Simple Explanation

A designated area or space within a building or home where specific audio or video is routed and played, often used in multizone, or distributed audio, systems.

Concise Technical Definition

A zone refers to a distinct area or location within a building (such as a home, office, or commercial space) that is part of a larger audio or AV system. Multizone systems allow a single AV receiver to route different audio or video sources to separate zones, enabling independent control of sound or video in each area. In multizone AV receivers, this capability allows users to enjoy different media in multiple rooms or spaces simultaneously, with or without individual amplification for each zone.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Think of a zone like a separate room in your house where you control what music or video plays. Just like you can have different music playing in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom, a multizone system lets you send different audio or video to each of these rooms. Each zone works independently, so one person can enjoy a movie while another listens to music in a different part of the house.

Industry Usage Summary

Zones are commonly used in multiroom or multizone (or "distributed") AV systems, where audio or video sources are routed to separate areas within a building. In home theaters, commercial spaces, or large homes, the concept of zones allows for independent control of different media in different rooms or areas. This can include managing volume, source selection, and even sound treatments in each zone. Multizone AV receivers typically provide discrete outputs and amplifiers that can drive the audio to these zones, ensuring that each receives the desired content.

Engineering Shortcut

A separate area or space in a multi-zone system, where audio or video is routed independently from other zones.

Full Technical Explanation

In audio and AV systems, a zone refers to a designated area within a larger system where specific audio or video content is routed and played. Multi-zone AV receivers have the capability to send different signals to various zones, allowing for independent control and operation in each area. Each zone may be configured with its own amplification, volume control, and source selection, enabling users to enjoy different media in different locations within a home, office, or commercial space. For example, in a home with a multi-zone system, the living room might be playing a movie while the kitchen has music playing. In professional installations, zones can be treated acoustically to ensure optimal sound performance in each area. Multi-zone systems are commonly used in home theaters, commercial buildings, and large homes with multiple rooms requiring different media feeds.