No technology has created more buzz in the world of home theater than Dolby's Atmos format over the past few years. Bringing this state-of-the-art surround sound format to the soundbar category, the popular electronics manufacturer Yamaha has introduced its YSP-5600 to the home theater market.
Yamaha says the YSP-5600 provides homeowners the ability to playback Dolby Atmos content without the need of an A/V receiver, preamplifier/processor or specific speakers, including in-ceiling height speakers. The company explains the soundbar utilizes its Digital Sound Projector technologies to produce a multi-dimensional listening experience.
“As multiple speaker systems are not always feasible or desirable in some rooms, the YSP-5600 represents the simplest, most elegant solution for introducing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X into the home,” says Bob Goedken, general manager, A/V division, Yamaha Corporation of America. “And since it is equipped with MusicCast, this impressive soundbar doubles as an entertainment hub that can stream audio content to other MusicCast products throughout the home.”
The soundbar incorporates a total of 44 small drivers, including 12 drivers that are used to reproduce Dolby Atmos' and DTS:X's height channels to produce a total 7.1.2 channel soundstage. Yamaha says it will also offer a DTS:X firmware update for the YSP-5600 to enable it to reproduce DTS' object-based X format, and it through its app is offering its MusicCast wireless whole-house audio platform.
Yamaha points out that homeowners that employ MusicCast can stream digital audio files stored on their network and services such as Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify and SiriusXM Internet Radio. The product also includes Bluetooth to allow users to stream content from their smart devices, and its Bluetooth output option enables users to stream MusicCast content to Bluetooth devices such as portable speakers and headphones.
Other features include HDMI with HDCP 2.2 connectivity to support 4K at 60Hz, and provisions for wired and wireless subwoofer connections via its optional SWK-W16 wireless subwoofer kit. Other dealer friendly install options include the SPM-K30 wall-mount bracket that facilitates dealers' ability to mount the YSP5600 on the wall.
