Hi-Fi coaxial S/PDIF input: Stereo PCM up to 192 kHz; audio output to the built-in DAC

Hi-Fi optical S/PDIF input: Stereo PCM up to 192 kHz; audio output to the built-in DAC

Bluetooth audio input: Supports audio streaming from mobile devices and other Bluetooth sources; supports advanced audio codecs such as LDAC and aptX HD; supports audio output to the built-in DAC; additionally supports audio output to the basic coaxial and optical S/PDIF outputs and to HDMI

Hi-Fi RCA analog stereo audio output: Audio output from the built-in DAC; 2.0/1.0/0.5/0.25 Vrms

Hi-Fi XLR balanced analog stereo audio output: Audio output from the built-in DAC; 4.0/2.0/1.0/0.5 Vrms

Hi-Fi 6.35 mm headphone audio output: Audio output from the built-in DAC; 2.0/1.0/0.5/0.25 Vrms; up to 600 Ohm

Hi-Fi coaxial S/PDIF audio output: Audio output from XMOS; stereo PCM up to 192 kHz

XMOS audio processor: XMOS XU-316; audio output from the main system only; audio transmission to the built-in DAC and Hi-Fi S/PDIF; reclocking

Clock generators: Separate dedicated high-precision clock generators for sample rates based on 44.1 and 48 kHz (45.1584 MHz for 44.1 kHz and 49.152 MHz for 48 kHz)

DAC clocking modes: Standard ASYNC mode, advanced SYNC mode (can be chosen in setup menu)

DAC galvanic isolation: Full galvanic isolation of the DAC from other parts of the media player (including power, data and control lines)

DAC analog path: No coupling capacitors in the signal path; low-noise resistors with 0.1% tolerance are used

DAC power: Dedicated toroidal transformer; fully linear power with multi-stage ultra-low-noise LDOs; a separate group of linear ultra-low-noise regulators is used for each ES9038PRO chip; separate ultra-low-noise linear regulators are installed for the operational amplifiers of the right and left channels; Panasonic OS-CON SEPF polymer capacitors are used in the regulator circuits of the digital section, and Nichicon MUSE Fine Gold audiophile capacitors are used in the analog path power supply

Video

8K video decoding: Yes, up to 8Kp60 HDR; 8K content can be downscaled to 4K, 1080p or lower output resolution

8K video output: Yes, up to 8Kp60 HDR; any content can be upscaled to 8K output resolution

Video decoding: AV1, VP9 profile 2, H.265 (HEVC), H.264 (AVC), VC1, MPEG4, MPEG2, MPEG1

HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Dolby Vision VS10 engine: Yes

Dolby Vision playback: Profiles 5, 7 (MEL and FEL), 8; various containers (ISO, movie folder structure, MKV, MP4, M2TS); DTDL (double-track double-layer), STDL (single-track double-layer), STSL (single-track single-layer). Double-track/double-layer video (profile 7 MEL, profile 7 FEL) is played with the use of data from both tracks/layers: video data from the first track/layer (with 10-bit color depth - the maximum color depth supported by OLED panels in OLED TVs), extended Dolby Vision information (RPU metadata) from the second track/layer

Dolby Vision output: LLDV (Low Latency Dolby Vision / Player-led Dolby Vision), STD DV (Standard Dolby Vision / TV-led Dolby Vision)

Manual preference for LLDV or STD DV: Yes

HDR mode (SDR/HDR/DV) switching: manual and automatic (according to played content)

Framerates: all standard framerates including 23.976, 24.0, 25.0, 29.97, 30.0, 59.94, 60.0; experimental support for 120 Hz output

Framerate and resolution switching: manual and automatic (according to played content)

Video upscaling and downscaling: Yes

3D video support: Side-by-Side, Top-and-Bottom (TV requires manual switching into 3D mode)

Video file formats: MKV, MPEG-TS, MPEG-PS, M2TS, VOB, AVI, MOV, MP4, QT, ASF, WMV, ISO, movie folder structures

BD playback: Lite (direct video playback without menu), Full Menu

DVD-Video playback: Lite (direct video playback without menu), Full Menu

Audio

Bitstream passthrough: bitstream passthrough of all Dolby/DTS formats (up to Dolby TrueHD Atmos and DTS:X)

Decoding of Dolby/DTS formats: multichannel decoding (up to 7.1 channels) of all Dolby/DTS formats (up to Dolby TrueHD Atmos and DTS:X)

Audio decoding: MPEG-1/2 layer I/II/III, AAC, LPCM, FLAC, multichannel FLAC, Vorbis, WavPack, APE (Monkey's Audio), ALAC (Apple lossless), SACD DSD (stereo and multichannel) (supports output of decoded multichannel DSD as multichannel PCM to HDMI), multichannel PCM (up to 7.1), all Dolby/DTS formats (up to Dolby TrueHD Atmos and DTS:X)

Audio file formats: MP3, MPA, M4A, AAC, WAV, FLAC, Ogg/Vorbis, WavPack, APE (Monkey's Audio), ALAC (Apple lossless), SACD ISO (stereo and multichannel), SACD DSF (stereo and multichannel), SACD DFF (stereo and multichannel), AC3, DTS, DTS-WAV

PCM audio output: original sample rate (44.1 to 192 kHz)

Other Features

Subtitle formats: SRT (external), SUB (MicroDVD) (external), text (MKV), SSA/ASS (MKV, external), VobSub (MP4, MKV, external SUB/IDX), PGS (ISO, TS, MKV)

