Yes, the rears are in-ceiling. Because I have a vaulted ceiling I liked the aiming capability of the speakers. I actually thought this part was good. I was only concerned with the subs, but I am open to suggestions. But along those lines, would you say then that two 8" subs would be sufficient to fill the room, but two 10's would rumble?
Anywho, about the fronts, I like having them in the wall. The two fronts, the center, and the subs will all be in the wall at the right height. I won't be able to hear them before they go in, so wonder if they have inherent problems.
I am going off of the my wife's opinion, who doesn't usually show much enthusiasm for this sort of thing. She heard this set up in a similar home and told me it sounded good. Someone is going to tell me that the best way to choose speakers is to listen to them, but I can't right now.
I have a Sony 42" LCD that plays, HDTV from Comcast, Xbox and Playstation, and an upconverting DVD player - not sure now which one, but I think it's also Sony. I apologize again for the missing details, but it's the best I can do from Iraq. I am trying to get more info from my wife. Bottom line is this room will be used alot for a little of everything.
I need to get home and decide on how to finish the basement, which is where a dedicated theater room will go. I have a lot to learn before I make an attempt at that one.