I have an HD-A1 on order as well. If I use an analog connection to the 990, can I set up the 990 to apply PLIIx to generate rear surround outputs?

I'm afraid not - you can't apply surround processing to the 7.1 Direct input. I have heard of folks using a Y-adapter to split the surrounds and send the same signal to the side and rear surrounds, but I haven't heard much about the results.

Thanks, gonk. When I get the Toshiba I'll try that and compare the results to s/pdif+PLIIx.

Gonk, I use a Y-adapter to send the same signal to the rear and side surrounds, It seems to for lack of a better word surround you with sound, but I think it comes down to a matter of taste.