Thanks Gonk...you are truely a master. i've got video now - but still stuck with 2 channel. i've got a multi channel sacd in - i've got the 999es set on multi. have i missed something? i've re-checked all cables (i've also ran the auto setup, so i know that all speakers all working. in fact i've to no problem with dvd's or my xbox - they both come through with the surround. i do see a red icon in the 990 display that sits right next to the "7.1 direct" that looks like a speaker and it's in red. the manual makes no mention of it. in fact i'd love a description of all the icons in the display (maybe later). i will look forward to any other advice you can give!