Is the firmware upgrade Scott announced in his July 2 message an update to the one release earlier this year (mine was dated Jan 12, 2007)? Or is this just the "official" release of the same upgrade that many of us installed as a beta release back in the Spring?

Speaking for Scott:

This is a new software version that has not been available until now. We encourage you to download it, as it will generally improve the 970 operation. And please remember, once you have completed the download, perform the "Front Panel" reset as outlined in your Model 970 Owner's Manual.

I was starting to think about replying to your question, but then I saw that the bossman himself had taken care of you. As Peter says, the July 2 firmware is not the same as any previously released beta firmware.