Audio Features
Video Features
Network Functions
Remote Controls
Add-on Devices
Audio Features
Digital ToP-ART/High Current
Amplification: Yamaha uses the Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio
Reproduction Technology) design concept, which combines the latest and best
technologies, parts, and circuit designs, to maximize sound quality. High
Current Amplification uses superior quality components from input to output to
achieve high current power with low impedance.
Wide-range Frequency Response:
The receiver's wide-range frequency response, 10Hz to 100kHz, allows you to
enjoy the full fidelity of DVD-Audio and Super-Audio CD players.
Cinema DSP Digital: Yamaha's
proprietary Cinema DSP (Digital Soundfield Processing) Digital technology goes
beyond Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, which uses relatively simple matrix and
steering techniques to create surround sound effects. Cinema DSP Digital draws
on a huge memory of real-world data from actual venues, especially for the music
programs, and input from movie sound technicians to deliver a more realistic
surround experience.
Compressed Music Enhancer:
Yamaha employs sophisticated digital signal processing with exclusive algorithms
to enable playback that improves the performance of compressed music formats,
including MP3 and WMA. With the Compressed Music Enhancer, highs and especially
lows are richer and smoother, bringing music back to life to be as close to the
original as possible. You can select between 2-channel Enhancer and
7-channel enhancer.
YPAO Technology: This unit
employs the YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer), which helps you
automatically achieve highly accurate sound adjustments. The advanced YPAO setup
allows you to measure up to eight seating positions. Using the supplied
Optimizer Microphone, YPAO performs the following checks and makes appropriate
adjustments to give you the best possible sound from your system:
- Speaker Wiring: Checks
which speakers are connected and the polarity of each speaker.
- Speaker Distance: Checks
the distance of each speaker from the listening position and adjusts the
timing of each channel.
- Speaker Size: Checks the
frequency response of each speaker and sets the appropriate low-frequency
crossover for each channel.
- Parametric EQ: Adjusts the
frequency and the parametric equalizer level of each channel to reduce
coloration across the channels and create a cohesive sound field. This is
particularly important if you use different brands and sizes of speakers, or
if you have a room with unique sonic characteristics.
- Volume Level: Checks and
adjusts the volume level of each speaker.
Parametric Equalizer: In
connection with YPAO technology, the RX-V3900 employs a parametric equalizer
with frequency adjustments in one-third octave increments between 32 Hz and 16
kHz, gain adjustments in 0.5 dB increments between -20dB and +6dB, and Q factor
values between 0.5 and 10. Each channel is independently adjustable,
including the sub and presence speakers.
Presence Speakers: The receiver has a pair of speaker
terminals that can be used for Presence speakers. The presence speakers
supplement the sound from the front speakers with extra ambient effects
produced by Cinema DSP. These effects include sounds that the filmmakers
intended to locate a little farther back behind the screen in order to
create more theater-like ambience. The Presence speakers should be placed
at the front of the room about 1-3 feet outside the front speakers.
Three Zone Capability: The
RX-V3900 allows you to play different audio sources in three separate zones. The
receiver has two pairs of stereo preamp outputs and two pairs of speaker
terminals that can be assigned for Zone 2 or Zone 3 use. Only sources that are
connected via analog audio inputs can be output to Zones 2 and 3. You can
control the receiver from the second or third zone using the supplied Zone 2/3
remote control when an infrared signal repeater system is used. If you're using
the preamp outputs in the second and/or third zone, a separate amplifier or
stereo receiver with a pair of speakers, or a powered speaker system are
required. Zone 2 and Zone 3 each have a video output as well so you can have
one additional video source playing in two
different rooms of the house.
Note: Zone 2 and Zone 3 use
the same video source.
Multi Channel Input:
The receiver features input jacks for an outboard 7.1 channel surround processor
or source device.
Digital Inputs/Outputs: Digital
audio signals input at the optical or coaxial input jacks can be output at the
optical digital outputs.
Speaker Terminals: The receiver
has binding post speaker terminals for the front, center, surround, surround back,
presence/zone
2, and zone 2/zone 3 channels. The binding posts can
accept bare wire, pin connectors, and single banana plugs.
A collar surrounding the binding post terminals prevents the use of spade
connectors.
