An AV receiver serves as the central hub of a home theater system, managing the switching and processing of various audio and video inputs. It decodes complex surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to distribute high-fidelity audio across multiple speaker channels. Beyond sound, the receiver acts as a video processor, ensuring that high-definition or 4K signals are routed cleanly to a television or projector. Modern units often include built-in streaming capabilities and multi-zone support, allowing users to control their entire entertainment ecosystem from a single interface or smartphone app.