They sure don't make it easy...

H

Huiy Tang

Member
I've been looking to get the latest firware upgrade from JVC. I've been told they simply cannot send me a card to insert to perform the update. I need to ship the camera across the country, and let them do the upgrade. Can't they provide a download of some sort? Why can't they mail me a card. It's a helluva lot cheaper than mailing the entire camera. This is BS. My dealer won't eat the cost of upgrading the defective camera, because they have taken such a beating financially with the camera already. JVC won't pay for the shipping, because well...they're JVC. If anyone knows of an easier method to get the latest firmware loaded onto my camera, that will help remedy the cameras flaws. Please help.
I really am beginning to feel like a beta tester for the camera. except most beta testers get the units for free and even get paid sometimes. I've never seen Sony or Panasonic require such ongoing firmware updates. How common is this? I don't like that this takes all responsibility off manufacturers to release the cameras finished. Its' as if they say..."good enough for now"-We'll have a software update for anyone who complains of discovers the flaw down the road." For crying out loud-it's a camera not an operating system. Does this bother anyone else. Or have all owners of the camera become dosile and complacent with JVC's lame excuses to absolve themselves of taking ownership over customer service and ensuring that if the camera requires upgrades that the consumer can access these resources readily. If you don't want to deal with red tape, shipping, and additional upgrades don't by the hd100.
 
To be fair to JVC, JVC is NOT advertising that there are various firmware versions and that they are needed.

I would guess that any given Sony or Panasonic camera model has been through multiple firmwares since release, and most users would never know it. JVC users following firmware revisions in new cameras are hoping for a fix that will probably never come. That's why JVC does not advertise it, nor will pay for an update that you are HOPING will fix the problem, when they know it won't. Know what I mean?

If you're unhappy with the camera, get out of it now while it's still a new item and you can get a good number for it.

My REAL advice would be to learn to shoot around the split-screen. I'm getting terrific results on my paid projects, and my clients are super stoked.
 
You know, this was exactly what i was afraid of from jvc when i was trying to decide between the 100 and the z1. I agree with nate, sell the camera immediately and rent till the hvx.
 
Huiy,

It's more common than you think. I have returned Sony and Panasonic cameras because of problems. Back in 2000 I bought a Sony that came up with the infamous F43 code. Sony took it into their service depot here in Chicago and I was without the camera for 4 months. They eventually replaced the camera with a newer run. Now this scenario was for a non operational camera. In the end I think they used my camera in all kinds of test and finally got the firmware right and ended up giving me a new run camera for my trouble.

HVX early adopters are in for some surprises. I'm sure.

It happens..
 
Huiy,

First of all, I can tell you that JVC Canada doesn't even have the latest firmware in their possession yet. I am also waiting patiently.

Secondly, what would you do if they did email it to you and you attempted to install it yourself, something was done improperly, and it rendered your camera useless? Would they cover that under warranty? Would it be their fault or yours? I spoke to my dealer the other day about this very scenario. He told me a horror story about a Sony camera a few years ago that their in-house technician installed a firmware upgrade on and then it wouldn't even record. I feel that I am probably technically competent enough to handle a firmware update (I've done it twice on my Nikon D70,) but he convinced me at that point to just have JVC do it. You're safest to send it to them and get it done properly. Then the liability is theirs. It is too bad you have to pay for the shipping though. That sucks.

Thirdly, why do you think you need the firmware update? We, the end users, aren't privy to what actually gets updated in these different firmware versions so we don't even know if it is worth the trouble. Do you think it will reduce SSE? I doubt it. The concensus seems to be that calibration is the key, in combination with updated firmware and updated calibration software. Once again, this is something that only a JVC technician can do. Hence you will be better off sending it in.

I know that Athouguia in Portugal said that his dealer emailed him a firmware update, but he has a PAL version and was having specific problems other than SSE.

You should be happy that the HD100 even has the ability to be firmware updated. Remember when the DVX100 came out and bars wouldn't turn on in 24P mode, gain wouldn't function in 24P mode, and autofocus wouldn't function in 24P mode? Seems like it would have been a simple firmware update, but instead they released the 100A and all those things worked fine. Would you rather have that type of upgrade path?