Online subtitles: Automatically download subtitles from the Internet

Picture file formats: JPEG, PNG, BMP

Photo viewer functions: Slideshow, transition effects, picture rotation, zoom, view playlist, repeat, shuffle

Playlist file formats: M3U, PLS, CUE

Playlist functions: Build playlist from selected folders and files, build playlist from selected playlist files, view playlist file, view current playlist, quickly jump to next/previous or selected playlist item, repeat, shuffle, playlist of photo files, playlist of audio files, playlist of video files, mixed playlist of audio and video files

SMB client: Browse SMB servers/shares, manually connect to SMB share, directly access (read-write) and play files (SMB v1/2/3)

NFS client: Browse NFS servers/shares, manually connect to NFS share, directly access (read-write) and play files

SMB server: Share connected storage devices (internal HDD, USB HDD) and internal flash memory to local network via SMB protocol (SMB v1/2/3)

DLNA renderer: Stream audio from smartphones and other devices

iOS and Android mobile apps: Control the media player via the powerful Dune Control mobile app

IP control: Use the built-in IP Control interface to integrate the media player into Smart Home and Home Automation systems

OS and Apps

OS: Linux-based Dune HD software platform + Android 11 AOSP (main system), Android TV 14

OS kernel: 64-bit

Android apps: 32-bit

Support for HDDs larger than 16 TB: Yes

Filesystems: FAT16/FAT32 (read-write), EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 (read-write), NTFS (read-write), exFAT (read-write), HFS/HFS+ (Mac OS Standard/Extended) (read-only), BTRFS (read-write)

Widevine DRM: Widevine L1

Google Android TV certification: Yes (Android TV system)

Netflix certification: Yes (Android TV system)

Functions requiring Internet connection: Some functions may require Internet connection to verify Dune HD license. The set of functions which require Internet connection may change across firmware versions.

Package Contents

Media player x1

Wi-Fi antenna x2

Bluetooth remote x1

Additional Android TV remote x1

Batteries AAA x2

PC power cord EU plug x1

PC power cord US plug x1

PC power cord UK plug x1

PC power cord AU plug x1

HDMI cable 8K Ultra High Speed x1

IR extender x1

Quick installation guide x1

19" rack mounting brackets x2

Set of screws for 19" rack mounting brackets x1

Notes

Some of the listed features may not be available in the factory firmware and may require installing a firmware update.

The support for particular media formats and codecs and playback functions may depend on the app used; some formats and codecs and playback functions may be supported only in specific apps and may require installing a specific app.

Compatibility of the player with particular media content (files, streams, etc) may depend on specifics of media content encoding, specifics of the configuration of the player and player-connected equipment, and other factors; compatibility of the player with arbitrary media content is not guaranteed.

Compatibility of the player with particular apps (Dune HD plugins or Android apps) may depend on specifics of the app, particular usage scenario, and other factors; compatibility of the player with arbitrary apps is not guaranteed.

Compatibility of the player with particular equipment (A/V equipment, network equipment, storage devices, etc) may depend on particular equipment model, specifics of equipment installation, specifics of the configuration of the player and equipment, and other factors; compatibility of the player with arbitrary equipment is not guaranteed.

Product images may be imprecise and may have some differences in comparison with the real look of the product.

Accuracy of the information is not guaranteed; the information is subject to change w/o notice.

DUNE HD Interface

Famous Dune HD interface: convenient and smooth interface optimized for TV screens and remote controls, developed and polished for many years; now even smoother than before and with additional features

Direct network access: directly browse and play files stored on a PC or NAS in the local network via SMB or NFS

My Collection: organize your movies and TV series into a nice-looking and convenient catalog

Movies catalog: find any movies, even those which are not in your collection, via a common unified catalog with detailed movie descriptions, trailers and cross-references between movies and persons

Direct links to online video services: quickly start watching a movie via connected video services directly from the movies catalog

Automatic movie recognition: easily view movie descriptions and find related movies when browsing your movies in the file browser

Advanced file manager: easily manage (copy, move, delete, rename, organize, sort) files directly in the file browser

Favorites menu: easily access your favorite items: files, folders, movies, persons, apps, etc

Auto start: configure which favorite item to open automatically on player boot

Recent menu: see what you played recently and easily resume the playback or switch between latest items

TV browser: watch TV channels (Internet TV, when configured) via a convenient Dune HD TV Browser

Extended EPG: when watching TV channels, see extended EPG information automatically downloaded from the Internet (when available for a TV channel)

Links to Movies catalog from Extended EPG: easily view movie descriptions and find related movies, watch trailers, watch movies via connected online video services

Playlists: build playlists from selected items and folders or load playlists from files

Customizable user interface: enjoy a variety of user interface skins and customization options and Jukebox apps

Jukebox apps: use various third-party Jukebox apps to organize your media collection into a convenient user interface

Dune HD apps: easily install various apps and plugins with additional functionality from Dune Store or third parties

Plugins and extensions: full support for Dune HD PHP plugins API, Dune HD skins, dune_folder.txt mechanism

Android apps: install any Android apps via App Store or from an APK file, and launch them directly from Dune HD interface

Background playback: play music, radio, TV channel or video in background while navigating through any menus of Dune HD interface or even when using any Android apps

Internet browser: browse the Internet on your TV, including playing videos directly on websites (various web browsers can be installed via App Store or from an APK file)

Dune HD Ultra 8K