Comparison Yamaha RX-V481 vs Yamaha RX-V477

- AirPlay. Technology for transmitting multimedia data via a wireless connection ( Wi-Fi). Developed by Apple, it is intended mainly for broadcasting content from various Apple devices (primarily portable gadgets) to compatible external devices. Allows you to transfer audio files (in audio streaming mode, see “Tuner and playback” for more details), as well as images, text data and even video. The presence of AirPlay in the receiver will allow you to connect Apple equipment with support for this technology to it for direct playback, as well as display information about files on an external screen (for example, a TV) - song name, artist name, etc.

- AirPlay 2. The second version of the AirPlay technology described above, released in 2018. One of the main innovations introduced in this update was support for the multi-room format - the ability to simultaneously broadcast several separate audio signals to different compatible devices installed in different locations. Thus, you can, for example, turn on the next episode of your favorite series from your iPhone on the TV in the living room, and relaxing music from your iPod in the kitchen, etc. In addition, AirPlay 2 received a number of other improvements - improved buffering, the ability to stream to stereo acoustics, as well as support for voice control via Siri.

- Chromecast.... Original name: Google Cast. Technology for broadcasting content to external devices, developed by Google. Allows you to transmit video and audio from a PC or mobile device to the AV receiver; broadcasting is usually carried out via Wi-Fi, while the receiver and the signal source must be on the same Wi-Fi network (with the exception of Chromecast media players). Chromecast technology supports two modes - actual broadcasting through special applications (available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS) and “mirroring” content opened in the Google Chrome browser on an external screen.

- Wi-Fi. A wireless interface used primarily for building computer networks. Accordingly, AV receivers may need its presence primarily to implement network functions - streaming audio, Internet radio (see “Tuner and playback”), AirPlay (see above), DLNA (see below). Connecting to computer networks can also be done through a wired LAN interface(see below), but Wi-Fi is more convenient due to the absence of wires and the ability to work through obstacles (including walls) at a distance of several tens of meters. In addition, in some models, this technology can also be used to communicate directly with other devices - for example, to use a smartphone or tablet as a remote control, or to broadcast live video using Miracast technology or another similar format.

— Bluetooth. Direct wireless communication technology between various electronic devices; operates at a range of about 10 m, although some specific operating formats provide a longer range. Technically, it can be used for different purposes, depending on the protocols supported by a particular device; In AV receivers, two protocols are most often found - A2DP for wireless broadcasting of audio signals and AVRCP for remote control. In the first case, we are usually talking about transmitting a signal from an external device (smartphone, laptop, etc.) to the receiver; theoretically, the opposite option is also possible - broadcasting sound to Bluetooth headphones or acoustics, however, for a number of reasons, this format of operation is almost never found in AV receivers. AVRCP, in turn, allows you to use an external gadget (for example, the same smartphone) as a remote control.

- LAN. A standard interface for wired connection of various equipment (including AV receivers) to computer networks, incl. to access the Internet. Due to the presence of a wire, it is less convenient to connect than the Wi-Fi described above. On the other hand, a LAN connection wins in terms of connection reliability and actual data transfer speed - especially if there are many wireless devices on the network and Wi-Fi channels are busy (which is often the case, since Wi-Fi modules are very popular in modern electronics ). Therefore, for working with large volumes of data - for example, watching high-definition video via DLNA (see below) - LAN is better suited.

— RS-232. A wired interface that originally appeared in computer technology. In AV receivers, it can be called a service connector: content is not transmitted through this connector, but through it you can connect the device to a computer and remotely change settings, as well as update the firmware.

— MHL. High-speed wired interface for transmitting multimedia data (video and audio) from mobile devices to external screens. The bandwidth allows you to work with high or even ultra-high resolution images, as well as multi-channel audio. Also, when connected, the gadget can be charged. In mobile devices, the MHL signal is output via a standard microUSB port; and the role of the input in AV receivers (and other stationary equipment) is played by the HDMI connector (see below) - however, not every connector, but only one that is initially compatible with MHL and has the appropriate marking. Adapters are available for connecting to regular HDMI, but additional functions (like charging) may not be available with this connection.

