What is a 5.1-Channel Receiver?
5.1 is a surround sound format, which means 5 speakers and the .1 represents a subwoofer or low-frequency effect channel. However, these do not have to be satellite speakers. They should be a right/left and center (LCR) speakers along with a pair of surround speakers, thus 5 speakers, and a subwoofer, which is a larger speaker that handles low frequencies or bass notes.
What Are Features to Look Out For?
- HDMI: Currently, almost every living-room device uses HDMI, hence the number of HDMI inputs is by far the most important feature in a home theater receiver. There is no fixed number of HDMI inputs. If you’re an electronics enthusiast then six might be enough, though we have people who could just get with three HDMI inputs. With the 4K streaming and many Televisions having 4K resolution, consider an AV receiver with 4K compatibility, meaning a receiver that has at least HDCP 2.2 certification and HDMI 2.0a, with this, you’ll not only be able to watch 4K content but also be ready for the impending standards such as HDR (High Dynamic Range) and enhanced color depths.
- Built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Bluetooth: The latest feature for home theater receivers is built-in support for wireless technologies such as AirPlay multiroom audio, and the now ubiquitous Bluetooth. With wireless connectivity, you’ll be able to load up an app on your smartphone or tablet, for instance, music streaming app, and one of the technology will let you wirelessly stream it to your home theater receiver in a matter of seconds. It's the ultimate in instant gratification, especially if your music habits tend to revolve around your mobile device. Wi-Fi capability makes it easier to get your AV receiver onto the home network without having to use a wired Ethernet connection, which enables smartphone control, firmware updates and integrated streaming services.
- Surround Sound: AV receivers pack audio decoders like Pro Logic, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding which are the primary formats used on Blu-ray Discs. Your receiver should at least handle DTS and Dolby Digital used for movie soundtracks, and Dolby Pro Logic II which can process a stereo source into 5.1 channels.
Why Use a Sony 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver?
- Delivers all the necessary channels: A home theater system should deliver the front left and right channels which carry the majority of the soundtrack, the center channel necessary to properly anchor the dialog within the soundstage, the two left and right surround channels necessary to create the surround effects and ambience, and the Low-Frequency Effects or subwoofer channel.
- Sound output: It is capable of delivering a perfectly immersive sound stage.