Yamaha HDMI 1.3a Receivers

[McBain]

Press release:

YAMAHA BRINGS HDMI 1.3a SUPPORT AND FULL HD AUDIO FORMAT CAPABILITY TO LATEST 7.1 CHANNEL A/V HOME THEATER RECEIVERS

—High-Performance Receivers at More Affordable Prices Raise the Bar with Exclusive Cinema DSP Processing, 1080p Upscaling and iPod Connectivity; Ethernet Connection (RX-V3800)—

August 6, 2007 -- BUENA PARK, Calif. -- Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today introduced two new best-in-class 7.1 channel A/V digital home theater receivers, the RX-V3800 (140w x 7; $1,699.95 MSRP) and the RX-V1800 (130w x 7; $1,299.95 MSRP). Offering unsurpassed home theater audio and video realism, both models feature full HD audio format capability, including lossless Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound, Yamaha's acclaimed Cinema DSP processing engine, video upscaling to 1080p, and support of the latest HDMI 1.3a specification. Both models are compatible with the Apple iPod, via an optional docking station (YDS-10), and allow playback of XM Satellite Radio's standard and XM HD Surround content. The receivers will be on display at Yamaha's booth (#450) throughout CEDIA Expo 2007, taking place September 5-9, 2007 in Denver, Colorado.

The RX-V3800 also features an Ethernet connection, enabling consumers to access Internet radio stations, music files stored on a PC and the company's premier MusicCAST audio system server (MCX-2000), providing access to as many as 40,000 songs that can be stored on that system. Offering seamless integration with any sources connected by the Ethernet port, as well as with an iPod and XM Satellite Radio, the RX-V3800 enables users to navigate their content via well-designed graphical user interfaces that are optimized for display on HDTV monitors.

Both models offer full support of HD audio format signals including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital TrueHD, HDT-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as surround sound processing with the enhanced capability of Yamaha's exclusive Cinema DSP. Content with 5.1-channel audio is augmented by two front "presence” channels that expand the soundfield upward and outward. The RX-V3800 features 3D Cinema DSP which gives the sound field an extra vertical dimension for more realistic sound images via the two front presence speakers.

Both models support the latest HDMI standard, HDMI 1.3a, unleashing the stunning quality of 30- and 36-bit color depths. Colors are so vivid they seem to jump off the screen with perfectly smooth transitions and ultra-fine gradations. Both receivers have four HDMI inputs, allowing users to connect a variety of high-definition sources such as Blu-ray and HD-DVD players.

Analog video sources are upconverted, enabling their signal to be routed to a connected HDTV through the HDMI output cable. What's more, both receivers harness Anchor Bay Technology's ABT1010 chip to provide video upscaling from 480i or 480p, to resolutions up to 1080p. As a result, users have a true high-definition experience even when viewing sources such as DVDs. A 120Hz refresh rate is supported to accommodate new, reduced flicker LCD TVs. Moreover, 1080p/24Hz compatibility provides optimal performance with Blu-ray Discs and compliant displays. Auto Lip-Sync Compensation prevents sync issues sometimes associated with transmitting video and audio via HDMI.

Additional features for high quality audio performance include Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART design which simplifies the signal path and eliminates noise sources to ensure superior audio and video performance. Activating the receivers' Pure Direct functionality protects the signal additionally by further shortening its path, bypassing all DSP circuitry and cutting power to non-essential functions such as the front-panel display. High Current Amplification allows the amplifiers to drive all types of speakers with pure, robust sound. Also included are discrete low-noise power supplies, Burr-Brown 192kHz/24bit DACs, large arch-shaped heat sinks, low jitter PLL circuitry for SPIDF signals, and all-new, ultra-rigid vibration damping chassis design.

Both models connect easily to Apple iPods via an optional iPod docking station (Yamaha YDS-10; SRP $99.95). Once docked, the iPod can be operated (song selection, play, etc.) via the receivers' remote controls. A one cable connection allows users to view the iPod's video, pictures and operating status (song title, artist, etc.) on a television monitor. In addition, docked iPods are automatically charged so they're always ready for a road trip. The RX-V3800 also has a front panel USB port to for quick and easy connections of other portable audio devices.

Playback of XM HD Surround from XM Satellite Radio, which delivers audio programming in full 5.1 channel surround sound (XM Ch. 76 and 113), as well as content from the company's 160-plus standard service channels, is achieved via an optional service subscription and XM Mini Tuner. Neural Surround(TM) technology enhances the experience of XM HD Surround, delivering a detailed sound stage with superior 5.1 channel separation. Yamaha's proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology compensates for the lost detail of audio that is compressed during the "ripping” process, recapturing the essence of the original recording.

The Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) simplifies the home theater setup process by automatically analyzing room acoustics and setting parameters for optimum sound quality at the touch of a button.

The RX-V3800 and the RX-V1800 offer flexible system configuration options, as the 7.1 channels can be used to create an immersive surround sound environment in a single room, or the seven internal power amplifiers can be allocated to a main room and up to two additional zones. The RX-V3800 offers the extra capability of outputting video to a second zone simultaneously with the main room. A dedicated zone remote and RS-232C interface allow both receivers to be easily integrated into custom installations.

For more information, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90620; telephone (714) 522-9105; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/home.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Electronics Corporation (YEC), USA, based in Buena Park, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation of America. YEC offers industry-leading home theater components and systems, featuring A/V receivers, amplifiers, DVD/CD players, speakers, mini-systems, home-theater-in-a-box (HTiB)pre-matched systems and the company's exclusive Digital Sound Projectors (single component surround sound solutions), as well as A/V & IT convergence products.

[bda4life]

I am salivating. I was wondering when Yamaha would offer HDMI 1.3 receivers with the latest audio abilities.

[JTK]

When are these due out?

[Footloose301]

Well they won't be on display until early September, so we've got awhile. I'm guessing around Christmas.

[JayAuritt]

Well, they lost my business 2 months ago. I was jonesing for an hdmi 1.3 yamaha receiver - I've had 3 yamaha receivers in the past and swore by the company. BUT, they dragged their feet too long for me - I bought the Onkyo 805 in frustration and I'm extremely happy with it. So, Yamaha lost me as a customer for good.

[McBain]

Press release:

YAMAHA UNVEILS LONG AWAITED FLAGSHIP 11.2-CHANNEL RX-Z11 RECEIVER, DESIGNED FOR THE NEW HIGH DEFINITION ERA

—Model Features Outstanding Surround Sound Realism, Refined CinemaDSPHD3,Industry-First THX Ultra2 Plus Certification, Full HDMI 1.3a Capabilities, Network Compatibility, Extensive Custom Installation/Multi-Zone Features and Support for HD Audio Surround Format, HD Radio, iPod and XM HD Surround—

August 6, 2007 -- BUENA PARK, Calif. -- Yamaha, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today announced the introduction of its flagship 11.2 channel digital AV receiver (140W x 7 + 50W x 4: $5,499.95 MSRP). Designed to deliver the ultimate audio and video quality of content from diverse sources, the RX-Z11 offers seamless operation and unprecedented multi-zone options for high end home entertainment installations. The RX-Z11, which will ship in November, will be demonstrated at Yamaha's CEDIA Expo 2007 booth (#450), September 6-9, 2007, in Denver, Colorado.

The RX-Z11's 11.2 channel speaker setting provides a new level of surround sound realism by applying newly redesigned Yamaha proprietary Cinema DSP HD3 processing. CinemaDSP HD3 utilizes the front and rear presence speakers' algorithms to achieve the 3-D surround sound height realism.

The new RX-Z11supports the latest HD Audio Surround formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, 30/36bit Deep Color, xvYCC, 120 and 24Hz refresh rates and Auto Lip-sync. The RX-Z11 features 5 HDMI inputs – including one on the front panel – and two HDMI outputs, as well as analog to HDMI 1080p upscaling and HDMI Audio upconversion.

The RX-Z11's network capabilities (including Windows Vista OS [WMP 11] and Microsoft PlaysForSure support) greatly increases the number of entertainment sources beyond the norm, including the playback of music (MP3, WMA, WAV and AAC files) stored on a PC or NAS drive with media server functionality and Internet radio with MP3 support. The RX-Z11 can also act as a remote client to Yamaha's premiere MusicCAST music distribution system, such as MCX-2000.

A USB interface, which adheres to the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), provides two USB inputs (one front, one rear) for playback of MP3, WMA, WAV and AAC audio files from a portable player or USB drive. The rear USB port offers easy connectivity to an external HDD drive.

Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART circuitry isolates the digital, analog and video sections of the RX-Z11 and provides the shortest and most efficient signal routes for each. High Current Amplification circuitry achieves high current power with low impedance for superior amplifier performance.

To realize the ultimate in transparency, power and sonic richness, the RX-Z11 was developed with close attention to the details. It utilizes current feedback amplification, which requires less phase compensation and protects the audio signal from being adulterated, as opposed to the voltage feedback method, which is commonly employed by most other amplifiers. Further ensuring total realism, the RX-Z11's high-end circuitry keeps the frequency response consistent, even when the gain fluctuates.

