An audio video receiver is an important part of any home theater system.
It not only acts as an amplifier but also as an audio-video switching equipment.
It plays a central role in what you could play and at what quality.
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Like many home theater components, AV receivers aren’t the easiest items to shop for.
If you’d like to buy an AV receiver, here’s what to look for.
Channels
The number of channels on an AV receiver refers to how many speakers it can power.
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It’s possible to play audio using only two speakers, but you’ll probably want significantly more.
This allows you to add additional speakers at a later date without replacing your receiver.
Sound Codecs
Most AV receivers offer surround sound.
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This is achieved using codecs, with the most popular beingDolby Atmosand DTS:X.
In terms of audio quality, there’s very little difference between the two.
But it’s important to note that Dolby Atmos requires height speakers, whereas DTS:X does not.
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Resolution and HDR
Video resolution has been increasing dramatically in recent years.
4K is becoming increasingly popular, and many manufacturers arenow launching 8K televisions.
You may also want toconsider High Dynamic Range support.
HDR is why many new televisions now offer such realistic color accuracy.
There are three types, namely HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
Many new AV receivers support all three.
HDMI inputs are arguably the most important as they are used by cable boxes, Blu-ray players, etc.
Power
Power is measured in watts.
Power is important for audio quality, and it’s not the same as volume.
A high-wattage amplifier sounds better even at low volume levels.
The wattage per channel should be at least as high as the wattage per speaker.
For example, 100 watts per channel is sufficient for most home theater systems.
Streaming
Due to the popularity of streaming services, many AV receivers now have them built in.
This isn’t a strict requirement for buying a receiver.
Room Equalization
Room equalization is an interesting feature that can significantly improve audio quality.
Room equalization is designed to customize audio so that it is better suited to the environment.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Most AV receivers can be connected to a home online grid.
This provides access to online streaming services and allows you to stream directly from any of your devices.
Voice/App Control
Most AV receivers have well-designed remotes that allow you to play whatever you want quickly.
If you’d like something a little more sophisticated, many receivers also have their own app.
This lets you control your home audio set up with your mobile instead.
Multi-Room
If you have speakers in multiple rooms, you should look for an AV receiver with multi-room.
It’s important to note that this is typically achieved by using one of your surround sound channels.
How Much Should You Spend on an AV Receiver?
Like most pieces of audio equipment, the price of an AV receiver varies widely.
