What is a receiver?
A receiver is so big, heavy thing that connects to speakers and other components (such as a DVD player, TV, CD player, Xbox, PlayStation, iPod, etc..) It 'the "brain" of the show, really. The idea to connect all components of a receiver is the concept of audio / video switching, allowing multiple video sources (such as TV, DVD, camcorder) on the switch TV
thus changing the audio source accordingly - all withoutother than the recipient.
Of course the main purpose behind the audio / video switching with a receiver to drive audio to external speakers as surround sound or stereo.
Most receivers have a variety of inputs, up to 8 speakers and a subwoofer (more commonly, 5.1 or five speakers and a subwoofer), multiple video inputs, and even HDMI inputs. You can connect your Xbox, Plasma and DVD player into the receiver and use a remote control to switch between all the different video switchSources (games, TV, DVD-Video) and have the speakers pumping surround sound. Let's start with inputs and outputs to start. If you do not understand something, read the entire how-to, since most of them will be explained in detail.
Remember that a receiver is the hub of the entire home theater, so this is actually how-to guide you through the basics of connecting the home theater complete.
So, what the hell all this "stuff" is on the back of the receiver?
I'm going toanything on the back of the receiver could be found. What I'm off base this guide is a Harman Kardon AVR-247 will start from the top of the left and on my way right, then I'll start on the left side of the next line and so on.
The first three inputs are for antennas. An FM antenna cable would slide on the first jack and two speaker wires would be the remaining slots for plug-AM. Of course you do not need to connect to your antenna, but ifThey AM / FM reception through your speakers want, you should go ahead and do it. These are standard connections, so if you miss one of your antennas, just go buy a new one for a few dollars.
You have probably heard of composite video. This is a simple video connection over any component (TV, DVD, VCR especially). Its common and cheap. As such, its very low quality.
Use a composite cable RCA video (yellow) and two more RCA cables for audio (red and white stereo). TheProblem is that a composite video cable combines luminance and chrominance in the same cable, reducing the image quality. You lose a lot of sharpness and color begins to degrade from the original source. Be useful if you need to do the additional input or device that is connected only composite video. Alternatively, use something else, like component video. Sounds similar, very different.
S-video is put together after the next series. It uses a different connection type (five pinsin a circle) and offers slightly better video quality. There is also a video-only cable, so it is necessary to separate the audio plug. In this case, you probably need a pair of red and white RCA cables for audio inputs.
Next: a lot of composite audio inputs. These inputs left and right channel RCA cables, typically red and white. They look just like the yellow composite video cable, and it was for them, the yellow for video and audio, but we keep theColor scheme, as it is;) Composite Audio is the bottom-of-the-barrel-Audio. Its perfectly fine to use for the majority, but if you are looking for high quality surround sound, you do not want composite. Game systems like the Wii or Xbox, and very simple DVD players are the perfect complement to the composite audio.
The same goes for VCRs, CD players, and all that one composite audio output. In addition, if you can not surround sound, or the receiver has only two channels (2.1, stereo audio), isnot able to use something different composite audio. Note that there is a composite audio input under each composite video, making it easier, they will match. Put them in the wrong voices and sound when you are in the corresponding video input.
Here we have one of the least used features of a modern receiver: 6 (or 8) direct channel entry. SACD or DVD-Audio: This is only used for two purposes. 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 you need a CD player or DVD / CD player that supports SACD, a receiver with SACD support (as in photo), and, of course, Super Audio CD. DVD Audio is the same idea, different brands, different media (its a DVD, not CD!).
DVD Audio discs are special DVDs that are recorded in 5.1 surround sound and can be played only on devices with them for support. These CDs go all the way up to 7.1 surround sound, which meansYou would need to provide two front, two rear enjoy, two side speakers and a subwoofer for full 7.1 surround sound. Most receivers support up to 7.1 hours, but you will not find DVDs with that kind of capability for movies. 5.1 surround is still the de facto standard, so you do not run out and buy more speakers in the foreseeable future.
You can skip this next little item because it is unique for this type of receiver (Harman Kardon) is. The Bridge "is a proprietary connection they developed for connecting to
aiPod. You must purchase a separate component, a docking station and special cables are connected to the iPod. And 'fully integrated into the receiver, the display
The menus and songs on the LCD front display of the recipient. So you can easily pump the music through your speakers, be it a stereo or surround sound.
