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inman 04-21-2007 04:16 PM

We will be traveling on the Fantasy out of New Orleans in June and will be bringing our three young children ages 6, 5 and 3. (This will be their second cruise but we drove to the port last time.) We are planning to take a taxi from the airport to the ship and are wondering if we should bring the booster seats. This and the ride back to the airport are probably the only car trips we will take and the thought of lugging three booster seats on and off the ship does not appeal. Does anyone out there have experience with this?

steve elster 04-22-2007 12:48 AM

Pack them in your luggage or leave them at home, I hope im not in the cabin next door to you Kalo Taxidi

Dwayne 04-22-2007 06:38 AM

First off, Welcome to Cruise-Chat!

I don't know if you are speaking of Car Safety Seats, or Booster Seats for the Dining Room.

I am sure one of our Members will know the answer

LisaP 04-22-2007 06:49 AM

Hi inman, and welcome to cruise-chat.

We cruised with our son when he was in both the car seat and booster seat stages. We always brought the seat with us. When he was under 2, we used the car seat on the plane, but as booster seats are not FAA approved, you will have to check those. You can check them with your luggage, or at the gate. Of course, the latter means you'd also have to lug the seats around in the airport, but perhaps the kids can help with that.

Once on the ship, you can store them under the beds. If space becomes an issue, ask your cabin steward for assistance. (BTW, are you in one cabin or two?)

I always say that safety doesn't take a vacation. If it were me, I'd take the booster seats, just as I would on any car ride.

inman 04-22-2007 10:12 AM

I'm talking about the booster seats for the car.

We will be staying in two Cabins. As the Fantasy doesn't have any connecting cabins, we got adjoining ones. Dad and the boys in one and my daughter and I in the other. I've cruised alone with the kids and knew that we would not be comfortable trying to fit a fifth into the room!

LisaP 04-22-2007 02:18 PM

Thanks, inman. With two cabins, you will have no problem storing three booster seats.

MicheleT 04-22-2007 04:06 PM

What about using the car seats/booster seats while in Mexico - like in the cabs - transporting on the shore excursions???? What are your ideas with traveling with toddlers in other countries. I mean it's a law do we travel there?

Jim C. 04-23-2007 08:35 AM

My question is- Where are you going to find a taxi that can take 2 adults and still have space for three car seats? If you are going on a bus, I don't think the car seat law applies. Not sure of a taxi. But even if you brought them, I don't know how you would fit them into a taxi. With both of you and your luggage.

I would not worry about storing them once you get to the ship, but the hassle in bringing them is a bit much.

Dave 04-23-2007 08:58 AM

Good point about trying to fit all those seats in the average cab. Most taxis in Mexico are small cars - Toyota Corollas or the equivalent.

Chef Ken 04-23-2007 09:50 AM

I would leave the car seats at home. The US is the only place that I know of where they are required.

There is a generation of folks on the forum who stood in the back seat on vacation trips or laid on the floor of the station wagon or even rode in the back of pick-up trucks for trips to the store and survived.

To Steve, fortunately you are not representative of most Brits and so I will not judge your entire nation with it's phony monarchy, by you.

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Old 07-13-2010, 09:59 AM
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How long does it take to tour the National Museum of Rome? I know it probably varies depending on the person, but in general, should I schedule a couple hours for this? Half day? Whole day?
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Old 07-13-2010, 10:28 PM
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Make sure that you include the round trip from the port!! That can cause a time crunch itself.
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Old 08-24-2010, 07:05 AM
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I don't know if this answer is too late for you, but a couple of hours would cover visiting the museum, excluding travel time. It should be fairly low down on your list of places to visit in Rome.

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Yamaha RX-A720

Home theater receiver with 3D-ready HDMI switching and Apple AirPlay®

Item #: 022RXA720

15 Reviews

This item is no longer available.

Original Price: $649.99

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Yamaha AVENTAGE® — premium design and performance

Yamaha designed their AVENTAGE series of receivers from the ground up with sound quality as the ultimate goal. They paid attention to the little details that add up to better performance — from a solidly built double-bottomed chassis, to separate power supplies for digital and analog circuitry. And to top it off, AVENTAGE receivers are backed by a three-year warranty.

Let your iPod® take center stage with AirPlay®

AirPlay lets you stream music from your iTunes® library directly to your Yamaha receiver, either from a networked computer or right from your iPhone®, iPad®, or iPod touch®. Not only do you get a fast and convenient way to listen to your favorites, but anyone in your home can stream from their player to share their latest find.

iPad and Yamaha

Plug your iPad into the convenient front-panel port for charging and music playback.

The RX-A720 has a direct digital input on the front panel, so you can plug your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad directly in. It even charges your iPod when it's turned off. And Yamaha offers a free, downloadable app for both Apple® and Android™ devices that you can use to control this receiver with ease. Requires a wireless home network. Receiver requires wired connection to the router.

Instant access to an immense variety of music

The RX-A720's Ethernet port opens the door to a world of fresh, new listening options. Thousands of Internet radio stations from every corner of the world are at your fingertips. And music files streamed from your networked PC are just a touch away. The possibilities seem endless.

Connection flexibility to meet your needs

This seven-channel receiver gives you two channels that can be used for back surround channels. So when your action movie includes a sneak attack from the rear, you'll hear it coming. And when you're enjoying that favorite live concert CD the rear soundstage makes it really come alive.

If you stick with just five speakers in your home theater, there are other choices available. The back surround channels can be reassigned to send extra power to bi-ampable front speakers. You'll enjoy better clarity and dynamic range, perhaps as never before. Or if you'd simply like to hear music in another room, those extra powered outputs can be used for a pair of speakers in your favorite lounge or work area, entertaining you while others enjoy the movie in your theater room.

Quick, accurate setup, and easy everyday operation

Yamaha's auto-calibration system provides easy, precise home theater setup. Plug in the included microphone and place it in your favorite seat. The RX-A720 quickly analyzes the size, distance, and frequency response of every speaker in your system, adjusting the settings for each one individually. In minutes, your system is fine-tuned for optimum performance with your specific speakers and room.

Today's feature-packed home theater receivers do so much that you can find yourself lost in a maze of on-screen menus. The RX-A720 lets you sidestep the confusion: Four "SCENE" buttons in the center of the front panel give you easy one-touch access to common choices like watching a Blu-ray movie or listening to a CD. Just hit a button and the receiver switches to the correct input and settings.

Learn about the ins and outs of HDMI connections at the Crutchfield Learning Center.

Shop our selection of HDMI cables.

    Power and Processing:
    • 7-channel amplifier
    • 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.09% THD, with 2 channels driven
    • Dolby® TrueHD, and DTS-HD™ Master Audio, Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS-HD™ High Resolution Audio
    • analog-to-HDMI video upconversion (up to 1080p)
    • YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) for easy automatic speaker setup and more precise surround sound (microphone included)
    • Cinema DSP modes add richness and presence to music and movie soundtracks
    • Adaptive Dynamic Range Control limits the volume level on sound effects and commercials for more discreet late-night listening
    • Silent Cinema for simulated surround sound via standard stereo headphones
    Digital Music Options:
    • Internet-ready — access music from your PC and Internet radio stations
    • listen to music from iPod®, iPhone®, iPad® or thumb drive through the front-panel USB input
    • built-in Apple AirPlay® for ultra-convenient iTunes® music playback
    • Wi-Fi®-ready with optional Yamaha adapter
    • DLNA and Windows® 7 certified for better compatibility with other certified audio networking components
    Multi-room Audio:
    • dual-room/dual-source output
      • powered and line-level stereo audio output for 2nd room (using powered 2nd-room output allows 5.2 home theater in main room)
      • optical and coaxial digital audio sources are not output to Zone 2
      • USB and network-connected sources cannot be played back in different Zones at the same time
    Audio Performance Features:
    • 192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converters for all channels
    • Ultra Low Jitter PLL circuitry reduces timing jitter from digital sources, for improved sound quality
    • back surround speaker channels re-assignable for bi-amping compatible front left and right speakers
    • Pure Direct mode switches off front-panel display, tone controls, and DSP circuitry for cleaner sound with analog audio sources
    • Compressed Music Enhancer for better sounding MP3s and other digital music files
    • detachable power cord
    • HDMI 1.4a audio/video switching: 6 in, 1 out (including 1 front-panel input)
    • component video switching (2 in, 1 out)
    • composite video switching (5 in, 1 out) — including the front-panel input
    • digital audio inputs: 2 optical and 2 coaxial
    • 2 analog stereo audio-only inputs
    • no phono input — to connect a turntable you'll need to add a phono preamp
    • Ethernet port for music streaming from a PC network
    • USB port for audio playback from USB flash drives, hard disk drives, and portable MP3 music players
    • 1 pair of main speaker outputs
    General Features:
    • free Yamaha remote app lets you use your iPod touch, iPhone or Android device as a Wi-Fi® remote
    • four SCENE presets for easier source switching
    • full-color on-screen display lets you browse movies and music, including album art (via HDMI only)
    • HDMI standby pass-through allows HDMI switching without powering up receiver
    • 40 AM/FM presets
    • multibrand remote
    • 17-1/8"W x 6-3/4"H x 15-1/2"D
    • weight: 23.6 lbs.
    • warranty: 3 years
    • Our 60-day money-back guarantee

    Receivers: Your ticket to sensational sound

    Your receiver powers your speakers and lets you connect and select your entertainment sources. But a great receiver does a lot more — it ignites your emotions. From the passion of a favorite musical artist, to the crossfire of a super-charged movie soundtrack, to the intensity and immersion of a fast-paced video game, your receiver is the key to experiencing and enjoying it in full.

