Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 596 firmware

I am trying to update the firmware on a 596 DVD player. I am using a prolific USB to serial adapter and a null modem cable. The firmware update never starts it just asks me to reset the player. I asked about this last year but got no answer that worked. Watching DVD's has been fine so I left it alone but now I have a new Star Wars DVD that only plays in fast motion!!!! I assume updating the firmware will solve the problem.

I am set to the write COM channel.

Could anyone give any advice? Surely there's not that much that can be altered?

SimonD

First, there is no substitute for a real serial port. I recently helped someone update firmware on 7 DSP speakers, 561, 596 and configure 4 DSP-33 and the 561. Not 1 single hiccup. Because it was on a real serial port.

I personally have both and the USB is fussy and works most of the time. But not as realiable as real serial.

The problem is no hand shaking is used. It assumes the PC can keep up. Poor USB Serial emulation drivers are the common cause.

If it asked to reboot the 596 then it sounds like it is talking.

Sometimes trying a bunch of times works. I have a few times had it failing tried 10 times and then the 11th time it suddenly works.

Make sure you close down all uneccessary apps. Try turning off Virus Protection (they can slow computers down).

The latest MConfig has a workaround to slow things down. But I don't believe it's applied to firmware updates.

There is also some older command line upload programs. They are in C:\Program Files\Meridian\Meridian. You must open a "Dos Window" (command prompt) to use these.

Try using this at a slower baud rate than the default.

C:\Program Files\Meridian\Meridian>fup32 /?
FUP32 2.08 - (c) Meridian Feb 1 2002 16:32:30
Uploads a file to the flash RAM of a Meridian product

FUP32 filename [outfile] [/Q] [/V] [/Cport]
[/Lnnnnnnnn] [/R] [/Bnnnn] [/Sn /Nn]

filename Name of the file to upload
outfile Name of the .MFU file to create
/Q /V /D Output level selectors: Quiet, verbose, debug
/R Auto-reset product before doing flash upload
/Cn COM port to use, default of 1
/Pport Other port to use, default of COM1
/Lnnnnnnnn Length to zero-pad input file to
/Bnnnn Baud rate (38400 default)
/Sn Start sector (default 2)
/Nn Number of sectors (default rest of flash)
/M1 List possible deliberate mistakes

C:\Program Files\Meridian\Meridian>

Hi Simon, I have a proper serial port and have had no trouble loading Firmware on my 596 and a friends.
Who do you know who has an older computer?

I have not heard of the Star wars problem you mention, Do you need a drive repair? (Its a Known fault easily sorted).

If you have to send it in, Meridian will load firmware for you, I would call them.

Cheers, Chris

Thanks for your advice George I will keep trying.

Chris,
All DVD's work fine except the 3 Star Wars movies I purchased last week. I am assuming that the players firmware needs updating and that the problem occurs because the DVD's are new digital remasters but it's a wild guess.

What do you think?

SimonD

Victory at last. I believe I have successfully updated my firmware. My Star Wars DVD's are working perfectly BUT as nothing in life goes smoothly my remote control is now not functioning!!!! The only thing it will do is turn ON and OFF.
Anyone familiar with such a problem?

The words "tether" and "end of" spring to mind,
SimonD

You may have lost who is controller and may have more than one. Very common snag easily fixed.

You should confirm all your settings by going into the DVD Player Menu's. Take the DVD out and hit Menu or <Func>+<Menu> I think.

Sometimes you need to unplug COMM cables to sort things out.

Just a few thoughts off the top my head.

So what made your Firmware update work?

Firmware update worked when I turned all other programmes off including antivirus software!!

With the remote issue when I hit func + menu nothing happens because the remote isn't interfacing with the DVD player except OFF/ON. I don't use any COMMS cables so that shouldn't be a problem.

(There is an outside chance that the battery in the remote has gone but it would be spectacular timing as it was working perfectly yesterday before the firmware update).

SimonD

I don't know if there is a setting anywhere to tell it which type of remote you are using.

You may have to use the legacy mconfig to set it.

Wait if you don't have comms connected then I think it should be set as a controller (so it controls itself). You may be able to set that from the front panel.

You may need to "Type it" as well. Check the manual. Idon't think anything is broken you just need to configure it properly for your setup.