My old HT system had a basic Trinitron CRT, Bose acoustimass 15 & Onkyo (SR505?) 5.1 receiver. I was pretty happy with it, and at one point I added an iPod dock. Anyway, you could always check out the more recent Onkyo models online, as they have a whole host of newer features to accomodate your Sony HDTV, blue ray players, etc. Onkyo provides a lot of bang for the buck IMHO. You could try something very basic like the TX-SR506-

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-TX-SR506-7-1-Dolby-and-DTS-Home-Theater-Receiver-TXSR506/sem/rpsm/oid/207879/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

If you wanted more features like upscaling, I'd suggest something like the TX-SR606-
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-TX-SR606-7-1-Dolby-and-DTS-Home-Theater-Receiver-TXSR606/sem/rpsm/oid/208513/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

There are going to be some web only outlet items for a bit less. Onkyo also has an outlet and club you can join for greater savings. I guess it depends whether or not you care about having to take something home w/ you on your trip to WA Wink.

hth,
Pedro