GONK is right there and now !!! Thanks gonk.
My newbie status is obvious, isn't it?

(1) Regarding "Some extra processing modes. You discussed PLII vs. PLIIx. I surmise (just learning) that PLIIx will do 7.1 and PLII just 5.1. Am I correctly understanding? If so, is the reason for 990 in this regard "OPTIONS"?

(2) Did I miss something in reviewing 990 specs or are there any other audio processing "upgrades"?

(3) HDMI vs. DVI: You referenced me in your discussion of this. My question and confusion, recognizing that I read about cable conversions is this: "if a unit pre/pro has DVI and your TV is HDMI can your cable do for you what HDMI switching would do....and properly, including audio and video.

(4) Since my living room is probably not big enough to adequately accomodate 7.1 would I be missing out on anything other than (a) what's been discussed above and (b) auto-speaker setup.
I'm not worried about room eq now. You pointed out to me the Alesis 830, about which I had forgotten. Also there are other inexpensive Alesis or other eq's.

Thanks.
Your learned comments appreciated