Originally posted by adamak
I have most of them figured out. But still having problem picking a Receiver. I just don't know what I should be looking for... Website says 'make sure you have enough outlets for all equipments'. Does it mean I need at least 5 input / output each if I have a TV / DVD / stereo / Tivo / VCR ? Does Cable box count too?
Any recommendations?
Not that I'm an expert or have done this before but here goes:
For TV: I'd recommend at the very least one that offers S-Video Inputs, High Definition TV capability (doesn't have to be 16:9, but that is preferred) HDTV would actually mean Component Video inputs though. basically 3-4 video inputs Recommend Sony or Toshiba.
DVD: Should have Component output, stay away from 5 disc or more changers they are more expensive and accomodate only the laziness factor. Progressive Scan is nice to have but not necessary. Built in Dolby Digital Decoder not necessary, and both DD5.1 and DTS output is industry standard at this point. Recommend Sony or Toshiba here too.
Tivo: don't have it, don't want it, no recommendation.
VCR: You don't need a HD VCR too rare and too expensive, and most HD broadcasts are encrypted anyway. Plain old Hi-Fi/Stereo VCR Recommend Sony SLV-N88.
Receiver: You need to ask yourself a few questions here:
1) What's my budget, because you can go from $299-$2999 or more on these things.
2) What kind/size speakers am I running?
3) Dolby Digital and DTS? What about THX and the other derivatives 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1?
4) Do I need Component Video Switching?
5) How much power do I need?
6) Learning Remote included?
There are ALOT of variables, thus ALOT of variations on what you can get.
I would go with:
1) 100W per channel
2) 5 way binding posts on ALL speaker connections (many only use spring clips for the surround channels
3) DD 5.1 and DTS, if this is your first foray into Home Theater then you don't need 7.1 just yet.
4) A good amount of Audio/Video inputs all video should be at least S-Video, and you should try to have 2 Component Video in/1 out, for HDTV Cable or Sat and DVD player. I'd recommend 4 or 5 video inputs, and for audio you'll need Phono (if you have), CD/Tape (2 of these for dubbing - one could be a CD burner or Mini-Disc), and an AUX for things like a PS2 that you may want to setup in surround sound.
5) One that offers a learning remote is very nice to eliminate all the other remotes...there is a big difference between a "learning" remote and a "universal" remote.
For receiver I'd recommend: Sony, Kenwood, Onyko or Harmon Kardon (alot of people like Yamaha, but I'm not impressed) and if you really want to treat yourself listen to Marantz or Denon.
None of those btw get you to the $3k+ range, but a nice B&K would.
You didn't mention anything about speakers, or subwoofers, so I'll assume you are okay there, but feel free to hit me up with any questions.
Oh yeah, almost forgot...audio cables should make up up to 10% of your budget.
If you need more info on comonents to your system check here:
www.audioreview.com
or if you want more HT guidance check here:
www.hometheaterforum.com or
www.hometheatertalk.com
HT Talk is a little bit more of the really extreme guys though...HTF has many more recreational HTer's.
Have fun with it!
Me and DH met in grad school, and since then we've been watching our 10 inch TV (for over 10+ years now). This year, DH finally says we need to move on, and demand a good setup. And since he thinks this will last for a while, he wants high end.
Definitely take your time, and study the hobby and audition lots of different 
