EX1 Firmware update for 32GB SxS card - $100?!

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DC EX1

Active member
I have one of the older EX1 series, pre-32gb release, which requires a firmware update. Now, I called around to all the authorized dealers in my area and they told me Sony (Teaneck NJ or LA) is the only place that can do the firmware update. Also, it costs $100.

1. Has anyone actually gotten the update for their camera? (How did that work out, what are the updated features besides readable 32's)

2. Did anyone actually pay $100 for this update?!

Sony is punishing those who purchased their product earlier than others and charging for purchasing more of their products by requiring a firmware update for pay (and it takes at least 10 days of shipping/fixing/shipping back, which cuts into freelance and monthly rentals for me personally). On top of that, the new EX1s and EX3s have the update already embedded, which is great for the people who bought post update, but for those of us who bought early and invested in this product and were pioneers that probably fueled the sale of further EX line camera products... I think we're getting hosed on this big time...

Thoughts?
 
Sony Burbank old me that the 1.11 is an upgrade, not an update, hence the added price.

However, since it is an upgrade then it is not covered by warranty, one way or the other, i.e. installing it yourself won't affect a standing warranty one way or another.

Be wary, though, because definitely YMMV on this issue.
 
Actually 1.11 is an upgrade and and update. Tell them you are having audio problems with your camera, the fix is firmware 1.11. They have to install it under warranty.
 
GuyB said:
Actually 1.11 is an upgrade and and update. Tell them you are having audio problems with your camera, the fix is firmware 1.11. They have to install it under warranty.
Click to expand...

So let me get this straight. If I call Sony and tell them, "Hey guys, I'm having audio problems with my EX, I'm sending it in to get fixed under warranty..." Then they will automatically upgrade the firmware to mitigate that problem? Or do I need to ask for the 1.11 upgrade in addition to the "audio fix"? Or should I got the self-install route via the thread above and potentially risk voiding the warranty. :huh:

Confused. I mean, if all else fails, I'll send it to Sony and eat the $100... but it's the principal of the thing (plus not having a camera for 10 days) that gets me. ARGH!
 
Here's what's written in the Sony pdf file that comes with the software:

"Audio distortion is decreased. (TRIM level is changed to the 6 dB step when operated from the menu.)"


Tell them you are having a problem with audio distortion.
If the camera is in warranty, it should be fixed NC.
 
What SteveT said. Could work. Try it. Mine already came with 1.11, and I'm only telling you what they told me, direct, on the phone, around a month ago.
 
There also another bug corrected by 1.11:

1: "The trouble is corrected that an error occurs when switchover of the media slots takes place during continuous recording with the i.LINK connected"

Tell them you have a HDV camera connected recording a backup to tape and when the media switch's slots an error occurs (you had better work out what that error is though).
 
Yes, works out the details before you call.

Also, the more I think about out this...
These are problems that should be fixed free of charge. Why make us pay for this upgrade.
 
That's what I've been trying to say the whole time... Why aren't these simple upgrades considered a NC warranty issue... Sony obviously felt it was necessary to upgrade the new models and ex3s to 1.11... so why leave us old school ex'ers in the dark? Huh, Sony?
 
DC EX1 said:
That's what I've been trying to say the whole time... Why aren't these simple upgrades considered a NC warranty issue... Sony obviously felt it was necessary to upgrade the new models and ex3s to 1.11... so why leave us old school ex'ers in the dark? Huh, Sony?
Click to expand...


The EX3 does not have 1.11.

It has a different software version # altogether.

We're actually not in the dark.
There are two options:

1. Send it in for the upgrade (price ranges from $0 to $100)
2. Do it yourself for free. The link is on this site.
 
Check out the maintenance menu.
Haven't got my camera in front of me, involves pushing the menu and sel and cancel button at once.Scroll down to IF and it gives version #.
BTW the upgrade includes 2 new pcb (audio?) and that alone is probably worth it.
I will be doing mine in Feb when im back.
 
Stevet said:
Here's what's written in the Sony pdf file that comes with the software:

"Audio distortion is decreased. (TRIM level is changed to the 6 dB step when operated from the menu.)"


Tell them you are having a problem with audio distortion.
If the camera is in warranty, it should be fixed NC.
Click to expand...


Just how does reducing the resolution of the trim adjustment reduce audio distortion?
 
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