Stone_man,
That is a great deal. When I was looking around a few months ago I couldn't find anything from an "authorized" dealer for under $1499. Luckily, I had a connection at abt electronics and got mine for $1150 out the door.
In regards to my authorized dealer comment from my research I don't think any internet dealers are authorized for Elite model AVRS.
Check this link on Pioneer's authorized dealer policy.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/top/0,,2076_86556318,00.html
Also check this link for authorized AVR dealers
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/two/0,,2076_83644739_277297187,00.html
I don't see Dr. Plasma on the list. Take the authorized dealer as you will, but I don't think Pioneer will honor service w/o a fight if you buy unauthorized.
Be sure to note the difference between upconversion and upscaling. Upconversion will take component, hdmi, dvi, etc and output them all out a single hdmi.
Upscaling will take say a 480p signal and output it 1080i out via hdmi. I know the Yammy 2600 and the new Denon 2807 will do this. Neither the Pioneer you mentioned or Yammy 2500 can upscale.
Again, I didn't really need this feature as my Oppo, Xbox 360, and HD satellite are all connected via HDMI or component and my TV upscales everything to 1080p anyhow.
