[JackpipE]

I would like to get new home theater systems (AV receiver + speakers)
for my living room. I already have Samsung 40" HDTV and not HD DVD
which I'm not planning to replace yet. I would like to add sound to my
existing system.
Every store I walk into recommends different brand, model, etc...
depending on the current "deal/sale" they are running. So I would like
to get your opinion guys on the following questions:
- which receiver and speakers I should get. I would like to get combo
(receiver and speakers together in one box if it makes sense)
- 5.1 vs 7.1, I currently don't need and don't have enough room for
7.1 but I was thinking about getting 7.1 receiver with 5.1 speakers
- should I limit my search to only few brands? If yes what are they.
Again every store carries different brands and recommends their own.
- how important is the watt per channel? My current living room size
is 11x22 but it will soon change to something like 20x30.
My budget is $1000. I was considering the following models:
Denon DHT-588BA - 7.1 with 5.1 Boston Acoustics MCS130 speakers - $999
Denon DHT-488BA - 5.1 with 5.1 Boston Acoustics MCS100 speakers - $699
The Electronic Expo store sales guy told me that the 488BA is 7.1 with
5.1 speaker system. The specs on the Denon's site a
488BA: Identical quality and power for all 7 channels, 75W x 5ch
588BA: Identical quality and power for all 7 channels, 75W x 7ch
Is the 488BA model really 7.1 system?

Another brand that I was considering was Onkyo but people were
complaining about the sound quality.

Any input from you guys will be highly appreciated.

Thanks,
JP