Introduction:
The Yamaha RX-V861 Home Theater Receiver offers 7.1 channel processing, HDTV capable HDMI and component video switching and is XM Radio and iPOD ready. The Yamaha RX-V861 has an MSRP of $999.Video and Audio Inputs:
The Yamaha RX-V861 offers both 3 HD Component video and 2 HDMI inputs. There are four Composite Video and 4 S-Video inputs. The receiver has six assignable digital audio inputs (two Coaxial and four Optical), Analog stereo audio connections for a CD player and CD or Cassette audio recorder, and a subwoofer preamplifier output. In addition, the RX-V861 also has a dedicated 6-channel direct input that can be used when needing to access the multi-channel audio output from an SACD or DVD-Audio Player. In addition, the RX-V861 also features an iPOD dock. The RX-V861 also has a dedicated Phono Turntable input connection.Video Outputs and Video Features:
The Yamaha RX-V861 offers Four types of video monitor outputs: HDMI, Component, S-Video, and Composite. In addition, the RX-V861 offers both 480i to 480p de-interlacing, as well as analog and component video conversion to HDMI, with upscaling up to 1080i. Also, the RX-V861 offers direct 1080p input-to-output capability for connection of 1080p sources (such as Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD players) to 1080p input-capable televisions.Audio Features - Part One:
The RX-V861 features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital 7.1, DTS, and Dolby ProLogic IIx. Dolby Prologic IIx processing enables the RX-V861 to extract 7.1-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multi-channel source. The receiver features also features linear PCM 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converters. The Yamaha RX-V861 delivers about 105 Watts per channel into 8-Ohms (From 20 to 20KHZ) via its seven internal high-current power amplifiers.With amplifier frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz the RX-V861 is up to challege from any source, including SACD and DVD-Audio.
Audio Features - Part Two:
Speaker connections consist of dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all main channels with color-coding for simplified wiring. Front channel "B" speaker terminals also enable the receiver to drive a stereo pair in another room, if desired.Speaker setup is aided by the YPAO automatic room setup system. This system uses a microphone in conjunction with test tones to make level adjustments for each speaker. Further manual adjustments can be made by the user.
The RX-V861 also offers the Silent Cinema feature, which provides a surround sound experience using any set of stereo headphones.
Audio Features - Part Three:
In addition, the RX-V861 can be used to power a full 7.1 channel system, or, if desired, a 5.1 channel system in one room, and a 2-channel system in another room simultaneously. However, if you would like to run a full 7.1 channel system in one room, as well an additional 2-channel system in another room, the RX-V861 also has Second Zone Preamp outputs which require the use of an additional amplifier to run a 2-channel system in another room.Another useful audio feature is Audio Delay. This function adjusts for Lip Synch discrepancies between the audio and video tracks on some DVDs and HDTV broadcasts.
Audio Features - Part Four:
A new feature being offered on the RX-V861 is called "Scene". "Scene" is a set of preset listening modes that work in conjunction with input selection. The user can either select the default settings for DVD, CD, TV, and Radio, or can select from other options including iPOD, XM, TV Sports, or Video Game. This feature is supposed to eliminate the time needed to make specific adjustments, such as surround sound mode, tone control, etc... every time the user changes the type of audio input signal. However, the user can always make their own adjustments.On-Screen and Front Panel Display:
The on-screen television display and fluorescent front panel display enables very easy setup and operation of the RX-V861. The Front panel display shows the status of your surround sound mode selections and other settings.FM/AM Radio Tuner:
The RX-V861 has a built-in AM/FM tuner section has 40 random presets, and FM automatic scan tuning. Connections for both AM and FM antennas are provided.
Wireless Remote Control:
The RX-V861 comes with a pre-set Universal Wireless Remote Control that is compatible with most Televisions, VCRs, and DVD Players. A list is provided in the user manual that includes the codes to set the remote for use with other devices.XM Satellite Radio Ready:
The RX-V861 is also XM-ready. By connecting an XM Satellite Radio Antenna (must be purchased separately) to the RX-V861 and paying the XM monthly subscription fee, you can access XM Satellite Radio Programming. If you are not familiar with Satellite radio, think of it as being similar to Satellite TV, without having to use an outside dish (although placement of the XM Radio Antenna near a window improves the consistency of reception.In addition to XM radio reception capability, the RX-V861 is also compatible with XM-HD Surround and Neural Surround, which brings the enhanced surround sound listening experience to XM-Radio listening.
For more details on the products and services offered by XM-Satellite Radio, check out the XM Radio Website.
Final Take
With the RX-V861, Yamaha brings high-end home theater receiver features down to the below-$1,000 price range. HDMI switching and upscaling provides extended video quality, as well as providing more efficient connectivity between the RX-V861 and an HDTV. However, despite additional emphasis on video features, audio quality and flexibility have not been ingnored. The RX-V861 will be available in May 2007 at a suggested retail price of $999.
In addition, check out my Close-up Photo Look at the Yamaha RX-V861.
Also, for a more detailed "hands-on" review of the RX-V861, check out my Short and Full Reviews.
