Connect a receiver for your home theater

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What is a receiver?

A receiver is very large, how heavy it can connect the speakers and other elements to form (like a DVD player, TV, CD player, Xbox, PlayStation, iPod, etc.) Is the "brains" of the show, really . The idea of all components to a receiver is the concept of audio / video switching, which allows different video sources (eg TV, DVD, camcorder) on your TV
thus changing the audio source - all without touching anything,but the recipient.

Of course, the main purpose of audio / video is changing is the conduct of a receptor for external audio speakers as surround sound or stereo speakers.

Most receivers have a variety of inputs, and more specifically to the 8 speakers and a subwoofer (, 5,1, or five speakers and a subwoofer), multiple video inputs, even HDMI. You can connect the Xbox console, plasma and DVD player to your receiver and use a remote to switch between video sources(Games, TV, DVD-Video) and pumping surround sound speakers. Let's start with the inputs and outputs. If you do not understand something, through all the how-to, since most of them are explained in detail to read.

Remember that a receiver is the center of the theater of the whole house, so this example actually perform the basics of connecting your home theater complete.

So what the hell is all this "stuff" in the back of the receiver?

I'll just goabout everything you'd find in the back of the receiver. The one I'm off base in this guide is a Harman Kardon AVR-247 going through the top left of the device and start my way to the right, then put on the left, the next row and so on.

The first three inputs are for antennas. An FM antenna wire slides on making first and two speaker cables into the remaining slots for AM is plugged. Of course, you do not have the antenna connector, but if yousuch as AM / FM reception is on the speakers, you want to go ahead and do it. These are standard connections, so if you lose one of their antennae, to go buy a new for a few dollars.

You've probably heard of composite video. This is a very basic video connection that is used most (by a component television, DVD, VCR, in particular). The common and cheap. As such, the very low quality.
Use an RCA composite video cable (yellow) and two RCA audio cables (red and white, stereo). TheThe problem is that a composite video cable combines luminance and chrominance in the same cable, so the image quality. You lose a lot of sharpness and the color begins to deteriorate from the original source. Be useful if the additional entry or the device is connected only via composite video. Otherwise, use something else, like component video. Similar sounds, very different.

S-Video is the next in line after composite. It uses a different type of connector (five pinsin a circle) and gives a little better video quality. It is also a video-only cable, so it must be separated into the audio jack. In this case, it is likely that a few red and white RCA cables for audio inputs.

Next up: a ton of composite audio inputs. These tickets left and right channel RCA cables, red and white. They look like the yellow composite video cable, and can also yellow for video and audio, but we keep theColor scheme as it is;) composite audio is the bottom-of-the-barrel in the audio. It is perfect for most, but if you're looking for a high quality surround sound, you do not want composite. Game systems like the Wii or Xbox, and very basic DVD players are the perfect complement to the composite audio.

The same applies to VCRs, CD players, and all it has only a composite audio output. Also, if you do not have surround sound or receiver only two channels (2.1, stereo sound), thencan not use anything but composite audio. Note that there is an integrated audio input on each composite video input, so it is easy to agree with them. Plug in the wrong and no longer sound when you are in this particular video input.

Here is one of the least used features of a modern receiver: 6 (or 8) channels of direct entry. This is only used for two purposes: SACD or DVD-Audio. SACD Super Audio CD means. This is a proprietary audio formatdeveloped by Sony for special CD recorded in 5.1 surround sound. That means you need a CD or DVD / CD, SACD, a receiver with SACD support (as shown), and naturally supports Super Audio CD. DVD-Audio is the same idea, different brands, different media (the DVD's, not CD!).

DVD-Audio discs are special DVDs in 5.1 surround sound can be recorded and played for them only to support devices. These CDs go all the way up 7.1 surround sound, which meansYou have two front, two rear, two side speakers and a subwoofer to enjoy full 7.1 surround sound. Most recipients of aid to 7.1 now, but you will not find DVDs with that kind of capability for movies. Surround 5.1 is still the de facto standard, so you do not run and buy more speakers in the foreseeable future.

You can skip this next little item because it is exclusive to this brand of receiver (Harman Kardon). The bridge is a property relationship that developed to connect
oneiPod. You must buy a separate component that includes a docking station and special cables to connect to the iPod. It is fully integrated with the receiver, the display
Menus and titles in the receiver's front LCD screen. You can easily pump your tunes through your speakers, stereo or surround sound.

