AVR

A home theater system isn't complete without an audio/visual receiver, or an AVR. An AVR handles all your input sources (DVD player, stereo, VCR, etc.) and routes them through to the speakers in your home theater setup. The most inexpensive AVR will cost you a couple of hundred dollars, while the priciest skyrocket well into the thousands.

AVR Manufacturers and Models
Denon makes several AVR machines that rival all competitors'. The Denon AVR-3805 is compatible with nearly any digital, analog, or video input source. It is a versatile piece that is considered mid-level on the market, but produces high-end sound. The Denon AVR-3805 offers Dolby Digital Surround EX sound and Pro Logic IIx decoding with modes for music, cinema and gaming.

The next step up from the 3805 Denon receiver is the Denon AVR-4806. This AVR is just one step under their top-of-the-line model and features more bells and whistles than most people would know what to do with. The Denon AVR-4806 was the first premium AVR to add satellite radio technology to its functions. As well, this machine was the first to provide analog-to-HDMI video conversion to make video switching more streamlined and preserve system content quality.

Harman/Kardon makes a home audio receiver for a variety of audiences. However, a typical Harmon/Kardon receiver boasts Logic 7 processing. This allows the receiver to convert two-channel audio into five or seven channel signals. Basically, this means that it can adjust to fit the mode of sound you're looking for, including music, movies and games.