I started to research this because of all the negative threads on the Sony 400 disc changer. If I am reading the specs right the 777 is the one to get. It has RS-232 control, and seems to have better video output.

I know the 777 is the one Control4 said to use with their system (like that means anything). I was just wondering if you could connect it to a MCE machine and have it do what C4 or Escient does?

just curious, the 777 doesn't have an HDMI out and has a 192 kHz 24-Bit Digital to Analog Converter with a 12-Bit Video DAC with 216 MHz Processing with NSV.

The 995 has a 192KHz/24bit Audio DAC/96KHz/24bit Digital Output with a 12-Bit Video DAC with 108MHz Processing with NSV.

So other than the 777 having a different processor, a RS-232 port and perhaps a new Explorer system, is it really woth the extra $400+?

After looking into this and considering the Disc Explorer issue (afterfact) HDMI and HD upconversion was a big factor in my kepping the the 995 over sending it back for a 777.

There are a few kinks with the 995 I can't lie but they can be overcome. One way (if you could swing it) is with the Pronto Pro remote the other (allbeit cheaper -how I did it) with a Harmony remote.

The Pronto Pro will set you back $500-600 with the Harmony (more or less with rebates) round the $100-200 range.

Here's a link to how I addressed some of the issues in my own setup at home:
[Link: remotecentral.com] .

I'm a geek so I would prefer the touch screen with DVD cover functionality of the Pronto but because of the WAF I went with the Harmony (that's my story and I'll stick to it LOL).

I hope this helps.

MCE doesn't natively support DVD changers like the 777ES, but there is a free Plugin for MCE that's currently in BETA, that will.

http://www.mymovies.name/

I actually wrote the 777ES control code for the author of this plugin and he incorporated it into the app. It'll list your movies by DVD covers, and then load a movie that you click on to play.

It doesn't currently support auto-lookup, so you'll have to first entire in what movies are in what slots in a program like DVD Profiler, but is a great, and free, way of controlling a 777ES.

I'd consider a third option as well, the Sony DVP-CX985V. This model is still available for purchase online. B&H for instance has new units available for around $250. Unless you are set on having the HDMI and upconversion I'd suggest purchasing a 985 over the 995. The fact that the 995 will start playing the last disc selected in the changer everytime the unit powers up is a deal breaker for me. It's a complete joke. Do you really want to deal with that if you don't have to? The 985 offers a solution to this. As long as you stop a given disc where it can resume playback from that given point the changer will not start playing the disc automatically when powering down the changer, then powering it back up again. It just sits at the resume point. It's an effortless and full proof work around. As for the 777, I don't consider the added cost over the 985 worth it. I've been very pleased with the picture quality of my 985's over component video, and don't need the RS-232 control. My Philips ProntoProNG TSU7000 handles DVD management beautifully. If interested, you can read up on my DVD management interface for the TSU7000 here.