The OneCall Blog » 5.1 surround sound

Yamaha RX-V367 and RX-V467 Overview

Matt P — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:01:49 +0000

Hi this is Paige with OneCall.com; I’m going to be talking to you about the Yamaha RX-V367 and Yamaha RX-V467 home theater receivers. The RX-V367 gives you 100 watts per channel, while the 467 provides you with 105 watts per channel. Each receiver has four (4) HDMI 1.4 3D capable inputs; however you may need to download a firmware update from Yamaha’s website. The Yamaha 467 supports an HDMI audio return channel. Both of these Yamaha receivers have 192 kilohertz, 24-bit Burr Brown digital to analog converters; this will allow you to have the best audio quality on every channel and a more detailed sound. One of the things I really like about both of these Yamaha receivers is the compressed music enhancer; this will take any music files that you have stored on your Mp3 player, iPod or iPhone and increase the dynamic range and overall sound quality. Basically it makes your Mp3 files sound really really good. There’s also a mini jack on the front of each receiver to connect your Mp3 player, iPod, iPhone or other portable device. Another great feature are the 4 scene buttons with just a press of one button it will take you to the source you’ve selected and you can either listen to the preprogramed sound settings that Yamaha has selected, or you can customize each button to choose the sound setting that sound best for your needs. The Yamaha RX-V367 offers Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and dts Digital Surround Modes. The Yamaha RX-V467 offers Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital True HD, and dts HD Master Audio. One of the features I really like is Yamaha’s Silent Cinema. This allows you to plug your stereo headphones into the receiver and enjoy cinema quality sound without disturbing anyone around you. The RX-V467 also offers YPAO, by simply using a small microphone it will calibrate each of your speakers for better sound quality. With the RX-V467 you can upgrade from 5.1 to 7.1 by using your surround back channeled pre-amp outputs. Both receivers are compatible with optional Yamaha accessories such as the YD-S12 iPod, or iPhone dock or the YB-A10 Bluetooth wireless receiver. This is Paige from OneCall, if you want to learn more about this item give us a call, we love to talk to our customers. For the latest deals and updates from OneCall you can follow us on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Thanks for watching.

Learn more about the Yamaha RX-V367 and RX-V467 home theater receivers at OneCall.

12 Top-Rated and Top Selling Home Theater Speaker Systems!

Matt P — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:48 +0000

On the eleventh day of the 12 Days of Christmas at OneCall you get 12 Top Selling home theater speaker systems, just add a receiver and you’re ready to rock the night away. Everyone knows good sound quality when they hear it and when you’re looking at a pre-packaged speaker system the same question almost always gets asked. Does this system sound good? Yes, which explains why these are some of the top rated speaker systems according to customer reviews. Don’t let the compact size of these speakers fool you, they deliver high quality sound for music, movies and anything else you want to listen to without taking up a lot of space in your home.

1. Bose Acoustimass (R) 6 Series III Black

5.1-channel speaker system delivers full-range sound from compact easy to hide speakers with a powered bass module that can be hidden almost anywhere.

2. KEF KHT-3005 Silver

5.1-channel speaker system disperses sound seamlessly around the room with KEF`s patented ‘sit anywhere` Uni-Q(R) driver configuration.

3. Klipsch HD Theater 500

5.1-channel speaker system is a compact, high-definition with a clean, modern design looks great in any room.

4. KEF KHT-5005.2 Series Silver/Charcoal

Slim-line 5.1-channel speaker system designed to complement the appearance of your flat panel HDTV when mounted on the wall.

5. Mirage MX Gloss Black

Sleek and stylish 5.1-channel speaker system with a unique omipolar design delivers an immersive 360° sound performance from any position.

6. Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 Black

5.1-channel speaker system delivers remarkably large sound from these compact speakers with the help of Pressure-coupled mid/bass radiators extending the low frequency response.

7. Yamaha YSP-3050BL

Digital Sound Projector multi-channel surround sound experience complete with a built-in digital amplifier and 1080p HDMI video switching.

8. Definitive Technology ProCinema 800 System Black

5.1-channel speaker system delivers no-compromise sound so you hear every detail from your music and movies.

9. Boston Acoustics TVee Model Two Midnight

Wall-mountable speaker bar with a wireless subwoofer connects to your TV with a simple one cable connection for easy setup and operation.

10. Polk Audio RM705 Black

5.1-channel speaker system is a complete six piece system including the matching satellite and center channel speakers with an 8-inch powered subwoofer.

11. Boston Acoustics MCS 130 Mist (White)

Horizon Series 5.1-channel white speaker system delivers the full impact of movies and music with a 10-inch powered subwoofer and speakers small enough to hang on the wall.

