Saturday March 17, 2012 was a busy day for updating firmware on system components. In reviewing releases from vendors I found that several of my components had new firmware versions to install.
The following components were updated. You can click on each component listed below to see more specific information about each firmware update.
D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655 Version B - Firmware released on 02/29/2012
OBi100 - Firmware released on 03/15/2012
Onkyo TX-NR609 - Firmware released on 03/16/2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
OBi100 Firmware Update
On Saturday March 17, 2012 I found that OBi had release a new firmware update to the OBi100. The release is version 1.3.0 with build version 2690. Click here for the official release and information on previous firmware updates. Per the release issued by Obi version 1.3.0 build version 2690 addresses the following:
- Improved audio-path synchronization on call establishment. Also fixes certain conditions where audio path is not initiated on incoming calls using the Google Voice communications service.
- Fixed: If the Caller ID coming from PSTN has a dash '-' inserted between the number(s), the Caller ID cannot be displayed on the telephone connected to the PHONE port.
Firmware Update Instructions:
1. Download the file to your computer.
2. Access the web page of the OBi device:
- From a phone attached to the PHONE port of the OBi dial * * * 1
- The IP address of the OBi will be read to you.
- Open a new browser window on your PC and enter the IP address of the OBi. (E.g. 192.168.1.110)
- When prompted, enter "admin" for username and "admin" for password.
If you have previously changed the password, use that instead of "admin."
3. Now that you have accessed the OBi web page, go to the "System Management" - "Device Update" page. From there, "Browse" to the firmware file you just downloaded above and click Update.
4. Wait for the OBi to restart (approx. 30 seconds) and you will be good to go.
- Fixed: If the Caller ID coming from PSTN has a dash '-' inserted between the number(s), the Caller ID cannot be displayed on the telephone connected to the PHONE port.
Just like the update preformed last month, and posted about here on this blog, I will update using the web interface. There are multiple options for applying firmware updates to the Obi100 but I prefer the web interface because it gives me a sense of control over the process. The steps for applying the update this way are provided by OBi in the link provided above. I'll provide them here for future reference:
Firmware Update Instructions:
1. Download the file to your computer.
2. Access the web page of the OBi device:
- From a phone attached to the PHONE port of the OBi dial * * * 1
- The IP address of the OBi will be read to you.
- Open a new browser window on your PC and enter the IP address of the OBi. (E.g. 192.168.1.110)
- When prompted, enter "admin" for username and "admin" for password.
If you have previously changed the password, use that instead of "admin."
3. Now that you have accessed the OBi web page, go to the "System Management" - "Device Update" page. From there, "Browse" to the firmware file you just downloaded above and click Update.
4. Wait for the OBi to restart (approx. 30 seconds) and you will be good to go.
Monday, March 19, 2012
D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655 Firmware Update
On Saturday March 17, 2012 I found that D-Link had released a firmware update for the Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655 Ver. B. This firmware update was released on February 29, 2012. The version is 2.07NA. This firmware version is only applicable to units in North America.
The release states that the firmware update addresses the following:
Fixed: IPv6 status not display DNS address.
Fixed: Multi save bug.
Fixed: IPv6 Autodetect mode bug.
Keeping with the D-Link instructions for applying the firmware update, I loaded the update through the web interface on the router. You can also run a firmware check from within the router. To do this you need to log into your router and click on Tools and then select Firmware from the side menu. You then click on the Check Now button next to Check Online Now for Latest Firmware Update.
I prefer to download the file from the D-Link website and then manually load the file from my computer to the router. The first step is to download the zip file for the D-Link website and save the file to your computer. You then need to unzip the file and place the folder/files in a location you can find through the web interface.
You should back up your configuration so that if something happens you can reload it after the firmware has been applied. You can do this by logging into your router and clicking on Tools and then selecting System from the side menu. Click the button Save Configuration to download a configuration file to your computer.
To install the firmware update click on Tools and then select Firmware from the side menu. Click the button Choose File to locate where you unzipped the firmware software zip file. Then click Update. There will be a prompt to save configuration file and then a warning about updating the firmware. Once the process starts a screen will tell you not to reload the page as it loads. When I ran the process it took 4 minutes to complete.
