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Home theater receivers (also referred to as AV receivers) differ quite a bit from old audio-only stereo receivers you might be familiar with. Almost all models have the baseline home theater c... Read more [+]
Home theater receivers (also referred to as AV receivers) differ quite a bit from old audio-only stereo receivers you might be familiar with. Almost all models have the baseline home theater capabilities: video switching, 7.1 channels of sound, and basic Dolby and DTS surround decoding. And even many inexpensive receivers now utilize HDMI inputs and outputs, which offer the potential for all-digital audio and high-def video hook-ups on a single cable.
Things to look for when shopping for an AV receiver:
HDMI: Look for a receiver with as many HDMI inputs as possible, and one that offers analog-to-digital video conversion (sometimes called "HDMI upconversion"), so any non-HDMI AV sources will still appear on the receiver's HDMI output. Also, avoid receivers that offer only "HDMI video passthrough," which means that the audio soundtrack requires a separate cable. What's inside does make a difference, and beefy power transformers and capacitors are not only heavy but also expensive; that's part of what you're paying for here. And while the THX certification is mostly a marketing gimmick, it's usually a sign of more-honest power ratings--although you shouldn't pay more just for THX.
Video processing: This one's closely related to HDMI. For those models with analog-to-digital video conversion, you'll need to make sure the system also has a good video processor (just like a DVD player). Poor processors mean ugly looking video from non-HDMI analog sources (such as the Nintendo Wii or an older DVD player); the better the processing, the better the image conversion from those sources.
Power/wattage: Per-channel power ratings generally run in the 50 to 140 watts range--but be aware that these numbers are often exaggerated.
Surround decoding: For years, standard Dolby Digital and DTS sufficed for DVD and TV sound. The advent of Blu-ray has added several new lossless formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. While it's often hard for even experts to detect the difference, anyone considering Blu-ray should opt for a home theater receiver with the maximum decoding options possible. The inclusion of Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS Neo:6, and/or Neural Surround means that you'll be able to create a decent faux surround effect even from just a stereo source (such as a CD or MP3 player).
Auto-setup/auto-calibration: Many home theater receivers include a microphone that automatically calibrates the speaker levels to your specific room. When implemented correctly, this is a highly desirable feature.
On-screen display: Rather than squint at the tiny front-panel of your receiver, many mid- and high-end AV receivers have on-screen displays--some as elaborate as you'd find on a home game console.
Radio support: Nearly all AV receivers have standard AM and FM, and many are satellite radio-ready (compatible with XM and/or Sirius service, with the addition of an antenna dongle and a subscription). HD Radio is appearing in more receivers, but it's nothing worth paying extra for.
Network media streaming: Usually relegated to the high end, some receivers have Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections through which they can stream audio or Internet radio on a home network. Since these features can be added to a home theater system with the purchase of a separate media streamer (such as the Apple TV or Logitech Squeezebox), there's little advantage to paying extra to have them bundled into the receiver itself.
For additional information, please see CNET's Surround sound buying guide
