My experience with firmware updates solving hardware problems has been a mixed bag. With my LG Blu-ray players, the firmware updates solved all the problems. With my Samsung blu-rays, the firmware updates were a disaster solving nothing.

Given the deafening silence here as to the status of the 997, I am coming to the conclusion that Santa will not have a 997 for me in his bag this year.
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75" 4K HDR Sony XBR 75X95k mini-LED TV
Marantz AV7706 pre-pro
OPPO UDP 203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Mirage HDT Speaker System (LCR [OM-5s for L&R and HDT-F for center], SR, SL, SBR, SBL [HDT-Rs])
Dual SVS PB12-Plus Subs
Outlaw Audio Model 7900 Power Amp w/Dual Emotiva CMX-2
AudioControl BijouTM THX� Equalizer
Rega RP1 Turntable
Dual Panamax M5300-PM Power Conditioners
Dual Monster Power HTS 2500 Power Conditioners
Dual Monster Power HDP 1800 Power Conditioners
Clearplay Blu-ray Player
Motorola VIP1200 HD cable receiver
Logitech Harmony Elite Remote