Yamaha YSP-1 Digital Sound Projector

(Update: 03/08/05: Check Out Our Detailed Review! )
Back again is Yamaha Electronics Corporation's revolutionary new home theater component, the Yamaha Digital Sound Projector. The YSP-1 is a one-of-a-kind single source multi-channel surround sound speaker system that features an array of 42 drivers driven by digital amplifiers with "steering logic" to deliver high-quality surround-sound, ideal for flat panel plasma displays in home theater installations. The demo we heard at Yamaha's booth was most impressive, portraying an immersive and convincing surround sound field, very good frequency extension and dynamic range. This system will get reviewed by Audioholics later this year as we're curious to see how well it emulates 5.1 in a typical home theater environment.

Somewhat ahead of its time, the YSP-1 applies sophisticated digital sound projector technology to control the orientation of the sound from its speakers by focusing it into directional "beams." The stylish slim, wall-mountable unit uses a 40-driver, dual subwoofer system to achieve a high-quality five-channel surround sound performance for movies, music, digital audio, satellite TV, cable TV or other multi-channel sources. The YSP-1 is designed for a variety of room configurations; sound can be directed and reflected off the walls, which provides the listener true surround sound. For optimal performance the Digital Sound Projector should be positioned in the front of the room in the center or in the corners. A variety of customization modes ensure that the surround sound is optimized for all types of conditions.

Yamaha employs Digital Sound Projector Technology to provide "holographic surround sound" from a single flat panel, which forms a multi-channel sound beam to achieved precise control of the delay characteristics of multiple speakers. The YSP-1 projects flat wave fronts of sound and appears to listeners to be located at different points on the panel or via reflections off walls at different points in the room.

An elegant design makes the Yamaha Digital Sound Projector an ideal match for flat panel displays. Naturally, as a single unit, additional speakers and wiring are not necessary. As a result, the YSP-1 is an excellent solution for enthusiasts that opt to build a home theater system around a large flat-screen TV and desire a neat, uncluttered, unobtrusive system to match the interior of a room. The YSP-1 will appeal to a variety of users including first-time home theater system buyers.

Other features include Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II compatibility, On-Screen Display, Night Listening Mode, and three memory locations for storing particular settings. The YSP-1 easily connects to existing set ups via two optical inputs, one coaxial digital input, and two analog inputs. There is a even a subwoofer output. In addition, a RS-232C interface is provided for customization and a preset remote control is included that can also control TVs and DVD players.

The YSP-1 is priced at $1499.95 and will be available in March 2005.

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