Changes from the 950 are many and important. To name a few:

* Four-way crossover replaces three way
* Software upgrade capability
* Lip Sync Delay
* Much more comprehensive control for delay settings
* More modes (Dolby Headphone, etc)
* Three-way settings for the analog bass management
* 100 MHz component video bandwidth
* DVI switching
* CS 49400 DSP vs CS 49326 in the 950

Then again, the 970 doesn't have a green power button. THat is one feature you can't replace!