New at this....can someone please help me build a home audio/theater system?

Oh ebay you can get an Harman Kardon AVR 247 refurbished from the factory with a warranty for about 250. You can also get the Harman Kardon Speaker Set HKTS 18 for about another 250. Thats some good sound! The AVR 247 goes for about 399 normally while the speakers retail was 899 (now about 399 as well).

I hope this helps

www.monoprice.com is the place for cable needs.

Do you need a DVD player with the surround system?

Also, The AVR 247 does video switch and upconverts Composite and Component to 720P through the HDMI (one cable can goto your tv then) It has 2 HDMI ports and will accept HDMI audio as well. (HDMI does 1080i/P through)

with the new Panny, I am going to assume you want to use HDMI as your primary cabling. If you want to consider a complete HTiB setup, than the Onkyo HT-SR750 system should work.

I agree with "telemike", get the HDMI and any other cables you need from monoprice.com

Monoprice for the cables and the wall mount. It is unreal the price difference.

Panasonic PT1050 - I've got the 50pz77u and this home theater system and I love it.

saw your post on another forum, With that audio budget, it would be best to purchase items in pieces so as to upgrade later when capital is available. Room size is important here as well. With that budget, hdmi is for switching only and cables alone will eat up a good portion not included in a HTIB. If you go with the pioneer(an excellent choice) you should be able to increae your audio budget a little. I would bypass the receivers video section and wire the tv to your video sources directly using quality component cables instead of hdmi. This would allow you to save a little on the receiver by purchasing one without hdmi capability.The audio outputs from the source components(cable/sat/dvd) could go directly to the receiver.As for speakers, there are many inexpensive 5.1 systems available but without knowing the size of your room i can't be much help. I would consider upgrading this part of the system later with the ability to upgrade to 7.1. Your front speakers and center channel will be the most important and you don't want to skimp here. Dialogue through a cheap center channel speaker will be very annoying at 8 plus feet seating distance. Major impact also comes from a sub and stand alone units can be purchased fairly cheap and does not have to match the rest of your speakers but needs to match the size of the room. Hope this helps

I have a line on a great deal on an athena 5.1 system that would meet your budget. PM me.