    Yamaha RX-A720 Reviews

    Average Customer Review:

    15 reviews
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    The best of several that I tried out.

    Written By Rob, Fishersville, VA on Friday, February 21, 2014

    I brought home and tried several receivers before settling on the Yamaha RX-A720. The closest thing in features for my needs was the Onkyo NR 626, but I was worried about reliability issues with Onkyo and the Yamaha Aventage series comes with a standard 3 year warranty which is very nice. I also tried out a Pioneer, Sony, and Denon, none of which had the functionality I was looking for.

    The 720 is running a 7.1 system and everything sounds very clean and clear for movies, but the receiver is also easily adjustable to sound great for just music. This is something that other receivers I tried seemed to have a problem with for some reason.

    I bought this unit in the outlet, so I'm not sure there are any still available, but if you can find one in the $4-500 price point, nothing else in that price range touches it in my opinion.

    Pros: Excellent separation and presentation of sounds in Dolby formats. Offers a lot of options for customizing your sound so that if your not an audiophile, you can just make it sound how you like it, ;p. Easy switching from movie/tv/music formats. Runs all of your video sources out to TV with one hdmi cable and upconverts analog signals to display correctly on screen. 3 year warranty. Crutchfield's excellent staff and return policy.

    Cons: None.

    Great receiver

    Written By DrewD, Harrisonburg, VA on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

    Purchased this to replace an older Sony unit. Very happy with this receiver so far. Lots of clean power. Setup easy. Especially like the network connectivity which allows the unit to be controlled via web browser or smartphone/tablet with the Yamaha AV Controller app. Also prompts when firmware updates are available for download/install. The only issue I've encountered was installing a firmware update directly from the internet that rendered the unit unresponsive. A quick Google search showed this as a known issue that was quickly fixed with a manual update installed via USB flash drive. AirPlay also a big plus!

    Written By Mike H, Holden MA on Saturday, April 27, 2013

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    Everything I expected. I've been waiting for years to have the ability of full control over the system while out on the patio with an android/apple device. This connected receiver does exactly what I was hoping for. I have the deck speakers as zone 2 and with the Android app I have full access to all functions including Rhapsody. The interface allows for full control over playlists, Radio, My Tracks, everything. Very easy to use and very easy to set up. With top of the line features this is future proof for my needs. I'm sure once others see this at work, more will be sold. Thanks for your help with this Crutchfield.

    Pros: Web Connectivity, support of Internet services such as rhapsody, airplay, ease of setup, great experience

    Cons: none so far, exactly what I expected

    Amazing receiver

    Written By RdPuerto, Laredo, TX on Friday, April 19, 2013

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    very easy to connect, and Works perfect, before this Yamaha I was using a Denon receiver, Denon was very difficult to setup. I'm Glad that I choose Yamaha.

    Pros: Nice Receiver, looks profesional, and sound excellnet

    Cons: Now is discontinued, I just have one month with the receiver, now I have an obsolete device.

    Very good receiver

    Written By Neeraj, Roanoke, VA on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    Very high quality receiver. Set up was easy. Delivery from crutchfield was fast. Also, used free tech help from crutchfield to help set up the speakers. Overall I am very satisfied with purchase.

    Pros: High end Yamaha receiver

    Cons: None

    Yamaha Receiver

    Written By Pat, Brockton on Monday, March 18, 2013

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    Excellent receiver, produces great sound regardless of the input (BR, radio, Internet, etc), my only complaint is with the manual, its huge and complex and yet doesn't get very detailed about some setup things like AirPlay...nit picking for sure but you shouldn't need to be an Electrical Engineer to set this up.

    Pros: The unit is great

    Cons: the manual not so much

    Two Thumbs Up!

    Written By Dryhauler, St. Louis,MO on Sunday, January 27, 2013

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    I'm really enjoying the flexibility that this receiver offers.Set up was easy with YPAO,and then I did a little tweaking.The net set up was easy via ethernet connection and I'm really enjoying net radio via the built in v- tuner.I like to listen to the blues and there are lots of options here.I also down loaded the Yamaha app to my I-Phone and it is awesome.I'm only running one zone at this time but plan on adding a second in the future after seeing how easy operation is with the Yamaha app.Having Air Play is awesome as well and easy to use.Settings are easy to adjust on the fly by hitting the options button on the remote.Most importantly the sound is very pleasing and the DSP modes are a great option to get that live club feel.Blu-ray movies sound great with the many built in sound decoders.The unit works well with the cable set top box and Apple TV.Bottom line I highly recommend this unit!

    Pros: Net radio,Air Play,Many and easy set up options,Lots of inputs and flexibility,It's a Yamaha!

    Cons: Small buttons on the remote.[I-Phone Yamaha app more than makes up for this].No paper manual.

    Excellent Receiver!

    Written By Tomahawk, Glendora, Ca on Saturday, December 22, 2012

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    It's been several years since we upgraded our home theater and we're amazed at how far technology has come. As with all Yamaha audio equipment, the receiver looks great and the Audio/Video quality is excellent. This entry level Aventage model has more than enough power/punch for our 12x10 room. Where things get interesting is in the area of integration and control. With Rhaposdy and Pandora apps built in, you have immediate access to these online sources of music in addition to hundreds of Internet Radio stations. The available iPhone control app gives you full control over the unit provided your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same local network as the receiver. We have outdoor speakers connected to Zone 2. We can turn the unit on and off and choose a music source without leaving our seat in the backyard, very cool! Airplay works well too if you have a strong wireless connection but will not allow control over both Zones and you'll need to manually turn the unit off. Overall, we are very happy with the purchase.

    Pros: Excellent Audio/Video Quality Yamaha Control App is Amazing Integration with Internet Music Sources is Great

    Cons: Need to turn the unit off manually if using Airplay but with Control App, its hard to figure out why you even need Airplay:)

    Excellent Doesn't Have To Be Expensive

    Written By Mike, Shepherdstown, WV on Friday, December 14, 2012

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    Well labeled, easy to set up, paired with the Polk speakers suggested in the catalog I got a lot of bang for my buck. Clear, distinct, and features I wouldn't have dreamed of a few years ago. I used the YPAO mic for setup, but was not really satisfied with the settings it recommended. I purchased a sub woofer but the setup pretty much ignored it. My suggestion is to use the mic, but don't depend on the automatic setup for the final speaker configuration.

    Pros: Good price, flexible set up choices for bi-amping, subwoofer, second set of speakers for remote location. The rear of the unit is well labeled.

    Cons: None

    Does the job but....

    Written By LabRat, Phoenix AZ on Friday, November 30, 2012

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    I have had Yamaha products in the past & have been happy with reliability and quality. I like the RX-A720 in that it met all of my requirements, or so I thought. The remote is overly confusing, the codes provided did not work with the Vizio TV. Basically, the setup went very well, including the YPAO microphone test for the speakers - it turned up a incorrectly wired speaker (thanks to some painters, not me!). But then I got to the remote and it went downhill from there. I ended up at an electronics store buying a Harmony 600 and all is well. This is in a vacation home where others will be using the system. I thought (and was led to believe by sales) that the Yama remote would do the trick - press a Scene button and everything will be up and running. Family member said I should have gotten a Sony as he watched me struggle with this over Thanksgiving! But the Harmony is doing just fine, and when I am using the system I can tweak the receiver as needed.

    Pros: Quality, reliabity, sound, speaker test, setup (except for remote)

    Cons: Remote control is crowded and hard to program, lack of wireless internet reception

    Written By Mudman2, Fountainville, PA on Saturday, November 24, 2012

    I bought this to replace an older Yamaha since I wanted to reduce clutter and get everything to HDMI. I have not been disappointed, right front the start once I wired it up I ran the install using the supplied microphone, the on screen display showed me which speakers were reverse polarity !!!! You know how hard that is !!!

    I set up my Satellite, BR ad AppleTV, logged into my Sirius account in a few minutes.

    Next I looked for a way to set up AIRPLAY, no instructions so I just used my iPhone played music and low and behold it was waiting to be selected WOW

    On top of all of this my wife can now use it and it sounds GREAT

    Pros: Easy of setup

    Cons: None right now

    Yamaha is Known for Sweet Sound

    Written By UR2Big4?, Big Tex Country on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    I am very satisfied with my choice of the Yamaha RX-A720 as a gift for my parents. It replaces a good but very dated Kenwood 1080VR. It was very easy to set up and interconnect with a Panasonic 3D HDTV and Panasonic 3D Blu-ray player. The RX-A720 produces exceptionally good sound and allows 3D pass-through without degradation. I could not be more pleased with this purchase and with Crutchfield's prompt delivery.

    Pros: Exceptional audio and 3D video pass-through, easy to set up and interconnect, bi-amp capability, good value for the money, easy to update firmware via USB port, 3 year warranty, and it's not made in China (Malaysia).

    Written By SAM, MASSILLON,OH on Sunday, October 28, 2012

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    Solid Choice

    Written By Mark, Virginia on Thursday, September 27, 2012

    Very glad I chose the rx-a720. I have this paired with the Definitive Tech ProCinema 600 (zone1), and the Definitive Tech aw5500 (zone2), TV, Directv, VCR, BlueRay Player, and of course on the network to access all of the files from my computer, ipod touch and kindle fire.

    Pros: DLNA certified, AirPlay, Mutlizone with Line Level Inputs, 7 Channel, Auto Calibration with speakers, 4k upscaling, Wi-fi App, Front Aux and USB.

    Cons: none so far

    Impressive sounding stylish receiver!!!

    Written By Carlos O, Plano, TX on Saturday, July 07, 2012

    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

    Only needed a 5.1 receiver but ended up getting this one and I do not regret it. I love the quality of the build and sounds fantastic! Made me realize I need to upgrade my speakers. Running it on an old Infinity TSS450.

