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.