Looks like Onkyo has posted some updated and more official-looking Product Sheets in PDF form:
TX-NR717
TX-NR818
These look like very final and sure-stated feature and spec lists, not the preliminary website listings that often seem questionable.
According to these PDFs, the 717 is indeed saddled with a much downgraded Audyssey 2EQ program this year. Very odd considering the 709 had MultEQ XT.
The 818 has me pretty interested though. MultEQ XT32 is the big story, bringing Audyssey's highest level of auto-setup/room correction to the lowest price point yet! The Denon AVR-4311CI and Onkyo TX-NR3009 are still up around $1500, so having an $1100 option in the 818 (a price that's sure to be lower once it actually starts shipping) is pretty exciting!
The 818 is also getting ISF ccc video calibration control with independent settings for each input! That's exciting news as well and a feature I really appreciate.
The 818 also DOES list Dolby Volume along with Audyssey Dynamic Volume/Dynamic EQ and THX Select2 Plus, which I'm assuming includes THX Loudness Plus. The 717 does not appear to have Dolby Volume, but it's got the Audyssey and THX versions.
The 818 also lists DTS Neo:X, Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz expansion options with assignable 7 channel built-in amplification for either surround back, front height or front wide speakers. The 818 also has 9 channel pre-outs, though I'm not sure whether that means you can run 9 speakers all at once with an additional external stereo amp, or whether it merely lets you hook up 9 speakers and then have the option to switch which ones are playing. What's certain though is that there is no 11 speaker option. So far, the Denon AVR-4311CI remains the only receiver offering 11 speakers playing all at once.
The 717 drops DTS Neo:X, but it's got Audyssey DSX and DPL IIz. It's strictly a 7 speaker receiver though. 7 pre outs only and you can choose whether you want surround back, front high or front wide speakers, but you can only have one of those options in addition to the standard 5 speaker setup.
Both get a front MHL/HDMI input, lots of ethernet-connected internet music streaming options, streaming from a network connected PC, optional Wi-fi with a USB connected separate dongle, and optional remote control with an iPhone or Android App. So it looks like that's where Onkyo is focusing their feature expansion and budget - more network and mobile connections.
So I'm sad to see the 700 series take a step backwards, but I'm pretty excited about the new 800 series in the 818. I've been keeping an eye out for a new receiver. The 818 might just fit my needs at an attractive price point!