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What is a receiver?

A receiver is so much great thing that you can connect the speakers and other components (like a DVD player, CD player, TV, Xbox, PlayStation, iPod, etc.) is the "brain" of the fair truth. The idea of linking all components of a receiver is the concept of audio / video switching, allowing you to switch to different video sources (such as TV, DVD, camcorder) on your TV
and change> Audio source accordingly - all without touching anything but the receiver.

Of course, the main purpose of audio / video switching with an audio receiver is to drive the surround speakers or stereo external speakers.

Most receivers have a lot of inputs, can have up to eight speakers and a subwoofer (usually, 5.1 or five speakers and a subwoofer), several video inputs, even HDMI. You can connect yourXbox, TV and DVD player into the receiver and use a remote to switch between different video sources (games, TV, DVD video) and pumping surround speakers. Let's start with the inputs and outputs. If you do not understand something, read all the procedures, since most of them will be explained in detail.

Note that a receiver is the center of your home in the theater, so this really, to guide you through the basicsconnecting your home theater complete.

So what the hell is all this "on the back of your receiver?

I'm going on almost everything you can find at the back of your receiver. The one I'm basing this guide off a Harman Kardon AVR-247 I'll start from the top left of the unit and Working my way to the right, then I'll start at the left of the next row and so on.

The top three entries are for antennas. An FM antenna cableslide in the storming of the standard two first son of speakers are connected to the remaining slots AM. Of course, you do not have to connect the antennas, but if you want to receive AM / FM radio through your speakers, you'll want to go ahead and do it. These connections are standard, so if you lose one of its branches, go buy another for a few dollars.

You've probably heard of composite video. This is a basic video connection commonly used by most any component (TV, DVD, VCR, in particular).Their common and cheap. In this capacity, very low.
Composite uses an RCA cable for video (yellow) and two RCA audio cables (red and white, stereo). The problem is that a composite video cable combines luminance and chrominance in the same cable, which reduces the quality of the image. You lose a lot of sharpness and color begins to deteriorate from the original source. Its useful when you need additional input or the device is connected onlycomposite video. Otherwise, use something else, component video, such as. Sounds very similar and different.

S-Video is the next in line after composite. It uses a different type of connector (five pins in a circle) and gives a little better video quality. It is also one video cable, then you must connect audio separately. In this case, is likely to use a pair of red and white RCA cables for audio inputs.

Next step: aton of composite audio inputs. These inputs use left channel and right channel RCA cables, usually red and white. They resemble those of the yellow composite video cable, and even could be used for video and the yellow for audio, but we will continue the color scheme of how it is;) composite audio is the bottom of the barrel Audio .'s perfectly fine for most use, but you are a surround sound quality high, you do not want composite.game systems like Wii or Xbox, and very basic DVD players are a perfect match for composite audio applications.

The same goes for VCRs, CD players, and everything that has only a composite audio output. In addition, if you do not have surround sound, or its receptor is only two channels (2.1, stereo), you will not be able to use anything but composite audio. Note that the audio input is a compound in each composite video input for ease oftheir match. Plug-and erroneous entries does not ring when you are in this particular video input.

This is one of the least used features of a modern receiver: 6 (or 8) channel direct input. Only used for two purposes: SACD or DVD audio. SACD is an acronym for Super Audio CD. It is a proprietary audio format developed by Sony for special CD recorded in 5.1 surround sound. This means that you need a CD or a DVD / CDSACD player that supports a receiver with SACD support (as in photo), and of course, Super Audio CD. DVD Audio is the same idea, different brand, different media (DVD, not CD!).

DVD-Audio are special DVDs that are recorded in 5.1 surround sound and can be played by devices with support for them. These CDs go all the way up 7.1 surround sound, which means that you should have two front, two rear, two side speakers and a subwooferenjoy 7.1 surround sound. Most receivers support up to 7.1 now, but you will not find DVDs with that kind of capability for movies. 5.1 surround is still the de facto standard, do not run out and buy more speakers in the short term.

You can skip this next little item because it is exclusive to the brand of receiver (Harman Kardon). The bridge is a link connecting the property to the point
iPod. You need to buy a separate component that includes adocking station and special cables to connect the iPod. Fully integrated with the receiver, showing
menus and songs from the face of the LCD of the receiver. This lets you easily through your songs to pump the speakers, whether stereo or surround.

