Ok. I hate that the new TV's don't have standard analogue audio out, mine does, but my mates doesn't and it pisses me off. No doubt my future one won't.
So, my suggestion to him was to buy a second hand Amp, and set up the stereo as normal.
You can buy a digital - analogue converter, I would then use this to convert your TV into the amp.
My mums place is set up with the Sky input in one, DVD in another etc and it makes no sense to me. I like my sound to switch off when my TV does. I subsequently leave my amp on 24/7.
The only 3 inputs I have into my amp is the TV, Then the DVD (based solely opfor when I'm listening to CD's), and then my iPod dock.
My Apple TV is then sourced when my TV is on the channel.
As for makes, I'm afraid mines an old set up minus a new set of passive speakers from the Best Buy closures. My speakers and about 9 years old and Sony, and my Amp is about 15 years old and Sony. So I'm afraid I can't help with brands.....