will the 970 be any improvement over the 950 if i purchase? also will it be shipped with any new firmware updates to it? thanks for the look.

Sonically I'd expect differences to be subtle, although you would gain some added flexibility (Pro Logic IIx, individual distance adjustments for each speaker). There would also be more flexible video switching, lip sync adjustment, and a few other goodies. As for whether it has the latest firmware, I don't know but I'd certainly ask when ordering to be sure.