YAMAHA DEBUTS THE RX-Z9: THE WORLD'S FIRST 9.1-CHANNEL HOME THEATER RECEIVER

Yamaha, the innovator of multi-channel Digital Sound Field Processing and surround technology, brings first ever 9-channel sound capability to home theater with the release of the RX-Z9 Digital Home Theater Receiver.

As the new center of the home theater universe, the RX-Z9 provides quality and power to high-performance home theater systems. The incredible audio experience and performance of the RX-Z9 is provided by its sheer power and distinct audio purity.

Features include massive 9-channel power amplification (170W x 7, 50W x 2 for a total of 1,290W) and Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) designed for premium digital sound. The high current amplification system uses a symmetrical drive and full push/pull circuit configuration with a FET input stage. The large toroidal transformer and large capacity block chemical condenser (28,000µF) ensure a stable power supply.

Offering the industry's newest levels of sound format compatibility, the RX-Z9 easily decodes all formats, including Dolby Digital–EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS 96/24 and Neo:6.

Yamaha's new digital sound field processing—HD CINEMA DSP—uses four powerful 32-bit proprietary LSIs, providing a complete range of realistic music and movie sound reproduction. Up to 51 surround programs offer a vast range of listening options, including a SILENT CINEMA mode for enjoying surround-like sound through headphones, and THX Ultra II post processing.

In addition to superb sound, the RX-Z9 delivers optimum video quality via direct component video up-conversion, which ensures highest-quality with any signal input. Other features include Progressive Scan Video Output, Time B ase Corrector, Motion Adaptive Noise Reduction, plus Faroudja's DCDi and TrueLife Enhancer processing.

Using the most advanced LSIs and circuit technology, the RX-Z9 delivers superb audio and video quality while providing outstanding performance and user-friendly home theater system management.

Another remarkable new feature is YPAO (Yamaha Automatic Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer), which provides highly precise room audio optimization automatically at the touch of a button. With the YPAO, the RX-Z9 will automatically analyze and optimize room acoustics at the user's listening position using a parametric EQ.

A highly intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides quick access and easy control of all functions. Additional audio features include iLink Digital audio Interface for SACD/DVD-Audio, Pure Direct mode for high quality 2-channel sound reproduction and heavy-duty chassis construction with separate chambers.

The RX-Z9 offers an extensive range of inputs and outputs, plus the custom- installation-friendly RS-232C interface and extended IR codes for customized home theater installations.

The RX-Z9 (MSRP $4,499) will be available in the late Fall and will be introduced at the CEDIA 2003 show at Yamaha's booth (#218), Indianapolis Convention Center, beginning September 5th.

More valuable information on home theater systems, or to choose from a variety of related products, please select the link above.

Author Notes:

Daryl Marples contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.beautiful-home-101.com. An online guide to home decorating, furniture and improvement decor.