Home Theater help?

Also the Oppo player at less then $200 tested better for picture then any other player ever, if music is not going to be a huge concern then the Oppo is a no brainer.

The Pioneer 1080P 50" is a very nice display, but if money is a major concern then dropping to a Pioneer 5070HD 50" 720P plasma might be a good option. I am using the Pioneer 5060HD 50" plasma and the picture is very nice. The Emotiva separates are a steal. Speakers are a little tough to recommend. I use in-walls for the looks, but free standing sound better. I also agree with the Oppo DVD player or get the Toshiba HD dvd player.

For these people, I think they're going to do fine with finding a display that looks nice to them, and fits their budget. Then they can look at a receiver in that budget (Denon is fine, and you all know that), and some inwalls that sound descent in that price range, if that fits their lifestyle! Yes, better sound from same priced boxed speakers, but it's a tradeoff. I'd be willing to bet they'd be more than happy with the inwall solution, and some "multEQ" processeing on a Denon 2807, er whatever. So, they're not being steared in the wrong direction, IMO.
The only thing I'd qualify is if they wanted a smaller budget plasma/lcd, and maybe wether they could live with "exposed" speakers, or "on-walls", etc.

lel,

After doing a little reaserch I found what I was looking for. Both BlueRay and HD DVD players output native 1080p. So one of the first questions I have is are you going to go with the new video format now or in the future. If so then I would go with a 1080p monitor. I would seriously give Panasonic a look along with the Pioneer.

Ok question 2 how important is the sound quality. If you answer it is, then stay away from in-wall speakers. Another thing to think about is are you planning to move in the future another reason to stay away from in-wall speakers.

Question 3 what is your budget. Sit down with your husband and say this is what we can realistically spend on a home theater.

Question 4 what room will this go into. Is it designated for that purpose or is it a multi-purpose room. What are the room dimensions. How will the system be set up on the long wall or the short wall.

Question 5 not to be personal but do you have little kids. They have a tendancy to like to play with buttons and speaker drivers. This may not be of a concern. Electronics can always be put in a cabinet behind glass. Speakers you can always leave the grills on. If you are putting this in a designated room you can always lock the door.

You have received some good advice in the above posts. One thing in common is most of us have more questions than answers.

You can always email me and I will try and answer as many questions as I can.

I'm real surprised that no one recommends a 1080p LCD TV instead of a plasma. I don't think that I would by a TV that did not have the 1080P resolution. Compare the LCD monitors with things like: "image burn in," glare from a glass cover, buzzing, weight, panel life, energy consumption, reliability and for that matter picture quality. The systems that I install all over the country are generally designed around the following components.
Sharp or Samsung LCD tvs (Sharp is coming out with a 52" LCD TV with 1080p at a very reasonable price), Harman Kardon surround sound receiver (450.00 & up), Harman Kardon universal DVD (plays SACD and DVD audio discs @ 399.00) Harman Kardon (5) disc CD carousel (if needed @ 249.00) Canton Speakers from Germany in either in-wall or free standing (@ 1500 & up). Certainly free standing speakers sound the best per dollar spent. AC power center from Monster Cable (350.00). Unifying remote from Home Theater Master (Osiris @ 150.00) Cables from a reputable company (I use Ultralink out of Canada). This results in a high performing system that is straight forward, easy to use and reliable. Just another opinion.
Good luck!