This is a trend that I have seen in numerous receivers of several manufacturers. Again, this is something I would have preferred to remain on the new models, but with all the new functions popping up, older dedicated button functions have to give. The arrow button selects the channel, which is displayed on the TV and on the front panel. After selecting the channel, the plus and minus buttons are used to change the volume either above or below 0 dB. If you are comfortable with on-screen commands, it is really not a problem. In keeping with the fact the 992 is a DD receiver, the left rear and right rear channel volume are individually adjustable, as opposed to the 990 where the rear channel volume was adjustable with both left and right rear together as one button.
Programming is simple.
Too bad that there aren't enough really good FM stations out there to make use of all 40 presets. Vinyl may or may not be having its last gasp. The 992 instruction manual does not even mention the phono input, other than a picture of the turntable plugged into the appropriate jacks. It's interesting to use Pro Logic to see which stations have good stereo separation. There is also another option.