I just got an update back. The PCM versions have not been tested, so they may or may not work. The testing was done on the prototype using native decoding. Also, he stated that Trinnov "should use all 7 channels for playback even for 5 channel source."

So it is looking promising.

Curious. We'll have to wait a bit longer, it sounds like...

Probably for their speaker remapping feature. If you have a 7.1 set-up, but neither pair of surrounds is in the right location for ideal 5.1 playback, then the sound can be blended between the side and rear speakers to give the impression of phantom speakers somewhere inbetween.

Hey guys just got my HT up and running and am currently feeding my new 7200 amp, with a Harmon/Kardon AVR 500 using the pre-amp outputs I am really excited about the 997 for obvious reasons...Any update on a possible ship date??? Also, I will be getting the new Oppo BDP, Gonk..How do you like it??? And any update on when that will ship??

Nothing yet...
There's no word yet on when the proposed Early Adopter Program might start, and until either that happens or the product formally launches (whichever comes first) I'm still NDA'd enough to not be able to speak to performance specifics. What I will say in the meanwhile is this:

I like it.

Thanks for the info, didn't mean to hijack the thread I am just excited to see and hear the full potential of my setup! And the waiting is killing me!!