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A/V Receiver Comparison Chart

There are hundreds of A/V receivers on the market worldwide.  To keep our comparison chart manageable, we list some of the most popular and better-built receivers sold in the United States.

• Brands are listed in alphabetical order.  Click here to see explanation of terms.
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Please wait for this chart to load... (43 seconds to download with a 56kbps connection) - Chart last updated April 11, 2003

Brand & Model

Price

Surround Sound Decoding (all have Dolby Digital & DTS)

Audio DAC (kHz, 24-bit)

THX Cert.

Amplification

Audio/Video Inputs & Outputs, Switching

On- Screen Display

Remote Control

Comments

Warrantee

generic "6.1"

THX Surround EX/ Dolby Digital EX

DTS-ES Matrix/ Discrete

Dolby Pro Logic II

DTS 96/24 Neo:6

Stereo Mode (Watts)

Surround Mode* (Watts x channels)

*Surr Mode  Full B/W?

Stereo/ Surround Mode % THD

Audio Inputs (analog/ optical/ coaxial)

Multi-Ch Audio Input

Video Inputs (component/ S-Video/ composite)

Component Video Bandwidth (MHz)

Phono Input

Multi-Ch Preamp Output

Digital Audio Output (optical/ coaxial)

Multi Zones (source/ zone)

Multi- Brand/ Universal/ Learning

LCD/ 2-Way

RF

Denon - makes some of the best-built and better performing A/V receivers with unsurpassed sound quality

AVR-1403

$300

-

-/-

-

Yes

-

-

96

-

70

70 x 5

Yes

0.08

6/1/1

5.1

0/3/4

n/a

-

-

0/0

1/1

-

multi

-

-

Cinema EQ

2-yr

AVR-1602

$400 ($350)

-

-/-

-

Yes

-

-

96

-

70

70 x 5

Yes

0.08

6/1/1

5.1

0/3/4

n/a

-

5.1

1/0

1/2

-

multi

-

-

Cinema EQ; being replaced by the AVR-1603 model

2-yr

AVR-1603

$400

-

-/-

-

Yes

-

-

96

-

80

80 x 5

Yes

0.08

7/3/1

5.1

2/3/4

27

-

5.1

1/0

1/2

-

multi

-

-

Cinema EQ; banana plug speaker binding posts

2-yr

AVR-1803

$500

-

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

96

-

80

80 x 6

Yes

0.08

8/4/1

5.1

2/5/5

27

Yes

-

1/0

2/2

-

multi

-

-

Cinema EQ; can assign 1 amp channel to drive a mono 2nd zone speaker

2-yr

AVR-2802

$800 ($600)

Yes

-/-

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

96

-

90

90 x 6

Yes

0.05

8/3/1

5.1

2/5/5

27

Yes

7.1

1/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

-

-

Cinema EQ; being replaced by the AVR-2803 model

2-yr

AVR-2803 NEW

$800

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

96 x 16

-

90

90 x 7

Yes

0.05

10/4/2

7.1

2/7/7

100

Yes

7.1

1/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

-

-

Cinema EQ; Denon Widescreen 7.1 processing; can assign 2 amp channels to drive 2nd zone speakers

2-yr

AVR-3803

$1,200

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

192 x 16

-

110

110 x 7

Yes

0.05

10/5/2

7.1

2/7/7

100

Yes

7.1

2/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

LCD

-

Cinema EQ; Denon Widescreen 7.1 processing; can assign 2 amp channels to drive 2nd zone speakers; video up-conversion (composite video and S-Video up-converted to component video); anti-resonant chasis; massive power supply; large capacitors

2-yr

AVR-4802

$2,500 ($2,000)

Yes

Yes/-

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

96

Ultra

125

125 x 7

Yes

0.05

11/5/3

7.1

3/8/8

50

Yes

7.1

1/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

LCD touch- screen

Opt

touch-screen LCD remote with optional RF module ($180); being replaced by the AVR-4802R model

