Need Advice for Home Theater Receiver System

[franco46]

I just got DirecTV. It's great but now I see how badly I need a receiver that will do the sound some justice. Would someone please suggest where I might look to get a good deal on a 5.1 Dolby digital receiver. Any advice relative to features such as number of inputs/outputs, types of I/P and O/P, switchability, remote control capabilities, et al would also be very appreciated. I've looked at Denon units, Onkyo THX systems, etc......but the choices/options are mind-boggling!! The cost is important, but I would rather spend more now than be dissatisfied in a year or two. Also I would like to know if some receivers integrate better than others with DirecTV.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Franco

[LPMiller]

you want one with s-video inputs, and at least one output, assuming your TV has S-video.

100 watts or better, depending on room size. Still, a nice sounding 70 watt beats an okay sounding 100 watt...

Get one with more inputs/channels than you need...because someday, you'll need 'em.

For under 500, Yamaha, Pioneer or Sony, in that order.

For over, Denon. I just really like 'em.

[Leon]

It would make it a lot easier if you gave us your price range.