- 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 declared are able to communicate effectively regardless of the manufacturer. An AV receiver with DLNA can, for example, play a movie directly from the hard drive of a computer in the next room, or transfer photos from a smartphone to the TV. Connecting to the Network can be done either wired (LAN) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi, see above).

- Roon Tested. Roon Tested accreditation means the AV receiver is compatible with the popular audiophile music streaming platform Roon. Certified models have undergone a series of tests and meet the quality standards required to operate Roon flawlessly. This ensures convenient management and organization of content within the platform.

— Coordination of Remote control. A function that allows you to connect the AV receiver to another device (for example, a Blu-ray player or external amplifier) and control both devices with one remote control. When purchasing equipment with such a function, it is necessary to clarify compatibility - as a rule, only equipment from one manufacturer can work in such a “bundle”, and even in such cases, their own nuances are possible upon agreement.

— Voice assistant. Receiver support for voice assistant. The most popular assistants these days are:

• Google Assistant
• Apple Siri
  
• Amazon Alexa

However, other solutions may also emerge. In any case, it is worth noting that we are not talking about an assistant built into the receiver itself, but about compatibility with external devices that have this function (for example, a smartphone or tablet). But even such compatibility allows you to give commands to the receiver by voice - this is often more convenient than more traditional control methods. The specific set of supported commands and languages may vary depending on the voice assistant and its specific version.

A decoder can be broadly described as a standard in which digital audio (often multi-channel) is recorded. For normal playback of such sound, it is necessary that the corresponding decoder is supported by the device. The first signs of multi-channel decoding were Dolby Digital and DTS, gradually improving and introducing new features. The final stage for 2020 is Dolby Atmos and DTS X decoders. And the intermediate ones were Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-HD, DTS ES, DTS Neural: X, DTS Neo (6, X).

Dolby Atmos. A decoder that does not use a rigid distribution of sound across channels, but the processing of audio objects, due to which it can be used with almost any number of channels on a reproducing system — the sound will be divided between channels so that each audio object is heard as close as possible to its proper place. When using Dolby Atmos, in-ceiling speakers (or speakers facing the ceiling) are highly desirable. However, in extreme cases, you can do without them.

— DTS X . An analogue of the Dolby Atmos described above, when the sound is distributed not through individual channels, but through audio objects. The...digital signal contains information about where (according to the director's intention) the object audible to the user should be and how it should move, and the processor of the reproducing device processes this information and determines exactly how the sound should be distributed over the available channels in order to achieve the required localization. Thanks to this, DTS X is not tied to a specific number of audio channels — there can be as many as you like, the system will automatically divide the sound into them, achieving the desired sound. Also note that this decoder allows you to separately adjust the volume of dialogues.

— IMAX Enhanced. The IMAX Enhanced Mark of Conformity is awarded to equipment that meets the audio certification requirements of IMAX Corporation. Combined with DTS audio technology to deliver signature IMAX theater-like sound in the home. The most accurate reproduction of such audio is possible in systems with a large number of channels (5.1 or more). Note that for a fully immersive experience, IMAX Enhanced certification must also apply to video equipment for playing content (TV, projector, etc.).

The number of HDMI inputs provided in the design of the receiver.

This interface is one of the most advanced digital standards used in modern electronics. It was originally developed for HD television and already in the first version it allowed to transmit a video signal with Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, accompanied by eight-channel (7.1, see "Number of channels") sound; in the future, the maximum resolution increased even more. Almost all modern TVs, monitors and plasma panels have at least one HDMI interface, the same applies to playback devices (players, media centers, etc.).

As for the quantity, the presence of several inputs allows you to connect several signal sources to the receiver at once with the corresponding outputs and switch between them through software settings without fiddling with switching cables. In the case of HDMI, the abundance of connectors is especially important, given the prevalence of this standard in modern video equipment; in some receivers, the number of such inputs can be up to 10.

The number of component inputs provided in the design of the receiver.

