The 997 will add Trinnov and video processing, and it will allow users to avoid the need to connect eight analog cables from a single source component. The video processing (which I believe is going to be Reon based) isn't likely to be able to match the BDP-83's ABT solution, but it will also be available for all video sources (including such things as cable/satellite receivers) and it will allow analog video sources (composite, s-video, and component) to be output via HDMI - allowing folks to use just a single video cable from the processor to the display. So there are some real potential benefits in upgrading, although a player like the BDP-83 eliminates one of the biggies by providing audio decoding for Blu-ray along with DVD-A and SACD support in a single chassis.