The following guide provides close-up images with explanations for each connection. Follow this guide to get comfortable with the different types of inputs and outputs before you set up your home theater receiver. Home theater receivers usually have four or more HDMI inputs and a least one output that connects to a TV or video projector. However, some home theater receivers may have two or three HDMI outputs, similar to the example shown above. When connecting speakers, match the speaker terminals with the speaker placement. This means connecting the center speaker to the center channel speaker terminals, the left front to the main left, the right front to the main right, the surround left to the surround left, and the surround right to the surround right. Some speaker terminals may provide more than one channel option (not at the same time, though). For example, if you want to accommodate a different type of speaker setup—such as for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D Audio, or a powered 2nd Zone—refer to the added illustrations in the user manual to find out which terminals to use and how to assign each correctly. Zone 2 functionality allows you to watch a Blu-ray Disc or DVD movie with surround sound in the main room while someone else listens to a CD player, AM/FM radio, or a two-channel source in another room at the same time. The source components are connected to the receiver and are accessed and controlled separately with the receiver’s remote. This type of connection is used because subwoofers have built-in amplifiers, so the receiver doesn’t power the subwoofer. It only supplies the audio signal. RCA-style audio cables are used for this connection. A separate connection for each channel of audio is provided. This means that just as there are left-channel and right-channel analog audio connections for stereo, for surround sound, it is possible to include separate analog audio connections for the center, left surround, right surround, and, in some cases, left surround back and right surround back. The connections use RCA jacks and cables.
Multichannel Analog Outputs
The most common multichannel analog connection options, which are found mostly in mid- and high-end home theater receivers, are multichannel analog audio outputs. These outputs connect a home theater receiver to external amplifiers. However, when multichannel analog preamp outputs are used, these outputs disable the home theater receiver’s internal amplifiers that are designated for the corresponding channels. You can’t combine the power output of an internal amplifier with an external amplifier for the same channel.
Multichannel Analog Inputs
Some home theater receivers provide multichannel analog audio inputs, but these are rare in newer models. If a home theater receiver has this option, it provides the flexibility to connect some DVD and Blu-ray Disc players or another source component that may offer this as an output connection option.
Component Video
This analog video connection option separates luminance (Y) and color (Pb, Pr or Cb, Cr) into three channels. It requires three cables (colored red, green, and blue) to transfer video from a source device to a receiver or a TV. Component video cables can transfer both standard and high-definition (up to 1080p) video signals. However, most sources restrict signals from passing through component video cables to standard definition due to copy-protection issues.
Composite Video
Composite video uses a single RCA connection (usually yellow, as illustrated in the photo example) to send the color, B/W, and luminance portions of an analog video signal from a source device to a TV or home theater receiver. Composite video signals are standard definition resolution analog signals.
S-Video
S-Video is another type of video connection you might find if you have or purchase an older used home theater receiver. The S-Video cable sends the B/W and color parts of the video signal through separate pins within a single cable connector. This provides better color consistency and edge quality than the composite video option. It has been superseded by both component and HDMI video connections. A growing number of home theater receivers also provide network and internet connectivity. This can be provided by connecting an Ethernet cable to the receiver using a provided Ethernet/LAN port. However, a growing number of home theater receivers provide both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, which provides added flexibility as to where you place the receiver in relation to a broadband router.
RS232
Provides a physical connection to a PC or custom home theater controller.
IR Sensor Cable Input
If this is an input, you can connect an IR blaster cable so that the home theater receiver doesn’t have to be in a direct line of sight for your remote control. If this is an output, it allows the home theater receiver to blast an IR signal to control another receiver.
12V Trigger
This connector allows the receiver to turn other compatible devices on or off or to start some functions, such as lowering or raising a video projection screen. The connections may include one or more of the following:
HDMI Input
This comes in handy when connecting temporary devices, such as digital cameras and smartphones. It is more convenient than having to reach an HDMI input on the back of the receiver.
3.5 mm or RCA Analog Audio Inputs
As shown in the photo.
Mic Jack
Most home theater receivers include an automatic speaker setup feature that uses self-generated test tones. The mic jack is where you connect the mic to receive the tones that the receiver can then analyze and adjust the speaker levels in relation to the room size and acoustic properties.
Headphone Jack
This is usually a 1/4-inch type. You can use an adapter if your headphones use 1/8-inch connectors. When headphones are plugged in, usually, the speakers are disabled.
USB Port
Although not shown in the photo example, some home theater receivers may provide a USB port on the front panel for playing music stored on flash drives or for connecting with an iPod or iPhone.
Composite Video Input
Not shown in the image. Some receivers include a composite video input on the front panel.
Bluetooth. AirPlay. Wireless multi-room audio (DTS Play-Fi, Denon Heos, Yamaha MusicCast, and others). Compatibility with Alexa or Google Assistant.
