What is a receiver?
A receiver is that big, heavy thing that you plug your speakers and other components into (like a DVD player, TV, CD player, Xbox, Playstation, iPod, etc.). It 'the "brains" of the show, really. The idea of all the components of a receiver is the concept of audio / video switching, which allows multiple video sources (eg TV, DVD, camcorder) on your TV
thereby changing the audio source - all without touching anything,but the recipient.
Of course, the main objective underlying audio / video switching is driving a receiver audio for external speakers, like surround sound or stereo speakers.
Most receivers have a variety of inputs, and more precisely to 8 speakers and a subwoofer (, 5.1, or five speakers and a subwoofer), multiple video inputs, and even the HDMI inputs. You can connect the Xbox console, Plasma, and DVD player to the receiver and use a remote to switch between all the different video sources(Games, TV, DVD-Video) and have speakers pump out surround sound. Let's start with inputs and outputs. If you do not understand something, through the whole how-to, since most of them are explained in detail for reading.
I remember that a receiver is the hub of the entire home theater, so this How-To actually perform the basics of connecting your home theater system complete.
So what the hell is all this stuff "on the back of the receiver?
I'm going to pass onlyeverything that can be found on the back of the receiver. What I'm behind this guide is a Harman Kardon AVR-247 I'm going from the top left of the device and start my way right, then start on the left, the next line and so on.
The first three inputs for antennas. An FM antenna cable would slide on the first jack and two power cables in the remaining slots for the PM would take. Of course you do not have the antenna connector, but if youas AM / FM reception will be on your speakers, you want to go ahead and do it. These are the standard connections, so if you lose one of its antennas, just go and buy a new one for a few dollars.
You've probably heard of composite video. This is a very simple video connection no longer used (by a component of TV, DVD, VCR, in particular). The common and cheap. As such, the quality is very low.
Use an RCA cable for composite video (yellow) and two RCA cables for audio (red and white, stereo). TheProblem is that a composite video cable combines luminance and chrominance in the cable itself, so the image quality. You lose a lot of sharpness and color begins to deteriorate from the original source. Be useful if the additional input or device that is connected only via composite video. Otherwise, use something else, like component video. Sounds similar, very different.
S-Video is the next in line after composite. It uses a different type of connector (five-pinin a circle) and gives you slightly better video quality. It 'also a video-only cable, so you have to separate the audio plug. In this case, there will probably be a pair of red and white RCA cables for your audio inputs.
Next up: a ton of composite audio inputs. These inputs use left channel and right channel RCA cables, red and white. They look like the yellow composite video cable, and can also yellow for video and audio, but let's keep ourColor scheme as it is;) Composite Audio is the bottom-of-the-barrel in audio. Its perfect for the most part, but if you are looking for high quality surround sound, you do not want composite. Game systems like the Wii or Xbox, and simple DVD players are the perfect complement to the audio composite.
The same goes for VCRs, CD players, and everything that has only a composite audio output. Plus, if you do not have a surround sound receiver or two channels (2.1, stereo audio), thenable to use anything but composite audio. Note that there is a composite audio input under each composite video input, so it is easy to match them. Plug in the wrong and will no longer sound when it is on this particular video input.
Here we have one of the least used features of a modern receiver: 6 (or 
of the input channels directly. This is only used for two purposes: SACD and DVD-Audio. SACD stands for Super Audio CD. This is a proprietary audio formatdeveloped by Sony for CDs that are special recorded in 5.1 surround sound. This means that you need a CD or a DVD / CD, SACD, a receiver with SACD support (as shown), and naturally supports Super Audio CD. DVD-Audio is the same idea, different brands, different media (its on a DVD, not CD!).
DVD-Audio discs are special DVDs in 5.1 surround sound can be recorded and played for them only for devices with support. These CDs go all the way up to 7.1 surround sound, which meansYou would have two front, two rear, two side speakers and a subwoofer to enjoy full 7.1 surround sound. Most receivers support up to 7.1 hours, but you will not find DVDs with that kind of capacity for movies. Surround 5.1 is still the de facto standard, so do not rush to buy more banks in the near future.
You can skip this next item po 'because it is unique to this brand of receiver (Harman Kardon). The Bridge "is a connection owners have developed to connect
oneiPod. You must purchase a separate component that includes a docking station and special cables to connect the iPod. E 'fully integrated with the receiver, the display
Menus and titles on the front LCD screen of the recipient. You can easily pump your music through the speakers, and stereo or surround.
