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I am a good rider and want to have a bike capable of doing downhill mountain biking. I also want to be able to do cross country mountain biking without buying multiple bikes. I think that the bike I would need would be in the "all mountain, duel suspension" type of bikes, but are there other categories of bikes more suitable to my needs? Also what brand and/or model bike would I be needing to get?
You may have trouble finding any bike that will be great for both downhill and x-country due to the varying geometries necessary for bikes to excel at the different types of riding. I ride a Pivot and highly recommend them. Lots of people love the Mach 5.7 as an all around bike. The Firebird is designed more for all mountain riding. I would guess that the 5.7 would be better at x-country while the Firebird would excel on the downhill. Here's a link to their website http://www.pivotcycles.com/ You can give the Pivot folks a call, too. They are very helpful.
Something with about six inches of travel might work, at least that's what they use in BC where they like some up with their down. Something like a Giant Reign might be just the ticket. I think what "category" you want is "all mountain": lots of travel for the downhills, yet they'll climb well.
I agree with Alfredo8100. I think that you should go into a store and discuss your intentions and your budget.
Downhill bikers vary greatly in how fast and how high they jump. So, I think that if you are an aggressive downhill biker that jump off short cliffs, possibly only a downhill bike would suit you.