2-yr

AVR-4802R NEW

$2,000

Yes

Yes/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

96

Ultra2

125

125 x 7

Yes

0.05

11/5/3

7.1

3/8/8

50

Yes

7.1

1/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

LCD

-

Denon Widescreen 7.1 processing; can assign 2 amp channels to drive 2nd zone speakers; Audio Delay control for lip synch; RS-232C port for system control

2-yr

AVR-5803

$4,300

Yes

Yes/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

Yes

192 x 16

Ultra2

170

170 x 7

Yes

0.05

12/6/5

7.1 x 2

3/8/8

100

Yes

7.1

2/0

3/3

Yes

multi learning

LCD touch- screen

Yes

this model is simply the best receiver money can buy! video up-conversion (composite video and S-Video up-converted to component video)

2-yr

Brand & Model

Price

Surround Sound Decoding (all have Dolby Digital & DTS)

Audio DAC (kHz, 24-bit)

THX Cert.

Amplification

Audio/Video Inputs & Outputs, Switching

On- Screen Display

Remote Control

Comments

Warrantee

generic "6.1"

THX Surround EX/ Dolby Digital EX

DTS-ES Matrix/ Discrete

Dolby Pro Logic II

DTS 96/24 Neo:6

Stereo Mode (Watts)

Surround Mode* (Watts x channels)

*Surr Mode  Full B/W?

Stereo/ Surround Mode % THD

Audio Inputs (analog/ optical/ coaxial)

Multi-Ch Audio Input

Video Inputs (component/ S-Video/ composite)

Component Video Bandwidth (MHz)

Phono Input

Multi-Ch Preamp Output

Digital Audio Output (optical/ coaxial)

Multi Zones (source/ zone)

Multi- Brand/ Universal/ Learning

LCD/ 2-Way

RF

Harman Kardon - makes some of the finer and more innovative A/V receivers with very good sound quality.  All receivers feature Harman Kardon's Logic 7 surround sound.  Power ratings are conservatively rated by Harman Kardon.

AVR 125

$400 ($323)

-

-/-

-

Yes

-

-

192

-

55

45 x 5

Yes

0.07

6/3/3

5.1

0/4/4

n/a

-

-

0/0

1/1

-

-

-

-

frequency response of 10 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB

2-yr

AVR 225

$500 ($350)

-

-/-

-

Yes

-

-

192

-

65

55 x 5

Yes

0.07

7/3/3

5.1

0/5/5

n/a

-

-

1/1

1/1

Yes

multi

-

-

EzSet remote uses built-in microphone to automatically set speaker volume

2-yr

AVR 325

$800 ($550)

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

192

-

65

50 x 7

Yes

0.07

7/3/3

5.1, 7.1

2/5/5

50

-

7.1

1/1

2/3

Yes

multi learning

-

-

EzSet remote; can assign 2 amp channels to drive 2nd zone speakers; RS-232C port for system control

2-yr

AVR 525

$1,000 ($700)

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

192

-

85

70 x 7

Yes

0.07

7/3/3

5.1, 7.1

2/5/5

50

-

7.1

1/1

2/3

Yes

multi learning

-

-

EzSet remote; digital bass management for DVD-Audio or SACD; can assign 2 amp channels to drive 2nd zone speakers; HDCD decoding; backlit remote; RS-232C port for system control

2-yr

AVR 7200

$1,500 ($1,348)

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

192

-

115

100 x 7

Yes

0.07

7/3/3

5.1, 7.1

2/5/5

50

-

7.1

1/1

2/2

Yes

multi learning

LCD 2-Way

-

EzSet remote; can assign 2 amp channels to drive 2nd zone speakers; HDCD decoding; backlit remote; RS-232C port for system control

