A home theater receiver performs several important functions in a home entertainment system. It is used as a tuner for AM/FM, satellite, or Internet radio. It functions as a preamplifier to control which audio/video (AV) source is selected, such as a Blu-ray Disc player, DVD player, VCR, CD player, or media streamer. It also functions as a multi-channel amplifier that processes audio signals and power and sends them to speakers or subwoofers. Video from source components can also be routed through the receiver to a TV if desired. Additionally, many home theater receivers serve as a multi-zone audio distribution system.

Multizone is a feature that allows a home theater receiver to send a second, third, or fourth source signal to speakers or separate audio systems in different locations.

This is not the same as hooking up additional speakers and placing them in another room, and it is also not the same as wireless multi-room audio. Multi-zone home theater receivers can control the same or a separate source than the one being listened to in the main room in a separate location.

For example, you can watch a Blu-ray Disc or DVD movie with surround sound in the main room, while someone else listens to a CD player in another room. Both the Blu-ray or DVD player and the CD player are connected to the same home theater receiver, but can be independently accessed and controlled via additional onboard or remote control options on the receiver.