Welcome to the saloon, Sildog. Let me see if I can help any...

1. Pro-Logic includes a surround channel, but it's mono (same signal goes to both left and right). The 1050's "Natural" mode is probably what you'd want to play with to get all of the speakers going at once, if my memory is still working today (haven't actually messed with a 1050 in a while).

2. If there is a center surround speaker, even if it's nothing fancy, then the 1050 has no problems with Dolby EX (or any other) format. It also lets you start playing with the world of 6.1/7.1...

3. I'm not sure what Yamaha was intending with this one. The 1050's manual does not make any such recommendation. You can always give Outlaw's new contact/support page -- it has replaced their old support e-mail address, but serves the same purpose, and they've got a good crew answering such questions.

Hope that helps! Oh, and there's always eBay to help find a new home for the Yamaha (and either eBay or Audiogon for the Carver.

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