Yamaha RX-V473 5.1 Channel Network A/V Receiver $248 + Free Shipping

Yeah, it can pass all the HDMI connections out to your TV with one cable from the AVR. Up-conversion, as you hit on, allows you to connect component and composite devices and these would also be passed to the TV via the one HDMI cable out to the TV. No need to use a component or composite cable out to TV. So if you only use HDMI devices then you wouldn't need HDMI up-conversion. And that is more and more the case these days.

I still use a few composite connected devices so the up-conversion is very convenient to have.

Biggest downside I see is the lack of HDMI up convert. Meaning you still need a separate connections for component to the TV. Might not be a concern for everyone, but I found it odd that so far this option is only on 7.1 or higher devices.

I've actually been waiting for a long time on a good deal on either this, the 471 or the 573. I missed the deal on the rx-v471 a couple of weeks ago from Newegg for $150 which was a pretty good price. This is the same thing pretty much but is network ready and has airplay as well as iphone & android apps, which in my opinion can be worth the extra $100. I was also going to be charged tax with Newegg.

This is a very good receiver and I was just comparing it to the Pioneer VSX-1022-K which is 7.1 but I only need 5.1 and from the reviews it seems like Yamaha is more dependable than Pioneer.

the Pioneer VSK-1022-K for $240 @ Amazon was tempting me. Did you decide between these two? I only need 5.1 (7.1 might be nice in the future, but who knows) and would appreciate some feedback

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/...PDKIKX0DER

This receiver is rated 4 1/2 stars with 100 reviews. Looks to be an excellent receiver for the money.

Product Features
5-channel powerful surround supported in HD Audio format decoding: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
Network recceiver with AirPlay, allows music streaming from Mac, PC, iPod, iPhone, iPad
4K pass-through for next generation super high resolution displays, and HDMI (4 in/1 out) with 3D and Audio Return Channel
AV Controller app for operating various functions from an iPod, iPhone, iPad or Android phones
YPAO sound optimization for automatic speaker setup

Is this better than the Harman Kardon AVR-1700 that was on sale at BB couple of months back?

I've been looking for a sub $250 receiver for a while and I found the RX-V473 on Newegg for $177 and was debating if I should get it. What would I gain if I chumped up more money to buy the RX-V473? I'm using the receiver for my bedroom so I'm not looking for anything too overpowering. Thanks

How does this compare to the Onkyo TX-NR509?