An AV receiver is a central component in a more elaborate home theatre setup. It accepts multiple audio and video sources, such as a games console, a media player or a disc player, switches between them, amplifies the sound and sends it to several separate speakers, while passing video through to the television, usually over HDMI.
Compared with a soundbar, an AV receiver with individual speakers can deliver more accurate, powerful sound and true surround or Dolby Atmos playback with real overhead or side speakers, at the cost of more cables, more space and more setup effort. Many receivers also include automatic calibration using a supplied microphone, which measures the room and adjusts levels and timing for each speaker.
An AV receiver suits viewers who want the most capable, flexible sound system and are willing to manage multiple speakers and cabling, while a soundbar remains the simpler route for most living rooms. See our soundbar guide for how the two approaches compare.
