Comparison Yamaha YAS-106 vs Yamaha YAS-93

The ability of the projector to output a video signal in 3D format — that is, a "volumetric" image that has three full dimensions (including depth). Since 3D uses the division of the “picture” of the image into two parts (for the left and right eyes), the format of such a signal differs from the usual two-dimensional one, and not every model is able to work with it. You also need to consider that in order to view 3D content, you need not only a projector, but also a TV (or other playback device) with the appropriate screen capabilities.

This feature requires the projector to have at least one HDMI output (see below). In this case, the video signal source can be either an external device or the projector itself, operating in the format of a media centre (for example, a model with direct playback from USB media).

The ability of the projector to output a video signal in Ultra HD (4K) resolution — 3840x2160. This is the highest resolution used in modern consumer video equipment — 4 times higher than Full HD. However, note that this feature significantly affects the price of the projector, and to view such a video signal, you will need an appropriate screen. Therefore, it makes sense to specifically look for an UltraHD device only if you initially plan to connect it to a screen of the appropriate resolution.

This feature requires the projector to have at least one HDMI output (see below). In this case, the video signal source can be either an external device or the projector itself, operating in the format of a media centre (for example, a model with direct playback from USB media).

The audio frequency range supported by the projector's speakers.

When evaluating this parameter, it is worth remembering that the audibility range of the human ear is about 16 – 22,000 Hz (and narrows with age). If the projector's frequency range is narrower, this can result in "cutting" low or high frequencies (however, with a slight narrowing, this effect is almost imperceptible). There are models in which the frequency limit is much wider — however, this is a kind of "side effect" of high-quality acoustics and has no meaning other than advertising.

Also note that a wide frequency range in itself does not guarantee high-quality sound — a lot depends on other parameters of the projector.

Acoustic design of the subwoofer used by the sound projector.

— Closed type. The simplest design option is a speaker installed in a closed case. Such subwoofers have a relatively low volume, but are distinguished by good sound fidelity and a minimum of distortion.

— Bass-reflex type. Subwoofers equipped with a phase inverter - a special tube connecting the inner volume of the case with the outer space. Such equipment improves the volume and saturation of the sound, but increases the likelihood of interference (primarily the rumble of air in the pipe).

— With a passive radiator. The passive radiator is actually a speaker without a coil and a magnet, installed in the subwoofer cabinet along with the main speaker. The purpose of such a radiator is similar to the phase inverter described above, except that it is less susceptible to interference.

— Airplay. Wireless technology for connecting an external signal source to the projector. Developed by Apple, it is mainly used to connect with its devices (for example, iPad tablets or MacBook laptops), although it is also used by other manufacturers. AirPlay allows you to transfer not only sound, but also text and graphic information, and even video, which can be useful when connecting the projector to a TV. This technology, by definition, means support for Wi-Fi (see below), because. it is based on this interface.

— Airplay 2. The second generation of the AirPlay technology described above, introduced in 2018. Among the main innovations of this version is support for the "multi-room" format, that is, the simultaneous transmission of several audio signals to different compatible devices installed in different places. In this way, you can, for example, turn on an online broadcast of a news programme in the living room, relaxing music in the bedroom, etc. In addition, AirPlay 2 received a number of other improvements — improved buffering, the ability to stream to stereo speakers, as well as support for voice control via Siri.

— Chromecast. The original name is Google Cast. A technology for broadcasting content to external devices developed by Google. Allows you to transmit an audio signal from a PC or mobile device to the soundbar, the broadcast is standar...dly carried out via Wi-Fi, while the receiver and signal source must be in the same Wi-Fi network (Chromecast media players are an exception). Note that in signal sources (smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc.), Chromecast is implemented at the level of individual applications. For example, at the time of its creation, this feature was available, among others, in the YouTube and Netflix apps for Android and iOS, as well as in the web versions of these apps for Chrome. Thanks to this format, this technology is extremely widespread nowadays, and the ability to connect a particular gadget to an audio system with a Chromecast is usually limited to the ability to install appropriate applications on this gadget.

