Thanks, Sango. The ISO image easily updated my v266 XP50 to v302.
Great job!

nice the fimware for the xp30 clearly improved the contrast to my pdp via component. the s-video does not appear much better. thanks for the firmware links and iso file.

Great stuff -- thanks alot!!

HI, SANGO,
Please read your pm.
Thanks.

I was finally able to upgrade my RP62 from firmware 056 to 073. My first few attempts failed; the player would spin the disc for a long time, it would reset all of the player options back to factory defaults, but in the end it would display a region warning ("this disc cannot be played in this region"). Odd.

I figured that my problem might have been either my burner at home (a DVD-/+RW) or my media (all I had were 700MB blanks). So I burned an older 650MB blank on a different computer with a CD-RW burner and it worked fine.

The only change I've noticed in player performance is that it handles scratched/damaged/poorly-mastered discs a little better.

Just updated my cp-72 from 266 to 302, thanks a lot Sango!

I've been following this thread with interest and decided to just order the disc based on what what people felt that the part number was (RFKZD03R004) rather than downloading and burning one. I just got the disc in the mail today and found that the part number didn't get me the coveted Service Disc but instead I received a Recovery Disc with firmware from April 1, 2003. Most of the players that Sango listed at the start of the thread are listed but the firmware appears to be slightly older revisions (which stands to reason since it is from 2003 and not 2004).

I'm wondering if I just got old stock from the place where I ordered or if the Recovery Disc and Service Disc are the same thing. Has anyone else attempted to order the disc and if so, what was the result?

That's really strange. When I check my own disc file, it's July 2003 which does contain the latest versions.

You may need to take this up with Panasonic because I still cannot tell which part number this disc really is since I only obtained a copy and not the original.

From my understanding, the RFKZD03R004 is also a recovery disc which has other firmwares supposingly.

Thanks for the reply! I'll agree that it's strange particularly if Panasonic is using the same part number for both a Service Disc and a Recovery Disc but I'll check with them and see what they say on it. I guess that it could have somehow changed names between April and July as the functions sound the same (ie upgrade the firmware if needed and reset the system back to its defaults).

I'd try the disc but it also has a warning about only using the disc to "repair" a DVD player. While I suspect that this means to restore a player back to the factory specs, I think I'll check a little more before proceeding.

A couple of other notes, the disc has a notation about NOT using it for the DVD-RA61 European Model. It also mentions that the disc is a substitute for part numbers: RFKZD5TR001; RFKZD5TR006; RFKZD03R001; and RFKZD03R002. These are all older Denon/Panasonic Recovery Discs and if I go to what should be the next number in series (RFKZD03R005) it links to a "Test Disc" and not a Service or Recovery Disc.

Yeah try asking them reguarding it. I can try too.

Sango,
I think I screwed up. Even though it was not on the list I tried the disk in my Panny S35. The screen came up saying the player should be upgraded and I clicked yes. I left the room and came back around 15 minutes later, the tv screen was blank and the display said "Update". I waited a few more minutes and nothing changed, so I powered off the player. Powering it back up the display says "Welcome to DVD World" and that's it. None of the buttons function. I tried the reset procedure, but still get the same thing. Did I just make a doorstop? Is there anything I can do?
Joe

It looks like you messsed up your S35. The only way to fix it now is to change the EPROM chip for the player to fix it up.

Do you know where I can purchase one? Is it difficult to swap out?

You can only get it from Panasonic site.
Not sure if it's just a simply changeable item, it may even need solder work.

Here is the part number for your S-35 thou.
RFKFSS70B160 - IC Flash memory, which costs $48.43. It's going to cost you but it may not be worh it.

You may want to wait for the DVD-S97 thou if you want to target for that.

Sango

Thanks Sango.

TheHypnoToad, can you tell me which version numbers are on board the disc?

I forgot to say that, the recovery/update should be used if you changed like the PCBs after a repair.

Thanks

Sango -

Here's a jpg of the back of the CD-ROM with the Firmware information. Hope that it helps.

Kurt

Has anyone used the Service Disc 2 to make their XP30 region free? I can't seem to get the password window to come up. Running 302 FW.

XP30 is not applicable to SVC Disc #2 because it's using a different firmware. Only RV31/RP56/RP91.

