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Yamaha's $1,000 YSP-2200 Digital Sound Projector debuts with HDMI 1.4a
It's been a hot minute since Yamaha served up a new Digital Sound Projector, but with 3D doing its darnedest to take over the home entertainment universe, there's hardly a better time for the YSP range to make a comeback. Debuting shortly before CES, the YSP-2200 is one of the outfits sleeker soundbars at 3.5-inches tall, touting 16 speaker beam drivers, faux 7.1 surround sound, 11 Cinema DSP programs and full internal decoding of DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD. You'll also find a foursome of HDMI 1.4a inputs alongside a single output, all of which are fully capable of handling 3D Blu-ray content. We've been ardent supporters of the YSP range ever since we first heard one at CEDIA 2008, but even for a loyalist, the $999.95 retail price is tough to swallow. But hey, at least that nets you a 100-watt subwoofer and a bucket of bragging rights!
Yamaha's TSX-140 iPod audio system wakes you gently, won't rock you to sleep
Yamaha's been the go-to company when it comes to iPod docks that are a notch above average, and the outfit's latest is no different. It's a me-too world out there, and somehow the TSX-140 manages to set itself apart by offering an eye-pleasing motif alongside an IntelliAlarm feature. Put simply, the latter allow users to be awoken by music on their iPod, but rather than blasting firmly at 11 when the clock strikes way-too-early, it gradually ups the volume until your brain is alert enough to obliterate the snooze button. As expected, there's an iPod docking port on the top as well as a USB port, and you'll find a pair of 3.5-inch ported bass reflex speakers beneath the Earthy exterior. In addition to the illuminated buttons on the top panel, three front panel controls give access to source, volume, radio presets, alarm clock and equalizer functions, and while Yamaha claims that this guy provides "a gentle, stress-free feeling that makes waking up a pleasure," we're guessing it'll still be a chore doing everything after.
President Obama takes a minute to chat with our future robot overlords (video)
President Obama recently took some time out of the APEC Summit in Yokohama to meet with a few of Japan's finest automatons, and as always he was one cool cat. Our man didn't even blink when confronted with this happy-go-lucky HRP-4C fashion robot, was somewhat charmed by the Paro robotic seal, and more than eager to take a seat in one of Yamaha's personal transport robots. But who wouldn't be, right? See him in action after the break.
Yamaha brings Netflix, Blockbuster and YouTube access to BD-A1000 'universal Blu-ray player'
Calling this thing a "universal Blu-ray player" seems a bit disingenuous (at least compared to models that have used that moniker in the past), but there's no question that Yamaha's latest does a good bit more than simply play back your newest Blu-ray Disc. The BD-A1000 offers 1080p playback via HDMI, component outputs, coaxial / Toslink digital audio ports, an RS-232C control socket and an Ethernet port, but unlike many BD decks, you'll also find a pair of USB ports (one on the front, one on the rear). Moreover, this guy can tune into Netflix, Blockbuster and YouTube without any fancy software hacks, and as expected, it'll handle BD-Live and BonusView content as well. Too bad that $699.95 MSRP is bound to scare just about everyone away. %Gallery-106371%
Yamaha PDX-31 iPod / iPhone speaker dock: too sexy for your 90s era living room
Truth be told, there's precisely no reason for the world to ever see yet another iPod sound system. If we haven't found one to suffice at this point, we're very clearly doing it wrong. That said, Yamaha has a knack for cranking out iPod / iPhone sound systems that look just as good (if not better) than they sound, and that's remaining the case on the PDX-31. Aside from reminding us of the gorgeous Oregon shoreline, this here speaker dock handles iPods and iPhones with a 30-pin Dock Connector, ships in a trio of hues (dark red, black and light gray) and offers up an auxiliary input for those other media players. It also houses a pair of 3.25-inch speakers, dual wall construction and arrives with a bundled remote for good measure. It'll carry an MSRP of $169.95, 80 percent of which is the premium for this thing looking so darn seductive.
New batch of Yamaha stereo receivers flaunt retrotastic looks
If you long for the days of leisure suits and Magnum PI mustaches, or are just in the market for audio gear to match your arcade and TV, then Yamaha's new R-S line of receivers might be just the ticket. The R-S700, R-S500, and R-S300 draw inspiration from the audio equipment of the 70s and 80's and all feature minimal aluminum front panels with André the Giant hand-sized knobs for adjustments. Their throwback looks hide modern day goodies like YBA-10 Bluetooth audio streaming, iPod dock connectivity and a dedicated subwoofer output. Power-wise, the R-S300 provides 50 watts per channel of clean power, while the R-S500 and R--S700 scale the wattage up to 75 and 100 watts per channel, respectively. If you like to keep your power and tuner separate, then the similarly styled A-S500 integrated amp and matching T-S500 tuner can also oblige. Slated to time warp to shelves later this October, pricing starts at $330 for the R-S300 and works its way up to $550 for the top tiered dual-zoned and dual remote-toting R-S700. With all the retro love going around though, just make sure your short shorts stay in the attic -- that history ain't quite ready to be repeated. For full details on the line, have a peek at the press release after the break.
Yamaha brings Tenori-On Orange to US soil for $700, dares you to rock your own socks off
Here's hoping you didn't pay your British bud to bring you one of those fancy Tenori-On Orange music makers over the holidays, 'cause if so, you just paid an absurd premium to get it a few months ahead of time. Oh, and now you've got an AC adapter that's bigger than your face. Nice. At long last, experimental musicians here in America are being treated to a native version of the Tenori-On O, which is the "more affordable" sibling to the also-shipping Tenori-On W. Functionally, the new O model is exactly the same as the original W model, except it can't be operated with batteries, its 256 orange LEDs are only visible on one side of the unit and it's encased in plastic; Yamaha's marketing the O to producers and studio hounds, whereas the W is made more for live performances. Whatever your fancy, the O should be available in a matter of moments for around $699.99 on the street, while the W can be had for around $300 more.
Six supposed new Archos models rendered for your speculative enjoyment
Archos hasn't seemed to secure much love for its latest, the Archos 9 tablet, so maybe it's going back to what it does best for its next suite of products: a quintet of mostly straightforward players along with a titillating new flavor of the Archos 7. First is the simple and cheap Archos Key, a €20 device with 4GB of storage and microSD expansion. Then there's the Archos Vision Slim, a slenderized and button-free version of the original Vision, again packing just 4GB of storage but going for €40 this time. Next is the Archos Yamaha Vision 2, with an internal amp from Yamaha, integrated stereo speakers, and undisclosed storage quantity and price. Next we have the Archos 4 Vision, a 4.3-inch touchscreen model with TV output, microSD expansion, and what was previously understood to be 16 and 32GB of storage. Finally, perhaps the most interesting, is the Archos 3 Vision Camera, an 8GB player with an integrated camera that could make this into a Flip-replacing media player -- depending on the quality of the video, naturally. Oh, and did we forget to mention the purported Archos 7 with Android? It's worth restating. All are decidedly rendery looking and naturally this is all unconfirmed, but golly don't they look pretty.
Yamaha YHT-S400 sound system packs ultraslim soundbar, sub-infused receiver
We're always leery of "world's first" claims, but we've definitely never seen an AV receiver with a ginormous port on the front. The unorthodox device you're inevitably peering at above is one part of the two-piece YHT-S400, which looks to provide cinema-like sound in areas where space is hard to come by. The 31.5-inch long soundbar measures just 2-inches high and is designed to fit in front of most 32- to 50-inch HDTVs without blocking the screen, while the accompanying "first-of-its-kind subwoofer-integrated receiver" provides the power, the bass and the connectivity. A trio of HDMI inputs are included, and HD audio signals from Blu-ray Discs are accepted via linear PCM transmission. It's up for grabs now at $599.95, and if you're hoping to add iPod or Bluetooth support, Yamaha's YDS-11 and YBA-10 adapters are fully compatible. %Gallery-80813%
Yamaha turns up the bass, brings the noise with its YSP-5100 Digital Sound Projector
There are three ways to end speaker wire clutter: go wireless, get a soundbar, or shun the ways of the surrounds entirely. The former option isn't for everyone, the latter simply won't do, and so Yamaha keeps pumping out endless new installments of its Digital Sound Projector line. Latest is the YSP-5100, an update to the YSP-4100 that's all of two and a half months old, so new that Yamaha didn't even bother to do another studio shoot, just chopped in the same remote from the earlier press image. Natural, really, since the devices sport the same HD decoding abilities (like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD), the same suite of ins and outs, and the same 55W power rating. The only differences are a slightly greater width on the 5100 and what's claimed to be "dramatically" evolved sound, richer bass and clearer highs -- things you can't really verify from a press release. No word on price, but they should be shipping before the year is through.