Of course, the music on your iPod sounds, stereo, so the best thing that can happen is to simulate a surround sound or stereo surround sound, the same music in thethe two front channels
is provided by the central and rear channels. Some recipients of this intelligent than others, but more on that later.

Here is our high-end audio inputs and outputs. Basically, have the same performance, you need fiber optic connections (with the quadratic form) and coaxial digital (like a cinch) cable.
Both are 100% digital, analog as it is composed. The only way we can really surround sound from any source is to use one of theseConnections (or SACD / DVD-Audio optional)

Almost all DVD players these days have digital output, either optical or coaxial (sometimes both). Many high definition cable satellite and cable will also come with these
Compounds, so that you can enjoy 5.1-channel surround sound high definition. The choice between the two there is really no different in audio quality, so feel free to use
what he wants (or what we are forced to).

I do not think I have an image for the next snap. This is aPower Supplies couples. One thing is turn on the receiver, the other for what you want. Thus, when turning
by the recipient, type (supply to the other device, either a DVD player, CD player, cable box, whatever). I do not necessarily recommend, unless specifically suits
Your needs. It is useful if you're running low sales, of course.

Another thing that is never used: D-bus RC-5 input / output. This is infrared remote controls for your home theaterSystem. Frankly, something none of us will use. Some of the real goals high could be addicted to something for them, but do not even have a device that uses this technology. Stay on the remote that came with your device or buy a quality universal remote. No need for this option. An alternative use for this might be a bit more common: if the front panel of your receiver is locked (as in a closet), you can get an infrared transmitter on the front endthem. This transmitter would connect to another device anywhere in your room that accepts signals from your remote control. The receiving device sends commands from the remote receiver (through the channel that is connected to the front in the regular infrared transmitter).

Pre-outs, is located directly under the remote control input / output. Pre-out is used when amplifiers can plan for your system (to increase the power and did) so that the volume and audio quality. Average
Users are notUse it for anything other than the subwoofer preamp output. Want to deliver a subwoofer cable from the subwoofer to the subwoofer pre-execution
frequencies on the right. This is the correct way to connect the subwoofer to your surround sound system. The other entries will not be used if you plan to add
an amplifier. This is very necessary for domestic use. You can add an amplifier if you try to fill a space the size of a small house with enough sound, but do not knowRight?

Here we finally have the meat of the system: speaker inputs! Harman Kardon receivers use bind posts for connecting speakers, as shown in the picture. They
Working on the series, since counter-clockwise, then you can sneak the speaker wire on the tops and pull it turning counterclockwise to loosen. This
They give a beautiful setting of your speaker wire tractors, which is not likely to loosen over time. Other brands may use other types of connections, butbind posts are very common.
They might have been able to say it's a 7.1 channel receiver, as the speaker jacks.

You have space for 2 left and right front speakers, 2 rear speakers left and right
a center channel and two on the left and right "surround" channels which are placed on the market somewhere between the front and rear (side surround, or 7.1). If you have enough
Speakers, you can go out and plug in Part 2 are extra, but you can not play any soundall in one DVD 5.1. You need a DVD that supports 7.1
Surround Sound, and at that time, there is simply no market for them. CD stereo surround sound through the explosion with pleasure the 7 speakers, though, so for some larger rooms for use
Advantage.

Our last set of connectors for this receiver: component video. The best video you can change the composite video or S-video. They are (in a series of three cables for video communication),
normally red, green and blue. I do not thinkwhat the cable is not whether - that separates the video signal luminance and two separate color channels. In the last component
was not in fact represent R, G, B (division of the primary colors in transmit and recombining them in the target device), but not in the current component-video
Connections. Component video can carry high definition signals all the way up to 1080p, then it's more cost effective and readily available high definition input.
Not seen in thisReceiver are DVI and HDMI, both all-digital video connections.

HDMI is the newest and fastest, most powerful video and audio connection available immediately. Is the cable, which produces audio and video does not mention one - it's in HD.
HDMI is compatible with the source and the screen is connected to not use all its features. Not all DVD players, cable boxes, support or the recipient of two
Audio and video in HDMI. As more and more precisely to a standardsupport to them. The advantage is clear: less clutter, higher quality audio and video. Can
to 1080p high-definition video and 7.1 surround sound through an HDMI cable. Newer cable and satellite boxes, DVD players HD DVD players, receivers and more expensive
supports the full capability of HDMI. It's the best you can get is how all digital.

