Specials Outlet

Term Definition
Component to HDMI The receiver's technology can convert component video signals to HDMI signals to send to your monitor. Video conversion offers multiple advantages in convenience, but does not improve the picture quality of your video sources. ( Back )
Composite to Component The receiver's technology can convert composite and/or S-Video signals to component video signals to send to your monitor. It can often also convert composite video to S-Video. Video conversion offers multiple advantages in convenience, but does not improve the picture quality of your video sources. ( Back )
Composite to HDMI The receiver's technology can convert composite video signals to HDMI signals to send to your monitor. Video conversion offers multiple advantages in convenience, but does not improve the picture quality of your video sources. ( Back )
S-Video to Component The receiver's technology can convert composite and/or S-Video signals to component video signals to send to your monitor. It can often also convert composite video to S-Video. Video conversion offers multiple advantages in convenience, but does not improve the picture quality of your video sources. ( Back )
S-Video to HDMI The receiver's technology can convert S-Video signals to HDMI signals to send to your monitor. Video conversion offers multiple advantages in convenience, but does not improve the picture quality of your video sources. ( Back )
192k/24-Bit Capable The 192kHz sampling rate and 24-bit word length capabilities of the DACs allow you to play high-resolution recordings and hear the increased clarity, detail and dynamic range of those recordings. ( Back )
96k/24-bit Capable The 96kHz sampling and 24-bit word length capabilities of the digital-to-analog converters allow you to play high-resolution recordings and hear the increased clarity, detail and dynamic range of those recordings. ( Back )
Audio-Video Inputs The total number of audio/video components that can be connected. ( Back )
Audio Inputs The total number of audio-only components that can be connected. ( Back )
Coaxial Digital Inputs An input that lets you connect any device with a coaxial digital output. Though coaxial digital connections use standard RCA-style jacks, a coaxial digital audio cable designed specifically for the wider frequency bandwidth of digital signals is recommended. ( Back )
Coaxial Digital Outputs An output that lets you connect the receiver to any device with a coaxial digital input, such as a MiniDisc or CD Recorder. Though coaxial digital connections use standard RCA-style jacks, a coaxial digital audio cable designed specifically for the wider frequency bandwidth of digital signals is recommended. ( Back )
Component Video Bandwidth The bandwidth available to send component video signals to your receiver. You'll need bandwidth over 10 MHz to pass on progressive-scan video without noticeable softening of the picture. And for HDTV signals, you'll need bandwidth in the upper 20s or higher to avoid noticeable softening of the picture (with most TVs). ( Back )
Component Video Conversion Home theater receivers and preamp/processors with this feature can convert video signals coming in via component video jacks to a different form of video connection for output to your TV. Note that converting the signal from one connection type to another doesn't necessarily mean an improvement in picture quality or resolution - some receivers make the picture look better, while others merely convert the signal for hookup convenience. ( Back )
Component Video Inputs The total number of Component Video inputs. Instead of transferring video as a single signal through one cable (Composite Video), or as a single cable with luminance (brightness) and chrominance (color) separated (S-Video), Component Video uses three separate cables to transmit the luminance and two components of chrominance. The benefits -- improved color accuracy and less color bleeding -- are especially noticeable on larger-screen TVs. ( Back )
Component Video Monitor Outputs The total number of component video outputs designated specifically for connection to a video monitor. ( Back )
Composite Video Conversion Home theater receivers and preamp/processors with this feature can convert video signals coming in via composite video jacks to a different form of video connection for output to your TV. Note that converting the signal from one connection type to another doesn't necessarily mean an improvement in picture quality or resolution - some receivers make the picture look better, while others merely convert the signal for hookup convenience. ( Back )
Composite Video Monitor Outputs The total number of composite video outputs designated specifically for connection to a video monitor. ( Back )
Depth (inches) The depth of the receiver measured in inches. ( Back )
DLNA Certified A DLNA-certified product can share digital content with or access content from other DLNA-certified products (including many computers and some mobile phones) that are connected to a home network. DLNA product types include Digital Media Servers that store photos, audio files or video files, Digital Media Players that play or display some or all of the content types and Digital Media Printers that respond to commands from other DLNA-certified products. See our Hands-on Research for item-specific details. ( Back )
Dolby Digital The designated digital audio format for DVD, HDTV, and select laserdiscs and satellite TV broadcasts, Dolby Digital can include from one to six channels of sound. "5.1-channel" Dolby Digital has 6 discrete digital audio channels: 5 full-bandwidth channels (for front left/right, center, and surround left/right) and 1 "low frequency effects" subwoofer channel.

