Yamaha DVD-S1800 First Look

Yamaha today introduced the DVD-S1800 universal DVD player and the DVD-C961 Super Audio CD/DVD-Audio Changer. Both offer 1080p video output via HDMI and also support DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD playback. The two share Faroudja DCDi video processing, Motion Adaptive Noise Reduction, Cross Color Suppression and TrueLife Enhancer and are capable of deinterlacing/upconverting video to 1080p.

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.

Yamaha DVD-S1800 DVD Player with 1080p HDMI

Specifications (DVD-S1800)

• DVD-Audio/SACD over HDMI
• DVD-Video/VCD/CD playback
• JPEG/MP3/DivX/WMA/Picture CD compatible
• HDMI (1080p max output)
• DCDi processing (Faroudja FLI-2310)
• 216MHz / 12-bit video DAC
• 192kHz / 24-bit audio DACs
• RS-232C
• IR ports
• Dimension: 17.125" x 3.5" x 11.2"
• Weight: 7.3lbs

Yamaha DVD-C961 DVD Changer with 1080p HDMI

Specifications (DVD-C961)

• DVD-Audio/SACD over HDMI
• DVD-Video/VCD/CD playback
• JPEG/MP3/DivX/WMA/Picture CD compatible
• HDMI (1080p max output)
• DCDi processing (Faroudja FLI-2310)
• 216MHz / 12-bit video DAC
• 192kHz / 24-bit audio DACs
• RS-232C
• IR ports
• Dimension: 17.125" x 3" x 16.75"
• Weight: 12.1lbs
  

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 also comes with Yamaha's new GUI interface, making 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'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.

For more information visit www.yamaha.com/home.