    Pros: Airplay, scene settings, great sound

    Cons: None that I see so far

    Hands-on research

    What's in the box?

    Download owner's manual

    • 7.2ch AV receiver
    • 6.5' AC power cord
    • Wireless remote control (RAV472)
    • 2 "AAA" batteries
    • YPAO microphone (with attached 19' cable terminated by a 3.5mm connector)
    • AM loop antenna
    • FM wire antenna (with push-on "F" connector)
    • Owner's Manual CD-ROM
    • Easy Setup Guide
    • Quick Guide for Useful Functions
    • Safety Brochure
    • Warranty information
    • On-line product registration information
    • FCC Information

    Product Research

    Audio Features
    Video Features
    Network & Tuner Functions
    USB/iPod Integration
    Convenience Features
    Remote Control

    Audio Features

    Aventage Series: The Aventage line of Yamaha AV receivers is based on the audio design concept of providing a massive, full-bodied sound for movie sound effects and the accurate reproduction of music sources. By expertly harmonizing traditional and advanced technologies, every factor that affects sound quality, from materials & parts construction to circuitry layout, vibration damping, and "fine-tuning" the sound, is handled with no other thought than to achieve the best possible audio quality. As a result, every Aventage receiver has the ability to reproduce the most subtle details of high-definition sound, so that listeners can enjoy a truly high-class sound studio experience at home.

    • Aluminum Front Panel: The aluminum front panel is used to effectively shield sensitive circuitry from external noise and electronic energy generated by dimmer switches, fluorescent lighting, video monitors and so on. This ensures optimum sonic performance in the widest range of installation environments.
    • A.R.T.: The A.R.T. (Anti-Resonance Technology) Wedge 5th foot is in the center of the unit. It dampens vibrations from the power transformer, power transistors and heat sinks, as well as vibrations that might be caused by the sound from the speakers. A.R.T. Wedge 5th foot helps ensure that vibrations do not affect the sound quality.
    • Hybrid Power Supply: Independent power supplies for the digital and analog circuit, resulting in less power consumption in the standby mode, and a more efficient power transformer.

    Wide-range Frequency Response: The receiver's wide-range frequency response, 10Hz to 100kHz, allows you to enjoy the full fidelity of DVD-Audio and Super-Audio CD players.

    192kHz/24-bit Burr Brown DACs: The Yamaha RX-A720 uses high quality, audio-grade Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters for all channels to maximize sound quality.

    Low-Jitter PLL Circuitry: The Yamaha AV receiver utilizes low-jitter PLL circuitry to help optimize sound imaging. The result is a more dynamic sound with greater detail and less distortion.

    7.2ch AV Receiver: The Yamaha RX-A720 AV Receiver is equipped with a 7-channel amplifier rated at 90 watts (into 8-ohms, at 20-20khz, with 0.09% THD, driving 2 channels) which provides high dynamic power with low-impedance drive capability. The RX-A720 also includes dual LFE (mono-subwoofer) outputs for connecting a powered sub.

    Speaker Terminals: The receiver has binding post terminals for the Front, Center, Surround, Surround Back/Bi-Amp, and Zone 2/Presence speaker terminals. The binding posts can accept bare wire, pin connectors, and single banana plugs. These terminals are spaced too far apart for dual banana plugs and a collar surrounding them prevents the use of spade connectors. The Surround Back/Bi-Amp and Zone B/Presence speaker channels of the amplifier can be configured in the following way.

    • 7.2ch w/ Surround Back or Front Presence: Seven speakers are powered in the main room - Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, and Surround Back L/R (or Front Presence L/R).
    • 5.2ch w/ Front Bi-Amp: Five speakers are powered in the main room (Front L/R, center, and Surround L/R) with the surround back amplifier channels reassigned to bi-amp the front speakers. A bi-amplification connection uses two amplifiers for one speaker. One amplifier is connected to the woofer section of a loudspeaker while the other is connected to the combined midrange and tweeter section. With this arrangement each amplifier operates over a limited frequency range, making its job easier.
    • 5.2ch + Zone 2: Five speakers are powered in the main room (Front L/R, Center, and Surround L/R), while two speakers in a second zone are connected to the receiver's surround back terminals. The Zone 2 speaker output allows the receiver to send 2-channel sound to a second zone, limiting the main zone to 5.2-channel output. This means that you can enjoy stereo sound in a second room of your home. The same or different analog input sources/volume settings can be applied to both zones. Multichannel sources are mixed down to 2-channels and output to Zone 2.

    Note: You can select 8 ohms or 6 ohms in the menu depending on your speaker application. The amplifier supports 4- to 8-ohm Front speakers, and 6- to 8-ohm Center, Surround, Surround Back speakers.

    Bi-Amp Speaker Connections: This receiver allows you to reassign the surround back amplifier channels to make bi-amp connections (compatible speakers required). A bi-amplification connection uses two amplifiers for one speaker. One amplifier is connected to the woofer section of a loudspeaker while the other is connected to the combined midrange and tweeter section. With this arrangement each amplifier operates over a limited frequency range, making its job easier.

    Presence Speakers: One pair of speaker terminals (Zone 2/Presence Speakers) can be used for Presence speakers or for driving a pair of speakers in a second zone. The Presence speakers supplement the sound from the front speakers with extra ambient effects produced by Cinema DSP. These effects include sounds that the filmmakers intended to locate a little farther back behind the screen in order to create more theater-like ambience. The Presence speakers should be placed at the front of the room 1-3 feet outside of the front speakers and at least 6 feet off the floor.

    Note: You must select in the menu whether the speaker terminals are being used for Presence or Zone2. When the Presence or Zone2 speakers are engaged, the surround back speakers are disabled.

    YPAO R.S.C. (Reflect Sound Control): YPAO-R.S.C. analyzes room acoustics and measures various speaker characteristics, then calibrates audio parameters to achieve optimum sound. It employs Reflected Sound Control to correct early reflections for studio-quality sound. It also provides DSP Effect Normalization, which varies the CINEMA DSP parameters according to the reflected sounds. Yamaha's YPAO-R.S.C. system uses a small microphone and sophisticated equalization to automatically set the best sound for any room, no matter where the speakers are. First it checks the speaker connections and phase of each speaker. Then it sends out tones which are captured by the microphone to analyze the room acoustics and sets a variety of parameters; such as the speaker size, the distance of the speakers, and even the volume level; until it achieves the best sound conditions for your room. Using the supplied Optimizer Microphone, YPAO performs the following checks and makes appropriate adjustments to give you the best possible sound from your system:

    • Speaker Wiring: Checks which speakers are connected and the polarity of each.
    • Speaker Size: Checks the frequency response of each speaker and sets the appropriate crossover frequency for each channel.
    • Speaker Distance: Checks the distance of each speaker from the listening position and adjusts the delay of each channel.
    • EQ: Each channel has a parametric equalizer; choose one of three target settings before running the setup.
      • Natural: adjusts all speaker to a natural sound; useful when the flat setting sounds too bright
      • Flat: use when all the speakers in the system have similar sound characteristics
      • Front: EQs the center and rear speakers to sound like the front; useful when your front speakers are better than the others in the system
    • Volume Level: Checks and adjusts the volume level of each speaker.

    Note: You can also choose to manually adjust the AV receiver's speaker settings.

    Multi-Channel Decoding Formats: The Yamaha RX-A720 supports the following multi-channel (Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic) decoding formats.

    Note: Dolby Digital and DTS listening modes can only be selected if your audio source is connected to the A/V receiver via a digital audio connection (HDMI, optical, or coaxial). To enjoy true 7.1ch Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD surround sound, the receiver must be connected to your Blu-ray player via HDMI.

    Surround Parameters: The Yamaha A/V receivers offers the following Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS NEO:6 audio adjustments.

    • Dolby Pro Logic II Settings: You can adjust the following parameters in Pro Logic II Music modes:
      • Panorama: sends stereo signals to the surround speakers as well as the front speakers for a wraparound effect
      • Dimension: adjusts the soundfield either towards the front or towards the rear of the room
      • Center Width: moves the center channel output completely towards the center speaker or towards the front left and right speakers
    • Center Image (DTS NEO: 6 Music): This parameter adjusts the front left and right channel output relative to the center channel to make the center channel more or less dominant as necessary.

    CINEMA DSP Soundfields: Conventional multichannel audio reproduction systems base their sound on Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, using matrix and steering technologies to create surround sound effects. Yamaha CINEMA DSP is much more advanced, actually creating richly realized independent soundfields that envelop you in an unmatched surround sound experience. With dialogue, music and effects ideally located in these separate soundfields, you will hear sound with accurate placement, smooth movement, exceptional clarity and richness, and realistic presence. It will seem as if the walls of your room have disappeared and you are in the middle of your own immense theater. The AV receiver offers 17 CINEMA DSP programs for movies, music, and games.

    • Movie Soundfields: Standard, Spectacle, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Drama, Mono Movie
    • Entertainment Soundfields: Sports, Action Game, Role Playing Game, Music Video, Recital/Opera
    • Music Soundfields: Hall Munich, Hall in Vienna, Chamber, Cellar club, The Roxy Theater, The Bottom Line, 7ch Stereo

    CINEMA DSP Parameters: You can adjust the following parameters of the Cinema DSP modes.

