Amplifier / AVR !!!!!!! Confused

[ramvalleru]

1: Amplifier is used for only music systems only and not for Video output?
2: AVR serve Audio and Video purpose?

That's it or any other diff

 

[Audiodoc]

An AVR has the capability to decode Dolby and DTS encoded surround sound tracks as well as amplify them. Others have video pass through without video processing while the higher end ones have video processing (upscaling etc.).

On the contrary the stereo amplifier has amplification alone.

If you intend to play music alone a stereo amplifier will perform better from an equally priced AVR however for home theater solution AVR is the way to go.

 

[aakashr]

well explained Audiodoc!!! +1

 

[jaudere]

AVR : Audio + Video processor + Receiver (radio)
It will have audio processing (and in some, video processing as Audiodoc has explained) and it will also have amplification part.

One may not need video capabilities of AVR if the TV has adeqauet HDMI inputs depending on the no. of sources.
Similarly a very good DVD/ BD player having 5.1 or 7.1 analogue outs can beconnected to simple 6 or 8 channnel amp for amplification

However AVR will be more convenient due to multiple features other than decoding like control with single remote, bass management, night mode,crossover settings etc.

It is said that AVR has to do too many things together and that's why may not perform as well as a dedicated amplifier if only amplification is considered.

There are some stereo amplifiers (like Harman kardon 3380/3490) which offer decoding but they are rare.