Surround Sound Help?

I recently purchased a vizio 50in plasma. I have DirectTV HiDef hooked to it and plan to buy the PS3 when available. I would like to purchase a surround sound system but Im not sure what components I will need. I will be using the PS3 for my DVD player and Blu-Ray. Also, can I hook up a surround sound where I dont have to change the input for each application (game, tv, dvd). I would like to be able to change it all through the TV (as I do now) and just have it automatically go through the surround sound system.

You will have to do the switching someplace, whether it be through a receiver or through the TV. There are some component switchers that will automatically switch between sources but with most new receivers/TV's you won't need one of those. I would figure the amount of HDMI/Component inputs you will need and start with that question at the electronics store. You will probably need one for the DirecTV, PS3 and figure at least one more (2nd DVD player/recorder) an Xbox or just for future. The new home theater receivers should have at least 2 or 3 inputs for HDMI/Component and in most cases will do the upconverting to the TV. To switch between sources (PS3/DirecTV) you will have to push a button on your receiver remote. The good thing about that is that it will switch audio sources too as opposed to running them all through your TV. For 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, you are going to need an optical cable (find one on ebay for less than $10) for all of your inputs. Depending on your budget, I wouldn't look at a Home Theater in a Box unless that is all you have. I would consider looking at a different home theater receivers and then different speakers based upon your listening preferences. Most surround sound systems come with everything you need. Just go to your local electronics store and compare systems. Look for ones with Dolby DTS and stuff like that. You don't have to pay too much and 5.1 is enough speakers, you probably don't need an extremely expensive system. For what you are asking for you need a surround receiver that up-converts the video to either component or HDMI so that all the video switching can be done at the receiver. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =