Ya, there isn't a lot out there but I have no doubt there will be more content available as time goes on. I'm sure Auro 3D would have gradually become more popular too, but now with the release of DTS:X Pro, I have my doubts.
I haven't heard much on the DTS up-mixer. Thanks for the heads-up. Haven't heard anything but great reviews on the Auro 3D up-mixer though. Really looking forward to that.
I agree with you, a receiver trying to push 13 or more speakers is a tall order. So I've been planning on using a processor since the beginning. I got really fortunate and found a great deal on two Outlaw 7900s a while back so i have the amps already. With the advent of DTS:X Pro however, I may have to add an ATI 6003 to match the Outlaws if I decide to use all 17 channels simultaneously. So, just need a processor. Unfortunately receivers always get the latest in technologies before the dedicated processors so I may be forced to use a receiver just for it's processor capabilities. I'll have to wait and see what's available when it gets down to crunch time.
The Auro 3D up mixer is better then DTS, but not nearly as good as the Dolby, which is quite incredible. I actually hope the industry consolidates on Dolby Atmos for BD. Set up properly it works very well indeed. I understand it is not tolerant of improper set up, but then if it is a precise system, then you need to follow the rules.
I think that 7.2.4 works very well for a two or three row theater. I can see you might need 7.2.6 for a four or more room. I really have a hard time thinking you need more speakers than that in a domestic room, otherwise the speakers all get too close to each other and the result will be a mess due to comb filtering issues.
I know we have had one bloke here pushing for 32 channels in a domestic set up, because of localization issues. My retort to that is he needs better speakers.
Good speakers can throw images between them when spaced at a reasonable distance, poor ones with uneven FR won't.
So the old adage is more true now then ever, in that fewer excellent speakers will always best more poor ones.
My experience is that any poor speakers will stand out and draw inappropriate attention to themselves.
Truly bad speakers are to be avoided at any location, which makes this an expensive proposition.
This is what 18 channels of amplification looks like, and I don't have room for any more. Nor do I want to pay a higher utility bill for any more than these. There comes a point where a good installation starts to become impractical. We are now in danger of passing that point in my view. In truth may be we have passed it.