A home-theater system needs a heart and brain in order to function normally-this is the purpose of an A/V receiver. Not only does a receiver accept signals from radio and other audio devices, but it also processes, for more detail www.auction-words.com distributes, and amplifies sound and video from selected home-theater components to your various speakers. The inputs and outputs on the back of the receiver are the exterior conduits for carrying signals to the rest of your components, including DVD players, gaming consoles, and speakers.

If you plan to use a BD (Blue-ray Disc) player to watch high-definition video on your HDTV, you'll need to make sure your receiver includes an HDMI port. Also, for more detail www.auction-professional.com doesn't overlook the importance of matching an A/V receiver with an appropriate speaker system that will blend well with other audio devices. Receivers also come equipped with the necessary connections for DVD players, game consoles, Sets (standard-definition TVs), set-top boxes, broadcast antennas, and, of course, speakers.

Power Conditioners & Surge Protectors

Protecting your HDTV investment is just as imperative as choosing the right HDTV for your home-entertainment system. Accessories such as surge protectors and power conditioners can defend your home-theater components from high-voltage spikes and restrict signal interference.

A surge protector is designed to block your HDTV and other entertainment devices from ground voltage spikes and electrical surges. The number of outlets you'll find on a standard surge suppressor can range from just a few to more than 12. Be sure to check the joule (energy) rating on any surge protector; the higher the number, the more energy the surge protector can channel away from your electrical equipment. A joule rating greater than 1,000 is ideal.

Power conditioners perform a slightly different task: While they do serve to protect your home-theater devices, they also improve the audio and video quality of home-theater devices. Filtering out RF (radio frequency) interference and EMI (electromagnetic interference) will effectively clean out the "dirty power" that can prevent you from receiving the best performance from your home-theater system.

HDMI Cables

HDMI is an important connection for an HDTV because it will carry an uncompressed, digital audio/video connection from compatible home-theater components to your HDTV. Even when you connect your HDTV to a DTS (digital theater system) receiver, you'll need to use a HDMI cable to transmit common stereo formats, such as Dolby Digital or multi channel surround sound.

Blue-ray Disc Players

You can be sure to take full advantage of your HDTV with the addition of a BD player. Now that Blue-ray is the sure-fire disc player of the hi-def generation, it's time to make your investment. Blue-ray Disc players will not only play all BD formats but also up convert standard DVDs to 720p or 1080p video resolution on HDTV's. You'll certainly find a use for your HDMI cables, as well. Blue-ray Disc players include HDMI ports for high-quality audio and video playback.

Top-Notch HDTV Components & Accessories

To engage in a superb high-definition experience with your home theater, we can't place enough emphasis on the items that complement your HDTV. Sure, it's fun and exciting to choose a sleek and classy flat-screen, but you won't reach your maximum entertainment capacity if you simply attach your TV to the wall and plug it in. This month, we want to help you choose the best (and necessary) accessories that help keep you on the edge of your seat during every movie you watch.