Shopping for a receiver used to be a pretty simple matter. You listened to those in your price range and bought the one that sounded best.
But now there is a whole new dimension to consider: connectivity.
I have been dragged into a receiver upgrade by replacing my 12-year-old standard-definition TV with an HD model. I didn't mind that my old receiver couldn't send onscreen volume controls and such to the new TV or let me easily watch Internet video. But when studios started pulling shows from cable and satellite providers in contract battles, I decided I needed to future-proof my setup, and that meant Internet connectivity.
That makes picking a receiver far more complicated than it used to b e.
The receiver no longer just amplifies sound from a couple of sources and sends it to a pair of speakers. Now it's the Grand Central Station of the home theater. It routes audio and video signals from a half-dozen devices, takes signals from others wirelessly, connects with the Internet and improves  the sound and picture before sending them to six or more speakers.
So now the first concern is what connections the receiver can handle, and how many will I need? I know, I know, what about sound quality? Sadly, great sound won't do much for devices you can't plug in, so now the process of elimination starts with plugs.
Chiefly, that means HDMI plugs (High-Definition Multimedia Interface, in case you were wondering), a connection that can transfer high-quality audio, video and data signals.
How many do you need? I figured on two, one for my satellite TV box and one for a Blu-ray player. But I am trying to future-proof. What if I want an online service not offered through my DVD player? I might need a Roku or Apple TV box. What if I want to take up gaming on a Wii or Xbox? That's four. How many slots will I need for devices not yet invented? It seems like a safe number is five, though six gives more breathing room.
What wireless connections will I want? Wi-Fi, probably. Bluetooth? I don't see any use, but hey, future-proofing is about trying to prepare for things you don't anticipate. Apple AirPlay? Why not?
One thing I absolutely want is a receiver whose software can be updated to add features or fix problems.
With that wish list, I could begin narrowing that receivers I want to listen to.
I do have one problem that won't affect most buyers. My cabinets are 17 inches deep â€" exactly the depth of many top models of receivers. Once I plug anything into the back of a receiver that size, I won't be able to shut the doors. So I need to look at the lower end of those model ranges, where the receivers ar e closer to 14 or 15 inches deep.
That's all fine with me - it puts me in a price range of $500 to $650. That's less than I have spent in the past, but with the speed at which I am turning over equipment, I'd rather spend less now and not feel bad about upgrading in less than 12 years next time.
