New Yamaha Receivers Feature iPod Compatibility and XM HD Surround

February 24, 2006 --Yamaha Electronics Corporation introduces the first digital home theater receivers to seamlessly deliver audio and video from Apple iPods and XM Satellite Radio's XM HD Surround broadcasts to high-end home entertainment systems. Yamaha's new RX-V659 and RX-V559 receivers use proprietary technology to restore and enhance the playback quality of compressed files stored on an iPod, or any MP3 player, offering a vastly improved sound quality alternative to stand-alone systems with limited fidelity and power.

All fourth and fifth generation iPods, including iPod photo, video, iPod Nano and iPod Mini models, with the exception of the Shuffle, connect easily to Yamaha's RX-V659 and RX-V559 receivers via an optional iPoddocking station (Yamaha YDS-10). Once docked, the iPod can be operated (song selection, play, etc.) via the receivers' remote controls. Another simple 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 that they are ready to be taken on the go at all times.

Audio files commonly lose detail from the high and low frequencies during the process of being "ripped" or downloaded onto MP3 players. Yamaha's proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology restores this lost detail for a more natural sounding listening experience that better recreates the original music performance when experienced through home speakers.

XM HD Surround from XM Satellite Radio, which will make its broadcast debut in April, delivers audio programming in full 5.1 channel surround sound. An XM Connect-and-Play home antenna, sold separately for each receiver, is the only accessory XM Satellite Radio subscribers need to receive this new content, along with the company's 160-plus standard service channels. Neural Surround technology enhances the experience of XM HD Surround, delivering a detailed sound stage with superior 5.1 channel separation.

Each receiver features Yamaha's robust signature sound decoding package, including all Dolby and DTS formats and Quad-Field Cinema DSP. All models also have high-current discrete amplification for the highest quality sound reproduction, and an easy-to-use setup menu with 5-band center channel EQ. 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 7.1 channel RX-V659 (100W x 7; suggested retail price $549.95) features a series of enhancements for the true audiophile. The Pure Direct feature ensures signal purity and the highest-quality sound reproduction from both analog and digital sources, while 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 proprietary Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) technology simplifies the home theater set-up process by automatically optimizing room acoustics via a parametric equalizer. With YPAO, the parameters for optimum sound quality in any room are set at the touch of a button.

Yamaha's advanced Quad-Field Cinema DSP system provides a choice of 14 realistic-sounding surround programs, and is capable of delivering 7.1 channels of sound that is compatible with 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.

Eight-channel analog inputs for external decoders accommodate high- resolution audio formats like DVD-Audio and SACD (or other future formats). Other 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-V659 includes full component video-up conversion from composite and S-video to component, providing high-quality picture from all video components connected to the receiver. The unit ships with a preset remote control.

The other models in the line are the RX-V559 (95W x 6; suggested retail price $449.95) and RX-V459 (90W x 6; suggested retail price $349.95). The RX-V459 is also compatible with XM HD Surround.

For more information visit www.yamaha.com/home.

SOURCE Yamaha