QUOTE
Total System Power The total amount of peak power an amplifier is capable of producing as a brief burst. For example, a system that is capable of producing 100 watts of peak power for each of 6 speakers would have a total system power rating of 600 watts. "Total System Power" is usually not as helpful a measurement as "RMS Power", which measures the amount of continuous power that an amplifier produces.
and even after they say that they still don't provide the RMS power of the system
Other things to keep in mind
SIZE DOES MATTER - While I'm not suggesting you go out and buy some monstrous speakers. 6 little cubes hanging out around your room typically wont cut it unless your surround area is about the size of a cubicle. If you room is 10x10 or larger you should go with AT VERY LEAST 2 way satellites and and a 10" woofer. you can get away with an 8" maybe if you take some care in placing it properly with some good surrounding sound surfaces. Ideally you'd want a 12" but I don't think those start popping up in these "home theater in a box" system until the $500 range. AS for me I've got 2 15" sub woofers.
(and 2 12" subs in my car).
The More (inputs) the merrier - The proper number of inputs your system should have is = the number of devices you own + 1. The only exception is if you're using an external device to handle your Audio and Video switching for you. I bought my receiver before Component video was popular so all it has is S-Video inputs/outputs, it handles audio switching very well though, Because of this I use a stand alone AV switch and the receiver is permanently set to one audio input, the video inputs aren't even used. I wouldn't worry about video inputs when looking for a receiver (they're nice but not necessary)
Definitely make sure it supports both Optical AND Coaxial digital formats, preferably multiple of each. Also make sure it includes a "5.1-Channel Input" this is a discrete pre-amp analog input that will allow you to add an external decoder should a new surround sound format arrive that your receiver doesn't support, also SACDs and DVD-A discs often run at a higher sample rate then what can be supported through current digital inputs and the only way to get their full potential is through one of these discrete analog "5.1-Channel input"s.
Similarly you'll want to make sure your receiver accepts the latest and greatest Standards, typically these don't cost but pennies for manufacturers to add to their system so you shouldn't have any problems finding systems that offer them. Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, and DTS should be pre-requisites, if it doesn't include at least those, DO NOT BUY IT. Other formats that it should include (for future-proofing and expanding it's compatibility with current products) DTS 96/24 (for DTS audio discs), DTS:Neo6 (for analog 6 channel surround), DTS ES (for digital 6 and 7 channel surround), Dolby Digital EX (for digital 6 and 7 channel surround), Dolby Pro Logic IIx (for analog 6 and 7 channel surround).
Finally Avoid any and ALL system that integrade the DVD player into the reciever, it's fine if they bundle both into the same box but making them the same unit just oozes cheapness and you'll probably be lucky if the unit lasts more then a year...
EDIT: Looking around the site, if money was no object and I HAD to order something from Best Buy.com I'd probably get this one right here:
http://www.bestbuy.c...d=1122654578991It's not anywhere near the most expensive but IMO it's the highest quality most expandable/upgradable unit they have for sale on the site.
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