Yamaha's yAired-equipped MCR-140 micro stereo wirelessly talks to iPods and subwoofers
Yamaha seems to be pushing its newly unveiled yAired technology pretty hard, with the second system to sport it unveiled just weeks after the first. The $399.95 MCR-140 is far from being the most stylish mini stereo we've seen -- in fact, it's probably one of the ugliest -- but it is available in a rainbow's worth of hues (or just ten), and it does talk to iPods and subwoofers sans cabling. Aside from that, you'll also get an old fashioned CD player, a front-panel USB socket, an iPod dock on the top, FM radio tuner and mini jack inputs for other sources. The box itself packs a pair of 4-inch drivers and ships with a bundled remote, and if you're not so interested in cutting cords, a yAired-less MCR-040 is available for $120 less.
Yamaha intros more affordable Tenori-On 'Orange'
It's been well over a year since we published our take on Yamaha's perplexing, beautiful and all-around intriguing Tenori-On concept, and evidently the masses have spoken out. This week, the company announced that it will soon be shipping a "more affordable" version with the name Tenori-On 'Orange,' with some vendors already leaking a £649 ($1,077) MSRP. Put simply, the new Orange version will retain all of the musical functionality that the original had (or has, as it were), but the magnesium casing will be replaced by a rugged plastic one and the battery / back panel LED options will also be removed in order to shave costs. Still, we're all for peeling back on the flash in order to get more music makers into more hands, so we'll certainly look to wrap our own paws around one when it starts shipping in December. Update: Engadget Japanese just did a quick hands-on with the Orange, check it out! Gallery: TENORI-ON standard model "TNR-O" [Via MusicRadar]
Yamaha's EC-f electric motorcycle has two wheels and one plug
Motorcycles are light, small, and easily able to ride up on sidewalks in search of hidden power plugs. They're the perfect electric vehicle but, despite a few notable exceptions, they're still powered by dino juice. Yamaha, makers of the raucous crossplane crank R1 sportbike, has decided to go a little bit cuter for its vision of the rechargeable future, the EC-f. It features an aluminum frame, a lithium ion battery, and styling cues that will have riders worrying about that green ring turning red. That, of course, assumes this will ever actually have riders, which is doubtful given the fate of most fanciful Tokyo Motor Show concepts like this.
Yamaha's PDX-60 wireless iPod / iPhone dock adds yAired to the lexicon
Sony's got its S-AIR, Yamaha has its yAired -- so, what of it? The outfit famous for making just about everything from ATVs to wicked soundbars has today introduced a classy addition to the oversaturated iPod / iPhone sound system market: the PDX-60. Apple loyalists simply dock their media player in the wireless base and watch as the tunes are streamed effortlessly into the magical box on the other side. There's also remote control capability for keeping tabs on that playlist whilst planted on the sofa, and the dock can even power on and off automatically with "yAired-enabled iPhones / iPods." The music maker itself boasts a pair of 3.25-inch speakers and a digital amplifier of undisclosed wattage, and it's available in black, gray, blue or pink for $299.95. So, any takers, or are you stickin' with Bose?
MGS: Peace Walker to feature Vocaloid, interactive cutscenes ... and a surprise that'll make you buy a PSP?
Ever the consummate hype man, Hideo Kojima is fluffing up Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker by teasing an apparent system-selling feature. "I haven't announced this yet, but there's another feature in [Peace Walker] that will surprise people, to the point where they'll want to go out and buy a PSP right now!" Kojima blabbed in the latest issue of Famitsu (as translated by 1UP). Short of some sort of in-game subliminal advertising (hey, these guys like to experiment), we're thinking The Two-Hundred-and-Forty-Nine-Ninety-Nine-Dollar Feature -- or maybe it's just "The Buck-Seventy Feature" -- could get lost in translation. After all, the two Peace Walker features that have been newly revealed seem distinctly Japanese in their appeal.Also plucked from the pages of Famitsu, is the revelation that Peace Walker will feature Yamaha's Vocaloid software. (Yeah, we'd never heard of it either -- just wikipedia it.) If we understand it correctly, Vocaloid will allow certain weapons in the game to sing and scream. Mm-hmm, sounds incredibly annoying.Also revealed: Those 2D-illustrated cut scenes? Yep, like this one. Well, they're interactive. "For example, if you zoom in on the scene where you first meet Paz, you can see the uniform she has on under her coat, and then what's under that," art director Yoji Shinkawa explained ... rather creepily. "It's an idea I came up with while thinking about what makes games different from movies or animation. I think it's pretty interactive." Hopefully, not too interactive.
