Audio visual equipment is as common in a British home as a fitted bathroom. An overwhelming proportion of households own a television and hi fi system. Most homes in the UK will have at least one television per occupant, many different pieces of equipment for playing music and several devices for recording and replay of video files.

The most common piece of audio visual equipment is the television. Alone, it can be used to watch television channels broadcast through analogue transmitters. With the addition of a satellite dish, set top box or integrated receiver a television can also be used to watch digital freeview transmissions and satellite television channels, including music, radio and on-demand channels. By adding a DVD or Bluray player and hard drive recorder it is possible to watch pre-recorded films or programs and to record from digital sources.

Audio visual equipment found in the home also includes any kind of music replay equipment – combined stereo equipment, radio, CD player, MP3 or MP4 player, separate amplifier and speakers that may be table-top, floor standing, wall mounted or even integrated into the walls or ceiling of the house. Games consoles are included in the category of audio visual equipment, whether they may be connected to a television or handheld. Which only leaves the question of mobile phones; once considered a piece of communication equipment, mobile telephones now incorporate a music player, the function to play video files, games and personal organiser facilities – making a mobile phone a piece of audio visual communication equipment and indispensable to many.