Yamaha Electronics Corporation is bringing what it considers its most advanced feature sets yet to its latest series of moderately priced home audio/video receivers, including simple connection to the Apple iPod.

The new line includes the RX-V661 (90Wx7; MSRP $549.95), RX-V461 (100Wx5; MSRP $349.95) and RX-V361 (100Wx5; MSRP $229.95).

The receivers’ Scene Mode is made to optimize the audio experience, providing four customizable pre-set listening modes for enjoying TV, DVDs, CDs and the radio. The company’s proprietary Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) technology—available in the RX-V661 and RX-V461—and Optimizer Microphone simplify the home theater set-up process by automatically optimizing room acoustics via a parametric equalizer.

The RX-V661 and RX-V461 connect easily to the 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 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 big screen TV or monitor, and docked iPods are automatically charged.

All models in the line feature Yamaha’s proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology, which restores the lost high and low frequency audio detail that occurs when music is being “ripped” or downloaded onto iPods and other portable audio players, yielding a more natural sounding listening experience that better recreates the original performance when experienced through home speakers, Yamaha says. All of the receivers are also compatible with XM Satellite Radio and XM HD Surround via optional XM Connect-and-Play home antennas and XM Satellite Radio subscriptions.

The RX-V661 and RX-V461 feature on-screen displays that allow users to easily navigate their entertainment experience, from finding a radio station, to selecting a song from CD or XM Satellite Radio, to monitoring all aspects of the audio system’s status.

All units ship with a preset remote control. Visit www.yamaha.com/home for more information.

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Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

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