The RX-Z11 seamlessly integrates HD Radio technology, which enables listeners to enjoy many additional options for free, enhanced-quality audio over the airwaves. Utilizing HD Radio, FM signals are elevated to CD-quality audio, while AM station signals sound more like FM radio, virtually eliminating any static or hiss. The receiver also displays HD Radio's transmission of content information, such as song titles, artist names and much more. Currently, more than 1,000 U.S. radio stations are broadcasting HD Radio content.

Yamaha's updated YPAO Sound Optimization system automatically analyzes the acoustics of the room and adjusts various speaker parameters to provide optimum sound quality at the listening position, including multi-point measurement (up to eight points) support and standing-wave reduction EQ, speaker layout measurement with included microphone base and the YPAO Easy Starter for instant system integration.

The RX-Z11 System Memory feature enables users to set up to 10 listening settings for the main zone, and four for each additional zone, for such variables as speaker configuration, YPAO automatic system calibration setup, HiFi and home theater listening, HDMI and overall zone.

The RX-Z11 connects easily to Apple iPods via an optional iPod docking station (Yamaha YDS-10; SRP $99.95). Once docked, the iPod can be operated (song selection, play, etc.) via the receiver's remote control. A one cable connection enables users to view the iPod's video, pictures and operating status (song title, artist, etc.) on a television monitor. In addition, the Yamaha YDS-10 will automatically charge the iPod so it's always ready for a road trip. The RX-Z11 is also XM satellite radio ready with XM HD Surround. Yamaha's updated proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology, which compensates for the lost detail of audio that is compressed during the "ripping” process, now processes multi-channel signals so all channels (rather than just two) are independently enhanced.

The RX-Z11 utilizes an intuitive on-screen GUI for navigating through menus and content from each source.

RX-Z11 Provides Unprecedented Custom Installation Flexibility

The RX-Z11's unprecedented versatility features a pre-amplifier mode that can disable the power amplifier circuitry and allow the internal pre-amp to be paired with an external, ultra high-end power amplifier, where the main zone pre-out passes a full 11.2 channels of audio, complete with the RX-Z11's full range of decoding, DSP and speaker configuration output. Even the most discriminating listeners who prefer one set of speakers for home theater and another for music can easily be accommodated by the RX-Z11.

Here is a sample of a few possible RX-Z11 custom installation scenarios:

• 11.2 channels in the main home theater/music room
• 11.2 channels in the main room with two additional fronts bi-wired
• 9.2 channels in the main room with the fronts bi-amped
• 7.2 channels in the main room, four channels in the second room and two channels in the third room using Intelligent Assign
• 7.2 channels in the main room, two channels in the second room, two channels in the third room and two channels in a fourth room using Intelligent Assign
• 5.2 channels in the main room, two channels in the second room, two channels in the third room and two channels in a fourth room
• 5.2 channels in the main room with the fronts bi-amped, two channels in the second room and two channels in the third room

Yamaha expanded the custom control capability of the RX-Z11 over a network so it now supports the Web Browser Control on a PC or PDA — or even a smart phone in the future — as well as on a touch-pad controller for local area or home networks. Users can also view a variety of information for iPods, XM or HD Radio via the Meta Data Display on the browser. This greatly extends the operational capabilities to easily control the many applications the unit makes available. For professional installers, the RX-Z11's Receiver Manager allows users to maintain full control of the unit via a well-organized interface on a PC. It also now uses the Ethernet connection offering higher speed operation than the RS-232C control.

For more information, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90620; telephone (714) 522-9105; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/home.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Electronics Corporation (YEC), USA, based in Buena Park, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation of America. YEC offers industry-leading home theater components and systems, featuring A/V receivers, amplifiers, DVD/CD players, speakers, mini-systems, home-theater-in-a-box (HTiB)pre-matched systems and the company's exclusive Digital Sound Projectors (single component surround sound solutions), as well as A/V & IT convergence products.

[bigpoppa]

$5,500 ouch!! i think the ONKYO NR905 is the best bang for the buck

[Deciazulado]

Ahh 5 front channels . olden 70mm 6-track nirvana?

[Deech]

You don't need HDMI 1.3 to get DDHD!

[Jodi]

Anyone going to Denver????

Jodi

[Jodi]

Originally Posted by JTK

When are these due out?

I'm working on that one.
All I can say so far is that the 1800, 2800 and 3800 are due out in the UK in Sept./Oct.
No date yet for the US.

Jodi