Dropping the 997 is the correct move. I am interested in moving up to the improved audio quality in Blu Ray, but was concerned about the 997 not having HDMI 1.4 and 3D. With the new 998, these concerns are addressed.

I'm surprised nobody has yet commented on the HDMI input/output note, since it seems to suggest that there will be multiple outputs. Projector folks with a general-use LCD or plasma should get a kick out of that. The firmware update procedure is also appealing - having used that technique dozens of times with the 980H, 983H, BDP-83, and BDP-80, I think it's an excellent solution.

PLIIz support requires height channels, as I understand it, but it seems like a lot of companies are implementing PLIIz support as an either/or with back surrounds. They may be doing that. Of course, there's a lot they haven't said yet, so I could be reading too much into it.

Cool!

I wonder if the 998 will include a phono input. It seems that the Outlaws have taken the pulse of the saloon and tried to include all of the other areas where it was thought that the 997 was lacking. The decision to get away from the Sherwood platform is a real good one and it gets them back to their roots of designing their own equipment and being more hands on.
Here are some things I hope the 998 includes:
1) Phono pre-amp
2) 3 zones with subwoofer support. It would be nice to be able to dedicate the balanced outputs to zone 2 completely separate from the main outputs to allow the 998 to be in two HTs at once with two separate setups for Trinnov.
3) 7.2 channels

One thing I'd like to see added to the 998 (which isn't on the 997 or 990) is a Balanced XLR analog CD input. That way "higher end" CD players or DACs with Balanced XLR outputs can be be used, instead of having to use their unbalanced RCA outputs. On my 990/7500 combo, I'm using 5 MIT XLR cables to connect them, and think it does sound better than using RCA. Since I'm looking to buy a higher-end CD player later this year (or next year) it will most likely have XLR and RCA outputs, so of course between the two it would be better to use the XLR.

Wow, thanks for the update.

I'm shifting focus - I'm patiently waiting for the 998. Meanwhile, this news has me looking for a temp replacement of my current 970 (looking for room correction and hdmi till the 998 comes out)...

I think this is good news, as it shows Outlaw is willing to make a tough call to keep its reputation intact. I was not desperate to upgrade my 990, and so the delay does not bother me, and the thought of getting the additional features in an Outlaw designed package makes the prospect much more appealing.

I'm bummed and excited at the same time. I have posted before that, given the AVS Forum's reports on the R-972, I was very reticent to buy the 997 until the bugs had been worked out. It sounds like Outlaw has full control over this one and it sounds like the engineering/development process is moving along. I'm curious when the 998 will actually be released. The email says they will "introduce" the 998 this year.

Other things that come to mind for me: what DACs will be used? Will the DACs in the BDP-83SE be a model for the 998 (not that I'm a DAC expert)? What video processor will be used? Sounds like they weren't too pumped about the Reon chip. Will there be a Trinnov mic input on the front of the unit? And last but not least, how much more than the 997 will we have to fork over for all this pleasure?

As a side note, it is time to update the web site and the forum. Can't wait to see the 997 forum move to the archives (I'd prefer to block it from my memory ) and the 998 forum move to the top of the list!

Up early this morning myself but AGAssarsson beat me to the punch.
Finally Outlaw has stepped up to the plate as I thought they would and should. I applaud PT and the rest of the Outlaw team for their decision which was a long time coming'. Perhaps Outlaw wanted to make this move some time ago and for legal reasons was holding back and was patiently waiting for the time to pitch their ball.
3D, HDMI 1.4a inputs and outputs, along with HIGH PERFORMANCE DACS all sweeten the pot. Not to mention Outlaw is still committed to the Trinnov Optimizer.
It sounds to me that Outlaw is even more committed to the rest of the gangs satisfaction and confidence to give everyone what they want and need in a high-end low cost processor.
I have read a FEW negative remarks on this forum more specifically Facebook that sounded as though they want the KINGS head on a platter for not delivering the 990 and with that have jumped ship. I think that there will be many out there wishing they had waited.
When you think about it those of us who have the 990 already have a great product.
My advice is "relax and gently float down stream" enjoy what we have and the best is yet to come.

Bravo...Outlaw...Bravo!!!

I wanted to add a thank you to Peter for explaining the history of how the 997 fell down. It is something that I never thought we would hear. It was just such a crazy ride to constantly be told that "we're almost done" but never reaching that point. I for one just wanted to know what the heck was going on. Now we know some of what happened. Thanks Peter for the update and the history.