An AV receiver provides a centrally located component to control each device in a home theater system. It also provides the connectivity needed to add speakers or sound components to the home theater set up.http://hometheater.about.com/od/audiocomponents/bb/bybaavreceiver.htm AV receivers are available with a variety of features designed to enhance the listening and viewing experience. There are several models that include 3D technology, Bluetooth compatibility and HD capabilities. Depending upon the amount of additional devices that are going to be part of the home theater system, many receivers include several HDMI inputs or a USB port. These are used to connect a television, DVD or Blu-Ray player, video game console or other stereo component.http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20013715-1.html

High end model receivers may feature more complex technology for video and audio enhancement. This may include customization settings that adjust the speakers and sound quality for the conditions of the listening area automatically or through a calibration process. It may also include features such as the Denon 2310 with Dynamic Volume control. This adjusts the volume between television programs and commercials to avoid sudden changes in the sound level.http://alatest.com/reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/avr-2310ci-receiver-7-1-channels-105-w-channel-0-08-thd-supports-7-devices/po3-76314275,86/#details Less expensive models such as the Sony STR-DH510 still offer the basic features for connectivity, but may provide less input options and may offer a reduced channel size. http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DH510-5-1-channel-High-Definition-Receiver/dp/B0038W0IZO/ref=sr_1_22?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1287176852&sr=1-22

The features and connectivity of AV receivers are important when choosing to purchase the right model for your needs. This tutorial illustrates the differences that may be found in the models and what types of features are important to consider. Also examined here are the connectivity styles for audio, video and other components that may be used with the receiver.

The Denon 1910 features a 7.1 channel surround and HDMI compatibility to use a single cable for both audio and video signals. Audyssey technology provides users features such as auto sound calibration, an on screen display and Dynamic and MultEQ features. The 1910 produces 900 watts of power and uses several built in Dolby audio components. http://alatestreview-cnet.com.com/av-receivers/denon-avr-1910-black/4507-6466_7-33650441.html?tag=mncolBtm;rnav,It is also compatible with Sirius satellite radio. There are four HDMI inputs for additional devices such as a compact disc player or Blu-Ray player. http://alatestreview-cnet.com.com/av-receivers/denon-avr-1910-black/4505-6466_7-33650441.html?tag=rnav#reviewPage1The suggested retail price for this unit is $549.00.http://usa.denon.com/US/Product/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?Catid=3d9614d1-8000-4106-ab91-8192242cab83&SubId=40b5820d-83c2-4e93-9909-60aae60e0bdd&ProductId=2ec7bce2-006e-4124-ba0e-3aac5d9b13af

Ratings

• alaTest : 4.5 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/denon-avr-1910/po3-75593983,86/
• Abt : 5 out of 5 starshttp://www.abt.com/product/40766/Denon-AVR1910.html
• Amazon : 4.4 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR1910-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFPI

Price

$379.88 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR1910-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFPI

Reviews

• "Awesome sound clarity! Plenty of power. "—CNET http://alatestreview-cnet.com.com/av-receivers/denon-avr-1910-black/4505-6466_7-33650441.html?subj=Denon+AVR+1910+black&tag=feed&part=alatest2-cnet

• "Excellent video features. This is a great machine for the price. Tech support is good, too. "—Abt http://www.abt.com/product/40766/Denon-AVR1910.html

• "A system for people who want professional sound. "—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR1910-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFPI

The Onkyo TX-SR608 provides users the ability to connect up to six devices with the HDMI inputs and an output with high definition quality. The inputs are HDMI version 1.4 which provides users the ability to use 3D devices with this receiver. It is a 7.2 channel receiver featuring 100 watts per channel and is compatible for Sirius satellite radio. Optional accessories include an Onkyo iPod or iPhone dock and HD radio tuner dock.http://www.abt.com/product/45471/Onkyo-TXSR608.html The suggested retail price is $599.99.http://www.crutchfield.com/brands/onkyo/

Ratings

• alaTest : 4.5 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/onkyo-tx-sr608/po3-103496000,86/
• Abt : 4.5 out of 5 starshttp://www.abt.com/product/45471/Onkyo-TXSR608.html
• Amazon : 4.1 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR608-7-2-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003BIFOL8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287156598&sr=8-1

Price

$389.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR608-7-2-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003BIFOL8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287156598&sr=8-1

Reviews

• "If you need a receiver that will do everything and pump all inputs over an HDMI output, this is the one to buy. "—alaTest http://alatest.com/expert-reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/onkyo-tx-sr608/pe3-103496000,86/

• "AMAZING receiver for reasonable price. "—Bestcovery http://www.bestcovery.com/onkyo-tx-sr608-receiver?whybest=2&best=8304

• "If you like the ability to configure your equipment, you will love this receiver! "—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR608-7-2-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003BIFOL8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287156598&sr=8-1

