Most AV receivers/pre-pros have multiple input types for each device. While there may be 5 'video' inputs defined (and maybe 3 pure audio ones) you have a choice on each one to use component, composite, S-video, or HDMI. There are also choices of audio input: analog 2ch, digital coax, digital optical, and 5.1 or 7.1 analog (usually only ONE of these). The video inputs usually block one composite and one S video together, but it probably doesn't HAVE to be that way.

So why no let the end user decide how to lash all this up? Since a micro processor is doing the swithing, the end user could define as many 'inputs' as he wants, each input would select one video source (or none if it's an audio only device) and one audio source. Also there should be no reason why a source couldn't be used twice, IE: shared between two inputs. The limit to the number of inputs defined would be a processor memory issue (though there are a limited number of buttons to assign on the front panel and remote control, a click wheel or up/down menu scroll would solve that). The user should also be able to name each input he/she creates and have it appear on the OSD and front panel display menus.

The 950 actually had a limited version of that as you could select an input, then change the audio and video source (the change would then stick for the next time you selected that input though).

A user defined switching matrix would allow one to use ALL of the inputs (especially with transcoding from the active input to all provided outputs) thereby allowing hookup of MORE sources. (Hey, I have a VCR, DVD recorder, DVD player, computer, mp3 player, cable box, tv tuner output, cassette tape deck, Laser disk player, phono turntable ... how am I going to hook them ALL up!)

On a different topic, anybody know how many 970s, 990s, and 1070s have been sold?