An AV receiver handles all surround sound processing and switching between sources and speakers, controlling how each speaker operates and generating sound and acoustic output.

Their primary purpose is to amplify sound from a number of possible audio sources, as well as direct video signals to your television from various sources. The user can program and configure a unit to take inputs from devices such as DVD players, VCRs, etc, and easily select which source you want to direct to your television and have sound output for.