Yamaha just unveiled the YSP-5100 and YSP-4100, its next generation of Digital Sound Projectors. Employing Yamaha's proprietary technology, both models deliver surround sound from a single speaker by employing dozens of separate audio beam drivers that deliver center channel sound directly, while sounds from other channels are heard reflecting off the walls around the listener. These units, which are ideal for placement beneath the latest flat screen TV models, provide HD Audio decoding and four 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs along with proprietary technologies including UniVolume for keeping the sound of TV programs and commercials and different sources at the same volume level, and yAired for wireless iPod and iPhone audio playback.

Additional Resources
• Read more sound bar news from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Explore sound bar reviews by the staff at HomeTheaterReview.com.

The YSP-4100 features 40 beam drivers and two woofers, each with dedicated amplifiers. The YSP-5100 is identical, plus two tweeters with dedicated amplifiers. Both units bypass the need for a separate receiver or amplifier, or additional speakers, making them the ideal surround sound solutions for small spaces or second rooms in multi-zone systems. Both models, which are significantly thinner than previous Digital Sound Projector models (3 ½ inch depth), can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf or rack.

The YSP-4100 and YSP-5100 offer HD Audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD High Resolution) to deliver the best possible sound from Blu-ray disc players and all other digital sources. Users can also choose from six listening modes (5 BeamPlus2 for 7.1 ch HD Audio, Stereo + 3 BeamPlus2, 5 Beam, Stereo + 3 Beam, 3 Beam and Stereo) to best suit their living spaces and content playing. Eleven Cinema DSP Modes (3 "movie," 3 "music" and 5 additional "entertainment" modes) offer even more options to further maximize the audio for any entertainment experience.

The YSP-5100 and YSP-4100 have 1080p-compatible HDMI (4 in/ 1 out) that enable the connection of multiple HDMI sources and the full enjoyment of 1080p monitors, Blu-ray disc players and HDTV set top boxes. They also feature analog to HDMI digital video upconversion that improve video composite and component signals to HD quality.

Yamaha's UniVolume feature maintains a consistent volume level between different channel, programs, commercials and input sources. For instance, when watching TV, the volume of commercials will not be louder than the program being viewed. The same is true when switching sources to watch a DVD or Blu-ray movie or to listen to music on CD. This is particularly helpful for late night watching and listening when spikes in volume can disturb others in the house or apartment building.

Read more on Page 2.