Receiver 1.jpgYour AV receivers is the hub of your home theatre system, however many people don’t realize that it can do a lot more than control the sound on your television! In addition to allowing you to switch between and control your video source, your receiver can also allow you to easily control and play your favorite music through your personal media devices and other sources.

Here are a couple great AV receivers that let you get the most out of all your media:

Pioneer 60-Watt 7.2 Channel AV Receiver (VSX-1124-K)

In addition to being able to handle 4K Ultra HD video, this AV receiver has the ability to enhance all your entertainment! Android and Apple users will be able to wirelessly stream high resolution AIFF, WAV and FLAC files, as well as compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files using either AirPlay or HTC Connect. The Bluetooth adapter also gives you the opportunity to wirelessly connect and stream audio through your smartphone, laptop or tablet. It is also Roku Ready Certified, meaning that you can stream movies, television shows and more music by connecting a Roku Streaming Stick to the back of the receiver. Whatever audio file you choose will be delivered through the connected speakers at 90 watts per channel (or speaker) to give you a powerful, rich sound.

Speaking of speakers, my favorite aspect of this receiver is the Multi-Zone feature, which allows you to listen to different media through various speakers connected to the receiver in different rooms simultaneously. Advanced Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration automatically adjusts for differences in speaker sizes and setup to ensure that each speaker is giving you the optimal sound quality possible in every room. The Subwoofer EQ further adjusts your sound quality by analyzing the distance and characteristics of your subwoofer and adjusting the frequency within four different parameters. The receiver can be controlled by multiple people in multiple rooms with the iControlAV5 app for Apple or the remote control app for Android.

Onkyo 7.2 Channel 3D-Ready Network Receiver with Wifi and Bluetooth

Receiver 2.jpgThis receiver will you play your favorite music in so many ways you won’t know which way to choose! The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity will let you wirelessly stream audio through your smartphone, tablet or laptop without tripping over wires and cords. In addition to 6 HDMI ports and 2 ARC-enabled outputs, this receiver also has USB ports so you can connect and play audio through a flash drive. If you prefer to listen to music streaming services or radio, you can also wirelessly connect to your favorite stations and services, like Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify and SIRIUS XM Internet Radio.

In regards to video quality, this receiver has Qdeo processing technology that will upgrade your video to full HD or 4K HD, if your TV is equipped. The WRAT amplifiers and three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry through your attached speakers will guarantee clear, powerful and high-quality surround sound and the MuliEQ feature will ensure that your speakers and subwoofer are calibrated to whatever room they are placed in.

AV receivers can do a lot more than boost your sound richness and quality when watching a movie – your receiver and the high-quality sound capabilities of the attached channel speakers can also be used to play your favorite music throughout your home! Whether it’s through a hardline, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, AV receivers, like the Pioneer 60-Watt 7.2 Channel AV Receiver and the Onkyo 7.2 Channel 3D-Ready Network Receiver with Wifi and Bluetooth, will let you effortlessly connect your laptop, smartphone, tablet or other music storage devices to the receiver and stream your favorite music or music streaming service (like Pandora or Spotify) through the attached speakers while letting your easily control it from your spot on the couch!

Lucy Woodhead
My focus is to discuss tech products that are trendy and in demand amongst the younger generation. Over the years I have reviewed, compared and wrote about a wide variety of products, including headphones, speakers, sound docks, iPods and mp3 players. With Best Buy’s launch of VIVA and Home & Lifestyle, I have had the opportunity to expand my focus to include a younger person’s perspective on many of these great products as well!