How/why to upgrade HVX-200 firmware?

[proximity]

I was got one of the first produced HVX-200 cameras, I've never updated the firmware, but I've heard rumors about new features like "repair clip". Do I need this?

Who upgrades the camera? Can I do it myself? Does it cost anything? Are there any known big issues with the early firmware?

I found this page:
http://www.huliq.com/18997/panasonic-debuts-new-16-gb-and-32-gb-solid-state-p2-memory-cards-at-nab

Which states:
The 16 GB P2 card will work immediately with new AG-HVX200 and AG-HPX500 P2 HD camcorders purchased from May 2007 forward. Existing P2 and P2 HD products will need a free, downloadable software upgrade available on the Panasonic website (www.panasonic.com/broadcast) after May. Customers can visit the website for updates on additional upgrades and availability.

Has anyone done this before? Can I use a mac to upgrade my HVX-200 camera?

Thanks a billion!

[mantrafilm]

You can do it with a Mac, using a SD card reader. Format the SD card with the HVX; then put it in the SD card reader (usb) and copy the upgrade to it from your Mac. Insert SD card back into the HVX. Follow instructions from Panasonics pdf.

[mantrafilm]

pdf is here:
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/cs/csregistp2m/ep2main/soft/hvx200/hvx200verup_e.pdf

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/icons/icon1.gif

[proximity]

pdf is here:
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/cs/csregistp2m/ep2main/soft/hvx200/hvx200verup_e.pdf

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/icons/icon1.gif

thanks a billion! :)

[Dick Campbell]

I have read the PDF. I already have formatted my SD card and have my scene files on it. It appears that I can just copy the update folder to the SD card also, and do the upgrade. But, the thing that bothers me about this, is that the instructions say to remove the SD prior to rebooting. So, do you think I should delete the update folder prior to re-inserting the SD card with the scene files?

anybody have any experience with this?

[THoff]

I keep the latest firmware on the card with my scene files, in case I come across a camera that needs updating. It does absolutely no harm to leave it on the card, I did that with the previous firmware version (V2.03) and now the current one.

One other recommendation I have would be to divert from the Panasonic update procedure with respect to how you power the camera during the upgrade (which takes about ten minutes). I trust my batteries more than I do the local electric grid, and I'd hate to have a power problem during the upgrade.

[jpsheets]

Hi everyone,

I've followed the procedures outlined in the pdf doc, but I keep getting the "version upgrade error". The only thing I'm doing differently is that I'm using my HP printer's SD card slot and copying the private folder over to the SD card, but I don't think that's the problem. I've tried upgrading several times, and even reformatting the SD card.

Any thoughts?


thanks in advance!

JP

[Dick Campbell]

did you format the SD card in the HVX? that's mandatory. I personally would try a different card reader, IMO most current HP stuff is crap.

[THoff]

If the firmware file got corrupted during the download from Panasonic, you would not have been able to extract it from the ZIP file due to a CRC error, and if you hadn't put it in the right place on the SD card, the UPDATE option wouldn't appear.

The most likely reason for the error your are getting that is left is that the firmware image somehow got corrupted during the process of copying it to the SD card, so I would agree with Mr. Campbell and would try to find another way to write to the card that doesn't involve the HP printer.

[jpsheets]

Thanks for info guys. I'll go out and get a proper card reader.

cheers,

JP

[psts]

Anybody know why I wouldn't be able to copy the firmware onto the sd card on the mac? I think it might be because of the fat32 format of the card.
any ideas?
Thanks,
Philip

[THoff]

That's not why -- the Mac supports FAT32, it can read and write it.

Is the card write-protected? There should be a tiny sliding switch on it. Do you get an error message or anything like that when you try to write to the card?

[psts]

That's not why -- the Mac supports FAT32, it can read and write it.

Is the card write-protected? There should be a tiny sliding switch on it. Do you get an error message or anything like that when you try to write to the card?

BINGO! Thanks! I think the write protect slid on when i put the card into the reader.

[Stephen Mick]

Just upgraded the firmware according to the instructions on the Panny site, and it went without a hitch. Strange thing is, where my 8GB card at 24PN offered up 20 minutes, my 16GB card says 42 minutes. Strange.

--Steve

[Jweber]

if you hadn't put it in the right place on the SD card, the UPDATE option wouldn't appear.
I'm having the problem you describe. I copied the entire Private folder, but when I get to the menu, the UPDATE option is not there. What is the right place on the card?

[Barry_Green]

Private/meigroup/pavcn/sbg/p2sd/fw