Opps, just remembered. Using the key sequence to see if hidden password window comes out or not.

What about the CP72 (5 disc changer)?

Anyone knows what the changelog is for the panny rp56?

MrWilson:
Still no. If you did read the correct thread it's sort of hinted there.

Sango

I need help from anyone with a JVB modded RP91.

I got the RP91 with the 260 firmware and every disc I could throw at it from regions 0-4 played great without doing anything to set the region code, including PAL discs using an iScan HD to convert to NTSC.

I had to send my HD back to DVDO to do an upgrade for Passthru to work properly with my RPTV, and while the HD was gone I updated the firmware to version 263 from JVB. I thought it worked fine since I tried a few NTSC region 1 and region 2 and 3 discs and they all played great, but couldn't try out any PAL discs without the use of the HD. I did not use the Panny much when the HD was gone, instead using 1080i out of my LiteOn LVD2001 because I prefer it to the Panny without using the HD.

Now that I have the HD back, I'm finding that PAL discs, whatever the region including region 0, will no longer play. And now that I've tried a few more NTSC region 1 discs, I'm finding that some of them also won't play, specifically the first 3 Paramount discs I tried and the first 2 Fox Classics discs, and the Panny reports that I'm trying to play discs from the wrong region. I don't think that all of this discs have RCE.

I've now initialized and reset the Panny and still no go, using both the PAUSE + BWD SKIP + OPEN method described in the thread, and JVB's advise to put the firmware disc back in and instead of giving the OK to update the firmware, saying NO to the firware upgrade, which also does a reset.

JVB instructions say that after a firmware upgrade you may need to set the player to region 1 to start the communication between the "small chip and the firmware" and set the player to automatically play PAL discs and make it region free. To set the player to region 1 you need to "set the player in standby mode" and then "press 1" and "press power". I've done that and still no go. But maybe I'm not understanding how to use "standby mode". I've just been putting a disc in the player and pressing stop. Is this what is meant by "standby"?

The JVB instructions also say:

"TIP....
When switching between PAL and NTSC, check in the setup menu if the correct choice is made by:
(9) Other settings
(7) NTSC/PAL output"
I have no idea what JVB means by this. The Panny does not have a setup menu, or any menu with a NTSC/PAL setting that I can find.

The instructions also say to select "Alternate Color Frequency" press 8 and power for NTSC and 9 and power for PAL, the same way you select the region code.

Any ideas what I'm doing wrong and how to correct it?

Standby mode is when you power it off from the remote. The unit still has power but is in a power saving mode.

The 'action' button on the remote is the Panny setup.

I'd LOVE to know if you can get this to work since my RP91 is mod' by them too. It'd give me a reason to upgrade from the iScan Ultra to the HD too!

My RP91 with JVB mod seems to play PAL discs fine. I've only got 250 firmware though. Maybe they removed that 'feature' in 260?

Thanks guys for your help. I'm back in business. I had to power off the unit with the remote after I reset it and then set it to region 1 to get the firmware and mod chip to talk. Before I was trying to set region 1 after turning the RP91 off on the player itself after I reset it, or just placing it in stop, neither of which worked.

Yeah, I figured the Action button menu was the only menu for Setup other than Display, but JVB instructions specifically say you can go into Setup to change between PAL/NTSC. Their instructions really suck and are sometimes plain wrong.

Mr. Wilson, you've got mail in about two minutes.

Very instresting to hear. They JVB never explained to me the instructions using PAL, just the region part only using buttons 0-9 on standby. I guess this is because I didn't ask them requaring PAL issues since I do not have a PAL discs. The funny thing is that the manaul region switching stuff they told me didn't work. The DVD player remains automatic if I try to change it in stand-by mode so I didn't bother! =)
-------------------

MrWilson:
Do you understand now about the CP72? Most likely you do require a JVB mod for the other Panasonic units(didn't qualify for SVC Disc #2) which you want to have region/macrofree. For PAL purposes, then you need the mod for sure.

HammerJoe:
Unforunately Panasonic doesn't document log changes, like a manufacturer from a computer company which post bios updates on their motherboards.