Some receivers have Dolby Digital decoding built-in; others, known as "5.1-ready," have a 6-jack input for hooking up an external Dolby Digital decoder (or a DVD player with built-in decoding). ( Back )
Dolby Digital EX This decoding employs a sixth channel of audio information to deliver 6.1-channel sound through a back surround speaker or speakers. This sixth channel is encoded as a matrixed signal within the standard left and right surround channels. Your receiver must also have 6-channel power in order to drive the back surround speaker. Alternately, you can use a 5.1-channel receiver with an auxiliary amplifier or a powered speaker. ( Back )
Dolby Digital Plus A newer version of Dolby Digital found on some Blu-ray high-definition video discs. Dolby Digital Plus can provide up to 7.1 discrete channels of audio. It uses less compression than Dolby Digital, delivering greater sonic detail. You'll need to connect your high-def disc player to a compatible receiver via HDMI or a multichannel analog connection to take advantage of this format. ( Back )
Dolby Pro Logic II Pro Logic II is a Dolby Laboratories technology that produces surround sound from any stereo source. Like Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II has wide-band stereo surround output, giving you a more realistic surround sound experience. In addition, Dolby Pro Logic II allows you to enjoy a "5.1-like" presentation using any analog stereo source. ( Back )
Dolby Pro Logic IIx Pro Logic IIx is another Dolby Laboratories technology that produces surround sound from any stereo source. Like Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx has wide-band stereo surround output, giving you a more realistic surround sound experience. In addition, Dolby Pro Logic II allows you to enjoy a "7.1-like" presentation (complete with four separate surround sound channels) using any analog stereo source. ( Back )
Dolby TrueHD This surround sound format supports up to 7.1 discrete channels of high-quality audio found on some Blu-ray high-definition video discs. It uses "lossless" compression for the closest possible reproduction of the studio's original master. You'll need to connect your high-def disc player to a compatible receiver via HDMI or a multichannel analog connection to take advantage of this new format. See our surround sound format overview for more information. ( Back )
DTS An established digital multichannel audio format in movie theaters, but a relative newcomer in home theater. Like Dolby Digital, DTS is a "5.1-channel" system. Few DTS-encoded DVDs or CDs are currently available, however the number of compatible DVD players and receivers is growing. ( Back )
DTS ES An upgraded format that gives you 6.1 discrete channels of sound - the 5.1 channels of standard DTS, plus a discrete, full-bandwidth "back surround" channel. That additional channel may be played through one or two speakers, using either a receiver with six-channel amplification, a five-channel receiver supplemented with an additional amplifier, or a powered back surround speaker. ( Back )
DTS HD A newer version of DTS found on some Blu-ray high-definition video discs. DTS-HD (also known as "DTS-HD High Resolution") can provide up to 7.1 discrete channels of audio. It uses less compression than regular DTS, delivering greater sonic detail. You'll need to connect your high-def disc player to a compatible receiver via HDMI or a multichannel analog connection to take advantage of this new format. ( Back )
DTS HD Master Audio This surround sound format supports up to 7.1 discrete channels of high-quality audio found on some Blu-ray high-definition video discs. It uses "lossless" compression for the closest possible reproduction of the studio's original master. You'll need to connect your high-def disc player to a compatible receiver via HDMI or a multichannel analog connection to take advantage of this new format. ( Back )
DTS Neo:6 These modes can translate any home theater or stereo source into 6.1-channel sound. Some Neo:6 modes are designed to enhance movies, while others are specialized for music applications. ( Back )
DVI Inputs The total number of DVI, or Digital Visual Interface, inputs on a receiver. DVI connections transfer the video signal digitally from sources such as DVD players or HDTV tuners. ( Back )
DVI Monitor Outputs The total number of DVI, or Digital Visual Interface, outputs designated specifically for connection to a video monitor. DVI connections transfer the video signal digitally from sources such as DVD players or HDTV tuners. ( Back )
Ethernet Port An input for connecting CAT-5 cable to create a wired network in your home. ( Back )
FM Sensitivity Indicates a receiver's ability to pick up FM signals (a lower number is better). ( Back )
