Help me choose an H/K receiver

The only one out of that list that makes any sense, considering you'll be using it with a PS3 and an HD-DVD player, is the AVR 247.

None of the other ones provide anything other than HDMI switching, so you wouldn't be able to take advantage of any next-gen audio (TrueHD, DD+, DTS-MA).

I recently replaced an AVR 235 with an AVR 247, and then replaced that with a Sony DG1000.

The analog inputs on the AVR 247 leave something to be desired in terms of using the receiver as a pre-pro, but digital connections sounded wonderful. If you're primarily connecting digital audio devices using HDMI or Toslink/coax, then it's a fine product.

Also don't rely on the component -> HDMI upconversion if image quality is a big concern. The way that the circuit is currently setup it introduces a tremendous amount of white-crush, and it is non-defeatable. It is also limited to 720p output. If you're not going to use that feature, then it's a non-issue.

There are issues with bass management on the x47 series products from HK, check the long running 247/347 thread for details.

Perhaps you will gain more insight if you do a search on this forum for each of the models you inquired about. Then you can draw your own conclusions as to why the interest level here in H/K is what it is.

You can definitely use two speakers with a 5.1/7.1 receiver and just change your configuration as you add more speakers.

If your cable box uses HDMI you'll be fine, or if it uses component (RGB) you'll be fine as well as long as you run a component cable AND an HDMI cable from the receiver to the display.

You could get by with just using an HDMI cable to the display, but you'll run into the problems with the upconversion that I mentioned before.

With respect to alternatives. If you can find a good price on a Sony STR-DG1000, a Yamaha RX-v661, or RX-v861 would be better options. The v661 is a very solid product, but lacks component -> HDMI upconversion... that was the dealbreaker for me because I didn't want to run more than a single cable to my projector. However in your situation it might be perfect as running multiple types of video cables from the receiver to the display wouldn't be nearly as big of an issue.

you might want to check the official H/K ebay seller as they are cheaper than buying directly from their website...unless u don't want a refurbished system. They have the same warrantly on the refurbished systems both on thier site and ebay.