AV Receiver

Nothing compliments the great visuals of HDTV like great sound. Superior sound can make the entertainment experience come alive by adding a thrilling realism that was once only experienced at the movie theater. The Audio-Video Receiver is the muscle that brings movie theater quality sound to the home entertainment market. Once just a high-end receiver with a surround sound processor added to it, it is now a specialized product, which comes in many forms; from standard AV-Receiver, to units that more resemble computer network switching equipment than a traditional audio component, and everything in-between. AV-Receivers are the central connection point for all AV equipment, controlling and routing not only sound, but video as well.

If you are considering purchasing a new AV receiver, you might like to have answers to the following questions in order to make a wise decision.

• What is a Receiver?
• How much power do I need?
• Which surround sound format do I need?
• How many inputs do I need, and what type?
• Any other thing I should look for?
• Any shopping tips?

The answers to these questions are covered in the pages that follow. Choosing a receiver that is best suited to your needs, is first and foremost an exercise in listening.

What is a Receiver?

A receiver is an audio component that combines the functionality originally handled by 3 separate components into one box. The separate components are the tuner, which can receive broadcast radio signals, the preamplifier which takes low level signals from other audio components and prepares them for further amplification, and the power amplifier which takes the signal received from the preamplifier and makes it suitable for driving your speakers. Add the ability to receive and route video signals, surround sound processing, and the ability to power 5 or more speakers, and you have the modern AV Receiver.