Home Theatre Basics: Processors, A/V Receivers, Speakers and Displays

Picking up from where we last left off – media formats for your home theatre system – we’re moving on to discussing the actual workings of an entire system. In this post you’ll understand how media actually reaches the AV devices we so carefully pick and choose and recommend to you for your best experience. 

These are the basic components that make up a home theatre system work. They are interconnected and interdependent, and work together in producing the best possible output for .

1. Processors: They do a lot of the “smart” work in the entire system. A processor allows the user to switch between various input sources ( for example, a set top box, a PS4, and a Blu-Ray player ). It receives the composite ( audio + video ) digital signal from the media player, and decodes it into its audio and video parts. The processor allows the user to switch between output video displays, and sends the video signal to the display. It further decodes the audio signal into separate channels, to prepare the audio signals to be sent to different speakers. The audio signals can also be modified by changing levels or applying equalisation to name a couple of examples. Today’s processors also have network connectivity and media streaming services built in
2. Amplifier: The pre-amplified audio signal form the processor is sent to the amplifier stage. The vast majority of home theater speakers are passive, and therefore need an external amplifier to handle the signal from the processor. The exception is the subwoofer, which most often has an amplifier built in
3. Display device: is the component that lets you view visual data as an output. In a home theater scenario, we typically refer to TVs or projectors. With output video switching and motorized screens, it’s also possible to have both types of displays in the same room, with the TV for casual watching and the projector for a more immersive movie experience
4. Speakers: are purely responsible for the type, nature and quality of audio output that you can have. They are the primary audio output component. Investing in good set of speakers is key in a home theatre system as this is what will make the difference in providing an experience that is superlative to an average television viewing system. The best part about speakers compared to other components is that speakers are like a fine wine – they age well and sound better and better as they are broken in. If handled with care, speakers can last for decades.

Hang on, what is an A/V Receiver then?

Yes, you’re right, you’ve probably heard the term A/V Receiver or AVR. An AVR combines the processor and amplifier into a single monolithic device for the sake of convenience and cost. For higher end systems, separate processors and amplifiers are available, and the capability of specialized processors and quality of specialized amplifiers far exceed those of AVRs. Choosing which combination to give for a particular customer is a key part of system integration and application.

Can any speakers work with any AVR?

Yes and no. While an AVR can drive all passive speakers, it’s important to match the sound signature of the speakers to the AVR, to match the impedance of both, and to match the power output of the AVR with the sensitivity and power handling of the speakers. Careful system matching is imperative to obtain an optimal performance.

What displays are best – projectors or TVs?

Again, it depends completely on the application. While projectors deliver an immersive cinema like experience, they aren’t great in living room type applications with a lot of natural light during the day. As we’ve mentioned before, hybrid systems are also possible that allow TVs and projectors to be used in the same system

I’m confused. What do I do?

There are a dizzying number of options, between speakers, AVRs, processors, amplifiers, and the different permutations and combinations possible. And always remember – the best system isn’t about the maximum money spent, it’s about knowing how to match all the components and where to spend money wisely. 

Come talk to our experts at Cinebels. In showrooms such as in Mumbai, we have over 70 speakers connected at all times, with various options in AVRs, processors, amplifiers, TVs, and projectors. The best way for you to decide what works for you is to experience everything and then pick what you like the best, in a budget that fits your pocket!