— Wi-Fi. Wireless technology with multiple applications. One of them is connecting to a computer network; in sound projectors, it is primarily used for local resources (see DLNA below) or AirPlay technology (see above), as well as for controlling the projector over a network. Another option is to connect directly to other devices. The possibilities of such a connection in different models may also be different; one of the most popular options is remote control of the projector from a smartphone, tablet, etc.

— Bluetooth. Wireless technology designed to directly connect different electronic devices to each other. In sound projectors, it is primarily used to broadcast audio wirelessly from another Bluetooth device, such as a smartphone or laptop. However, there may be other options — for example, connecting wireless headphones to the projector itself or remote control from the same smartphone. It is worth noting here that the sound quality when transmitting via Bluetooth is somewhat lower than with a wired connection; on the other hand, this is offset by convenience, and some models of sound projectors may even have a "sound restoration" system.

— NFC. NFC is a wireless communication technology over short distances, up to 10 cm. In sound projectors, it is used mainly as an auxiliary, to facilitate connection via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It looks like this: instead of manually digging into the settings, just bring an NFC-compatible device to the projector chip and confirm the connection.

— FM radio. The projector has a built-in FM tuner. This function actually turns the device into a full-fledged radio receiver, allowing you to receive broadcasts on the FM band (which broadcasts most music radio stations). Note that some models with a tuner may support other bands, such as AM or digital DAB.

— LAN. A standard wired connection to a computer network, also known as Ethernet or RJ-45. Like Wi-Fi (see above), in sound projectors it is used primarily for working on a local network; however, LAN capabilities can include both playback of network content via DLNA (see below) and control of projector settings via a network from a computer. A wired connection is not as convenient as Wi-Fi due to the need to run a cable, but it is more reliable and can come in handy when the air is “loaded” (an abundance of Wi-Fi devices nearby).

— DLNA. A technology used to connect various electronic devices into a single digital network with the ability to directly exchange content. Devices for which support for this standard is claimed are able to effectively interact regardless of the manufacturer. And the network itself works on the basis of a conventional computer "local area", connection to it is carried out via LAN or Wi-Fi (see above). In sound projectors, DLNA can be used, for example, to play music from a computer hard drive.

— RS-232. A service interface used to connect the sound projector to a computer and control the sound settings from the PC through a special programme. On some models, it can also be used to update the firmware.

— Connecting an iPod. Special interface for connecting Apple iPod players. Most often it is based on a regular USB connector, to which the player is connected via an adapter cable; however, it may look like a dock — a stand with a proprietary connector, where the gadget is directly placed. Anyway, connecting in this way provides not only playing music from the player, but also other possibilities — for example, switching tracks from the projector's remote control, charging the battery, etc.

— Wireless connection to TV. Ability to connect the sound projector to the TV wirelessly. The advantage of this option is obvious: it eliminates the hassle of additional cables. On the other hand, a wireless connection is usually based on a certain proprietary technology (LG Sound Sync, TV SoundConnect, etc.) and requires a TV that supports the corresponding technology to work. This limits the use of this feature. In addition, such a connection is more susceptible to interference than a wired one, and “wireless” projectors are more expensive than wired ones. Therefore, it is worth specifically looking for a model with such a function if you have a TV with wireless technology support and at the same time the absence of extra wires is fundamental.

— USB A. In this case, we mean a USB connector that allows you to connect external drives (flash drives, hard drives) to the projector and play content directly from them. At the same time, models with video outputs (see below) can often work as a media centre, outputting the video signal to a TV or other external display.

— mini-Jack (3.5 mm). By itself, the 3.5 mm plug can be used in different types of interfaces; in this case, it means a linear audio input with a mini-Jack socket. This input is mainly used to connect portable audio equipment (players, smartphones) to the sound projector.

— RCA. Technically, RCA (colloquially "tulip") is a type of connector that can be used in different interfaces. However, the term "RCA input" is used to refer only to line inputs for connecting an analogue signal in stereo format. Note that this input consists of two sockets for RCA cables, because. Only one channel of sound can be transmitted through one cable.

