HT in a box recommendations

[Thegide]

Since I'm still a poor student and just dropped nearly $4k in getting my XBR4 with a PSP, etc., a standalone receiver and speakers aren't making their way into my xmas budget.

So, I'm looking for some recommendations for a ~1000W 5.1 system, but really don't know much about what's available.

Salesguy at Futureshop suggested the Sony DAVHDX466. My dad went shopping around and said he really liked the AQ out of the LG E932TB. What can anyone here recommend? My budget is around $500 CAN, although that's slightly flexible. I'm probably going to hold off until boxing day, but I want to have made up my mind well in advance.

On a side note, I'm also anticipating that having a receiver will improve the A/V sync problems found with Guitar Hero 3 (vs. TV speakers). Can anyone comment on this?

Thanks for the input.