Help! Too much info for finding a receiver for a 5.1 system my head is spinning!!!

I'm going to upgrade my system from an old Kenwood KRV-990D receiver I've had for 12 years now and I'm absolutely and completely overwhelmed by it all. I read the HDMI 1.3 and Future Proofing threads and I don't even know where to begin.

I want something powerful for my HT experience that will sufficiently drive my 5.1 system to its limits. I don't think I'll go to 6.1 or 7.1 any time in the near future. I will be using this receiver almost exclusively for HT use.

Give me some direction, please! I'm no audiophile or HT guru and I need to at least be able to narrow my choices to 5 or fewer. I've tried to read up on Outlaw, Emotiva separates, Denon, Onkyo, Integra and Yamaha and I really dont' know what I "should" and "need" to have for 5.1 to get the most out of our viewing/listening experience. Budget will be determined by the suggestions I receive.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

For recommendation purposes, assume I'll have a second zone in the bedroom, would like HDMI capability (1.1, 2 or 3 I have no clue) and would like to be in the $1,000 to $1,200 range if there is a good solution at that price. I'd be willing to go up if I'll be missing something in the HT experience by not paying more. Thank you!