"Firmware Update
GY-HM100 / GY-HM700 Series Camcorders

More information regarding updating the firmware in these cameras will be available in late August 2009."

JVC Professional Customer Support - Perfect Experience Policy (http://pro.jvc.com/prof/support/productupdate.jsp)

At last! But will our wishlists be fulfilled?

What we're thinking / hoping for? I have a new HM100, not sure what I'd want them to fix in firmware (not saying there aren't things, just haven't figured them out yet)...

Tim

On the HM100, there are a number of other threads that contain 'wishlists,' such more settings assigned to buttons (like OIS - bad miss on V1 of the software) and other less likely things like turning the focus ring into an aperture ring with the 'focus/zoom' switch, because I don't think anybody uses the ring for zooming and the fiddly-click per stop aperture adjustment doesn't cut it with a "Pro" camcorder as this unit is supposed to be.

But really I hope they address real bugs, like the OIS glitch where the image just suddenly jerks for no reason, and something recent that I just experienced (on another thread) where it seems that interlacing artifacts are embedded in the files.

Interesting, I don't find the zoom much, I sure wish it was a 'real' zoom and not the electric coupled thing, and why doesn't it zoom when you turn it to the RIGHT, not left :) It's backwards I tell ya.

I wonder if they could do a 'flip' for the LCD for anyone using a 35mm adaptor.

Yes, OIS on a button would be fantastic for sure, that's a good one.

Oh, and maybe they can fix the dreadful quality of the plastic toy mic they included, I mean, honestly why even bother including that thing, if they would have taken $5 off, I would have gladly taken in.

Enjoying my camera, still getting used to the 'motion' artifacts, shutter speed things, I'm a sound guy, so it's fun learning this stuff.

How have JVC handled firmware updates previously? Can you download it and apply it yourself (on a mac)? Or does it need to be returned to a service centre?

I ask because I'm leaving for Africa on the first day of September and the update is due out at the end of August ;-)

I know I am hoping they will add Interval Recording (timelapse) to the HM700. The lack of it was the one minus point in my list of items for comparison when selecting which camera to upgrade to last month.

Have Fun,
Jim.

My favorite solution for an firmware upgrade is also timelapse-recording, it`s really important, the other will be negative gain, because when I shot in sunlight and
the filter is not enough!

Also want some users a ChromaticAberationCorrection. HDV-out via Firewire and something
else.
But let us see what really comes to us from JVC with the upgrade.
Because many salesmen from JVC read this forum-threads, I know it from some
German JVC-employees.

My favorite solution for an firmware upgrade is also timelapse-recording, it`s really important, the other will be negative gain, because when I shot in sunlight and the filter is not enough!
I'm not sure if negative gain will help.

The ND filter cuts the light falling on the CCDs which prevents over-loading the CCDs. The loss of light, assuming a fixed shutter-speed, also will cause the iris to open -- which is good.

Negative gain will do one thing. Assuming a fixed shutter-speed, will cause the iris to open -- which is good.

So the question is WHY is the current ND filter "not enough?"

Are you worried the aperture is closing too much?

Or, are you seeing some kind of CCD blooming?

And, if you want the aperture to be more opem, a -3dB gain is onlt 1/2 a stop. Not a lost. JVC would really need -6dB.

That's why a mechanical filter with two ND filters is best. You may just have to use an external ND filter.

How have JVC handled firmware updates previously? Can you download it and apply it yourself (on a mac)? Or does it need to be returned to a service centre?

I ask because I'm leaving for Africa on the first day of September and the update is due out at the end of August ;-)

Good question. I'm kind of hoping the firmware can be updated by copying the appropriate files to an SDHC card and going from there. It would kind of suck to have to get it done at a service centre.

Well here is one thing JVC is putting in the upcoming firmware update...

Here I quote from the FAQ Section of the JVC Pro Site...

JVC Pro FAQ (http://www.usjvc.com/faq/index.php?action=artikel&cat=16&id=140&artlang=en)

"... ... ...Recently several manufacturers (SanDisk, Panasonic, Adata) have introduced faster SDHC cards with a new Class 10 rating. While this is a good thing, the Class 10 specification was not available when the cameras were introduced in March 2009. JVC is developing a firmware update that will allow Class 10 cards to be used in both models. This new firmware should be available sometime in August 2009... ... ..."

