(thought I should talk about prices)
A budget system (without the TV) is about $700. This will give you a DVD player and a HTB (Home Theater in a Box) which includes a AV Receiver, 5 speakers and a external sub.
Typical systems are about:
$1500 - rear projection TV
$300 - DVD Player
$900 -...
Why dont you look here? Or do you need a published book for reference?
The Dolby web site has some nice diagrams for a 5.1 speaker system.
BASIC COMPONENTS:
DVD player - This is quickly replacing the VCR in most homes as the main source of movies.
AV Receiver - This takes a single wire...