Yamaha RX-V573 and RX-V473 receivers include AirPlay integration, 4K passthrough

We don't spend a whole lot of time focusing on home theater receivers 'round these parts, but we do like AirPlay, and we're especially fond of audio devices that boast compatibility with the iOS wireless streaming tool out of the box. Yamaha's RX-V573 and RX-V473 are two of the latest mid-range audio mixers to ship with AirPlay integration -- a feature lacking from the company's past offerings -- along with compatibility with the AV Controller app, available for iOS, Android and the Kindle Fire. There's also a nifty 4K video pass-through feature, which won't do you much good at present, but may go a long way to future-proofing both devices. There's not much differentiating the models, save for a $100 gap in price ($450 for the V473, $550 for the V573), and 7.1 channel audio in the pricier model (you'll find 5.1 channels in the bargain offering). Both flavors include front-panel USB ports (also with iOS compatibility), four HDMI inputs and digital audio inputs, and 115 watts per channel. You can pick up either model now, and there's a more detailed list of specifications awaiting your gander in the PR after the break.

Show full PR text

Yamaha Introduces Two Network RX-V Series AV Receivers That Combine Sophistication and Simplicity for Superior Home Theater Experiences

New Models Offer AirPlay, direct connectivity to iPads, improved control app, HDMI 4K and 3D pass-through, YPAO and ECO friendly features

BUENA PARK, Calif.-Yamaha Corporation of America, AV Division, today added two new network models to its updated line of market-leading RX-V series AV receivers – the 7.1-channel RX-V573 and 5.1-channel RX-V473 models –following last month's arrival of the company's 5.1-channel RX-V373.

Offering a perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity, the models boast robust performance, setup and control features including AirPlay compatibility with Apple iOS devices, direct connectivity to iPads, iPhones and iPods, as well as the company's proprietary YPAO system calibration. System control has been made more convenient throughout the line via the recently updated Yamaha AV controller app, which include native iPad and tablet versions, for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices. Providing wide access to content from virtually any source, these network receivers also deliver audio from Internet radio and DLNA-certified devices.

Yamaha will announce additional models in the popular RX-V series later this month.

The improved Yamaha AV controller app for iOS and Android devices provides a portrait or landscape mode user interface for easy visibility on smart phones or tablets. The app's interface can also be customized, enabling control icons to be rearranged and background wallpaper designs to be imported.

Each future proof model in the RX-V series provides 4K video pass-through from yet-to-be-introduced source components that will deliver content with four times the resolution of 1080p. All models also provide 3D video pass-through with Audio Return Channel (ARC).

"Our new RX-V series models fully embrace the evolution of the AV receiver and reflect the consumers' expectations that they will work seamlessly with other components and portable devices in the home," said Tom Sumner, senior vice-president, Yamaha Corporation of America. "We've taken a sophisticated, yet simple-to-use design approach to enabling people to better enjoy movies, TV and music with the highest quality audio and video."

Exceptional Performance, Control and Set Up Features
The RX-V573 has seven discreet assignable amplifiers that enable a home entertainment system to deliver 7-channel surround sound in one zone, to bi-amp and double power to main speakers, or to provide audio to Zone B. The RX-V573 also has a Virtual Presence Speaker function for achieving full CINEMA DSP 3D surround without front presence speakers.

The RX-V573 and RX-V473 both have advanced multi-language on-screen displays that overlay onto HD and 3D video signals to depict system control and setup prompts. Data, such as song titles, from connected iPods, iPhones, iPods or USB drives is shown on the receivers' attractive on-screen displays. Connected iPods, iPhones and iPads will also charge automatically for later use on the go.

All models in the RX-V series offer a full complement of HD Audio format decoding, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio.

Other notable performance and convenience features of the RX-V series include:

- ECO Mode that reduces the model's power consumption by 20 percent. The model has extremely low power consumption in standby mode and Auto Power Down can be set for 2, 4, 8 or 12 hours;
- YPAO system calibration that ensures more accurate room measurements by confirming the subwoofer is fully responding before making audio adjustments;
- A subwoofer level adjustment that enables listeners to increase the bass without disturbing the system's crossover point. The result is that vocals and high frequency sounds do not end up "boomy" or "muddy" from being misdirected through the subwoofer;
- A High speed HDMI switching function that remembers the settings of all connected sources, eliminating the time it normally takes to adjust to each when they are selected;
- Four convenient SCENE Mode buttons that automatically power on the appropriate components and make system adjustments for specific entertainment options.

All models in the RX-V series offer a full suite of proprietary audio features that provide users flexibility and control in setting up the best possible audio experiences. CINEMA DSP 3D, with 17 DSP programs, enables users to adjust the listening experience precisely to their preferences. SILENT CINEMA makes it possible to hear large-scale surround sound through ordinary headphones. Virtual CINEMA DSP lets consumers enjoy the effects of CINEMA DSP surround sound without using surround speakers. It can be used with the front/center/presence speakers or even with two front left and right speakers. Yamaha's proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology with CINEMA DSP restores lost detail in compressed music files, providing a natural sounding listening experience when enjoying your favorite music from an iPod, iPhone or other compressed music source.

The RX-V573 and RX-V473 are currently available for $549.95 and $449.95 MSRP, respectively.