Yamaha RX-V863 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Product Review and Rating

The Yamaha RX-V863 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver has power, up-to-date features, and an abundance of connectivity options. This receiver is rated to deliver 105 wpc, and features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing.

On the video side, the RX-V863 has three HDMI inputs with 1080p pass-through and analog to HDMI video conversion and upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPOD and Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio access, as well as two subwoofer outputs.

The RX-V863 delivers great audio performance and flexibility, but could use some improvement in video processing area. More all the details, keep on reading...

Video Inputs and Outputs: The RX-V863 offers three HDMI inputs and one output, as well as Three HD Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite Video and S-Video inputs, two additional analog audio-only inputs, plus a front panel A/V input for connection of an additional source, such as a camcorder. The RX-V863 also features two VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder in/out connection loops.

Audio Inputs and Outputs: The receiver has six assignable digital audio inputs ( Two Coaxial and Three Optical) as well as One Digital Optical audio output, Analog stereo audio connections for a CD player, a CD/MD/Cassette audio recorder connection loop, and two Subwoofer preamplifier outputs. The RX-V863 also has a set of 5.1 channel audio inputs to accommodate 5.1 channel DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD 5.1 channel analog audio connection options. The RX-V863 can also access multi-channel audio via its HDMI 1.3a connections. In addition, the RX-V863 also has a set of preamp outputs for multi-zone operation.

Audio Features - Sound Processing: The RX-V863 features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. Also, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx processing enables the RX-V863 to extract 7.2-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multichannel source.

In addition, the RX-V863 is also has the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD soundtracks on Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs via its HDMI 1.3a compatible inputs. The RX-V863 also features XM-HD Surround and SRS Circle Surround II processing.

The RX-V863 can be used in a full 7.2 channel configuration, or in a 5.1 channel configuration in the main home theater room, with simultaneous 2 channel operation in a second room. However, if you want to use the full 7.2 channels for your home theater environment, you can still run an additional 2-channel system in another room by using the Zone 2 preamp outputs. However, you will have to add a secondary amplifier to power the speakers in Zone 2.

Amplifier Characteristics: The Yamaha RX-V863 delivers 105 Watts-per-channel into 8-Ohms via its seven internal power amplifiers. With amplifier frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz the RX-V863 is up to challenge from any source, including SACD and DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.

Speaker Connections: Speaker connections consist of dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all channels with color-coding for simplified wiring.

Video Processing: The Yamaha RX-V863 features HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. Also, all standard definition Composite and S-Video input signals are deinterlaced from 480i and converted to 480p and can be output at resolutions up to 1080p via the HDMI monitor output.

Additional Features - AM/FM/HD/XM and Sirius Satellite Radio: The RX-V863 not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has AM and FM HD radio access as well as built-in XM and Sirius Satellite Radio connectivity. Subscription and optional tuner/antenna are required for receiving XM and/or Sirius Satellite Radio Service.

There are 40 station presets for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM/XM or Sirius stations or channels. XM-HD Surround processing is also offered for compatible XM-HD radio programming.

Additional Features - iPOD Connectivity: With the optional iPOD dock, you can incorporate your iPOD listening right into your home theater system using the RX-V863.

Additional Features - Bluetooth Capability: The RX-V863 equipped for Wireless Bluetooth function via optional YBA-10 Bluetooth® Wireless Audio Receiver. The Receiver allows wireless audio streaming. You can access music wirelessly from Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, portable devices, or PCs.

Additional Features - YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer): The RX-V863 also features an automated speaker setup function called YPAO. By connecting the provided microphone to the RX-V863 and following the instructions outlined in the user manual. The YPAO uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.

Additional Features - Lip Synch Adjustment The incorporation of Lip-Synch adjustment on the RX-V863 allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources.

For an additional up-close, physical, look at the features and connections of the RX-V863, check out my Photo Gallery.

Home Theater Receivers: Onkyo TX-SR705, Harman Kardon AVR147.

Source Components: OPPO DV-983H DVD Player, Samsung BD-P1500 (on review loan) and Sony BD-PS1 Blu-ray Disc Players.

Loudspeaker System 1: 2 Klipsch F-2's, 2 Klipsch B-3s, Klipsch C-2 Center , 2 Polk R300s.

Loudspeaker System 2: 2 JBL Balboa 30's, JBL Balboa Center Channel, 2 JBL Venue Series 5-inch Monitor speakers.

Subwoofers: Klipsch Synergy Sub10 - System 1. Polk Audio PSW10 - System 2.

TV/Monitors: A Westinghouse Digital LVM-37w3 1080p LCD Monitor, and Syntax LT-32HV 720p LCD TV. Displays calibrated using SpyderTV Software.

Audio/Video connections made with Accell, Cobalt, and AR Interconnect cables. 16 Gauge Speaker Wire used.

Level checks made using a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter

Software Used

Standard DVDs: House of the Flying Daggers, The Cave, Kill Bill - Vol 1/2, V For Vendetta, U571, Lord of Rings Trilogy, Master and Commander

Blu-ray Discs: Across The Universe, A Night at the Museum, Blade Runner, Chronicles of Narnia, John Mayer - Where The Light Is, Hairspray, Ratatouille, The Golden Compass.

CDs: HEART - Dreamboat Annie, Nora Jones - Come Away With Me, Lisa Loeb - Firecracker, The Beatles - LOVE, Blue Man Group - The Complex, Eric Kunzel - 1812 Overture, Joshua Bell - Bernstein - West Side Story Suite.

DVD-Audio discs: Queen - Night At The Opera/The Game, Eagles - Hotel California, and Medeski, Martin, and Wood - Uninvisible, Sheila Nicholls - Wake.

SACD discs: Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon, Steely Dan - Gaucho, The Who - Tommy.

Proceed to Page 2 - Evaluation and Final Take