    • DSP Level: You can change the receiver's CINEMA DSP effect level (level of the soundfield effect to be added). You can adjust the level of the soundfield effect from -6 dB to +3 dB.
    • Delay: Adjusts the delay between the direct sound and the presence soundfield (1-99ms), surround soundfield (1-49ms), and surround back soundfield (1-49ms).
    • Room Size: Adjusts the broadening effect (0.1-2.0) of the presence soundfield, surround soundfield, and the surround back sound field.
    • Liveness: Adjusts the loss (0-10) of the presence soundfield, surround back soundfield, and surround back soundfield.
    • Reverb: Adjusts the delay time of the rear reverberant sound (1.0-5.0s), the delay between the direct sound and rear reverberant sound (0-250ms), and the volume of the reverberant sound (0-100%).

    CINEMA DSP Modes: The Yamaha RX-A720 A/V receiver offers three proprietary Yamaha CINEMA modes so you can enjoy your movies and music even more in your home; regardless if you are using Presence Speakers, only have a two-channel speaker system, or listening through headphones.

    • CINEMA DSP 3D: The actually measured soundfield data in recorded soundtracks contain the information of the height of the sound images. CINEMA DSP 3D mode achieves the reproduction of the accurate height of theses sound images so that it can create the accurate and intensive stereoscopic soundfield in your listening room. CINEMA DSP 3D does this by using the receiver's Presence (height) Speakers.
    • Virtual CINEMA DSP: Virtual CINEMA DSP is an algorithm that allows you to enjoy DSP soundfield surround effects while using a minimal two-speaker system. Virtual CINEMA DSP lets you enjoy the effects of CINEMA DSP surround sound without using surround speakers (handy for use in custom installations where some rooms don't have surround speakers). It can be used with the front/center/presence speakers or even with just the two front left and right speakers. This unit will switch to virtual CINEMA DSP mode automatically when surround speakers are unavailable.
    • SILENT CINEMA: SILENT CINEMA makes it possible to hear large-scale surround sound through ordinary headphones. This is a variation of CINEMA DSP technology that Yamaha developed to let you listen in private to movies and other multi-channel sources for hours without listening fatigue.

    Virtual Presence Speaker: Virtual Presence Speaker mode provides the 3D sound effect without actual front presence speakers. It creates virtual presence speakers from the receiver's front speakers, center speakers, and surround speakers, which brings you into a stereoscopic soundfield.

    Compressed Music Enhancer: Yamaha employs sophisticated digital signal processing with exclusive algorithms to enable playback that improves the performance of compressed music formats, including MP3, WMA, and AAC. With the Compressed Music Enhancer, highs and especially lows are richer and smoother, bringing music back to life to be as close to the original as possible.

    Bass Management: The Yamaha RX-A720 A/V receiver provides the following Bass Management settings.

    • Bass & Treble: You can adjust the balance of the high-frequency range (Treble) and low-frequency range (Bass) of sounds output from the receiver' front left and right speakers to obtain a desired tone. You can independently adjust the bass (50Hz) and treble (20kHz) from -6dB to +6dB in 0.5 dB increments. The tone control of the speakers or headphones can be set separately.
    • Extra Bass: You can select whether to play front channel low-frequencies through either of the front speaker or the subwoofer, or through both the subwoofer and front speakers.
    • Subwoofer Trim: The Subwoofer Trim control enhances the low frequencies by avoiding overlap with the front speaker output. This will result in a cleaner, more focused sound stage while providing a seamless frequency response. When subwoofer frequency overlap occurs in conventional systems, the overall sound is "pushed" toward the subwoofer. Subwoofer Trim takes care of this by separating the low subwoofer frequencies cleanly, thus stabilizing the front stage while providing a well-balanced enhanced bass sound.

    Dialogue Lift & Level Adjustment: Dialogue Lift raises the sound of dialogue from the center speaker to a position in the center of the screen. Newly developed virtual dialogue lift achieves dialogue lift function even without the need for presence speakers. Dialogue Level Adjustment lets you control the volume of the vocal sound, so you hear movie dialogue and music vocals at the ideal level for clear, comfortable listening.

    Adaptive DRC: Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) automatically adjusts the dynamic range in relation to the volume, useful at low volume. The amount of dynamic range compression applied to bitstream signals is adjustable; Min/Auto is suitable for low volume listening, Standard is typical for home use, and Max doesn't compress the dynamic range at all.

    Volume Adjustments: The Yamaha RX-A720 allows you to customize the receiver's volume levels.

    • Max Volume Adjustment: Use this feature to set the receiver's maximum volume level. This feature is useful to avoid turning the volume too loud by mistake. You can set the Max Volume from -30 dB to +15 dB in 5 dB steps, or to +16.5 dB (full volume range is -80 dB to +16.5 dB).
    • Initial Volume Setting: Use this feature to set the volume level when the power is turned on. You can choose between Off (same as the volume when the unit was turned off), Mute, and -80 dB to + 16.5 dB in increments of 0.5 dB.
    • Volume Trim: Use this feature to adjust the volume level of each input. This is useful to balance the level of each input to avoid sudden changes in volume when switching between input sources. The range is from -6 dB to +6 dB in 0.5 dB increments.

    Digital Inputs: The Yamaha AV receiver is equipped with two optical digital inputs (AV-1/AV-4) and two coaxial digital inputs (AV-2/AV-3).

    Headphone Jack: The Yamaha RX-A720 is equipped with a front-panel 1/4" headphone jack for connecting a set of headphone, so you can listen to your music privately. Connecting a set of headphones automatically mutes the receiver's speaker outputs.  Sound effects applied during playback can also be heard through the headphones.

    Video Features

    HDMI (v.1.4): 1080p HDMI (v.1.4) with 3D and Audio Return Channel (6 In/1 Out) deliver crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video via a single cable. HDMI dramatically simplifies cabling and helps provide you with the highest-quality home theater experience. HDMI can provide an interface between most audio/video sources, such as a set-top box, Blu-ray player, DVD player, or A/V receiver and a video monitor, such as a High Definition Television (HDTV), over a single cable. The AV receiver's HDMI jacks can be used for 2-channel and multi-channel linear PCM (up to 8-channel) and Bitstream (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc) digital audio formats. The HDMI 1.4 jacks also support 1080p and 4K video signals; as well as Deep Color (30/36 bit), x.v.Color, 24 Hz refresh rates, and auto Lip-Sync compensation.

    4K Video Upscaling: The Yamaha RX-A720 is capable of outstanding upscaling and i/p conversion quality. This AV Receiver will upscale video signals from analog (480i/480p only)-to-HDMI and HDMI-to-HDMI, up to 4K. This means a much better picture with HDTVs capable of 720p, 1080i, 1080p, or 4K resolution.

    Edge Adaptive Deinterlacing: In ordinary deinterlacing, pixels in areas of movement are interpolated by upper and lower ranges. This causes jaggies in diagonal lines. Edge adaptive deinterlacing detects the direction of the line and interpolates the pixels optimally.

    3D Ready: The Yamaha RX-A720 AV receiver supports 3D HDMI pass-through from connected 3D-compatible Blu-ray, games and broadcast devices to 3D-compatible HDTVs (all 3D components must be connected via HDMI). 3D provides a more engaging audio and video consumer experience. Note that special eyewear may be required for viewing 3D content

    ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible HDTV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your television.

    HDMI Standby Through Mode: When the RX-A720 is in standby mode (power off), the Standby Through feature allows HDMI source signals to pass through the receiver to the TV. The HDMI input can be changed using the remote control. So, there's not need to turn on the A/V receiver in order to switch HDMI sources.

    x.v.Color: The AV receiver supports x.v.Color, offering a wider color range than the current broadcast standard. For the x.v.Color feature to be useful, the entire video production chain must be compatible (camera-editing-format-player-display).

    Deep Color: The Yamaha receiver also supports Deep Color which allows the color depth of video signals passing through HDMI to be raised. The number of colors that could be expressed by 1 pixel was 24 bits (16,777,216 colors) with a standard HDMI jack. However, the number of colors which can be expressed by 1 pixel is 36 bits with a Deep Color enabled HDMI jack. Since the gradation of the depth of a color can be expressed more finely with more bits, continuous color changes can be more smoothly expressed.  For the Deep Color feature to be useful, the entire video production chain must be compatible (camera-editing-format-player-display).

    Note: x.v. Color and Deep Color technology are supported only when source product, HDMI cable, media and HDTV all support those features.

    Lip-sync: This function adjusts the delay between audio and video output. You can do this manually or have the receiver set the Lip-sync function automatically.

    • Auto: When connected to a TV via HDMI, automatically adjusts audio output timing (0-500ms) if the TV supports an automatic lip-sync function.
    • Manually: You can manually delay the sound output up to 500ms to synchronize it with the video image.

    HDTV-compatible Component Video: The RX-A720 offers two component video inputs and a component video monitor output. These inputs and output have a frequency response of 5 Hz to 60 MHz and will pass High Definition video sources up to 1080p.

    Front Panel AV Input: The front panel's Video Aux input features composite video and HDMI input.

    Background Video: The Background Video feature allows you to watch a video source while listening to a different audio source. With the RX-A720, you can select any video input, and listen to AM/FM radio or network source at the same time.

    Network & Tuner Functions

    Ethernet LAN Port (optional WiFi): The Yamaha AV receiver is fitted with a RJ-45 Ethernet (LAN) port to connect the receiver to your home network to access your DLNA music server, or Internet Radio. There is also a rear-panel USB type-A port (5V/0.5A) that allows you to connect Yamaha's YWA-10 wireless network adapter (022YWA10, sold separately) for a wireless network connection.

    DLNA 1.5/Windows 7 Certified: The RX-A720 is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) 1.5 and Windows 7 compliant for audio networking. This means it's easier for you to access and enjoy digital music stored on your PC. You can use your PC to play high-bit rate music content through your audio system, or use the RX-A720 to browse and play music files on your hard drive.

