Yamaha intros YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector

Yamaha cranked out its pricey YSP-600 sound bar just a few months back, but the company's already looking to put the past behind and move forward with the YSP-3050. The latest in the outfit's long-standing line of Digital Sound Projectors offers up 21 beam drivers, two woofers, 23 corresponding digital amplifiers, three Cinema DSP programs (movie, music and sports), analog-to-HDMI video upconversion, HD upscaling to 1080i / 720p and a 1080p (24Hz and 60Hz) compatible HDMI interface with two inputs and one output. Aside from engulfing you in audio with just a single bar, the unit is also XM Radio / iPod-ready (via the $99.95 YDS-11), and the integrated FM tuner and bundled remote make it even easier to see in your den. You'll also find the firm's propriety automated system calibration (IntelliBeam) along with TV Equal Volume to keep those sudden bursts at bay when it comes time for commercials. 'Tis a shame this piece costs $1,399.95, but if you're tight on space, it just might be worth it. Full release after the break.

YAMAHA INTRODUCES THE YSP-3050 DIGITAL SOUND PROJECTOR, ITS LATEST SINGLE COMPONENT SURROUND SOUND SOLUTION

-New model to its market-leading line offers HDMI, video upconversion, iPod and XM Satellite Radio compatibility, FM tuner and advanced listening settings -

BUENA PARK, Calif.-Yamaha, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today unveiled the YSP-3050, the latest in its award-winning line of Digital Sound Projectors which focus audio signals into precisely controlled and directed "beams" that provide true multi-channel surround sound from a single component. The YPS-3050 fits neatly underneath a flat-panel television and gives consumers a space-efficient option to installing multiple speakers throughout a room for immersive audio for watching movies, television and sports programming.
The new YSP-3050 features 21 beam drivers, and two woofers, 23 corresponding digital amplifiers, three Cinema DSP programs (movie, music and sports), analog to HDMI video upconversion, high definition video upscaling to 1080i/720p and a 1080p (24Hz and 60Hz) compatible HDMI interface with two inputs and one output to facilitate pure digital connections with the latest home theater components.
The YSP-3050 is XM Satellite Radio ready with XM HD surround sound powered by Neural Surround. The YSP-3050 also offers iPod compatibility via the new optional YDS-11 dock (more information on the YDS-11 below). Once docked, the iPod can be operated (song selection, play, etc.) via the YSP's remote control and on-screen display. Yamaha's proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology compensates for the lost detail of audio that is compressed during the "ripping" process, recapturing the essence of the original recording. An integrated FM tuner further broadens the user's entertainment choices.

The YSP-3050 creates a wide soundstage designed to fill the whole room with convincing surround sound regardless of where listeners are seated. Sound settings include 5-Beam, 3-Beam, 3-Beam + Stereo, 2- channel Stereo, My Beam, 5-Channel Stereo and My Surround modes. My Surround mode delivers surround sound to even the most difficult installation environments where walls may not be present or are covered with unsuitable materials. My Beam mode focuses the sound at a specific listening position, so the listener can hear all program audio clearly, including dialog, without disturbing others in the room.
Yamaha's proprietary IntelliBeam™ automated system calibration enables users to quickly and easily set up each system for the optimal listening experience and intuitive, multi-language on-screen displays.
The YSP-3050 offers full support for surround sound standards, including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6, as well as CINEMA DSP technology, to create realistic soundscapes in any room. For late night movie and music enjoyment, a Night Listening Enhancer mode allows dialog and quiet passages to be heard clearly, even at low volumes. The TV Equal Volume mode prevents sudden startling bursts of sound from TV programs and commercials. The model also features SRS TruBass technology to provide exceptionally deep and rich bass response.
The YSP-3050 is currently available for a suggested retail price of $1,399.95.

New YDS-11 iPod Dock Accessory
Yamaha's new YDS-11 iPod dock accessory (MSRP $99.95) links most models of the popular portable devices, including iPod Touch, Nano, Click Wheel (including iPod Classic) and Mini models, to select Yamaha AV products, including the company's YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector. Available in white or black to match the two most popular iPod colors, the YDS-11SL enables all the content on most iPod models to be enjoyed via home entertainment systems. Docked iPods can be controlled by a Yamaha receiver's remote control, and navigated by on-screen display on a television or monitor. In addition, iPods are automatically charged as they rest in the dock, so they are always ready to be taken on the go.
For more information, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90620; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; or visit www.yamaha.com/home.

[rektide @ Jun 30th 2008 4:49PM]

I modded mine for "brown note" support!! Denver police, if you're short on equipment, I'll hook you up for a great price!

[Michael Marquez @ Jun 30th 2008 5:20PM]

Come on Yamaha, the idea was to add TrueHD and DTS-HD support this time around.

[MadMike @ Jun 30th 2008 5:27PM]

So this creates surround sound without the need for wiring 8 speakers?

Too bad this is so expensive, would make a great alternative for surround for a bedroom or guest room.

[jason @ Jun 30th 2008 5:33PM]

do these soundbars actually work?

[Unknown @ Jun 30th 2008 5:46PM]

They work about as well as most stereo enhancements, which is to say, it's better than a regular stereo set, but it's nowhere close to what a proper 5.1 or 7.1 system will do. It's only worthwhile if you absolutely can't wire surrounds.

[zargon @ Jun 30th 2008 5:48PM]

I am from the school of thinking that to produce a true surround sound experiance, you need sound sources to actually surround you. I have never been a fan of gimmicky surround sound, which also includes Dolby Prologic I/II and others.

I have heard these devices and I personally feel there are just ok, more marketing then actual innovation. I feel that just a good pair of front speakers will get you better sound, my Paradigm Studio 40's and 60's do an outstanding job of imaging when just using them for stereo.

I can see these devices being intriguing for people with apartments, especially small apartments, but for the money. I still think picking up two affordable and quality speakers from companies like Axiom, Paradigm, NHT, Energy, PSB, Mirage and Monitor Audio to name a few is going to take you further.

[rektide @ Jun 30th 2008 6:09PM]

These tend to work quite a bit better than most "surround enhancers," by virtue of them having a large number of independent channels. The main problem is that you have to be "on-axis" with the sound bar for it to work: directly in front of it. If you are off the the side it can sound very strange.

[Boyo @ Jun 30th 2008 6:30PM]

The Zvox blows it away! http://www.zvoxaudio.com/cgi-bin/item/4004251

sure it has less inputs but no other sound bar can touch it in its price range and sound quality.

[NightShade15 @ Jun 30th 2008 6:49PM]

It looks like the top half of a stapler.

[BB @ Jun 30th 2008 7:44PM]

My friend has the 3000. It works, but use the included mic to calibrate the soundbar. I doubt any store demo has had this done and thus sound "okay." My other recommendation is to get a sub too.
The space saving is great too.

[Arkenklo @ Jul 2nd 2008 3:11AM]

TL;DR

[ricosdad @ Jul 2nd 2008 12:51PM]

Take into account that the thing also includes discrete amplifiers for every driver. No need for a receiver. If you can't afford $1000 bux (street) for a surround system, oh well.