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In recent weeks, talks have been rife about the impending launch of HDMI 2.0 and while new technology is usually received with open and welcome arms, especially when HDMI 2.0 would usher in a whole new era of video, it could also open Pandora’s box and create handshake issues as HDMI 1.0 did before.

HDMI 2.0 is said to not only go beyond 1080p like the current HDMI 1.4 spec does. It will also support Ultra HD at higher frame rates and support increased bit color, be it 10- or 12-bit color. While an increase from 8-bit to 10-bit color doesn’t seem like such a big deal, it actually means an increase of billions of colors that the untrained eye will be able to see and appreciate. Add that to the “four times the resolution of 1080p” that Ultra HD offers and the increased frame rate and you will see a significant step up in performance that would have people wanting to upgrade their HDTVs and equipment.

Yet another key upgrade that the grapevine seems to have paid attention to is the move from H.264 to H.265 which is said to allow for better image quality from a much more compressed file. This is big news for cable and satellite providers who are unwilling to sacrifice any single channel to make room for Ultra HD channels.

With all that said, there is really no need to fear HDMI 2.0. HDMI 2.0 is more for those who want to make the move to Ultra HD and it is still too early to say what HDMI 2.0 will bring to the table.

Despite declining AV receiver sales over the past few years, Yamaha is not letting up with new receiver development and has launched a series of budget models with ever improving features.

Over its 125 years history Yamaha has done a great job producing high quality AV receivers that offer performance and reliability at affordable price levels.

2013 Yamaha RX-V75 Receivers

2013 Yamaha RX-V75 Series Receivers

For 2013, Yamaha’s new RX-V series has five new models that offer support for 4K (or Ultra HD as it is sometimes referred to) and compatibility with Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) devices such as the latest Samsung Galaxy S3 & S4, the new Streaming Stick from Roku and many more devices on the way. They also support Apple’s Airplay and play music and video files from your local PC.

MHL

Handsomely designed, 4 of the new models (RX-V775WA, RX-V675 and RX-V575, and RX-V475) are network-enabled while the entry level the RX-V375 is non networked receiver. Yamaha also continue its fine tradition of good audio performance by including Burr-Brown 24/192 DACs.

Priced between $299.95 and $849.95, Yamaha has sensibly designed these receivers to cater to every budget.