Yamaha announced the new YAS-207 sound bar with wireless subwoofer for $300. It will be the first to incorporate DTS Virtual:X for immersive 3D surround sound. This new post-processing virtualization technology developed by DTS Inc. can move sounds around and above the listener even though it is coming from only one speaker. DTS Virtual:X also up mixes any stereo or multichannel audio to create spacious 3D sound with a height dimension, and can make gaming more enveloping.
The YAS-207 replaces the YAS-203 by offering a completely new design, with a thinner profile main bar (only 2-3/8″ high) meant for placement in front of TVs without blocking the screen image or for wall-mounting under a TV using its built-in keyholes. The included companion wireless subwoofer is compact for its performance level, with a vertical rectangular shape that provides flexible placement options in discreet locations.
The YAS-207 packs all the latest high-performance connectivity options, including an HDMI input and HDMI output to pass 4K high dynamic range (HDR) video at up to 60 frames per second to 4K TVs from an HDMI-connected 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc player or 4K streaming media player. The sound bar’s HDMI output features an audio return channel (ARC) to receive stereo and multichannel audio from over-the-air TV broadcasts and from smart TV video-streaming apps — making an additional cable connection unnecessary.
With its Clear Voice function, the YAS-207 can increase dialogue levels in news, sports and other TV programs to make voices more intelligible while maintaining overall sound quality. Built-in Bluetooth lets owners play music from any Bluetooth-connected mobile device. A free controller app for Apple and Android mobile devices uses Bluetooth to control the YAS-207 via an intuitive interface.
Until now, reproducing immersive sound has required the use of advanced and often complex gear utilizing ceiling or up-firing speakers. By employing DTS Virtual:X, the YAS-207 offers a way to enjoy immersive sound from a simple sound bar that is sleek, affordably priced and extremely easy to set up.
Pricing and Availability
The Yamaha YAS-207 will be available in July 2017 for $299.95. Initially, it will ship with a conventional virtual surround processing technology on board that is like other current Yamaha sound bar models. It will be upgradeable to DTS Virtual:X via a firmware update expected in August. By fall 2017, DTS Virtual:X will come preloaded on the sound bar.
