Finding the Right Home Theater Receiver
Every home theater system needs a receiver to interpret signals and control the rest of the equipment. Choosing the right one is key to getting the audiovisual experience that you are looking for.
What is a Home Theater Receiver?
- The AV receiver is the hub of any home theater system. It receives digital signals from input devices like DVD players and streaming boxes, decodes and processes them, and then outputs the audio and video to screens, speakers, and other outputs.
- AV receivers are usually classified by the number of audio channels that they have. A stereo receiver would have just two audio channels, but most models made by companies like TEAC are set up for at least 5.1 surround sound. This has six audio channels, five for regular speakers and one for a subwoofer. You can also find even larger surround sound systems with even more audio channels such as 7.1 and 9.1 systems, as well as systems with multiple subwoofers.
Which Features Should I Look At?
- The headline specification for AV receivers tends to be the number of audio channels. A typical 5.1 surround sound system provides cinematic sound without requiring a huge number of speakers to function. Audio CDs and MP3 files are only set up for stereo, so if you mostly listen to music on your home theater system, you may not need the extra audio outputs. On the other hand, if you have a big room, you might want to look at a 7.1 or larger system.
- Make sure that the receiver has enough inputs to connect all of the digital audio and video equipment that you want to use. If you have streaming boxes, DVD or Blu-Ray players, satellite dishes, and games consoles, it can add up very quickly. Keep in mind the types of connector that your digital devices use as well. Depending on the device, it might need an HDMI, USB, coaxial connection, or other input type. Older receivers from long-standing companies like TEAC may not have USB or HDMI inputs.
- When you are controlling so many AV devices from a single hub, it makes sense to have a remote control for controlling your audio and video setup.
Which Other Equipment Do I Need?
- If you have a 5.1 or 7.1 receiver, you will need enough speakers to go with it. It isn't a disaster if you don't, as almost all 5.1 receivers can control a stereo setup if you select the right mode, but it means that you aren't using your equipment to its full potential.
- Having a central hub for your home theater system means that you can easily run a lot of input devices. Adding CD players, Blu-Ray players, games consoles, and streaming boxes lets you get the best out of your system.