Buyer's Guide

Receivers

     Your receiver will be the center of your entire home theater system.  It will control all your audio, power your speakers, and possibly act as a switch for all your video.  Used correctly, a receiver can make your system easy enough for the whole family to use which will save you from buying an expensive universal remote.  It pays to invest in a quality receiver.

The receiver crash course:  Before we dig into receiver specifics, it's important to have a knowledge of the basics so here we go...

• Channel:  A channel is a unique sound that a receiver can produce through a speaker.  For example: stereo sound is two channels which means two speakers can play two totally different sounds at the same time.

• Dolby Digital:  More commonly known as surround sound, Dolby Digital uses 6 channels to create an environment of sound all around you.  You have 5 speaker channels and a subwoofer channel that can all play different sounds.

• 5.1 and 7.1:  This refers to the amount of speaker and subwoofer channels a receiver has.  The number before the decimal is the number of speakers and the number after the decimal is the number of subwoofers.  For example: 5.1 = 5 speakers, 1 subwoofer.  7.1 = 7 speakers, 1 subwoofer.  7.2 = 7 speakers, 2 subwoofers.

• Digital Input:  There are two kinds of digital inputs: optical and digital coaxial.  This is how components will connect to the receiver allowing you to have surround sound.

• Video Switching:  Video switching is a luxury most won't be able to live without.  If you run video wires first to the receiver, then from the receiver to the TV, your receiver will switch your TV picture for you as you switch between components.  For example: if you are watching a DVD and want to watch cable TV, just switch the receiver and it will switch the sound and picture over to cable TV mode.

• HDMI Inputs:  HDMI is going to be the wire of the future.  Using this one wire will allow you to send high quality picture and sound to your receiver.  That means using HDMI will give you the benefit of video switching, and it's so easy to hook-up that anyone can do it.

Ok now that you have a rough idea about the characteristics of a receiver, it's time to talk about...

What you should looking for

Features:  You will definitely need both kinds of digital inputs.  Make sure it has several of both types.  HDMI inputs are getting to the point now where they are almost a necessity to have on your receiver.  If you don't plan on using HDMI, make sure it has component video inputs so you can still utilize video switching for HD components.  Assignable inputs are also a great feature to have.  This allows you to mix and match video and digital audio inputs which facilitates the process of connecting your equipment to the receiver. 

Wattage:  Make sure it has enough power to push your speakers.  You don't want to over-work your receiver since this shortens its life and decreases sound quality.  Around 80-100 watts per channel is enough, unless you plan on using large tower speakers for the front.  If you find that you are really working your receiver (having to turn the volume up high) you might need to get another amplifier to lighten the load.

Channels: Even though most people have a 5.1 speaker  system, most receivers are 7.1 these days.  That doesn't mean you have to use the extra 2 channels if you buy a 7.1 receiver.  You receiver will re-route the extra power to the speaker in use.

What you shouldn't buy:  If you want to have a home theater system, don't buy a stereo receiver.  Stereo sound is only two channels: left and right.  We also do not recommend buying a receiver/DVD player combo if you are looking for a quality sounding system that also gives you the ability to control HD video.  They don't offer much flexibility for future use and will give you more problems than a stand alone receiver.