Composite Video inputs?
S-Video inputs?

They'll be around for some time yet.Some people still have record players, which is why lots of recievers still have phono stages (not that many users recognises what they are).

and s-video/composite are the best their TVs accept

Even if they do have HD sets, there are sources that don't have component/HDMI connections.

And when they buy their $399 receivers with HDMI 1.3 (eventually) they bitch about how their speakers don't sound as good as they heard them in the store (powered by a $2k receiver with a proper transformer and far less off-the-shelf components inside).

Sadly, it's not the consumer's fault - the industry is to blame for making it look as though the headline specs (wattage, connections, big display and folding door) are all that matters when it comes to trying to figure out which receiver will work best with your speakers.

Matching speakers and amplifiers/receivers is a bit of an art when it comes to getting the best out of your gear. Corporate America has killed-off all but all of the quality independants (at least that's case here in SoCal), capable of demoing such products and subsequently we have to believe 'drunkenminimalknowledge' on www.misinformation.com when it comes to seeking decision-swaying information on the intraweb.

Shame.

Simply because of mass produce. Therefore, you are much more likely to get far more than you need and you aren't paying any extra for it.

Receivers with snazzy remotes are a bit of a rip-off for many as you pay for the remote in price of the receiver, and yet few 'included' remotes compare to something like a Harmony, which many end up buying simply because they are easier to use, much more versatile and customizable.

<center><img src="http://www.remotecentral.com/mx500/photo1.jpg"></center><p>Which is nice but not a Harmony.

sunfire would have chosen harmony if they were better

must be better than the Oppo

still though, universal makes the best and is far superior in construction/durability. the mx500 be a bit dated but its still way more rugged and reliable then harmony junk