Features to look for in recievers

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Several types of receivers are available in the marketplace, including basic stereo receivers which include AM and FM tuners and connections for attaching CD players and other audio equipment, audio/video or a/v receivers, and combination products such as DVD player/receivers both of which are used in home theater systems.

Knowing what components you want to connect is important in choosing a receiver that will support your needs. Do you only want to connect audio components like a CD player? Or, are you considering a home theater and need connections for a DVD player and a cable box? Will you need connections for surround sound? Answering these questions will help you determine what to look for in your home electronics purchase. A/V receivers on the market today generally have enough video and audio inputs (places for plugs) to accommodate a CD or DVD player, a VCR, and a cable box or satellite receiver.

Here are the typical inputs and their functions:

Antenna/cable: This is the most basic connection, and can be used with almost any video source.
Composite-video: Offers additional quality for video signals (e.g., for use with DVD, VCR, cable boxes).
S-video: Improves the image quality by separating the signal into two parts-color and brightness. For use with DVD, digital-cable boxes, satellite receivers, and camcorders.
Component-video: Potentially the best connection, since the video signal is split into three signals-two for color and one for brightness. It is usually used with DVD players.

Interested in surround-sound? Consider an a/v receiver. Most power at least six speakers and support Dolby Digital 5.1 and Digital Theater System, two of the most commonly used surround sound formats.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, July 23rd, 2006 at 9:30 am and is filed under Components. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.