2-yr

AVR 8000

$2,500

Yes

Yes/-

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

192

Ultra

125

110 x 5

Yes

0.07

10/4/4

5.1, 7.1

3/6/6

50

-

7.1

1/1

2/2

Yes

multi learning

-

-

older model; second zone with S-Video and composite video outputs; HDCD decoding; backlit remote

2-yr

DPR 1001 NEW

$1,000

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

192

-

50

50 x 7 digital

Yes

0.15

7/3/3

7.1

2/5/5

30

-

7.1

1/1

2/2

Yes

multi learning

-

-

EzSet remote; digital amplifier section; can assign 2 amp channels to drive 2nd zone speakers; digital bass management for multi-channel audio (DVD-Audio or SACD)

2-yr

Brand & Model

Price

Surround Sound Decoding (all have Dolby Digital & DTS)

Audio DAC (kHz, 24-bit)

THX Cert.

Amplification

Audio/Video Inputs & Outputs, Switching

On- Screen Display

Remote Control

Comments

Warrantee

generic "6.1"

THX Surround EX/ Dolby Digital EX

DTS-ES Matrix/ Discrete

Dolby Pro Logic II

DTS 96/24 Neo:6

Stereo Mode (Watts)

Surround Mode* (Watts x channels)

*Surr Mode  Full B/W?

Stereo/ Surround Mode % THD

Audio Inputs (analog/ optical/ coaxial)

Multi-Ch Audio Input

Video Inputs (component/ S-Video/ composite)

Component Video Bandwidth (MHz)

Phono Input

Multi-Ch Preamp Output

Digital Audio Output (optical/ coaxial)

Multi Zones (source/ zone)

Multi- Brand/ Universal/ Learning

LCD/ 2-Way

RF

Onkyo - makes some of the better-built A/V receivers with emphasis on audio quality

TX-SR500

$300

-

-/-

-

Yes

-

-

96 x 6

-

65

65 x 5

Yes

0.08

6/2/1

5.1

0/4/4

n/a

-

-

0/0

1/1

-

universal

-

-

Onkyo's WRAT technology offers frequency response of 10 Hz - 100 kHz, +1/-3 dB; banana plug speaker posts; aluminum front panel; oversized power transformer, filter capacitors, and heat sinks

2-yr

TX-SR600

$500

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

192 x 2, 96 x 5

-

80

80 x 6

Yes

0.08

7/3/1

5.1

2/5/5

50

-

-

1/0

1/1

Yes

multi learning

-

-

all of the above; 5-way speaker binding posts

2-yr

TX-SR700

$800 ($569)

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

Neo:6

-

192 x 2, 96 x 5

-

100

100 x 6

Yes

0.08

8/3/1

5.1

2/5/5

50

Yes

6.1

1/1

2/2

Yes

multi learning

-

-

all of the above; can assign 1 amp channel to drive 2nd zone speakers; backlit remote

2-yr

TX-SR800

$1,000

Yes

Yes/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

192 x 6, 96 x 2

Select

100

100 x 7

Yes

0.08

9/4/3

7.1

2/6/6

50

Yes

7.1

1/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

-

-

all of the above; can assign 2 amp channels to drive 2nd zone speakers; composite video to S-Video up-conversion

2-yr

TX-NR900 NEW

$1,500

Yes

Yes/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

192 x 6, 96 x 2

Select

110

110 x 7

Yes

0.08

9/5/3

7.1

2/6/6

50

Yes

7.1

2/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

-

-

all of the above; internet radio capable with Onkyo's Net-Tune protocol via Ethernet port; MP3, WMA, and WAV decoding

2-yr

TX-DS989VER2

$3,300

Yes

Yes/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

192 x 8

Ultra2

130

130 x 7

Yes

0.05

10/3/5

7.1

3/6/6

50

Yes

7.1

1/1

2/2

Yes

multi learning

LCD

-

all of the above, except composite video to S-Video up-conversion; frequency response of 5 Hz - 100 kHz, +1/-3 dB; 1 AC-3 RF coaxial digital input (for LaserDisc player); DB-25 input for 5.1 & 7.1-channel sources; IEEE 1394 upgradable; RS-232C port for future software upgrades; motorized front-panel door

2-yr

Brand & Model

Price

Surround Sound Decoding (all have Dolby Digital & DTS)

Audio DAC (kHz, 24-bit)

THX Cert.

