Check the HDMI cable try a different one. Try a different HDMI port on the TV (6) Try component video.. Try a different source (DVD...)The TV is working if you are getting a menu and volume control.
The Definitive Tech ProCinema speakers are a good choice. But I would look at the 800 system and upgrade the sub to a Def Tech SuperCube 200. Denon and Marantz are the same company D & M with Marantz being the premium brand but Denons are also a good buy...
Denon E400 And Samsung F8500 ARC problem with no sound from Netflix using smart TV. Anybody know the settings and do I have to use HDMI with Ethernet. Sami HDMI port 3 to Denon HDMI out. select TV sound on Denon and nothing.Tried turning on CEC and nothing.
How about the screen in front of the window . The window will still be useful when screen is up. The wall seems large enough for towers or book shelf size speakers on stands. You will need to flexible with couch and surrounds but it will work.Start with a receiver and two speakers, then a sub...
If $300 is the number I like the Denon set up.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENDHT1513BA/DENON-DHT-1513BA-Home-Theater-System-w/Boston-Acoustics-Speakers/1.html
What video display are you using? That is a big room and there is no $300 system that will sound good in that room so it really doesn't matter which one you buy. Build a system a few pieces at a time if you can't spend more than$300 at a time. First a receiver then a pair a speakers, next a sub...
I like the Paradigms bit $399 or less you can get a brand new pair of Atoms which can be used as surround speakers and a larger pair of speakers can be purchase later and used as the fronts. I also like Denon...
You can not skip the receiver part but the hundreds of dollars part you can. I don't know about $50 cheap but you get what you pay for.http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/AVReceiver/Home-Audio/Home-Theater-Receivers/1.html
Why go to home depot, go to a carpenter and then paint them yourself when you can just order these?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_051NF18C/Sanus-NF18-Speaker-Stands-Cherry.html
If you want to see what a step up system would be check out these links.
http://www.definitivetech.com/products/procinema-600-system
http://usa.denon.com/us/product/pages/productdetail.aspx?catalog=denonna_us&pcatid=avsolutions(denonna)&catid=avreceivers(denonna)&pid=avre300(denonna)
A few options.
http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-foundations/av-flat-panel/PFFP
http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-foundations/foundations-fms/FMS01