Topic: Sony PCM-D1 / PCM-D50 - Software updates? Mono recording?

[Robobo1]

Am curious if anyone knows the answers to two questions.  I realize noone has the PCM-D50 yet... perhaps some PCM-D1 owners can jump in.

- Are these machines software-based?  Does Sony update the software on the machines via firmware upgrades?

- Can these machines record mono PCM files?  (Not summing L/R internal mics to a stereo interleaved file... but recording an actual mono file)

Don't see options for either of these in the manuals.  Thanks!

[Robobo1]

Well, a friend got in touch with Sony for me.  The answer to both of these questions is NO.