I've seen it advertised on line as being available so I thought perhaps someone in the business/press may have had a sample long enough to have done a casual if not full review. Yes, I was aware that it's just a transport, that's why it appealed to me. I'm currently in the market and am considering the Panny, Pioneer 95 and the Denon 2500. Panny is quite a bit cheaper but they seem to be having some "issues" from what I've read on AVS forums. I've waited this long to step up to Blu-ray, I guess I can wait a few more weeks for some reviews.