Later this weekend I'll try both ways & see if anyone can see a difference. In my case, I have a DVD that doesn't offer HDMI or DVI, so I'll use the component out (Pioneer Elite DV-37). I'll try connecting that to my brand new Panasonic AE700 projector directly. Then I'll run the component through the 990 & see if I can detect any results. The Panny has enough inputs so it is not necessary to run everything through the 990, however I like the idea of few cables, as long as signal degragation isn't present. Also it will make switching easier on the clan.
So far I will have the following running to the Panny: component (either from the DVD or through the 990), VGA (PC), DVI-HDMI, either directly from a LG-4200A HD set top tuner or through the 990.