Firmware Updates

Saturday September 22, 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.

OBi100 - Firmware released on 09/07/2012 version 1.3.0 (build 2721)

Onkyo TX-NR609 - Firmware released on 07/05/2012 version 1141-1600-0010-8106

Panasonic DMP-BDT210 - Firmware released on 07/09/2012 version 1.88

OBi100 Firmware Update

On Saturday September 22, 2012 I found that OBi had release a new firmware update to the OBi100. The release is version 1.3.0 with build version 2721. Click here for the official release and information on previous firmware updates. Per the release issued by Obi version 1.3.0 build version 2721 addresses the following:

- Housekeeping Release: Software Optimizations to Improve Performance
There is also an update for the OBi202. Since I do not own the OBi202 I had to be careful not to download the wrong update. Please the see official release noted above for notes on the Obi202 update and the separate download.

Just like the updates preformed in February, March, and May, 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.

For those who don't know, Obi100 is a VoIP Telephone adapter that allows you to use a traditional landline phone with Google Voice, SIP and other telephone interfaces. I use Google Voice on this device and highly recommend it. I have not paid for a landline phone for about 16 months. Based on my last landline phone bill (~$40/month) I figure that I have saved $600 (16 months times $40 less $40 for OBi100). Not bad for alternative to the traditional landline options out there. Also don't pay for Vonage (rip off if you ask me).

The calls and voice quality are very clear. There are two things to seriously consider about using an Obi100. First there are no emergency services provided with the phone. Meaning that 911 calls and other emergency service calls are not allowed. If you have a cell phone this should not be an issue in most cases. The second item to consider is the device is attached to your network and an internet connection must be available to work. If you have a power outage or your network goes down for any of a variety of reasons you will be without phone service. A battery backup power supply would help eliminate the power outage issue.

The device is extremely easy to use and setup. Before one of the last firmware updates posted about on this blog, I had some issues with having to reset the device. Over the course of about 3 months I had to reset the device about once a week. This has not happened since the firmware was updated. For the price and savings you can realize I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to cut their landline phone costs.

Onkyo TX-NR609 Firmware Update

Today, Saturday September 22, 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 July 5, 2012. The official release posted says that it "Improves the operation when HDMI Through is set to on, and Stabilizes the operation of Network control, and Corrects the video output when the Picture Modes is set to Through. Click here to read official release. Notes about how I installed the update are below the picture.

As with all the Onkyo firmware updates that have been released since I have owned the TX-NR609, I have downloaded the zip file for safe keeping and back up if necessary. I find that Onkyo does not maintain a historical record of the firmware update files other than through the firmware update procedures that describe what each update addresses.

For the record of this post I have the following files:
Onkyo TX-NR609 - Firmware Update 09/14/2011 version 1091-1100-0010-6104
Onkyo TX-NR609 - Firmware Update 10/31/2011 version 1101-1200-0010-6104
Onkyo TX-NR609 - Firmware Update 12/20/2011 version 1121-1300-0010-6104
Onkyo TX-NR609 - Firmware Update 03/16/2012 version 1131-1400-0010-8106
Onkyo TX-NR609 - Firmware Update 07/09/2012 version 1141-1600-0010-8106

I unzipped the files and copied them to a 8GB USB drive (make sure the drive only has the unzipped files on it and that the drive does not have 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. The last 3 updates took well over 45 minutes. This one, 5 minutes max. I started the process, went back to my computer to update this post. I went back to the TX-NR609 5 minutes later and it was done. 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.

I did not believe that it loaded properly so I started the process over. The informational display on the TV said that my firmware version was the most current version. I went in the Setup menu and checked the firmware version. The firmware version now reads 1141-1600-0010-8106.

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.

Panasonic Blu-ray Player DMP-BDT210 Firmware Update

While researching how far behind I was on firmware updates I came across the following update for the Panasonic Blu-ray Player DMP-BDT210. After some online research I found the following information on the update:

Version 1.88
Released 07/09/2012
Stability and functionality of VIERA Connect Apps
Playability of Blu-ray Disc
(At the time of this post I found this update to applied to DMP-BDT110, DMP-BDT210, DMP-BDT215, and DMP-BDT310. I found this information on the firmware update on Panasonic's  North America's website. Procedures provided were for downloading the update to your computer and building a CD-R to load into the player. I used my network to download the update manually via the player. Here is a link to the PDF on Panasonic's website for these instructions. I downloaded the update file just in case the network one failed or I need it for future reference. )

Keeping with my belief that it is always best to have the most current firmware version loaded to your components, I went about processing the update. Panasonic has made this process very easy with the DMP-BDT210 when it is connected to your LAN. You simply go through the Setup Menu to the "Other" section and select Firmware Update.

The player then connects to the Panasonic servers and downloads the new version. The entire process is self contained once started and no user interaction is required. The player will reset and start up again once the firmware has been downloaded and installed. This time around the entire process only took about 15 minutes.

It should be noted that I have my Panasonic Blu-ray Player connected via the integrated wireless connection. The connection point is my D-Link Xtreme N Gigabit Router DIR-655 located about 20 feet away in another room. The wireless signal passes through one interior wall at a 90 degree angle. As good as it will get at this location.

This is the third firmware update that I have installed on the Panasonic DMP-BDT210 since I purchased it. The first firmware update was for version 1.70 which came out after the date of manufacturing on the unit that I purchased. I installed the update on the very first day the Blu-ray player was connected to the Onkyo TX-NR609. The first firmware update was as simple as this one.The second firmware update was for version 1.80 which came out February 6, 2012. That update was easy to install too.

System Notes 09/08/2012

It's been a few months since I have been able to post. I've been busy with work and life and enjoying the summer weather. So now that school is back in and things have more a routine to them I can get back to updating this blog.

I'll list the overall system changes that have been occurring. The largest happened today and was driven by receiving a $260 cable TV and internet bill. (We will be cutting the cord once again!) I will post some follow up items over the course of the next week.

Here's a preview of posts to come:

1. Purchased a TiVo Premiere to replace a Comcast Motorola DVR. - I will be subscribing to Hulu Plus, and Netflix. I am already an Amazon Prime member so Amazon Instant Video will included too.

• Also purchase a TiVo Network Adapter for testing on streaming via Wi-Fi.
• Also purchased an RCA indoor antenna to test reception of OTA with indoor antenna.

2. Purchased car charger and cables for Kindle Fire, iPod, and Samsung phone. Worked great charging one or two devices.

3. Pre-ordered the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 inch Wi-Fi version. This will be released on 11/20/2012.

4. Built a USB Drive Utility for running clean up processes on other computers. Using free applications on the internet and some Basic coding I was able to build a cool little gadget to help others.

5. Gadgets and toys that are wearing out and will need to be replaced soon:

• Logitech Harmony 880 remote
• Computer case fans (due to excessive running of Bonic research projects.)
• Potential large year end purchases: New TV, Apple iPad

6. Running firmware updates on gadgets that require firmware maintenance. Has not been done in about 3 months or since Firmware Update Saturday post.

That about covers it for now. I'll post later.