Newbie - Advice needed on HT5100/Sony BDP350

[Robert A.]

Hello,
I am just beginning in the wonderful world of top notch AV, been meaning to do it for a while but cash seems to always be needed elsewhere!

My girlfriend and I are moving to our first detached house and I have put money aside for our AV system.

I am a complete novice and have done my best to read about certain topics but there is such a vast range of different types of audio and video it has baffled me.

I have a budget of 400-450 for a blu-ray, av reciever and surround package. We already have a 32" Samsung TV.

Now, I had picked the BDP-350 and Onkyo HT-S5100 as both combined are just within my price bracket and haven't read many bad things about them, the only issue (which I suppose this topic is about) is too do with the audio.

From what I have read, the Onkyo 518 receiver cannot process the HD audio? It would have to be pre-decoded before it can 'play' it? Is this correct?

Also on top of this the Sony BDP-350 does not have a built in decoder so HD sound with this setup would not be possible?

In essence am I spending alot of money here for only a good picture and standard sound?

If anyone could help me I would be very grateful, if I am correct in my above observations could anyone suggest a alternative package for my budget?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

[Robert A.]

Still looking for some info on this.