I want to supply video to 2 different rooms, one with DVI, and one with Component. They will both be the same source, so I am not looking for dual zone video. However, I assume I will need to use the dual zone to supply the audio. So, I guess I am asking if the 990 will switch both the component and the DVI video connections at the same time (or are they mutually exclusive).

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Each video source can be assigned a video input, with the options being s-video, composite, one of two DVI, or one of three component. You cannot set up an input so that both a DVI and a component input are active simultaneously. The second zone capability is separate from this, but the second zone is limited to composite and s-video. Does that help?

Wow, that was fast!

Yes, that answers my question very clearly.

I am doing this now by using my aging receiver to switch the component, and I have a manual switch for the DVI. I am just trying to improve on the set up.

Thanks!

I have not given up hope. If I use my aging receiver as an amp (it has pre amp ins and outs for all channels), then I could also use it as an A/V switch. This idea has potential.

It appears that you've got at least one source that does both component and DVI output simultaneously. How are your sources configured? While we're at it, how are your displays configured? Maybe we can put a few brains on the case and come up with a couple options.

The sources are as follows:

Motorola DVR (not sure the model)
Oppo DVD Player.

Both sources have DVI, Component, S-Vid, and Composite, and send out a signal to all outputs all of the time.

The Displays:


HT Room: JVC SX21 Projector DVI, Component, S-Vid, Composite.

Workout Room: Maxent 27" LCD TV, Component, S-Vid, Composite.

And The Speakers:

HT Room: 5.1
Workout Room: 2 in ceiling speakers.
Adjacent Party Room: 2 in ceiling speakers.


I can currently feed all of the above, but with lots of limitations (which is to be expected). However, I would like to have more control, and reduce the complexity.

The issue with the above set up is getting a HighDef signal to the LCD TV in the workout room. I have one set of component cables running from the AV Closet to the workout room.

If I ran two sets of component cables into the workout room, then I could let the TV do the switching, but I don't think I can physically fit another set of componenet cables thru the passages (I have 2" PVC pipe as a conduit between the rooms).

I also have a 3 channel amp, and two mono-block amps, that are powering the speakers in the HT Room.

I would like to eliminate the receiver, add a kick-arse pre-pro, and add a 2 channel amp with A/B switches (or two 2 channel amps) to power the in ceiling speakers (basically 3 zone audio). However, the existing receiver may work very well in the role of powering the in ceiling speakers, plus could double as a video switcher, allowing me to decouple the different rooms.

I was thinking along the same lines as you appear to be - let the DVI signals run through the 990 for the HT room, and let the component signals run to the old receiver which could then power the workout and party rooms and feed the 27" LCD. As an added benefit (which can't be done with most receivers and processors; the 990 is like most systems in that the second zone is limited to s-video or composite video), you can then control the two HD displays' sources independently (watch a movie on the Oppo in the HT room and watch TV in the workout room) or tie them together (listen to music from the same source in all three spaces at once).

gonk - Thanks for tolerating my "thinking out loud". The more I think about this, the more I like this option. As an added bonus, I won't need the 3 channel amp anymore, and the proceeds from selling it will cover the cost of the 990.

With this set up, I could send the Zone 2 audio from the 990 to the receiver, and use Speakers A and B from the reciver to supply sound to the workout and party rooms. Or, I could simply send the RCA/Analog audio outs of the individual sources directly to the receiver.

The other option is to try to route an additional set of component cables to the 27" LCD, one connected to the DVR, and one to the Oppo (would not be easy to do, but I am sure it could be done). While this option works well for the video, it still leaves the audio with shortcomings. Also, I am really not in the mood to spend any more money on cables.

A little brainstorming like this can be fun. I'd probably lean toward using the analog outputs from the sources to the receiver. Actually, I'd run digital from the Oppo to both the 990 and the receiver - it has both coaxial and optical outputs, so you could use both outputs at once. The Motorola might be the same way (my Pace cable box is, although the Scientific Atlanta boxes typically aren't). This way the audio and video switching are handled in the same step.

I agree, running digital to the AVR would be best (the DVR does have both types of outputs). I just got in the habit of running RCA cables for zone 2 set ups. Old habits......

Okay, given the above agreed upon set up, the next big question is: 970 or 990?

Yeah, you would ask that. It's an excellent question that will probably get asked a lot. The 990's second zone capability is probably what started you in that direction, but we've eliminated the need for that now. Both have DVI switching, so that's not a concern. I think it's a really tough question to answer at the moment. Doug917 has started the process of comparing the two units (his 990 feedback is here ), but it'll be a few days before we know what he finds. The 990 should be safe from being sold out if you are looking to buy in the very near future, while the 970 is likely to get scarce soon.

I should note that I have an excellent 2 channel Pre-Amp with HT Bypass that I use for dedicated 2 channel listening. Thus, I would only be using the Outlaw for HT use, so sound quality is not as much of an issue.

I just ordered the 970. Hard to say if the 990 would perform noticably better, but I can say that I don't need the extra features at this time, so the 970 makes better fiscal sense.