There is a replacement planned for the 971. From what I've been able to learn about it, it'll replace the DVI output with an HDMI output and will add SACD support. The video processing will still be handled by the Faroudja chip (which the 970 lacks). For the s-video output, I suspect that either the 970 or 971 would work equally well for the moment (including support for DVD+R DL discs), while the 971 may be a better choice for your future LCD HDTV.

I also just got the 971 and I have to tell you this is an amazing DVD player. I am not a big SCAD person and DVI is fne for me I jsut bought a DVI to HDMI cable from bluejeans. If you are looking for a hold over unit until HD-DVD or BR then this is a good one. The way I see it this will do everything I need to until I get an HD player. Trust me you will be thrilled with you 971 but if you do a lot of SCAD then wait.

Cisco,

If you don’t use the DVI output the 971 is a mediocre DVD player at best. When I was playing with mine I found the s-vid output to be worse then even DVD mode on my old x-box.

Dont get me wrong, if you use the DIV output (which is the only output the Faroudja chips is processing for) this player provides as good of a picture as I have EVER seen. But if you do not utilize the DVI you would be much better off with a player that costs 25% of the 971.

My suggestion, return it and hold off on any purchase until you get the LCD HD set. Your Sony is can only support 480i, so purchasing a DVD player that can do progressive scan “480p” or even worse up-scaling to 780i/p or 1080i (like to oppo line) is a waste of money. DVD technology, like most consumer electronics, is moving rapidly. In two years you will get more in features and processing at the same price points we see today.

Hope that help

-Peter

P.s. you may notice an improvement in picture quality if you switch to component video cables. Both the 990 and your TV can handle them.