Three bookshelf speakers that I own and have tested with the 1050 as front main speakers.
In order of preference.
Comapred to my Boston Acoustic VR-970 front mains. (powered sub tower speakers) Comparisons made with and without the 970's built in subs running.

1. Polk Lsi9
- Best detail, depth of sound field and imaging, Excelent sound reproduction from highs to lows.
Sound quality overall is very comparable to the 970's - with better imaging and depth of sound field. Honestly makes me want to replace my VR-970's with a pair of Polk Lsi-15 towers, and my BA VR-12 cetner with the Lsi center.
$660.oo pr / delivered / 1100.oo retail
Currently in use with the 1050 in my home office system.

2. Boston Accoustic CR-8 ( new model is CR-85 )
- Best descibed as a lush sound, Not as detailed as the Polk's with a bit more bass emphasis, Mids are not as pronounced.
Could almost suffice as mains in a small room without a sub.
Big rich sound vs the Axiom's - mid range detail is full but not as detailed as the lsi9's or VR970's
$225.oo / Dealer demo / regularly about 400.00 pr.
L-R side surrounds - HT

3. Axiom M3ti
- Very clean detailed sound, distinct sepration of insturments in music, Bass is present and clear but a bit to light. They sound fine, But just did not have the punch I wanted for my H.O. stereo. No real comparison to the Lsi9's, CR-8's or VR-970's (970 top end only w/o sub)
Still, Due to the performance I would give some of the Axiom tower models consideration if price were the main driving factor.
235.oo pr / delivered / Factory outlet price
LR rear surounds - HT.

As far as HD and the 1050. The main concern is using the reciever or PrePro/Amp to select the video source that is being delivered to your TV. If you go with the 1050 you can simply run the HD video source and a progressive scan or regular DVD to your TV via the component video connections. You just connect them directly to the TV and do not worry about using the 1050 as the video selector. The video selector function can be convienient, but it is not nessacary. I do use the 1050 to switch non HD sources, VHS - 2nd DVD/sacd (s-video) - DSS (s-video) and still run the component outputs from my first DVD directly in to the TV, It works just fine.


[This message has been edited by Steve_C (edited January 14, 2003).]