energy efficient home theater receiver?
 

is there such a thing as a power efficient home theater receiver? one that doesn't suck?

It's TI Hybrid Digital technology.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/applia...ome-audio.html

and that works as a home theater receiver how?

A simple home theater receiver is really just an amplifier. Some more complex ones include features like DVD players and built in wireless, but it really is better to keep them separate. A high efficiency PC with a TI Hybrid Digital amplifier connected to it can be used as the "control" side of a very advanced home theater.

I guess I'd reference this:

What to Look for When Shopping for Audio/Video Products : ENERGY STAR

If nothing else, smart power strips are a way to go to reduce standby energy consumption.

My receiver has the energy star sticker on it. It won't register any watts on my Kill-a-watt when it's off but it still picks up a signal from the remote. So it's very efficient when off. It's a Sony though so it doesn't meet your second criteria. Meh, it works well enough for me.

I also had poor luck with a smart power strip. Some device use too much power when off to get the powerbar to shut everything down. I also didn't like the idea of turning on everything when I only wanted to use one or two devices connected to the powerbar. I picked up a multiswitch powerbar instead and only switch on the devices I'm using.

The smart power strip should have an adjustment on it for sensitivity. If the unit pulls too much power while off this should be able to compensate for it.