Finger Piano Share plays your Disklavier via WiFi (video)
Developers at Yamaha seem to be having plenty of fun with their iPhones -- at least, that's the impression they've made this year at CEATEC. Not only have we seen an app that lets you boss around a robotic chanteuse, but they've also put together a little something called Finger Piano Share. Don't let the video fool you, folks -- this is more than just a MIDI controller. Supporting up to ten users at once, this guy not only lets you remotely play your MIDI-enabled Disklavier via Wi-Fi, but you can record your little jam sessions (using the location-aware augmented reality app Sekai Camera) for playback whenever someone goes to the site of the original performance. Sounds like a recipe for a disastrous conceptual art piece if we ever heard one! Video after the break.
Yamaha kicks out TSX-W80, TSX-70 iPod docks / clock radios
It may not go to eleven, but Yamaha's new TSX-W80 iPod dock at least pack some knobs that you'll no doubt be tempted to turn all the way up, and just the right blend of retro good looks and newfangled technology to stand out in a crowded field. That includes a so-called AirWired cradle that'll let you use your iPod or iPhone as a remote, a dock on the main unit itself to charge your iPod, and a choice of three different colors (with matching LED displays) to suit your style. Those looking for something a bit more simple and less eye-catching can also opt for Yamaha's new TSX-70 model (pictured after the break), which drops the AirWired controller but hangs onto the standard iPod dock and all the basic clock radio functionality you'd expect. No word on a release over here just yet, but it looks like both should be available in Japan shortly.[Via Akihabara News]
Yamaha combines receivers with subwoofers and soundbars for trio of HTIB offerings
Receivers keep growing more channels, but few people have developed an affinity for running more speakers and their tethers 'round the living room. Yamaha's doing its part with a series of products that integrate things together -- soundbars, HTIBs, and the like. On the lower end are the YHT-S350 and YHT-S400, pictured after the break. Both offer a receiver with an integrated subwoofer, through which your various devices can be connected and the output end of their HDMI cables tickled with bass. The two differ only in how they get their highs out, with the S350 including a pair of squat stereo speakers and the S400 offering a three-channel "air surround xtreme" soundbar. On the higher end is the updated YSP-4100, above, a rather tall but only 9cm deep soundbar with the receiver integrated that can be mounted on the wall right beneath your giant HDTV and then paired with a selection of wireless transmitters for iPods and the like. It includes a whopping 40 4cm speakers arrayed within, with a further two 11cm woofers, delivering what Yamaha calls 2.5.1 channel sound -- though it looks as if it can power two additional speakers at the sides if you want something a little closer to 7.1. The YHT-S350 and -S400 are due to hit Japan in time for a Halloween marathon, while the YSP-4100 should release in time for the holiday specials on TV. No prices just yet. [Via AV Watch] Read - YHT-S350 and YHT-S400 Read - YSP-4100
Yamaha's PSG-01S is the speakerphone version of a mullet
Following in ASUS' hot sweaty footsteps today comes Yamaha with a pair of Skype-certified USB speakerphones. The PSG-01S 'SoundGadget' (pictured) aspires to be everything to everyone, by automagically switching between an all-party speaker mode and dressed-up speakerphone duty, depending on its vertical orientation. The PJP-25URS, on the other hand, seems pretty well identical to its predecessor, the PJP-25UR, but for its support for Vista (and presumably Windows 7) machines. That means you still get a crazy twelve mic array and those fetching swing-out mic arms that corporate types must be simply in love with, given the distinct lack of changes. Both are powered via the USB connector, sport dedicated Skype controls, echo cancellation, and noise reduction, and are expected in Europe and the US this month. %Gallery-73419%
A up-close look at Yamaha's two new Blu-ray players
Press shots are great and all, but you really can't appreciate a great piece of hardware from the likes of Yamaha until you see it in person. Of course the two new players were just announced so unless you went to CEDIA -- not trying to rub it in or anything -- you'll have to live vicariously through us and enjoy our pictures. Contrary to what we originally reported, both BD-S1900 and BD-S1065 feature a detachable power cord, and in addition, the 1900 also offers a direct mode that will help the obsessive compulsive type rest easy knowing their Blu-ray player is just passing on the original bits from the disc untouched.
