Yamaha Audio/Video Receiver Offers Unprecedented High End Features For Under $1,000

Model Delivers Pre-Set Listening Modes, HDMI 1080p Switching and UpConversion, Multi-Zone Operation, YPAO, iPod and XM Satellite Radio Features to a Wider Audience

April 27, 2007

Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, introduces its latest feature-laden, yet moderately- priced, home audio/video receiver, the RX-V861. Featuring four "Scene" pre-set listening modes, HDMI 1080p switching and up conversion, multi-zone operation, YPAO and iPod and XM Satellite Radio compatibility, this receiver will ship in May for a suggested retail price of $999.95. Offering video quality normally available on receivers at considerably higher price points, the RX-V861 has two High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) inputs and one HDMI output and can perform 1080p switching and video up conversion of composite, S-Video and component video to HDMI, component and S-Video. Via this connection, the receiver can also upscale low resolution 480i video to HD resolution (720p/1080i). The unit's On Screen Display is also output through HDMI. The RX-V861's HDMI also enables it to accept Multi-channel linear PCM audio output, such as decoded Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD signals from Blu-ray and HD DVD players, and receive high-resolution audio formats, such as DVD-Audio and SACD, through a convenient, single cable connection. Designed to maximize the audio experience at the touch of a button, the Scene Mode provides four customizable pre-set listening modes for enjoying TV, DVDs, CDs and the radio. The company's proprietary Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) technology and Optimizer Microphone simplify the home theater set-up process by automatically optimizing room acoustics via a parametric equalizer. The RX-V861 offers flexible system configuration options, as its 7.1 channels can be used to create an immersive surround sound environment in a single room, or 5.1 channel surround in one zone, and two-channel stereo in a second zone. The unit's IntelliAMP feature enables users to enjoy the full 7.1 channel system in the main room when the second zone is powered off. When the second zone (two-channel stereo) is on, the receiver automatically adjust to a 5.1 channel system for the first zone. The RX-V861 has easy access front panel Zone Control buttons. The RX-V861 connects easily to the Apple iPod via an optional iPod docking station (Yamaha YDS-10). Once docked, the iPod can be operated via the receivers' remote controls, and users can navigate the popular portable's audio and video content via an on-screen display on an entertainment system's TV or monitor. Video from a docked iPod can also be enjoyed on a big screen TV or monitor. Lastly, docked iPods are automatically charged so that they are ready to be taken on the go at all times. To restore the lost high and low frequency audio detail that occurs when music is being "ripped" or downloaded onto iPods and other portable players, the RX-V861 offers Yamaha's proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology. The result is a more natural sounding listening experience that better recreates the original music performance when experienced through home speakers. This receiver is also compatible with XM Satellite Radio and XM HD Surround content via optional XM Connect-and-Play home antennas and XM Satellite Radio subscriptions. XM HD Surround is powered by Neural Surround(TM), which delivers a detailed sound stage with superior 5.1 channel separation. On-screen displays that allow users to easily navigate their entertainment experience, from finding a radio station, to selecting a song from CD or XM Satellite Radio, to monitoring all aspects of the audio system's status. The RX-V861 features Pure Direct to ensure signal purity and the highest-quality sound reproduction from both analog and digital sources. A jitter reduction circuit ensures a clear sound image and detailed sound expression during playback of digital sources, such as DVD and cable TV. In addition, 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters are used for all seven channels. The RX-V861 features Yamaha's advanced Quad-Field Cinema DSP system, which provides a choice of 14 realistic-sounding surround programs. It is also capable of delivering 7.1 channels of audio from content encoded in all the latest surround sound formats. With SILENT CINEMA mode, users can enjoy surround-like sound through headphones. A Night Listening Enhancer ensures that all programs (including Dolby Pro Logic IIx) sound natural through speakers at lower volume levels. The RX-V861's input/output connections include four optical and two coaxial input terminals, an optical output terminal, front-panel A/V inputs with a digital input, three component video inputs and one output with HDTV 720p/1080i compatibility, five total video inputs and three outputs, S-video connections for all inputs and outputs, and a phono input. The RX-V861 offers Dolby Digital EX/Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and DTS 96/24 / DTS Neo:6. High-current discrete amplification and an easy-to-use setup menu with 5-band center channel EQ provides the highest quality sound reproduction. Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART Technology combines high current amplification with superior components to achieve high current power with low impedance from the power supply to speaker terminals. The RX-V861 ships with a preset remote control.

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