12. Bose Acoustimass (R) 16 Series II Black

6.1-channel speaker system with lifelike stereo everywhere sound from Bose compact Direct/Reflecting(R) Cube Speaker Arrays for realistic cinema-like sound and powerful low notes from small speakers that blend easily into your décor.

Mitsubishi Unisen TVs have arrived!

Chad G — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:00:21 +0000

Mitsubishi’s second generation of LCD TV with integrated surround sound system has now arrived at OneCall. Mitsubishi has branded them Unisen which stands for the uniting of superior picture and superior sound. These LCD TVs are not only high end LCD panels and compete with any other manufacture’s top of the line models in color, contrast and picture quality, but include a sound projector. The sound projector is more than just a gimmick. It has 16 speakers in a cabinet directly under the TV that blends very well with the already sleek design of the TV. These 16 speakers work to provide an immersive surround sound environment, regardless of the size and shape of the room. This is because the Unisen LCD TVs include a calibration microphone to dial the speaker system into any listening area automatically as well as a very user friendly on screen display that lets you see and adjust each channel of sound to your liking. It works so well that you will be looking behind you for a speaker that is in the TV! They also have a subwoofer output so that you can add a powered woofer to complete the surround sound system. In fact, right now at OneCall we are including a wireless subwoofer at no charge with the purchase of this exciting cutting edge technology. The panels come in sizes 40, 46 and 52 inches. Here is a link to the models offered on our site: Free Polk Audio Subwoofer with Purchase of select Mitsubishi HDTVs

*Free Subwoofer offer expires September 7, 2009

Mitsubishi UNISEN LCD TVs, Excellent Sound Built In!

Holley G — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:57:53 +0000

Mitsubishi has recently released their new line of UNISEN flat panel LCD televisions with sound projectors multi-channel speaker system built-in. This is a great choice for someone who does not want to run wires to surround speakers or the extra cost of purchasing a separate audio system. Since the speakers are built in to the bottom of the Mitsubishi set, you can hang the set on the wall or place it on a stand and have a much cleaner appearance. No mess of wires running from speakers and a receiver. The sound quality from the 16 speaker, Dolby Digital 5.1 system is excellent and offers an encompassing home theater audio experience.

There are 3 models and 3 screen sizes to choose from. The 151 and the 153 Series are offered in 40, 46 and 52 inch options. The Diamond 249 Series is currently offering both 46 and 52 inch sizes.

These features are available on all UNISEN models.

Super Contrast Panel

USB Media Input

Energy 3.0 Qualified

JADE Activity Based GUI

Advanced Video Calibration

16 Speaker Sound Projector

32 Watts of Power

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround

Variable Subwoofer Output

Digital Audio Input (coaxial)

Improved SharpEdge

Detachable ICE Power Cord

Wide Color (92%) Panel

Smooth 120Hz with Film Motion

Plush 1080P 5G 12-bit Digital Processing

Ultra Thin Frame

6 Color Processor

Perfect Color

4D Noise Reduction

4 HDMI 1.3a with HDMI Control

Easy Connect

x.v. Color

Deep Color (36 bit)

The 153 Series LCD TV models add these features.

iSP Auto Calibration Microphone

High Gloss Black Pearl Finish

Wired IR Input

NetCommand w/IR Learning

Perfect Tint

Improved DeepField Imager

Variable Smooth 120Hz with Film Motion

The 249 Diamond Series LCD TV models add these features.

Premium Extended Range Sound (52 watt w/ 16 speakers + 2 woofers)

Internet Media Ready with VUDU

1080P 5G 18 bit Digital Processing

Smooth 240Hz Film Motion

ISFccc Calibration

Day/Night Settings

Chrome Gradation Design

RS-232c

AMX Discovery

SBL Technology

What’s the coolest feature of the Yamaha YSP-1100 Digital Sound Projector?

Matt P — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:12:52 +0000

Yamaha YSP1100 Digital Sound Projector

With so many great features it’s hard to choose just one, especially when you’re talking about a complete surround sound system packed into one compact cabinet that can even be wall mounted with your flat panel TV. That’s cool, but maybe not the best part. If you want better sound quality for watching movies or even just watching TV but don’t have space in your room for a large surround system a Digital Sound Projector from Yamaha is a simple solution. Aside from 42 speakers and built-in amplifier, the IntelliBeam™ automatic calibration and the capability to reproduce 5.1, 3 and 2 channel sound sources without stringing speaker wire around your room, I think coolest feature is easily the My Beam Mode target mode. When you think about it, the ability to direct the sound from 42 speakers to one spot with the push of a single button is pretty amazing and has so many benefits and uses. Watching TV without disturbing anyone else or you can direct the sound at that one person who wants the volume a little louder. What could make this system even better? The system already sounds great on its own; about the only improvement to be made is adding a powered subwoofer to get that complete home theater effect, or maybe having the sound projector build into your LCD Flat Panel TV. You can have just that with 149, 151 and 153 series Mitsubishi HDTVs with a built-in 16-speaker Integrated Sound Projector.

