So I've gone through the manaul quite a few times and searched this forum with no luck...is there a way, via the remote, to change optical inputs on the fly (without going into the menu)?

Not that I know of, but I know what you are talking about. My first DTS receiver had a "digital" button that was kind of cool.

Nah, not a dumb question... The Model 950 had a button like this (toggle through digital inputs), but the 990 does not. The only way I know of to change the digital input is through the input menu.

Guess I didn't think it was that cool of a features since I didn't realize the 950 could do that too.

...or if you are at the front panel, by pressing input and enter (center of circular key pad) at the same time...

Bummer! My game consoles are set up using seperate optical inputs and a component switchbox.

It is not as bad this time around as I can finally see the onscreen menu through component to change them.

Is there not a way to change optical inputs from the unit itself? (Thanks Scott, you beat me to my next question as I was typing I'll have to go through the manual again to find that info in case I forget.

Scott, I know this may not be possible but are there any codes not on the remote due to room constraints that could be provided through you guys? Something like a downloading a ccf format or even just list the IR codes? I am actually happy with the discretes provided right now, but stuff like mute on, mute off, bass +, bass -, etc. is also nice to have.

No, not that I am aware of. However, I will be posting the RS-232 protocol shortly.