Page 1 of amplifier or av reciever ?

i`m confused,whats the difference between an amplifier and a av reciever ? i want to connect it to my pan e55 dvd recorder then add rear speakers.looking to get LCD tv soon so it must work with this.
thanks

Strictly speaking (in my opinion):

An amplifer is simply a 2-channel stereo amplifier.

An AV Amplifier should be able to decode and output surround sound (dolby 5.1, and often DTS etc.), from your DVD player, and have outputs for all the main and surround speakers. It should also be able to process surround sound from your VCR and TV, althoughthis will be limited to Pro-Logic surround. You`ll also be able to run outher stuff through it, such as your CD player, radio tuner etc.

An AV Receiver should be able to do all of the above, and have a radio tuner built in too.

You`ll be wanting either the 2nd or 3rd of these three. These definitions aren`t always rigidly adhered to though, so it`s always best to double-check before shelling out any cash!

thanks sput.very easy to understand !!