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.

What is the purpose of an audio receiver?

Put simply, a receiver has two main functions: firstly, it amplifies the sound so it can be fed to your speakers, and secondly, it allows you to select the audio and video you wish to watch.

How does an audio receiver work?

The receiver sends the video on to your television and sends the audio to the decoder. The decoder sorts out the different sound channels from the video signal, and then sends the information to amplifiers for each sound-channel output. These amplifiers are connected to the appropriate speaker or speakers.