I just joined the HD movement and I've been trying to stockpile info about what kind of receiver I need to go with my Toshiba player. My standard DVD player was one of those dvd/surround system combos so that will not work to my advantage.

I've heard good things about both Denon and Onkyo, and their prices don't seem too high. Any thoughts?

Also, I'm very confused about the whole Optical vs. HDMI sound debate. What I gather is that optical can only process DD 5.1 and DTS whereas (if your receiver is compatible) HDMI will allow you to use TrueHD and 5.1+. If I'm wrong, and I'm sure I am, can someone please straighten me out?

Denon and Onkyo are both good. They put better amps in their receivers than Sony and some of the other cheap brands. So they sound better and last longer. Other good brands in the low end price ranges are Yamaha, Harmon Kardon and Outlaw Audio.

And you are basically correct about optical vs HDMI. Optical can only pass the old versions of DD and DTS and CD audio. HDMI can pass anything we currently have, and probably the next gen, too.

i picked up a onkyo 705 and couldn't be happier. very future proof, got alot of features packed into it. Decided to dump the sony HTiB i had after I picked up a A20 and samsung 1200. have those to and my HD cable box going into the 3 HDMI inputs, my 360 into component in, all output via a single HDMI out to my TV. Picked up Klipsch reference speakers to go along with it. The 605 is a great model too. I was going to get that one, but wanted the extra power of the 705 for my speakers, and the extra HDMI input.

I ended up buying the Harmon Kardon AVR 247 to go with my Toshiba A3 and I am so pleased with it. The sound is great and I just used some Onkyo speakers I had in storage from an old HTIB I bought several years ago. I think I am now a Harmon Kardon believer from here on out. Best Buy has it for $449 right now.

HDMI cables all the way.