Well what size TV first of all? (big screen, HDTV, or just any plain old thing that is alright)
What kind of DVD-Player? Multi-disc, single disc, recordable, does it have to work well with burned DVD's?
What kind of speakers would be ideal for him? Satellites that could be hung on the wall of hidden away with ease, bookshelves that are going to take up some more space?
On a $3000 budget, any HDTV that is about 50" will at least consume half that budget. But $1500 for speakers and a DVD-player are still good to work with.
For specific model recommendations for an entire system, please post here. The Basics area is for discussing general home-theater concepts at the beginner level.
1. 32inch or bigger tv prefer hdtv ready or capable
2. single disc dvdplayer with progressive scane
3. reciever and speakers 5.1
4. possibly replay or tivo.