And look at what is happening to some Xbox360 owners: http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TECH/fun.games/11/24/xbox.glitch.ap/index.html
 
Hey Huiy Tang, since when do you own the camera? I've read several posts from your hands in which you declare not going to buy it untill the SSE is fixed (and you advised others also not to buy it). What made you change your mind?

Or if you haven't got it: why bother an upgrade for a product you don't own yet?
 
It's nice to be noticed.
I'm in an on again off again relationship with the HD100. It's my favourite camera that I love to hate. What can I say?
Bottom line is the camera turned out to be a dud. Spare me your criticism. Heard it- and it's sad that we are so complacent as so-called professional consumers. Never underestimate the power of denial. Kind of like dating a good looking girl with an STD. Oh well. She's hot but the burning sensation really stings for awhile after it's over.

Kidding aside. I've never had the pleasure of having to undergoe a fimware update in any of my previous cameras. I've owned about four prosumer and professional units. 2 Canon, 1 Sony and the HD100.
But I suppose this is the way of technology. I am recommending sticking with the sony. I live in an obscure part of the world. But sony seems to have certified techs in almost every city who can do the work (even updates for us video mongloids) without a lot of hassle. We have three JVC dealers, but most of the support amongst them are no nothing ninnies. So they insist on sending the camera to the other side of the country.

Oh well... Like in reform school after the headmaster violated me.
"Yes sir, can I have another???" That's how I feel about this issue.
 
Huiy Tang said:
I'm in an on again off again relationship with the HD100. It's my favourite camera that I love to hate.
Click to expand...

See, that's just it. You have emotion tied in with it. You feel that it's so close to what you need, but yet fails you and you think JVC has shorted you.

JVC is a corporation. There are what they are. The HD100 is a product of that corporation. It is what it is. If all this bothers you enough, vote with your feet. You are not going to do anything in an online forum on your own complaining about it.
 
It's clear that my comments upset some users. My intent is not to undermine colleagues and fellow professionals. However, it is sadly clear that no one likes to have their shortcomings pointed out. If I point out a corporate policy that is questionable-does not mean that I am insulting persons who have bought the hd100. Someday Nate you will wish you had someone like me in your corner. Believe me there is no empathy for us consumers unless we demand higher standards together. I'm sorry-but I've have communicated with a number of other users who feel as strongly about JVC policies and the cameras defects as I do. Emotion tied in-you bet. It insults my intelligence when a sales manager with JVC says that the split screen should be looked at as a limitation or simply the price I have to pay for HD technology. It bothers me when I drop several thousand dollars on a defective camera. You don't like the posts don't read them. This is the internet dude. Are we to settle for substandard tools in our trade. I think not. Spare me your rationalization or justification it only adds insult to injury. I'd rather you say thank you and have a nice day.
 
Huiy,

I had a long thought-out response typed up, but realized I was just going to upset you further by stretching the issue out. I didn't mean my response above to be irritating.

Of course you feel your way, and I feel mine. We're not going to persuade each other. all I ask is that the complaining posts be kept to a reasonable number.

Most of us in the HD100 forums are anywhere from kinda happy to very happy with our purchases, we come to the forums to solve problems. Complaining about JVC adds noise...that sort of dialog should be held with JVC directly to be most useful.
 
Huiy, I've told you before, so I guess I'll have to say it again -- DVXUser is not your private platform to wage a holy war against a manufacturer with. If you want to go on a crusade, you'll need to do it on your own forum.

I can empathize with you, I also had an HD100, and I also had to send it back. I also think the product is less than what I had hoped. But the simple fact of the matter is that there are several people who seem quite pleased with their purchase, and it is neither your nor my obligation to try to convince them otherwise, nor is this your platform to wage war against JVC, or any other manufacturer.

If you want to share your experience, that's one thing. If you want to organize a crusade and storm the gates, this forum is not your private soapbox to do so.

However, calling Nate names is a clear violation of DVXUser policy and has earned you a 24-hour time-out. I have deleted the offensive line from your post.
 
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