Of course, the music on your iPod is stereo sound, the best thing that can happen is simulated surround sound or stereo surround sound, the same music playing in the two front channels
through rear and center channels. Some receivers do this more intelligent than others, but more on that later.

Here, we have our tickets for the high-end audio outputs. Essentially the same performance wise, has fiber optic connections (with the square) and digital coaxial (like an RCA cable).
Both are 100% digital, while the composite is analog. The only way to get true surround sound from any source is to use one of these connections (or SACD / DVD> Audio Option)

Almost all DVD players these days have a coaxial or optical digital (sometimes both). Many cable and satellite in high definition will also be those
connections so that you can enjoy surround sound in 5.1 channel high definition. The choice between the two, there really is no difference between audio quality, so feel free to use
what you like (or what you are forced to).

I do not think I need a picture for more details. His power of someentries. The first is to power the receiver and the other for what you want. So when you turn
in the receiver, you give power to another device (DVD player, CD player, cable box, whatever). I do not necessarily recommend it unless it specifically suits
needs. It is useful if you're short on outlets, of course.

More than ever, we will use: D-Bus RC-5 input / outputs. It is used for infrared remote controls to take care of your houseTheater System. Honestly, this is not something any of us will use. Some addicts real high quality could be to use something for her, but I've never gone through a device that uses this technology. Stick to the remote that came with your camera, or buy a quality universal remote. It is not necessary for this option. Another possible use of what may be more common if the beneficiary of the front panel of the phone is locked (such as inside a closet), you could get an infrared transmitter to lockin front of her. This transmitter is connected to another device somewhere in your room that accepts signals from your remote. The receiving device then transmits the remote commands to your receiver (via the transmitter was attached to the front during the regular infrared transmitter).

Pre-outs, located on the remote input and output. Pre-outs are used when you want to add an amplifier to your system to increase the power (and hence volume / audioquality). Average
users do not use it for anything other than the subwoofer pre-out. You want to run a cable from your subwoofer subwoofer subwoofer to the front to provide out-
frequencies on the right. It's the right way to connect the subwoofer to your surround sound system. The other entries will not be used unless you intend to add
amplifier. It is very necessary for domestic use. You can add an amplifier if you try to fill a room the size of a small house with enoughsound, but you're not, right?

Here, we finally arrive at the meat of the system: inputs speakers! Harman Kardon use bind posts for connecting speakers, as shown in the picture. The
work because they lose their turn counterclockwise, then sneak into the speaker wire under the covers and tighten the bracket by turning clockwise. This will
give your speaker wire make an adjustment of Nice will probably not be loose on itself over time. Other trademarks may be usedOther types of connectors, but bind the entries are very common.
You may have been able to say that it is a receiving channel 7.1 because the speaker inputs.

You have space for two front left and right, two rear speakers left and right
a central channel and two on the left and right "," the channels that are placed somewhere between the front and back (side surround, or 7.1). If you have enough
speakers, you can go ahead and plug the other side of twosome, but can not play any sound at all on a DVD 5.1. You have a DVD that supports 7.1
around, and now there is simply no market for it. CD stereo surround sound taste explosion with seven speakers, but also for some of the larger rooms, which is a
advantage.

Our last set of connectors for this receiver: component video. The best video you can get next to composite or S-video. "Ll notice that a set of three cables (for allvideo)
Envoy Red, Green and Blue. I do not think that is what the cable, however - which separates the video signal luminance and two color channels separately. In the past, the component
does in fact represent R, G, B (a division of primary colors in transmit and recombining the target device), but is not used in current component video
connections. Component video can carry high definition signals, all the way up to 1080p, it ismost cost effective and easily available in high definition input.
Not seen in this receiver is DVI and HDMI, two digital video connections, everything.

HDMI is the newest, fastest, highest video and audio connection now available. It is the only cable that can carry audio and video into one - not to mention, in high definition.
HDMI must be supported by the source and display that you connect to use all its functions. Notall DVD players, decoders, receivers or support
HDMI audio and video.'s increasingly standard now to support both. The advantage is obvious: less cable clutter, the superior audio and video. You can get up
HD video and 7.1 surround sound 1080p via an HDMI cable. The new cable and satellite, DVD players, DVD players, HD receivers and more expensive
full supportHDMI capacity. Your best you can go completely digital.

