AV receivers with USB, such as the Sony STR-DH590*, have this convenient and versatile interface. In general, USB ports have become indispensable in the technology sector. Basically, technological progress would not exist in its familiar form due to a lack of the interface. As a user, one rarely thinks about the importance of a USB port because it seems self-evident. AV receivers with USB in particular have numerous applications in one’s own home theater. What does USB actually mean? And what makes an AV receiver with USB?

AV receiver with USB

What is USB?

The acronym USB is short for Universal Serial Bus. A serial bus system refers to the transmission of data from several participants on one line at a time. In a way, USB is a widespread, not to say universal, standard for data transmission.
Moreover, this solution has made the vast number of different connection types obsolete. The standardization of interfaces led to a veritable triumph of USB. The initial innovation has long since become an obligatory standard.

For example, the USB 2.0 provides data transfer in Hi-Speed, whereas the USB 3.0 also bears the designation SuperSpeed. USB 3.0 is the third major transmission class. The transfer rates have been increased significantly compared to the previous versions.
In addition, there are some modifications like USB-Micro-B or USB-C. The USB-C was launched as an innovation to reduce the number of physical port types. Many smartphones of Android are now equipped with the plug-in system of USB.

AVR with USB

An AV receiver with a USB port, such as the Sony STR-DH790* model, offers the flexible option of connecting media data compactly to the receiver. Accordingly, the USB stick can be pictures, music or videos, which the AV receiver then feeds into the home theater system. As a rule, a good AV receiver has 1 – 2 USB ports. Consequently, the use of an AV receiver by a USB port is above all more convenient.

So, in other words, buying an AV receiver like Yamaha’s RX-V685 with USB has many practical benefits. First, this provides an added convenience for the owner. Secondly, the simplicity of the USB interface and its everyday use speaks for itself, so no special prior knowledge is required to use a receiver. The USB port can be located both in the front and in the back of the device. Basically, USB represents the physical counterpart to the Bluetooth digital interface.

Cheap AV receivers USB

Inexpensive entry-level models already have a USB port. Meanwhile, many devices have this feature. Before the purchase should be paid attention to the presence of USB to avoid surprises later.

Possible uses of the USB on the AV receiver

Applications and functionalities

USB Video Playback

For USB video playback via the AV receiver to the TV, make sure the stick is in the correct format to ensure the transfer and playback of media files such as photos, music and videos.
USB playback varies from TV to TV. More detailed requirements for video playback are included in the user manual. The USB stick must be connected to the front or rear panel, depending on the AV receiver.

The video must then be selected in the media overview. If there is more than one choice of device, select the USB stick. The folder overview provides information about the different videos. The specific video must now be selected.

Connect USB stick

It is possible to connect a mass storage device such as a USB stick to the front or rear panel on the AV receiver. This ensures the viewing and viewing of photos, for example.

AV receiver USB adapter

If an AV receiver does not have DAB functionality, suitable adapters can help. In addition, it requires the alignment of the supplied antenna. AV receivers DAB and DAB+ expand the musical offer by free radio stations considerably.

Connecting USB fans

Depending on the spatial conditions, small USB fans cool the AV receiver. When the powerful multi-channel amplifiers start to peak performance, the operating temperature quickly rises to dizzying heights.
Here, suitable fans via the USB interface provide a remedy for cooling. The small fans individually take into account the components of the home theater in the rack and can be specifically aligned.
Several switches enable different speed levels. The integrated on/off button increases convenience because the USB fan does not have to be removed from the AV receiver every time.

Retrofit AV receiver USB

If an AV receiver does not have a USB port, it is not possible to retrofit it accordingly. Rather, a USB port on the AV receiver allows non-existing functionalities such as DAB or DAB+ to expand through an adapter. However, all modern AV receivers have a USB port.

AV receiver with USB DAC

DAC is a digital-to-analog converter. Its task is to convert digital to analog values. This feature is rarely present in AV receivers, because USB DAC AV receivers are rare.

USB hard disk to AV receiver

USB HDD hard drives can in principle be connected via the USB port on the AVR. Large hard drives with high storage capacity often have a separate power connector. Such models with their own power supply are only playable under restrictions. However, there are now more practical applications for accessing one’s own music collection via WLAN. Information about the compatibility with USB hard drives can be found in the enclosed product information, reviews and testimonials.

AV receivers with USB-C

This transmission standard, which is used in Android smartphones, has not yet been able to establish itself in the home theater segment. The introduction of this interface is not mandatory, because the jack socket works solidly as a recording.

Conclusion of the USB AV Receiver

An AV receiver with existing USB port enables the transfer of data and display of compatible media files. In addition, the connection proves to be a useful interface for relevant extensions such as DAB or DAB+ to improve the musical experience. About this, the comparison review of 10 good AV receivers exclusively features multi-channel amplifiers with USB port. Review based on product ratings and general advantages and disadvantages of the category.