— Optical. Connector for digital audio signal connection via TOSLINK fibre optic cable. This interface allows for multi-channel audio transmission and is virtually immune to electrical interference; its disadvantage is the fragility of the cable.

— Coaxial S / P-DIF. A connector for connecting a digital audio signal via an elect...rical cable with an RCA connector (not to be confused with linear RCA, described above). Similar to the optical input described above, in particular, the ability to transmit multi-channel audio through a single connector. At the same time, a coaxial cable, on the one hand, is not so delicate, and on the other hand, it is sensitive to electrical interference (therefore, it is advisable to use a special shielded wire for such a connection).

— Composite. In this case, we do not mean a full-format composite interface of three connectors that allows you to transmit audio and video signals, but only one connector for working with video. And since sound projectors don't display images, the composite input is used to send video through the projector to another device, such as a TV. The composite video interface does not allow working with HD and is not of high quality; on the other hand, it is widespread and can even be used to work with frankly outdated video equipment. Typically this input uses a yellow RCA plug.

— Component. An input designed to receive an analogue video signal for further transmission to another device — a TV, video projector, etc. This connection typically uses three RCA connectors, each carrying a different video component (hence the name). Due to this, the component interface has good bandwidth and picture quality, it allows you to work with HD and is considered the most advanced modern analogue video standard.

— IR control input. Connector for connecting an external infrared remote control receiver. When properly placed, such a receiver will allow you to use the remote control even in places where the signal from the remote control cannot reach the main (built-in) sensor — for example, in another room. Note that the role of the receiver can be played not only by a specialized device, but also by another component of the audio system — for example, an amplifier with an IR control output.

The number of HDMI inputs in the design of the sound projector.

HDMI is the most popular modern interface for working with HD content, it allows you to transmit high-definition video simultaneously with multi-channel audio over a single cable. Having multiple inputs allows you to keep multiple signal sources connected to the projector at the same time and select the source from the remote without fiddling with reconnecting wires.

— To the subwoofer. Dedicated output for connecting an external subwoofer. This is usually a line output that only feeds bass — this eliminates the need for external frequency filters. Such a connector is designed to connect an active subwoofer — a passive one will need its own amplifier. Note that this output can be provided in models equipped with their own subwoofer (see above) — in case the capabilities of this subwoofer are not enough.

— RCA. Despite the fact that RCA connectors are used in various interfaces, the term "RCA output" is usually used only for line output with such connectors. This output is used to send an analogue audio signal to an external device; it usually uses the stereo format and consists of two RCA jacks (one for each channel). In sound projectors, the line output can be useful, for example, for connecting additional acoustics.

— Composite. In this case, we do not mean a full-format composite interface of three connectors that allows you to transmit audio and video signals, but only one connector for working with video. This output is used to connect a sound projector to a TV and work as a media centre. The composite video interface does not allow working with HD and is not of high quality; on the other hand, it is widespread and can even be used to work with frankly outdated video equipment (for example, kinescope TVs). Typically this input uses a yellow RCA plug.

— Component. An outpu...t used to send an analogue video signal to an external display. It uses three cables (usually with RCA plugs), each of which carries a different video signal component (hence the name). Due to this, the component interface has good bandwidth and picture quality, it allows you to work with HD and is considered the most advanced modern analogue video standard.

— IR control output. An output that allows the sound projector to be used as an external IR receiver for other devices (such as an amplifier or audio receiver). Through this output, the sound projector can transmit received commands from the control panel to the connected equipment. This allows you to install an external device anywhere, even outside the range of the remote control. In addition, this feature is especially useful for some shelf models (see "Installation type"), which, when installed, may cover the IR receiver of the TV. However note that equipment from different manufacturers may be incompatible in terms of control connectors.

The number of HDMI outputs in the design of the sound projector.

HDMI is the most popular modern interface for working with HD content, it allows you to transmit high-definition video simultaneously with multi-channel audio over a single cable. If you have multiple outputs, you can connect multiple signal receivers to the projector at the same time and switch between them from the remote control without touching the wires.