Yamaha Announces RX-V861 1080p HDMI Reciever

Yamaha Electronics introduced the new RX-V861, an under-$1000 (but just barely) receiver with the latest functions and features available from the electronics giant. Featuring four "Scene” preset 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.

The RX-V861 has two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output and can perform 1080p switching and video up conversion of composite, S-video and component video to all video outputs except composite concurrently (HDMI, component and S-video). Using HDMI, the RX-V861 can also upscale low resolution 480i video to HD resolution (720p/1080i). On Screen Display is also output through HDMI.

The RX-V861's HDMI 1.2a also enables it to accept multi-channel linear PCM audio output, such as decoded Dolby TrueHD 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.

Yamaha's new Scene Mode provides four customizable pre-set listening modes. The company's proprietary Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) technology and Optimizer Microphone are also included to facilitate automated home theater set-up and room acoustic EQ.

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 connected display. Lastly, docked iPods are automatically charged so that they are ready to be taken on the go at all times.

Yamaha's also included its proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology which debuted on it's new RX-V2700 receiver. The design is to provide 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, which delivers a detailed sound stage with superior 5.1 channel separation.

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 (1080p only via HDMI), five total video inputs and three outputs, S-video connections for all inputs and outputs, and even a phono input.

Specifications

• RMS Output Power (20Hz - 20kHz): 105W x 7
• DTS-ES Discrete 6.1     
  
• DTS 96/24 / DTS Neo:6     
  
• Pure Direct     
  
• iPod Compatibility     
  
• Compressed Music Enhancer     
  
• Neural Surround     
  
• XM HD Surround     
  
• XM Satellite Radio Ready     
  
• HDMI: 2 in/1 out (ver 1.2a)
• Component Video: 3 in/1 out
• A/V Inputs: 5 (All S-Video)
• Digital Inputs/Outputs: 4 Optical/2 Coaxial (+1 front optical)
• Front A/V with Digital Input: S-Video/Optical
• Time Base Corrector     
  
• HDMI Up Conversion: (Scales to 480p/720p/1080i/1080p)
• Component Video Up Conversion (Scales to 480p/720p/1080i)
• S-Video Up Conversion
• Dialogue Lift
• YPAO (w/Optimizer Microphone)     
  
• On-Screen Display     
  
• Assignable Power Amp     
  
• Zone 2 Output: Audio Only
• Zone Power Switching: Main/ Zone2 (Front Panel)
• +12V Trigger Output     
  
• Multi-Channel Decoder Inputs     8-Channel
• Pre-Out All Channels     
  
• Product Dimensions (W x H x D):    17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 16-9/16"
• Product Weight: 28.9 lbs
  

For more information, e-mail infostation@yamaha.com or visit www.yamaha.com/home.