I have a 42inch Plasma but if I had it to do again I would go LCD, last alot longer and great quality.
As for the surround sound I use the Energy take five system it outpreforms Bose by a mile and costs alot less, ( had mine for 8 years now) and you need a good prossesor Kenwood or whatever you can get for 3-500.00 ucks can get you a good one .
You wil be amazed with the movie theater feel you get, make sure to get a good sub as well, it makes it all come together.
Hope that helps a little,
I would say for 1500.00 bones you can set yourself up pretty good with entry level LCD tv, surround sound and a amp.