XDCAM EX Firmware Updates Available

Bo Skelmose · March 9th, 2010, 09:38 AM

Have anybody tried if the the Transcend 32gB SSD disk works now - after upgrade???

John Peterson · March 9th, 2010, 09:49 AM

Why are we updating out EX1 cameras with this firmware? The release notes don't seem to offer any real advantage over firmware 1.11 as far as I can tell. Only (apparently) 2 minutes less record time.

John

Nino Leitner · March 9th, 2010, 10:07 AM

Hi all,

Yesterday, I installed the firmware update onto my EX3 - everything went fine until the end, also with rebooting the camera in the middle of the process.

However, when the process was finished, I clicked Exit and the application crashed. The EX3 did not exit the update mode, the red light was still on. After waiting for some minutes without any change (and after trying to re-start the update tool that said it doesn't recognize the camera) I decided to switch the camera off and on again. It has stayed off ever since - no life sign whatsoever, not recognized by the computer and that's it.

To make matters worse, was told on Sony PrimeSupport hotline that "problems stemming from self-installations of the firmware are not covered by Silver Support contracts". WTF???
First they decide to release a firmware update in order to save time and money, basically saying "let the customers do the dirty work", and then they deny support for a $9.000 camera???

Found a contract repair center for Sony in Vienna that shares my opinion, they have it now, will take a look at it and agreed to charge Sony for this mess. Will let you know how it goes.

But BE CAREFUL WITH THIS UPDATE!

Marcus Durham · March 9th, 2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Peterson

Why are we updating out EX1 cameras with this firmware? The release notes don't seem to offer any real advantage over firmware 1.11 as far as I can tell. Only (apparently) 2 minutes less record time.

John

Very much my thoughts. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. See the post above.

Bo Skelmose · March 9th, 2010, 11:33 AM

Anyone tested if there is 2 min less record time or is it just adjusted time pre-readout ?

Clark Peters · March 9th, 2010, 11:42 AM

Why did I update? There are some reports in other threads and forums (fora?) that the new firmware allows the successful use of adapters and shdc cards that previously gave Media Restore errors.

Included in these reports are statements (not yet corroborated by Sony) that the firmware update modifies the way the camera handles data overflow. If true, that would explain why formerly "reluctant" sdhc cards and adapters are now more accommodating.

Anything that improves the reliability of sdhc adapters has to be a good thing, right?

Pete

Giroud Francois · March 9th, 2010, 11:49 AM

upgraded EX1 from 1.11 to 1.20, no problem, formatted cards (SxS 16g) , still showing 55min in 1080HQ.

Craig Seeman · March 9th, 2010, 11:53 AM

Just some speculation but I wouldn't doubt that the improved SDHC performance and shorter record times are related. It may be reserving some buffer space on the cards themselves. Of course this is affecting SxS cards too.

One would hope that the EX1/3 would have record cache added but I think one person already posted negative.

I really truly wish people would be more complete in their posts.

Marcus Durham · March 9th, 2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark Peters

Anything that improves the reliability of sdhc adapters has to be a good thing, right?

Pete

True and early adaptors must be applauded for being brave. But I'd rather other people discover the "undocumented features" grenade that Sony have a habit of throwing our way. My camera works and I hope to keep it that way.

2 months down the line I might change my opinion. Of course if a load of people have "bricked" their camera then I might have been proved right in waiting.

Marcus Durham · March 9th, 2010, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Seeman

Just some speculation but I wouldn't doubt that the improved SDHC performance and shorter record times are related. It may be reserving some buffer space on the cards themselves. Of course this is affecting SxS cards too.

My guess is it is possibly reserving some kind of space for buffering or CRC checks. But I'd rather know what is actually going on before taking a leap of faith.

Tuy Le · March 9th, 2010, 12:44 PM

If you are happy with your EX1/EX3 then don't need this new firmware update.

For Sony EX1:
1. You will need to read the "PMW-EX1_1.20_ReleaseNote.pdf" which stated:
"Major functions updated with V1.20
Usable media
- SxS-1 series memory card added
- Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX with MEAD-MS01 Media Adaptor
- SDHC card with MEAD-SD01 Media Adaptor"

2. Read "Installation_Instructions_EN.pdf" (for English).
and follow it step by step. But if you don't have much experiences with computer (just an end user only) then you should not do it yourself - ask someone else do it for you. It will take less than 20 minutes.

The special tools: Phillips size 0 screwdriver to open the cover for USB port (Instruction has picture of the location)

For winXP user, you will need to install the .NET Framework 3.5 prior to install update software.

Last - need to use power supply NOT the battery during the update

For some of us this update will save us some money: don't have to buy SxS Pro card. Now we can use other options with a peace of mind :-)

TuyLe

Marc Myers · March 9th, 2010, 01:38 PM

Seems to me this most valuable to those of us who have been too busy, cheap or paranoid to send our cameras off to Sony. I have four EX1's with very early firmware and so it's a no-brainer for me.
That said, I'm in the US and I'm disinclined to fib about my whereabouts when I register. Anyone who converses with Sony have an inkling as to the intentions of Sony US in regard to the distribution of this firmware?

Clark Peters · March 9th, 2010, 01:50 PM

Posts 40 and 55 in this thread have links that go directly to a Zip download. (I used the one in #40). You don't have to register. Click to allow the download, let your computer unzip the files, open the English language document, and follow the instructions.

This update was a lot less anxiety inducing than the first update to 1.11 last year. Be aware that the update is in two halves. The updater will ask you to turn the camera off and back on halfway through the update process.

