With A/V receivers, the feaures are some times as imortant as the sound, I don't think you can go too wrong with an Onkyo, HK or Denon unit. You have to make sure the model you pick has the correct amount digital, analog, S-video, RGB, DVI, or HDMI ins and outs that you will need to feed it.
For example make sure its compatible with the cable box or satelite, DVR, VCR etc. you will be using. Also check what kind of input the TV you will be using it with will accept. Its nice to have your A/V receiver be able to transcode/upscale a compsite (usually VCR) signal to s-video. Anything in that price range should do that.
Also, keep an eye on the near future which will have HD-DVD with 1080p output. I'd hate to sync too much money right now on something that may be obsolete by next year. Look to make sure it can switch a high band-width video signal.
For example make sure its compatible with the cable box or satelite, DVR, VCR etc. you will be using. Also check what kind of input the TV you will be using it with will accept. Its nice to have your A/V receiver be able to transcode/upscale a compsite (usually VCR) signal to s-video. Anything in that price range should do that.
Also, keep an eye on the near future which will have HD-DVD with 1080p output. I'd hate to sync too much money right now on something that may be obsolete by next year. Look to make sure it can switch a high band-width video signal.