I have the 971H which was replaced by the 981. If you have HDMI then you want the 981 as the 970 does not upconvert. Thats where the 981 shines, its awesome .The 981 also does SACD and DVD Audio..wicked! is that a plasma you have? if so should work great. Some issues with the Oppos with DLP sets in regards to macroblocking.

Chris

Emotiva DMC1, MPS-1 ,M80v2 ,Klipsch RC64,Mirage Omni260 surrounds,Paradigm PW2200 sub