Steve,
Bethlehem, Pa

Well here is one thing JVC is putting in the upcoming firmware update...

Here I quote from the FAQ Section of the JVC Pro Site...

JVC Pro FAQ (http://www.usjvc.com/faq/index.php?action=artikel&cat=16&id=140&artlang=en)

"Recently several manufacturers (SanDisk, Panasonic, Adata) have introduced faster SDHC cards with a new Class 10 rating. While this is a good thing, the Class 10 specification was not available when the cameras were introduced in March 2009. JVC is developing a firmware update that will allow Class 10 cards to be used in both models. This new firmware should be available sometime in August 2009..."

Steve,
Bethlehem, Pa

It doesn't sound like anything else is going to be fixed. I sure hope they do address the OIS glitch and the intermittent recording of interlaced fields in the 1080p mode. Also, can someone here please tell me the benefit of SDHC Class 10 cards when I've had no problem with Class 6? Does it just mean data will transfer more quickly to the computer?

I saw my dealer's repair tech today (regarding a stuck pixel on my HM-700 LCD), and he's going to ask JVC about the firmware update for me, including if it's done at the dealer, via the end-user, or has to be sent in, etc.

Negative gain will do one thing. Assuming a fixed shutter-speed, will cause the iris to open -- which is good.

So the question is WHY is the current ND filter "not enough?"

Are you worried the aperture is closing too much?

Or, are you seeing some kind of CCD blooming?

And, if you want the aperture to be more opem, a -3dB gain is onlt 1/2 a stop. Not a lost. JVC would really need -6dB.



Steve, let me correct one statement: -3dB is log (1/2), hence a full f-stop. f-stops on the lens are steps of factor 2 in aperture. The f-numbers have to be squared to relate to the effective area of the lens aperture.

Erich

I really hope they put in an option in HM100 menus for fixing dead pixels .. because I get a feeling it's going to be a recurring problem in the camera. Would be really a pain to take it to a dealer every time to fix it, and more so once the warranty runs out.

added later..
The guys at JVC in Singapore are updating the firmware on my HM100, so I assume it must be available elsewhere too. Just FYI

New firmware is now posted for both the GY-HM100 and GY-HM700 cameras.

JVC Professional Customer Support - Product Upgrades (http://pro.jvc.com/prof/support/productupdate.jsp)

Dave Walton
Asst. Vice President Marketing Communications
JVC U.S.A.

I just applied the firmware update to my HM700 and it went without a hitch.

Don Smith
NewsVideo.com

the update

guess what not working for me !!!

We are unable to determine current version of software you have. Click here to go back and try again.


http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3827/img0277epi.th.jpg (http://img233.imageshack.us/i/img0277epi.jpg/)

Why me !!!!!!!!!!

;-(

I get the same error screen as Mike. So far no go.

I think it works only on US Models and not in europe.
Whats improved with the update?

Jon is from Seattle so it's not the case

Or it is not necessary for the Cams built until June.
And the update works only for the HM700 from
the first release in March/April.

wait and see Eric :-)

Did not work on mine either. Tried several attempts and still got the same.

My numbers in order from top to bottom were:(V) 0106, 0106, 0200, 0100, 0103, 0101, 0100, & 0102.

Just got my unit from B&H about a month ago.

Steve,
Bethlehem, Pa.

It did not work for me, either.

U.S. Camera. Bought before June.

I also can't get it to work on the web page. I enter my camera info as follows:

But also get the message that it can't figure out my software version. Bummer, not very confidence inspiring JVC! If my firmware is already up to date, it should tell me that.

The same message from JVC-site:
We are unable to determine current version of software you have. Click here to go back and try again.

I see I've got the same as American HM700U, my
Version was 0106, 0106, 0200, 0100, 0103, 0101, 0100, 0102

I also can't get it to work on the web page. I enter my camera info as follows:

But also get the message that it can't figure out my software version. Bummer, not very confidence inspiring JVC! If my firmware is already up to date, it should tell me that.

I have the same numbers, and as the site suggests, I left out the decimal point... those this didn't help.

Please try again. This morning we loaded in additional versions of the firmware, so the system should now recognize most cameras.

http://pro.jvc.com/prof/support/productupdate.jsp

David Walton
JVC

it's working now David
thanks

PS: did you get my mail ?

