Sony STR-DN1000

Pros: Dedicated IR codes. The automatic sound setup is surprisingly fast. Upon critical listening, the sound is more accuately adjusted than manual adjustments I could make...and, it adjusted the subwoofer with similar accuracy.

Cons: Tree different audio room measurements can be stored in three selectable memories...too many...confusing for average clients.
No Tape Out. There is a SACD Output (which may actually operate as a "tape out" of sorts... not tried it yet).

Summary: I have used this unit in three systems to date, and in all three, my clients recognized the sonic accuracy almost immediately. The biggest plus of this unit is clearly the automatic room correction setup function. In fact, it is so good, one could almost use any "average" speaker system because the DN1000 will correct any imperfections in the room and speaker with an accuracy I have never witnessed before in any receiver near this price. Here I must make note to say that in all of my system designs, all of the speakers are identical and I rarely use satellite speakers with a woofer larger than 6 inch, and all of the subwoofers I use go down to at least 28Hz (-3dB).
HDMI functionality is very good. And, with 4 HDMI inputs, most average sized AV systems can have above average applications.
The unit looks classy and high tech...always a plus. Functionality is standard Sony, but the on screen GUI is definately improved over previous Sony models in this price range.
Best receiver value under $1000, in my opinion.