I have my DVDR connected to vid component 2 input and optical 2.
For some reason I could not get the 990 to let me use the 5/7ch stereo mode when on vid 2?

Is there a reason for this?

Thanks
Dan

There is - 5 stereo and 7 stereo are only available with analog or PCM digital sources. Your DVD is likely outputting Dolby Digital audio, which must be processed with Dolby Digital decoding.

gonk, thanks. I thought maybe it something to do with the optical connection. It should work then if I am able to turn off the DVDR's internal decoders.