I can download the software update now (from the JVC site) but I have still not been able to successfully install into the HM100 camera, even after several attempts.

Step 9 from the instructions pasted below is not happening for me - I just get returned to the formatting menu every time I do step 8. Any ideas?


Update*Procedure*
1. Connect*a*battery*which*has*is*at*least*10*minutes*of*charge.*Also,*plug*the*AC*adapter*to*the*camco rder.**
2. Turn*on*the*power*for*GY‐HM100U.**
3. Open*the*door*the*covers*SD*slots.*Insert*SD/SDHC*card*for*update*to*SD*CARD*SLOT*A.**
4. Press*MENU*button*and*then*press*SET*LEVER*down*to*scroll*to*MEDIA*SETTING.*Press*the*center*of*the* SET*
LEVER.*
5. From*the*MEDIA*SETTING*screen,*select*FORMAT.*
6. From*the*SLOT*SELECTION*screen,*select*SLOT*A*where*the*SD/SDHC*was*inserted.**
7. On*the*FORMATTING*SLOT*a*screen,*press*and*hold*USER*2*Button*together*with*the*SET*LEVER.**
8. On*the*UPDATE*screen,*the*current*version*is*displayed.*Select*YES,*and*then*push*SET*LEVER.*
9. On*the*UPDATE*screen,*the*updated*version*is*displayed.*Select*YES,*and*then*push*SET*LEVER.*
10. An*update*warning*is*displayed.*Select*YES*and*then*push*SET*LEVER.*
11. Update*starts.**
12. When*update*is*finished,*UPDATE*COMPLETED*is*displayed.*Select*OK*and*then*push*SET*LEVER.*Unit*
automatically*restarts.**
13. Remove*the*battery,*AC*adapter,*and*the*SD/SDHC*card.**
14. Connect*the*AC*adapter*again*to*check*the*firmware*version.**
*

Update: I successfully updated the software by reformatting sdhc card in camera then adding adding both update.udx file to root directory on sdhc card and the update folder structure (update/mh97/update.udx*) to root directory (it's most likely unnecessary to have both items on the card but I don't know which one worked).

Unfortunately it doesn't appear as though any of the requested firmware updates discussed on this site were added. (For me the lack of zoom control has become a deal breaker)

Once the firmware page was fixed by JVC,

I was able to get past the first level and downloaded the update. Cleared a card and loaded everything. Took about 2 minutes to get the updating done my 700U without any hitches...

The new updated list on mine is: (V) 0106, 0106, 0201, 0100, 0103, 0101, 0100, 0102

Steve

PS,
When done, don't forget to remove the card from the camera, delete the new update (Private) file from the card you use, and then place it back in the camera and reformat it in the camera!!!!

I wouldn't want to think of what might happen if you go to use it on short notice....and that folder is still there!!!

Steve

I have to agree with Jon that I am underwhelmed with this update. I own two GY-HM100 cameras and am seeing the deficiencies of the units, especially the zoom function. So many great suggestions have been made on these boards, which could be implemented in software, that it is disappointing to see this limited update. Sony was much more forthcoming in the their updates of the EX1 and EX3 series, constantly improving the feature set.

I must say that JVC seems to be uncommunicative with their clients. We have no details released about this update except to say that it enables Class 10 cards. On this board it is mentioned that "other minor bug fixes" are also included, and they would be what???? If JVC is planning on adding future options or improving the implementation of the feature set of the existing cameras, they should say something. As it sits right now, I only give "cautious" recommendations when I am asked about this camera.

Still cannot download it. Still getting "We are unable to determine current version of software you have. Click here to go back and try again."

CAM: 1.07
ARM: 1.04
EEPROM 052
(data entered without the decimal)


Ideas?

Weston,

What are the eight numbers that came up?

Should be something like this:
"From top to bottom in this order: (V) 0106, 0106, 0200, 0100, 0103, 0101, 0100, 0102"

Don't forget the "V" is not required when entering the numbers on the request page.

It's possible JVC didn't include your codes in the new update. They are watching and may revise the firmware if more are not recognized.

Steve

Weston,

What are the eight numbers that came up?

Should be something like this:
"From top to bottom in this order: (V) 0106, 0106, 0200, 0100, 0103, 0101, 0100, 0102"

Don't forget the "V" is not required when entering the numbers on the request page.

