a CPU of ur HT in a sense

Since it's a bit off topic, I'll make it short. In simple words, the receiver is the central hub of your hometheatre. It is not only a tuner to receive AM and FM broadcasting, but works as a switch and an amplifier. It switches between different input signals from devices like a cable TV set-top box, a HDTV receiver, a DVD player, a CD player and a cassette tape player. It also allows you to record audio and video signals at the same time when you are watching/listening. Therefore, the very many connectors on the back panel of a receiver you have seen. Go to Circuit City or Best Buy and ask a sales representative for details. They can tell you much more.