In Part One I discussed the basic audio performance and functions to look for.
In Part Two, I dig deeper into some of the more advanced functions to consider when buying a Home Theater Receiver, such as Multi-Room Audio, iPod, Networking, and Video Connectivity.
Multi-Zone Audio
Multi-Zone capability is a function in which the Receiver can send a second source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in another location. This is not the same as connecting additional speakers and placing them in another room.The Multi-Zone function allows a Home Theater Receiver to control either the same, or a separate, source than the one being listened to in the main room, in another location. For example, the user can be watching a DVD in the main room, while someone else can listen to a CD in another, at the same time. Both the DVD player and CD player are controlled by the same Receiver.
iPod Connectivity and Control
With the increasing popularity of the iPod, more receivers are equipped with iPod compatible connections, either via an adapter cable or a "docking station". What you should look for is, not only the ability for the iPod to connect to the receiver, but for the receiver to actually control all iPod playback functions via the receiver's remote control and menu functions.Also, keep in mind that if you connect a Video iPod, you may only have access to audio playback functions. If you desire to access iPod video playback functions, check the receiver's user manual before you purchase to see if this is possible.
Networking
Networking is a feature that more receivers are incorporating, but is still the domain of higher-end units. The networking feature is executed via a built-in Ethernet connection on the receiver.This can allow several capabilities that you should check for. Not all networking receivers have the same capabilities, but some features commonly included are: Streaming audio (and sometimes video) from a PC, direct access to Internet Radio, and Firmware updating directly from the internet. To find out the networking features included in a specific receiver, check the user manual ahead of time.
Video Connectivity
The biggest growth in home theater receivers features is the incorporation of video switching and processing. When buying a receiver for your home theater system, will you be connecting all of your video sources to the TV directly, or would you like to use the receiver as your central video hub for switching, and, or video processing?If you plan to use your receiver for video, make sure the unit you consider has the type and number of connections you will need. For an illustration of video connections that can be found on a receiver, what they are used for, check out my Home Theater Receiver Connections Gallery
Video Conversion
In addition to using a home theater receiver as a central location for connecting both audio and video component, a growing number of receivers also feature video processing, just as they offer audio processing.The most basic video processing feature available is the ability of many receivers to convert Composite video inputs to S-Video outputs, and S-Video inputs to Component video outputs. This type type of conversion may only improve the signals very slightly, but does simplifies connections to Televisions, in that only one type of video connection is needed from the receiver to the TV, instead of two or three.
Deinterlacing
When considering a receiver, a second level of video processing to check for is deinterlacing. This is a process whereby video signals coming in from the Composite or S-Video inputs are converted from interlaced scan to progressive scan (480i to 480p) and then output via Component or HDMI outputs to the TV. This improves the quality of the image, making it smoother and more acceptable for display on an HDTV.However, keep in mind that not all receivers can perform this function well. For what to look for in terms of deinterlacing performance, check out an example from one of my Home Theater Receiver Product Reviews
Video Upscaling
In addition to deinterlacing, another level of video processing is becoming more common in home theater receivers: Upscaling. Upscaling is a function that, after the deinterlacing process is done, upscales the number of pixels to match a specific screen resolution, such as 720p, 1080i, or 1080p.However, keep in mind that this process does not actually convert standard definition to high definition, but improves the image so that it looks better on an HDTV. For more details on Video Upscaling, check out: DVD Video Upscaling, which is the same process, just substitute Upscaling receiver for Upscaling DVD player.
HDMI Connectivity
HDMI is a connection available on many receivers. Unlike other connections, HDMI can pass both audio and video signals through a single cable. However, depending on how HDMI is incorporated, access to HDMI's capabilities may be limited.Many lower priced receivers incorporate pass-through HDMI switching. This allows the connection of HDMI cables into the receiver and provides an HDMI output connection to a TV. However, the receiver can't access the video or audio portions of the HDMI signal for further processing.
Some receivers access both the audio and video portions of the HDMI signals for further processing.