Amplification

Audio/Video Inputs & Outputs, Switching

On- Screen Display

Remote Control

Comments

Warrantee

generic "6.1"

THX Surround EX/ Dolby Digital EX

DTS-ES Matrix/ Discrete

Dolby Pro Logic II

DTS 96/24 Neo:6

Stereo Mode (Watts)

Surround Mode* (Watts x channels)

*Surr Mode  Full B/W?

Stereo/ Surround Mode % THD

Audio Inputs (analog/ optical/ coaxial)

Multi-Ch Audio Input

Video Inputs (component/ S-Video/ composite)

Component Video Bandwidth (MHz)

Phono Input

Multi-Ch Preamp Output

Digital Audio Output (optical/ coaxial)

Multi Zones (source/ zone)

Multi- Brand/ Universal/ Learning

LCD/ 2-Way

RF

Sony - We do not recommend the regular Sony receivers below due to lack of full bandwidth amplification. Instead, consider a Sony ES receiver or an entry-level Denon, Onkyo, or Harman Kardon receiver instead.

STR-DE685

$300 ($240)

-

-

-

Yes

-

-

96

-

100

100 x 5

no

0.09

7/3/1

5.1

2/3/4

?

-

-

1/0

1/1

-

multi

-

-

speaker terminal clips

2-yr

STR-DE885

$400 ($300)

Yes virtual

-/Yes

-

Yes

-

-

96

-

100

100 x 5

no

0.09

9/4/1

5.1

2/3/5

?

Yes

-

1/0

1/1

-

multi

-

-

available in silver or black chassis; banana plug compatible speaker binding posts

2-yr

STR-DE985

$500 ($400)

Yes virtual

-/Yes

-

Yes

-

-

96

-

100

100 x 6

no

0.09

9/4/1

5.1, 6.1

2/4/5

?

Yes

-

1/0

1/1

Yes

multi learning

-

-

available in silver or black chassis; banana plug compatible speaker binding posts

2-yr

Sony ES - Sony ES is the upscale/up-market version of Sony. "ES" stands for "Elevated Standard". All Sony ES components come with a 5-year U.S. warrantee.

STR-DA1ES

$500

-

-

-

Yes

-

-

?

-

100

100 x 5

Yes

0.09

8/4/1

5.1

2/4/5

50

Yes

5.1

1/0

1/1

-

multi learning

-

-

quality Sony ES construction with cast aluminum heat sink, oversized transformers, and aluminum front panel; frequency response out to 100 kHz (good for SACD & DVD-Audio); banana plug compatible speaker binding posts

5-yr

STR-DA2ES

$700

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

?

-

100

100 x 6

Yes

0.09

9/4/1

5.1, 6.1

2/4/5

50

Yes

6.1

1/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

-

-

all of the above; composite to S-Video up-conversion

5-yr

STR-DA4ES

$1,200 ($1,000)

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

?

-

110

110 x 7

Yes

0.05

9/4/2

5.1, 7.1

2/5/5

50

Yes

7.1

1/0

2/2

Yes

multi learning

LCD

-

all of the above; non-linear heat sink fins; frame-and-beam chassis; RS-232 port for software upgrades; second zone with video; original retail $1200, now reduced to $1000

5-yr

STR-DA7ES

$2,500 ($1,500)

Yes

-/Yes

Matrix Discrete

Yes

96/24 Neo:6

-

?