It's possible JVC didn't include your codes in the new update. They are watching and may revise the firmware if more are not recognized.

Steve

Hi Steve,

I keep seeing everyone post those numbers, but I'm not sure where they are getting them from. When I follow the step outlined on the website (hitting 'User 2' and 'Select' from the format slot A option), I only get the following:
http://i26.tinypic.com/f07uvb.jpg

Where else should I go to get the numbers?

Thanks in advance.

The HM100 shows 3 numbers and not more,
the other numbers shown in the HM700-service-menu.

Thanks Eric & Wes...

Being a 700 owner, I wasn't aware the 100 was not the same.

That's what happens when I make an assumption.

Well good luck. Maybe JVC will look in to it, and come out with a revised update.

Have a nice weekend.

Steve

Weston, I had the same problem, but my numbers were 107, 103 and 052. Since you're at 104, my guess is just that they haven't put your system in, or yours IS the new one somehow.

At first I wasn't able to download, after they said they added more versions, now I'm able to. So I would say wait and keep trying.

But you're doing it right, and you have the right numbers. But for whatever reason they didn't put everyone's versions in the system off the bat it seems.

Just updated the firmware on my HM100. After the update the versions are:

CAM: 1.07
ARM: 1.05
EEPROM: 052

I just thought we should all check and see if we end up with the same versions after the update.

Steve and Tim. I don't know if you want to do this, but on the JVC page you might put in
CAM 107
ARM 102
EPRM 052

This is what my camera was and I got the download from the JVC site. I am not sure if this will cause problems. After the update, the only number that changed was the ARM. It is now 1.05

So after all the trouble of upgrading the firmware...

Has anybody noticed any improvement in the functionality or features of their HM100?

A list of specific improvements would be nice since it doesn't seem like JVC is telling us.

I downloaded the upgrade for my HM700, but I don`t install it, but I don`t work with 10xSDHC-cards.

I just updated the firmware on my HM100 no problem took about 5 minutes.

I just received on of these from Amazon: "SanDisk 16gb Extreme® III 30MB/s Edition SDHC" that are on sale for $80. Turns out it is rated Class 10.

Before firmware upgrade for my HM100 it would format but show zero time available when trying to record.

After upgrade which went without a hitch it now shows 58 minutes as it should.

I think this firmware upgrade is only for these new Class 10 cards.

I just received on of these from Amazon: "SanDisk 16gb Extreme® III 30MB/s Edition SDHC" that are on sale for $80. Turns out it is rated Class 10.

Before firmware upgrade for my HM100 it would format but show zero time available when trying to record.

After upgrade which went without a hitch it now shows 58 minutes as it should.

I think this firmware upgrade is only for these new Class 10 cards.
I have 3 of the Extreme III cards and they worked fine without an upgrade.

I have 3 of the Extreme III cards and they worked fine without an upgrade.
The Sandisk Extreme III seems to come in at least two editions.

Older Class 6:
Amazon.com: Sandisk 8GB EXTREME III SDHC SD Card Class 6 - 20MB/s (SDSDX3-008G, Static Pack): Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-EXTREME-SDSDX3-008G-Static-Pack/dp/B001940S1C)

New Class 10:
Amazon.com: SanDisk 8GB Extreme III - SDHC Class 10 High Performance memory card (SDSDX3-008G-P31, Retail Packaging) - NEW 30MB/s edition: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-8GB-Extreme-III-SDSDX3-008G-P31/dp/B002GEQDK4)

The current version which I have is CAM 1.09, ARM 1.03 and EEPROM 052.

I can successfully get to the page where you enter your personal details and camera serial number. However it demands a 5-digit zip/postal code, and Australia only uses 4-digit codes. This is despite correctly changing the country to Australia/New Zealand.

The current version which I have is CAM 1.09, ARM 1.03 and EEPROM 052.

I can successfully get to the page where you enter your personal details and camera serial number. However it demands a 5-digit zip/postal code, and Australia only uses 4-digit codes. This is despite correctly changing the country to Australia/New Zealand.

This was my experience as well. In Canada we have a 6 figure postal code. I simply entered 5 figures of the pcode, no spaces, and it accepted the entry. JVC needs to pay attention to the details of web page design as this is a beginners mistake.