Bi-Amp Speaker Connections: This receiver allows you to reassign
the surround back amplifier channels to bi-amp
the front speakers. A bi-amplification connection uses two amplifiers for one speaker,
one amp connected to the woofer section of a loudspeaker and the
other to the combined midrange and tweeter section, effectively doubling the
power driving the speaker. This requires the speakers have bi-amp inputs.
Preamp Outputs: The RX-V3900
offers preamp outputs for all channels: front L/R, center, surround L/R,
surround back/presence L/R, subwoofer, zone 2 L/R, and zone 3 L/R for connecting
separate amplifiers if
desired.
FM/AM Tuner: You can tune
stations either manually or automatically. You are able to preset a total 40
stations in 5 preset station groups (A to E). Each group contains 8 station presets.
You can preset stations using the auto tuning as well as the manual tuning
function.
HD Radio Tuner: The RX-V3900 is equipped with an HD Radio
tuner. HD Radio, the only digital broadcast system in America approved by the
FCC, offers crystal-clear, CD-quality sound via existing AM/FM bands. In
addition, it provides program-associated data and the ability to tune to
multiple programs at the same dial position. The RX-V3900 can display HD radio
information on the front panel and on a monitor.
192kHz/24-bit DACs: The
RX-V3900
uses high quality, audio-grade Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog
converters for all channels.
Next Generation Surround Sound: The
RX-V3900 offers the latest high definition surround sound formats supported by
Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players:
- Dolby TrueHD:
a lossless coding technology that supports up to 8 channels of multi-channel
surround sound for the next generation optical discs; the reproduced sound
is true to the original source bit-for-bit
- Dolby Digital Plus: developed as an extension to
Dolby Digital, the coding technology supports 7.1 discrete channels
- DTS-HD Master Audio: an advanced
lossless technology that delivers sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the
studio master, offering a high-definition home theater experience
- DTS-HD High Resolution Audio:
high resolution audio, virtually indistinguishable from the original audio
track
Surround Modes: The RX-V3900
offers the following Surround Modes for movies and music:
- Decoding Formats:
- Dolby Digital
- Dolby Digital EX
- Dolby TrueHD
- Dolby Digital Plus
- DTS
- DTS-HD Master Audio
- DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
- DTS 96/24
- DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
- DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
- Dolby Pro Logic
- Dolby Pro Logic II (Music,
Movie, and Game)
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx (Music,
Movie, and Game)
- DTS Neo:6 (Music and Cinema)
- Neural-THX
- Neural-THX Music
- SRS Circle Surround II Cinema
- SRS Circle Surround II Music
- HiFi DSP Modes:
- Classical: Hall in
Munich, Hall in Vienna, Hall in Amsterdam, Church in Freiburg, or
Chamber
- Live/Club: Village
Vanguard, Warehouse Loft, Cellar Club, The Roxy Theatre, or the Bottom
Line
- Stereo: 2-channel stereo,
7-channel stereo, 2-channel Enhancer, or 7-channel Enhancer
- Cinema DSP Modes:
- Entertainment: Sports,
Action Game, Role-playing game, Music Video, Recital/Opera
- Movie: Standard,
Spectacle, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Drama, or Mono Movie
Neural-THX Surround: THX Neural
Surround has been adopted by XM Satellite Radio for digital radio broadcasts of
XM HD Surround recordings and live events in surround sound. THX Neural Surround
employs psychoacoustic frequency domain processing which allows delivery of a
more detailed sound stage with superior channel separation and localization of
audio elements.
XM HD Surround Sound: XM HD Surround provides content with
six discrete channels of digital full fidelity audio powered by Neural Audio
technology, marking the first time that a radio company has broadcast in 5.1
Surround Sound twenty-four hours a day. XM will broadcast the Fine Tuning (XM
Channel 76) and the classical pops music channel XM Pops (XM Channel 113) in
XM HD Surround. XM will also broadcast a variety of special shows and live music
performances at the XM studios in XM HD Surround.
Dialogue Normalization: This
feature of Dolby Digital or DTS is used to keep the programs at the same average
listening level so the user does not have to change the volume control between
Dolby Digital or DTS programs.
