An AV receiver with WLAN* like the Pioneer VSX-832(B) can accomplish numerous tasks thanks to its integrated WLAN function. Why the WLAN is so important is clear from these following explanations. Because communication via WLAN is already so established nowadays that the advantages of this technology seem self-evident. Understanding the function explains the relevance for multi-channel amplifiers in the home theater room. Because of this important function within the home theater, the following questions are in focus: What does AV receiver WLAN mean? What advantages do I have with an AV receiver WLAN?

AV-Receiver with WLAN

What does AV receiver WLAN mean?

If a so-called AV receiver, A/V receiver or multi-channel amplifier as the heart of a home theater has the widespread possibility to be integrated wirelessly into the home network with WLAN, it is called an AV receiver WLAN. This designation highlights the function for wireless connection to a local network.

What advantages do I have with an AV receiver WLAN?

Definition: What does WLAN mean?

The term WLAN, also known as W-LAN or Wireless LAN, is an acronym for a combination of four words from the English language. This abbreviation – formed from the first letters of several words – stands for Wireless Local Area Network. Translated into German, WLAN is nothing other than a wireless local area network. WLAN therefore functions as a wireless network technology. Because of its simple mode of operation, which results in many practical advantages for users in everyday life, WLAN can be found in numerous households and businesses. In some contexts, such as among the wireless networks in the settings of a smartphone, the term Wi-Fi can also be found instead of WLAN.

A WLAN module is required to use the wireless technology. The components contained in the technical products are WLAN modules. Only through their presence is a wireless connection between the device and the router possible. At least two devices are required for the state of a network. The basis for sending out the WLAN is usually the WLAN router connected to the Internet connection. This base station serves as a wireless access point, i.e. a wireless access point for the devices of a network such as a smartphone or AV receiver. This point is the interface between the Internet connection and wireless transmission to the end device. The base point permanently sends data to the devices of the network, usually several times per second. LAN represents a similar and thematically important concept. In contrast to WLAN, the first letter is missing here. The acronym stands for Local Area Network. The local network is similar to the basic functionality of WLAN with the small difference that it requires a cable between the router and the end device like an AV receiver.

What does LAN/Ethernet mean?

LAN is a local network that is locally delimited. A LAN cable is used to access a local network with a LAN-capable device. This connects the end device to the router. The end device can be a laptop, a PC or an AV receiver. The connection provides access to the Internet. The router has suitable interfaces on the back for connecting to various devices. These individual components form the basis for the network. For example, data can be transferred to another PC in the local network via a PC.

At least two devices are required for a network. Theoretically, there is almost no upper limit, which is rather practically limited by the spatial expansion. In summary, a LAN is the counterpart to WLAN. Technically, Ethernet defines a protocol. Practically, it is the most common form of a LAN type. The required cables within a local area network (LAN) are Ethernet cables. The distinguishing feature of such cables is the twisted copper strand. In linguistic usage, there is no difference between LAN or Ethernet cables.

Distinction between WLAN and WiFi

Is WLAN the same as WiFi? Although the two acronyms WLAN and WiFi are often used interchangeably, they do not refer to the same thing. WiFi indicates the ability of a device to receive WLAN. For the use of WLAN, it is practically irrelevant whether we are talking about WLAN or WiFi. This difference is much more relevant abroad, because WLAN is usually used there – instead of WiFi here in Germany.

Advantages of WLAN

What are the advantages of WLAN? The wireless use of WLAN is the most obvious advantage of this communication technology. So, in order to expand a network, there is no need for expensive cables. In addition, numerous devices are compatible with this technology or only function in this way. For example, you can see this well in smartphones. In fact, it makes no sense to equip a smartphone with a LAN interface to connect to other devices. Above all, the device would be very limited in its functionalities as a result. The same applies to tablets. Within a WLAN network, there can be a large number of components that can benefit from the wireless form of transmission due to the practically missing upper limit of network participants. The situation is different for LAN-capable devices. For these, there is only a limited number of interfaces on the router itself. Furthermore, a network can be greatly expanded with access points.

Disadvantages of WLAN

The disadvantage of WLAN is the transmission speed, which is lower compared to LAN. In addition, this type of communication is more susceptible to interference.
Interference can occur due to radio interference, e.g. microwaves. Furthermore, interference can emanate from metal cables. However, these interferences can be eliminated with the help of WLAN repeaters.