Sango

Sango,

THANKS for your work regarding this FW update! I did the update last night on my RP-56. It was simple... burned the ISO using Nero Express, threw it in my DVD, and 3 minutes later, BANG... it was finished. Easier than doing a Windows Update. :-P

BTW: picture still looked great after the update. I did not watch a great deal of stuff, but it is at least as good as before. The disc does load faster, I think. Went from FW 045 -> 062

Again thanks...

Actually, it seems there is nothing to do for PAL playback. Just pop it in and it plays. It must be the JVB mod as my other RP91 made region free with the Panny Service disc will not.

Yes, I do Sango, thanks.

I had a friend download the ISO version on his cable modem and he unzipped and burned a CD for me.
My XP-30 will not read it or any copy I have made no matter how I have copied the files. (NO Play / "Can Not read this type of disk"
message.)
What am I missing here??
I do have blindwrite & WinRAR if I need them but I did not think I did with the ISO version.

EC55:

It looks like the method being performed is incorrect. If you have AIM(preferred)/MSN/ICQ, I can chat with you live on how to burn it properly.

Sango

I'm happy to report another successful XP-50 firmware upgrade. Thanks Sango!

Hi,

I am one of the few geeks in the world without a CD or DVD burner or a friend I know that has one. Can I interest anyone into making a copy such that I can put it in my RP-82 and roll with the thread? Will pay for the disc, time to copy, mailing, etc. Thanks for your help guys!

Nic

NKU, please PM me with the info since I've sent them to several people so far.

Sango

Originally posted by EC55
I had a friend download the ISO version on his cable modem and he unzipped and burned a CD for me.
My XP-30 will not read it or any copy I have made no matter how I have copied the files. (NO Play / "Can Not read this type of disk"
message.)
What am I missing here??
I do have blindwrite & WinRAR if I need them but I did not think I did with the ISO version.

Burning an ISO also didn't read with my XP30. I tried the blindwrite software to burn it onto a CDRW and that one worked.

I think ISO with Nero 6 works.

I would use BW files with BW.

I tried with Nero 5. something. (the last 5 update) no go. I'll try to dig up a cd-rw. Would a DVD-rw work???? got a few of those.
I'm wondering if the original burn , done with stock winxp burnning prog is holding up the progress here as everything I am trying is from this disk.

Sango: I will no doubt contact you but as of now I do not have any chat S/W installed . It is obvious you have solved MANY peoples difficulities.

Believe me I do appreciate your help.

Well it looks like I found your problem. You have to burn to a CD-R and nothing else. It's been mentioned in the start thread so that could be where you're having difficulties at.

Well I wish I could tell you how I did it but I'm not sure exactly what I did to make it work. I copied the original CD to my HD with Blindware & burned it to a CD-RW using Nero & it finally worked.
Miracles never cease!!

Thanks for all the input...

About the only problem I have been experiencing has been small momentary freezes when playing DVD-R backups of movies. Not on all movies just various particular ones. I am hoping this F/W update might fix this little glitch. I will let you know.

Thanks much..

Very instresting to hear. Well if it works, you're lucky =) but it shoudl of been one striaght foward step!! Must of been good experimenting. Well I'll be glad ot hear back from you after the results.

Sango

Thanx Sango!!

I was able to download the zipped iso in about 5 minutes, copy to a CD-R via ROXY CD Creater in 5 more minutes, and had it loaded in the panny rp56 in 5 more minutes...

15 minutes and the upgrade is complete. Now I need to sit back and enjoy

thanx again

About the only problem I have been experiencing has been small momentary freezes when playing DVD-R backups of movies.

I've had this problem before too. Its the media. Memorex would do this to me all the time. Maxell and Samsung BeAll never do.

For those who know of the ICP problem (AKA interlaced chroma problem, alternating progressive flags, or 3-2 alternating flag chroma upsampling), has the firmware update had any effect?

For info on this problem, check the Krell DVD Standard review in hometheaterhifi.com's DVD Benchmark. It also contains a simulation using a scene from Monsters, Inc.

Originally posted by mrwilson
I've had this problem before too. Its the media. Memorex would do this to me all the time. Maxell and Samsung BeAll never do. I've found that it is more the software and DVD burners being used that is the problem and not the media if it is any of the brand name media. I have used well over 1000 Memorex DVD-R's and even though some like to claim all CMC manufacturered media is bad. CMC got a bad name for their 1X & 2X media but their 4X media is a different story.

