I asked myself this question: What features does the 997 offer that would compel me to wait and purchase it? I use a 990 and recently added a Blu-ray player with 7.1 analog out. So for me the only major advantages of the 997 would be video processing of inputs such as a VCR and cable box and Trinnov room correction. If both of these features are important I'm sure the 997 will be a fine product and will be worth waiting for. If you don't need room correction (as Nostalgia originally noted) but need just video processing then the $700 DVDO Edge might be an option to add to a 990 and 7.1 Blu-ray player.