Comparison Yamaha YAS-107 vs Yamaha YAS-105

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 nominal power of the speakers installed directly in the soundbar, excluding the subwoofer (in models with a built-in subwoofer, respectively, only the power of the main speakers is taken into account).

This indicator directly determines the overall volume of the sound projector; It is worth choosing according to this parameter taking into account the specifics of the room in which the projector is planned to be installed: the larger the room and the greater the distance to the viewer, the higher the power should be, otherwise the soundbar will not be able to effectively sound the scene. Detailed recommendations on the optimal power for different situations can be found in special sources.

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.

Impedance is the projector's resistance to alternating current, or more precisely, to the analog audio signal input from an external power amplifier. Actually, this parameter is of practical importance precisely if the device is planned to be used with an external amplifier. Ideally, the projector's impedance should match the impedance for which the amplifier is designed - otherwise, the volume may either decrease (if the impedance is too high), or distortion, overload, and even damage to the acoustics (if the impedance is too low) may occur.

Higher impedance is also thought to reduce the likelihood of interference. However, modern speakers (including sound projectors) have standard impedance values of 4, 6 or 8 ohms - the difference is not so great that the differences in sound quality are noticeable.

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.

The rated power of the subwoofer included in the design or delivery of the sound projector.

The higher the power, the louder the sub can sound, the richer the bass it can provide. On the other hand, an increase in power inevitably promises an increase in the size and cost of the speaker. Therefore, an overly powerful subwoofer is just as undesirable as one that is too weak. Detailed recommendations for selecting power for the size and acoustic characteristics of a particular room can be found in special sources.

Note that the external subwoofer in soundbars should be approximately twice as powerful as the soundbar in order to prevent sound sags at maximum volume. So, if the total output power of the speaker system is 300 watts, then 100 of them should come from the soundbar alone, and 200 should go directly to the subwoofer.

The diameter of the speaker in the subwoofer used by the sound projector.

It is believed that the larger the speaker, the louder the sub and the deeper and richer sound it can provide. Models up to 200 mm in size are entry level; This is exactly the size that built-in subwoofers usually have (see above). But free-standing bass speakers can use larger speakers, up to 254 mm (10").

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.

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, D...TS 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. A separate variant of DTS X is the DTS Virtual:X decoder for providing surround sound without the use of additional upward speakers on the soundbar. You can rely on just two channels and a separate subwoofer to achieve the desired DTS Virtual:X effect. A separate variation of DTS X is the DTS Virtual:X decoder to provide surround sound without the need for additional upward-firing speakers on the soundbar. DTS Virtual:X can rely on just two channels and a separate subwoofer to achieve the desired effect.

— 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.).