Ron, am pretty sure the unit shown at DEMA was just a Topaz with some slight modifcations, a change to the inhale plenum and DSV to change the loop direction, counterlungs and tanks reversed to match the flow, probably some Oceanic bits added as well as some color here and there. More a proof of concept and test bed than even a prototype.
Same old, same old, some people will bitch that it's not the finished final product yet.
Personally, I like the idea of the reversed flow and the tanks/gas addition being on the traditional sides, rich O2 right, lean dil left.
New DSV I can't comment on, other than that I miss the brass connectors, they were beautifully made and very much a PRISM trademark. They also balanced the DSV perfectly underwater. For a good BOV it would have been worth dropping them, for just another DSV it's a shame. Even if machining them was time consuming and expensive compared to molding.
I also believe that there will have to be new material used for the production process as I doubt that Oceanic/Hollis wants to build as low a volume as SMI has in the past. For low volume Pete's molding process works well, but IMHO the injection molding is a more likely process for future PRISM2 production. As long as those materials end up stronger than the current composite it'll be two steps forward, better build quality and shorter production times. Even with stronger materials, the cowling (hopefully not with that 70s paint scheme) needs to be stock in my opinion.
The displays, if correct, are good news. I like the analog gauge very much, but am fully aware that a digital gauge is a much more solid proposition. Personally I would like to have both and use them depending on the dive/destination. The digital also makes a perfect backup for the analog gauge.
Am curious if the actual electronics will change, I like them for their simplicity.
Counterlungs with drains, elbows instead of T-pieces, the radial scrubber,
all very good stuff I hope will remain unchanged.