Sound field program information

Elements of a sound field

What really creates the rich, full tones of a live instrument are the multiple reflections from the walls of the room. In addition to making the sound live, these reflections enable us to tell where the player is situated as well as the size and shape of the room in which we are sitting.

There are two distinct types of sound reflections that combine to make up the sound field in addition to the direct sound coming straight to our ears from the player’s instrument.

Early reflections

Reflected sounds reach our ears extremely rapidly (50 ms to 100 ms after the direct sound), after reflecting from one surface only (for example, from a wall or the ceiling).

Early reflections actually add clarity to the direct sound.

Reverberations

These are caused by reflections from more than one surface (for example, from the walls, and the ceiling) so numerous that they merge together to form a continuous sonic afterglow. They are non-directional and lessen the clarity of the direct sound.

Direct sound, early reflections and subsequent reverberations taken together help us to determine the subjective size and shape of the room, and it is this information that the digital sound field processor reproduces in order to create sound fields.

If you could create the appropriate early reflections and subsequent reverberations in your listening room, you would be able to create your own listening environment. The acoustics in your room could be changed to those of a concert hall, a dance floor, or a room with virtually any size at all. This ability to create sound fields at will is exactly what Yamaha has done with the digital sound field processor.

CINEMA DSP

Since the Dolby Surround and DTS systems were originally designed for use in movie theaters, their effect is best felt in a theater having many speakers designed for acoustic effects. Since home conditions, such as room size, wall material, number of speakers, and so on, can differ so widely, it is inevitable that there are differences in the sound heard. Based on a wealth of actually measured data, Yamaha CINEMA DSP uses Yamaha original sound field technology to combine Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital and DTS systems to provide the audiovisual experience of a movie theater in the listening room of your own home.

SILENT CINEMA

Yamaha has developed a natural, realistic sound effect DSP algorithm for headphones. Parameters for headphones have been set for each sound field so that accurate representations of all the sound field programs can be enjoyed on headphones.

Virtual CINEMA DSP

Yamaha has developed a Virtual CINEMA DSP algorithm that allows you to enjoy DSP sound field surround effects even without any surround speakers by using virtual surround speakers. It is even possible to enjoy Virtual CINEMA DSP using a minimal two-speaker system that does not include a center speaker.

Compressed Music Enhancer

The Compressed Music Enhancer feature of this unit enhances your listening experience by regenerating the missing harmonics in a compression artifact. As a result, flattened complexity due to the loss of high-frequency fidelity as well as lack of bass due to the loss of low- frequency bass is compensated, providing improved performance of the overall sound system.

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Yamaha RX-V863 Sound field program information, 126 En, Elements of a sound field, Early reflections, Reverberations

RX-V863 specifications

The Yamaha RX-V863 is a versatile and powerful AV receiver designed for home theater enthusiasts who want to enjoy an immersive audio-visual experience. This model is part of Yamaha's RX series, known for its robust performance and user-friendly features.

One of the standout features of the RX-V863 is its support for high-definition audio formats. It is equipped with advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology that delivers exceptional sound quality. The receiver supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, providing a cinematic audio experience that captures every detail in movies and music.

The RX-V863 also offers 7.1-channel surround sound, which adds depth and dimension to audio playback. With 110 watts per channel, it can drive a variety of speaker setups effectively, filling a room with rich sound. Its YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) technology analyzes the room's acoustics and automatically calibrates the audio settings for optimal performance. This ensures that listeners enjoy the best sound possible, regardless of their room's layout.

Connectivity options are ample on the RX-V863, featuring multiple HDMI inputs that support 1080p video pass-through, enabling seamless connectivity with high-definition sources. This makes it an ideal choice for users with various devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The receiver also includes component and composite video inputs, as well as optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of equipment.

Furthermore, the RX-V863 boasts superior video processing capabilities, able to upscale standard-definition video to 1080p. This enhances the picture quality of older sources, making them look more impressive on modern HDTVs. Additionally, its Zone 2 functionality allows for multi-room audio distribution, letting users enjoy music in different spaces.

To enhance usability, the receiver comes with a well-designed remote control and an on-screen display. Yamaha's intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate settings and options.

In summary, the Yamaha RX-V863 is a robust AV receiver that combines high-quality audio performance, extensive connectivity, and user-friendly features. Whether you are watching movies, listening to music, or gaming, the RX-V863 ensures an enhanced entertainment experience that caters to audiophiles and casual users alike.