Frequency Bandwidth (stereo) The frequency range within which the receiver produces its stereo RMS power rating (optimal is 20 - 20,000 Hz, the range of human hearing). ( Back )
Front A/V Inputs Gives you easily accessible video inputs on the receiver's front panel. Ideal for quickly connecting a camcorder or any other portable video source. ( Back )
Front Surround Power (watts x 3) The continuous power rating for each of the front left, right, and center speaker output channels when the receiver is in surround mode. ( Back )
HDMI Inputs The total number of HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, inputs on a receiver. HDMI is a multi-pin interface that transfers uncompressed digital video with HDCP copy protection and multichannel audio. ( Back )
HDMI Monitor Outputs The total number of HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, outputs designated specifically for connection to a video monitor. HDMI connections transfer the video signal digitally from sources such as DVD players or HDTV tuners. ( Back )
Height (inches) The receiver's height measured in inches. ( Back )
i.Link/IEEE 1394 Connection i.LINK, also known as IEEE 1394 or FireWire, is an extremely fast (up to 400 megabits per second), two-way digital connection used between computers and peripherals like digital camcorders. It is used in digital camcorders because it is one of the few connections capable of quickly transferring full-motion video. Most consumer video equipment uses 4-pin i.LINK ports and connectors, but some peripherals employ a 6-pin i.LINK configuration. ( Back )
Labor Warranty The manufacturer's warranty period for labor. ( Back )
LCD Remote A remote with an LCD display can enhance your home theater experience by providing confirmation that you have pushed the proper remote buttons, and can provide other information, based on the system. 2-way LCD remotes can display information such as CD-Text and receiver status data, again depending on the system. ( Back )
Learning Remote Also called a programmable remote, this type of remote can be programmed to perform specific commands of other remotes. ( Back )
Main Speaker Output Pairs The number of pairs of stereo speaker outputs. Two pairs make it easy to connect a second set of stereo speakers in a second listening area. Multi-zone speaker outputs are not counted as main speaker outputs, because they can provide playback from one source while the main speaker outputs provide output from another source. ( Back )
Main Speaker Terminals The type of connector on the receiver's back panel for hooking up your stereo speaker cables. ( Back )
MP3 Decoding The ability of the receiver to decode MP3 signals from a computer's sound card or a portable MP3 recorder. This allows you to play your MP3 files through your receiver and home speakers. ( Back )
Multi-channel Inputs This multi-jack input lets you hook up an external multichannel (Dolby Digital, DTS) decoder, or a DVD player with built-in decoding. Known as "5.1-ready," these receivers are also compatible with new 5.1-channel music formats like DVD-Audio. Some models will accept 7.1-channel inputs to accommodate THX Surround EX sources. ( Back )
Multibrand Remote Control Also called universal remotes, these have pre-programmed codes for popular brands of gear. ( Back )
Multiple Zones/Sources Multiple Zones let you play audio in more than one room or area, while Multiple Sources let you direct different audio sources to different zones. Of course, you'll need to have enough speakers! ( Back )
On-Screen Display Information about the status of the receiver's functions displays on the TV screen, provided there is a direct video connection from the receiver to the TV. ( Back )
Optical Digital Inputs An input that lets you connect any device with a standard optical digital output. Optical digital connections require a special type of fiber optic cable, known as Toslink. Since the signal is carried optically rather than electronically, an optical cable is virtually impervious to magnetic or electrical interference. ( Back )
Optical Digital Outputs An output that lets you connect the receiver to any device with a standard optical digital input, such as a MiniDisc or CD Recorder. Optical digital connections require a special type of fiber optic cable, known as Toslink. ( Back )
Parts Warranty The manufacturer's warranty period for parts. ( Back )
Phono Input Lets you connect a turntable directly to the receiver without the need for an outboard phono preamp. ( Back )
Preamp Outputs The total number of individual preamp-level signal outputs. Preamp outputs let you easily connect an external amplifier or a powered subwoofer. ( Back )
Remote Control The capabilities of receiver remotes can vary a lot from brand to brand, and even from model to model. We group remotes into three different categories:
  • Unified remotes can operate several audio or video components from the same manufacturer.