Of course, the music on your iPod, stereo sound, so the best thing you can get simulated surround sound or stereo surround sound, is playing the same musicthe two front channels
is defined by rear and center channels. Some receivers do this more intelligently than others, but more on that later.
Here we have our high-end audio inputs / outputs. Basically the same performance wise, you have fiber optic connections (with the square shape) and coaxial digital (like an RCA cable).
Both are 100% digital, while the composite is analog. Received the only way to true surround sound from any source, is to use one of theseConnections (or SACD / DVD-Audio)
Almost all DVD players these days are coaxial or optical or digital outputs (sometimes both). Many high definition cable and satellite boxes also come with these
Connections in order to high-definition 5.1 surround sound channels. The choice between the two, there really is no different in terms of sound quality, so do not hesitate to use you
what you want (or what you are forced to do so).
I do not think I need a framework for the next trick. This is aCouple of power shots. One is to power the receiver and the other for what you want. In this way, if you turn
the receiver, you can force the other machine (be it a DVD player, CD player, cable box, etc.). They are not necessarily recommend, unless you specifically suited
Their needs. And 'useful if you are running outlets, of course.
Something else that you'll never use the D-bus RC-5 input / output. This is for infrared remote controls to take over your home theaterSystem. Frankly, it's not something that none of us will ever use. Some of the high-end real junkies perhaps with something for them, but I never get into a device that uses this technology. Stick to the remote that came with your device, or buy a quality universal remote. You do not need this option. An alternative use for this might be a bit 'more often, if the front of the receiver is blocked (as in a closet), you might get an infrared transmitter to latch on the frontthem. This station would have to agree to connect another device anywhere in the room, the signals from the remote control. The receiving device sends commands to the remote receiver (via the channel that is connected to the front of the infrared transmitter to adjust).
Pre-outs, just below the remote in / out. Pre-outs are used when you want to add one to your sound system to increase the power (and hence volume / audio quality). Average
Users are notWith all this, but the subwoofer preamp output. You want a subwoofer cable from the subwoofer to the subwoofer pre-out so that we can offer
the correct frequencies. This is the correct way to connect your subwoofer to your surround sound system. The other inputs are not used unless you plan to add
an amplifier. This is highly unnecessary for home use. You can add an amplifier, if you try to fill a room the size of a small house with enough sound, but they are not,right?
The speaker-level inputs: Here we finally get to the meat of the system! Harman Kardon receiver to bind with posts to connect the speakers, as shown in the figure. Their
I work alone as a turn counterclockwise, then the speaker wire hidden under the cap, and pull back in a clockwise direction. These are
It gives the speaker cable has a tractor beautiful form that is unable to resolve over time. Other trademarks may be other types of connectors, butbind posts are very common.
You could say that this is a 7.1 channel receiver because of the speaker-level inputs.
You have space for two front left and right, 2 rear speakers left and right
Center channel and two on the left and right "surround" channels that somewhere between the front and rear speakers ("side surround" or 7.1) is located. If you have enough
Speakers, you can go ahead and put those extra 2 side pockets, but will not play on every noteall on a 5.1 DVD. Need a DVD 7.1 supports
Surround sound, and in that time, there is simply no market for this. CD in stereo surround blast through all 7 speakers, however, so for some larger rooms, which is a
Advantage.
Our last set of connectors for this receiver: component video. The best choice for you can be close to the composite or S-video. You will notice that there are a series of three cables (all for video)
usually red, green and blue. I do not think that is what theCable, but - is the video signal by luminance and two separate color channels. Component in the past
It 'was in fact represent R, G, B (splitting the primary colors in transmit and recombining them to the target device), but that is not used in current component video
Connections. Component video can carry high-definition signals all the way up to 1080p, so it's cheaper and more readily available in high definition input.
Not seen on this receiverDVI and HDMI are two all-digital video connections.
HDMI is the new, faster and more powerful video and audio connection on the market. It can wear is the single cable for audio and video in one - not to mention, in high definition.
