The 'center channel speaker array thing' you mentioned is a sound bar. Some come with a seperate subwoofer. Not being into HT it's probably a good idea for his use. Most of todays TV's have very small speakers on the bottom. Listening to the news they might sound OK, but he will want something better for movies. They vary greatly in price.

M80's, VP150, QS8's (all V3) Epic Sentinel Sub
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