As I see it, the 997 offers 3 advantages over a switcher/990.
1. Equalization,room correction
2. Video processing, upscaling ( this might be covered by your blue ray player)
3. Audio processing for new audio formats via HDMI( here again, this may be handled by your blue ray player and passed to the 990 via multi-channel analog.
_________________________
HT:
990/770
Oppo BD83SE
Pioneer Elite DV-47A
Magnavox HDMR513h DVR/DVD-R
Sony DVD megachangers-2
Sony CD megachangers-2
Monster power centers-2
Sony 48" rear projection SDTV
Roku video player
JVC AL-A158 Turntable
Polk RT-2000s,CS-650,XS-650s,RT80s
LFM-1EX
Hsu VTF-1
12" Velodyne

Family room:
OPPO 970
Sony 32" direct view HDTV
Denon 3801
Rolk RMs