The second set of screens prompts your wireless password which you need to reenter exactly as it was before so your connected devices do not lose connectivity. There is also a screen prompting you for an Administration password to the router if you don't have one. This is a must for security.
Once you have entered that information the router will reboot automatically in about 2 minutes and you are good to go. In all it took about 15 minutes for me to install this firmware update.
This update will be the second firmware update that I have applied to the D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655 Ver. B. The first one was version 2.03NA that was released after my router had been manufactured and before I purchase the item.
I applied this firmware update in keeping with my opinion that it is best to have the latest firmware loaded to all the components in my system.
The release states that the firmware update addresses the following:
Fixed: IPv6 status not display DNS address.
Fixed: Multi save bug.
Fixed: IPv6 Autodetect mode bug.
Keeping with the D-Link instructions for applying the firmware update, I loaded the update through the web interface on the router. You can also run a firmware check from within the router. To do this you need to log into your router and click on Tools and then select Firmware from the side menu. You then click on the Check Now button next to Check Online Now for Latest Firmware Update.
I prefer to download the file from the D-Link website and then manually load the file from my computer to the router. The first step is to download the zip file for the D-Link website and save the file to your computer. You then need to unzip the file and place the folder/files in a location you can find through the web interface.
You should back up your configuration so that if something happens you can reload it after the firmware has been applied. You can do this by logging into your router and clicking on Tools and then selecting System from the side menu. Click the button Save Configuration to download a configuration file to your computer.
To install the firmware update click on Tools and then select Firmware from the side menu. Click the button Choose File to locate where you unzipped the firmware software zip file. Then click Update. There will be a prompt to save configuration file and then a warning about updating the firmware. Once the process starts a screen will tell you not to reload the page as it loads. When I ran the process it took 4 minutes to complete.
The second set of screens prompts your wireless password which you need to reenter exactly as it was before so your connected devices do not lose connectivity. There is also a screen prompting you for an Administration password to the router if you don't have one. This is a must for security.
Once you have entered that information the router will reboot automatically in about 2 minutes and you are good to go. In all it took about 15 minutes for me to install this firmware update.
This update will be the second firmware update that I have applied to the D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655 Ver. B. The first one was version 2.03NA that was released after my router had been manufactured and before I purchase the item.
I applied this firmware update in keeping with my opinion that it is best to have the latest firmware loaded to all the components in my system.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Onkyo TX-NR609 Firmware Update
Today, Saturday March 17, 2012, I came across the latest firmware update for the Onkyo TX-NR609 posted on the Onkyo website. The release date for the update is March 16, 2012. The official release posted says that it addresses an "Improvement of WEB Setup Menu accessibility when using UWF-1". Click here to read official release. Notes about how I installed the update are below the picture.
I downloaded the firmware update zip file. I then searched the internet for additional information on the release and I came across a post from the Onkyo Asia and Oceania website that listed the update as addressing "Stabilizes video output when using HDMI/CAT5 Extender on HDMI OUT MAIN terminal". This creates some confusion in my understanding what the update actually addresses.
Another oddity is on the Onkyo website the firmware update is listed under the product information for the TX-NR609 but not under the support section of the website. This is not a major deal since the release is only 1 day old and might be added to the support section of the website in the coming days.
I unzipped the files and copied them to a 8GB USB drive (make sure the drive is only has the files on it and that the drive does not password protection on). Following the instructions from the manual, and also repeated in the official release noted above, I made sure RIHD was turned off. Powered down the AVR. Removed the UFW-1 from the front USB input. Plugged in the USB drive with the files copied to it. Powered on the AVR and TV. Selected the USB input on the AVR.
At this point the USB input will be initializing. Once complete you can press Setup on the remote. On the Menu select Hardware Setup. On the next menu select Firmware Update. On the next menu select Via USB. Finally select Update.
The process will then write the new firmware to the AVR. It takes a good 45 minutes to run. When the process is done the front display of the AVR will display Completed! At this point you press the power button on the AVR (not the remote). Before turning back on unplug the USB drive from the front USB input. I reinserted the UWF-1 at this point.
After the AVR powered on I went in the Setup menu and checked the firmware version. The firmware version now reads 1131-1400-0010-8106.
