Now throw in those very cool digital interfaces, among them the i.Link (FireWire) ports, a pair of flexible connections that allow, for example, the direct digital connection of multichannel DVD-Audio or SACD audio signals from compatible players. (Two eight-channel analog inputs with on-board bass management accommodate players that lack a digital connection.) Or you can daisy-chain up to 17 FireWire-equipped audio sources to an i.Link port and access them as desired from the receiver.

The two HDMI inputs and one output let you move high-def video in and out of the receiver in the digital domain to retain pristine picture quality from a DVD to your TV. Conveniently, the Onkyo upconverts composite- and S-video sources for playback through the HDMI or analog component outputs and will also pass audio through its HDMI output.

On the downside, though, it can't play any audio signals supplied to the HDMI inputs. You'll still need a separate digital audio connection from an HDMI-equipped DVD player or other source. Onkyo says the TX-NR1000 was designed before release of the current HDMI 1.1 spec, the first to recognize digital audio inputs but still an interim standard that fails to recognize all multichannel formats. It's waiting for the v.1.2 spec (said to be imminent) before designing a new module, which would be an optional purchase for TX-NR1000 owners. Still, it's ironic (and annoying) that a $5,000 receiver designed to prevent obsolescence comes out of the box with an obsolete interface.

Finally, there's Net-Tune, one of my favorite features in the NR-1000. With the help of proprietary Onkyo computer software and the receiver's Ethernet connection, the NR-1000 can tap your home network to stream music files from your hard drive and give you remote-control access to Internet radio stations. Awesome!

SETUP The TX-NR1000's basic A/V was as easy to connect as any other receiver's. A little audio, some video, the speakers, and you're done. On the other hand, the Onkyo offers amazing setup flexibility. As a random example, you can configure the effects and playback options differently for DVD-Audio and SACD inputs via i.Link. The receiver's memory automatically switch­es to a pre­assigned surround mode for each source you select. Explore a bit, and you'll surely find new ways to enhance your setup.

Setting up the Net-Tune module was an extra step that took only a few minutes, and it was the best small chore I did all month. I downloaded the Net-Tune Central software from Onkyo's Web page and installed it on my Ethernet-enabled PC. Then I connected the receiver, via its Ethernet port, to my high-speed router.