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Audio / Video Receivers: Features

Multi-Source Re-Master Processing
When music and soundtracks are recorded digitally, the compression that occurs can impact the overall sound quality, especially with MP3 and WMA files. Re-master processing helps to compensate for any frequencies lost due to compression during recording, providing a rich sound field.

Built-In DTS? and Dolby Digital? Decoders
Achieve a remarkably natural sense of ambience and dynamic realism, a spacious surround effect, and realistic, accurate sound for your home theater. Select models feature the latest decoders for Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and DTS 96/24 formats.

Full-Digital Processing
Amplifiers use digital processing from signal input all the way through to output, letting you enjoy the full potential of today's most advanced audio sources.

High Power Output
Multi-channel amplifiers with high output capability provide accurate reproduction of Dolby Digital?, DTS?, and DVD-Audio recordings.

Universal Remote Control
This single remote control operates several functions of many brands of TVs, VCRs, and DVD players. Select models include an illuminated remote so it's easier to use in the dark.

Sound Field Control
At the push of a button, achieve stunning audio effects to match your music and your mood.

Speaker Size Configuration Setting
The speaker size configuration setting optimizes the output for accurate sound reproduction, regardless of speaker size.

Digital Inputs/Outputs
Minimize electrical noise and assure the reliable transfer of high-fidelity sound data. With multiple digital inputs,  receivers can accommodate your DVD player, CD player, cable box, and future components that use coaxial and optical digital outputs. A digital audio connection is also necessary in order to listen to the Dolby Digital? and DTS? soundtracks found on DVDs and digital broadcasts.

Component Video Switching
Component video offers outstanding video quality when using a DVD player or HDTV set-top receiver, but many TVs only have one component video input. As your home theater expands to include both a DVD player and HDTV set-top receiver, you'll need more than one component video input to accommodate them. Select receivers let you hook up both your DVD player and HDTV set-top box to the back of the receiver and send a single component video cable to your TV. You can then switch between the two using the receiver.

2-Channel Down Mixing
Takes multi-channel soundtracks and converts them to 2-channel stereo. Helpful if your living space only allows for two speakers.

Digital Synthesizer Tuner
The built-in digital tuner provides accurate tuning of radio broadcasts.

Subwoofer Output
Connect a powered subwoofer for a deep bass sound, essential for completing the home theater experience. Some receivers have an independent subwoofer control, which lets you adjust its level in your audio mix.

6-Channel Discrete Inputs
These inputs accept the six-channel analog output of DVD players with built-in surround sound decoders. They're also used for the analog outputs on a DVD-Audio player.

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Basics
Home Theater consists of four basic components:

? TV Display Screen
? Multi-channel Audio/Video receiver/amplifier with
surround sound capability
? Video source, like a DVD Player or TV show
? Speakers - Five Loudspeakers and Subwoofer

Today anyone can enjoy the total cinematic experience of watching a film with movie theater picture quality and true-to-life surround sound at home. Simply defined, that?s Home Theater.



In the past, the only way to truly enjoy a film was at your local movie theater. There, images on the wide screen were vivid and lifelike. And the soundtrack came from all directions -- immersing you completely in the action and dialogue. Your TV and VCR just couldn?t compare to the ?live? experience of the movies. Times have changed. Now you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the cinema in the comfort of your home.

Its all about the convenience of enjoying ?live? cinema at home without the hassle of driving across town, not to mention the expense of tickets, snacks and parking. Home Theater is both convenient and flexible.

How It Works

How Home Theater works is simple. A DVD player, or other video source, feeds a digital signal into a receiver. The receiver then splits the audio signal into five or six separate channels and sends each channel to a different speaker for broadcast. At the same time, the receiver sends a video signal to your television. The result is a movie quality image with cinematic surround sound.
digital audio & video signals

Integrated Components

When you?re selecting equipment for your Home Theater, you need to decide whether to purchase an integrated, all-in-one Home Theater system or build one from scratch using separate components. Audio and video enthusiasts prefer to build their systems piece-by-piece and are willing to spend the time and money necessary to select their high-end equipment.

Some of us, prefer simple, worry-free, ?plug-and-play? systems, so we opt for single integrated units containing both the DVD player and the receiver. Integrated DVD players/receivers save space, are usually easier to use and look sleek and contemporary. Since they?re compact and have limited inputs and outputs, you don?t want an integrated component if you have a lot of peripheral equipment to connect.

You can purchase integrated DVD players/receivers as part of a ?Theater-In-a-Box? package complete with five surround sound speakers, subwoofer, instructions and the wiring you need to set-up your system. All you need is the TV. These packages save valuable time and eliminate the guesswork of selecting the ?right? components for your Home Theater. You won?t have to worry if your DVD player is compatible with your receiver and speaker system, and vice versa. Plus, the packages are ?plug and play? which makes installation easier, and they often cost less than if you purchased each component separately.

In addition to selecting the right components, you also need to determine what room and lighting is best for your Home Theater as well as how to set up the equipment. Also, design lifestyle considerations for your system components.

Cost of Home Theater
How much does a Home Theater cost? You can spend as little as $300 for a bare bones Home Theater package without a TV -- or as much as $25,000 for a state-of-the-art system with all the bells and whistles. It all depends on how you build your Home Theater and the feature quality you want. 

If you use existing equipment, your costs should be minimal. Here?s a quick price breakdown of where each component starts:

? TVs start at about $500
? DVD players begin near $100 
? Receivers with surround sound speakers start
 around $300.

If you purchase an entire system from scratch, expect to spend at least $1,000 - $3,000 including the TV. A big consideration is buying a TV that has a HDTV-ready monitor. Most ?Theaters-In-a-Box? Packages include the receiver, surround sound speakers and often a DVD player.

It's also a good idea to allow money for other incidentals like a programmable remote control, speaker stands and room decor.

Unless your existing TV and sound system can support digital video and Dolby 5.1 Channel Audio, start from scratch and purchase a complete system.

You?ll be much happier with the overall quality of your Home Theater. Also, complete systems are easier to set-up and install.