Homer said:
Looking for a receiver,
what are the best features to look for in a dolby digital receiver?
I think this answer may be more in line with the type of info Homer is
need of...
Watts per channel... how much power do you need?
Input number and types... how many devices will be connected and how
will they be connected? (for dolby digital you have optical or coaxial)
Built in decoder -yes/no... Is your source already broken down into 5.1
channels by a DVD player or other source? If so then you don't need an
onboard decoder and won't need the coaxial or optical input.
Video switching... most newer receivers are capable of switching your
video sources for you. If you are using this feature check if the
inputs are what you will be using - S-video, composite, or component
video, and whether the receiver can CONVERT between these different
types of video signals. This is important if you will be using the
receiver to switch your video signals and will be using several
different types of input such as composite from a vcr, s-video from a
cable/sattelite box and component from a dvd player - this way the
receiver can convert all those different types of signal into one type
that matches the input you will be using o your TV/Monitor.
Multi zone... Some receivers have extra speaker outputs that can be
routed to a different room and allow that room to hear the same thing as
the first room, or even a different input. For example watch and listen
to DVD in the living room while someone else listens to the tuner in the
bedroom from the same receiver.
A few other things... make sure you install your receiver where it can
receive proper ventilation. Modern receivers generate lots of heat and
it may be normal for it to feel hot on top. If you install it in a
location where this heat can't easily escape, it may cause the receiver
to overheat. If you're lucky this would only cause it to shut down
before any damage is done, or... it may go up in smoke.
Good luck.