    Media Player: The Yamaha RX-A720 lets you play music files stored on your computer via a network connection. MP3 (up to 48kHz), WMA (up to 48kHz), AAC (up to 48kHz), WAV (up to 96kHz), and FLAC (up to 96kHz) audio files stored on your computer can be played through the RX-A720 via its wired network connection. You can control playback of your streamed audio files from the AV receiver's remote control. The receiver also supports ID3-Tag and META tag information so song title, artist name, and album name can be displayed from the unit's on-screen menu (via HDMI). This unit can play back music files stored on the following music servers:

    • PC with Windows Media Player 11 or later installed
    • PC with DLNA/UPnP Certificate server software installed
    • NAS with DLNA/UPnP certification

    Internet Radio: The Yamaha AV receiver lets you access various Internet Radio providers through its Ethernet network connection. You can control these Internet Radio services with the menu displayed on the TV screen (via HDMI only). The receiver will also display station name, album name, song title, and elapsed time on your HDMI-connected television.

    Music Service Description
    vTuner vTuner offers easy browsing of internet radio stations and podcasts. vTuner enables access to web-based radio stations and podcasts via an extremely reliable online database with a wide variety of content. You can browse content by Genre, Location, Language, and Favorites.
    Pandora* Pandora is a free, personalized Internet radio service that plays the music you know and helps you discover music you'll love. You can select Internet radio stations by Artist, Song, or Genre.
    Rhapsody* Rhapsody is a streaming music subscription service (starting a $10 per month) that allows you to play the full-length songs you choose on demand from a collection of over 10 million songs, without ads and without having to purchase or download the music.
    SiriusXM* SiriusXM Internet Radio lets you listen to over 120 channels of commercial-free music, talk radio, news, sports, and more.

    Note: *Firmware update required to access Pandora, Rhapsody and SiriusXM.

    AM/FM Tuner: The Yamaha RX-A720 AV receiver features a built-in AM/FM tuner with manual, seek, and preset tuning. The RX-A720 lets you store up to 40 AM/FM station presets. This can be done manually or automatically (auto-preset tuning). You can set this receiver to automatically match FM broadcast frequencies in stereo, or convert the frequency to monaural for weaker stations. An indoor FM wire antenna and AM loop antenna are included with the receiver.

    Web Control: When connected to your network (with Internet connection) you can control the Yamaha RX-A720 AV receiver with the web control screen displayed in your PC's web browser. You'll be able to control functions such as Zone2, Power On/Off, and Volume. Internet Explorer 7.x, 8.x, 9.x is recommended for web browser.

    Firmware Updates: New firmware will be released for the purpose of additional features or product improvements. Firmware updates can be downloaded from the Yamaha website. If this unit is connected to the Internet, the receiver will indicate when a new firmware version is available and you can download the firmware via the network connection. Firmware updates normally take approximately 20 minutes or longer. Check Yamaha's Support Download Site for the most recent firmware updates. The test A/V receiver contained firmware version 1.14  (as of 6/20/2012).

    USB/iPod Integration

    USB Port: This unit is equipped with a front-panel USB (type-A) port that allows you to enjoy WAV (PCM format only), MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC music files from a USB mass storage class memory device; such as a portable MP3 player or USB thumbdrive (not compatible with USB HDDs). This unit can recognize sampling frequencies of up to 48 kHz on a compatible USB storage device. Your USB mass storage class device must be formatted in FAT 16 or FAT32 . You can use the receiver's on-screen menu (via HDMI) and remote control to navigate your stored music files on your connected USB memory device. USB portable audio players that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the AV receiver's USB port (max. 2.1A); even in standby mode.

    Note: While listening to a song from a USB device, you can view a favorite video or photo from the receiver's monitor output. There is a rear-panel USB port (5V/0.5A) that is used only do connect the optional Yamaha wireless network adapter (YWA-10, sold separately).

    AirPlay: This AV receiver supports AirPlay, which means it can accept wireless music streaming from your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad; as well as from iTunes on Macs or PCs. This makes it easy to enjoy your iTunes music from your mobile Apple iOS device or computer on your home theater system. You can even view metadata such as song title, artist name, as well as album art via AV receiver's on-screen display. In addition, you can download Apple's free "Remote" application and use your Apple device as the remote control for your iTunes account.

    Note: To use the AirPlay feature you need a Mac or Windows-based PC running iTunes (10.2.2 or later) connected to your wireless home network. Your iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad must have iOS 4.3.3 or later installed and connected to the same wireless home network.

    iPod/iPhone Direct: Using a USB-to iPod-Dock cable plugged into the front-panel USB port, music can be played directly from an iPod/iPhone, bypassing the iPod/iPhone's DAC. To view the video content from your iPod/iPhone, connect it to the receiver's front-panel USB port and composite video input using the official Apple Composite AV Cable (sold separately). Your connected iPod/iPhone's music content is controlled by the receiver's remote, or you can continue to control your iPod/iPhone's music content from its clickwheel or touchscreen. Song/artist information and elapsed time are displayed on the receiver's front-panel display and your connected TV screen (via HDMI only). You can navigate your iPod/iPhone's music using the on-screen menu and remote control by Playlist, Artist, Album Genre, Song, or Composer. You can also shuffle the playback of your iPod/iPhone's music and view the Now Playing screen. Video stored on your iPod/iPhone can only be navigated from your iPod device's clickwheel or touchscreen (select Simple mode on receiver). Your iPod/iPhone's battery will be charged while connected to the receiver (even in standby mode for up to 4 hours). iPod/iPhone compatibility is as follows (as of 1/11/2013):

    iPod/iPhone Model Generation Tested Version Media Type Control Type Display Type AirPlay Charge
    Audio Video Remote iPod/iPhone Album Art Artist/Song Text Track Info
    video 5th 1.3 Y N Y N Y Y Y N Y
    classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    120GB 2.0.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    160GB 2.0.4 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    nano 1st 1.3.1 Y N Y N Y Y Y N Y
    2nd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    3rd 1.1.3 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    4th 1.0.4 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    5th 1.0.2 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    6th 1.1 PC Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    7th 1.01 PC Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    touch 1st 2.2.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    2nd 4.2.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    3rd 5.1.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4th 6.0.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    5th 6.0.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    iPhone 2G 3.1.3 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    3G 4.2.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y N Y
    3GS 5.1.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4 6.0.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4S 6.0.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    5 6.0.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    iPad 1 5.1.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    2 6.0.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    3 6.0.1 Y O Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    4 6.0.1 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    iPad mini 1 6.0.2 Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
    Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.

    Convenience Features

    On-Screen Menu: The RX-A720 offers an on-screen menu system via its HDMI output. This clean and simple interface makes setup and other operations extremely easy. If your TV is connected to the composite video or component video monitor output, you will need to use the AV receiver's front-panel display when changing settings. You can set the receiver's on-screen menu language to English, French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Russian, or Chinese.

    Scene (for One-Touch Start): The RX-A720 features four Scene buttons on the front panel and remote to make operating the receiver easier. These buttons are initially set to default settings for Blu-ray/DVD viewing, TV viewing, CD listening, and Radio listening. Each can be reprogrammed to any input and any soundfield. Pressing a Scene button will automatically launch a number of operations that initiate play of the source controlled by that button. Other Scene settings are also available, such as iPod Listening, TV Sports Viewing, and Action Game Playing. Browsing and selecting the settings is quickly accomplished by changing Input via the front panel and watching the on-screen display. The settings can be selected for one-time use, or they can replace the original default settings. The Scene names can be changed also.

    Zone 2:  The Zone 2 feature allows you to set this receiver to reproduce separate input sources in the main zone and the second zone (Zone 2). The receiver has dedicated stereo RCA outputs for Zone 2, or the built-in amplifier can be configured to power speakers in the second zone connected to the Extra Speaker terminals. By using the RCA outputs on the AV receiver you can connect an external receiver or integrated amplifier in a second room, allowing you to listen to 7.1 surround in the main room and play a different stereo audio source in another room of your home. The volume of Zone 2 is controlled by your optional integrated amp. By using the speaker-level outputs on the AV receiver you can directly connect a secondary pair of speakers in another room of your home, allowing you to listen to 5.1 surround sound in your main room and play a different stereo audio source in the other room. When the receiver is powering speakers in Zone 2, the surround back speakers in the main room are turned off (limiting you to 5.1ch in the main room). The volume of Zone 2 is controlled by the AV receiver

    • Compatible Zone Sources: You can select the following input sources for Zone 2.
      • Analog Audio Inputs
      • AM/FM Tuner (you cannot select different AM/FM radio stations for each zone)
      • USB (including iPod/iPhone)
      • AirPlay
      • Internet Radio (vTuner)
      • DLNA/Media Player contents
    • Incompatible Zone Sources: Optical/coaxial digital and HDMI audio sources are not output to Zone 2. You cannot output any video signal to Zone 2.
    Note: Unfortunately, a USB source (including iPod/iPhone) and Network connected sources (Internet Radio/Media Player) cannot be played back in different Zones at the same time.

    Input Rename: You can rename each input so the display reflects the actual source; choose from 15 templates or create an original name, up to nine characters.

    Display Dimmer: You can set the brightness of the front-panel display from -4 to 0.

    Memory Guard: This feature is used to prevent accidental changes to the DSP program parameter values and other system settings.

    ECO Mode: When the ECO Mode is enabled, you can reduce the receiver' power consumption by keeping the maximum volume, maximum output power, and front display's brightness low. ECO mode reduces power consumption by approximately 20%.

    Sleep Timer: The receiver's Sleep Timer function can be set turn the unit automatically off after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

    Auto Power Down: If you don't operate the receiver or use the remote for an extended period of time, the unit will automatically go into standby mode (Auto Power Down function). The Auto Power Down feature is selectable to 2, 4, 8 or 12 hours.

