Thanks to one and all for the feedback. I'll get the Burr-Brown/Frown typo and the incorrect DAC mention fixed ASAP (and yes, it did come straight from the Asus press release, so far my only completely reliable source of information on the Xonar HDAV--that said, I'm supposed to review this as soon as Asus can furnish me with one, so look to these page for a *LOT* more information as soon as I can lay hands on one).
As for player software, I continue to enjoy great results in my testing with the ArcSoft Total Media Theatre product (which has now risen in my estimation as the best of the software codecs for PC, and which offers the best Media Center integratino around, IMO).
The citation of AVSforum is right on the money: it remains one of the best and most reliable sources of information on handling high-def audio around, both from the PC and the consumer/prosumer player perspectives.
If anybody else has questions, or suggestions for additional coverage in this area, I'm interested in shedding as much bright light into this space as possible. Thanks again to all for your feedback so far.
--Ed--