Receiver/Processor with DVI Switching

I am in the process of changing my 2-channel setup to a 7.1 HT. I pretty much got everything I need other than the receiver/processor. I have a DirecTV HD receiver outputs DVI and a Denon 3910 universal CD/DVD/SACD player that outputs both DVI and HDMI. My projector is the new Panasonic LCD PT-AE700U that has a HDMI input, and I would like to use that as my video source input. So far, the only receivers I has found that have DVI switching are the Sony STR-DA9000ES, the Denon 5805, and the new Marantz SR-8500. The Denon's price is out of my range, so I am considering between the Sony and the Marantz, but the Marantz's shipping date kept slipping. I have several questions for fellow A'goners:

1. Anyone has experience with the Sony, and how does it perform?

2. Am I putting too much emphasis on the DVI switching where there are other receiver out there that I might've overlooked? The reason I liked DVI/HDMI is that it's true 1080i, and I am trying to future-proof the setup, at least for a couple of years. My understanding is that the best component would do is 720p (for copyright reasons).

3. Does anyone know if there is a processor that has DVI or HDMI switching? I already have 5 channels of amplification, so I would only be needing the receiver for two channels of rear speakers. If there is a good processor, I would just add a separate two channel amp.

4. I would like to spend around $2k for the receiver or a processor, any suggestions?

Thanks.