Thanks Gonk for the insights when comparing ABT and SO video processing. From a video standpoint I wonder if combining the new OPPO BD player with the 997 would be a bit of overkill. If the OPPO takes care of DVD and Blue-ray and HD TV is pretty good as-is, that leaves standard def TV, LD players, VCRs, etc for the 997 to process. As was noted, that would be a tall order for a pre/pro to handle such a variety of inputs. Separate video settings for each input would be very nice in that situation. I recall there was a steady number of requests from 990 users to do just that on the audio side and it makes sense to have separate settings for each audio and video input on the 997.

Am I wrong that most displays will still apply their own processing to an input signal? If so, this makes comparisons between SO and ABT even harder.