Yamaha has debuted its latest home audio/video receiver, the RX-V861, which comes loaded with features and will be available in May for $999.95.

Among the features are four “Scene” pre-set listening modes, HDMI 1080p switching and up conversion, multi-zone operation, Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) and iPod and XM Satellite Radio compatibility.

The RX-V861 has two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output and can perform 1080p switching and video upconversion of composite, S-Video and component video to HDMI, component and S-Video. The receiver can upscale 480i video to HD resolution (720p/1080i). The unit’s On Screen Display is also output through HDMI.

For audio, the RX-V861’s HDMI enables it to accept Multi-channel linear PCM audio output, such as decoded Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD signals from Blu-ray and HD DVD players, and receive high-resolution audio formats, such as DVD-Audio
and SACD, through a single cable connection, the company says.

The RX-V861 offers flexible system configuration options, as its 7.1 channels can be used to create a surround sound environment in a single room, or 5.1 channel surround in one zone, and two-channel stereo in a second zone, according to Yamaha.

Of course, today the important question is, Can I listen to my iPod from it? Yep, Yamaha’s RX-V861 connects 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 the 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 sent to a big screen TV or monitor, says Yamaha.

For more details, visit www.yamaha.com.

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Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

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