Yamaha Updates One-Speaker Surround Sound September 24, 2007

Read more Digital Audio , Entertainment , Gizmodo UK , Home Cinema , Home Entertainment , Movies

As the pioneer of one-speaker surround with the cool YSP-series of speakers, Yamaha has overhauled its offerings now that AV heavyweights, Denon and Philips, have entered the arena. Audio specialist, Polk Audio, also recently entered this market with its first pseudo-surround product, the 51in SurroundBar50 for £600.

Yamaha is set to introduce three new models, the entry level Yamaha YSP-500, YSP-30D and YSP-40D. What makes the 30D and 40D really stand-out though is the addition of a DAB radio and iPod support. The surround sound is generated from lots of little speakers firing sound in different directions under the control of Yamaha’s Intellibeam Automated System Calibration – which adjusts the sound to suit your room.

There’s a Night Listening Mode for watching movies when the rugrats are snoring and a very handy TV Equal Volume Mode which ensures that annoying ads – which are always louder than your programme – come out at the same volume level. Nice.

Prices for the YSP-500, YSP-30D and YSP-40D are £500, £800 and £1,200 respectively. -Martin Lynch

audio movies speaker home cinema