Yamaha Introduces High-Performance DVD Players With 1080p HDMI Output Plus DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD Play Back
Yamaha, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today introduced the DVD-S1800 universal DVD player and the DVD-C961 Super Audio CD/DVD-Audio Changer. Both feature a host of advanced features and capabilities designed to maximize the performance of high-end home theater installations. Ideal for those who demand the ultimate in video and audio realism, the DVD-S1800 and DVD-C961 not only offer 1080p video output via HDMI, but also support DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD playback. Both units will be on exhibit at Yamaha’s CEDIA 2007 booth (#450).
The DVD-S1800 DVD player and DVD-C961 changer both utilize industry-leading video processing technologies to deliver remarkable performance. In addition to upconverting video to 1080p, the units can also output 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i signals, all over a pure digital HDMI connection. To ensure the highest possible video quality even through their analog outputs, the models also feature a 216MHz/12-bit high-performance video DAC. Noise Shaped Video™ technology from Analog Devices uses oversampling and sophisticated techniques such as multi-bit sigma-delta processing and bit-shuffling to relocate converter noise to a part of the spectrum where it can be removed by an analog filter. This improves signal accuracy, allowing signals to be displayed at much higher resolutions.
For optimal viewing of native 4:3 images on widescreen 16:9 sets, the DVD-S1800 has a standard Pillar Box mode, as well as a Non-Linear Stretch option, which enlarges a 4:3 picture with minimum distortion by trimming the top and bottom to make it more like a 16:9 picture. The DVD-S1800 also offers progressive scanning of both NTSC and PAL signals to provide a smooth, film-like image. Both the DVD-S1800 and DVD-C961 offer Faroudja DCDi™ processing, Motion Adaptive Noise Reduction, Cross Color Suppression and TrueLife Enhancer.
The DVD-S1800 and DVD-C961 are replete with audiophile features. Compatible with both DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD, the unit enables listeners to experience the most realistic and lifelike multi-channel audio available. The DVD-S1800 has four two-channel Burr Brown 192kHz/24-bit DACs for the stereo and 5.1-channel output sections to provide absolute sonic transparency. The DVD-C961’s 192kHz/24-bit DACs deliver sound quality that surpasses players costing significantly more. Both models feature Audio Direct mode that removes video circuitry from the signal path to eliminate any chance of it affecting sound quality. In this mode, front-panel illumination is also switched off to prevent interference from the LCD.
The DVD-S1800 integrates bass management processing to ensure proper routing of bass frequencies for ideal DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD performance via multi-speaker home theater systems. For regular two-channel stereo CDs, bass frequencies are routed to the subwoofer, so users can enjoy “2.1-channel” sound with more powerful bass.
To accommodate a wide range of personal media collections, the DVD-S1800 and DVD-C961 are capable of playing compressed formats including MP3 and WMA audio files, JPEG image files and DivX video files. The unit’s streamlined and intuitive GUI makes it quick and easy to navigate all types of media. 
The DVD-C961 5-disc changer features PlayXchange which enables users to change DVDs or CDs while the current one continues to play, so there is no interruption to the entertainment experience. When playback is stopped in the PlayXchange mode, the tray opens all the way so that all five discs can be changed at once. It also incorporates a RS-232C interface so it can be controlled by a computer in a custom installation.
The DVD-S1800 and DVD-C961 are perfect matches for Yamaha AV receivers. The DVD-S1800’s aluminum front panel and attractive exterior complements the look of the RX-V3800 and RX-V1800 digital AV receivers the company is also introducing at CEDIA. Its HDMI terminals also allow connection via one cable for high-level signal transmission, ensuring a perfectly matched audio/video system. The DVD-C961 is compatible with the SCENE customizable pre-set listening mode, which is featured in the company’s RX-V861 and RX-V661 receivers.
Both the DVD-S1800 and DVD-C961 will be available in August for a suggested retail price of $449.95 each.
About Yamaha
Yamaha Electronics Corporation (YEC), USA, based in Buena Park, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha. YEC offers Home Theater components and systems, featuring A/V Receivers, Amplifiers, DVD/CD, Speakers, Mini-Systems, Video Projection, as well as A/V & IT Convergence Products.