I've got 800+ Memorex DVD-Rs, most LD backups. I rarely have problems on my RP91 & XP50 but I always have the problems when trying to play them back on my Pioneer 727 changer and Alpine 6 disc changer in the car. I used to defend Memorex too until I figured out the problem. I took a handful of the stuttering discs made an ISO image or them and burned that to Maxell discs and didn't have the stuttering problem on the Pioneer and Alpine players. Luckily I found that the Samsung Bealls play just as well and are considerably cheaper. I've burned over 500 of the Bealls and haven't had the stuttering problem again.

I suppose it could be the burner. Most of those discs were burned on a 1x speed Panasonic burner over the last two years. I don't understand why the Maxell's and Samsungs wouldn't stutter but the Memorex would. I did recently get a Pioneer 4x drive and have been weary of burning at 4x thinking the problem might return, but so far so good.

Prior to my Panisonic XP-30 I had a sony and it played everything with no problems. (NSP725 I think) A friend had a Denon 910 and it would have a occasional stutter also on these disk.
Currently burning to Verbatim -R's and they seem O.K.

How about trying the TDKs?

Originally posted by mrwilson
I've had this problem before too. Its the media. Memorex would do this to me all the time. Maxell and Samsung BeAll never do.
Yeah, I've had similar problems w/ Memorex DVD-R media, although I think that some DVD players may be a bit more finicky than others--the same Memorex DVD-R backup that freezes every once in a while during playback on my Toshiba player does not freeze at all on either my LiteOn or Panny players.

Well after looking a a few movies after the F/W update first thing I did was turn down my color level. There was definetly an increase in color saturation. I have to say to my eye the picture does look better. A little more depth and sharpness but I am no expert. Happy I did it.
My thanks to all.. :D

XP-30
Hitachi 51swx20B

thanks to everyone I burned my disc with the update but haven't updated yet. I think my RP-91 ver is at 250, but it works great on everything I have used it so far.

Soon I will be playing DVDaudio disc that I burn in 24/96. I bought the software hoping the player would play them. I will install the update after I try it or hear otherwise

anyone have any info

Thanks Sanga for all your hard work and research. I made the Update on my RP-56 last night. Worked flawlessly!!

Does any know which post# explains what exactly this update in firmware will provide.

Thanks

Thanks to another kind AVS user I have made ISO and NRG images of the RP91 firmware 263 for jvb modded players. I'm not sure if I should post links to them here though. Is anyone interested in this firmware?

Hi Nathan:

The posts are like scattered everywhere reguarding changes depending on what people watch but I'll just list some of the ones I know so far. You can read the whole thread to find member responses on it if you would like.

- Better player response and performance(like it operations, or going through menus)
- Layer change is quicker (barely noticable to none, depending on what you're watching)
- Color rendering re-ramped as well as color saturation
- DVD +- Playback (some players couldn't do this before)
- Improved SVCD/VCD/MP3 playability
- Beter optimization for reading certain discs
-----------------------
Marc:
You probably don't want to post them because people may get confused and take it for the stock version which wouldn't be a good idea. It's most likely better PMing it to filter out the JVB mod models.

Sango (aka Sanga from Nathan he he he!)

HAHA! Sorry about that Sango, my typing skills need help, however, thanks again for the information!

Damn I love this Forum!

Sango (aka Sanga from Nathan he he he!)


I like your sense of humor, Sango. :)

Originally posted by Sango

Marc:
You probably don't want to post them because people may get confused and take it for the stock version which wouldn't be a good idea. It's most likely better PMing it to filter out the JVB mod models.

Sango (aka Sanga from Nathan he he he!) [/B]

I agree. So if anyone needs v263 for jvb modded rp91 they can PM me.

I recently upgraded my Panasonic RP62 to firmware v.073 from v.051...
Thanks to this thread and forum !
Thank You guys
:)

The reason i decided to upgrade my firmware is because I am having a hard time getting my Panasonic to play DVD-R's (the drive clearly states that it is capable of playing DVD-R's), I am using Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 4.7GB, 4X media (which I was told was one of the best types of DVD-R media around)...

