In the same price range you may want to consider the Yamaha Rx-v659. It supports 7.1 and has a second powered zone so you could run an additional pair of speakers for outside or on another floor while playing back a different source (ie - DVD in theater room and CD/Radio/XM Radio on the deck outside). I believe if you have a 5.1 setup you can run 3 sets of speakers.

Audioholics review attached:
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/YamahaRX-V659p1.php

Epic Grande Master 500 w/ on wall VP180