The Yamaha receiver provides 665 watts of power and a 7 channel surround. It is satellite ready for use with a Sirius or XM radio home connectivity kit. With an optional Bluetooth adapter from Yamaha, users can enjoy streaming music from a Bluetooth enabled device. YPAO Sound Optimization enables users to customize their listening experience by calibrating the settings according to the room and its conditions. For systems without surround sound speakers, Virtual CINEMA DSP allows customization with only limited equipment.http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V765BL-7-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B001S2RD90 The suggested price of this model is $649.95.http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=5028422

Ratings

• alaTest : 4 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/yamaha-rx-v765/po3-72896416,86/#partner:50512
• Abt : 4.5 out of 5 starshttp://www.abt.com/product/39628/Yamaha-RXV765.html
• Amazon : 4.4 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V765BL-7-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B001S2RD90

Price

$399.95 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V765BL-7-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B001S2RD90

Reviews

• "Nice product and easy to setup. "—alaTest http://alatest.com/user-reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/yamaha-rx-v765/pu3-72896416,86/

• "Amazing Product For The Price. "—Abt http://www.abt.com/product/39628/Yamaha-RXV765.html

• "Great Receiver - Great Value. "—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V765BL-7-Channel-Theater-Receiver/product-reviews/B001S2RD90/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

The Denon 2310 provides users with the ability to receive both HD video and audio with the use of only one HDMI cable. Audyssey offers several features in this unit including Dynamic Volume which adjust the sound for fluctuation between commercials and television programs and MultEQ that customizes the speakers to adjust for varying room conditions. If offers 105 watts of power for each channel and is 1080p compatible. In addition to the 7.1 channel surround, it can also be set up to use the receiver in a secondary location.http://alatest.com/reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/avr-2310ci-receiver-7-1-channels-105-w-channel-0-08-thd-supports-7-devices/po3-76314275,86/#detailsThe suggested retail price is $849.98.http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Denon+-+735W+7.1-Ch.+SIRIUS+Satellite+Radio-Ready+A/V+Receiver/9256547.p?id=1218069775547&skuId=9256547

Ratings

• alaTest : 4.1 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/avr-2310ci-receiver-7-1-channels-105-w-channel-0-08-thd-supports-7-devices/po3-76314275,86/
• Abt : 4.5 out of 5 starshttp://www.abt.com/product/40853/Denon-AVR2310CI.html
• Amazon : 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR2310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFPS

Price

$499.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR2310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFPS

Reviews

• "These new Denons are leading the pack in terms of value for the money. "—alaTest http://alatest.com/user-reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/avr-2310ci-receiver-7-1-channels-105-w-channel-0-08-thd-supports-7-devices/pu3-76314275,86/

• "Denon is spot on again with a quality amp and well featured receiver. "—Abt http://www.abt.com/product/40853/Denon-AVR2310CI.html

• "This is one of the best values in receivers in today's marketplace, IMO, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. "—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR2310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/product-reviews/B002AKKFPS/ref=cm_cr_pr_link_next_2?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&pageNumber=2&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

The Pioneer VSX-1020 is a 7.1 channel receiver that features 3D capabilities and six HDMI inputs for adding several other devices to a home theater system. It also includes connectivity with Apple devices such as an iPod or iPhone for audio. The plug and play integration allows users to listen to MP3s and also view album art and iTunes videos. It is compatible with the Pioneer iControlAV app so that an iPod Touch or iPhone can be used as a remote and control the receiver's other features.http://www.abt.com/product/46381/Pioneer-VSX1020K.html The suggested price is $549.00.http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/PioneerReceivers/ci.VSX-1020-K.Kuro

Ratings

• alaTest : 4.5 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/pioneer-vsx-1020-k/po3-103496266,86/
• Abt : 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://www.abt.com/product/46381/Pioneer-VSX1020K.html
• Amazon : 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039XQQX0/ref=asc_df_B0039XQQX01284619?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-512-30-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0039XQQX0

Price

$419.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039XQQX0/ref=asc_df_B0039XQQX01284619?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-512-30-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0039XQQX0

Reviews

• "Six HDMI inputs, easy iPod connectivity, and sweet sound quality make the Pioneer VSX-1020-K an excellent midrange AV receiver. "—alaTest http://alatest.com/reviews/receiver-amplifier-reviews/pioneer-vsx-1020-k/po3-103496266,86/

• "Outstanding Bang for the Buck. "—Bestcoveryhttp://www.bestcovery.com/pioneer-vsx-1020-k-receiver

• "Extremely impressed! "—Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-VSX-1020-K-Audio-Video-Receiver/product-reviews/B0039XQQX0/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

1. Best Home Receivers
2. Best AV Receiver under $500
3. Best High End AV Receiver
4. Best Value AV Receiver
5. Best Stereo Receiver Overall
6. Best AV Receivers under $1000
7. Best Budget Stereo Receiver
8. Best High End Stereo Receiver
9. Best Stereo Receiver under $500
10. Best LCD TV