Shelving question

I have a very small wall and want to install a rear projection TV. The wall length will be completely consumed by the TV (I want a 57") and my very narrow speakers to either side of it. The problem is, this leaves no room for my stereo components. I have 4 components now, but want to fit up to 7 or 8 in the coming months.

I don't want to stack my components on top of the TV, and my big issue is that I don't think I have studs in the wall to mount a shelf (it's a middle wall). Anyone have any suggestions regarding the following:

1. Good way to find studs. My studfinder (even when on deep scan) gets confused and does not help. Would prefer not to hole up my wall.

2. Is there a sturdy shelf I can buy that sits on the ground but has the first shelf above the height of a 57" HDTV?

3. Is there any way to fit the stuff under the RPTV? They all seem to come with a huge base that houses a speaker that I will not use. What would be perfect is to replace that with a very sturdy hollow space I could put my components in.

Thanks for any advice.