Pete

Marc Myers · March 9th, 2010, 03:04 PM

Thanks, very helpful. I'd downloaded those zip files, opened them up and then become concerned that the exectuables were a vehicle for implementing the firmware upgrade rather than the upgrade itself.

William Griffin · March 9th, 2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Seeman

This thread is a MESS to follow. People are reporting record time changes and S&Q changes without posting all the details.

How about listing ALL the following in you posts:
Camera upgraded: EX1, EX3, EX1r, 350
Features gained or lost with Adaptor (LIST Adaptor) and/or SxS card.
None card related features gained or lost.
Changes in Menu specifically.

Please see my post, it might answer some of your questions.......http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdc...ml#post1496195

March 9th, 2010, 10:07 AM	#63
Nino Leitner Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vienna, Austria Posts: 29	EX3 bricked after firmware update! Hi all, Yesterday, I installed the firmware update onto my EX3 - everything went fine until the end, also with rebooting the camera in the middle of the process. However, when the process was finished, I clicked Exit and the application crashed. The EX3 did not exit the update mode, the red light was still on. After waiting for some minutes without any change (and after trying to re-start the update tool that said it doesn't recognize the camera) I decided to switch the camera off and on again. It has stayed off ever since - no life sign whatsoever, not recognized by the computer and that's it. To make matters worse, was told on Sony PrimeSupport hotline that "problems stemming from self-installations of the firmware are not covered by Silver Support contracts". WTF??? First they decide to release a firmware update in order to save time and money, basically saying "let the customers do the dirty work", and then they deny support for a $9.000 camera??? Found a contract repair center for Sony in Vienna that shares my opinion, they have it now, will take a look at it and agreed to charge Sony for this mess. Will let you know how it goes. But BE CAREFUL WITH THIS UPDATE!

March 9th, 2010, 09:38 AM	#61
Bo Skelmose Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denmark Posts: 495	Have anybody tried if the the Transcend 32gB SSD disk works now - after upgrade???

March 9th, 2010, 09:49 AM	#62
John Peterson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Monroe, NY Posts: 703	Why are we updating out EX1 cameras with this firmware? The release notes don't seem to offer any real advantage over firmware 1.11 as far as I can tell. Only (apparently) 2 minutes less record time. John

March 9th, 2010, 11:33 AM	#65
Bo Skelmose Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denmark Posts: 495	Anyone tested if there is 2 min less record time or is it just adjusted time pre-readout ?

March 9th, 2010, 11:42 AM	#66
Clark Peters Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 123	Why did I update? There are some reports in other threads and forums (fora?) that the new firmware allows the successful use of adapters and shdc cards that previously gave Media Restore errors. Included in these reports are statements (not yet corroborated by Sony) that the firmware update modifies the way the camera handles data overflow. If true, that would explain why formerly "reluctant" sdhc cards and adapters are now more accommodating. Anything that improves the reliability of sdhc adapters has to be a good thing, right? Pete

March 9th, 2010, 11:49 AM	#67
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	upgraded EX1 from 1.11 to 1.20, no problem, formatted cards (SxS 16g) , still showing 55min in 1080HQ.

March 9th, 2010, 11:53 AM	#68
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Just some speculation but I wouldn't doubt that the improved SDHC performance and shorter record times are related. It may be reserving some buffer space on the cards themselves. Of course this is affecting SxS cards too. One would hope that the EX1/3 would have record cache added but I think one person already posted negative. I really truly wish people would be more complete in their posts.

March 9th, 2010, 12:44 PM	#71
Tuy Le Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 96	If you are happy with your EX1/EX3 then don't need this new firmware update. For Sony EX1: 1. You will need to read the "PMW-EX1_1.20_ReleaseNote.pdf" which stated: "Major functions updated with V1.20 Usable media - SxS-1 series memory card added - Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX with MEAD-MS01 Media Adaptor - SDHC card with MEAD-SD01 Media Adaptor" 2. Read "Installation_Instructions_EN.pdf" (for English). and follow it step by step. But if you don't have much experiences with computer (just an end user only) then you should not do it yourself - ask someone else do it for you. It will take less than 20 minutes. The special tools: Phillips size 0 screwdriver to open the cover for USB port (Instruction has picture of the location) For winXP user, you will need to install the .NET Framework 3.5 prior to install update software. Last - need to use power supply NOT the battery during the update For some of us this update will save us some money: don't have to buy SxS Pro card. Now we can use other options with a peace of mind :-) TuyLe

March 9th, 2010, 01:38 PM	#72
Marc Myers Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Long Island, NY and Northeast PA Posts: 132	Seems to me this most valuable to those of us who have been too busy, cheap or paranoid to send our cameras off to Sony. I have four EX1's with very early firmware and so it's a no-brainer for me. That said, I'm in the US and I'm disinclined to fib about my whereabouts when I register. Anyone who converses with Sony have an inkling as to the intentions of Sony US in regard to the distribution of this firmware?

March 9th, 2010, 01:50 PM	#73
Clark Peters Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 123	Posts 40 and 55 in this thread have links that go directly to a Zip download. (I used the one in #40). You don't have to register. Click to allow the download, let your computer unzip the files, open the English language document, and follow the instructions. This update was a lot less anxiety inducing than the first update to 1.11 last year. Be aware that the update is in two halves. The updater will ask you to turn the camera off and back on halfway through the update process. Pete

March 9th, 2010, 03:04 PM	#74
Marc Myers Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Long Island, NY and Northeast PA Posts: 132	Thanks, very helpful. I'd downloaded those zip files, opened them up and then become concerned that the exectuables were a vehicle for implementing the firmware upgrade rather than the upgrade itself.