Yamaha Announces RX-V2600 Receiver with HDMI Upconversion & Scaling!

[Audioholics]

The new RX-V2600 receiver from Yamaha has some insanely cool new features, including:

• 130W x 7
• Full Analogue Video Upconversion to HDMI
• Deinterlacing and Scaling up to 1080i/720p (uses Oplus de-interlacer for 480i to 480p)
• XM-Ready
• THX Select2
• Dedicated Zone Remote Control
• Fully Illuminated Main Zone Remote Control
• Burr Brown 192kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels
• Assignable Amplifiers for bi-amp connection or Zones 2/3
• TBC (time base correction) for Component and HDMI outputs
• 2 in/1 out HDMI interface
• HDMI 1.1 (supports DVD-Audio/DTS/DD)
• 100MHz component video bandwidth
• GUI on-screen display
• 3 coax/4 optical S/PDIF inputs

Needless to say, this is an amazing receiver for $1399 MSRP. If these specs are correct, the video processing alone makes it worth the price of admission and advances it beyond just about any other product currently on the market (we're not aware of anyone else who is upconverting 480i to 720p/1080i via HDMI - let alone in a $1400 receiver).

Next week when we see this product live at CEDIA we'll fill in the gaps - and of course, we'll follow up with a full review.

 

[Wrk_hrd2Play_hr]

How does this unit compare to the 4600 in terms of feature set?

 

[Wrk_hrd2Play_hr]

How does this unit compare to the 4600 in terms of feature set?

Reason I ask is because the 4600 (which is supposed to be higher in the RX-V range) does not have the following:

Full Analogue Video Upconversion to HDMI
Deinterlacing and Scaling up to 1080i/720p (uses Oplus de-interlacer for 480i to 480p)
Assignable Amplifiers for bi-amp connection or Zones 2/3

 

[eddie]

Right off the top of my head, I don't see that this receiver is I-link compatible and if the amplifier/s is/are the same as the 2500, then the 4600 would be superior in that way as well.

 

[gene]

It doesn't have i.link but does have HDMI which will pass all current audio formats except SACD. I would expect the amp section is comparible to 2500 but with the edge to biamp front channels.

 

[newfmp3]

so here I am, with a 4600 on order, and I'm thinking....why?

Just get a 2600 and a 2 channel amp.

Can any of this stuff be added with a firmware update? I'm guessing a big FAT NO.

 

[Duffinator]

This looks very impressive.

I knew Denon dropped the ball with the 3806 and no video upconversion to HDMI.

 

[brian32672]

The new RX-V2600 receiver from Yamaha has some insanely cool new features, including:

Can't wait for the review, this might be my new upgrade.
Damn, get that upgrade thing off your mind Brian....

EDIT:: Still waiting for the Oppo review, hint - hint.

 

[surveyor]

The RX-V2600 looks like another ton of bang for the buck!
Thanks for the update and I'm looking forward to the review.
Surveyor

 

[terror_beast]

I'm personally wondering why anyone would chose to purchase a new receiver within the next year. Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD are not yet supported on any of the new announced receiver models from any manufacturer that I am aware of. I'm not sure if it will be possible to simply upgrade current receivers with a serial or USB connection to add DD-Plus and/or DTS-HD. If so, it's not so much of a big deal. But furthermore, DD-Plus and DTS-HD will require a connection with more bandwidth than either S/PDIF coax or TosLink optical offer...meaning either an iLink (FireWire) or HDMI connection will be needed. The new HDMI 1.2 spec is out now and really only adds SACD. Again, I don't know if current HDMI 1.1 devices can simply be upgraded. But it would seem clear that yet another revision to the HDMI spec is going to be necessary when DD-Plus and DTS-HD hit the market.

I personally think it best to wait at least a year for these features. Unless you have a lot of money and can afford to upgrade every year, I just see a waste of $1000+ in buying any receiver this year.

terror_beast

 

[gene]

I'm personally wondering why anyone would chose to purchase a new receiver within the next year. Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD are not yet supported on any of the new announced receiver models from any manufacturer that I am aware of.

