The Yamaha YSP-3050 boasts a small--but important--upgrade to the YSP-3000
(Credit: Yamaaha)When CNET reviewed the Yamaha YSP-3000 Digital Sound Projector, we singled out its "limited video capabilities" as one of the main shortfalls of the virtual surround speaker system.
Yamaha must have listened, because the company has just unveiled an upgraded version that addresses that very issue. The YSP-3050 adds to the mix the conversion of analog to digital video, but it's essentially otherwise identical to its predecessor. That's not a bad thing, either: we've found that the Yamaha YSP line remains the best choice for delivering convincing virtual surround-effects from a single speaker, and its all-in-one design precludes the need to purchase a separate AV receiver.
According to the specs page on Yamaha's site, the YSP-3050 has a component and composite video input, in addition to its two HDMI ins.
... Read moreOn Sale Now: $754.00 - $1,199.99
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Yamaha's $1,000 RX-V863 comes with HD Radio and three HDMI inputs, but it still feels underfeatured for the price.
(Credit: Yamaha)Yamaha has announced five new receivers for 2008, ranging from the budget $230 RX-V363 to the $1,000 RX-V863, which features HD Radio and three HDMI inputs. As is usual, Yamaha's receivers certainly don't impress from the spec sheet, as they offer fewer features than Sony's new budget receivers and even last year's Onkyo receivers. On the other hand, Yamaha loyalists are quick to chime in that spec sheets aren't everything, and that Yamaha offers more refined sound at these price points. We can't comment on that until we have get them in for review, but with that in mind, let's check out specs.
Yamaha RX-V363
(Credit:
Yamaha)
Key features of the Yamaha RX-V363:
- 5.1 channels, 100 watts per channel
- Two HDMI inputs, 1080p-compatible ... Read more
On Sale Now: $229.88
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On Sale Now: $288.88 - $329.95
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On Sale Now: $329.88 - $499.95
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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: ... Read more
The Tenori-On's hand-brushed magnesium body is light and durable. The illuminated 16x16 matrix of buttons combines the satisfaction of popping bubble wrap, with the pride of programming a drum machine.
(Credit: CNET Networks/Donald Bell)
All my ranting and whining must have finally paid off because this week I finally got some time with Yamaha's mystery-enshrouded Tenori-On music sequencer.
Prototypes of the Tenori-On have traveled the globe, popping up in the U.K. and Germany, but rarely in the United States. I couldn't believe my luck when San Francisco electronic musician retailer Robotspeak (my former employer) gave me the heads-up that Yamaha would be dropping by the shop for a rare demonstration. ... Read more
Where do you draw the line between a motorcycle and a car?
Toyota's iQ Concept, a concept car that debuted in Frankfurt and will be at the 2007 Tokyo auto show, might be better suited for the next rally in Sturgis, SD.
The iQ from Toyota.
Toyota is in collaboration with two Japanese companies to develop a 1-liter engine for the iQ that will be based on a Yamaha motorcycle engine, according to reports from Auto Blog and Automotive News Europe.
Toyota plans to produce about 80,000 iQ cars for Europe by 2009 and possibly more for the Indian and Chinese markets. But don't expect to see it in the U.S. anytime soon and probably for good reason.
The ultracompact is roughly as wide as a Mini Cooper, but almost one foot shorter. It holds about three adults and "one child (or luggage)," comfortably, according to Toyota.
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