Introduction:
The Yamaha YSP-3050 is the latest home theater system that employs Digital Sound Projection Technology. A Digital Sound projector utilizes a series of small speakers that can be assigned to various channels and project sound to different points in a room, all from a single cabinet. A digital sound projector houses all needed amplifiers, audio processors, and speakerss. The surround effect is actually very good, considering everything comes out of one box. The only additional item required might be an external subwoofer. For more details, check out the Yamaha Digital Sound Projection Page.Audio Inputs and Outputs:
The Yamaha YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector has four assignable digital audio inputs ( Two Coaxial and two Optical), Analog stereo audio connections for a CD player, and a Subwoofer preamplifier output.The YSP-3050 can also access audio via the two HDMI inputs. However, it cannot access Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD bitstream audio signals, but this unit can access standard Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM via the HDMI inputs.
Audio Features - Intellibeam:
The YSP-3050 also features an automated speaker setup function called Intellibeam. By connecting the provided microphone to the YSP-3050 and following the detailed instructions outlined in the user manual on pages 29-35, Intellibeam uses a series of test tones to determine the digital sound projection settings, in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to make some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.Audio Features - Sound Processing:
The YSP-3050 features several surround sound processing options including : Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS. Also, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic II processing enables the YSP-3050 to extract 5.1 channel audio from stereo sources. This system also features XM-HD Neural Surround, Yamaha's Cinema DSP modes, and SRS TruBass.Depending on how the speaker configuration is set, the YSP-3050 can project a full 5.1 channel surround field down to a two channel stereo field. The surround speaker modes are: 5 Beam, 3 Beam, 3 Beam + Stereo, 2ch Stereo, My Beam, My Surround, and 5ch Stereo (see pages 56-67 in the YSP-3050 user manual).
Amplifier Characteristics:
The Yamaha YSP-3050 delivers a total of 82 watts of output (RMS@1Khz) via its 21 speaker drivers and two woofer drivers. Each speaker driver has its own dedicated 2-watt amplifier, and each of the two woofers has its own 20- watt amplifier. There are also provisions for connection of an external powered subwoofer via the subwoofer output connection on the rear panel of the YSP-3050.Video Inputs and Outputs:
The YSP-3050 offers Two HDMI inputs and one output, as well as one Component input. There is also one Composite Video input and one output, two additional analog audio-only inputs, plus a front panel audio input connection.Video Processing:
The Yamaha YSP-3050 features HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. Also, all standard definition Composite and component input signals are deinterlaced from 480i and converted to 480p and then upscaled up to 1080i output via the HDMI monitor outputs.Additional Features - Front Panel Display and Controls
The controls on the front of the YSP-3050 are minimal, limited to on/off, volume, and input selection. However, there is a front panel LED display, which, when combined with the wireless remote and onscreen menu system, makes setup and operation of the Digital Sound Projector easy and fast.
Additional Features - AM/FM and XM Satellite Radio :
The YSP-3050 not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has built-in XM Satellite Radio connectivity. Subscription and optional tuner/antenna are required for receiving XM Satellite Radio Service. Their are also 40 station presets provided that can be used for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM or XM stations or channels. XM-HD Neural Surround processing is also offered for compatible XM-HD radio programming.Additional Features - iPOD Connectivity :
With the optional iPOD dock, in conjunction with the YSP-3050, you can incorporate your iPOD listening right into your home theater system.
Additional Features: Compressed Music Enhancer
The Compressed Music Enhancer improves the listenable quality of compressed music sources, such as MP3 and WMA files.
Additional Features: Lip Synch Adjustmet
The incorporation of Lip-Synch (Audio Delay) adjustment on the YSP-3050 allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources. This is especially helpful for HDMI input sources.
Final Take:
With the YSP-3050, Yamaha has incorporated practical audio and video features in a reasonably priced Digital Sound Projector, such as two HDMI video inputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion, iPOD, and XM satellite radio. Another convenience is that this unit can be wall, shelf, or rack mounted.Two disappointments, however, is that the YSP-3050 does not include more HDMI inputs, 1080p video upscaling, and compatibility with 120Hz refresh rate video input signals. With more source components, such as Upscaling DVD players, Blu-ray and/or HD-DVD players, and HD Cable and/or HD Satellite boxes including HDMI outputs, the need more than the two HDMI inputs provided on the YSP-3050 may be a notable deficiency for some. Also, although this Digital Sound Projector does not include 1080p video upscaling, it does include on-board analog to HDMI conversion and 720p/1080i upscaling.
Taking all into consideration, if you are planning to assemble a home theater system, but don't want the hassle of connecting all those speakers, the Yamaha TSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector, with practical features and potentially good performance, does deserve a look and a listen.
The YSP-3050 is available in a black finish at a suggested retail price of $1,399. This system has everything you need for a basic home theater audio system, including the speakers, built into a signal cabinet. Just add your own Subwoofer, Television, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc Player.