Keeping with my practice of always having the latest firmware updates on my components I installed the update after I was comfortable about the information being released on the update.
I downloaded the firmware update zip file. I then searched the internet for additional information on the release and I came across a post from the Onkyo Asia and Oceania website that listed the update as addressing "Stabilizes video output when using HDMI/CAT5 Extender on HDMI OUT MAIN terminal". This creates some confusion in my understanding what the update actually addresses.
Another oddity is on the Onkyo website the firmware update is listed under the product information for the TX-NR609 but not under the support section of the website. This is not a major deal since the release is only 1 day old and might be added to the support section of the website in the coming days.
I unzipped the files and copied them to a 8GB USB drive (make sure the drive is only has the files on it and that the drive does not password protection on). Following the instructions from the manual, and also repeated in the official release noted above, I made sure RIHD was turned off. Powered down the AVR. Removed the UFW-1 from the front USB input. Plugged in the USB drive with the files copied to it. Powered on the AVR and TV. Selected the USB input on the AVR.
At this point the USB input will be initializing. Once complete you can press Setup on the remote. On the Menu select Hardware Setup. On the next menu select Firmware Update. On the next menu select Via USB. Finally select Update.
The process will then write the new firmware to the AVR. It takes a good 45 minutes to run. When the process is done the front display of the AVR will display Completed! At this point you press the power button on the AVR (not the remote). Before turning back on unplug the USB drive from the front USB input. I reinserted the UWF-1 at this point.
After the AVR powered on I went in the Setup menu and checked the firmware version. The firmware version now reads 1131-1400-0010-8106.
Keeping with my practice of always having the latest firmware updates on my components I installed the update after I was comfortable about the information being released on the update.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System
On Saturday March 17, 2012 I purchased the Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System from Amazon.com. I had been researching this speaker system for some time and finally made the purchase when the price fell to $299.99. For my home theater I had been researching and considering several speakers for about 6 months. I had narrowed my choices down to the Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System, the Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System, the NHT Super Surround 5.1 and the Polk Audio TSi series.
This purchase will replace my current setup of front left, center and front right speakers from an old HTiB system, an RCA RT 2600. These current speakers are about 8 years old and really showed their short comings when I upgraded my AVR to the Onkyo TX-NR609. With no subwoofer in the current setup I am hoping to regain some of that low end punch that has been missing.
I really liked the compact style of the Klipsch HD 500. As a bonus I was really impressed with the mounting system that is included. I live in an apartment with small children so the only really option at this point is to mount the fronts on the wall. The mounting system included with the Klipsch HD 500 has a very clean professional look to it that I am hoping will look good in my setup.
In the short term I will have to hold off on the rear surrounds until we purchase either an entry table or book shelf on which I will place them. That phase will require Wife Acceptance Factor in order to be completed. My plan is for a book shelf with the surround speakers placed just above ear level, with the wife's approval of course.
I have Amazon Prime so I should be getting the speakers delivered by Tuesday. I will install the speakers during the evenings this week and post follow up information and pictures.
This purchase will replace my current setup of front left, center and front right speakers from an old HTiB system, an RCA RT 2600. These current speakers are about 8 years old and really showed their short comings when I upgraded my AVR to the Onkyo TX-NR609. With no subwoofer in the current setup I am hoping to regain some of that low end punch that has been missing.
I really liked the compact style of the Klipsch HD 500. As a bonus I was really impressed with the mounting system that is included. I live in an apartment with small children so the only really option at this point is to mount the fronts on the wall. The mounting system included with the Klipsch HD 500 has a very clean professional look to it that I am hoping will look good in my setup.
In the short term I will have to hold off on the rear surrounds until we purchase either an entry table or book shelf on which I will place them. That phase will require Wife Acceptance Factor in order to be completed. My plan is for a book shelf with the surround speakers placed just above ear level, with the wife's approval of course.
I have Amazon Prime so I should be getting the speakers delivered by Tuesday. I will install the speakers during the evenings this week and post follow up information and pictures.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
System Notes 03/06/2012
On Sunday February 25th, 2012 my brother-in-law handed down his original Xbox. I owned one of these back when they first came out but never really used it. I sold my original version to a friend because at the time I was a die hard PlayStation 2 user. The addition of the Xbox has some connectivity problems that I will have to address in order to connect all three consoles to the AVR.
