Trying to make up my mind on the direction I want to go regarding setting up my HT.
I am not sure of the difference between HDMI switching and HDMI repeating. Which is better? (I have an HD Sony LCD 1080p).

I want to go with a receiver at this point. Should I stay with a lower cost model until I know more about what I am doing or spend a little more.

Since I have been an audio enthusiast for years and have some pretty good audio equip I was thinking about going with Marantz but someone told me that I will have to run cords for my audio because these receivers are only HDMI 1.3 switching compliant and not repeating (thus the video signal only is passed via HDML cable???). Is that correct? Does this mean that the hook up will require many more cables behind my cabinet. I am planning on a DVD and cable box. Not much else except maybe adding some audio componenets for stereo sound.

I want to keep cord clutter to a minimum.

Near as I can tell the only receiver that people seem to be recommending are the Onkyo brand (605-705 and 805). What other receivers should I consider.

Emotiva is selling their receiver at a greatly reduced price but it is only HDMI switched with an external device near as I can tell. It is supposed to be great for sound quality however but is more than I was planning on spending. HELP!