Skip to main content

DTS:X arrives for Yamaha receivers thanks to a new firmware update

If you don’t pay much attention to the world of home theater, it might be easy to think that DTS:X has already been in living rooms for some time. In a way that’s true — quite a few A/V receivers from multiple companies have been sold promising DTS:X — they just couldn’t actually use DTS:X yet.

We’ve known for some time that DTS:X would begin to arrive in receivers in the early part of this year. Now a firmware update is rolling out to select Yamaha models so they can join the party in offering an alternative to Dolby Atmos for 3D-surround sound.

Recommended Videos

The firmware rollout began yesterday, targeting models in the Yamaha Aventage line, specifically the RX-A3050, RX-A2050 and RX-A1050. The company’s CX-A5100 A/V preamp processor will now also offer DTS:X support once updated.

“Yamaha is determined to provide the most immersive sound technologies available today and the DTS:X firmware update demonstrates our passion for sharing the latest in performance with our customers,” said  Bob Goedken, general manager, A/V division, Yamaha Corporation of America.

Similarly to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is a new surround-sound solution that moves sound beyond existing as a flat plane, allowing sounds to come from different heights. Both technologies utilize up to 11 different audio channels, though DTS:X is more flexible, allowing for up to 32 different speaker locations. Most recently released receivers support both, allowing for users to decide which works best for them.

This has been a busy month for Yamaha so far. Last week it announced the 5.1-channel RX-V381 A/V receiver, and earlier this week it unveiled four more models in the RX-V 81 line: the RX-V481, and the 7.2-channel RX-V781, RX-V681, and RX-V581, all of which support both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

For more on the firmware update and Yamaha’s Aventage A/V receivers, see the company’s website.

Kris Wouk
Former Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
You Asked: Your biggest Switch 2 questions, answered
You Asked Ep. 94: Best TV For Switch 2

On today’s episode of You Asked: What’s the best TV for your shiny new Switch 2 and how does the screen compare to the OLED model we loved? We break down the top TV picks, answer your biggest Switch 2 questions, and share early hands-on impressions from launch week.

Best TV for the Switch 2?

Read more
Save $200 on Amazon’s “best yet” Fire TV and matching soundbar
A 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni Series with a Fire TV soundbar.

Getting a TV can actually be a stressor if you're not the type that likes to tinker with things. Since the vast majority of TVs today don't produce great sound, you'll have to go through the hassle of choosing a soundbar. But that's not all! You also have to connect your soundbar to your TV, which isn't always trivial.

That's why we like this deal that saves you $200 on a QLED TV and gives you a matching soundbar that you know will work with it and be easy to assemble. Normally the 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni and Fire TV Soundbar bundle would cost $600, but right now you can get it for an impressively affordable $400. Tap the button below to see the deal. Then, keep reading below to get our take on this bundle's components.

Read more
This new “ultraportable” outdoor speaker is on sale for under $60
Ultimate Ears Miniroll.

It's undeniably the season for outdoor Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately, they can get quite expensive, with the Beats Pill (our top pick) at $150 and the premium JBL Xtreme 4 all the way up at $380. However, a good alternative is to get an Ultimate Ears Miniroll speaker. It's normally priced around $80, but right now you can get one for just $59, saving you $21. If you order it soon enough, you'll even be able to get it ahead of Father's Day, making it great as either a gift or a way to elevate your sound for the event. Tap the button below to see it or keep reading for our take.

Why you should buy the Ultimate Ears Miniroll speaker

Read more