Many regard 3D technology as a bit premature and will not consider investing in 3D audio/video equipment until more software titles are available. But for those who want to be among the early adopters of this new technology Yamaha has introduced a range of low priced AV receivers to make this transition as painless as possible. The entry-level Yamaha RX-V367 is priced below $250 and comes with support for 3D Blu-ray content (via upcoming firmware update) plus plenty of connectivity options.
In order for it to be able to deliver 3D content it comes with the latest HDMI ver1.4 inputs. HDMI 1.4 brings compatibility with the new 3D video format, as well as an ARC (Audio Return Channel) from your display back to the receiver.
Yamaha RX-V367
Design
The Yamaha RX-V367 retains the simple black brush metal finish of previous RX-V series receivers. The power button is now located in a more convenient position at the top left corner while the large volume control knob sits on the opposite end. The subtle fluorescent display occupies the center portion and the rest of the controls and presets are laid out intuitively. Below the display are four pre-set SCENE buttons (BD/DVD, TV, CD and Radio) that enable you to conveniently turn on the correct components and activate the proper inputs, and surround mode combination with one touch. A very useful feature indeed.
Below is the back panel layout. Click on image to enlarge for a clearer view.
Yamaha RX-V367 Back Panel
Connectivity
Connectivity options are pretty basic. The 4 HDMI inputs should be adequate for most users. You also get 2 component video inputs, 4 sets of composite video inputs and 2 sets of optical and coaxial digital audio inputs. There’s a jack at the top left for connecting an optional Yamaha universal dock (such as the YDS-12) or a bluetooth receiver (YBA-10). A full complement of speaker terminals occupy the center portion. There are no multi channel analog inputs so you will have to use HDMI for your blu-ray and other hi-def sources, which is the best way to connect your components together to enjoy hi-definition video with the latest audio codecs. All output jacks are clearly marked in white to prevent connection errors.
Additional connectivity options available on the front panel include a mini jack for portable audio players, a set of A/V inputs, and a headphone jack.
Features
Yamaha has spent much effort in squeezing as much of the latest technologies into the RX-V367 as they possibly can. But to keep costs down some features have been omitted. For audio, you only get Dolby Digital Surround / Dolby ProLogic II and DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 digital surround. Audio decoders for Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio are not included. DVD 1080p upscaling are also omitted.
Here’s a summary of the features of the RX-V367:
- 5-channel 500W surround sound (100W x 5)
- HDMI 1.4 Support for 3-D Video and Audio Return Channel – HDMI has fast become the cable of choice for connecting today’s A/V components. The four HDMI 1.4 inputs on the RX-V367 let you simultaneously connect high-definition sources such as a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, and a cable/satellite tuner. As the latest standard, HDMI 1.4 adds 3D support and an Audio Return Channel. Audio content received directly by your HDTV’s tuner can be sent “upstream” to your A/V receiver, without the need for a separate S/PDIF audio cable.
- Yamaha’s proprietary Cinema DSP audio processing complements the new 3D TV technology and provides extra sonic dimension and presence to match the more involving 3D playback.
- Intuitive on-screen display for navigating entertainment options
- Deep Color (30/36 bit) technology, x.v.Color, 24Hz Refresh Rates, audio input assign capability for HDMI and component video inputs
- Auto Lip-Sync compensation which automatically eliminates audio/video sync issues
- Compressed Music Enhancer restores dynamics to music files ripped from CDs or downloaded from the Internet
- Adaptive Dynamic Range Control automatically increases the volume of softer dialog passages when overall system volume is turned down, and Adaptive DSP level
- Silent Cinema technology makes it possible to hear large-scale surround sound through standard headphones–ideal for late-night home theater listening when the rest of the family is asleep
Bottom Line
If this is your first foray into high definition playback and are planning a simple 5.1 channel home theater setup, the Yamaha RX-V367 should be on your shortlist of AV receivers. Although it does not have the bells and whistles, it also will not break your budget. And if 3D does take off in a big way and prices of 3DTVs and 3D media drops, you have a receiver that is ready to fit right in.