Surround Sound - Weak output, TV too strong - why?

Hey guys,


I am a big time noob.


Here is my situation...

I realize this isn't the greatest of equipment, but based on the demos in store and my budget I thought it was good fit.


Here is what I have:
http://www.audiobuys.net/Panasonic/1715.htm


The problem...

The TV and Surround Sound aren't synchronized.

On HD and DVD the surround sound is OK, but far from great.

The sound is controlled by the TV and Digital Cable Box.

Meaning if I leave the volume at say "10" - Which is almost maxed out - and I turn down the volume on the TV only...the sound dissapears from the surround sound.


Also,

I basically leave the TV on it's default setting, and the surround sound setting at "10" and control the volume thru the HD Digital Cable Box.

So that volume dictates everything....but regardless if I turn it all the way up, and the surround sound all the way up, it really isn't that loud.


Finally,

I am guessing the TV is overpowering the Center Speaker - which is not that loud - How do I fix that?


Thanks in advance!


RC4