Help choosing a new receiver for AV set up

[FreeState]

Here is my current equipment:

Dish Network HD box (HR21-700) - HDMI connection
:apple:TV - HDMI connection
Cheepo Samsung up converting DVD player - Composite or HDMI
Monoprice HDMI Amplifier (one source to two out)
19" Sharp LC-19SB14U widescreen HDTV LCD
46" Samsung 1080p (cant remember the model #)
Old Sony receiver with Boston Acoustic speakers and sub(no HDMI or Component - has S-Video and Optical Audio)

I currently have the TV doing all the audio out no matter the source via Optical Audio because of the receivers lack of HDMI.

The two TV's are on the same wall but in different rooms (shared wall is bedroom and kitchen with the smaller TV in the kitchen, all components are in bedroom with the Samsung). I mirror the satellite connection to both TV's via the HDMI Amplifier but would prefer it mirrored the same content no matter what the source - thats the #1 reason I want an HDMI capable receiver.

So I think this is my minimal requirements for a new receiver:

One HDMI Out
Three HDMI In
Min 5.1 surround
A/B Speaker output
Priced at most $500

I plan on hooking everything into the receiver and then using the HDMI out to my Amplifier that would then go to each TV. The TV In the kitchen currently uses its internal speakers, but I plan to replace them in a year or two with in celling speakers hooked up to the receiver (hence the A/B speaker need) - Im assuming that receivers don't strip the audio stream from its HDMI out.

Any suggestions?

[kagharaht]

Here is my current equipment:

Dish Network HD box (HR21-700) - HDMI connection
:apple:TV - HDMI connection
Cheepo Samsung up converting DVD player - Composite or HDMI
Monoprice HDMI Amplifier (one source to two out)
19" Sharp LC-19SB14U widescreen HDTV LCD
46" Samsung 1080p (cant remember the model #)
Old Sony receiver with Boston Acoustic speakers and sub(no HDMI or Component - has S-Video and Optical Audio)

I currently have the TV doing all the audio out no matter the source via Optical Audio because of the receivers lack of HDMI.

The two TV's are on the same wall but in different rooms (shared wall is bedroom and kitchen with the smaller TV in the kitchen, all components are in bedroom with the Samsung). I mirror the satellite connection to both TV's via the HDMI Amplifier but would prefer it mirrored the same content no matter what the source - thats the #1 reason I want an HDMI capable receiver.

So I think this is my minimal requirements for a new receiver:

One HDMI Out
Three HDMI In
Min 5.1 surround
A/B Speaker output
Priced at most $500

I plan on hooking everything into the receiver and then using the HDMI out to my Amplifier that would then go to each TV. The TV In the kitchen currently uses its internal speakers, but I plan to replace them in a year or two with in celling speakers hooked up to the receiver (hence the A/B speaker need) - Im assuming that receivers don't strip the audio stream from its HDMI out.

Any suggestions?

Well for me it's ONKYO all the way. I switched to Pannys a few years back, went back to ONKYO. They make superb receivers. Mine is a couple of years old now 2 HDMI in, but this one is 3 and not too pricey.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR705&class=Receiver&p=i

[Ronnoco]

Well for me it's ONKYO all the way. I switched to Pannys a few years back, went back to ONKYO. They make superb receivers. Mine is a couple of years old now 2 HDMI in, but this one is 3 and not too pricey.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR705&class=Receiver&p=i

I have owned Denon, Yamaha and Onkyo receivers over the past 10 years or so and I have become quite a fan of Onkyo...I now have their "HIGH END" brand called Integra and it is as good a receiver as any I have EVER heard (and I have worked in pro-audio/broadcasting for many years)...
If you have the extra bucks, check out the Integra brand (many high end Home Theater Stores carry Integra)...if not, the upper end of any of the others mentioned (Denon, Yamaha or Onkyo) are all very worthy of your consideration (as stated, of those I prefer Onkyo but the Integra is truly a cut above)...
Integra Link (http://www.integrahometheater.com/main_page.cfm)

[FreeState]

Well for me it's ONKYO all the way. I switched to Pannys a few years back, went back to ONKYO. They make superb receivers. Mine is a couple of years old now 2 HDMI in, but this one is 3 and not too pricey.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR705&class=Receiver&p=i

Thanks for the suggestion! It has good reviews on Amazon too - do you use the video up converter on it or can you bypass it? Is it any good? The AppleTV 1080p out has been impressive on my set - I usually let my TV do the up-converting - 720p on AppleTV looked way better than 1080i on the Samsung before Take2 - but with Take2 the 1080p it looks just as good if not a tad better.

I'll also check out the Integra... so many options LOL:) I have a Denon too that I love - but it too is old and does not support HDMI.

[Ronnoco]

Thanks for the suggestion! It has good reviews on Amazon too - do you use the video up converter on it or can you bypass it? Is it any good? The AppleTV 1080p out has been impressive on my set - I usually let my TV do the up-converting - 720p on AppleTV looked way better than 1080i on the Samsung before Take2 - but with Take2 the 1080p it looks just as good if not a tad better.

I'll also check out the Integra... so many options LOL:) I have a Denon too that I love - but it too is old and does not support HDMI.

Since you are in San Diego, you can actually see and hear the Integra line at The Home Theater Store in Solana Beach...:D
Awesome equipment...Cool store...(and no, I do not work there nor am I affiliated with them in any way...I just went there to see and hear the Integra before I actually bought one ;) )

[FreeState]

Since you are in San Diego, you can actually see and hear the Integra line at The Home Theater Store in Solana Beach...:D
Awesome equipment...Cool store...(and no, I do not work there nor am I affiliated with them in any way...I just went there to see and hear the Integra before I actually bought one ;) )

Cool Ill have to add that to my list of places to visit next time Im up north (Im in North Park). My partner has a client in Cardiff so next time I go up on the weekend to visit his clients Ill have to stop there:)

[Ronnoco]

Cool Ill have to add that to my list of places to visit next time Im up north (Im in North Park). My partner has a client in Cardiff so next time I go up on the weekend to visit his clients Ill have to stop there:)

...I live in Cardiff...

[statenine]

I have the Pioneer Elite flagship model from a few years back and I absolutely love it....they make great receivers.

[kagharaht]

Thanks for the suggestion! It has good reviews on Amazon too - do you use the video up converter on it or can you bypass it? Is it any good? The AppleTV 1080p out has been impressive on my set - I usually let my TV do the up-converting - 720p on AppleTV looked way better than 1080i on the Samsung before Take2 - but with Take2 the 1080p it looks just as good if not a tad better.

I'll also check out the Integra... so many options LOL:) I have a Denon too that I love - but it too is old and does not support HDMI.

The video up converter isn't really what people think it is. It just makes it compatible to high def receivers/tv. At least it makes sure that you are getting the best image out of your DVD or ATV files.

Its the ones that can upscale the video that improves it a bit thats close to HD. I would rather have the TV do the up converting at first then receiver, and just have the receiver feed it straight HDMI signal.