    Remote Control

    Multibrand Remote Control: The receiver comes with a multibrand wireless remote control. In addition to the receiver, the remote can control multiple brands of TVs, Blu-ray players, DVD players/recorders, DVRs, VCRs, etc.

    HDMI Control: The Yamaha AV receiver supports the HDMI control function, which allows you to operate external components via HDMI. If your TV or other external components support HDMI control, you can use the remote controls of those devices to operate some of this unit's functions, and to synchronize this unit with the operation of those devices. You can use the following operations with the remote control of any of the connected HDMI Control compatible devices.

    • Power synchronization (On/Standby)
    • Volume control, including Mute
    • Changing the volume of the audio output signal device (either the TV or the receiver)

    AV Controller App: This AV Controller App (free) will turn your iPod touch, iPhone, iPad or Android device into a Wi-Fi enabled remote control for the Yamaha AV receiver. This App provides the flexibility to control input, volume, mute and power commands. You can browse content from all internally available sources such as Internet Radio, USB and AM/FM tuners. You can also control all AV receiver zones such as powering on and changing input for each zone. This App not only controls the Yamaha AV receiver, it also controls Yamaha Blu-ray Disc Players, supporting various functions including Play, Stop and Forward. In addition, you can browse music stored on your Apple iOS or Android device and wirelessly transfer the content to the Yamaha A/V receiver for playback.

    • AV Controller App for Apple: The free AV controller App for Apple is available for download from the Apple iTunes App Store. It supports the iPod touch, iPhone , or iPad with iOS 4.2 or higher installed.
    • AV Controller App for Android: The free AV controller App for Android is available for download from the online Android Market. Requires Android 2.1 and up.

    Note: You must have a wireless network in your home and the Yamaha AV receiver & Apple or Android device connected to the same network.

    Remote Connections: The RX-A720 offers a variety of remote connections.

    • 12V Trigger Output: The RX-A720 has a programmable minijack output to send a 12-Volt DC turn-on signal to another component that accepts a 12V trigger, such as a power amplifier or motorized projection screen. The trigger is programmed either to work with a specific zone (main room or Zone 2) or a specific source.
    • Remote Jacks: The receiver has remote input and remote output minijack terminals for use with external IR receivers and compatible Yamaha components.

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text:
A General Abductive system with application to plan recognition and diagnosis (1992)
A diverse set of intelligent activities, including natural language understanding, and scientific theory formation, requires the ability to construct explanations for observed phoenomena. In this thesis, we view explanation as abduction, where an abductive explanation is a consistent set of assumptions which, together with background knowledge, logically entials a set of observations.
To explore the practical feasibility of such a general abductive approach to explanation, we have successfully built a domain-independent system called ACCEL. In our system, knowledge about a variety of domains in uniformly encoded in first-order Horn-clause axioms. A general-purpose abduction algorithm, AAA, efficiently constructs explanations in the various domians by caching partial explanations to avoid redundant work. Empirical results show that caching of partial explanations can achieve more than an order of magnitude speedup in run time. We have applied our abductive system to two general tasks: plan recognition in text understanding, and diagnosis of medical diseases, logic circuits, and dynamic systems. The results indicate that ACCEL is a general-purpose system capable of plan recognition and diagnosis, yet efficient enough to be of pratical utility.
In the plan recognition domain, we defined a novel evaluation criterion, called explanatory coherence, and tested ACCEL on 50 short narrative texts. Empirical results demonstrate that coherence is a better evaluation metric than simplicity in the plan recognition domain, and that our system is sufficiently general to be able to handle similar plan recognition problems not known to the system developer in advance.
In medical diagnosis, we prove that ACCEL computes the same diagnoses as the GSC model of Reggia, and present empirical results demonstrating the efficiency of ACCEL in diagnosing 50 real-world patient cases using a sizable knowledge base with over six hundred symptom-disease rules.
ACCEL also realizes model-based diagnosis, which concerns inferring faults form first principles given knowledge about the correct structure and behavior of a system. ACCEL has successfully diagnosed logic circuits (a full adder) and dynamic systems (a proportional temperature controller and the water balance system of the human kidney).
PhD Thesis, Department of Computer Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. 154 pages.

Hwee Tou Ng Ph.D. Alumni nght [at] comp nus edu sg


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LaDonna Harris' Citizens Party wants just 5%

Cotton County, Okla., where LaDonna Harris grew up, harvests cotton, raises turkeys, and is home turf to "yellow dog Democrats." Her grandfather, a Comanche Indian with long braids, would have sooner voted for a yellow dog than a Republican. Like others in southwest Oklahoma, he looked to the party, rather than to churches or other institutions, to bring about social change during and after the depression.

Ms. Harris knows in her bones that asking such people to switch parties is like asking them to change religions. But that doesn't stop her from asking.

Convinced that the two main parties are simply replicas of each other, she thinks the time has come for a third party in US politics. To her, candidate John Anderson "is a warmed-over Jimmy Carter, and the Democratic Party looks like a warmed-over Republican Party.It you put a blindfold on, you couldn't tell [Carter and REagan] from each other, aside from their accents. They may change their phraseology a bit -- 'superior arms over the Russians' to 'increasing arms control.' But it's not that much difference. Often you have to choose the lesser of two evils, but this is a case of the evil of two lessers. We have to stand up and disagree."

Hoping to speak to disenchanted American voters, especially the 100 million who did not vote in 1978, the Citizens Party was born in Cleveland in April this year. The convention, attended by 275 delegates representing 30 states, nominated the environmentalist and scientist Barry Commoner for president and for vice-president, LaDonna Harris, an activist on Indian issues and the wife of former Oklahoma Sen. Fred Harris.

Ms. Harris notes that none of what she considers the forces for change in American society -- the Vietnam war protests, the civil rights movement, the women's movement -- started in established institutions; they came through indidividuals organizing themselves as the Citizens Party has.

"We have to prove ourselves to a certain point; then we are going to attract the labor unions and other organizations," she says.

"We're babies," she admits. "But if we can get 5 percent of the nation's vote in November, we will qualify for federal funds, seed funds which will allow candidates to put themselves up for local office.

That essential 5 percent is the goal of the party members, whoe energies are devoted to collecting signatures on petitions that would allow the party on the ballot. The aim is to get on ballots in 35 states. For example, in New York, a major target along with populous California, the law requires 20,000 signatures.

In July, Ms. Harris came to New York for a fund-raising meeting (so far, money has come from a handful of wealthy people, but most of it is in small amounts) and to arouse interest in Harlem. Although the party has a rule that 20 percent of all officers and staff must be minorities, it has been called white and middle-class. And she attended a meeting sponsored by the women's caucus of the party.

"The Citizens Party is the only political group where women can get in on the ground floor," said Cindy Anderton, a party member in New York. Under party rules, 50 percent of the officers and staff of the party are women.

New York women (and 10 men) showed up in force at the July women's caucus meeting, sitting on the floor of a party member's apartment, throwing questions at Ms. Harris.

Although the Citizen sParty is far less unified on issues other than feminist ones, and is, in fact, still writing its platform, its major ideas include public control of energy and other key industries, reduced military spending, and a halt to nuclear power in favor of renewable energy sources.

Problems faced by the party are immediately evident and openly discussed. Some are: the party has not attracted attention from the press ("Perhaps we should have had a national press person," Ms. Harris said); membership is young and largely inexperienced; the Anderson campaign has kept some members waiting to see; and poor organization lost the party's attempt to get on the ballot in Masachusetts.

It was a hot summer night with no air conditioning in the room, but no one left the meeting early. Ms. Harris sat high on a mammoth cut-velvet sofa which looked large enough to seat a chief and a dozen advisers. her black hair hung below her shoulders.

How does she answer people who say they won't vote for the Citizens Party because that could put REagan in the White House?

"If there's no Citizens Party after November, there will be no voices out there. Kennedy is going to have either to withdraw totally from the Democratic Party, taking away a lieral 'voice', or follow Carter in some way. We must band together and give people an option."

What does she think about the Republican Party's rejection of the Equal Rights Amendment?

"I'm going to call my friends in the Ripon Society, who consider themselves liberal Republicans, and see what they are doing. I just can't imagine . . . [ they could now vote Republican]. If I were them, I couldn't accept that behavior."

Ms. Harris believes the united States is not as conservative as it appears at the moment.

"The conservative element that the media talks about is in the Congress because that is where the conservative money is being put. Congressional election reforms should be looked at very closely. [The religious fundamentalists] are well-financed, well-organized. They are a small percentage of the population who are doing a lot of damage to people like [Senators George] McGovern and [Frank] Church. Those two are constantly under attack in the crudest forms. This very vociferous minority of people are snapping headlines -- things like exposing a fetus, obnoxious forms of behavior. To me, it seems so unchristian."

Ms. Harris was raised by her grandparents in fundamentalist country.

"Some of the missionaries down there were notoriously bad," she claims. "If I have any scars of experience, it is going through what I call the 'missionary syndrome.'

"The missionaries were saying that something was wrong with grandfather, who stayed traditional, while grandmother took Christianity. That experience made me question people in authority and institutions more rapidly than Fred did."

Although Fred, her husband, who is teachiung at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, encourages her and was planning a fund raiser for the Citizens Party the next week, he has decided to stay in the Democratic Party. He supported Kennedy for president.

Switching parties was no great crisis for Ms. Harris.

"I think it's easier for women to adjust to change. It sounds sexist in some way, but I don't mean it to be. In our little organization [Americans for Indian Opportunity], we find that men of a certain age find it difficult to be flexible in an organization.

"The same with Fred and me in the kitchen. When he cooks, he stands right by the stove and watches it cook. I'll load a washinbg in, turn on the water outside, any number of things, while i cook. We think it's part of our socialization of men."

