1. It depends on the interaction between components.

2. We need to know every component in his system: source component and display as well as processor. With my 885 (same platform as the 9.8) I can turn my TV off and the BDP-83 will continue to play audio, although it will force a new HDCP handshake and typically re-start the current track.

3. We have no idea, but I do think it's safe to say that it will depend on more than just the 997.