An AV receiver can be merely a transmitter of sound to speakers, but it is usually loaded with a multitude of other options that can turn it into the core of a home theater system. Buying the ideal receiver can be tricky, now that there is a multitude of options available in the market. Fortunately, there are only a few basic things that should really be considered when purchasing a receiver. Here are some things to look at while shopping for the perfect AV receiver.
1. Auto Set-up
Av receivers, which are manufactured with automatic set-up details, can be easily installed especially by its users. Most often, automatic set-up is usually affected by the kind of speakers you have, its acoustics and physical set up of the home entertainment room. Also, there are users who have been experts in this set-up who prefers that the receiver be installed manually instead so they can do a bit of customization. But people who are only after its home entertainment aspect do not usually bother to do so.
2. Number of Audio Channels
Usually, AV receivers support at least five channels. There are other receivers that can support at least seven. It is deemed that the more channels you have, the better it can provide high quality surround sound. A certain downside of having seven channels is that it can be hard finding a location that can house more speakers. Presently, finding a DVD or cable broadcast that has the capability for supporting more channels are hard to find. Only Blu- ray discs has such capacity. Moreover, certain receivers are not designed with the vital circuitries to support surround sound system into a home entertainment system.
3. Sound Enhancement
AV receiver has the capability to enhance and amplify sounds coming from the television therefore making the home theater experience more excellent. Because of this, the quality of the AV receiver’s sound reception becomes vital to ensure it delivers high quality sounds.
4. Video Capabilities
What differentiates AV receivers from the old stereo receivers is that they have the capacity for video, which makes them the core of an entertainment system. Most of the models in the market feature video processing, switching HDMI signals, up-conversion, and deinterlacing. This eliminates the old problem of having too many wires tangled up in the whole theater system.
5. Policy and Procedures
It is essential that you get familiar with the manufacturer’s guide once you decide to buy an AV receiver especially if you are planning to buy online. Bear in mind that there are those claiming to sell products that are not genuine and authorized AV receiver dealers. Buying from false sources render the warranty of the product void. So even if it happens that the dealer offers their own warranty service, there may be future problems that will need thorough repairs that can only be done by the manufacturer themselves. Being vigilant with the policies protects you as a consumer and the product itself.
With strict compliance and worthwhile efforts, you are sure to acquire the best AV receiver that is sure to become the central part of your home entertainment system.
Lonnie Shanley is an author of several articles on home audio receiver. She has written and continues to write concerning different audio receivers including digital audio receiver and bluetooth audio receiver.