Or you could wait 5-10 more years for DD+++++++ and DTS HD^3. Why buy next year when you can wait another 5 years? By then the receiver should be able to make you coffee and babysit your little ones. See my point?

In reality, we are at least 2 years off on the new formats, not to mention software support will likely be even longer. Don't hold your breath waiting for the latest and greatest.

 

[Geoh]

I'm personally wondering why anyone would chose to purchase a new receiver within the next year. Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD are not yet supported on any of the new announced receiver models from any manufacturer that I am aware of. I'm not sure if it will be possible to simply upgrade current receivers with a serial or USB connection to add DD-Plus and/or DTS-HD. If so, it's not so much of a big deal. But furthermore, DD-Plus and DTS-HD will require a connection with more bandwidth than either S/PDIF coax or TosLink optical offer...meaning either an iLink (FireWire) or HDMI connection will be needed. The new HDMI 1.2 spec is out now and really only adds SACD. Again, I don't know if current HDMI 1.1 devices can simply be upgraded. But it would seem clear that yet another revision to the HDMI spec is going to be necessary when DD-Plus and DTS-HD hit the market.

I personally think it best to wait at least a year for these features. Unless you have a lot of money and can afford to upgrade every year, I just see a waste of $1000+ in buying any receiver this year.

terror_beast

I believe, at least initially, DD-Plus and DTS-HD will be decoded in the HD players themselves. The decoded PCM signal can then be passed onto to processor via HDMI or maybe even iLink.

geoh

 

[brian32672]

Or you could wait 5-10 more years for DD+++++++ and DTS HD^3. Why buy next year when you can wait another 5 years? By then the receiver should be able to make you coffee and babysit your little ones. See my point?

In reality, we are at least 2 years off on the new formats, not to mention software support will likely be even longer. Don't hold your breath waiting for the latest and greatest.

Super point Gene, that helps justify my new upgrade. Heck would only be about a 6 month upgrade by the time I'm done...

 

[ned]

In my opinion it's a lost to Denon because of the lack of Audyssey MultEQ. My experience with room treatment has made a believer out of it. For me your equipment is as good as how you can tame the room.

 

[gene]

I believe, at least initially, DD-Plus and DTS-HD will be decoded in the HD players themselves.

It's also possible that first generation HD players may output only standard DD to be compatible with legacy devices.

Don't forget they are still banging their heads to figure out of 7CH should be in same speaker/channel configuration as current 5.1 + 2 back speakers, or be in a modified ITU multi channel music scenario with overhead channels. I hope they stick with the former to be compatible with 99% of the movie watching consumer industry personally.

 

[Jack N]

Has the front presence/rear centers problem been fixed (can't play both pair at the same time) ?

 

[Bodymechanic]

...... and my rx-v2500 is only 3 weeks old....... I HATE YOU YAMAHA !!! < shakes his fists into the air as he slips wildly into madness >

 

[Paulvader]

...... and my rx-v2500 is only 3 weeks old....... I HATE YOU YAMAHA !!! < shakes his fists into the air as he slips wildly into madness >

tha's it, it's 1:45 am and I'm unplugging my 3 month old 2500 and putting it to the curb...wait, I'll just stop reading the reviews of newer equipment - nope I'm leaving this site for good and locking myself in my room!

 

[Rossww]

..

Any idea when it's going to hit the stores? I'm torn between the 4600, 2600 and the two new Denon's...

 

[Steelheart1948]

Yamaha raises the bar

Figure a street price of no more than $1300.00. For the the extremely power hungry, get yourself 3 Outlaw mono amps at $300.00 each for the center and mains. Total cost $2200.00. Unless you must have i link for SACD, this is an unbeatable "high end" set up, for a "low end" price. Life is good!!