Of course, the music on your iPod, stereo sound, so the best thing that can happen is a simulated surround sound or stereo surround sound, the same songsthe two front channels
is provided by the rear channels and center. Some receivers of this intelligent than others, but more on that later.
Here we have our high-end audio input and output. After all, have the same performance, you need fiber optic connections (with the quadratic form) and digital coaxial (just like a breeze) cable.
Both are 100% digital, while Composite is analog. The only way you can truly surround sound from any source is to use one of theseConnections (or SACD / DVD-Audio Option)
Almost all DVD players these days have either optical or coaxial digital outputs (sometimes both). Many cable high-definition satellite and cable are also using these
Compounds, so that you can enjoy 5.1-channel surround sound high definition. The choice between the two there is really no different in terms of audio quality, so feel free to use
what you want (or what you have to).
I do not think I have a photo taken for the next. Is aInputs Couple power. One thing is for powering the receiver, the other for what you want. In this way, when you turn
the recipient, the type (power with the other device, be it a DVD player, CD player, cable box, whatever). I'm not necessarily advisable, unless specifically suited
Your needs. E 'useful if you're running low sales, of course.
Something else will never be used: D-bus RC-5 input / output. This is used for infrared remote controls for your home theaterSystem. Frankly, not something that none of us will ever use. Some real high end could be doped with something for them, but I did not even have a device that uses this technology. Keep up on the remote that came with your device, or purchase a high quality universal remote. There is no need for this option. An alternative use for this might be a little 'more common: if the front panel of the receiver is blocked (as in a closet), you can get an infrared transmitter to latch on the frontthem. This transmitter can connect to another device anywhere in the room that accepts signals from the remote. The receiving device sends commands from the remote receiver (via the channel is connected to the front over the regular infrared transmitter).
Pre-outs, is located directly under the remote control in / out. Pre-outs are used when you can schedule an add amplifiers to your system (to increase the power and not) so that the volume and sound quality. Average
Users are notUse it for anything other than the output of the subwoofer preamp. We want to provide a subwoofer cable from the subwoofer to the subwoofer pre-run-out to
the right frequencies. This is the right way to connect the subwoofer to your surround system. The other items will not be used if you plan to add
amplifier. This is highly unnecessary for home use. You can add an amplifier, if you try to fill a space the size of a small house with a sound enough, but do not knowright?
Here we finally have the meat of the system: the inputs speaker! Harman Kardon receivers use bind posts for connecting speakers, as shown in the figure. They
Work on the series as a counter-clockwise, then you can sneak the speaker wire in the plugs and pull back by turning it clockwise to loosen. This
Give a better measure your tractor speaker cables, which can loosen over time. Other brands may use other types of connections, butbind posts are very common.
They might be able to say this is a 7.1 channel receiver, as the inputs of the speakers.
You have space for 2 front left and right, 2 rear speakers left and right,
a center channel and two on the left and right "surround" channels which are placed on the market somewhere between the front and rear speakers (side surround, or 7.1). If you have enough
Speakers, you can go out and connect the 2 sides are extra, but will have no sound onall on a 5.1-DVD. We would need a DVD that supports 7.1
Surround sound, and at that moment, there's simply no market for them. CD stereo surround blast willingly with all 7 speakers, however, so for some larger rooms for the use of
Advantage.
Our last set of connectors for this receiver: component video. Best video that you can change the composite video and S-. Are (a set of all three cables for video communication)
usually red, green and blue. Do not think that is what theCable is doing - if it separates the video signal luminance and two color channels separately. In the passive component
there was in fact represent R, G, B (splitting the primary colors in transmit and recombining the target device), but that is not the current component is video
Connections. Component video can carry high-definition all signals up to 1080p, then it is more cost effective and more readily available high definition input.
You do not see thisReceiver are DVI and HDMI, two all-digital video connections.
HDMI is the newest and fastest, most powerful video and audio connection available immediately. And 'cable, which produces audio and video does not refer to one - which is in high definition.
HDMI is supported by the source and the screen connects to not use all its features. Not all DVD players, cable boxes, the support or the recipient of two
Audio and video HDMI. More and more specifically to a standardsupport of both. The advantage is obvious: less confusion, audio and video quality. You
1080p high-definition video and 7.1 surround sound via an HDMI cable. Newer cable and satellite boxes, DVD players, high definition DVD players, receivers and more expensive
supports the full capability of HDMI. And 'the best you can get is like all digital.