-

120

120 x 7

Yes

0.05

9/4/2

5.1, 7.1

2/5/5

50

Yes

7.1

1/0

3/3

Yes

multi learning

LCD touch- screen 2-Way

-

all of the above; original retail $2500, now reduced to $1500

5-yr

Explanation of Terms

Recommended means TimeForDVD.com recommends this A/V receiver model.
NEW designates that the A/V receiver model has just been introduced in the last three months.
Coming Soon means the A/V receiver model will become available in the near future, within the next three months.
"-" means that the feature is not present.
"?" or blank entry means unknown or information is not available.
 
Brand & Model: The brand and model designation of the A/V receiver.

Price: The typical price a consumer can expect to pay at a retail outlet or online merchant, rounded (up) to the nearest whole (U.S.) dollar.  Prices in parentheses represents the current online sale price.  Click on the link or go the A/V Receiver On Sale page to see the best online price.

Surround Sound Decoding: Summarizes the different surround sound formats that the A/V receiver can decode.  All A/V receivers listed here can decode Dolby Surround Pro-Logic, Dolby Digital, and DTS surround sound formats.  Read our Surround Sound Formats page and the decoding section of our Home Theater Receiver Buying Guide for additional information.

• Generic "6.1": Indicates that the A/V receiver has a generic algorithm for decoding 6.1-channel soundtracks, but the algorithm is not specific to Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES.
• THX Surround EX / Dolby Digital EX: These two "6.1" extended surround sound formats are essentially the same.  They were co-developed by THX and Dolby Laboratories and are licensed from those companies, respectively.  For the purpose of decoding, they are compatible and equivalent.
• DTS-ES Matrix / Discrete: "Matrix" indicates the A/V receiver can decode DTS-ES Matrix, while "Discrete" indicates the receiver can decode DTS-ES Discrete 6.1.
• Dolby Pro Logic II: This is the new version of Dolby Pro Logic that coverts (2-channel) stereo or Dolby Pro Logic-encoded soundtrack into a 5.1-channel soundtrack.
• DTS Neo:6: This DTS surround sound algorithm synthesizes a 5.1-channel soundtrack from a (2-channel) stereo program.  This is the DTS version of Dolby's Pro Logic II.
• Dolby Headphone : Indicates the A/V receiver can perform the digital signal processing required to output a Dolby Headphone soundtrack for headphone use.  Read our Dolby Headphone Overview.

Audio DAC (kHz, 24-bit): Describes the audio digital-to-analog converter (DAC) used in the audio circuitry.  All audio DACs are 24-bit, but varies in terms of sampling frequency, as listed here in kHz.  The number of audio DACs defaults to one.  However, if there are more than one audio DAC used, it is noted here.  For example, "192 x 16" designates that there are 16 DACs, each runs at 192 kHz and are 24-bit in word length.  "192 x 2, 96 x 5" means their are two 192 kHz DACs for the main left and right channels, and five 96 kHz DACs for the other channels (center, left/right surround, back surround, and LFE)

THX Cert.: Indicates whether the receiver is THX certified, as the THX Select, THX Ultra, or the newer THX Ultra2 standard.  For more info, read our THX Overview.

Amplification: The following are key amplification features.  Read the amplification section our Home Theater Receiver Buying Guide for additional info.