Pure Direct: The Pure Direct mode turns off the video
circuitry and the front panel display and bypasses the decoders and DSP
processors of this unit so you can enjoy pure hi-fi sound from 2-channel
PCM and analog sources. During Pure Direct playback, tone control and sound
menu settings are not available.
Straight Mode: In this mode
2-channel stereo sources are output from only the left and right speakers while
multi-channel sources are decoded straight into the appropriate channels without
any additional effect processing.
Silent Cinema: The Silent
Cinema mode allows private listening of multi-channel music or movies, with an
accurate simulation of surround sound, through ordinary stereo headphones.
Virtual Cinema DSP:
Virtual Cinema DSP lets you enjoy the effects of
Cinema DSP or HiFi DSP surround sound without using surround speakers (handy for use in
custom installations where some rooms don't have surround speakers). It can be
used with the front / center / presence speakers or even with just the two front
left and right speakers.
Adaptive Dynamic Range Control (DRC):
During low-volume listening, such as late as night, dynamic range suffers and
some sounds are missed. The effect of Adaptive DRC varies with volume, at lower
volume the dynamic range is narrowed.
Decoder Parameters: You can adjust the following parameters
in Pro Logic II/x Music mode:
- Panorama: sends stereo
signals to the surround speakers as well as the front speakers for a
wraparound effect
- Dimension: adjusts the soundfield either towards the
front or towards the rear of the room
- Center Width: moves the
center channel output completely towards the center speaker or towards the
front left and right speakers.
Center Image (DTS NEO: 6 Music):
This parameter adjusts the front left and right channel output relative to
the center channel to make the center channel more or less dominant as
necessary.
Focus: Focus elevates the sound image to compensate for
speakers placed below ear level; available in SRS Circle Surround II Cinema and
Music modes.
TruBass: TruBass enhances the low frequency performance,
with or without a subwoofer; available in SRS Circle Surround II Cinema and
Music modes.
Soundfield Parameter Adjustments:
You can adjust the value of certain digital soundfield parameters so that the
soundfields are recreated accurately in your listening room. The following is a
list and description of the soundfield adjustments:
- Decoder Type: This
function allows you to select the decoder used.
- DSP Levels: This function
adjusts the level of all the DSP effect sounds within a narrow range
depending on your the acoustics of your listening area. You can adjust the
DSP level between -6dB to +3dB
- Initial Delay: This
feature changes the apparent distance from the source sound by adjusting
the delay between the direct sound and the first reflection heard by the
listener. You can select between 1 to 99ms for the Main and Presence
speakers and 1 to 49ms for the surround and surround back speakers.
- Room Size: This feature
adjust the apparent size of the surround soundfield. You can make
adjustments for the Presence, Surround and Surround Back room size between
0.1 to 2.0.
- Liveness: This function
adjusts the reflectivity of the virtual walls in the hall by changing the
rate at which the early reflections decay. You can adjust the Surround and
Surround Back Liveness from 0 to 10.
- Reverberation Time:
This
setting adjusts the amount of time taken for the dense, subsequent
reverberation sound to decay by 60 dB at 1 kHz. You can set this between 1.0
to 5.0 s.
- Reverberation Delay:
This
function adjust the time difference between the beginning of the direct
sound and the beginning of the reverberation sound. You can adjust this
setting between 0 to 250ms.
- Reverberation Level: This
setting adjusts the volume of the reverberation sound. You can adjust this
setting between 0 to 100%.
- Dialog Lift: When Presence
speakers are in use, you can activate the Dialog Lift feature, which assigns
some of the front and center channel elements to the presence speakers to lift
the dialog to a higher position. The effect of the Dialog Lift can be set
between 0 and 5, with the higher adjustments reflecting a higher position of the
front/center channel sound.
Speaker Setup: This feature
allows you to adjust the following speaker settings.
- LFE/Bass Out: Use this
feature to select the speakers that will output the LFE (low-frequency
effect) and the low-frequency signals. You can choose between Subwoofer,
Front Speakers, or Both.
- Speaker Sizes: You can adjust the
following speaker sizes for each speaker in your system.
