The main reason I'm asking is because in the 972 thread at AVS Jeff said that the 972 would get Dolby IIz but not Dolby Volume.

Not sure whether that's because of hardware and/or s/w limitations.

I suspect it's the DSP processing power, in which case we're out of luck, but if not I wonder if some of the other surround modes could be sacrificed to make room for Dolby Volume.

I consider the latter an extremely desirable feature, the lack of which is the only reason I might end up getting something with Audyssey.

I'm sure the Outlaw variation of the 972 in the 997 will have their own unique firmware. For one thing the processor in the receiver probably monitors for clipping in the power amps and reduces the volume level to prevent speaker damage due to the clipping. Not needed in a powerampless box.

I agree with Ken - the 997 will have its own firmware, but I would expect the two to share most of the same core functionality.