Receiver

A receiver is an audio device that integrates the functions of several audio components, which are also sold as stand alone components. These functions include:

• Tuner: A receiver acts as a tuner to receive AM and FM signals. It may also receive XM or Sirius Satellite signals (subscription required), HD radio signals, and/or Internet radio.
• Amplifier: The signals from the tuner and from the attached media players (CD player, MP3 player, cassette player, etc) are amplified and then sent to the attached speakers. The amplifier makes the signals powerful enough to generate sound in the speakers.

Switching

A receiver switches between the various inputs devices (the integrated tuner, the CD player, the MP3 player, etc.) so only one plays at a time. It also enables you to choose one video source at a time to send to your video screen. The receiver may also give you the ability to connect speakers in multiple rooms of your home, and enable you to switch between one or more speaker systems at a time.