I'd like to be able to connect an external hard drive with all my CDs on it and be able to see all my folders/files over the pre/pro's component or HDMI output on my TV.

I would like to be able to play in MP3, WMA or FLAC format. The pre/pro would need to recognize the external HD and play the typical/most common encoding formats.

A front-panel USB input would be great for plugging in a small thumb drive temporarily.

Thanks, Outlaws!

I'd rather see an ethernet port and support for grabbing streams from a networked media pc.

yeah, that would be good too...

the only downside for me is the need to run a CAT5 cable from my study where my computer sits to my family room where my pre/pro sits... it can be done, but with the slope of my roof and the wall on which my pre/pro sits, it's a real hassle to do it cleanly by running it through the attic and down the wall...

maybe make it a wireless capable connection...

You could just get a wireless to ethernet bridge and hook it up that way.

I actually had Verizon drop the ethernet port for FiOS at my home theater. I have my DLink N wireless router right there and a wireless N card in my PC in my office upstairs...works pretty good. Made more sense that way as I have multiple items in the HT that need connection to the network.