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AirPlay. Technology for transmitting multimedia data via a wireless connection (
Wi-Fi). Developed by Apple, it is intended mainly for broadcasting content from various Apple devices (primarily portable gadgets) to compatible external devices. Allows you to transfer audio files (in audio streaming mode, see “Tuner and playback” for more details), as well as images, text data and even video. The presence of AirPlay in the receiver will allow you to connect Apple equipment with support for this technology to it for direct playback, as well as display information about files on an external screen (for example, a TV) - song name, artist name, etc.
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AirPlay 2. The second version of the AirPlay technology described above, released in 2018. One of the main innovations introduced in this update was support for the multi-room format - the ability to simultaneously broadcast several separate audio signals to different compatible devices installed in different locations. Thus, you can, for example, turn on the next episode of your favorite series from your iPhone on the TV in the living room, and relaxing music from your iPod in the kitchen, etc. In addition, AirPlay 2 received a number of other improvements - improved buffering, the ability to stream to stereo acoustics, as well as support for voice control via Siri.
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Chromecast.... Original name: Google Cast. Technology for broadcasting content to external devices, developed by Google. Allows you to transmit video and audio from a PC or mobile device to the AV receiver; broadcasting is usually carried out via Wi-Fi, while the receiver and the signal source must be on the same Wi-Fi network (with the exception of Chromecast media players). Chromecast technology supports two modes - actual broadcasting through special applications (available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS) and “mirroring” content opened in the Google Chrome browser on an external screen.
- Wi-Fi. A wireless interface used primarily for building computer networks. Accordingly, AV receivers may need its presence primarily to implement network functions - streaming audio, Internet radio (see “Tuner and playback”), AirPlay (see above), DLNA (see below). Connecting to computer networks can also be done through a wired LAN interface(see below), but Wi-Fi is more convenient due to the absence of wires and the ability to work through obstacles (including walls) at a distance of several tens of meters. In addition, in some models, this technology can also be used to communicate directly with other devices - for example, to use a smartphone or tablet as a remote control, or to broadcast live video using Miracast technology or another similar format.
— Bluetooth. Direct wireless communication technology between various electronic devices; operates at a range of about 10 m, although some specific operating formats provide a longer range. Technically, it can be used for different purposes, depending on the protocols supported by a particular device; In AV receivers, two protocols are most often found - A2DP for wireless broadcasting of audio signals and AVRCP for remote control. In the first case, we are usually talking about transmitting a signal from an external device (smartphone, laptop, etc.) to the receiver; theoretically, the opposite option is also possible - broadcasting sound to Bluetooth headphones or acoustics, however, for a number of reasons, this format of operation is almost never found in AV receivers. AVRCP, in turn, allows you to use an external gadget (for example, the same smartphone) as a remote control.
- LAN. A standard interface for wired connection of various equipment (including AV receivers) to computer networks, incl. to access the Internet. Due to the presence of a wire, it is less convenient to connect than the Wi-Fi described above. On the other hand, a LAN connection wins in terms of connection reliability and actual data transfer speed - especially if there are many wireless devices on the network and Wi-Fi channels are busy (which is often the case, since Wi-Fi modules are very popular in modern electronics ). Therefore, for working with large volumes of data - for example, watching high-definition video via DLNA (see below) - LAN is better suited.
— RS-232. A wired interface that originally appeared in computer technology. In AV receivers, it can be called a service connector: content is not transmitted through this connector, but through it you can connect the device to a computer and remotely change settings, as well as update the firmware.
— MHL. High-speed wired interface for transmitting multimedia data (video and audio) from mobile devices to external screens. The bandwidth allows you to work with high or even ultra-high resolution images, as well as multi-channel audio. Also, when connected, the gadget can be charged. In mobile devices, the MHL signal is output via a standard microUSB port; and the role of the input in AV receivers (and other stationary equipment) is played by the HDMI connector (see below) - however, not every connector, but only one that is initially compatible with MHL and has the appropriate marking. Adapters are available for connecting to regular HDMI, but additional functions (like charging) may not be available with this connection.
- DLNA. A technology used to connect various electronic devices into a single digital network with the ability to directly exchange content. Devices for which support for this standard is declared are able to communicate effectively regardless of the manufacturer. An AV receiver with DLNA can, for example, play a movie directly from the hard drive of a computer in the next room, or transfer photos from a smartphone to the TV. Connecting to the Network can be done either wired (LAN) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi, see above).
- Roon Tested. Roon Tested accreditation means the AV receiver is compatible with the popular audiophile music streaming platform Roon. Certified models have undergone a series of tests and meet the quality standards required to operate Roon flawlessly. This ensures convenient management and organization of content within the platform.
— Coordination of Remote control. A function that allows you to connect the AV receiver to another device (for example, a Blu-ray player or external amplifier) and control both devices with one remote control. When purchasing equipment with such a function, it is necessary to clarify compatibility - as a rule, only equipment from one manufacturer can work in such a “bundle”, and even in such cases, their own nuances are possible upon agreement.
— Voice assistant. Receiver support for voice assistant. The most popular assistants these days are:
- Google Assistant
- Apple Siri
- Amazon Alexa
However, other solutions may also emerge. In any case, it is worth noting that we are not talking about an assistant built into the receiver itself, but about compatibility with external devices that have this function (for example, a smartphone or tablet). But even such compatibility allows you to give commands to the receiver by voice - this is often more convenient than more traditional control methods. The specific set of supported commands and languages may vary depending on the voice assistant and its specific version.
