Dumb question: 7.1 or 5.1 on new HT

[MrFattBill]

I would do 7.1 if you have the space. I am sitting here at this very moment considering going down to 3.1 in the living room in order to regain 7.1 in the garage. I had previously removed a set of Gems from the garage and brought them inside as I had finally sold the old Sony rears I had been using.

With regard to how the receiver will treat the rear surrounds that will vary from brand to brand. I know some have an option to take the side surrounds and blend them in the back when there is no dedicated information for them.

Bill