I've got an HDMI-to-DVI cable from 981HD to 990 and DVI from there to the TV - that should yield exactly the same results as going straight to the TV. If you think you'll be hooking up a second DVI or HDMI source, I'd suggest going through the 990 now so you're ready to use the switching later. Otherwise, it's "six and a half" as our plumbing designer would say ("six of one, half a dozen of the other" for those who need a translation from plumber speak).