Originally Posted by Bigloww

What is your budget exactly? And are you looking for something to get buy while in college the next few years or something you would like to keep for the next 5+ years? If the latter and $400ish is within your budget, I would suggest the Onkyo HT-S6100. I comes with everything you need including a good set (for a HTIB) of 7.1 speakers. HDMI with Dolby True HD/DTS HD-MA decoding for PS3/Blueray. Can easily be set up as a 5.1 by leaving out the 2 extra speakers.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...e-Black/1.html

1. Yes, as long as you have 5.1 speakers as well.
2. Yes. Some HTIB/receivers are Ipod ready and can connect rite up. Some require an additional Ipod dock. The 6100 requires a dock that runs around $50 or so. But I just connect my Ipod to my 360 and work via the TV and my harmony remote or 360 controller. Works great and better than a dock IMO. I assume the PS3 does the same.