Thanks, Gonk. I was afraid of that. If returning the 970 for service is the answer I'll live with the occasional drop out for now. I can deal with a dropout several times a week easier than going without a receiver for any length of time. If the 997 ever becomes available I will upgrade, and address the dropout situation then. If the frequency increases, which is eminently likely if a component is failing, I may have to change plans. In a race between the 997 and entropy, where would you put your money?