The last link in this article is DVI. DVI is all digital, like HDMI, but can not process audio signals. HDMI can provide technical superiority
but I do not think any difference. DVI supports high definition video up to 1080p and HDMI. Its being used less frequently,
but if you bought a new computer or video card in your PCrecently, is likely to have a DVI connector (or two) on the same port. Most computer monitors use DVI now and video cards
have followed suit. HDMI is edging its way into the PC market, but its dominance is seen in the field of home cinema.

Now that you are familiar with the common connections we'll connect everything together.

This part of the recipient and will guide you through the connection of a 5.1 surround system (five speakers and a subwoofer) with an HDTV, adefinition cable or satellite great DVD player and 5.1 receivers.

Your TV and components

When you place your TV depends on how big it is, what is the size of your room and sit. If its 50 inches, do not sit more than 10-15 meters, but not least, whatever.
A 60 "set is perfect for 12-20 feet. If you have a 32 inch, try to sit more than 8.12 meters. Your receiver, DVD player, cable box and other elements mustof course, be together, but not physically placed above the other. They are all hot, especially your receiver. If you have no other choice, drag a piece of wood between the components using heat to pass.

Presidents

The first step is to define the configuration. Different rooms call for different locations for the speakers and subwoofer. If the room is typically a rectangle, go ahead and place your two front left and rightsomewhere in flush with the TV on this side of the room. Your left speaker goes to the left corner, right speaker in the upper right corner. Do not bother with speaker wire yet (unless the speakers with speaker wire already attached, in this case, please let that hang for the moment). Note that the speaker is left or right depends only on how to connect to your receiver. The speakers are not really called "left" or "right."

Depending on how you acquiredspeakers, front speakers could be larger than the rear speakers. That's how you know they are for the front. Otherwise, all speakers have the same shape and size, and can use each for any purpose.

An exception is the central channel. Usually, a center channel is much shorter and wider than the other speakers. It should be used for the center channel. Sometimes, the speaker 5 can be the same, often on a very cheap. You can use one of thesespeakers for any purpose.

Your center channel should always go on top or below the television. However, you have to do is ask! It is not called the center channel at all, you know. Any movie pump almost 90% of voice you hear and most of the rest of the sounds in the central channel. It is essential to your surround sound setup.

Your subwoofer should always be in the ground. If you can not puton the floor, do it as close as possible to the ground. Placement behind the objections or in closets will diminish its effects. In a perfect setup, the subwoofer would be on the floor near the TV (can be left or right) on your line of vision. Nothing must block the side of the subwoofer that air will come out (usually covered by a grill protecting the subwoofer itself.)

When it comes to finding a good place for your speakers, you can ride a horse. Youusually buy compatible speaker stands online or in store. You can also
use existing shelving, shelving store, or place them on tables or other objects. No matter how you do, try to keep as close to the speakers at ear level as possible. A loudspeaker mounted on the ceiling of your room does not give the optimal listening experience.

The last thing to consider is the design of speaker cables. You probably need at least 100 feet of speaker cable, but you will often findeven using a lot more if
try to thread running through the roof, under the carpet, through the basement, or around objects to conceal it. Take measurements and buy at least 10% more than the wire
you think you need. You probably use it!

Wiring

You must know the different types of speaker cables available before the introduction of home theater. If you purchased a home theater (home theater in a box), it is probable that comes with 100 feet of speaker wire terribly cheap. YouI do not want that! Treat yourself: buy high quality cable speaker 14 gauge. Anything above 14 gauge is just to lose weight and be sensitive to interent, loss of quality, and poor quality over long distances. Fourteen years is an indicator of good thickness and suitable for most home theaters. Also make sure its not too thick - the speaker wire simply will not catch the speaker wire on some receivers.

Some receivers use the entries speaker owner. Sony isexample. Many Sony receivers are equipped with special connectors for speaker cables and will not accept standard cable. You will need to use the cable supplied with Sony President, take the advice of loudspeaker cables and Sony put it on your own or buy some of these special connectors from Sony directly to place your speaker cable. My recommendation? Avoid any receivers with standard speaker wire posts, no caps / / connectors. Search for messages to link or other outlets that allow you to slide inand place in a typical speaker wire.

