Arriving with a firmware update Fall 2017, Yamaha is upgrading its MusicCast wireless multiroom audio products to respond to voice-commands via Amazon Alexa. Although most A/V products are compatible with Amazon Echo Dot, the firmware will enable extra “skills” in addition the regular features available via Bluetooth. Devices can then be connected by simply saying, “Alexa, connect.” From there, the sound of the Echo Dot can be played back through a single MusicCast device, or multiple devices can be linked using the MusicCast app for listening enjoyment throughout the home. Many MusicCast products also offer analog inputs which can be connected to the Echo Dot via its line output if a wired connection is preferred.
Unlike other wireless multiroom audio systems, all MusicCast products feature a Bluetooth input and can redistribute a Bluetooth source to multiple MusicCast devices. Since the Echo Dot offers a Bluetooth output, it can be easily paired with any MusicCast wireless speaker, sound bar or AV receiver. An Alexa skill that adds support for the MusicCast commands will simultaneously be made available for Alexa-enabled devices, including the Amazon Echo, Amazon Echo Dot, Amazon Tap and Amazon Fire TV.
“Telling Alexa to play your music and hearing it synchronized throughout your home with Yamaha sound quality is an extraordinary experience,” said Bob Goedken, general manager, AV division, Yamaha Corporation of America.
In August 2015 Yamaha announced MusicCast, uniting Hi-Fi and home theater performance with wireless multiroom simplicity. Yamaha MusicCast products range from wireless speakers to sound bars, AV receivers, streaming amplifiers and Hi-Fi receivers, offering an extremely diverse range of performance levels, price points and listening experiences from which to choose.
Designed to work with an existing home Wi-Fi network, MusicCast offers access to a wide range of audio content from virtually any source. These include streaming services, internet radio channels, digital music libraries, Bluetooth devices, and even external sources connected to MusicCast products, such as TV set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players and turntables. Unlike other wireless audio systems, MusicCast supports true high-resolution audio formats, bringing accurate reproduction of tonal nuances and expression.
