Feb 26, 2013

Yamaha Unveils Next Generation Of RX-V Series AV Receivers

Yamaha today unveiled its newest RX-V Series AV receivers. These models, from the only manufacturer that is "Powered by Music" with deep roots in the musical instrument and professional audio markets, as well as in home and mobile audio, include four network-enabled models (7.2-channel RX-V775WA, RX-V675 and RX-V575, and 5.1-channel RX-V475) and the RX-V375 non-networked model.

The network models add Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL), which enables full HD video and audio playback from MHL-compatible mobile phones and portable devices, to AirPlay, Pandora music streaming service and vTuner Internet radio features, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, to provide wide and seamless access to content from virtually any source. The RX-V775WA and RX-V675 can also deliver content from the Rhapsody music streaming service.

Yamaha RX-V675

The network models' Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support is made possible by the Yamaha YWA-10 Wi-Fi (MSRP $99.95) and YBA-11 Bluetooth wireless (MSRP $69.95) accessories. The RX-V775WA includes the Yamaha YWA-10 Wi-Fi adaptor.

Each network model is also compatible with the free, consumer top-rated Yamaha AV Controller App for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices that also enables playback of music stored on smartphones and tablets. For the RX-V775WA and RX-V675, the app can also control independently powered Zone 2 for whole home audio enjoyment.

"Serious music and movie fans are moving towards the convenience of enjoying entertainment content delivered through mobile devices, the Internet and electronic files, yet they don't want to compromise on audio and video quality – and they don't have to," said Tom Sumner, senior vice president, Yamaha. "Our latest market-leading RX-V Series receivers provide superior listening and viewing experiences from music, movies, videos, sporting events and gaming, from virtually any source."

Ready to maximize the enjoyment of the latest and next generation video content, all five models provide 4K (UltraHD) video pass-through, as well as 3D video pass-through with Audio Return Channel (ARC). The RX-V775WA and RX-V675 add 4K (UltraHD)/full HD video upscaling from analog or HDMI sources that elevates all content to the highest possible quality level. All models feature generous HDMI inputs - the RX-V775WA and RX-V675 have six, the RX-V575 and RX-V475 have five and the RX-V375 has four.

Take It From The Top: The RX-V775WA And RX-V675

The RX-V775WA and RX-V675 feature Burr-Brown DACs and Yamaha CINEMA DSP 3D processing for maximum audio performance. For ultimate system installation flexibility, the RX-V775WA and RX-V675 have intelligent assignable amplifiers. They automatically direct output power from the surround back speaker terminals to power either Front Presence or Zone 2 speakers when needed and back again without requiring speaker connections and setup menus to be changed.

These models, from the only manufacturer that is "Powered by Music" with deep roots in the musical instrument and professional audio markets, as well as in home and mobile audio, include four network-enabled models (7.2-channel RX-V775WA, RX-V675 and RX-V575, and 5.1-channel RX-V475) and the RX-V375 non-networked model.

All 7-channel receivers in the line (including the RX-V775WA, RX-V675 and RX-V575) are designed to deliver 7-channel surround sound. However, if a 7-channel installation is impractical, the bi-amp function can be used to double power to the main speakers. The 7.2-channel RX-V775WA also provides Party Mode and Zone B dual HDMI outputs that give users many options for enjoying audio and video content throughout the home.

The RX-V775WA and RX-V675 have Dialog Lift that heightens surround sound realism by ensuring dialog is positioned to come from the center of the viewing screen for movies and television programming. A Virtual Dialog Lift on these models can also accomplish this with systems that are not set up with presence speakers. Dialog Level Adjustment enables listeners to fine-tune the relative volume level of human voices in relation to sound effects and music delivered via the center channel.

All models are equipped with Yamaha's proprietary YPAO automatic room calibration and optimization system for best possible playback quality. The flagship RX-V775WA model boasts an 8-point multi-calibration capability, which improves audio performance by providing heightened listening experiences with a larger sweet spot to more seating positions within the room. The RX-V775WA and RX-V675 both offer YPAO's R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control), which removes the unnatural muffled sound generated when speakers are placed too close to walls and furniture, or in other non-optimal locations.

The RX-V775WA and RX-V675 have advanced multi-language on-screen displays that overlay onto HD and 3D video signals to depict system control and setup prompts, as well as album art from content played via connected components and devices.

The RX-V775WA and RX-V675 offer gamers Video Direct Mode which bypasses the models' video processing chips to speed up the signal by two video frames and eliminating distracting delays to play action.

Powerful Feature Sets Throughout The Line

All models in the line, RX-V475 and above, provide superior sound quality from iPod, iPhone and iPad devices via convenient front panel USB inputs that enable direct digital connectivity. (The RX-V375 offers direct digital connectivity to iPods and iPhones.) Once connected, song titles are shown on the receivers' attractive on-screen displays. Connected iPods, iPhones and iPads will also charge automatically for later use on the go. Providing additional source connectivity, the network receivers in the line also deliver audio from Internet radio and DLNA certified devices.

All models offer a full complement of HD Audio format decoding, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio.

Other notable performance and convenience features of the new RX-V Series receivers include:

ECO mode that reduces the models' power consumption up to 20 percent. The models have extremely low power consumption in standby mode and Auto Power Down can be set for two, four, eight or 12 hours;
A subwoofer level adjustment that enables listeners to increase the bass without disturbing the system's crossover point. The result is that vocals and high frequency sounds do not end up "boomy" or "muddy" from being misdirected through the subwoofer;
A high speed HDMI switching function that remembers the settings of all connected sources, cuts the time it normally takes to adjust to each when they are selected;
Four convenient SCENE mode buttons that automatically power on the receiver and make system settings for specific entertainment options.

Each model in the new RX-V Series line offers a full suite of proprietary audio features that give users flexibility and control in setting up the best possible audio experiences. CINEMA DSP 3D, with 17 DSP programs, enables users to select the listening experience to precisely match their personal preferences. SILENT CINEMA makes it possible to hear large-scale surround sound through ordinary headphones. Virtual CINEMA DSP lets consumers enjoy the effects of CINEMA DSP surround sound even when installing surround speakers is not possible. It can be used with the front / center / presence speakers or even with two front left and right speakers. Yamaha's proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology restores lost detail in compressed music files, providing users with a natural sounding listening experience when enjoying their favorite music from an iPod, iPhone or other compressed music source.