It's not uncommon for reviewers, such as myself, to meet people and strike up conversations about our work. Most people I've met are generally interested about the reviewing process and even more want to know where they can sign up to play with new equipment and collect a paycheck. However, there are still a few people I've met that have yet to read an issue of DVD ETC. to reap its benefits in deciding which electronics we recommend. These people are more direct in asking for advice.

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One such acquaintance of mine was in the market for a new multi-channel audio/video receiver to replace his pre-Dolby Digital dinosaur. He was searching for a good overall receiver that could deliver an accurate representation of both movies and music without blowing his entire home theater budget. As it turns out, I was able to find what he was looking for in the new Yamaha RX-V1400 receiver.

Unique Features - The RX-V1400 is a powerful THX Select certified component with seven channels of output rated at 110 watts each. Power worshipers will enjoy the stout amplifier that can drive speakers effortlessly at high volume levels. It supports the latest movie sound formats including Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24, plus it has Yamaha's digital sound field processing called Cinema DSP that provides enhanced multi-channel playback from almost any sound source including a stereo signal. By using the 32-bit Yamaha LSI (YSS-930) processor, the receiver has 27 surround programs with 47 variations including silent cinema and night listening modes. In addition, an automatic setup program called YPAO, the Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer, makes proper speaker adjustments automatically. This wonderful feature was first debuted on the cornpany's RX-Z9 flagship that costs more than five times the RX-V1400. The YPAO is a straight-forward calibration system that accurately checks speaker wiring, distance, size, and sound level before adjusting the frequency and levels of equalization to each speaker. It accomplishes this by using the optimizer microphone connected to the RX-V1400 placed in a normal listening position in the room and playing audible tones through the speakers to test and fine-tune the system. Manual tweaking can be made in lieu of the YPAO through use of a series of menus with the on-screen display, but with such a simple and accurate calibration system, most users will undoubtedly elect to use the automated system.

Yamaha also added an audio lip-synch delay to the RX-V1400's arsenal of features. Plasma screens sometimes have video lag time behind the audio signals, so the receiver can compensate this by programming up to 0.25 seconds of lag time to synchronize the signals. Multi-room zones 2 and 3, plus speaker AM selections, are also supported for a grand total of 11 speaker connections. For video excellence, the unit has component video up conversion from S-Video and composite signals and scores of inputs and outputs for a variety of installations.

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