If you’re in the market to upgrade your home theater receiver, it may be time to do so. The lifespan of your receiver depends on your usage, the technology of the time, and whether it is compatible with current and emerging technologies. For example, if you’re watching movies on a big screen, your receiver may need to be able to support DTS:X or Dolby Atmos.
Is it time to upgrade your home theater receiver?
A home theater receiver is the hub of your home theater system, and older models can hold you back. If you want to experience the full immersive experience of surround sound, you need a receiver with multiple channels. More channels create more discrete locations where sound effects can originate, allowing your movie-watching experience to be more realistic.
An advanced receiver will allow you to bi-amp your speakers, resulting in two channels of power to each speaker. It will also feature digital signal conversion, which will give you better quality audio. Your receiver is the heart of your entire system, so investing in high-quality speakers is pointless if it can’t handle the sound quality.
Some newer models have Bluetooth connectivity built-in. Bluetooth 5.0 is the latest version, which supports more connectivity devices and faster connections. You can upgrade your current receiver to Bluetooth 5.0 to keep up with the latest technology. The most common reason to upgrade is to get surround sound. Surround sound is the most significant difference between TVs and home theaters.
In addition to speaker placement, the size and configuration of your room should be taken into account when choosing a new home theater receiver. A home theater receiver should be powerful enough to handle heavy load peaks without distortion. Having a powered subwoofer and a separate amplifier can reduce the stress on your receiver.
Does it require high-speed Internet connection?
If you want to watch movies and play video games at home, you need to make sure that your home theater receiver is capable of connecting to a high-speed Internet connection. This is crucial because streaming apps can use a lot of bandwidth. You may need to change your settings on your receiver in order to save bandwidth, or your internet service provider may try to get you to upgrade your plan. Therefore, it is important to find out the type of Internet plan you should buy before you hook up your AV receiver.
Does it require Dolby Atmos or DTS:X?
Some people might think that DTS and Atmos are two different technologies, but they are actually the same thing. Both technologies work to create a fuller soundstage. They also allow you to hear dialogue that’s much more precise, especially when you’re watching a movie in 3D. The question is: Which is better?
DTS’s DTS:X immersive audio technology aims to create a three-dimensional sound stage. It does this by treating sounds like objects. It also allows you to control voice volume, which is handy in scenes with a lot of dialogue.
For Dolby Atmos to work, you will need an A/V receiver and one or two pairs of ceiling speakers. These speakers can mount to the ceiling, or they can be placed around the room. These speakers create a spherical 3D sound experience. Ideally, you’ll have one pair of speakers in the front of your seating area and a second pair of speakers behind you.
When choosing a home theater receiver, look for features that support the latest high-resolution audio formats. Many low-cost AV receivers include support for Dolby Atmos. However, these receivers will typically feature less powerful amplifiers. In addition, they’re more suited to smaller rooms. If you’re planning to connect more speakers, consider the extra features available with a high-end receiver.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both surround-sound formats that allow you to experience sound in three dimensions. They are both a step up from the standard 5.1 surround sound.
