Let's not forget what happened with the Xbox360 and Play Station 3 launches. They bowed to consumer and market pressure, released before the products were debugged. It cost them millions. I am sure Outlaw can't afford that kind of gamble, and the consequences associated with a problem plagued product. I went through 4 Xbox360's before getting one that didn't fail to the red rings of death (now touching hinger to head). I don't like waiting for the 997, but will. As long as it is tried, proven, and problem free, it should be worth the wait.

As a reminder, the stability of the basic Newcastle 972 platform controls our release of the 997. The 972 will break new ground with Trinnov processing and we are all going to be sensitive to any glitches Newcastle might encounter. Such things are unavoidable. Actually, we are not aware of any processor (or for that matte A/V receiver) that has entered the market without encountering some teething issues.

So in a way, going second has its advantages. This was made clear to us when we launched the 990. While it was based on the Newcastle P-965, we were able to address a few shortcomings in their software operation. Some of our improvements were subsequently incorporated into the 965 production. So while we are all anxious to launch the 997, waiting for Newcastle 972 field results will only help to make our product better on launch.

Peter

Since the R972 still hasn't been released, I think we've still got a very long wait ahead of us for the 997.

I guess I need to stop driving myself crazy by checking the Sherwood and Outlaw (and Oppo) forums every day. Note to self: log off and don't check back again for at least six more months.

You may not need to stay away that long - if I were to make a SWAG today, I'd put it at under a month for the OPPO and a minimum of three months for the Outlaw.

Thanks for the update, Peter. My sympathies on the project. I'm sure you would have preferred to launch the new pre/pro before the daily news was filled with economic doom and gloom that discourages any kind of luxury purchase.

FWIW, I think your strategy is right on. I don't think I ever remember such a wide-ranging paradigm shift in consumer electronics as we're currently experiencing with HDTV, HDMI, HD disc, and the new audio codecs. Take your time and save yourself the after-market support bucks.

Does the fact that the owner's manaual for the R-972 is out there (gonk has the pdf) imply we may be getting closer? I would think (or hope) so!

It is promising. I haven't had time to read through the manual yet (working late this week, some this weekend, and likely some more next week), but a quick glance makes me suspect it's a draft that hasn't gone to the printers yet - there's a rear panel diagram with numbers on it but no corresponding list. Still, even a draft is a good sign for the 972's progress...

I would think that if its only a draft an April release of the R-972 would be difficult. They would still need to go to print and have it packaged with the units before they could ship it. I would think that would take some time. Let's hope it is a dated draft and the final is still being protected in secrecy!

Printers can move pretty fast these days - we can kick out a couple dozen sets of plans and specs (including 200+ 42x30 sheets and spec books that run upward of 1000 pages) in half a day. Even if it's not final, they could have it final and printed pretty fast.

Sounds good. From my dealings with printers over a decade ago the turnaround time was weeks, not hours.