Oregon,
I cannot speak to the video points you bring up as I run all component signals directly to my TV, but let me address the audio qualities of the Denon 3803.
I just decided to get a new receiver about a month ago and have spent the last several weeks "auditioning" new receivers in my home.
I personally brought home and hooked up the following units:
HK AVR8000
Pioneer Elite VS45TX
Denon 3803
Now, I dont know how the HK compares to the one you have now, but for my ear, which is pretty sensitive I believe, the Denon smokes both of these other two in sound quality and reproduction of sound stage, especially in DTS. Now, I am only running 6 channels (I have a rear center and surrounds instead of 4 channels back there) but the imaging even with that combo is simply breathtaking on the 3803. It has wonderful presence (lots of power) and a lot of adjustability, especially in this pricerange.
I felt like the Pioneer was the closest in tonal quality, but the power levels it put out were not doing justice to my very wattage-hungry Paradigm speakers and overall the Denon was the receiver that seemed to have the most presence.
I would recommend it whole heartedly.
JaMa