The Harrises have three children: one daughter who is a lawyer, another studying political science, and a son who is a filmmaker. "We all voted that he doesn't have to be political."

Ms. Harris says her youngest daughter is a strong feminist and a strong Indian. But the feminist movement did not affect herm until about 10 years ago, in Washington, when she noticed her women friends in government were paid less than men and, because of their sex, were not allowed to travel in their jobs.

What would she feel if the Equal Rights Amendment fails to pass?

"I don't know. Like the Supreme Court decision [barring the use of federal money for abortions] -- that was such a hurtful thing to me. I've seen them make decisions that I was against, but something about this was very personal. I resent it destroying my faith in the American system and istitutions."

Clearly, before Washington, Ms. Harris was already different from most senators' wives. "I turned out to be the only Senate wife to testify before Congress, on appropriations for the Office of Economic Opportunity. There was no fighting my participation in those things."

In that context, her switch to a different party from her husband is not surprising. "I had become so tired of struggling for the programs of the '50s, '60s and '70s, programs maintaining human services, raising the consciousness of people so it would be acceptable to have women's programs.

"When the presidential campaign started and I was watching it on television, I became very angry. I was literally screaming at the television, feeling frustrated and helpless. It didn't take me long to decide to support the citizens Party because it was something positive and would help my mental health.I had been becoming so negative that I felt I could easily drop out of the system, out of participation."

When Ms. Harris was asked to run as the party's vice-president, her participation began in earnest. All over the country, she was working to keep alive her hope and the voices of the Democratic left.

Just 5 percent of the November vote, only 5 percent -- but it looks like a tall order for the Citizens Party.

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Hiker's paradise. Walk unspoiled, uncrowded trails through New Zealand's breathtaking natural beauties

IT was a crisp, clear late-summer day, the kind of day when Dad says, ``Get your stuff together, we're going to the park''; the kind of day that produces five-mile traffic jams in Yosemite and Yellowstone; the kind of day that gives park rangers extra work. As we left Wanganui early in the morning on our way to Tongariro National Park -- the most visited park in New Zealand -- we pondered those long traffic jams, packed trails, and strained facilities. So far we had not encountered any crowds at all -- but perhaps that was because we had been caught in five days of rain on the west coast of the South Island. Now, we were on the more populous North Island, heading for Mt. Tongariro in the center -- an easy half-day drive from Wellington in the south or Auckland in the north.

On the 130-kilometer (about 80-mile) drive from Wanganui to the National Park, with barely an intersection marked with a gas station and signpost, we played leapfrog with a camper, a van, and two other cars. So much for traffic jams. Another all-but-deserted 18 kilometers took us to the park headquarters -- although we did have a five-minute stop to let a herd of cattle cross the road.

We learned later that New Zealand gets about 500,000 overseas visitors a year -- about the same number Walt Disney World sees in one week during the winter. The most popular tourist attractions, the national parks, lakes, thermal areas, and other natural wonders, get a peak of 1,000 or so visitors per day.

Total population of the country is only about 3.1 million, about the same as South Carolina, but the large land area leads to a population density of only one person per 21 acres. Moreover, better than half the population is concentrated in the three major cities -- Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch -- so the countryside is sparsely populated indeed.

At the visitors center, a huge map shows a network of trails ranging in length from 3 to 50 kilometers (2 to 31 miles). The recommended time to hike the longest, the Tongariro Traverse, is four days. Huts and shelters are found about every 25 to 35 kilometers. The hut fee is NZ$2 (US$1.10) per night per adult. Camping is permitted around the huts.

Prevailing moist westerly winds influence the climate of the park, which can be described as extremely variable. Frosts occur throughout the year in the higher elevations, and temperatures in the summer average 55 degrees to a maximum of 75 degrees F. No month can be described as the wettest, as most are wet.

We chose one of the shorter tramps, the Taranaki Falls Walk, about 6 kilometers long. The track starts in an area of open tussock and manuka shrub lands with patches of beech forest. Along the way, we were treated to excellent views of the symmetrical cone of Ngauruhoe Volcano, and the older, more eroded mountains of Tangariro and Pukekaikiore.

After entering the mountain beech forest, the track follows several streams. A gradual climb brought us to a broad lava flow, most of which is covered with red tussock. The far shoulder of the lava flow is at the top of a high cliff that affords a fine view of Mt. Ruapehu, Taranaki Falls (from above), and distant farmland. After a steep descent we came to the base of the falls, where the Waiere Stream spills over a 20-meter (66-foot) cliff into a pool ringed with boulders. The track then follows the stream, passing the upper and lower Cascade Falls. The forest here consists mainly of large mountain beech trees, shiny broadleaf, mountain five-finger, umbrella ferns, and small tangle coprosmas.

As the track emerges from the forest, it crosses a series of eroded gullies created by wind, rain, and frost action on the volcanic soil. Emerging from the last patch of bush, the track passes again into red tussock, leading back to Whakapapa Village and the visitors center.

It was a pleasant 2-hour tramp, more varied in terrain, perhaps, but otherwise typical of many walks that beckon hikers and naturalists throughout the country. Brochures describing area walks are available from public-relations offices and motels in nearly every town in New Zealand. For example, in Greymouth, a small town on the west coast of the South Island, are found no fewer than 12 walks, ranging from a 15-minute bush walk around Blaketown Lagoon to a half-day tramp along the Point Elizabeth Track.

The latter walk leads you through a wind-swept coastal forest, across a stretch of exposed limestone, where you can hear nothing but the pounding surf of the Tasman Sea, to a lookout at Point Elizabeth. From there you get a marvelous view of snowcapped Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps. The track then skirts the beach, follows an old mining road through the Rapahoe Scenic Reserve, and finally leads you back to the Greymouth Road.

Most of the tracks as well as the huts are maintained by the Department of Lands and Survey or by the New Zealand Forest Service. Some towns and villages maintain local walks. We found the trails well marked and reasonably well maintained -- on a par with the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. The flyer for each track specifies the distance, approximate walking time, and degree of difficulty.

New Zealand has no snakes or other dangerous animals, so trampers need have no worry on that account. The country does, however, boast a large number of unusual native trees and plants that add beauty and variety to any trek.

On the more popular tracks, the huts can be crowded at times, particularly during the December and January summer holidays. Before setting out on some of the longer tracks, you may have to register with the Forest Service. This is a safety precaution and is well advised on any track where you expect to spend more than half a day. Also, on some of the longer, more difficult tracks you may be required to travel in a group.

If you are seeking some of the finest scenery in the world, the friendliest people, and the exhilaration of the out-of-doors, head on down to New Zealand. Practical information

Commercially operated walking tours that provide a guide, food, and guaranteed space in the huts are available on several of the longer tracks. The most popular walk is the Milford Track. Other commercial tours on the South Island include Hollyford Valley near Milford Sound, the Routeburn Walk in Mt. Aspiring National Park, and the Abel Tasman National Park Guided Walk.

Only one guided walk is offered on the North Island, the Te Rehuwai Safari at Urewera National Park near Rotorua. Prices for these guided walks are relatively modest. For example, the Milford Track (5 days and 4 nights, the last being in a resort hotel) costs NZ$550 (US$297) and the Routeburn Walk (4 days and 3 nights) costs NZ$320 (US$175). For information, contact New Zealand Tourist & Publicity, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1530, Los Angeles, CA 90024; (213) 477-8241 or 630 Fifth Ave., Suite 530, New York, NY 10111; (212) 586-0060 or the Milford Track Office, THC Te Anau Hotel, Te Anau, New Zealand. Some dos and don'ts in New Zealand

Do go to New Zealand as soon as possible as the US dollar is particularly strong against the New Zealand dollar.

Don't take dressy clothes. New Zealand is a casual country and you'll want comfortable clothes suitable for the out-of-doors.

Do plan to visit New Zealand for at least two weeks, preferably three or four. It's a diverse country, and it's hard to get a good feel for it in a short time.

Don't waste much time in Auckland. It's a big city, relatively expensive, and not really typical of New Zealand.

Do try to stay several nights on a farm. You'll find it's the best way to meet the locals; moreover, you'll probably get an outstanding meal featuring local specialties.

Don't be afraid to try exotic fruits and vegetables; you'll find a taste treat in passion fruit, feijoas, kumaras, and, of course, kiwi fruit.

Do try tearooms for a light lunch. Best bets are the homemade quiches and hearty soups. ``Mince'' pies are usually made from mutton and not to American tastes.

Don't tip. New Zealanders don't and they don't expect you to tip either.

Do buy what you want when you first see it. Prices don't vary much throughout New Zealand but selections do.

Do talk with New Zealanders; you'll find them remarkably well informed about world affairs and extremely friendly.

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Economist Calls Roads A Good Investment

THE discussion is starting on how to spend the peace dividend. Where should the money saved from cuts in military expenditures this decade go? Should the freed-up resources be channeled to the private sector? Or should the composition of government spending be altered? Should more revenues be used for deficit reduction, education and training, government-sponsored research and development, environmental improvements, or infrastructure?

``A crucial theme of the 1990s will be reinvesting in the economy in order to compete better with major industrial countries, such as Germany and Japan,'' says David Aschauer, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Mr. Aschauer has done some research indicating that the return from federal investment in the nation's infrastructure is outstanding. Here's an example. Washington decides to spend $1 billion on a new highway. The gross return to the nation the first year after completion will be about $500 million. Trucks and cars will get to their destinations in a shorter time with less damage to their vehicles. Businesses will become more efficient and productive. Some companies or towns will be less isolated from their markets, perhaps able to offer their services to customers farther away and thus able to specialize to a greater degree.

