CES 2004 : Yamaha

Plasma & Universal DVD

As usual at the CES, YAMAHA presents its full product range in a very extended stand again this year.

In terms of products that are actually available on the market we find the current "star", the RX-Z9 AV receiver with THX Ultra 2 which is the favourite of all the YAMAHA enthusiasts.



Not far away, we can see the famous Music Cast, a client server system that allows you to manage from anywhere in the house your music network.



However, presently there appear no fundamental modifications to this exceptional system launched at the CES last year.

In terms of New products, we can see the addition of the DVD-S1500 to the current catalogue for Home Cinema connoisseurs who wants everything in a single player.



This slim line design reveals the new generation high-quality universal DVD player with Faroudja DCDi progressive scan. The DVD-S1500 offers high-quality (24-bit, 192kHz) audio DACs for all channels and high-end (12-bit, 108MHz) video DACs, which maximize video quality and provide the best resolution for a smoother, film-like image when viewed on a high-definition TV or large screen. It is truly universal as it reads SACD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, as well as JPEG format.

Last but far from least, YAMAHA is expanding is product range to further demonstrate its dedication to Home Cinema by launching a new 42-inch light-weight High Definition Plasma monitor.



The PDM-4210 which is based on Fujitsu technology offers the latest generation advanced ALIS (Alternate Lighting of Surfaces) method to deliver a high resolution picture with a 1024x1024 pixel array compatible with both 720p and 1080i high definition sources as well as DVD players and computers, while indicating outstanding technical specs : 1000:1 contrast ratio, 1100cd/m2 brightness and a display of 16.7 million colors (256 gray scale levels)... The PDM-4210 greatly improves upon contrast and black level detail via Yamaha's "Natural Black" drive system, which deepens the depth of black tones, making it possible for the monitor to deliver sharper, realistic images.

Complete Press Releases :

Lecteur de DVD DVD-S1500

LAS VEGAS--Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the leader in digital audio and video reproduction, unveils its next generation high-quality universal DVD player with Faroudja DCDi progressive scan.

The DVD-S1500 is designed for the home theater enthusiast who wants everything in a single player. This truly universal player will play back both popular multi-channel formats, DVD-Audio and Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD)??both of which have music selections that have grown tremendously in the past few years. The DVD-S1500 also has high-quality (24-bit, 192kHz) audio DACs for all channels and high-end (12-bit, 108MHz) video DACs, which maximize video quality and provide the best resolution for a smoother, film-like image when viewed on a high-definition TV or large screen.

Another feature of the DVD-S1500 is NTSC/PAL progressive scan with DCDi? processing by Faroudja, which delivers a superior picture with less flicker and distortion while eliminating the jagged edges that generally appear in moving images. The unit incorporates 3:2 Pull-Down technology, improving cross flicker for projection of cinema-quality images with a realistic, film-like appearance.

The DVD-S1500 single-disc DVD player has been designed to offer the greatest level of performance and versatility, capably handling all popular audio/video formats, including SACD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD, CD-R/RW, picture CDs, MP3 files and JPEG files.

DVD-Audio and SACD are still gaining in popularity as they provide users with a higher-resolution audio experience that rivals live performances. The DVD-S1500 takes full advantage of effects channels on DVD-Audio discs, and offers high-quality, SACD-capable DACs for all channels.

The DVD-S1500 delivers superior sound quality that rivals more expensive universal DVD players. Its SACD and DVD-Audio circuits are completely independent and optimized for each format, which guarantees extremely high-quality audio playback. Audio Direct is a feature that allows the user to turn off video circuitry that may interfere with these enhanced audio formats to ensure premium audio performance. In addition, the DVD-S1500 has independent digital and analog power circuits and transformers.

For highest quality with CDs, the player uses CD up-sampling to raise the CD sampling rate to 176.4 kHz for a smoother sound to rival the quality of DVD-Audio.

The MP3 phenomenon that took the world by storm is here to stay. More and more consumers are demanding products that are compatible with this format. The DVD-S1500 supports full MP3 compatibility, including fast-forward, rewind, special playback functions and MP3 navigation display. It will also play discs with JPEG files and display thumbnail images in sets of four.

Other features include 4-Step Multiple Zoom (1x, 2x, 4x, 8x), Resume (5-disc memory) Play, Multiple Repeat, Disc Lock (Child Lock), On-Screen Menus, and Multi-Angle (9), Multi-Aspect, Multi-Language (8) and Multi-Subtitle (32) capabilities. The DVD-S1500 carries a suggested MSRP of $399 and will be available in March 2004.

Plasma PDM-4210

LAS VEGAS--Yamaha Electronics Corporation has expanded its commitment home theater with its next generation PDM-4210, an elegant, light-weight 42-inch High Definition Plasma monitor that can be easily mounted on either a wall or table.

The PDM-4210 greatly improves upon contrast and black level detail via Yamaha's "Natural Black" drive system, which lowers overall black level by reducing the amount of pre-discharge at black levels. The Natural Black Drive System deepens the depth of black tones, making it possible for the monitor to deliver sharper, realistic images with an impressive 3D feel. Digital Linear Color Control maintains proper balance between the three main colors for optimum color reproduction.

An advanced ALIS (Alternate Lighting of Surfaces) method is used to deliver a sharp, clear picture with smooth, high-definition cinema-like quality. ALIS method panel employs a screen surface composed of vertical channels of continuous phosphor material.

The pixels are defined electronically rather than physically, allowing each picture element to appear smaller than normal. This creates a greater pixel count for a smoother, seamless picture with clearly defined edges and curves.
To increase maximum light output level, the PDM-4210 panel features an asymmetric cell structure that improves the luminous efficiency of blue. Increased blue capability allows full use of green capability, which is restricted with other designs. The result is higher light output as well as an increased color temperature range.

Employing the very latest technology, the PDM-4210 includes 3:2 pulldown detection, as well as compensation circuit that reduces artifacts and dramatically improves the picture quality of satellite and cable TV movies as well as movies played on non-progressive-scan DVD players.

Standard NTSC television also benefits from a sophisticated 3D Y/C comb filter. The 1024x1024 pixel array is compatible with both 720p and 1080i high definition sources as well as DVD players and computers. Specifications across the board are outstanding: 1000:1 contrast ratio, 1100cd/m2 brightness and display of 16.7 million colors (256 gray scale levels).

A Component/RGB (selectable) input and separate computer video input are included along with S-video and composite video inputs. An RS-232 port allows complete control of the PDM-4210 via computer or interactive remote, if desired. On-screen menus are easy to use and understand, and the included remote control is unusually simple and user friendly.

Other features include Side-by-Side Picture, Picture-in-Picture (PC), multi-language on-screen display, timer, plus five video and five PC size modes. A number of video functions allow users to obtain optimum image quality the two available Picture modes (Dynamic and Natural), four White Balance modes (Normal, Cool, Warm, Black-White), and a Film mode for watching movies. Audio features include a digital amplifier that supplies 12Wx12W of low-distortion sound, SRS TruBass, Matrix Surround, as well as four audio modes (Movie, Music, Speech and Favorite).

The PDM-4210 is expected to be available in March at an expected MSRP of $6995.