What is the best AV receiver for me?

I have a 40" Sony bravia, and a Sony DVD player and satellite DVR. I was looking for a Sony receiver but there are certain things I want in a new unit. Must haves include, a great home theater sound effect, up covert 1080p, zone control, audio video sinc, I-pod dock, hdmi and s video hookups, composite, all for around $500. I've found that Sony seem to get expensive quick when you add zone control. The more I look the more my brain hurts