You have just entered an expensive hobby, and a very addicting one at that. As far as a DVD player goes, I would pick up an inexpensive Panasonic with progressive scan, (I like Panasonic because of their reliability. Since you are on a tight budget this brand would be a best buy for the money and its internal quality). You will definately need surround speakers, I prefer bi-polar but this is something you and your wife will have to go and listen to since all the suggestions in the world aren't going to help what both of you like to hear. Do you have a subwoofer? See, this is the problem with this hobby. You won't truly enjoy your 950 or DVD player without the surrounds and sub. Like you, my first love is music, but wait till you experience high quality surround in your home. You are in for a fun ride, so saddle up. My last piece of advice for now: take your time. Set up your system and become familiar with it one piece at a time.