HDMI must be from the source and display are combined to use all the features that are not supported. Not all DVD players, decoders support both
HDMI audio and video. Being more of a standard now to support both.The advantage is obvious: less clutter, audio and video quality. You can store up
1080p high-definition video and 7.1 surround sound via an HDMI cable. Newer cable and satellite boxes, DVD high-definition DVD players and more expensive receivers
support the full capabilities of HDMI. It could be the best thing to go all-digital.
The last link in this article is DVI. DVI is also all digital like HDMI, but can not process audio signals. HDMI cantechnically superior image
I do not want anyone to recognize the difference. DVI supports high definition video up to 1080p and HDMI. Its use is less frequent now,
but if you bought a new computer or video card for your PC recently, probably has a DVI (or two) door on them. Most computer monitors use DVI now and video cards
followed. HDMI is edging its way into the PC market, but the dominance is seen in the home theaterArena.
Now that you familiarize yourself with common connections we put it all together.
This part of the receiver how-to guide will walk you through hooking a 5.1 surround sound system (5 speakers and a subwoofer) with a high definition television, high-definition cable or satellite box, DVD player and 5.1 receiver.
The TV and components
Where did the TV depends on how big, how big is your room, and sit where you are. When his 50Sitting inches, no more than 10-15 meters, but not less.
A 60 "set is ideal for 12-20 meters. If you have a set of 32 inches, try not to sit more than 8-12 feet away. The receiver, DVD player, cable box and other components should obviously close to each other, but instead of physically on top of each other. All hot, especially on the receiver. If you have no other choice, run a thin plywood between the components to dispense the heat.
Lay OutSpeaker
The first step is to define the layout of the structure. Different rooms require different locations for the speakers and subwoofer. If your room is a typical rectangle, go ahead and place two front left and right speakers somewhere with color TV against the side of the room. The left speaker goes to the left corner, right speaker to the right corner. Do not worry about speaker wire yet (unless the speakers have already connected the speaker cables, in which case, notare now). Note that the speaker is left or right, but depending on how you connect to the receiver. The speakers are not really "left" or "right" means.
Depending on how you purchased your speakers, front speakers could be larger than the rear speakers. Here's how you know they are on the front. Otherwise, all speakers have the same shape and size, and it can all be used for any purpose.
One exception: the center channel. Typically, a centerThe channel is much shorter and wider than the other speakers. Should be used only for the center channel. Sometimes it could be all 5 speakers the same thing, usually on a very low cost structure. You can use this to each speaker for any purpose.
Your center channel should always be directly above or below the TV. But to do this to get it done! It is not the center channel at all, you know. Each film will pump almost 90% of the votes isand hear most of the rest of the sounds through the central channel. It is a very important component for the surround sound setup.
The subwoofer should always lie on the floor. If you can not put them on the floor to get as close as possible to the ground. They will be placed in cabinets or behind objections to decrease their impact. In a perfect setup, the subwoofer would be on the floor near the TV (perhaps to the left or right) is in your field. NothingLock on the side of the subwoofer that air comes out (usually through a grill cover to protect the subwoofer).
If it is a good place for the speaker is, you should assemble. You can usually buy compatible speaker supports shopping online or in. You can also
existing racks, shelving, or upload them to buy tables and other objects. No matter how you do, try to keep the speakers closer to ear level as possible. A spokesman mounted onthe ceiling of your room will not give you the best listening experience.
The last thing you think about the layout of the speaker cables. Perhaps, at least 100 feet of speaker wire, but often with the help of a lot more if you
try wire through the ceiling, under carpets, through the basement to hide, or objects. Take measurements and buy wire at least 10% more than
You think you need. Probably yes!
Wiring
TheirYou need different types of speaker cables are available to first know that your home theater. If you have a (home theater in a box) buy HTIB, probably came with 100ft of horribly cheap speaker wire market. You do not want this! Do yourself a favor: buy some 'high-quality 14-gauge speaker cables. Something greater than 14-gauge needle is very thin and prone to be interence, the loss of quality and low quality over long distances. Fourteen gauge is a good thickness and suitable for most homeTheatres. Make sure its not too thick - some do not fit easily into the connectors of the speaker cables speaker cables for some recipients.
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 cable. You must use the Sony speaker lead, remove the cable end Sony speaker and put it on your own, or buy some of these special connectors from Sony directly to placeon your speaker cables. My advice? Avoid any receivers with non-standard speaker wire posts / jacks / plugs. Search for bind posts or other connectors that allow you to zoom in and suppress a typical speaker cable.
