neoHD is the Only Wi-Fi Enabled A/V Receiver with Full IR Control of External Devices via iPhone and iPad on the Market for Under $500

The YMC-700 network A/V receiver is now priced at $499.95, while the YMC-500 is $299.95.

To make the price reduction and even better deal , Yamaha will be releasing later this month a new App for the neoHD YMC-700 that will allow you to control all connected devices via IR Control from an iPhone or iPad.  That’s pretty cool.  Now I can justify that iPad.

Yamaha neoHD, a groundbreaking design concept that offers a streamlined approach to home entertainment, enables you to easily control all sources with a simple graphical user interface and simplified remote control.

Tthe YMC-700 Wi-Fi version is now able to stream music from Pandora, the leading personalized internet radio service designed to help listeners discover new music as well as enjoy the music they already know.

"This significant price reduction combined with added network and control capabilities makes neoHD the only Wi-Fi Enabled A/V Receiver with Full Control via iPhone and iPad on the Market for under $500," said Tom Sumner, president of Yamaha Corporation of America. "We believe this news will appeal greatly to consumers who are looking to greatly simplify their home entertainment experience, while spending more time enjoying thrilling HD video and vibrant sound."

Bye Bye Remotes!! neoHD Media Controllers eliminate the need for multi remote controls and becomes the controller of all home and Internet components connected to your home entertainment system.

neoHD has a clean, intuitive menu-driven on-screen display that makes it so easy to  navigate and reach all your audio and video content in your home, regardless of where it is stored.

In addition to new Pandora streaming capabilities, neoHD Wi-Fi can play online content from Rhapsody and Internet radio providing endless hours of enjoyment. Also playback FM radio and music stored on an external USB drive.

The Yamaha YMC-500 and YMC-700 are available from Cinevidia Home Entertainment Solutions

Do you have Blu-ray yet?  Were you involved in this boost in sales?  What did you buy? I just bought Season 7  of 24.

According to the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG), sales are up 91% compared to the the same period in 2008.  How much is that? 

$407 million.  Cha-Ching!

Sales of Blu-ray players is up also, 25%.  Over 2 million Blu-ray players have been sold thus far.  Prices of some really nice players are now below $250, plus they include Pandora and Netflix Streaming.   Manufactures are now giving the consumer more features for less money this year.  Also, some basic no name players are trending towards $100.  My speculation is, more consumers are comfortable buying a player now at these more realistic prices, plus there are more places and titles to rent.  Purchase prices are better too if you wait for sales.

DEG says there are nearly 11 million Blu-ray devices in homes in the U.S., including PlayStation 3 consoles.   Almost, 75 percent of those units are BD-Live compatible meaning they can access the internet content that is paired with the disc. More than 40 million Blu-ray titles have now been sold in the United States, and more than 1600 titles are available. Over 190 titles offer BD-Live content.

Spending for pre-recorded entertainment dropped 3.9 percent year-over-year to $9.73 billion in the first half of 2009, according to the DEG. Pre-recorded entertainment covers DVD, Blu-ray and digital distribution. Digital distribution was up 21 percent to $968 million, while rental spending rose 8.3 percent.  Looks like the recession has  more people are staying home to watch moves. 

Ron Sanders, President of Warner Home Video and the DEG, commented, "Despite an extraordinarily challenging marketplace, the home entertainment sector continues to be remarkably stable overall, particularly with the growth of higher-margin businesses like Blu-ray Disc..."