Noob, need help please

A receiver has a radio tuner, a preamplifier for input processing, and a amplifier to boost signal strength for the speakers. An integrated amplifier lacks the tuner. Then you have separate preamplifiers/processors and amplifiers. 

In some home settings a 2-channel system can prove to work very well for both audio and video. If audio was the priority I would look into a 2-channel integrated amplifier with sub output. The center channel is often not necessary when using a well setup high quality 2 channel system.

I am under the impression that video is a primary goal, maybe beyond audio. If that is the case I believe that if going beyond a 2 channel for home theater I agree that the center channel is important to bring out the dialog in movies. 

Therefore I would look into the purchase of a used late model  5-channel receiver. Start out with you L&R and sub speakers. See how that works for you. Then add the center if needed for video. Consider the rear speakers thereafter. The fewer speakers needed the higher quality of sound can be purchased at any budget. I believe that in most multi-use environments (living rooms) a 3-channel, one with L&R&center speakers do well. A sub is nice for video. If one has a dedicated room then that provides other opportunities. 

Hope this helps. 

I believe millercarbon indicated an integrated amplifier if your were to go with a 2-channel.  At your budget and for best sound quality a 2-channel integrated would serve best. There are many late model used ones for sale. 

I believe one can purchase an integrated amplifier with home theater bypass. The integrated would drive the main speakers. Then one could purchase a modest audio video receiver to drive the center and surround speakers. The integrated would supply signal to the receiver via the HT output.

Since you only will be using the AV receiver for the center and surrounds you can purchase one at lower cost. Use most of the $1000 for the 2-channel integrated.  Look for a used 5.1 receiver. You will need the remote with the receiver.

I use a AV receiver to augment TV/movie watching in my living room. Only use the L, R, and center outputs. Don,t feel the need for surrounds at all. 

You might find that the 2-channel integrated used in 2-channel mode for video suffices. 

Yes the use of a better amplifier may help, however one would still be passing a signal through a multichannel processor as part of a budget AVR. I believe the OP is interested in starting with a 2-channel system and adding the video system later.

Bkeske, I once owned a B&K ST-140 paired with a original Vandersteen Model II. Enjoyed that combination for several years. 

I kept the St-140 and the B&K Pro 10 pre for 25 years.