current dvd-audio players decode the signal in the player, so I guess it's only a matter of time before the dvd-audio players just output the signal like they currently do for dd and dts, right? That way the receiver can decode the dvd-audio signal and as a result we could have better bass management and only have to connect a single cable from the dvd-audio player to the receiver. Will dvd-audio decoding become a standard feature on future receivers?

Actually, no. The music industry was extreemly worried about piracy with such a high-resolution audio format. Because of that, DVD-Audio players cannot currently, nor will they ever, send out their signal digitally. They decided that the player will do the decoding and send the 6 analog channels of audio to a 5.1 input on a receiver or pre-amp.

Boy that sucks... I hooked up a new JVC 721 last night with the dvd-audio. I could not believe that I needed the analog cables to decode the output. Talk about a step backwards..