- Front: select
Large or Small
- Center: select
Large, Small, or None
- Surround: select Large, Small, or None
- Surround Back:
select Large x 1, Large x 2, Small x 1, Small x 2, or None
- Presence Speakers:
select between None or Yes
- Bass Crossover: This
feature allows you to select the crossover frequency of all the speakers set
to Small. You can choose 40, 60, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 160, or
200Hz.
- Subwoofer Phase: The
feature allows you switch the phase of your subwoofer if the bass sounds are
lacking, weak or unclear. You can choose Normal or Reverse.
- Presence/Surround Back Channel
Priority: This feature allows you to prioritize either the Presence or
the Surround back speakers when playing sources that contain surround back
channel signals.
- Speaker Level Adjustment:
You can adjust the output level of each speaker from -10dB to +10dB to match
their loudness.
- Speaker Distance: This
feature is used to manually adjust the distance of each speaker and the
delay applied to the respective channel. You can select between 1 to 80
feet in 0.2 foot steps.
Low-Frequency Effect Level:
This feature adjusts the output level of the LFE channel according to the
capacity of your subwoofer or headphones. You can select between -20 and 0dB.
Dynamic Range: This feature
allows you to select the amount of dynamic range compression to be applied to
your speakers or headphones. You can select between Minimum, Standard or
Maximum.
Bass and Treble Control: You
can independently adjust the bass and treble from -6dB to +6dB in 0.5dB steps. You can also
choose at what frequency you want the Bass and Treble enhanced. Bass (125, 350,
500Hz) and Treble (2.5, 3.5, 8.0kHz)
Impedance Selection: You can
select between either 8 ohms or 6 ohms in the menu depending on your speaker
application. The amplifier's front channels can actually accommodate 4 ohm, 6 ohm
or 8 ohm speakers. The remainder of the receiver's channels can handle 6 or 8
ohms.
Audio Delay: You can delay the
sound output up to 240 ms in 1 ms steps to synchronize it with the video image.
Volume Trim: Use this feature
to adjust the level of the signal input at each jack. This is useful if you want
to balance the level of each input source to avoid sudden changes in volume when
switching between input sources.
Max Volume Adjustment: Use this
feature to set the maximum volume level in the main zone. This feature is useful
to avoid unexpected loud sound by mistake. You can set the Max Volume
between -30.0 dB and +15.0 dB. The actual full volume range is -80 dB to 16.5 dB.
Zones 2 and 3 also have individual maximum volume settings.
Initial Volume Setting:
Use
this feature to set the volume level of the main zone when the power of this
unit is turned on. You can choose between Off, Mute, and -80 dB to + 16.5 dB in increments
of 0.5 dB. Zones 2 and 3 also have individual initial volume settings.
Channel Mute: This feature
mutes specific speaker channels you want to deactivate.
Memory Guard: This feature is
use to prevent accidental changes to the DSP program parameter values and other
system settings.
System Memory: This feature is
used to save up to four of your favorite settings that can be easily recalled
when needed. You can save settings such as the following.
- Soundfield programs parameters
- Speakers settings
- LFE level
- Dynamic range settings
- Parametric equalizer settings
Video Features
HDMI Inputs/Outputs: This receiver has the capability
of repeating 1080p signals from HDMI input to HDMI output. The RX-V3900 is equipped with four HDMI
inputs and two HDMI outputs for digital multi-channel audio and video signals.
The two outputs are live simultaneously. The HDMI inputs and outputs will pass
480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and, 1080p (including 1080/24p) video. The HDMI version
1.3a jacks are compatible with 30 and 36 bit Deep Color and xvYCC color space
technology (currently no pre-recorded software supports Deep Color or xvYCC).
Component Video: The RX-V3900 offers three component video
inputs and a component video monitor output. These inputs and outputs have a
frequency response of 5 Hz to 100 MHz, capable of switching High Definition
video sources, including 1080p.
Video Conversion: Video conversion allows analog video
signals from composite, S-video, and component video sources to be output as
digital video signals through the HDMI output. In addition, component video
signals can be output as S-video or composite signals, S-video signals can be
output as composite or component video signals, and composite video signals
can be output as S-video or component video signals. You cannot convert HDMI
input signals to any other type of signal.
