receivers

AV receivers or audio-video receivers are one of the many consumer electronics components typically found within a home theatre system. Their primary purpose is to amplify sound from a multitude of possible audio sources as well as route video signals to your TV from various sources. Typically you may program and configure a unit to take inputs from devices such as DVD players VCRs etc. and easily select which source you want to route to your TV and have sound output for.

These AV receivers may be known simply as stereos (although most receivers now-days offer more than two channels or stereophonic sound), receivers, or "Head Units". They are usually at the heart of a typical home theatre setup or may simply be used stand-alone for audio amplification purposes. They offer a broad range of inputs and features that increase with price. They are often drivers for surround sound speaker systems that may be used with anything from MiniDisc players, computers or CD players.