You wont find any 7.1 material on anything other than DVD Audio or SACD for the time being. I have a 7.1 system but with the limited availability of source material a 5.1 surround system should fulfill all of your needs both now and in the future. Look for other options on the AV receiver that will be of benefit to you and if it comes with 7.1 great if not, no great loss.