A firmware upgrade is listed on the Canon web site at: http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/pspro1/firmware-e.html

Does anyone have this digital camcorder or similar? Can they be used as a webcam? HOW??? Certainly they provide a higher quality video than that of most webcams. Woe is me!

I've been using the Pro-1 for the better part of a year now and like it very much. I travel on business quite a bit so I wanted something I could easily put in a suitcase.
It takes a little learning, but once you figure it out, it works quite well. Images are very good, the lens is top of the line and it's fairly easy to use. Like most non-slr digitals, there are compromises and it can be a bit awkward to use at times, but I'd recommend practicing the photographic situations you will be experiencing so you don't have to try to figure things out for the first time when a situation arises.
One feature I really like is the ability to use the custom features. How it works is you make the settings that you want (ISO, focal length, white balance, etc.), then go to the menu and save (the last selection in the menu) the settings. For example, I set C1 to be set at the sunny 16 rule for ISO 100 (1/200th @ f8) and C2 is b&w ISO 400.
I usually have it set to C1 at all times so I'm ready at startup for most daylight situations.
I'd be happy to share more experiences and answer any specific questions.