DVD PLAYERS

YAMAHA DVD-S1800

Benchmark

n the home theatre environment, Yamaha's reputation for that elusive mix of value and performance is already well established.The marque typically manages to equip its AV components with both strong sonic talents and impressive video delivery, thus pleasing both music and AV fans. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that its latest universal player, the DVD-S1800, overdelivers in both the audio and video departments. But this unassuming, slimline deck achieves video and audio to levels that would have been considered reference-standard not that long ago, at a price point well within the mainstream spectrum.And that makes it something particularly special. The DVD-S1800 is by no means Yamaha's top-end DVD player. It slots in somewhere toward the centre of the range and is nominally a universal deck that copes with a wide assortment of audio and video formats. In terms of the latter, it copes with PCM stereo, stereo and multi-channel SACD, and stereo and multi-channel DVD-Audio, as well as the Dolby Digital and DTS. It will also read MP3 and WMA compressed music files written to CD-R or CD-RW discs and to DVDR/W discs for that matter. The Yamaha can be hooked up to an AV system in a variety of ways.The easiest, most fuss-free approach is to use the HDMI interface, which delivers both audio and video content to the system in the digital domain, while automatically defaulting to the correct settings. HDMI works for virtually all digital audio transmission, including multi-channel, highresolution formats such as DVD-Audio. But it is not compatible with SACD, and SACD discs played on the DVD-S1800 have to be played back using the 5.1 analogue output. Despite HDMI's convenience, its propensity for digital jitter means that some purists will probably prefer to link up the Yamaha to their systems using the composite video interface, together with coaxial digital audio and the analogue 5.1 audio output set for SACD use. However, in my experience with the DVD-S1800, HDMI was not only the connection of choice for the sheer convenience, but also because it performed admirably across all its audio and video capabilities. The 5.1 analogue output set was used purely for SACD playback. Maximum video resolution is 1080p, which equates to true high-definition resolution, helped along by in-built scaling and video noise shaping via an Analog Devices chip, as well as

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VITAL STATS

bargain
Faroudja DCDi processing. And it shows: picture quality is superb, with deep blacks, rich colours, superb texture and impressive clarity. Skin tones had an almost luminous, 'real' look to them, further boosting realism. I was particularly impressed by the apparent sharpness of the image, which appeared to make the most of the picture quality on offer, and generally exceeded expectations, with a crisp, pin-sharp approach that also benefited the always difficult low-light and shadow details. But as good as the video performance of the DVD-S1800 is, it's the sonic side of the coin that steals the limelight. Remember, this is a mid-priced universal player that will most often be purchased for its DVD playback capability, rather than its audio talents. However, the Yamaha outshines many a dedicated CD/SACD player with a sonic approach that has presence, pace and punch. As a CD player, it brings almost holographic stereo to the party, with a penchant for excellent staging and dimensionality. Tonal range is both extensive and nicely balanced, with deep bass notes given as much scope as the clean, clear treble. And, for once, there is no bite or sibilance to the high notes so often a malady associated with universal players that try to be all things to all people. It's equally good at translating both stereo and multi-channel SACD material, where it uses the additional resolution and associated richer harvest of detail to paint an even more thrilling, more compelling musical picture. Interestingly, the Yamaha seems to have a particular penchant for DVD-Audio a format which remains underrated and crippled by a lack of available software. Most of all, the Yamaha managed to get to grips with the essence and thrust of the music, regardless of the format. It has a way of digging into the core of a performance, and to extract from it those elements that make a performance come alive. Regardless of whether it's Eva Cassidy's soaring voice, the fat sax of Arne Domnerus, a rousing Rolling Stones recording or Handel's Messiah you're listening to, the Yamaha does every chord, every riff, every phrase the fullest justice and keeps the listener's feet tapping in the process. The Yamaha DVD-S1800 is a fine all-rounder at a price that represents excellent value. Its fine talents will please music and movie fans alike. Indeed, until Blu-ray becomes both more affordable and more accessible, benchmark decks like the Yamaha represent a far better, more sensible purchase.

Deon Schoeman

Digital audio conversion..4x Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit two-channel DACs Digital video conversion..216 Hz/12-bit video DAC with Analog Devices NSV Video processing..Faroudja FLi 2310 DCDi Video scaling..Up to 1080p (HDMI only) Video format.PAL and NTSC, progressive scan Frequency response..2 Hz to 44 kHz Signal-to-noise ratio..115 dB (1 kHz) Dynamic range.105 dB (1 kHz) Audio outputs..5.1 analogue, stereo analogue, digital coaxial, digital optical Video outputs.Composite, S-video, Component, SCART (RGB), HDMI Dimensions (WxHxD)..435 x 87 x 285 mm Weight..3,3 kg PRICE..RVERDICT Slim and sensibly equipped universal DVD player delivers audio and video standards way ahead of price and expectation. Brilliant stereo and multi-channel audio, but superb video, too. SUPPLIED BY Balanced Audio 011-314-0760

WEBSITE

www.balancedaudio.co.za

Contact: Doan Hoff / Yamaha Electronics Corporation, USA (714) 522-9105 (dhoff@yamaha.com) Doug Wright / Giles Communications (914) 798-4115 (dwright@giles.com)
YAMAHA INTRODUCES HIGH-PERFORMANCE DVD PLAYERS WITH 1080p HDMI OUTPUT PLUS DVD-AUDIO AND SUPER AUDIO CD PLAYBACK Top-of-the-Line Universal DVD Player and Super Audio CD/DVD Changer Ideal for High-End Custom Installations BUENA PARK, Calif.Yamaha, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today introduced the DVD-S1800 universal DVD player and the DVD-C961 Super Audio CD/DVD-Audio Changer. Both feature a host of advanced features and capabilities designed to maximize the performance of high-end home theater installations. Ideal for those who demand the ultimate in video and audio realism, the DVD-S1800 and DVD-C961 not only offer 1080p video output via HDMI, but also support DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD playback. Both units will be on exhibit at Yamahas CEDIA 2007 booth (#450). The DVD-S1800 DVD player and DVD-C961 changer both utilize industryleading video processing technologies to deliver remarkable performance. In addition to upconverting video to 1080p, the units can also output 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i signals, all over a pure digital HDMI connection. To ensure the highest possible video quality even through their analog outputs, the models also feature a 216MHz/12-bit highperformance 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.

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YAMAHA INTRODUCES HIGH-PERFORMANCE DVD PLAYERS WITH 1080p HDMI OUTPUT PLUS DVD-AUDIO AND SUPER AUDIO CD PLAYBACK
For optimal viewing of native 4:3 images on widescreen 16:9 sets, the DVDS1800 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. Both the DVD-S1800 and DVD-C961 offer Faroudja DCDi processing, Motion Adaptive Noise Reduction, Cross Color Suppression and TrueLife Enhancer. 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 twochannel Burr Brown 192kHz/24-bit DACs for the stereo and 5.1-channel output sections to provide absolute sonic transparency. The DVD-C961s 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 multispeaker 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 units streamlined and intuitive GUI makes 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 and DVD-C961 are perfect matches for Yamaha AV receivers. The DVD-S1800s aluminum front panel and attractive exterior complements the look of the RXV3800 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 companys RX-V861, RX-V661, RX-V461 and RX-V361 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, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90620; telephone (714) 522-9105; email infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/home. END About Yamaha Yamaha Electronics Corporation (YEC), USA, based in Buena Park, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha. YEC offers Home Theater components and systems, featuring A/V Receivers, Amplifiers, DVD/CD, Speakers, Mini-Systems, Video Projection, as well as A/V & IT Convergence Products.