The last link of this article is DVI. DVI is digital, as well as all HDMI, but not able to manage AudioSignals. HDMI may provide a technically superior image
but I think that no one could tell the difference. DVI supports HD video up to 1080p, and HDMI. His being is now used less frequently,
But if you bought a new computer or a video card for your PC recently, probably has a DVI (or two), connector on it. Most computer monitors use DVI video cards and now
have followed suit. HDMI is edge its way into the PC market, but its dominance is seen inhome theater arena.
Now that you are familiar with common connections, let's plug it all together.
This part of the recipient's How-To guide you through hooking a 5.1 surround sound system (5 speakers and a subwoofer) with a high-definition TV, a short high-definition cable or satellite box, DVD player and a receiver 5.1.
Your TV & Components
Where will you put your TV, depending on how big, how big is your room, and where you areSeats. If 50 inches, do not sit more than 10-15 feet away, but not less.
A 60 is "perfect for 12-20 meters. If you have a series of 32 inches, try to sit no more than 8-12 feet away. Receiver, DVD player, cable and other components must, of course, neighbors, but they are not physically on top of each other. All the hot receiver in particular. If you have no choice but to push a thin piece of plywood between the components will help you to surrenderHeat.
Lay Out Speakers
The first step is to expose your configuration. Different rooms calls for different locations for your speakers and subwoofer. If your room is a typical rectangle, go ahead and put the first two left and right somewhere flush with the TV on this side of the room. Your left speaker goes to the left corner, right speaker, right around the corner. Do not bother with speaker wire yet (unless the speakers have speaker wire connectedalready, in this case, they can now pending). Note that the speaker is left or right only depends on how you connect to your receiver. The speakers are not really known as "left" or "right".
Depending on how you purchased your speakers, front speakers could be higher than the rear speakers. That's how you know they are at the front. Otherwise, all the speakers of the same shape and size, and you can use for any purpose.
One exception: the centerChannel. Usually, a center channel is much shorter and broader than that of other speakers. Should be used only for the center channel. Sometimes, all 5 speakers could be the same, usually on a very low installation cost. You can order one of these speakers for a particular purpose.
Your center channel should always be either directly above or below the TV. However, you must do it, get it done! It's not like the center channel at all, you know. Each film is pumpedalmost 90% of the items you feel and most of the rest of the sounds through the central channel. This is a very important component for the configuration of surround sound.
The subwoofer should always be on the floor. If you can not put it down, get on the floor as close as possible. Placed behind objections or in closets will diminish its effects. In a perfect setup, the subwoofer would be on the floor near the TV (also as a left or right) in a rowView. Nothing has been at the side of 'subwoofer unit, the air comes out (usually through a grid to protect the subwoofer covers).
When it comes to finding a good place for the speakers, you should mount those partitions. Usually you can buy speaker terminals or brackets online stores. Can also
existing shelving, buy some shelves, or on tables or other objects. No matter how you do it, you should maintain the level of speakers to your ear close as possible.A loudspeaker mounted on the ceiling of the room is not to give you the optimal listening experience.
The last thing to note about layout is the speaker wire. Perhaps, at least 100 feet of speaker wire, but often with a lot more if you
You try to wire through the ceiling, carpet, through the basement, or around objects to conceal it. Measurements and buy at least 10% more than cable —
Think you need. Are probably usingit!
Wiring
You need different types of speaker cable are available to know before setting up your home theater. If you bought an HTIB (home theater) in a box, probably came with 100ft of speaker wire horribly cheap. You do not want that! Do yourself a favor: buy some high quality, 14-gauge speaker wire. All that is greater than 14-gauge only thin and vulnerable to interence, loss of quality and low quality over long distances. Fourteen gauge is a goodThickness and suitable for most home theaters. Make sure not to be too thick - some speaker wire simply does not fit into the jack speaker cables some receivers.
Some receivers use proprietary speaker inputs. Sony is an example. Many Sony receivers have special connectors for speaker cables and will not accept a standard speaker wire. One must use the Sony-supplied power cable, take the ends of the cables and put it on your Sony, or purchase some of these specificConnectors from Sony directly to the speaker wires. My recommendation? Avoid any receivers with standard speaker cables number of posts / sockets / plugs. Search for Posts binding or other connectors that slide in itself, and a crackdown on a typical speaker cables allow.
