Pioneer replies regarding 676a Firmware

[scalpel]

Current Pioneer 676a's now sell with ROM versions 2.10

My 676a (bought in March) has 2.05.

Does anyone know what the improvements entail ( I will ring Pioneer next week if no one knows). I note that the Pioneer Australia website offers no Firmware upgrades. Also, before anyone reminds me, I am aware of the 'non-official' firmware upgrades - not really keen to do this whilst the player is in warranty (and I have no need for Divx subtitiles).

J.

PS - for those that don't know how to access the firmware version:

hit Home/Menu (Button) / Choose "initial settings" / choose "options" / hit "display" (Button) ...... and it will give a number.

[scalpel]

This isn't really going to be great news to most people with 676a's.

Pioneer got back to me (email and a phone call - that is service) to my enquiry about upgrading the Firmware on the 676a to the newest version available (2.10?).

I initially had my hopes up with this comment

"There is a firmware for this unit and it does correct DivX subtitles. I recommend calling the helpline on 1800 988 268 so that we can send you a copy of the firmware for you to download. "


So I rang them.....

Good news is that they will do it, but only at a service centre. At least I live close to the Sydney Service Centre (Forrestville)

Bad news is that they will not email / download the file for you to do it yourself (they say that they were getting too many warranty services for failed flash upgrades of other machines, thus the 'in-house only' rule - what I cant understand is that surely there would be just as many people who now have to come in and get them to do it, unless a stuffed flash upgrade is difficult to fix).

Hope this is of some use to somebody.

J.


Oh, almost forgot - the 2.10 firmware supposedly adds Ogg Vobis support to Divx and Mp3 files.

[bac]

You could always download one of the *ahem* unofficial versions of the firmware... :PI

[scalpel]

I did mention that in the original post ....

I figure that if Pioneer is going to do an upgrade then I will give it a try 1st, at least that way the machine is still under warranty (and my luck with warranties is not great).

J.