I apologize up front if this has already been discussed in a previous thread. In absence of any current information from Outlaw, what's everybody’s best guess on availability of the 998? Any chance by Christmas 2010?

It would seem that with the absence of even one update since the announcement (unless I missed something), the chances are slim to none, and Slim just left town...

That's a great question; one that a lot of us are thinking about.

The 998 was announced on 3/12, just about six months ago. At the time, it was stated that it would be available before the end of the year. We haven't heard much since then.

One encouraging sign, is that they had asked for special beta testers a couple of months ago. While it wasn't explicitly stated that it was for the 998, the description in the email seemed to fit. If that's the case, we could be on track to see it by the end of the year, as long as testing goes well.

Where does that leave us? Beats me. It would be nice to get some kind of an update. All we seem to be hearing about are new processors/receivers from other manufacturers. I'd rather hear what Outlaw is going to be offering themselves.

Scott

I don't know that the invitation for beta testing was much of a pointer as to what gear was involved, but since I knew I would not have the required time / availability to perform the testing and report back in the time required I did not respond to it. Of course had I done so, I would have been bound by confidentiality provisions from posting anything about the test, which is why, perhaps, certain other members may not be jumping on this thread with their own opinions.

In any case I'm sure that the Outlaws will get it right this time - in due time.

Didn't the 998 used to be on the "Products" page of the web site? I don't see it any more.

I signed up for the beta test but was not selected. I recall reading in another thread that Outlaw currently has five (and possibly six) products under development that are unique to Outlaw. The 998, I presume is at the top of that list!

Tkntz, I believe you are right. I too recall seeing it on the products page about the same time as the initial announcement back in March I think? Not sure if that means anything.
I agree an update is most certainly warranted; the 6 month milestone has come and gone.

I was also not chosen for beta testing. I wonder who was? Can they even say they are, even if they dont disclose and other info?

It probably depends on the NDA. With the OPPO Digital betas I've done, I usually couldn't even mention the existence of the beta test publicly - the only exception was the BDP-83 after they announced that there was to be an "early adopter program" that placed a bunch of players in the hands of customers who were not subject to NDA, at which point the beta testers could speak publicly about anything that was known to EAP participants. By then we'd been testing for four or five months.

Maybe that is a good sign.
If I remember right the picture was of a 990 anyway so maybe they are about ready to post a "prototype" picture in its place.

I don't recall seeing it on the products page, but there was a picture posted here, in conjunction with the original announcement.

Scott