Hi everyone,

I have been doing some research on a home theater system, because I am sick of the annoying "vibrating" or static sound coming from the stock speakers on my TV...anyway, I would greatly appreciate any help as this is the first time I have done this. I think I have found the receiver I want (Sony STR DG 1200):

crutchfield.com/S-G7sRCSm1jnq/p_158STD1200/Sony-STR-DG1200.html

I like the number of inputs it supports, the video conversion (I am assuming that I will be able to run only an HDMI cable from the receiver to my TV and all inputs will be able to display video through this connection) and I have read many good reviews. Here is what I currently or will have as part of my setup

mitsubishi lt-52149
Playstation 2 (using component)
Wii (using component)
Motorola cable box (HDMI)
I will be buying a Playstation 3 (for games and Blu-ray)
I will be buying a component CD player

My living room is about 20 feet wide, by 15 feet deep. I am looking to spend no more than 1,000 - 1,500 on the receiver and speakers. I think I am looking at a 5.1 type setup, with two speakers to go on either side of my TV, a sub to go in front, and two rear speakers. However, I will require wireless rear speakers, since I won't be able to run cables to the back of the room (fiancee already said no!). What recommendations would you make regarding the 5 speakers? I have not been able to find too many wireless rear speaker choices (and not even sure if the receiver I want would be compatible with a wireless "receiver").

Also another question; for hdmi connections (ie. cable box, PS3) to the receiver, and the single hdmi connection from my receiver to my TV, will I be able to receive video on my TV, and audio through my stereo speakers, without any additional cables (like optical)? I remember reading about a year ago or so that people had to some fooling with their PS3 setup with hdmi to the AV receiver). Sorry for the long post, but wanted to be as detailed as possible!

Thanks very much for any help.

Spend 75% or more on speakers. That's the part you actually hear. There are many better AVR's for less than the Sony.

Start in the Speaker forum and then choose an amp.

Spend 75% or more on speakers. That's the part you actually hear. There are many better AVR's for less than the Sony.

Start in the Speaker forum and then choose an amp.
Agreed 100% Then the next thing to spend your HT budget on is room acoustical treatment, even minimal first reflection treatment can make a much bigger difference that the receiver or gear you choose.
#1 Choose loudspeakers based on your listening preference and room characteristics.
#2 Correct mechanical installation based on your rooms acoustical properties.
#3 Room acoustical treatment and calibration
#4 Select appropriate A/V components based on quality, ease of use and reliability.
#5 Select well built cables from wholesale companies like Monoprice where your A/V dollar can go along way.
#6 Don't believe or get sucked into the reviews from magazines or many websites. If you see a review for a piece of gear and then see a full page glossy advertisement on the next page or a big banner ad on the site that did the review consider the review what come out of a bulls rear end.

Thanks for the suggestions. The reviews I was reading were on amazon and crutchfield, so I'm pretty sure they were legit. Is Sony's receivers crap? Also, is my assumption about the ie ps3 -> receiver via hdmi -> tv via hdmi theory correct? Will I still get both audio and video without any extra cables? I will start with speakers and move on from there. Thanks again.