Have you solved the cable, you need some cutting and stripping, if you decide to purchase the same. This is much easier than it looks, so do not worry!
Each measure in length at a time, cutting the speaker wires is really great withScissors or a sharp knife. Now you need to strip the wire ends. Use a stripping tool or simple old scissors. You can cut scissors and gently place the cord Apply Some Pressure, how to rotate the scissors around the cable, carefully in plastic sheeting. In the end, will be weak enough that you just slide by dragging it with your fingers. You need at least 1 / 4 "bare wire.
Now you can with the speakers. Note on your cableDifference between the two ends. You have to use it as a positive and a negative. Sometimes, the coating with a different color between the two, or is the text on one side and not the other. Follow this - depending on which side is used to good speaker, I use it for positive on your receiver. Crossing the two can cause damage, either immediately or in the future. It might work this way but do not want it!
Connecting the speakers is fairly easy. Frontleft to the front of the receiver, center speaker in the center of the receiver, etc. .. The left rear speakers as "surround" or "Surround Back" instead of "behind" may be called, but keep in mind if you have a 7.1 or 8.1-channel receiver, "Surround" may indicate side surround speakers without rear speakers.
Subwoofer
The subwoofer is a little 'more complicated. There are several ways to do it and many variations of inputs / outputs on the back of the subwoofer.I come with more normal and efficient method for the first time.
You are a cable to connect the subwoofer sub a. If you do not have one or do not want to buy one, you can replace a standard red and white RCA cable (or a couple, since they usually are connected, let the other cable dangle). It will work, but it is not really the best way to do it. They also have what is considered a Y-adapter On the back of the sub, should be an entrance on the left / right (red and white). TheirConnect the Y-adapter in these compounds and then the subwoofer cable (or RCA cables) at the other end of the Y (Note: If you do not have a Y adapter, just choose the input connector on the left or right) .
Now take the other end of the cable to the receiver
Subwoofer pre-outs. We hope to have an active subwoofer, which means that it is plugged into an outlet. All you have to do is plug in now and the subwoofer is good.
If you do not have RCA jacksSubwoofer, or it has only the power jack of the speaker (and is probably not running), you must connect it to the old way. The front left and right speakers connect to the subwoofer output jack instead of the receiver. They will then run speaker wire from the left and right inputs on the subwoofer to the left and right speaker outputs of your receiver. In this way, the subwoofer is powered from the receiver and not as good as a powered subwoofer to work. They also have some power away fromThe front speakers with this method. A good idea, a new active subwoofer is in line to buy RCA.
Connecting the Dots
You have the tough stuff out of your way. Now stop turning your TV, DVD, cable / satellite. First test with the best of options. If the DVD
has HDMI and so does using the handset. If the DVD is only composite, S-video and component, use component video cables. When it comes to audio, make sure
Using digitalcoaxial (jacks are usually orange) or fiber optic (usually built into the socket of the device and has a door on it, and when the door is open, a visible red light). If you use one of these, you will not get true surround sound! If all else fails, to composite (red and white) audio connections to fall back.
Note: Look closely at the connections on the receiver. Everything is labeled as the first set of component inputs red, green and blue video labeled "Comp 1". IfUsing Composite cablesfor sound audio, you need to plug into the jacks that coordinate with "Comp 1". This may not be clear the receiver, the receiver manual to find out which video inputs are for use the audio inputs. In most cases, you can configure the menu to remove them from the inside of the receiver with the remote control.
Connected to some receivers, all the component video inputs, for example, a single composite audio input (usually"DVD"), so if you connect more than one component input, will be competing for sound when more than one device is active. That's why you want to configure the inputs for various audio inputs use.
The manual is the only way to know how to do it. Composite video is usually the height of the composite audio inputs with naming conventions like Video 1 -> Video 1, Video 2 -> Video 2, etc., but not as a component and DVI cable. You should alsoto configure digital audio inputs for connecting video inputs you may have regarding the use of planning. For example, if you were using a coaxial digital input (possibly "Digital 1"), and use component video, the "Digital 1" found with "Comp 1". Even the user manual to know how to reference it.
