Yamaha Clavinova CVP300 Series Digital Pianos Redefine Web Music Access With Internet Direct Connection

"The Clavinova continues to set the standard for easy-to-use home digital piano technology that the whole family can enjoy," says Jim Levesque, Electronic Keyboard marketing manager, Piano Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "The piano's Internet Direct Connection capability will revolutionize how players access and enjoy their favorite music directly from the web." All models are easier to operate than their predecessors, thanks to new "Direct Select" buttons for the Song, Style and Registration sections, and come complete with a Quick-Start DVD/DVD-ROM that includes 20 "Follow Lights" song files.

With the Internet Direct Connection feature, CVP300 Series users can access the Internet from the LCD display of the Clavinova and download their favorite song files and styles directly to the keyboard, making them available for immediate use. An appropriate high-speed Internet connection is necessary to use the Internet Direct Connection feature.

In addition to using Internet Direct Connection, users can also realize their dream of creating their own CDs by sending the digital audio of their music to another device for recording. Thanks to the built-in Optical Out terminal (CVP305 and higher), players can plug directly into the digital input of a conventional audio CD burner or use the optional UW10 USB-Audio Interface to transfer their creations to a computer via a simple USB connection. Then, using a computer and conventional CD burning software, players can make customized CDs of their songs and performances.

Another innovative feature found in the CVP300 Series is called "Performance Assistant," which is particularly helpful for those who have never played a keyboard before. While "Follow Lights" take advantage of the exclusive "Guide" mode, causing the instrument to wait until you play the right note, Performance Assistant ensures that all the notes you play are the right notes!

When it comes to playing back popular songs with complete rhythmic backing and accompaniment, the Clavinova offers a total of 120 songs in its built-in Song Book (56 songs on the CVP 301). Users can call up the music notation for each song, and even the lyrics for certain titles. For the creative musician, the Clavinova contains a virtual 16-track recording studio, making it possible to craft complex songs and arrangements, one track at a time, using the realistic voices built into the instrument.

Building on the strong foundation of the new CVP 301, the CVP303 adds a grand piano-style "Slo-Close" fallboard with a built-in control panel, plus Vocal Harmony with a microphone input. The Vocal Harmony feature takes a singer's microphone input and reproduces it as up to three separate vocal performances in perfect harmony. The CVP305 and 307 incorporate a color screen, incredibly responsive GH3 (Graded Hammer Effect 3) keyboard action, and Yamaha's unique MegaVoice Technology (which provides the unique characteristics that make voices come alive – like fret noises, body knocks and finger slides in a single guitar voice).

The CVP-307/309 models feature iAFC (Instrumental Active Field Control) – a sophisticated technology that examines and adjusts room acoustics – creating a richer and more spacious sonic environment. Using built-in microphones, iAFC picks up sound and combines it with the Clavinova's internal sound through the rear speakers, making automatic adjustments in real time to enhance performances and match the acoustic characteristics of the room.

The heart of Clavinova's voices is in the AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) tone generation technology, providing instrumental sounds of amazing realism and depth. The piano voices, in particular, benefit from the new Dynamic Stereo Sampling (DSS) system, which features recordings of a wide range of dynamics – from loud to soft – to fully capture the varying nuances in timbre and tone of a grand piano.

Drawing on the best of past CVP models, the CVP300 Series features a stunning new design, as well as expanded finish options, making the instruments as distinctive visually as they are musically. The CVP301 comes in a choice of Dark Rosewood or Cherry finishes. The CVP303/305/307 models offer a choice of Mahogany, Dark Rosewood or Cherry. The top-of-the-line CVP309 features a choice of Polished Ebony or Polished Mahogany cabinetry, as well as Yamaha's Natural Wood Keyboard – the finest, most accurate and authentic acoustic keyboard. The CVP309 is also available in a grand-style Polished Ebony cabinet, and is called the CVP309GP. All new CVP300 series models are available for immediate shipment, except for the CVP309GP, which will be available in October.

For more information on the new CVP300 Series of Clavinova Digital Pianos, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.