What do I need for a 5.1 setup?

[Disco Boy]

The parents have just splashed out on a 3D TV and bluray setup. They have:

TVanasonic TX-P42GT20B
BD player: Panasonic DMP-BDT100

Now, I think, to fully enjoy the experience of watching films in 3D, they are going to want a 5.1 setup as well, but I am fairly ignorant about what they need. When I look for 5.1 packages they all seem to come with either a DVD player or a BD player.

I assumed that all I would need is to plug an amp into the TV and then speakers into the amp; is that not the case? Do I need an AV receiver? Is a receiver instead of an amp or as well as? What do I need to decode the 5.1 on a BD/Xbox?

My other question is what are wireless speakers like nowadays? It'd be much nicer to have at least some of the satellites wireless.

I know I've not stated a budget, because therer isn't really one at the moment. That's not to say that money is no object, but I've not really any idea how much a midrange/low midrange setup would be. Is there anything worth having to be had for £400-£500 or less?

Thanks in advance.

 

[peterattheboro]

Just buy something like Onkyo HTS3305 but with you having a higher budget then you could get a better sounding system.

I have this one though and I think it sounds great.

 

[Disco Boy]

So all I need is a receiver and the speakers?

Are there similarly priced ones to the above with HDMI 1.4 (you need that for 3D don't you?)

What about wireless setups?

 

[alx]

So all I need is a receiver and the speakers?

Are there similarly priced ones to the above with HDMI 1.4 (you need that for 3D don't you?)

What about wireless setups?

The Onkyo HTS3305 that peterattheboro posted has hdmi 1.4