I guess the appropriate acronym of exactly what I need is HTIB (home theater in a box). I guess a built in DVD player isn't necessary (seems like most have them though). I think I'd like to spend less than $500. Any suggestions?

I have an older version of this.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-HT-S6100-7-1-Receiver-Speaker-System-with-iPod-Dock-HTS6100/sem/rpsm/oid/218783/catOid/-12866/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

It's the best bang for the buck. You won't be disappointed!! The have some lower priced boxes, but this isn't very much more.

Is that wireless? Doesn't seem to say, yet it says something about a repeater receiver. I'd think repeater meant it was wireless.

Is that wireless? Doesn't seem to say, yet it says something about a repeater receiver. I'd think repeater meant it was wireless.

I don't think so, mine isn't.

I got a KEF (egg) system off eBay awhile back for about $200
great sounding speakers (Uni-Q)
however, I did add some towers for musical punch

I have to add a question here to better my understanding of how all this works together. I am looking closely at several different H.T.I.B. type systems.

I want my DVD's (or Blu Ray in the future), cable, and Xbox 360 in surround sound.

I'm considering this Samsung system.

http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-systems/samsung-ht-tz512t/4505-6740_7-32909839.html?tag=mncol;lst

This paragraph kinda confuses me.

Otherwise, connectivity is pretty basic. Beyond the standard composite, component, and HDMI video outputs (no S-Video), the rear panel has just two audio-only inputs: one analog stereo connection (red and white RCA jacks) and one optical audio input (for surround audio sources). That means you can only have the audio outputs of, say, a Nintendo Wii (stereo) and a cable/satellite box (surround) connected to the rear panel of the unit, and you'll have to use your TV for video-switching duties.

I think I know what that "optical audio input" on the Samsung htib is. My Sony KDS-55A3000 has a "Digital Optical Output"....so I guess there's some kinda chord that goes between the two.

There's no such output plug on my 360, but if I'm thinking correctly, I don't need it (my cable box does have the digital audio port though). If I run my 360 and cable audio into the tv (both hdmi) and I run whatever chord you use for "digital optical audio" from the tv to the Samsung htib, then I should have surround sound from 360 or cable when I switch my tv's input to either of those sources......right?

yes and no

allowing the TV do all the video/audio switching is preferred for video quality purposes, however, the "Digital Optical Out' produces a synthesized signal as opposed to a true signal as it goes through a conversion process in the TV

btw, the 360 DOES have Digital Optical Out, it's a small square plug that's part of the AV out plug (if you just use the HDMI, you won't notice it, as it is on the Component (5cord) adapter

the ideal situation (almost always) is to let the TV do video switching
and run ALL optical / coaxial digital cabling directly to your receiver, unless the receiver has a multitude of HDMI inputs

it is MUCH better in the long run to get a receiver that offers you as many input options as you can

several (albeit more expensive units) from Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha and Sony offer more inputs than you may ever use

for example, Sony offers a unit that has SIX hdmi inputs

fwiw , Dolby True HD and DTS Master HD only pass through HDMI

Ok, well I'll have to consider that angle. Thanks Puck.