AV receivers with LAN/Ethernet

AV receivers which operate over a Local Area Network, i.e. LAN, are the first generation Internet-enabled AV devices. These devices created numerous advantages over older AV receivers, which could not yet keep up with their successors in terms of technical potential.

AV receiver with WLAN

To use an AV receiver with WLAN, you need a broadband connection. This is now part of the standard inventory of a household, because the WLAN is the linchpin of modern communication. An AV receiver with WLAN, such as the Denon AVRX1400H, has several advantages. For example, the WLAN module is already integrated into the device. This eliminates the need for an additional cable, which can be positive for suitable cooling and also saves space. However, a connection via WLAN also has some pitfalls. For example, it can be more difficult to find the reason for a non-existent connection.

Since a LAN connection requires a cable, a temporary malfunction can often be remedied by the intended cabling. The more walls there are between the WLAN router and the AV receiver, the more unstable a connection can be. Optimally, both components of the network are close to each other.
Likewise, an AV receiver like the Onkyo TX-NR686(B) can connect to other components of the network. This makes it possible to run media files from a notebook or laptop through the 4K AV receiver. Other WLAN-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets or PCs can also be connected to the receiver. Access to online media libraries is possible via WLAN. The use of the WLAN must first be set up before it can be used.

Startup Guide of WLAN Setup for AV Receivers

How do I set up the WLAN setup on the AV receiver? So how do I connect the AV receiver to WLAN? Making the AV receiver WLAN-enabled requires the basic ability of the AV receiver to connect via WLAN. The specific WLAN setup depends on the manufacturer, product and its age. For example, the setup for the Sony AV receiver – if available on the router and receiver – runs via the WPS button. WPS is an abbreviation for “WiFi Protected Setup”.

Otherwise, the network name and security key serve as the basis for a successful connection. In contrast to the application via the WPS button, the setup has to be done manually once. The wireless setup has to be selected in the Internet Settings subsection of the network settings. After that, the WiFi setup has to be started. After that, the wireless connection between the AVR and the router begins.

– Napster
– Qobuz
– SoundCloud
– Spotify
– TIDAL
– YouTube Music
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Classic streaming is primarily designed for computers or mobile devices. Nevertheless, streaming offers can also be used on AV receivers, as long as they are Internet-enabled and also have the appropriate compatibility for the respective streaming service. Streaming for AV receivers primarily concerns music subscription services. An AV receiver with Wi-Fi enables access to a wide range of streaming services. For example, AirPlay, Deezer, Spotify and more can be accessed via WLAN.
This option also implies the use of Internet radio. The range of radio stations from the Internet is expanded worldwide and serves numerous interests.

AV receiver with WLAN speakers

Listening to music without cables is one of the convenient applications of the electronic jack-of-all-trades. Anyone considering connecting more than just one WLAN speaker to AV receivers will benefit from multi-room. Depending on the manufacturer, individual solutions exist for streaming in multiple rooms. The expansion of individual components to a multiroom solution can be expanded piece by piece. The abundance of WLAN speakers for the AV receiver includes small speakers up to powerful speaker pairs.

The multi-room application fuses unity and individuality. Individual settings for each WLAN speaker on the AV receiver set the controls differently for each room. By the way, specially designed apps are available as a command center.

Popular streaming services and Internet radio can be enjoyed via the AV receiver WLAN speakers. By the way, the sound quality of WLAN speakers far surpasses that of Bluetooth variants.

Retrofitting AV receivers with WLAN

Functional devices without WLAN do not have the ability to operate various WLAN speakers. Unfortunately, this condition is practically without alternative, because there are no AV receiver WLAN adapters on the market. A Bluetooth adapter, which enables wireless music listening, is a middle ground. The prerequisite must be a 3.5 mm jack socket on the AV receiver, for example.

How to adjust a wireless sound system afterwards

The bottom line is that an AV receiver with WLAN* expands the range of the already not few functions of this device. After all, WLAN represents the preferred connection channel for Yamaha MusicCast. Moreover, different AV receivers with WLAN are in the comparison overview of 10 good AV receivers. Review based on product ratings and general advantages and disadvantages of the category.