EggXpert

   I'm looking for tips, suggestions, and / or help in choosing the correct Home Theater setup.  I'm new in this area and I don't exactly know what to look for.

    I'm basically looking for a non-fancy setup for a HDMI enabled HDTV that's used for movies and gaming only.  Space is limited so I probably don't have the best setup (seating, TV, speakers in position to each other). 

   With that said, I do have a few questions:

1) I don't need the latest and greatest.  Are the 5.1 systems a good place to start?

2) Does it matter what kind of speakers I use? ( Floorstanding, Bookshelf, etc ).  Given our layout, Floorstanding and ceiling / wall mounted may be only choice)

3) Does wireless work well enough to be considered?

4) How many speakers will I need for a basic setup?  (sub, center, front left, front right, rear left, rear right? )

5) Is it possible to buy the speakers and control system seperate?  Again, may not be able to use all of the speakers in a basic package.

6) When it comes to Home Theater what is a reputable brand?

For receivers, look at what Onkyo has to offer. For speakers and a subwoofer, look at Polk Audio line. This Sunday there should be a good deal on a speaker through Shell Shocker, and chances are it'll be one from Polk Audio.

If you're on a budget, you can't go wrong with this.

you don't need the latest and greatest, then go with the 5.1 system, extra channels don't do too much, most audio in movies are still encoded with 6 channes.

Creative Inspire T6200 70 Watts RMS 5.1 Speaker System - Retail $149.99 

If the budget is tight, this one is also a nice shot Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speakers - Retail $78.99

For reputable brands, personally, I think Denon should rank top of the line, and Onkyo and Pioneer also make pretty good stuffs.