Alright, so I can see the purpose of the AV now. Does make sense to own one for the sound quality. Though it really doesn't do anything for video, correct? Can you explain the difference of a $200 AV compared to ones that are $2000+?
Also, how does the AV work? As in, when the player sends the data to it, I figured it would already be decoded by the player, so the AV has nothing to decode. Or is there an option within the player to shut off its decoding and just send the data raw?
Thanks again!
They are very complex devices, and cheap ones are a waste of space.
They have to control all audio inputs. They must be able to verify HDMI for digital rights management.
The processor is the heart of it all and has to be able to decode lots of different codecs from raw bitstream and PCM. It must switch between a myriad of video and audio source, both digital and analog.
The the device has to be able to control channel levels and send the correct audio stream to the right speaker. Also a lot of surround algorithms have to be provided for. Bass management also has to be provided for to divide the bass between speakers and the sub. Also delay has to be provided to the various channels to provide for different speaker distances. In addition many receivers contain complex algorithms for setting channel balance Eq bass management and delay.
Then there is the power amplification after the preamp stage, which after digital to audio conversion has to undergo power amplification to each speaker. Speaker require power, voltage and current.
All this power for amps and processors has to be provide from a powerful power supply.
There are also a myriad of other functions
They are complex pieces of equipment that are complex to set up.
Generally there are significant improvement in performance as you move up the price scale. Some us, like myself regard all receivers as inherently compromised, and use a a preamp/processor and separate power amplification.
If you are contemplating buying a receiver, then do lots of homework to understand what is involved. Download the manual and read it as many times as it takes you to understand it.
Set up generally takes about half a day, for a novice may be longer.
If you can't understand the manual, then don't purchase, unless you have an expert to do the set up for you on site.
If you are only interested in video you are correct a receiver is not necessary. However if you want a like like audio experience along with the video, then a receiver or pre/pro and amps are essential and required.
Audio in my view is well over 50% of the AV experience. In addition to having the pleasure of the video, these systems should be excellent audio reproducers for listening to CDs, SACD, radio and lots of other digital and analog sources.
If you click on the link in my signature you will see a wide range of sources that can be played through an AV system.
In its simplest form a receiver is a complex video and audio switch, video scaler, powerful computer type processor and multichannel power amplifier. That is really complicated.
