1) With no Pro-Logic video tapes and no satellite or cable, you are not likely to make use of PL2 much or even at all. It can be used with music, but many people (myself included) tend to prefer stereo for music listening. It can also be used with DVD's that are Dolby 2.0 to give a somewhat better surround experience.

2) The 1050 will not be receiving a PL2 upgrade, I'm afraid.

Cheap Home Theater gave the edge to the 1050 in amplification, but seemed to like the extra features of the 1802. The 1803 looks to have picked up component video switching (absent from the 1802 and 1050, and a somewhat questionable value in a ~$500 receiver anyway), but it still lacks pre-amp outputs -- so you can't add a separate amp later. Perhaps not a problem for CHT, but certainly something of a limitation if you want to keep that upgrade path available.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review