A/V Receiver or home theater system? or both?

[LumbeeChief]

I dont wish to sound ignorant but whats the difference between an a/v receiver and a home theater system, do I need both or just one? I had a htib before and it was good as far as I know of. But in the spring i would like a 7.1 surround sound with a 3d spring. So when I get my 3d TV what do I need for an optimal set-up?

[LordoftheRings]

An A/V receiver is usually a 7-channel amplifier with a preamp section that includes the Surround Sound processing with various DSP surround modes for both Movies & Music, full Bass management, Auto Room Calibration & EQ system, and also an AM/FM tuner, plus a Video processor; and that can also include music streaming from the Internet and a USB port, i-Pod connection, other music from tuners like Sirius Radio, XM Radio, HD Radio, and whatever other radios there are out there ! Ouf! Nowadays an A/V receiver is a computer with EVERYTHING in it, except the kitchen sink, the popcorn machine, and the furniture, including the speakers.

_______________________

A Home Theater System setup is that, plus all the speakers including the subwoofer(s), the TV or screen display with projector, the BD player; and that can also include room treatments, AC power conditioner and purifier, all the interconnect cables and speaker wires, the Satellite or Cable Box, the PS3 Game & BD player, and even the proper seats. And an Audio/Video rack too.

_______________________

So with your eventual 3D TV display, wou want:

1. Five (5) or seven (7) speakers plus one (or two) subwoofer(s).
2. An A/V receiver.
3. A 3D BD player.
4. Your HDMI cables.
5. Your speaker wires and other regular interconnect cables, like for your subwoofer for example.
* And perhaps Banana plug ends for your speaker wires.
** And perhaps 14AWG size of speaker wires.

-> Then you'll be pretty much set up for a good and full basic Home Theater System.

[LumbeeChief]

Dude thanks, So an A/V Receiver is just part of a home theater system? Wow never knew that.

[BIslander]

Yes, an AVR is the heart of a theater system. You hook up everything to the AV receiver and it handles all of the routing and processing. Most HTIBs come with a receiver, speakers, subwoofer, and the wires to connect everything together. Some HTIBs also have a disc player built into the AVR. If you get a standalone AVR, then you need to buy the other pieces separately. That's definitely the way to go. Most HTIBs can't be upgraded. You pretty much have to run with the original equipment or replace the entire system.

If you want 3D, make sure all the devices, including the receiver, can handle 3D. Your player or set top box, receiver, and display all need to support the same type of 3D.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by BIslander

Yes, an AVR is the heart of a theater system. You hook up everything to the AV receiver and it handles all of the routing and processing. Most HTIBs come with a receiver, speakers, subwoofer, and the wires to connect everything together. Some HTIBs also have a disc player built into the AVR. If you get a standalone AVR, then you need to buy the other pieces separately. That's definitely the way to go. Most HTIBs can't be upgraded. You pretty much have to run with the original equipment or replace the entire system.

If you want 3D, make sure all the devices, including the receiver, can handle 3D. Your player or set top box, receiver, and display all need to support the same type of 3D.

Damn...I don't think I have enough money for that! Guess I'll be buying movie tickets if I want to experience 3D.

John