Receivers?

[zicmubleu]

Originally Posted by Michael1989

I'm new here and new to receivers and want to know what they do exactly.

I have a 42" LCD, PS3 and 5.1 surround sound.

How would a receiver benefit me of getting the best experience of watching blu-rays?

I want to get the best out of blu-rays so I am thinking of buying one as everyone else seems to have them and rates them, I'm just unfamiliar with them and want to know what their all about really.

Silly question for most of you but any help would be great, thanks.

You wrote that you have 5.1 surround sound so how are you getting that? Basically a receiver is single box unit that includes the preamps, processors with the codecs to decode digital formats, an amplifier section and a radio tuner of various types. If you already have a set up that boosts your TV sound via an HDMI cable out from your TV and/or Blu-ray player you wouldn't benefit much from a receiver except maybe adding some channels for 7.1 sound. If you are referring to a HTIB then a high quality receiver is a general step up, but you most likely will need new speakers to really start reaping any benefit.