Standby Through: When the RX-V3900 is in standby mode (power
off), the Standby Through feature allows an HDMI source signal to pass through
the receiver to the TV. Which HDMI input and output are used can be specifically
programmed, or the menu can be set such that the HDMI input and output engaged
when the receiver is turned off are used.
Video Scaling (up-conversion): The receiver features Anchor
Bay Technology's VRS video processing for advanced analog video up-scaling. The
scaler engine will take any resolution input and scale it as high as 1080p
(up-scaled video is only available from the HDMI output).
Component I/P Conversion: You can convert 480i analog video
signals input as composite video, S-video, and component video to 480p signals
output as component video.
Auto Lipsync: When using
the HDMI output, the audio and video signals can be synchronized automatically.
On-Screen Display with GUI:
An on-screen GUI (Graphical User Interface)
display makes operating the receiver easy and intuitive. It is compatible with
iPod, internet radio, PC, and USB displays. Six display languages can be
selected: English, Spanish, French, German, Russian and Japanese.
Assignable Inputs: All of the HDMI, component video, and digital
audio jacks can be assigned to the input of your choice.
Rename: This feature in the GUI
Menu allows you to change the name of the inputs in the GUI screen or the front
panel display menu. You can use up to 9 characters.
Network Functions
Network Receiver:
Using a local area network (LAN) connection and Windows Media Player 11 or
Windows Media Connect 2.0, Yamaha Network enabled
receivers allow you to play MP3, WMA and WAV music from your PC. The
receiver can even be used as a client for Yamaha's MusicCAST home music server,
seamlessly integrating with the MCX-2000 digital audio server within your LAN.
If the RX-V3900 has a broadband Internet connection you can listen to any of the thousands
of stations available on Internet radio using the included vTuner database. You
can also stream music Rhapsody (subscription required). With the USB terminal
on the front panel you can play music from USB flash
drives and portable USB music players.
Web Control: If the receiver is connected to the internet
via your LAN, you can control the RX-V3900 using a web browser.
Remote Controls
Main Remote Control: The
receiver comes with a multi-brand wireless remote control (RAV386) with learning
capabilities. In addition to the receiver, the remote can control multiple
brands of A/V components. The remote has numerous pre-programmed macros which
allow you to perform multiple operations with the press of one button. The
macros are also user
programmable. The remote's LCD and most buttons are backlit when you press any key,
or the Light button on the side.
Macro Programming: The macro
programming feature makes it possible to perform a series of up to 10 operations with the
press of a single button from the receiver's main remote.
Zone 2/3 Remote Control: In
addition to the main remote, the receiver comes with a smaller wireless remote
control (RAV36). The RAV36 can be set to control the main zone, zone 2, or zone 3.
RS-232C: The RS-232C terminal
is a control expansion terminal for factory use only.
Sleep Timer: The sleep timer is
useful when you are going to sleep while this unit the receiver is playing or
recording a source. You can select between Off, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes.
Add-on Devices
iPod Universal Dock: With the optional YDS-11 iPod Universal
Dock (022YDS11,
sold separately), you can connect your iPod digital music player to the RX-V3900
and control audio/video playback using the remote control. Most fourth
generation and later iPods (Click Wheel) are compatible. Video from your iPod
and album art can be displayed on a connected TV monitor.
XM Satellite Ready: You can listen to XM Satellite Radio by
connecting the XM Mini Tuner and Mini Tuner Home Kit (700XMTUNPK,
sold separately) to the RX-V3900's proprietary plug. XM Satellite Radio offers
over 150 commercial-free channels of music, news, sports, comedy, talk, and
entertainment to choose from--all in digital quality. During XM playback, you
can display the channel number and name, category, artist name, and song title
on the front panel.
Note: A subscription is required in order to receive XM
Satellite Radio.
SIRIUS Satellite Ready: You can listen to SIRIUS Satellite
Radio by connecting the SiriusConnect tuner (607SCH1
or
220SCH2P, sold separately) to the RX-V3900's proprietary plug. SIRIUS
Satellite Radio offers over 130 channels of music, news, sports, talk, and
entertainment to choose from--all in digital quality. During SIRIUS playback you
can display the channel number and name, category, artist name and song title,
Composer name, channel number and antenna reception level, or Soundfield program
on the front panel.
Note: A subscription is required in order to receive
SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