  • Multibrand remotes have pre-programmed codes for popular brands of gear.
  • Programmable remotes (also called learning remotes) can be programmed by the user to operate audio/video equipment from other manufacturers.
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S-Video Conversion Home theater receivers and preamp/processors with this feature can convert video signals coming in via S-video jacks to a different form of video connection for output to your TV. Note that converting the signal from one connection type to another doesn't necessarily mean an improvement in picture quality or resolution - some receivers make the picture look better, while others merely convert the signal for hookup convenience. ( Back )
S-Video Inputs The total number of S-Video inputs, front and rear. Using a 4-pin connector, an S-video jack transmits the chrominance (color) and luminance (brightness) portions of a video signal separately, for improved color accuracy and reduced distortion. Receivers with S-video inputs offer convenient remote switching for your high-resolution video sources. ( Back )
S-Video Monitor Outputs The total number of S-Video outputs designated specifically for connection to a video monitor. ( Back )
S-Video Outputs The total number of S-Video outputs, not including "monitor" outputs. Using a 4-pin connector, an S-video jack transmits the chrominance (color) and luminance (brightness) portions of a video signal separately, for improved color accuracy and reduced distortion. Receivers with S-video inputs offer convenient remote switching for your high-resolution video sources. ( Back )
Stereo RMS Power (watts) The continuous power rating (in watts) for each stereo speaker output channel when the receiver is in stereo mode. ( Back )
Subwoofer Outputs (watts) This is a preamp connection for hooking up a powered sub. It can be either a single or dual RCA output. ( Back )
Surround Power (watts- The first number is the continuous power rating (in watts) for each speaker output channel when the receiver is in surround mode. The second number (f listed) tells how many surround speakers the receiver will power. ( Back )
THD in Stereo A measurement of the accuracy of the main left and right amplifier channels. THD refers to the amount of internally generated noise. ( Back )
THX Certification THX Select and THX Ultra are sets of performance standards developed by the engineers at Lucasfilm. To get THX certification, a home theater receiver must meet Lucasfilm's rigorous standards for audio performance, user interface, construction, and compatibility with other THX-certified products.

A THX Select-certified receiver is designed to deliver superbly cinematic performance in rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet. The standards necessary for THX Ultra certification are even more stringent, since THX Ultra receivers are required to provide a premium home theater experience in rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet. THX Ultra 2 is the highest certification, with the most rigorous standards and proprietary surround sound post-processing technologies. ( Back )
THX Surround EX When a THX Surround EX soundtrack is decoded and played back through a 7.1 channel system, you can hear more detailed imaging behind you. THX Surround EX has an additional surround channel signal matrix encoded into the standard surround channel signals of a Dolby Digital soundtrack. Although THX decoding produces the best results with soundtracks that have been recorded with THX Surround processing, this feature can be used with any Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 channel soundtrack. A THX Surround EX receiver will provide amplified or preamp outputs for additional surround speakers. ( Back )
USB Connection Connect your receiver to a computer or other device with USB connections. Makes it possible to play PC audio (Internet MP3s, ripped CD tracks, etc.) through your home A/V system. ( Back )
Video Conversion The receiver's technology can convert composite and/or S-Video signals to component video signals to send to your monitor. It can often also convert composite video to S-Video. Video conversion offers multiple advantages in convenience, but does not improve the picture quality of your video sources. ( Back )
Video Soundfields Preset EQ curves designed to enhance the video soundtracks. Examples of video soundfields are Mono Movie, Large Theater, and Small Theater. ( Back )
Weight (pounds) The actual weight of the receiver measured in pounds. ( Back )
Width (inches) The width of the receiver measured in inches. ( Back )
Crutchfield Signature Products designated as "Crutchfield Signature" fit one or more of the following criteria:
  • Extraordinary features and value
  • Best-in-Class
  • Cutting-edge
  • Unique Technology
  • Unique Solution
Every Signature product comes with free shipping, a 60-day money-back guarantee and free lifetime tech support. ( Back )