Originally Posted By Deromax
I'd add that since the inputs are really "software" inputs, we should be able to use *all* of the hardware inputs if needed, by adding new inputs at the end of the existing list!

I certainly don't want a bloated piece of equipment, but this minimalist and "our way or the highway" approach reminds me why Blackberry disapeared! What if one day manufacturers decide that the front panel will no longer have any buttons nor display, because "people are mostly using the remote"? What if they remove all the analog inpus, including the 7.1? Wnat if they remove the Stereo mode, because "this is a product made for movies"?

By actively being against a trivial to add functionality that several people seem to want and that you're not forced to use, I think you're doing a disservice to the future functionnalities of such products. Don't aim for the bottom, aim for the top! smile

My 0.02
I completely understand where you're coming from here, but remember that you're focusing on one trivial thing while they're looking at ALL the trivial things. Anything that gets omitted or stripped down to save cost/time/space is something that someone, somewhere, wants. The Outlaws have made their name keeping cost down and functionality simple and effective. These are the sorts of things that occur with that approach. The trivial easy to add things are how you end up with 3,465 features in a receiver. Everyone wants to add just one more little thing. I like that they draw a line and I'm truly sorry that your needs fall on the wrong side of that line. Hopefully you find something that works for you, though. Maybe the flagship model if you're still in the market when it streets!