I've just installed the firmware upgrade to Hero 2, and I'm having a hard time confirming the new features described on the webpage, e.g.

"Key features of the GoPro Protune mode include:
24fps frame rate, enabling GoPro HERO2 content to be easily intercut with other sources without a frame rate conversion;
35Mbps data rate for the industry’s highest quality compressed image with virtually zero artifacts;"

I don't see any of these in the setup of my (upgraded) Hereo2. I checked the bitrate of the clips and it is still about 15Mbps. What am I missing?

I do see a benefit of using CineForm Studio: it converts mp4 to avi, and this removes most of the compression artifacts, which is awesome. But this is not the same as recording initially at 35Mbps. I would say post-recoding conversion of mp4 to avi is a little like watching dvd on FullHD TV: much better than NTSC, but will never be as good as blueray.

Someone who knows for certain can chime in, but I was under the impression that the firmware update that will include Protune won't be released until at least mid-May or so?

Hey Stanley,
Not sure that the update that's currently up on their website is the Protune one you're talking about. It only describes it as V.70
They also state on their wesite that the Protune firmware update will be available this summer.
Hope this helps.
Bryce

Looks like I need to be more patient...

Doesn't it already have 24 fps? 35Mbps will be nice!

When I checked my Hero 2 it was already on v.70. And the last time I recall doing an update was February to get the 3D hero to work. Looks like we'll have to wait for that version to increment.

Current Firmware: 8.12.124
Release Date: 6/4/2012
Changes: Wi-Fi compatibility

Downloaded the new Cineform Studio released from 6/4/2012 and patched the firmware. Date and other settings got reset. I don't notice any new settings within the camera for video modes. In the Cineform Studio there is a new preset option in Edit called 'Protune'. Seems nothing more than increased saturation on the default footage. Is that it?

Keep waiting, ProTune not released yet.

Seems nothing more than increased saturation on the default footage. Is that it?

It's a LOT more than that.

http://gopro.com/gopro-partners-with-technicolor-to-incorporate-cinestyle™-into-gopro’s-new-protune™-firmware-for-hd-hero2-at-nab-2012/

Key features of the GoPro Protune mode include:

24fps frame rate, enabling GoPro HERO2 content to be easily intercut with other sources without a frame rate conversion;

35Mbps data rate for the industry’s highest quality compressed image with virtually zero artifacts;

Neutral color profile, allowing for greater flexibility in a color correction workflow;

Log curve encoding, offering more detail in shadows and highlights;

Reduced sharpening and noise reduction for improved flexibility in professional post- production and color design workflows.

I just updated mine; don’t see any 24fps option nor anything about bitrate being adjustable

I just updated mine; don’t see any 24fps option nor anything about bitrate being adjustable

Features will be in "ProTune", available sometime this summer.

Jason, check the post just above >Protune is NOT released yet, it's a CAMERA FW update due to be released SOON.

This is an actual comparison of with Protune and without. (click for full size)
Notice the flatter profile and lack of compression artifacts.

This gets me excited for using my GoPro again. Never really liked how it intercut, but now perhaps I can match it up a little better. Thanks for the screen grabs, seems to really make a difference for an "all-auto" camera.

Yeah, I was just saying I don’t think that was ‘The’ update that everyone is waiting for

Any news about the release date?

I asked them about it a couple of weeks ago and was told "Sometime this summer".

With GoPro's track record, that probably means summer 2013.

I am waiting also. When I wrote the article on DVINFO's main page, they were telling me late May. Now we're into late June and it's still not here yet.

Interesting tidbit that Mike found in the latest Cineform Studio update. Sounds like the software side is ready, just waiting on firmware update.

-gb-

I got myself a Hero 2 but the 15mbps max compression is just terrible, I hope this ProTune firmware will make a difference.

Someone from customer service told me the end of next month (making it August 31st).

Someone from customer service told me the end of next month (making it August 31st).

... and that technically makes it "sometime this Summer".

:-)

Well, technically they have until Friday September 21st for it to be the last day of summer.
That will be the day they announce it's availability sometime this fall.

As long as it's available by November I'm not too fussed... that's when I'd really like to have the new features as I'll be shooting some footage to cut into a short film - the first time I've used the GoPro for anything other than DVD or web use.

I guess all that promo footage was shot using the ProTune firmware cause none of my footage looks that good lol. A bit naughty if they have.

Looking forward to the ProTune release. Too bad it is not in time for my shoot next week.

Same thing here :(

Still nothing on ProTune?

Summer ends at 23th September :(

Keep in mind too, where they're based it's always summer.

Keep in mind too, where they're based it's always summer.

