IMO, the new firmware is absolutely worth installing. It essentially makes a great pre/pro even better. Much more informative display (with Video AND Audio Outputs displayed!, non-toggle 7.1, customizable labels for the audio inputs in addition to the previous video inputs, and I suspect, other more hidden changes for the better (improved DPLIIX perhaps?).

Anyhow, I strongly feel it is well worth the effort to DL and install the new firmware, as it represents a significant improvement IMO, in the 990.