I am in the market for a bluray player that has 7.1 analog outputs. Just wondering what the 990 does if the format on the bluray movie is 5.1 instead of 7.1 (as most are currently). Can it add the back two channels (matrix) like with the digital inputs or should I use Y-connectors from the surround outs? If I do have to resort to the latter option, will it sound good? Or would 5.1 sound better because it is more authentic?

Or would it sound better to use the higher bitrate DTS vis toslink? (I am thinking no, but it at least has 7.1 channels that way).

Or asked another way:
Which of the 3 options is best for watching blurays in a 7.1 system:
1. Use the digital out
2. Use 5.1 analog out
3. Use 7.1 analog out using Y-connectors until movies start appearing with real 7.1 decoding
??

Thanks

The 990 does not offer any matrix processing or steering for the 7.1 Direct input. This sort of capability is also rare for players. I've asked OPPO if they plan to add this to the BDP-83, since they had a basic matrix steering logic on the 980H that worked with its 7.1 analog output, but I haven't heard recently - need to check again, as it's something that there is interest in. I don't know of any other Blu-ray players that offer this sort of feature. That would be your ideal scenario.

Failing that, I'd connect 7.1 and get it when it's available. That's going to give you the best sound quality.

Thanks Gonk- I figured you would have an answer for me!