Yamaha updates home theater in a box

The YHT-790

(Credit: Yamaha)

Yamaha skipped the big January Consumer Electronics Show, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have plenty of new products to announce. The company unveiled the latest quartet of updates to its "YHT" line of home-theater-in-a-box systems for 2008. Unlike the smaller, sexier models offered by the likes of Sony and Samsung Electronics, Yamaha's component-based home theater systems focus on practicality and value. Each of the four are 5.1 systems that include five satellite speakers, a subwoofer, and a full-size AV receiver (with two HDMI inputs) that can handle the Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS surround modes found on standard DVDs. Buyers will need to supply their own DVD player for all but the YHT-690, which includes one in the package. Likewise, Yamaha is stressing its optional YDS-10 iPod dock and YBA-10 Bluetooth adapter--though third-party versions of each can be connected to the available audio inputs on any of the systems. Specific features on each of the models are as follows:

Key features of the Yamaha YHT-390:

• 600W total system power
• MSRP $400

Key step-up features of the Yamaha YHT-590:

• 600W total system power
• Tall front speakers
• MSRP $550

Key step-up features of the Yamaha YHT-690:

• 625W total system power
• XM and Sirius satellite radio ready
• Neural surround
• Component video up-conversion
• Onscreen display
• YPAO (automatic speaker calibration)
• DVD player with 720p/1080i upconversion (via HDMI out)
• MSRP $650

Key step-up features of theYamaha YHT-790:

• 655W total system power
• XM and Sirius satellite radio ready
• Neural surround
• Component video up-conversion
• Onscreen display
• YPAO (automatic speaker calibration)
• MSRP $850

According to Yamaha, all four models are now available. No word on whether we'll be seeing updates to the company's DTX or DVX line of home theater systems. Meanwhile, the company's single speaker Digital Surround Projector line, updated last fall, still remains current.