In 2003, Yamaha introduced a functioning wireless multi-room audio system called MusicCast. Since then, much has changed in the multi-room and wireless connectivity space. In order to compete, Yamaha delivered a total overhaul of its MusicCast concept for modern audio systems, with a specific focus on wireless usability.
Yamaha MusicCast | What is it? And why is it so great?
The heart of MusicCast is its wireless control. Using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can send, receive, and share music and audio via compatible Yamaha products. These products include home theater receivers, stereo receivers, wireless speakers, sound bars, and powered wireless speakers. The downside is that it is a closed system, meaning that the products and features are only designed to work with other Yamaha MusicCast devices. It is also not backwards compatible with older versions of Yamaha MusicCast.
Apple Airplay, Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, Rhapsody and any Bluetooth audio device can be played via MusicCast. All turntables, audio cassette decks, Blu-ray/DVD players and other receiver-based hardware can be controlled and played through speakers on the MusicCast app. The app is separate from Yamaha's iOS and Android AV Controller apps, but you can switch between the two for tighter control over home theater components.
MusicCast supports High-Resolution Audio playback for compatible products. If a product is not compatible with High-Resolution Audio, MusicCast converts the signal to 48kHz, which is approximately CD-quality. It is DLNA-compliant, which means it can access and distribute audio from DLNA-certified devices such as PCs, Network Attached Storage (NAS) drives, and media servers.
