michael, thanks. i couldn't find the receiver i wanted (kenwood vr-509 w/dplII) in stock anywhere so i ended up getting the pioneer 810s. you're right in that my dvd is the only component source (for now :D ) , so i guess i'll just keep it connected to the tv.
one thing that surprised me was...
I'm shopping for a receiver and am confused about the mix of features offered by similarly priced units. ie not many seem to have pro logic II. the onkyo 595 seems well respected but doesn't even have component switching. the pioneer 810S does, but doesn't have pro logic II, same with the yamaha...