990- To Update or Not to Update?

I am having a tough time deciding on whether or not to update my 990. One day I want to do it and the next I say forget it. I am also a little lacking in the computer area so I don't have alot of confidence that I can even do it right. It seems alot of you have been having major issues using the USB method and my wife's new laptop doesnt have a serial port.

I am not really unhappy with the 990. My Denon 3910 does excellent bass mangagment for 7.1 analog inputs and my MX 850 lets me custom label the inputs on it so it makes it easy to change inputs. I would however, like to be able to see what surr mode I am in without having to cycle through them all (#1 reason for me)

I just can't decide.
For all that have completed the update, is it really worth it?

Thanks
Dan

For me it was worth it.

I went in only expecting to be able to rename the audio inputs. The surprise was the improvement in Dolby Pro Logic II processing. Someone else had mentioned an improvement, and Scott confirmed it. I wasn't expecting all that much, but the improvement is clearly noticeable to my ears. It really seems to have improved the depth and airiness of the sound.

I did the upgrade via USB, had one minor issue mentioned in the instructions, but other than that there were no problems.

It's up to you, but I highly recommend it.

Scott

I'm glad I installed the update. There are some simple but handy changes (which I discussed in my update notes ) that I've been glad to have, and there's the PLII tweaks that SRW1000 mentioned.

When I got my 990 last week, I installed the 3.11 upgrade right away. I tried the PL-II tonight when watching TV.
It wasn't as good as DD or DTS, but was able to translate 2ch to 5.1 quite nice.
What was wrong with the PL-II before?

Nothing was actually wrong with it (well, there were a couple folks who felt it sounded flat) - the programmers tweaked it a bit while they were making the other changes.

I installed the update only a day after getting my 990. I can't speak to the relative sound improvements since I hadn't listened to it much prior to the update. However, I very much appreciate the surround mode button behavior change. I find myself checking this quite often and if I had to cycle through the modes every time, it would have been irritating...

FWIW, I updated via USB and it was painless. So yes, I think it was definitely worth it.

I second "stickpony's" feelings there, and add to that the lip sync capability when not running video through the 990. Not sure why one would choose to do so anyway...

Serial is the most reliable way to upgrade.

In my setup, the prior implementation of PL-II didn't seem all that different from regular old ProLogic in my prior processor.

After the upgrade, the there is a much more open or airy sound field. Not a subtle difference for me.

Scott

Well, it sounds like the update is worth it to most of you.

I'll probably give it a try soon. Just hope I dont end up with a large expensive paper weight.

Sniper,
follow the instructions... I mean follow the instructions and don't try and out think them. Life will be good.
Me - updated 990, Ops Ck Good.
Update attempts: 1