You home theater receiver plays an important role in the performance of your equipment. With changes in technology in audio and video, you won�t want to waste a lot of money upgrading your equipment frequently, so here are different kinds of home theater receivers� features and then a brief look at popular models out there so that you�ll get the most for you buck. Power Output � Look for at least channels of amplification, no less. Check specs ratings. Preamp Outputs � Check settings; a high volume setting means more preamp level output, while a low setting means no output. Video / Tape out/VCR Input and Output � If you need these, make sure they are marked (otherwise, you may not have them!) Check compatibility of equipment with your systems for video: Composite Video / S-Video / Component Video / RGB Video. Surround Decoders � This is built into some home theater systems. Check with your system. Popular Kinds of Home Theater Receivers (HTR) Yamaha RX-V1600 � This 7.1 channel HTR offers great sound via 20wpc, high-current, low distortion. If boasts video conversion, automatic setup, THX Cinema Processing and can hook up with XM Satellite Radio. Pioneer Elite VSX-52TX HTR � This THX Select 7.1 channel (110 WPCx7 at .09% THD) boasts Dolby Digital, DTS and Prologic IIx processors, AV switching and remote with LCD display. Denon AVR-2807 HTR � This 7.1 channel has DTS-ES, Dolby Digital-EX, Dolby Pro- DTS-Neo:6, DTS and Logic IIx processors. Also it has multi-zone expandability, Lip-synch adjustment, HDMI and HD-Component switching, plus works with XM-Radio. Marantz SR7500 HTR � This expandable two-channel to full 7.1 channel THX-Select boasts Dolby Prologic IIx, too. It also houses DTS-ES, Dolby Digital EX, Circle Surround 6.1. Yamaha RX-N600 � This 6.1 Channel Network HTR even networks with an iPOD or a PC. It boasts 95wpc x6, high-current, low distortion, front panel USB port, Video Conversion of S-video and much more. Onkyo TX-SR504 � This Entry-Level 7.1 Channel HTR boasts a built-in XM Satellite Radio Tuner and has iPOD dock compatibility, plus more. So since you home theater receiver plays such an important role in the performance of your equipment, especially since you�ll want to �try� to keep up with technology �. Do you homework before you buy. Research the different kinds of home theater receivers and see which features will get you the most value and quality for you buck.
