While I understand that a external switch for switching between DVD and cable is inconvenient, I would caution you to do a lot of testing and not assume that any receiver or audio pre-pro will do a better job of upconverting a non-HDTV signal than your existing cable box. From what I have read and tested on my own system, most of these devices can be somewhat lacking in terms of conversion modes and/or not provide all of the component bandwith that you. You may want to save money on the audio pre-pro and look for a video processor especially with a front projector unit. I would check the Sound and Vision forum and do some research there.