Yamaha YSP-4100 Soundbar review.

From the outset, Yamaha have lead the pack when it comes to producing digital Sound Projectors (soundbars) creating the only Sound Bar that has true 5.1 sound output.

To strengthen and retain their number one spot, Yamaha have introduced the YSP-4100, a 7.1 Digital Sound Projector that has some great and innovative new features including such things as HD Decoding, 1080p compatible HDMI (4in/1Out), IntelliBeam, several listening modes, UniVolume and AirWired technology to make use of an iPod/iPhone and Subwoofer.

To ensure that you always get the best possible sound from your shiny new Blu-ray palyer and your other digital sources, the YSP-4100 is capable of decoding Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD master Audio as well as the older Dolby digital plus and DTS HD High resolution audio systems.

With the Yamaha YSP-4100 you can achieve true surround sound by directing and bouncing sound beams off the walls of your listening room to come at your listening postion from various angles. The main mode is 5 Beam Plus2 for 7-channel sources but in addition to these there are a wide variety of other listening modes for you to choose the one that bets suits your source material, room shape and listening position.

The YSP-4100 is both stylish and slim, around 9cm deep by 103cm wide, yet it still manages to cram in both DSP speakers and an amplifier. The speakers comprise of a whopping 40 beam driver and two woofers. No other ancillary equipment is required - the receiver, amplifier and speakers are all contained in this nice little package meaning less space is required for your surround sound set-up.

The YSP-4100 is designed to sit under flat screen TVs of 40"-42" and a wall mounting bracket is available - the SPM-K30. For larger screens of 50", the YSP-4100 has a bigger but more expensive brother in the YSP-5100.

What is freesat?

freesat is among us! Currently, freesat should be available to around 98% of the UK population, but what is it? Well, it is a free to air broadcasting service that arrives in your home via satellite - think Sky but without a monthly subscription payment or think Freeview with a satellite dish rather than a TV aerial. Of course the main benefit of using satellite as a transmission medium is that it can be picked up in more geographical areas and you should always get a good picture which is not the case with Freeview if you're too far from a transmitter or live in a dip.

There are currently around 140 digital TV and radio channels being broadcast via freesat including ITV and BBC HD channels. You also get lightning fast digital text, enhanced interactive services, digital subtitles and audio descriptions.

How do I get freesat?

Getting access to this fantastic new service couldn't be easier.

1. You'll need a satellite dish. If you have had or currently have a Sky service, you'll be able to carry on using this dish to receive freesat. Otherwise, you should be able to get a dish installed for around £80. You can purchase a nationwide installation from Argos, here.
2. A freesat receiver. This can be in the form of a standalone freesat box or a television with an integrated freesat receiveer built-in, like these Panasonic models.

There is currently another way to have a satellite dish installed! You can purchase Sky Pay Once for £75 which will give you a Sky minidish, Sky Box (which you could eBay if not required!) and 4 months of Free Sky channels (200 in all). Click here to find out more.

Channels

This is a taste of the channels available. Just click on the links on the left for the full list of channels in each category.