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The inclusion of analog-to-digital conversion means that users will be able to plug in non-HDMI devices (I’m looking at you,
Nintendo Wii) and view them via the Yamaha’s HDMI output–meaning that only a single cable will be needed to connect the Yamaha to your big-screen TV. (The YSP-3000, which lacked that feature, needed separate composite or component hookups between itself and the TV to view sources using those respective inputs.) We’re hoping the 3050 also displays the on-screen setup menus over HDMI, which was the other big annoyance of the YSP-3000.

When CNET reviewed the Yamaha YSP-3000 Digital Sound Projector, we singled out its “limited video capabilities” as one of the main shortfalls of the virtual surround speaker system.

(Credit:
Yamaaha)

According to the specs page on Yamaha’s site, the YSP-3050 has a component and composite video input, in addition to its two HDMI ins.

The YSP-3050 carries a suggested list price of $1,300, but at least one online retailer is already selling it for $100 less. Still, it’s worth noting that the step-up YSP-4000–which includes twice as many “beam” drivers in its larger frame–can be found for about the same price.

Yamaha.com: Yamaha YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector.

Yamaha must have listened, because the company has just unveiled an upgraded version that addresses that very issue. The YSP-3050 adds to the mix the conversion of analog to digital video, but it’s essentially otherwise identical to its predecessor. That’s not a bad thing, either: we’ve found that the Yamaha YSP line remains the best choice for delivering convincing virtual surround-effects from a single speaker, and its all-in-one design precludes the need to purchase a separate AV receiver.

The Yamaha YSP-3050 boasts a small–but important–upgrade to the YSP-3000