If you have resolved your power cable, you need to do some 'cutting and stripping, if you chose to buy their own. This sounds harder than it looks, so do not worry!
Measure at a time from each of lengthSpeaker wire is really great with scissors or a sharp knife. Now you need the tip of the strip of wire. Use a tool for stripping, or good old scissors. You can use the scissors on the cable in place and easily Apply Some Pressure, as twist the scissors around the cable, carefully cut the plastic coating. In the end, will be weak enough that you can just slide out by pulling with your fingers. You need at least 1 / 4 "of exposed wire.
Now you can connectSpeakers. Note on speaker wire the difference between the two ends. You must use your own as a positive and one negative. Sometimes the coating in a color different between the two, or there is a text and not on the opposite side. Keep these - depending on which side is positive speakers, use a positive element for the receiver. The crossing of the two can cause damage, either immediately or in the future. It might work this way, but do not wantto!
Connecting the speakers is fairly easy. Front left front left on your receiver, the center of the center speaker of the receiver, etc. .. The rear speakers can be described as "surround" or "back" instead of "behind", but keep in mind when you have 7.1 or 8.1-channel receiver, "Surround" may be shown on this page, surround speakers, no rear speakers .
Subwoofer
The subwoofer is certainly a bit 'more complicated. There are several ways to do this andmany variations of inputs / outputs on the back of the subwoofer. I'm going with the most standard and efficient way to go for your first.
You need a cable to connect your subwoofer sub. If you have an account yet or will not buy, it is possible for a standard red and white RCA cables to replace (or a couple, because they are usually connected, you can hang the cable than others). It works, but in reality is not the best way to do it. You also need what is called a Y-adapter. On the back ofYour sub should) be a left / right input (red and white. It connects the Y-adapter with these compounds and then the subwoofer cable (or RCA cables) to the other end of the Y (Note: If you has a Y adapter, just choose the entrance to the left or right to plug in).
Now take the other end of the cable and plug in your receiver
Subwoofer preamp output. I hope you have an under-powered, it was AC outlet. All you need to do now is to connect theSubwoofer is good.
If you do not have RCA jacks on your subwoofer, or has just taken the speaker wires (and) probably not powered, you must connect it to the old-fashioned way. Your front left and right speakers will plug into the subwoofer output jack instead of the receiver. Will then run speaker wire from the left and right inputs on the subwoofer output to left and right speakers on the receiver. In this way, the subwoofer is operated by the recipient and notWork and an under-powered. Even some power away from the front speakers with this method. A good idea is to buy a new powered subwoofer with line in RCA jacks.
Connecting the Dots
Have done the hard stuff from the street. Exit Now, with the addition to your TV, DVD and cable / satellite box. Always try to get the best options first. If your DVD —
HDMI is also, and use the receiver. If you use the DVD S only through composite, S-Video and component video, componentVideo cable. When it comes to audio, it is absolutely necessary
be used for digital coaxial (jacks usually orange) or incorporated into fiber optic (usually the female units and a door on it, and if the door is open, a red light is visible). If you're not one of them will not be true surround sound! If all else fails, resort to composite (red and white) audio connectors.
Note: near the terminal for the look of your receiver. All that is labeled as the first sentenceRed, green and blue component video inputs can be labeled as "Comp 1". If you use the composite audio cablesfor your sound, you should plug into the sockets to coordinate with "Comp 1. This is perhaps not by the beneficiaries clearly, so please consult your manual to determine which of the receiver using video inputs, audio inputs. In most cases you will be able to setup from the inside of the receiver with the remote.
For some receivers, all the component videoInput, for example, connected into a single composite audio input (usually "DVD"), so if you have more than one input component, will be competing for sound when more than one device is active. This is why, to configure the component inputs would like to use different audio inputs.
My manual is the only way to know how. Composite video game is typically up to composite audio inputs with naming conventions like Video 1 -> Video 1, Video 2 -> Video 2etc., but as Component and DVI cable will not work. You should also configure digital audio inputs match the video inputs that you plan to use. For example, if you use a digital coaxial input (possibly "Digital 1"), and component video, you want to match "Digital 1" with "Comp 1". Also, consult the user guide, how to perform this operation.
1080p LCD HDTV