Depreciation of this highway reduces the return in subsequent years. But Aschauer figures the ultimate return on that $1 billion will be around $5 billion. That would be far higher than most private sector investments offer, with, perhaps, the exception of research and development. R&D can provide an even greater return if the ``spillover'' effect is included, that is, the benefit not only to the company doing the research but to competitors and others who subsequently make use of the R&D.

Aschauer's findings are so favorable for infrastructure investment that they are controversial. The returns are too high to be real, the critics say. Exaggerated or not, they were a focus of a conference yesterday organized by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston in Harwich Port, Mass., entitled: ``The Third Deficit: The Shortfall in Public Capital Investment.''

Undoubtedly, his work will be cited by the highway construction industry in the coming year as it lobbies Congress for an extension of the federal highway program. Sometime in 1991-92 workers will finish the last segments of the interstate highway network.

``That will bring to an end an era of road-building that began with Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and has dominated infrastructure spending since that time,'' notes George Peterson of the Urban Institute, another speaker at the conference.

By the end of September 1991, he says, Congress must set new priorities and incorporate new principles of cost sharing with the states for the highway program.

Numerous politicians and press reports trumpet the need for more spending on roads, airports, garbage disposal systems, clean air and water, and other infrastructure projects. Mr. Peterson refers to ``direct evidence'' that households are willing to foot the bill. Over the past six years, he notes, 79.7 percent of all state and local infrastructure bond proposals, by value, have passed. Californians, for instance, have just approved raising gas taxes in order to spend $15.5 billion on highways over 10 years.

Aschauer figures that another paper prepared for the conference by the Boston's Fed's chief economist, Alicia Munnell, confirms his results. She looks at state and local public spending on roads, sewers, waterworks, and other infrastructure and calculates the gross return as about 30 percent, or approximately the same as for investment by private business. (Remember, this is gross return, not net return after depreciation and other deductions are taken.)

The Chicago economist believes that the ``spillover'' benefits of local and state spending to other states or localities would boost the return to close to 50 percent. Mrs. Munnell isn't so sure.

Whatever the case, she holds that the nation will be devoting more of its attention to the current $2 trillion in outstanding stock of public investments and the question of additions to it in the years ahead. ``It's an exciting area,'' she says.

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'The Forever War'

Chilling on-the-ground accounts of war in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dexter Filkins, war correspondent for The New York Times, fittingly begins his wonderfully written and carefully researched debut book, The Forever War, in the middle of a nightmarish battle in Fallujah, Iraq.

It is November 2004: “The marines were pressed flat on a rooftop,” Filkins writes, “[I]t was 2 a.m. The minarets were flashing by the light of airstrikes, and rockets were sailing on trails of sparks.” By battle’s end, seven pages later, you will be wrung out.

Having covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, including four dangerous years reporting from Iraq, Filkins focuses on much more than the fragile security situations of both places.

He explores the positions of Iraq’s many factions from Sunni insurgents to Shia jihadists to Iraqi government officials to everyday Iraqis simply trying to avoid getting killed in the constant crossfire.

In Afghanistan, he observes the effects of a centuries-old culture of war, where shifting loyalties and betrayals are daily occurrences: “War was serious in Afghanistan,” Filkins writes, “It was part of everyday life. It was a job. Only the civilians seemed to lose.”

Filkins’s meticulous attention to detail and his bravery (sometimes blending into complete disdain for his own safety) is evident on every page. He interviews the type of extremists who kill and kidnap on a daily basis and who would just as soon kill him.

Iraqi anger at America
As this prize-winning war correspondent describes the increasing violence of the Iraqi insurgency, he also notes the rampant cynicism among Iraqi civilians and government officials about US intentions.

One Iraqi government minister bluntly shares his opinion of the Americans: “ ‘I take their money, but I hate them.... The Americans are the occupiers. We are trying to evict them.’ ”

Filkins makes it clear that Iraq’s unforgiving society, mired in a cycle of betrayal and revenge, is built on  a tenuous foundation of trust that influences even the occupying Americans.

“The Iraqis lied to the Americans, no question,” writes Filkins. “But the worst lies were the ones the Americans told themselves. They believed [these lies] because it was convenient – and because not to believe them was too horrifying to think about.”

For instance, American assumptions that the Iraqis would embrace democracy would prove misguided. To drive this point home, Filkins focuses on US Army Lt. Col. Nathan Sassaman, who spends his days patiently building the foundations for local democracy in Baghdad among skeptical Iraqis – and his nights spreading terror among insurgents.

A series of narrow escapes
Filkins, like all great war reporters, is singularly driven to understand what’s happening on the ground. Through Iraqi friends and sources, he burrows deep inside the underworld of religious extremism and tit-for-tat violence.

He’s nearly kidnapped or killed on numerous occasions.

After arriving at the scene of a car bomb explosion in Baghdad, Filkins barely escapes an angry mob: “I wasn’t sure if the car would move with all the people around it ... the people were falling off as the rocks kept coming and the windows kept shattering. We plowed through the crowd....”

Filkins is at his best when describing the many differences of strategy and outlook inside the anti-American insurgency. The Sunni-Shia religious divide is one example, but Filkins also examines the way the goal of global jihad, fueled by Iraqi nationalism, drives other insurgent groups, even turning them against multinational Al Qaeda, until “A civil war of sorts was breaking out inside the insurgency itself.”

“The Forever War” also serves as a powerful lesson in what it takes to cover the complexities of war. Near the book’s end, Filkins tries to help find kidnapped Christian Science Monitor correspondent Jill Carroll. Under pressure, he reluctantly shares information with the CIA about her possible whereabouts, risking a relationship with an important source.

In turn, the agency uses this intelligence to capture an insurgent leader and fails to recover Carroll. Filkins feels betrayed and demands an explanation. “In this country,” a CIA agent tells him, “everyone is lying to everyone else.”

Dexter Filkins’s gripping account gives readers a clear, though disturbing, view of what’s happening on the ground in Iraq. And he has put himself in the middle of this madness to deliver a stunning and illuminating story.

Chuck Leddy is a freelance writer and member of the National Book Critics Circle.

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Let me know about a good book you've read recently, or about the book that's currently on your bedside table. Why did you pick it up? Are you enjoying it?


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Not saving for retirement? Start now.

Some people wait until their thirties or forties to start saving for retirement. If that's the case for you, Hamm writes, it's time to start saving for retirement immediately.

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    A vault in the lower level of the First National Bank building in Richmond, Va. If you’re a professional adult without any retirement plan in place, you need to start a retirement plan, Hamm writes.
    View Caption

This article first appeared at U.S. News and World Report Money.

It’s pretty well established that if you start saving about 10% of your income for retirement starting at age 25 or so, you’re going to be in excellent shape for retirement when you hit age 65. This fact should be emblazoned on every single college and trade school diploma issued in the United States today: start saving for retirement now, not later.

Unfortunately, that fact doesn’t fit with most of us. Quite a few of us didn’t save at all during our twenties… and some of us didn’t save during our thirties, either. I hear from readers all their time in their late thirties or early forties (or even later…) who are just now realizing that they need to start saving for retirement or they’re going to work forever.

If this describes you, the obvious answer is to start saving immediately. Right now. If you’re reading this article and you’re a professional adult without any retirement plan in place, you need to start a retirement plan.

If your employer offers a 401(k) program with matching, run (don’t walk) to the HR office and sign up for that plan. Contribute enough to get every dime of that matching money because it’s essentially free retirement savings for you. If your employer doesn’t offer matching in their 401(k) program, look into opening an IRA. I recommend contributing 10% of your income to that IRA, for starters.

So, you’re saving. Now what? The first thing to think about is time. If you’re only contributing 10% of your income per year to a typical retirement fund, it’s going to take about 40 years of saving before you can safely retire. Like it or not, that’s the reality of it.

If you’re 30 when you start, that means you’re looking at retiring when you’re 70. If you’re 40 when you start, that means you’re looking at retiring when you’re 80.

Another problem is that simply doubling the contribution doesn’t mean that you can halve the time. You can’t expect to contribute 20% for 20 years and match what you would get out of 10% over 40 years. That would only work if you were getting no return on your money – if your retirement plan involves stuffing cash into a mattress, in other words.

No doubt about it – saving for retirement once you’re behind the curve looks quite scary. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help improve your situation.

First, get a Social Security estimate. The average American earns 40% of their retirement income from Social Security benefits, so knowing what you have coming to you can go a long way toward soothing retirement fears. The Social Security Administration offers a great calculator to help you figure out how much you’re going to receive in benefits. I strongly encourage you to plan on waiting until you’re as old as possible to start collecting benefits so you can maximize the income.

Second, look for ways to boost your income. Many mid-career folks have many opportunities for freelance work and side businesses that can supplement their current income. Instead of simply spending that money, however, channel all of it into retirement savings (or into a mix of retirement savings and debt repayment). If you’re unsure where to start, I suggest visiting your local library for information on side businesses and freelance opportunities related to your career path.

Third, if you wish to retire earlier than forty years from now, you’re going to have to save more.That means a higher percentage of your income. A good quick rule to use is that for every ten years you want to shave off of your goal, you need to double how much you’re saving. If you want to make it in thirty years, shoot for 20% per year. Twenty years? You should be saving 40% of your income per year. You need that boost to make up for the time you lost.

Finally – and this is the tough part – you may have to consider some lifestyle cutbacks. If you’re living a lifestyle that makes saving for retirement inconceivable, then you’re simply living beyond your means. You also can’t assume that “your ship will come in” someday and everything will be okay. Everyone has expenses that they can cut from their life.

It’s a challenging road – but it’s not an impossible one.

The post How to Approach Retirement Catch-Up appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

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