The last link in this article is DVI. DVI is also all digital like HDMI, but can not process audio signals.HDMI can give a technically superior
but I think nobody can tell the difference. DVI supports high definition video up to 1080p, and HDMI. Its being used less frequently now,
But if you bought a new computer or video card to your PC recently, you probably have a DVI connector (or two) connector on it. Most computer monitors use DVI video cards and now
have followed suit. HDMI is the edge of his way in the PC market, but its dominance is seen in the home theaterArena.

Now that you've become familiar with common connections, let's connect it all together.

This part of the recipient How-To guide you through the connection of 5.1 surround sound system (5 speakers and a subwoofer) with a high definition TV, a guide to high definition cable or satellite TV, DVD player and 5 , 1 receiver.

Your TV & Components

Where will you put your TV, depending on how big it is, how big your room, and where you are. When its 50Customs, sitting no more than 10-15 feet, but not less.
A 60 is "perfect for 12-20 feet. If you have a set of 32 inches, try to sit no more than 8.12 meters. Your receiver, DVD player, cable and other components which, of course, very close together but are not physically present at the top of each. All hot, especially the receiver. If you have no choice but to push a piece of wood between the components, in order to dispense the heat.

Lay Out OfSpeakers

The first step is to configure your settings. Different rooms call for different locations for the speakers and subwoofer. If your site is a typical rectangle, go ahead and put the two front left and right somewhere flush with the TV on this side of the room. Your left speaker goes to the left corner, right speaker, right around the corner. Do not bother with speaker wire but (unless the speakers come with speaker wire already attached, in this case onlyNow, hanging). Note that the speaker is left or right just depends on how you connect to your receiver. The speakers are not really known as "left" or "right".

Depending on how you acquired your speakers, front speakers could be larger than the rear speakers. That's how you know they are on the front. Otherwise, all speakers of the same shape and size, and each can be used for any purpose.

One exception: the center channel. Normally, a school isChannel is much shorter and wider than the other speakers. It should be used only for the central channel. Sometimes, all 5 speakers might be the same, usually in a very low cost installation. You can use any of these speakers for a particular purpose.

Your center channel should always be directly above or below the TV. However, you have to do it, do it! It's not like the center channel at all, you know. Each film of the pump almost 90% of the vote, which ishearing and most other sounds through the central channel. It is a very important component to the surround settings.

The subwoofer should always be in the ground. If you can not put it on the floor, get on the floor as close as possible. Placement behind objections or in closets will diminish its effects. In an ideal configuration would be that the subwoofer on the floor near the TV (perhaps the left or right) in the line of sight. Nothing shouldBlocking of the subwoofer that goes off the air (usually by a grid to protect the subwoofer covers).

When it comes to finding a good place for the speakers, you should mount partitions. You can usually buy speaker terminals along the line or in stores. Also
existing shelving, buy some shelves, or on tables and other objects. No matter how you do it, you should keep the speakers about ear level close as possible. A spokesman for appeal andthe ceiling of the room is not to give the optimal listening experience.

The last, which is noted on the design of speaker cable. Maybe at least 100 feet of speaker cable, but you often, even more if
You try to wire through your ceiling, under the carpet, through the basement, or around objects to conceal it. The measurements and buy at least 10% over the wire --
Do you think you need. You are probably usingit!

Wiring

You need different types of speaker cable are available for you to know before creating your home theater. If you bought one (Home Theater HTIB) in a box, you probably came with 100 feet of horribly cheap speaker wire. You do not want that! Do yourself a favor: buy some high quality, 14-gauge speaker cable. All that size 14 is more than just interence thin and vulnerable to the loss of shoddy quality and long distances. Fourteen is a good indicatorThick and suitable for most home theaters. Be sure not to be too thick - a speaker cable, just will not fit in the headphone wire in some receivers.

Some receivers use proprietary speaker inputs. Sony is an example. Many Sony receivers have special connectors for speaker wire and will not accept a standard speaker cable. You must use the Sony-provided speaker wire, making the ends of speaker cables from Sony and placed in your account, or buy some of these specificSony connectors directly to the speaker cables. My recommendation? Avoid any receivers with the rule concerning the number of posts of speaker wire / plugs / caps. Search binding posts or other connector that slides in itself, and repress the typical speaker cables allow.

