I think it's about time that we start to see audiophile type gear in ads, and not XXse lifestyle type systems.
I always found it silly when I would lust over the interiors of the mansions of the rich and famous and see how they wimped out on the audio side of things.
It seems like it's just fine to brag about spending big bucks on an imported coffee machine, and not spend anything but chump change on the stereo system, if there even is one.
The more "normal" people see this stuff the better it is for the hobby.
Now concerning House, I am undecided about how his character advances our hobby or not.
I guess it depends on what your opinion of him is.
And yes that does indeed look like a vintage Audio Research amp sitting under the TV.
Not a speaker in site, maybe the AR was thrown in with the cement block/wood plank 1970's audio furniture-retro chic?