Germination questions

High.
What's the best way to germinate?
In the past we were able to buy the best starts in the world on nearly every corner. As of late things have changed in Switzerland and now we have to settle for seeds.
Anyway, back to the original question: best way to germinate.
I used to get two wet paper towels, and put the seeds between them. In a week: presto - sprouts.
I've recently read that it's better to put the seed in some soil (about 5mm) deep and cover the pot with seran wrap. How important is the soil PH balance at the beginning?
Anyone have any thoughts on the issue? Thanks.
Swissbud

pop em in some lukewarm water till they sink(should agitate them like swirl the water around cause sometimes they wont sink on their own)
Once they sink i like to put them in between paper towels and pop em in some tupperware
They should sprout in 1-3 days and be healthy if they are viable seeds
Good way to know how deep to plant em is make a hole with your finger down to your middle knuckle, unless you have some monkey hands then down to your first. This is just the way i do it so you know but i think its pretty hard to ruin it, atleast i never have

oh yeah and bag soil should be PH adjusted it but you want the PH to stay close to 6.5 as possible