Think there’s a cooler feature in the Yamaha Digital Sound Projectors? Be sure and let me know.

5 Easy Upgrades to Get More from your Gear

Mike Knecht — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:42:33 +0000

Sometimes you need to buy new electronics, and sometimes all you need is a simple upgrade. Here’s our list of the top 5 upgrades you should consider before you splurge on that new piece of equipment.

1) New headphones for your MP3 Player – It’s no secret that the earbuds that ship with iPods and most MP3 players do not sound that great. Picking up a new set of earbuds or headphones is a quick and easy fix that will instantly increase your enjoyment without breaking the bank. (Click here for OneCall’s best selling earbuds)

2) New Zoom Lens for your DSLR – Most DSLRs come with a standard mid range zoom lens and for many people that’s all they use. If your old camera is feeling a bit tired a new lens may be just what you need to get your passion for photography flowing again. Available in all shapes and sizes (and price ranges) a new lens will open up creative possibilities you never knew you were missing. (Click here for OneCall’s best-selling Zoom Lenses)

3) New Subwoofer for your Home Theater – Dollar for dollar there is no change you can make to your home theater setup that will have more impact than a new subwoofer. Center channels are crucial and surround speakers are great but a new subwoofer can take you places you never knew existed. Every year our manufacturers produce better sounding subs at lower prices so there’s never a better time than the present to make the jump. (Click here for OneCall’s best-selling Subwoofers)

4) New Audio and Video Cables – It’s hard to imagine something so small could make such a difference but cables can play a crucial part in your home entertainment enjoyment. Never bothered to hook your TV up to that cable box with HDMI? Is your Xbox 360 still sending audio to your receiver with analog cables? These seemingly insignificant changes can add big impact to your enjoyment. (Click here for OneCall’s best-selling Cables)

5) A Sound System to go along with your HDTV – George Lucas said “I feel that sound is half the experience” – and if you’re listening to TV and movies through the built-in speakers you’re missing it. Never before have we had so many options to improve the sound from your movie entertainment. From Speaker Bars and Home Theater-in-a-box, to full fledged 5.1 speaker packages, there are many options (and price ranges) to consider. (Click here for OneCall’s best-selling Home Theater Systems)

Onkyo TX-SR605 Home Theater Setup

Mike Knecht — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:17:22 +0000

Over the last few weeks I’ve been putting the finishing touches on my personal home theater. Last night after work I hooked up my new receiver – the Onkyo TX-SR605. I’ve noticed this unit has sold extremely well at OneCall over this past year or so but wasn’t fully sure why until last night.

Until last night I had been running all my components through a JVC component switch box that required me to get up, walk over to my rack, open the door, and push a button to switch the video signal that feeds my front projector. This has worked fine for several years and honestly I probably needed the exercise so I can’t complain, but for this recent update to my setup I wanted to delve into the world of HDMI.

The TX-SR605 has HDMI 1.3 repeaters meaning it takes video and audio signals from your various HDMI components and repeats that signal out to my front projector. Obviously the projector has no part in my audio setup but I do appreciate that my new Up-converting DVD player (Toshiba SD-6100) was hooked up with one single cable.

My Comcast HD DVR was previously run through component cables and coaxial cable for audio. For some reason last night I could not get the Comcast box to output audio via coaxial or optical cable. As it was getting late and my TV watching time was rapidly approaching I grabbed the HDMI cable from the DVD player and plugged it into the cable box. My audio issues were instantly fixed (after a quick setting change to the receiver) and as a bonus my cable TV looked noticeably sharper. In fact, the HDMI worked so well I decided to pick up another cable today and I’ll run both my DVR and DVD player that way.

Which leads to my only complaint about the TX-SR605 – it only has 2 HDMI inputs. It also accepts 3 component inputs so I have plenty of HD connectivity, it’s just that I didn’t expect to like HDMI nearly as much as I did.

Other than that minor issue, the TX-SR605 is an excellent piece of equipment ideally suited for a home theater environment. I was able to quickly setup my speakers, setting crossover points for all my speakers and subwoofer. Sometime this weekend I’ll hook-up the included mic and run the Audyssey 2EQ setup to fine tune the system automatically. I do plan to eventually include a Blu-ray player into this setup (once Profile 2.0 players are available) and this receiver can handle all the new audio formats through HDMI as well.

All in all I have been very happy with this receiver and can see why Onkyo has been such a hot brand recently. They were one of the first to embrace HDMI 1.3 and the new audio formats Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding – all at a reasonable price.