Gonk,

I have Direct TV, however not hooked up to HDMI for audio due my receiver not having any HDMI inputs or outputs.

I have a 5.1 set up and due to irregularities of my room, would not allow for a 7.1 which is fine.

I have tried the NEO:6 and find the output confining, or supressed. There are a few modes I like such as TV sports, which hads a tri-field echo in the room, for which I can adjust to my personal tastes.. There are several modes such as Prologic II and IIx in either a movie or music format that add another demension to your listening experience...

Denon also has a matrix mode which is like the Yamaha's TV Sports mode. You can add delay to your back speakers so it sounds like your at a stadium.

I was hoping the Outlaw would at least allow you to do this. I emailed Scott and he said that you would not be able to add delay to give you that effect.

I love 5.1 Stereo mode when listening to music with the Yamaha. I have a Denon upstairs and I enjoy listening to music in their Rock or Jazz modes.

There are a ton of features that the Yamaha has with regards to streaming music, and music from your computer and or IPOD.

What would I gain from the 997 that I wouldn't get from the Yamaha. I guess Im looking for what would make the 997 better then the Yamaha.

Thanks for your feedback