7/6/2012 [Audio & Visual]
Network connectivity and AirPlay serve as the focus for Yamaha’s new ’73 Series receiver line‐up
Networking serves as the cornerstone of Yamaha’s new range – the ’73 Series – which breaks the mould of the conventional AV receiver being used solely for home theatre, now evolving to become a hub of entertainment for the entire household.
The new series introduces network functionality from the RX‐V473 model and above, defining all models within the range as network receivers with the exception of the RX‐V373 at the entrypoint. This focus on network connectivity signals a new era in home entertainment with simple, wireless access to all our content.
Technology has come a long way in the last five to ten years. A ‘smart’ or connected home is now something that almost all consumers can achieve. Wireless routers, or more to the point, wireless networks are now commonplace in many Australian homes. At the same time, customers are embracing portable ‘smart technology’, evidenced by the popularity of iOS and Android phones and tablets. The addition of one more device to this equation, a Yamaha network receiver, enables users to convert their home into a ‘smart home’, unlocking a world of home entertainment possibilities and taking full advantage of the power of their iPhone, iPad or Android device.
The AV Controller app (available as a free download from the App Store and Google Play) has transformed smartphones and tablets into wireless remote controls, enabling intuitive navigation and streaming of music and movies* from a PC/Mac/Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, is able to push music content stored on the handheld device directly to the receiver using Yamaha’s Music Play feature, and provides access to tens of thousands of Internet radio stations from around the world. With many of us carrying vast music libraries around in our pockets, Internet radio serves as the ultimate means in nourishing our appetite for listening to a wide range of music and discovering new music.
For Apple users, AirPlay is now featured on all network receiver models. This technology conveniently provides wireless streaming of audio from an iTunes library on Mac or PC as well as an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad through a range of AirPlay‐enabled apps including YouTube, Rdio and Spotify. No longer do users have to put up with inferior audio from laptop speakers while sitting on the couch. AirPlay delivers a seamless and user‐friendly solution for those looking for better sound from their computer, laptop or handheld device in the home.
The introduction of networking features from a $699 (RRP) price point on the RX‐V473 ensures access to this new world of entertainment and simplified control is no longer only for the technology gurus or those with excess cash to spend on technology items. It is now available to an even greater audience who are most likely already equipped with an Apple or Android phone or tablet and are one step away from integrated home entertainment.
Scheduled for release later in June, the YWA‐10 WiFi adaptor provides a seamless wireless solution, eliminating the need to hard‐wire an Ethernet connection to the router. Powered by USB the adaptor provides two LAN ports allowing two models (ie. AV receiver, Blu‐ray player or Smart TV) to be connected wirelessly to the network at any one time.
Unprecedented access to all media sources within the home forms only part of what the ’73 Series delivers. The RX‐V473 and RX‐V573 both offer a full suite of Yamaha proprietary audio features including CINEMA DSP 3D technology with 17 DSP programs for quick access to pre‐set audio modes and Virtual CINEMA DSP which provides CINEMA DSP surround sound without the need for surround speakers. Particularly useful given the popularity of compressed music formats today, Yamaha’s Compressed Music Enhancer restores lost audio data to playback MP3s with greater detail equivalent to that of the original, uncompressed version. Audio enthusiasts will note a discrete amplifier configuration employed on both models – a feature typically associated with more expensive, higher‐end models, ensuring a premium auditory experience.
For video, the RX‐V473 and RX‐V573 are able to pass‐through (accept and output) the super‐high resolution 4K video format ensuring customers are future‐proofed for when 4K content/sources become available – making use of all pixels on forthcoming 4K TVs with four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p).
The 5.1 channel RX‐V473 network receiver is available now with a recommended retail price of $699, or in 3 Yamaha home theatre packages - the YHT-398AU ($849 RRP), YHT-498AU ($999), and the YHT-798AU ($1,399 RRP).
The versatile RX‐V573 network receiver provides enveloping surround sound in a 7.1 channel configuration, or is capable of delivering a multi‐room audio experience utilising its Zone B feature. This enables the surround back channels to be redirected to a pair of speakers in another area of the home, such as Yamaha’s all weather speakers in an outdoor entertaining area, allowing the same audio source to be played back in multiple areas of the home. The RX‐V573 is available now with a recommended retail price of $899, or in the YHT‐898AU home theatre package.
*requires a Yamaha network Blu‐ray player