Once you have resolved your speaker wire, you have to do some cutting and stripping, if you chose to buy their own. This is the easiest way it looks, do not worry!

Measure the length of each at a time, cut the speaker wire with scissors or very large or very sharp knife. Now that you have to strip the wire ends. Use a removal tool or just plain old scissors. You can place the scissors on the cable and gently applya little pressure while turning the scissors on the cable, cut the plastic liner. Finally, you weak enough that only you can drag by pulling with the fingers. You need at least 1 / 4 "from son exposed.

Now you can connect the speakers. Note on speaker cables from the difference between the two extremes. You must use a phone as a positive and a negative as you. Sometimes, the layer of color is different between the two or no text in onenot the other. Keep track of this - the side that is used for the loudspeaker positive, good for use on your receiver. Crossing the two can cause damage, either immediately or in the future. It might work this way, but you do not!

Connecting the speakers is fairly easy. Front left to front left of your receiver center channel speaker, the center of the receiver, etc. .. The rear speakers can be called "Surround" or "Surround Back"instead of just "back", but keep in mind, if you have a receiver of 8.1 or 7.1 channel "surround" may indicate side surround speakers, no rear speakers.

Subwoofers

Your subwoofer will be a bit more complicated. There are different ways to do and many variations of inputs / outputs on the back of the subwoofer. I'll go with the method more standardized and effective first.

You'll need a cable to connect the subwoofer under. If you do nothave one or do not want to buy one, you can substitute a standard RCA cable red or white (or a couple, since they tend to be connected, simply let the cord hang elsewhere). It will work, but it is not really the best way to do it. You'll also need an adapter which is called Y. In the back of your sub, there should be a left / right input (red and white). You plug the Y adapter for these connections, then the cable subwoofer (or RCA cable) to the other end of the Y (note: if you do not have Yadapter, simply select the left or right of entry to connect to).

Now take the other end of the cable and connect it to your receiver from the
Previous subwoofer output. I hope you have an active subwoofer that is, the file is connected to an AC outlet. Everything you need to do now is that the plug and the subwoofer is good.

If you do not have RCA connectors on the subwoofer or if only the cable connectors loudspeaker (and probably not the power), you must connect to the old. Itsfront left and right speakers can be connected to the output connectors of the subwoofer signal to turn on your receiver. Then will run over the left and right inputs on the subwoofer left and right speaker outputs of your receiver . In this way, the subwoofer is powered by the receiver and does not work and an active subwoofer. We also have a power outside of the front speakers with this method. A good idea is to buy a new box, powered to the line RCAshots.

Connect the Dots

You have the makings of hard road. Now we have to connect your TV, DVD and cable / satellite. Always try to use the best options first. If your DVD
HDMI and your receiver has, to use it. If your DVD only has composite, S-Video and component video cable component use. When it comes to audio, it is absolutely necessary
use digital coaxial (jacks are usually orange) or fiber optic (usually theJack is hidden in the drive and it has a door when the door is open, a red light is visible). If you're not one of those two, you will not get true surround sound! When all else fails, use composite (red and white) audio connectors.

Note: Look closely at the connections on the receiver. Everything is labeled as the first series of red, green and blue component video inputs can be labeled as "Comp 1". If you use composite audiocablesfor their sound, you need to connect to the coordination made with "Comp 1". This may not be clear looking at the receiver, so refer to your receiver from the user to know which video inputs, use the audio inputs. Very often, you'll be able to configure the receiver inside the menu with command remotely.

In some receivers, all the component video inputs, for example, are related to onecomposite audio input (usually "DVD") so if you connect more than one input component, which will be competing for sound when more than one device is active. That's why you want to configure the component inputs to use different audio inputs.

The manual is the only way to find a way to do it. Composite video usually in compounds audio inputs with naming conventions like Video 1 -> Video 1, Video2 -> Video 2, etc., but the DVI cable and can not, as a component. You can also configure digital audio inputs to meet the video inputs, you intend to use. For example, if you use a coaxial digital input (perhaps "Digital 1"), and uses component video, you'll want to match "Digital 1" with "Comp 1". Again, consult your manual for how to do that.

See Also - Best Receiver Onkyo TX-8555

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