Audio

Current preferred setup

I have no idea.

Required receiver features

• HDMI 1.3a with audio processing (not just pass through)
• Dynamic volume (commercials, different channels with different levels)

Should have?

• XV/deep colour
• 120hz pass through

Nice to have

• Starts up at set-able volume
• Auto set up (YPAO, etc)
• 5.1 analog input
• Front HDMI connection
• USB audio (for ipod/storage/etc).
• OSD
• Smaller cabinet
• Non VFD display (sheesh)
• Low power on standby
• Compressed (mp3) music enhancer
• Good universal remote with backlighting
• Nice appearance (least like Pioneer's shiny plastic or Denon's weird curves, they all have too many buttons)
• Convert analog video to hdmi (decreasingly important but would require getting a new disc player)

Receiver

Pioneer

VSX-819H - no initial volume control. OSD only via component or composite. Sheesh.

Has USB in.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10123899&catid=20313

http://www.hd.ca/pioneerreceivers/vsx919ahk.php

Yamaha

Why does the 365 have some features the higher priced 465 doesn't? Are they mad?

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10168346-1.html

Onkyo TX-SR307

http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR307&class=Receiver&p=i

Overview of Onkyo 2009: http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr507-black/4505-6466_7-33553552.html?tag=mncol;txt

• Audyssey Dynamic Volume
• Decent reviews
• "Warmer sound" than Denon
• Available in silver
• Smaller cabinet size
• $300 list

Denon 505

Overview of 2009 Denon: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10237889-1.html

• Audyssey Dynamic Volume
• OSD
• $350 list

Retailers: http://ca.denon.com/DealerLocator.asp?selstate=QC

Speakers

KEF fivetwo 11

Discontinued! And they never replied to my email.

http://www2.kef.com/ca/SurroundSound/FiveTwo/model11 , http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9682390-1.html

Very good stereo audio, decent surround (no real "rears")

Does it require four walls?

Retailers: http://www.digitalcraze.com/content.asp?ContentID=4 (US) , http://www.audiovillemtl.com/html/contact.html

Panel mount

In wall: http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/furniture/speaker-and-display-mounts/peerless-im760pu-in-wall-mount

Maximize your flat panel experience by installing it truly flat against the wall with the industry’s first universal in-wall mounting solution for up to 60" screens. Installation is quick and easy thanks to the mounts self-locating tabs that center the in-wall box snugly between standard 16" wood stud centers. View the flat panel screen in its no-profile home position, or extend the arm over 19" to watch it virtually anywhere else within the room.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/furniture/speaker-and-display-mounts/peerless-im760pu-in-wall-mount lists shops selling it for $340 US