page_title: AV receiver
section_title: AV inputs/outputs
hierarchical_section_title: AV receiver / Features / AV inputs/outputs
caption_attribution_description: Internationale Funkausstellung 2012
context_page_description: An audio/video receiver is a consumer electronics component used in a home theater. Its purpose is to receive audio and video signals from a number of sources, and to process them and provide power amplifiers to drive loudspeakers and route the video to displays such as a television, monitor or video projector. Inputs may come from a satellite receiver, radio, DVD players, Blu-ray Disc players, VCRs or video game consoles, among others. The AVR source selection and settings such as volume, are typically set by a remote controller.
context_section_description: There are a variety of possible connections on an AV receiver. Standard connectors include:
  Analog audio (RCA connector, or occasionally XLR connector)
  Digital audio (S/PDIF; TOSLINK or RCA terminated coaxial cable)
  Composite video (RCA connector)
  S-Video
  SCART video (primarily used in Europe and very uncommon in many other parts of the world)
  Component video
  HDMI
  USB (usually involves special computer circuitry to read video formats from a file system)
  Analog audio connections usually use RCA plugs in stereo pairs. Inputs and outputs are both common. Outputs are provided mainly for cassette tape decks.
  Analog audio connections using XLR (Balanced) connectors are uncommon, and are usually found on more expensive receivers.
  Some receivers are also equipped with phono inputs, for connecting a turntable with a magnetic cartridge, although many receivers are lacking this input. In the last years, since vinyl players are gaining popularity, there are some manufacturers of A/V receivers which are offering a phono input on some models. Some receivers also have a selector for either MM/MC cartridge type, or even an impedance selector for cartridge, or some May have more than one Phono input. This feature is mainly offered to allow people owning a turntable to connect it and listen to their vinyl collection. Most receivers will only play in stereo, either front or main speakers, but some receivers may play on all speakers depending on the manufacturer and model.
  Digital connections allow for the transmission of PCM, Dolby Digital or DTS audio. Common devices include CD players, DVD players, or satellite receivers.
  Composite video connections use a single RCA plug on each end. Composite video is standard on all AV receivers allowing for the switching of video devices such as VHS players, cable boxes, and game consoles. DVD players may be connected via composite video connectors although a higher bandwidth connection is recommended.
  S-Video connections offer better quality than composite video. It uses a DIN jack.
  SCART connections generally offer the best quality video at standard-definition, due to the use of pure RGB signalling (although composite and S-Video may alternatively be offered over a SCART connector). SCART provides video and audio in one connection.
  Component video has become the best connection for analog video as higher definitions such as 720p have become common. The YPbPr signalling provides a good compromise between resolution and colour definition.
  HDMI is becoming common on AV receivers. It provides for the transmission of both audio and video. HDMI is a relatively new technology and there are reported issues with devices not properly working with each other (referred to as hand-shake issues between devices), especially cable/satellite boxes connected to a display through an AV receiver. Different levels of support are provided by receivers with HDMI connections. Some will only switch video and not provide for audio processing. Some will not handle multi-channel LPCM. Multi-channel LPCM is a common way for Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD players to transmit the best possible audio.
caption: The AV connections are arrayed in a patch bay at the rear of a unit. Shown here is a 2012 IFA AV receiver. The top cover of the unit, which is normally attached, has been removed.
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