What are the connections on a home theater, AV, and surround sound receiver?
Are you confused by the connections on the back of yourhome theater, AV, or surround sound receiver?
We have the solution.
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HDMI
HDMI is the most important connectionon modern home theater receivers.
(Receivers may also be referred to as AV receivers or surround sound receivers.)
Multiple HDMI outputs allow you to connect a receiver to more than one TV or video projector.
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Digital Audio Connections
Home theater receivers include two types of digital audio-only connections:optical and coaxial.
Some CD players also provide one or both of these output options.
These connections access two-channel stereo and standardDolby DigitalandDTSsurround sound signals.
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Those are only accessible from an HDMI connection.
Analog Audio Input Connections
Most audio is available digitally.
AM/FM Radio Antenna Connections
Another audio source included in home theater receivers is radio reception.
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Most home theater receivers provide connections for AM and FM antennas.
When connecting speakers,match the speaker terminals with the speaker placement.
Some speaker terminals may provide more than one channel option (not at the same time, though).
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In addition to connecting the correct speaker channel, check that the polarity (+ -) is correct.
Red is positive (+), and black is negative (-).
The source components are connected to the receiver and are accessed and controlled separately with the receiver’s remote.
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The subwoofer doesn’t connect to the terminals provided for the other speakers.
It only supplies the audio signal.
RCA-style audio cables are used for this connection.
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Home theater receivers provide at least one subwoofer output.
Still, many provide two, as shown in the above example.
This providesadded setup flexibility.
Yamaha
A separate connection for each channel of audio is provided.
The connections useRCA jacks and cables.
These outputs connect a home theater receiver toexternal amplifiers.
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you might’t combine the power output of an internal amplifier with an external amplifier for the same channel.
Analog Video Inputs
There are three types of analog video input.
Component video cables can transfer both standard and high-definition (up to 1080p) video signals.
However, most sources restrict signals from passing through component video cables to standard definition due to copy-protection issues.
Composite video signals are standard definition resolution analog signals.
This provides better color consistency and edge quality than the composite video option.
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It has been superseded by both component and HDMI video connections.
USB and Ethernet
AUSB portis provided on many home theater receivers.
A growing number of home theater receivers also provide data pipe and internet connectivity.
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This can be provided by connecting anEthernet cableto the receiver using a providedEthernet/LAN port.
Power Cord Inlet
You’ll need to power your home theater receiver.
For convenience, most receivers provide a power cord that plugs directly into an AC inlet or socket.
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On some home theater receivers, these may be hidden by a flip-down door.
It is more convenient than having to reach an HDMI input on the back of the receiver.
3.5 mm or RCA Analog Audio Inputs
As shown in the photo.
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Mic Jack
Most home theater receivers include an automatic speaker setup feature that uses self-generated test tones.
Headphone Jack
This is usually a 1/4-inch bang out.
you’re able to use an adapter if your headphones use 1/8-inch connectors.
Sony
When headphones are plugged in, usually, the speakers are disabled.
Composite Video Input
Not shown in the image.
Some receivers include a composite video input on the front panel.