Nope, just got back from San Fran and weather was terrible all week. Here's the video i shot while there. Foggy, grey and dull :-(

USSurfSki Championships 2012 on Vimeo

Also David Newman (head of GoPro software development) has mentioned on twitter possibly a few more weeks before ProTune is released.

R

I emailed Gopro back in July and the reply said it should be available in "a few weeks" so this seems to be the standard reply. The new Sony with steadyshot is a very tempting alternative, but I prefer the Gopro form factor. I bought my Hero2 after the NAB announcement thinking I would have the protune by now. Very disappointing when a company announces something and endlessly delay's the release with vague answers to a simple question. It was showed off months ago and its still vaporware.

I too prefer the flatter, boxy form of the Hero2 but I must say, if Sony's audio is acceptable (not great, but just decent), I think I'll figure out how to deal with its elongated form.
GP had told me the "end of August."

Will the Protune Update just be for the Hero2 or also for the older Hero1 Versions?

According to the GoPro press release, its Hero2 only.

Thank you Bernd,
yes it's just for the HD2. Yesterday I talked to a GoPro employee at the IBC and they told me the processor of the HD1 is too slow for this (didn't know that the HD2 has a newer processor). Furthermore he said that Protune will be available in a month.... let's wait and see ;-)

(didn't know that the HD2 has a newer processor).

Well Swen, you might nave known if you had read my article on the main page. <wink>

GoPro… Going even more Pro at DVInfo.net (http://www.dvinfo.net/article/acquisition/gopro-going-even-more-pro.html)

I am frustrated also with GoPro. We were also supposed to be getting the smart phone apps about now for remote control and live monitoring of HD2.

Meanwhile, they keep posting and emailing 'video of the week' stuff.

This type of over promise and under deliver is going to cost them customers in the long run.

regards,

Greg B.

Greg you're right I didn't read the complete article. However, I can understand that people are frustrated by waiting so long for the updates.

If GoPro want me to change my HD1 cameras to the HD2 Version they should have the smart phone app and ProTune ready. Then I'll buy a few new GoPros, which are a good product!

GoPro has one week to salvage their PR image from the dumpster. They claimed the update would be some time this summer, which ends next Friday. "Coincidentally" that's around the day Sony says they're releasing their Action Cam.

Meanwhile, they keep posting and emailing 'video of the week' stuff.

This type of over promise and under deliver is going to cost them customers in the long run.

regards,

Greg B.

This is exactly how I feel.

My local Walmart and Target stores are out of stock on the cameras and the accessories are on the clearance shelf.

They claimed the update would be some time this summer, which ends next Friday.
Just received the information from GoPro Germany: Protune will be released in fall 2012.

Just received the information from GoPro Germany: Protune will be released in fall 2012.

We should expect it in Spring 2013 then.

By then the Sony Action Cam will have taken over the market.

If only Sony hadn't left out all 50Hz formats! The HDR-AS15 has no 25p, no 50p and that's the deal breaker for me. Moreover, the AS10 which I would prefer is not available here at all. But nevertheless I am very curious to see a lot of real life tests and hopefully some day we get a firmware update to make the camera a serious GoPro competitor even outside the USA or Japan.

Anyone heard any further info on when the Protune firmware will be available? It's several months overdue, which seems ludicrious considering they showed demo footage previously, so must've had working prototypes several months ago.

My optimistic side keeps telling me that maybe they have delayed the firmware release as they are implementing either 1080p60 or 720p120 - but my more realistic side can't see that happening.

few days ago gopro support cannot sayed estimated release date,
even unofficial :(

Given there's nothing but rumors to grab onto, I'm tending to lean on the one that says a Hero 3 is in the works. At least that's a double blessing. At this stage, why not go for the gusto!

I have a bunch of Hero1 cameras then bought a bunch of Hero2 specifically for the tunable options that were promised. If I have to dump my current hardware to get what was already promised they will have lost me as a customer.

Sounds like they must be having problems with the firmware.
The footage at 15mbps is horrible, bet they did not use that birate for their demo videos lol
And the different shooting FOV options is just cropping the sensor.
At the narrow FOV the quality is useless.
Might as well just shoot wide and do it on the NLE. :-)

GoPro ProTune firmware went "live" today but unfortunately only an option for HD2. Also the iPhone App is available as well.

Update your HD2 camera firmware via Cineform Studio to get ProTune and if required, Download the App from iTunes thru your iPhone for remote control and preview functionality via the wiFi bacpac.

Enable ProTune under settings/ more menu.

US site: GoPro App for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gopro-app/id561350520?mt=8)
Aus Site GoPro App for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad on the iTunes App Store (http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/gopro-app/id561350520?mt=8)

In other news, pigs have developed wings and escaped their farmer overloads. This and other news tonight at 11. /hellhasfrozenover.