• Stereo Mode (Watts): Lists how much power in root mean square (RMS) Watts the A/V receiver is rated in (2-channel) stereo mode, with both channels driven simultaneously.  Do not compare using peak Watts, use RMS Watts since it represents continuous power.
• Surround Mode* (Watts x channels): Lists how much power in root mean square (RMS) Watts the A/V receiver is rated in surround sound mode, with all channels driven simultaneously.  The number of channels indicate how many channels the A/V receiver is capable of amplifying.  Five channels are needed for 5.1-channel Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound.  Six or seven channels of amplifications are needed for Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES extended surround sound.  Do not compare using peak Watts, use RMS Watts since it represents continuous power.  A "digital" listing indicates a digital amplifier section.
• *Surr Mode Full B/W?: Indicates if the A/V receiver is capable of amplifying the entire range range of human audible frequency, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, in the surround mode.  Audio enthusiasts should seek to buy only full bandwidth capable A/V receivers.  If the A/V receiver is not full bandwidth, then the previous surround mode power rating is measured only at the 1,000 Hz frequency, which basically renders the surround mode power specification useless.  All of the A/V receivers listed here are full bandwidth in the stereo mode.
• Stereo/Surround Mode % THD: Lists the total harmonic distortion (THD) in terms of percentage for the stereo and surround modes.  If only one number is listed, then it represents both stereo and surround modes.  If there is a slash ("/") separating two numbers, then the numbers represent the THD for stereo mode and surround mode, respectively.  THD values between 0.05 and 0.08% are generally considered good.  The lower the THD number, the cleaner the sound.  Don't read too much into these numbers across manufacturers, since manufacturers may play games with specsmanship.  Compare this number across A/V receivers from the same manufacturer.

Audio/Video Inputs & Outputs, Switching: The following are key input, output, and switching features.  Read our Home Theater Receiver Buying Guide for additional info.

• Audio Inputs (analog/optical/coaxial): Lists the number of audio inputs by type, analog (stereo RCA type), optical ("Toslink"), and coaxial formats, respectively.  The more of each type of audio input, the better.  If there is a phono input, it is counted in the number of analog audio inputs.
• Multi-Ch Audio Input: Lists sets of multi-channel audio inputs, used for connecting a Super Audio CD (SACD) player or DVD-Audio player, or a DVD-Video player with built-in Dolby Digital and/or DTS decoder.  "5.1, 7.1" indicates that there is one set of 5.1-channel audio inputs and another set of 7.1-channel audio inputs.  At least one 5.1-channel audio input is highly recommended.
• Video Inputs (component/S-Video/composite): Lists the number of video inputs by type, component video, S-Video, and composite video, respectively.  The more of each type of video input, the better.  If the A/V receiver has component video inputs, check the next entry below.  Component video connection is recommended for HDTV and DVD-Video.
• Component Video Bandwidth (MHz): If the A/V receiver has component video switching, this specification indicates whether the switching circuitry can pass high definition video signals without significant degradation.  A bandwidth of at least 50 MHz is recommended for high definition switching without signal degradation.  Higher bandwidth, up to 100 MHz, is even better.
• Phono Input: Indicates if the A/V receiver has an analog audio input jack for phono (i.e., record player, turntable) input.  Turntables should be connected using a dedicated analog phono input jack designed as "phono". While it looks like any other stereo analog input jack, the phono analog audio input signal is very small in voltage (a few milliVolts versus a tenth of a Volt for line-level signals of other analog audio inputs) so the A/V receiver needs to pre-amplify the phono audio signal with a phono stage. Not all receivers have a pair of phono input jacks, so pay particular attention to phono inputs if you plan to hook up a turntable.  Budget receivers tend to leave this set of inputs out to cut costs.  Alternatively, you could buy a separate phono pre-amplifier, and hook it up between your turntable and A/V receiver.
• Multi-Ch Preamp Output: A preamplifier multi-channel audio output allows the processed audio signal to be passed out, in case you want to use an outboard power amplifier instead of (or in addition to) the A/V receiver's built-in amplification circuitry.  A set of 5.1-channel, 6.1-channel, or 7.1-channel preamp outputs promises greater flexibility, but only the mid-range and higher A/V receivers come with this set of output.
• Digital Audio Output (optical/coaxial): Indicates if the A/V receiver has a digital audio output, either optical and/or coaxial, used for connecting a CD-R/CD-RW recorder.  Usually one of either type is included for this purpose.  If you already have a CD-R/CD-RW recorder, check for compatibility (whether optical or coaxial is supported).
• Multi Zones (source/zone): This describes the A/V receiver's capability to support simultaneous audio output to multiple zones (different areas in your home), including your primary listening area/home theater.  It also indicates how many different source components you can simultaneously select.  For example, "2/2" means that you can listen from 2 different source components (say DVD-Video player and CD player) in two different areas of your home (say home theater and bedroom).  In other words, the same receiver can allow you to watch a DVD-Video in your home theater room and simultaneously let another person listen to the CD player in the bedroom.  Usually, this assumes that you have a separate power amplifier to power the loudspeakers in the bedroom.  A few 7.1-channel receivers allow you to use five channels of amplification for your home theater (to listen to 5.1-channel Dolby Digital or DTS), and use the two remaining channels of amplification to power the loudspeakers placed in another zone.

