Our collection of AV receivers and home theatre amplifiers is engineered to serve as the command centre for your home entertainment setup. These units are designed to manage audio and video signals with precision, offering compatibility with 4K video, support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and integrated streaming services. With an emphasis on connectivity, they feature multiple HDMI inputs, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi capabilities, alongside sophisticated acoustic calibration systems to optimize sound quality in any room.
From compact units ideal for smaller spaces to high-power models that can drive an extensive speaker setup, our range caters to both casual viewers and dedicated audiophiles. Each model is selected for its performance, reliability, and ability to integrate seamlessly with a variety of other home entertainment components.
Whether you're upgrading your current system or building a new one from scratch, our AV receivers and amplifiers provide the necessary foundation for a truly immersive audio-visual experience.
What is an AV Receiver and How Does It Work?
An AV (Audio/Video) Receiver is the central processing unit of a home theatre system, functioning as a hub that receives, interprets, and directs audio and video signals. It decodes incoming audio formats from various sources—like Blu-ray players, streaming devices, and turntables—amplifies the audio, and then sends it to the connected speakers, while simultaneously routing video signals to the television or projector.
The receiver's amplifier is a key component, boosting the low-voltage audio signals to a level that can power speakers, creating the sound you hear. Modern AV receivers support multiple channels (such as 5.1 or 7.1) for surround sound setups, and they often include advanced features like room calibration, which adjusts the sound output to the specific acoustics of your space.
On the video side, AV receivers typically offer several HDMI inputs to handle high-definition video signals, passing through 4K or even 8K content without degradation. They may also upscale lower-resolution video to match the capabilities of your display.
With built-in wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, many AV receivers can stream music from online services or local networks. They are also equipped with digital signal processors (DSPs) to create sound fields that mimic different environments, from concert halls to stadiums, enhancing the listening experience.
The Key Features To Consider When Choosing An AV Receiver:
Every home cinema setup is a unique and personalised system - depending on a number of different key factors and considerations.
We always recommend chatting to one of our home theatre experts when setting up a system or looking to upgrade as the options and requirements can be nuanced and often overwhelming.
However, in the meantime - these are some of the key details you may want to mull over when dreaming about your perfect cinema setup:
Connectivity Options Modern AV receivers boast a plethora of connectivity options. They typically feature multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, supporting the latest standards for 4K and 8K video, HDR content, and eARC for superior audio return channels. Additionally, they offer various digital and analog audio inputs, USB ports for music playback, and outputs for zone 2 audio, allowing audio to be played in different rooms.
Surround Sound Processing AV receivers are equipped with advanced surround sound processing capabilities. They decode popular formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, providing an immersive listening experience. They also include proprietary sound enhancement technologies like Audyssey or YPAO for room acoustic calibration, ensuring the best sound quality for your specific environment.
Streaming and Multi-room Audio With built-in network connectivity through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, AV receivers can stream music from online services like Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music. They often support multi-room audio systems like HEOS or MusicCast, allowing you to enjoy synchronized music across different rooms or play different tracks in each room.
User Interface and Control A user-friendly interface, either via an on-screen display or a dedicated app, makes setup and control straightforward. Many receivers also integrate with voice control systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, adding convenience to how you interact with your home theatre system.
Final Thoughts:
An AV receiver is the cornerstone of a home theatre system, merging the latest audio and video technologies to create an immersive entertainment experience. When choosing an AV receiver, it's essential to balance power, connectivity, audio decoding capabilities, and user-friendly features with your specific home theatre goals. Look for a receiver that not only aligns with your current setup but also offers room for growth as technology advances.
With thoughtful consideration of the key features and how they fit into your audio-visual landscape, you'll find an AV receiver that elevates your home cinema enjoyment to new heights, providing years of auditory and visual pleasure.
Some Quick FAQ:
What is the difference between a stereo receiver and an AV receiver?
While a stereo receiver is designed for two-channel audio, an AV receiver is designed to process and amplify audio and video signals from multiple sources to power a full-fledged home theatre system with multi-channel surround sound.
What is an 8K AV receiver?
An 8K AV receiver is designed to handle 8K video resolution, providing exceptional picture quality and supporting the latest advancements in home theatre technology.
What is HEOS in a receiver?
A: HEOS is a wireless multi-room audio technology developed by Denon. Receivers with HEOS support can wirelessly stream music to multiple rooms in your home, creating a seamless and versatile audio experience.
Can an AV receiver work with a gaming console?
Yes, most AV receivers offer multiple HDMI inputs, allowing you to easily connect and switch between various devices, including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices.
What is the difference between a 5.1 and a 7.2 channel AV receiver?
The numbers in the channel designation refer to the number of speakers and subwoofers the receiver can accommodate. A 5.1 channel receiver supports a 5-speaker setup and 1 subwoofer, while a 7.2 channel receiver can power a 7-speaker setup and 2 subwoofers for a more immersive audio experience.
Can AV receivers support a 4K Ultra HD resolution?
A: Yes, many AV receivers are capable of supporting and processing 4K Ultra HD video signals, offering exceptional visual clarity and detail for a truly immersive home theatre experience.
