Audiophile considering HT

Jeff- Jeff, you should probably go for a DD (dolby digital or 5.1) set up (DTS optional). You can even get a DD DTV and then move the older one to another room if you have a dual LNB set-up, and then you will have DD from your satellite. Even if you don't get DD, make sure that you can get S-video out from your sat box. DD is a major step up from pro-logic surround, cause there's full range stereo info in the rear channels, and a separate low frequency effects channel (LFE). I have been using 5 NHT superzeros for the L, C, R, and Rear. They don't go low at all, so I have an 8" NHT sub for the L & R, set up in a sub-sat configuration, as well as another for the LFE channel (the .1 in 5.1). Good wires and interconnects really help. I am using a Yamaha 995 DD rcvr with an moderate cost Panasonic DVD. If you can swing the extra $, a good progressive scan DVD would be nice. Biggest factor in cost of all this is probably room size since that will govern your choice of sub and rcvr. If your room is small, you can go with a small sub and relatively low power rcvr. Note that the DSP modes really not important

Jeff- The Japanese HT lights and gadgets thing is definately happening. My Yamaha has approx. 10x more switches than my entire 2 channel system put together. Manual is virtually incomprehensible and the remote is another story altogether. If I had to do it again I probably would get the NAD, but there are plenty of used or gray market Yamies on ebay. With your room size, the NHT 8" sub probably wouldn't cut. I'm curious about the "cards". I just had a dish installed and there is a card in the back, don't know exactly what it does. Any decent receiver will have s video switching, so you don't have to worry about the inputs on your tv. Put your $ into the center channel speaker and good interconnects/cables.

Jeff- the location of the L&R isn't that important, but I would say ear level is right. Center channel is key, and on top or below TV are both used. Probably don't need great cable for rears. Save $ from the long runs and get good cable for LCR. Rear placement is probably an experiment, but I am told reflected sound may be best (like along side wall at watching position but pointed at rear wall). Thats why lots of dipole/bipole designs for rears. I would think 5-700 used for the NAD. Have fun. It actually makes TV and movies lots more fun.