Yamaha announces a pair of home-theatre-in-a-box packages-- the YHT-4950U and YHT-5950U, both featuring 5 speakers (right, left, centre in front, plus right and left in the rear), a powered subwoofer and a speaker cable for connection to the AVR.

The two systems support 4K UHD video withh HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and are Bluetooth-enabled. The receiver also carries Yamaha Cinema DSP 3D sound-field processing plus Dolby TrueHD and DST-HD decoding, and provides x4 HDMI inputs and x1 output with eARC support.

The YHT-5950U adds MusicCast technology, allowing customers to access music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music (via AirPlay 2), Pandora, SiriusXM, Tidal, Deexer, Napster and Qobuz over wifi. Control comes through MusicCast app. Users can also connect additional MusicCast wireless speakers and devices to the wifi network. A MusicCast Surround feature allows owners to replace the included wired rear speakers with wireless MusicCast 20 speakers to create a 5.1-channel setup with wireless rear surround.

Marantz announces the SR5104 and SR6014-- a pair of 4K UHD AV receivers. Designed with custom installers in mind, the AVRs claim the latest in remote management via Domotz Pro, ihiji Invision and OvrC, as well as RS232C and IP control capabilities.

The SR6104 features high-current discrete power amplifiers on all channels to deliver 110W per channel (8 ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2-channel driven). Low impedance driver capability allows the SR6014 to offer operational stability with a wide range of speakers. It handles an array of multi-dimensional audio formats, including Imax Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X.

Both SR6014 and SR5014 add Dolby Atmos Height Virtualisation technology to provide an object-based listening experience without need for dedicated height or surround speakers. Installers can configure up to seven channels for a 7.1 setting, while the technology adds virtualised height effects.

Onkyo announces the 9.2-channel TX-NR797 and and the 7.2-channel TX-NR797-- a pair of THX Certified Select AV receivers featuring support for immersive sound formats, 3D sound virtualisation, simplified audio distribution and 4K HDR.

The TX-NR797 is the first Onkyo product released under the IMAX Enhanced program, meaning it features DTS:X immersive audio decoding optimised to properly reproduce the full dynamic range of IMAX theatrical sound mixes available in digitally remastered IMAX Enhanced content. The IMAX Mode reproduces IMAX Enhanced content just as the filmmakers intended, and is scheduled for 4K HDR streaming and UHD Blu-ray release.

The TX-NR696 handles 210W (6 Ohms, 1kHz, 10% THD, 1-channel driven) while the TX-NR797 produces 220W (6 Ohms, 1kHz, 10% THD, 1-channel driven). Both feature anti-noise measures such as a refined HDMI board, isolated network board and strengthened power supply line, and are powered by a quad-core SoC enabling 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO wifi and improved network functionality.

Denon launches a pair of X-Series AV receivers-- the AVR-X2600H (95W per channel) and AVR-X1600H (80W per channel), both being 7.12 amplifiers compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG content.

The X-Series AVRs also feature eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) to deliver uncompressed and object-based audio from the TV to the receiver via single HDMI cable and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for lag-free gaming. With eARC passthrough, 4K UHD HDMI and full HDCP 2.3 support on all ports the AVRs provide seamless connections with the 4K and upcoming 8K TVs, as well as streaming devices, gaming consoles and other source players.

Denon announces three additions to the S-Series AV receivers-- the AVR-S950H, AVR-S750H and AVR-S650H, all featuring Dolby Atmos Height Virtualisation technology and built-in HEOS wireless multi-room streaming.

The three AVRs also feature multi-assistant voice control, support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), ALLM ((Auto Low Latency Mode for gaming) and all other HDMI 2.1 specification features, and what Denon calls a better setup experience.

The AVR-S950H is a 7.2-channel home theatre receiver with discrete high-current power amplifiers on all 7 channels. It offers 185W peak per channel (6 Ohm, 1kHz, 1ch driven, 10 percent THD), with low impedance driver capability providing operational stability with a wide range of speakers. Designed to accept most sources, the AVR-S950H has an MM phono stage for compatibility with higher-end turntables, as well as built-in HEOS and Bluetooth for stream music service access. It supports the playback of most file formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, ALAC and DSD (2.8/5.8MHz) via front panel USB and networked NAS, Macs and PCs.

Home theatre products from another company get Josh.ai voice control capabilities-- Yamaha MusicCast-enabled AV receivers can become a controlled component via the Josh.ai browser-based setup interface.

The platform auto-discovers all AV devices on a network and natively understands multiple sources and destination, including 40 Yamaha receivers. Josh.ai provides a sophisticated voice-controlled home automation setup complete with a suite of apps. Proprietary natural language processing (NLP) allows users to conversationally request any number of tasks, through commands such as "OK Josh, dim the lights, listen to "Paint it Black" by the Rolling Stones, and watch "Black Mirror" season two, episode three."