This interface (also known as YPbPr) is designed to transmit analogue video. Its name comes from the fact that the three main video components (brightness data and two colour difference channels) are carried over three separate cables. Accordingly, each individual component input is a set of three connectors. Usually, a built-in cable with RCA connectors (“tulip”) is used for connection, while the cables for component and composite (see below) interfaces are quite interchangeable.

The component interface stands out for its high signal transmission quality: splitting the video into three separate channels significantly reduces distortion compared to the same composite format, and the bandwidth is comparable to the above-described HDMI and allows you to work even with HD video. However, a component connection does not provide audio, and you will need to use a separate cable for this purpose.

As for the quantity, the presence of several inputs allows you to connect several signal sources to the receiver at once with the corresponding outputs and switch between them through software settings without fiddling with switching cables.

The number of analogue stereo RCA outputs provided in the design of the AV receiver.

By itself, the RCA connector (colloquially — "tulip") can be used in different interfaces. However, in this particular case, we are talking about a linear audio output that is responsible for an analogue audio signal. RCA is the most popular connector used in modern audio equipment for such outputs. In this case, we can talk about both standard outputs for connecting speakers, and about REC connectors designed to connect a recording device to the receiver and differ in a constant signal level. (however, there is rarely more than one such output). In addition, preamplifier outputs are also taken into account here.

Note that connectors of this type are usually counted in pairs; in other words, one output consists of two RCA connectors. This is due to the fact that in this case only one channel of analogue audio can be transmitted over one wire; accordingly, two RCA jacks are required for stereo transmission.

Several RCA outputs allow you to connect several sets of acoustics to the receiver at the same time — for example, to broadcast sound in several rooms at once or to record sound in parallel with listening to it.

The number of composite outputs provided in the design of the receiver.

Note that in this case we do not mean a full-sized composite interface that uses three jacks (video and two channels of stereo sound), but only one connector — video (sound can be output through standard RCA connectors). The video output also uses an RCA connector, usually a distinctive yellow colour.

Due to the fact that all image data is transmitted over a single cable, the composite interface is somewhat inferior to the component (see above) in terms of video quality, and the bandwidth allows you to work only with a standard definition signal (not HD); and there is no talk of volumetric sound. On the other hand, this connection method has long been used in video technology and can be useful for connecting outdated devices (such as VHS VCRs).

The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several signal receivers at the same time and select a playback device without reconnecting cables — by changing the settings of the receiver. And in models that support Multi Zone (see above), you can simultaneously broadcast different signals to different receivers.

The number of component outputs provided in the design of the receiver.

This interface (also known as YPbPr) is designed to transmit analogue video. Its name comes from the fact that the three main video components (brightness data and two colour difference channels) are carried over three separate cables. Accordingly, each individual component input is a set of three connectors. Usually, a built-in cable with RCA connectors (“tulip”) is used for connection, while the cables for component and composite (see below) interfaces are quite interchangeable.

The component interface stands out for its high signal transmission quality: splitting the video into three separate channels significantly reduces distortion compared to the same composite format, and the bandwidth is comparable to the above-described HDMI and even allows you to work with HD video. However, a component connection does not provide audio, and you will need to use a separate cable for this purpose.

The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several signal receivers at the same time and select a playback device without reconnecting cables — by changing the settings of the receiver. And in models that support Multi Zone (see above), you can simultaneously broadcast different signals to different receivers.

The power consumed by the receiver in standby mode. Most modern premium electronics, when “shut down” (from the remote control or control panel), do not turn off completely, but are put into standby mode — for a number of reasons this option is considered better than a complete shutdown. It requires electricity consumption, but it is usually very low. At the same time, if you plan to be away from home for a long time, for example, it is likely that from the point of view of economy it will be justified to turn off the power to the audio system completely.

Ability to control the AV receiver from a portable device. Note that this can be not only a smartphone, but also any other gadget that is compatible with a special control application — for example, a tablet. Connection with such a "remote control" is carried out via the wireless standard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (see "Interfaces"). This allows you to control the device even through walls, while classic remote controls use the infrared channel and work only in the line of sight. In addition, the functionality of the control application can be almost unlimited, and the manufacturer can also update it by adding new features.