An A/V receiver combines the audio features of a stereo receiver with video capabilities, all designed to enhance the audio/video experience. A/V receivers are also commonly called "home theater receivers."
Built for Surround
A/V receivers are engineered to deliver sound through multiple channels, simulating
a movie theater or concert hall experience. Standard surround options include 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 channel output, which respectively send sound to five, six or seven separate speakers and a subwoofer.
Surround Processing
Some media formats, such as standard compact disc, are not recorded for surround sound; however, A/V receivers have advanced surround processing technologies that enable users to "process" two-channel audio into a multichannel, surround simulation.
Video Processing
A/V receivers are equipped with video processing technologies to scale composite or component video signals up to 1080p for high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) output.
Surround-Sound Decoding
A/V receivers can decode both analog and digital surround formats.
Speaker Calibration
To ensure the best sound from any seat in a home theater environment, many A/V receivers automatically calibrate each separate channel against a room's acoustics and dimensions.
Multi-room Entertainment
Some A/V receivers feature IR (infrared) connections, making it possible to send audio and video to multiple rooms within a dwelling.
Tags: audio video, home theater, processing technologies, with video