On-Screen Display: Indicates whether the A/V receiver's user interface can take advantage of a TV screen to provide an on-screen display (OSD).  An on-screen display's visual interface can greatly facilitate the task of setting up and configuring an A/V receiver.  It is less important in everyday day use, particularly since not many folks would want to rely on having to turn on their TV just to change the A/V receiver's input selector to listen to an audio CD.

Remote Control: The following are key features of an A/V receiver's remote control.  Read our Home Theater Receiver Buying Guide for additional info.

• Multi-Brand/Universal/Learning: Since the A/V receiver is the center piece of your home theater system, its remote control should be able to operate other components (DVD player, audio CD player, VCR, TV, etc.), those from the same brand as well as from a few other brands.  This is what is meant by "multi-brand".  A universal remote comes pre-programmed with control codes for a great number of major brands, while learning remotes can actually learn the control codes from any brand.  Learning remotes requires you to "teach" it with the other brand's remote control, though many major brands' control codes should already be pre-programmed.
• LCD/2-Way: An LCD remote control allows you to conveniently read your A/V receiver's menu selections from the remote control's LCD display, right in your hand without having to squint to read the A/V receiver's LED display from across the room.  A  remote control communicates bi-directionally with the receiver to get the receiver's current state and displays it on the LCD display.  In the 2-way configuration, the A/V receiver can actually send data back to the remote control.
• RF: Most remote controls operate using infrared (IR) signals, which require direct line-of-sight (LOS) and therefore cannot penetrate walls and other obstructions.  Some use radio frequency (RF) signals that can go room-to-room, negotiating corners and obstacles.  To operate other components in RF mode, however, these remote controls may require IR blasters.

Comments: Additional comments, as needed, to summarize additional notable features such as:

• circuit construction quality including the use of large filter capacitors, power supply, and transistors
• mechanical construction quality including speaker binding posts (clips, banana jacks, 5-way binding posts), use of aluminum front panel (which reduces airborne vibrations that may degrade the A/V receiver's performance and adds aesthetic appeal for upscale A/V receivers)
• additional remote control features

Warrantee (parts/labor): The length of the warrantee, for parts and labor, if separate.  If only one duration is listed, it is for both parts and labor.  As important as this information is, it is rarely mentioned by manufacturers in their literature or on their web sites.  Don't underestimate the value of a good warrantee.  A warrantee is only as good as the period where both labor and parts are covered.  Depending on the problem, a warrantee with "90-day labor and one-year parts" may be almost useless after the first 90 days, because labor expenses can be a large portion of the repair cost and must be paid by the consumer.  Read this FAQ on whether you should buy a model with a better warrantee or an extended warrantee (i.e., maintenance service plan).

For additional information: read our Home Theater Buying Guide, and see our Glossary & Acronyms page or our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is based on available manufacturer specifications and/or our evaluation of certain models.  While we strive for complete accuracy, we do not warrantee the accuracy of the information presented in these comparison charts.  The reader is advised to confirm these features and specifications prior to purchase.  Please read our Terms of Use and Disclaimer for complete details.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information on this page, please send an e-mail to Feedback@TimeForDVD.com.

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