The receiver is the brain and central operating system for all of your electronic components. Not only can you control all of your components through the receiver but it also handles all of your listening preferences.
It will allow you to switch from radio to components such as your DVD, iPod, television, blue ray, Xbox and cd player. Plus you can listen to them in full surround sound, concert sound, jazz, dance, hip-hop, or you can customize the equalizer however you like. Not only that, but you can even power the speakers to give them extra juice and run sound in other rooms of the house as well.
Choosing the Right Receiver:
The two main choices in receivers today are either a home theater receiver which allows you to listen to movies in all the glory and grandeur they were meant to be listened in. Or a stereo receiver model which is more designed to blast music of all different kinds.
Generally speaking, a theater system is a better choice for TV and movie viewing, and the stereo receiver should be primarily used for music.
Inputs and Outputs:
This should play a crucial role in what receiver you need to buy. If you plan on using it for a number of components, make sure that the receiver actually has that many inputs available for connectivity. The same goes for outputs. If you want to run a 6.1 Digital True Surround sound and you want to power music in other rooms, be sure it has those options as well.
Advanced Receiver Options:
As we creep slowly into the future, the technological capabilities of the receivers continue to improve. And really they have to considering all of the new components and technology that they can power and run.
Some receivers today come built with Satellite radio options. This means that you will be able to receive radio signals via satellite from around the world. No longer will you be using huge antennas to struggle gaining any local signal. These signals are picked up digitally and are crystal clear. Stereo receivers today are also built to be able to plug in and play music from your laptop or desktop computer...wirelessly! No cords needed here. Just find the receiver on your laptop, connect it and play away.
There are so many options and capabilities of stereo receivers today you will easily be able to find one to suit your needs. In fact, most of them can just about do it all without having to choose between a home theater and stereo receiver. Keep in mind though that the more options you get, the more money you are going to have to pay. Be a wise shopper and check all of your choices (including the internet) before you commit to buying.