Each console, PlayStation 2, Wii and Xbox, all have component cable connections. My AVR, the Onkyo TX-NR609 only has two component cable connections. I will have to research and find a component cable switch or install component cable extensions that let me swap out each console. I say swap out because of space limitations in the new component rack. I could not have all three consoles connected and stored in the component rack without creating a cluttered/stuffed look.
I am also researching window tint for the new component rack. The glass doors are clear and when watching movies at night I like to have a completely dark room. The trick will be finding a film that letting IR signals pass through and block out the LED lights from the components inside. Additionally I am looking at added a sensor that will light up LED strips inside the cabinet when the doors are opened. I think it would be a cool trick and add a custom look to the cabinet.
For now my next major purchase will be new front left, center, front right and subwoofer speakers. I have been spending a lot of research time in this category, and you can see from my previous posts that it has not been a clear and easy path for me. I have come full circle and now I am considering either the Polk Audio TSi series or NHT SuperZero 2.0.
That is all for now. Thank you for reading.
Each console, PlayStation 2, Wii and Xbox, all have component cable connections. My AVR, the Onkyo TX-NR609 only has two component cable connections. I will have to research and find a component cable switch or install component cable extensions that let me swap out each console. I say swap out because of space limitations in the new component rack. I could not have all three consoles connected and stored in the component rack without creating a cluttered/stuffed look.
I am also researching window tint for the new component rack. The glass doors are clear and when watching movies at night I like to have a completely dark room. The trick will be finding a film that letting IR signals pass through and block out the LED lights from the components inside. Additionally I am looking at added a sensor that will light up LED strips inside the cabinet when the doors are opened. I think it would be a cool trick and add a custom look to the cabinet.
For now my next major purchase will be new front left, center, front right and subwoofer speakers. I have been spending a lot of research time in this category, and you can see from my previous posts that it has not been a clear and easy path for me. I have come full circle and now I am considering either the Polk Audio TSi series or NHT SuperZero 2.0.
That is all for now. Thank you for reading.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
New Component Cabinet Installed
As noted on February 10th, 2012 I purchased the Techcraft SWD30 Tall Boy Component Stand from Amazon.com. I had been researching a new component stand for awhile and finally felt it was time for an upgrade. The stand that was replaced had been showing it's age for some time and was falling apart. At the end of this post are pictures of the new stand and room layout.
I was nervous about ordering furniture from Amazon because if the carton was damaged in shipping the cabinet pieces themselves might be damaged. To my benefit and surprise the package arrived 3 days after ordering (love Amazon Prime!) and in prefect condition. The reviews on this product stated that the door alignment needed some work. After full assembly I would agree but spending 20 minutes turning 4 sets of 3 screws you can get proper alignment on the doors.
The Techcraft SWD30 is very easy to assemble even if you only have modest handyman skills. At most you will need is Phillips screw driver, hammer, and box cutter. I did need a hammer on the shelf pegs because one of the holes was not drilled out completely. The stand also meets the all important Wife Acceptance Factor.
As you can see in the pictures below I also replaced the HDMI cable from the AVR to the TV and I replaced the speaker cable to the front left, center and front right speakers. Now all the cables running up the wall are white which helps blend in with the wall. I live in an apartment so in-wall cables are not a possibility for me right now.
The HDMI and speaker cables were purchased from Monoprice.com. This was my first purchase from them and my order arrived 3 days after ordering. The quality of the cables is excellent and for my needs at this time the price and speed of delivery cannot be beat.
The HDMI cable is 15 feet long and rated to meet Category 2 specifications. There is no Ethernet Over HDMI no this cable but for now I do not have a need for that because my TV does not have internet capabilities. The speaker cables are on the smaller side, 18 AWG, which I know I am pushing the limit at 20 feet per run. When I do eventually upgrade my speakers I will also upgrade to a large gauge.
For now everything is operational and I am enjoying the new look. I have already decided that I want to customize the cabinet on two elements. First I want to tint the glass so the LED lights on the components are blacked out as much as possible. Second I want to add LED lights that turn on when you open the cabinet doors. Both of these are not functional requirements but simply personal tweaks I want to make.
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