This media plays fine in other stand alone DVD players I have in my house, one of them is a sony. But, I can't get the Panasonic to accept it, I thought the firmware upgrade would help, but it didn't.:(

So, my question is what media IS compadable with the Panasonic DVD RP62 :confused:

I have checked panasonic's site but they have NO info on this...

Thanks
-BassKozz

I believe it depends what format you burned the disc on which could be why it's not working. People who managed to get DVD-R to play on their RP62s(after upgrade) can explain what methods were employed to make this possible. Unforunately I don't know them since I don't have any DVD-R media nor burner.

Sango

Originally posted by Sango
I believe it depends what format you burned the disc on which could be why it's not working. People who managed to get DVD-R to play on their RP62s(after upgrade) can explain what methods were employed to make this possible. Unforunately I don't know them since I don't have any DVD-R media nor burner.

Sango
What do you mean by what format ?

What I mean by that is the burning software and settings used to burn to DVD-R.

Originally posted by Sango
What I mean by that is the burning software and settings used to burn to DVD-R.
I am using DVD Shrink v3.1.7
It seems to work fine, it plays on all my computers drives fine, as well as the other standalone DVD drives I have in my house just not the panasonic player.

My RP62 plays both DVD+R & DVD-R discs since the update. It would play DVD-R's but not DVD+rRs before the update. The software I use is DVDDecrypter 3.1.7.0, Nero 6.0.0.23 (turning OFF Joliet), and DVDShrink 3.1.6.

Originally posted by FrankS
My RP62 plays both DVD+R & DVD-R discs since the update. It would play DVD-R's but not DVD+rRs before the update. The software I use is DVDDecrypter 3.1.7.0, Nero 6.0.0.23 (turning OFF Joliet), and DVDShrink 3.1.6.

How do you turn OFF Joliet (in nero and DVDShrink)?
The oposite is happening for me?
Please see my post here...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=398022

Originally posted by BassKozz
How do you turn OFF Joliet (in nero and DVDShrink)?
The oposite is happening for me?
Please see my post here...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=398022 I never turn Joliet setting on since it causes some stand alone players to not be able to read the discs. The DVD specs do not support Joliet format but only the ISO 9660 format so turning it on is of no benefit.

Thanks to Sango's tip, i purchased jvb's firmware upgrade cd, to get my jvb modified rp56 working.
Now my RP 56 can play discs even XP50 or Norcent cannot play, (reason:
these are badly scratched dvds from the library).
RP56 finally achieved the potential being the king og dvd players in my house( beating panny XP 50, Norcent, Philips DVDr 985, Apple Cube, Apple ibook ).

Originally posted by nchronis
Just did the upgrade on the RP62. took it perfectly. Haven't evaluated results though. I mean it plays various discs. Yes.. I know...I do have several players. :)

I have a RP62 as well. I don't know what version the firmware is, but I guess I could find out. I'm not quite sure what I would gain or what issues it would fix. I am satisfied with the player as is. The only thing I wish it would do is play super video CDs - it only seems to play standars VCDs. Are there any other issues I might not yet have discovered with the RP62?

RS

Just wanted to thank all those that hosted the files...much appreciated.

I can't say I really witnessed any improvement with my SDI modded RP91 picture wise, but the layer change is now practically un-noticable. My player was at 2.59 previously.

Bill

Hi Kitty:

Yes the firmware does add the SVCD or improves on it. If you read the whole thread if you could, there has been comments made reguarding it.

Sango

Originally posted by Kitty Burgers
I have a RP62 as well. I don't know what version the firmware is, but I guess I could find out. I'm not quite sure what I would gain or what issues it would fix. I am satisfied with the player as is. The only thing I wish it would do is play super video CDs - it only seems to play standars VCDs. Are there any other issues I might not yet have discovered with the RP62?

RS

Kitty,

If you make your own SVCD's, you can try this VCD Header Trick (http://www.vcdeasy.org/modules.php?name=_Guides&id=VcdTrick). I use it all the time to fool my RP-62 into playing SVCD's that I've created. Otherwise, my RP-62 won't play normal SVCD's at all.

Originally posted by Sango
Hi Kitty:

Yes the firmware does add the SVCD or improves on it. If you read the whole thread if you could, there has been comments made reguarding it.