If you have decided that the speaker wire, you have to do some cutting and stripping, if you decide to buy your own. This sounds more difficult than it looks, so do not worry!

Measure the length of each one at a time ofSpeaker wire with either very large scissors or a sharp knife. Now you need to strip the ends of the wire. Use a removal tool or scissors good times. You can use the scissors on the cable in place and easily apply some pressure, while turning the scissors around the cable, carefully cut the plastic liner. Finally, be sufficiently weak that it can only glide pulling it with your fingers. You need at least 1 / 4 "of exposed wire.

Now you can make the connectionSpeakers. Note on speaker wire the difference between the two extremes. You need to use her as positive and one negative. Sometimes the coating in a color different between the two, or there is a text and not the other way. Keep these - depending on which side of the speakers positive, receptor positive use. Crossing the two can cause damage, either immediately or sometime in the future. It could be this way, but do not wantfor!

Connecting the speakers is fairly easy. Front left front left of your receiver, center speaker center of the receiver, etc. .. The rear speakers can be described as "envelope" or "backward" rather than "behind", but keep in mind when you have 7.1 or 8.1-channel receiver Surround can be shown on this page, surround speakers, no rear speakers.

Subwoofer

The subwoofer is certainly a little more complicated. There are different ways to do this andMany variations of inputs / outputs on the back of the subwoofer. I go with the more standard and efficient method for first.

You need a cable to connect the subwoofer sub. If you have an account, or unwilling to buy, you can of standard RCA cables to replace red and white (or a couple, as they are often connected, you can hang the cable otherwise). It works, but it's not really the best way to do this. You also need what is called the Y-adapter In the back of theYour sub should) is a left / right input (red and white. Connecting the Adapter to these compounds and then the subwoofer cable (or RCA cables) to the other end of the Y (Note: If you do not has a Y adapter, just choose the left or right input jack).

Now take the other end of the cable and connect it to your receiver
Subwoofer preamplifier output. I hope you have a low power, which is the AC outlet. All you need do now is connect theSubwoofer is good.

If you do not have RCA jacks on the subwoofer, or simply speaker cable connectors (and) probably not, because you must connect it to the old way. His front left and right ouput jacks plug into the subwoofer instead of your receiver. Then, run speaker wire from the left and right inputs on the subwoofer output on the left and right speakers to your receiver. Thus, the subwoofer is operated by the recipient and notLabor and low power. Also some power of the front speakers with this method. A good idea is to buy a new, online powered subwoofer with RCA connectors.

Connecting the Dots

They made things hard on the road. Quit now, adding to your TV, DVD and cable / satellite. Always try to get the best options first. If the DVD --
HDMI has also, and use your receiver. If you use your DVD S only through composite, S-Video and component video, componentVideo cable. When it comes to audio, it is absolutely necessary
be used for digital coaxial (jacks usually orange) or embedded optical fiber (usually the woman in the unit and has a door on it, and if the door is open, visible red light). If you are not one of them, you will not be true surround sound! If all else fails, resort to composite (red and white) audio connectors.

Note: close to the terminals of the receiver in his eyes. Everything is labeled as the first sentence ofRed, green component video inputs and blue, can be labeled "Comp 1". If you use the composite audio-cablesfor their sound, you need to connect to the outlets to coordinate with "Comp 1. It is not, perhaps because the beneficiaries clearly, so please consult the manual for your receiver to determine which Use video inputs, audio inputs. In most cases you will be able to configure from the internal menu of the receiver with the remote control.

For some receivers, all componentsVideo inputs, for example, are in a single composite audio input is connected (usually "DVD"), so if you have more than one component, will be competing for sound when more than one device is active. That's why to configure the component inputs to use different audio inputs.

My manual is the only way to know how. Composite video game normally until the composite audio inputs with naming conventions like Video 1 -> Video 1, Video 2 ->Video 2, etc, but as Component and DVI cable can not work. You should also configure digital audio inputs match the video inputs to be used. For example, if you're using a digital coaxial input (possibly "Digital 1"), and component video, you want to match "Digital 1" with "Comp 1". Also, see the user guide, how to do this.