Yamaha launches first AV receivers with multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs

Yamaha has unveiled its first AV receivers with HDMI 2.1 inputs for 8K60, 4K120, VRR, and more. The RX-V receivers are also the first to feature multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs.

Yamaha HDMI 2.1 receivers
Marantz and Denon introduced the first AV receivers with HDMI 2.1 but Yamaha's new RX-V AV receivers will be the first to feature more than one HDMI 2.1 input. 

- "In fact, no other AV receiver on the market offers as many 8K HDMI inputs as Yamaha, with three on the RX-V6A (7 inputs total) and all four inputs on the RX-V4A," the company said.

This may prove useful if you are planning to invest in both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X or a next-generation game consoles plus a next-generation video player in the future. HDMI 2.1 is required for 4K120 (4K at 120fps) and 8K signals. Having HDMI 2.1 in your receiver ensures that it does not become a bottleneck (for pass-through to a TV) in a HiFi setup.



The receivers also support optional HDMI 2.1 features such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rates (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Quick Media Switching (QMS), said Yamaha. All HDMI 2.1 features will require a firmware update.

Furthermore, the company has included support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Vision pass-through (all inputs), AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, multi-room audio, and voice control.


 Yamaha RX-V6A. Photo: Yamaha

The alternative to upgrading to an HDMI 2.1 receiver is to connect next-gen game consoles and players directly to an TV with HDMI 2.1 plus support for HDMI eARC, which can then return full-quality audio back to an HDMI 2.0 receiver with eARC support.

Yamaha's new RX-V4A and RX-V6A will be available in August and September 2020 for $440 and $600, respectively.

Yamaha RX-V receivers - specifications
RX-V6A At-a-Glance
- 7.2-ch., 100-watt AV receiver with Zone 2
- 8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz*, HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7-in/1-out)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization*
- YPAO Multi-Point automatic room calibration
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa, Siri (via AirPlay 2) and Google Assistant
- MusicCast multi-room app control with optional wireless surrounds
- $599.95 MSRP, available Sept. 2020

RX-V4A At-a-Glance
- 5.1-ch., 80-watt AV receiver
- 8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz*, HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (4-in/1-out)
- YPAO automatic room calibration
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa, Siri (via AirPlay 2) and Google Assistant
- MusicCast multi-room app control with optional wireless surrounds
- $439.95 MSRP, available Aug. 2020

*Available via firmware update
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