Sango

Thank you. I shall keep my eye on this thread. I might be brave enough to actually download and use the firmware update, but I am somewhat hesitant, as I've just had it for a few days.

I do make my own SVCDs, and the RP62 does "sort of" play them back, but with choppy sound and picture - as though everything's out of sync.

Originally posted by Omen
Kitty,

If you make your own SVCD's, you can try this VCD Header Trick (http://www.vcdeasy.org/modules.php?name=_Guides&id=VcdTrick). I use it all the time to fool my RP-62 into playing SVCD's that I've created. Otherwise, my RP-62 won't play normal SVCD's at all.

Yes, I make VCDs and SVCDs myself using TMPGEnc. I will read and maybe try the header trick if updating the firmware doesn't do the trick. I'm just a little bit chicken to do it just yet ... but I guess nothing terrible can happen ... I guess ... well, I hope ;-)

Originally posted by Kitty Burgers
Thank you. I shall keep my eye on this thread. I might be brave enough to actually download and use the firmware update, but I am somewhat hesitant, as I've just had it for a few days.

I do make my own SVCDs, and the RP62 does "sort of" play them back, but with choppy sound and picture - as though everything's out of sync.

PS: I have checked the firmware version as described at the beginning of the thread. According to my player, it is: "369". I don't know how new that is.

That doesn't sound right unless that's the RP62 non-faroudja.

Originally posted by Sango
That doesn't sound right unless that's the RP62 non-faroudja.

Well, the full readout is: "L02666B369"
The unit was (according to the retailer I purchased it from) from the last series actually manufactured in Japan.

RS

What is the serial number of the unit? If it has a "A", it has Faroudja, if it's a "B" it's the non-Faroudja.

Looking at your full firmware display, you have the RP62Z. The one in my firmware list is referring to the RP62 which explains the different firmware.

Look here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=3706844&fullpage=1) <- Note that's an older disc. The one I have is newer so chances are that my disc will have a higher one than what's pictured for the RP62Z.

There is a "B" in the serial number, so I guess it's the non-Faroudja. I haven't done any reasearch on that, so I don't really know the differences between the different chipsets used in DVD players; I'm just starting to get into that now :-)

RS

That's the non-Faroudja one you have since it's using the all-in-one chipset which is horrible. The picture will be inferior to that of Faroudja.

You may consider getting the Faroudja based RP62 or you could get a RP56 which is better built(don't don't have to worry about serial number on 56).

Sango,

Recently, I updated my XP-50 and my fathers RV-32. Worked like a charm!

Thanks very much for sharing this disc!

Take care,

-Matt

While i am so happy that my RP56 works like a charm after the firmware upgrade, i am not too happy about my xp 50.
I was playing a series of chinese tv drama dvds, no obvious scratch on the surface on this batch, then for everyone of 3 dvds, after it played for 30 minutes, invariably there will be megablocks, streaks, sound skipsand eventually unable to play. I put the same discs in philips dvd player, and they play fine.
This happended even before my upgrade, but it was a rare occasion.
HOwever, when i played Hollywood American dvd movie discs, the megablocks don't happen.
It seems my XP 50 is very sensitive to foreign pressed discs.
This used to be same for my rp 56.
But after the Sango upgrade(then jvb fine tuned), rp 56 plays those chinese discs even when there were scratches!
Is there any solution to my problem?

You could perform the tangential and tilt adjustments but that requires you to have the special test disc to do it.

My RP82s don't have the problem playing foreign discs.

Originally posted by Sango
That's the non-Faroudja one you have since it's using the all-in-one chipset which is horrible. The picture will be inferior to that of Faroudja.

You may consider getting the Faroudja based RP62 or you could get a RP56 which is better built(don't don't have to worry about serial number on 56).

Gosh, I hope it isn't that bad. I'm actually pretty satisfied with the picture quality as it is, but on the other hand, I don't have much to compare it to. It's at least good enough to my eyes ... guess :-)

Do you think I should try to upgrade the firmware with the disc, or should I leave it alone? If there is any chance that it might be able to read scratched discs better, or enable SVCD playback, then I would be willing to try it at least.

RS

"You could perform the tangential and tilt adjustments but that requires you to have the special test disc to do it."
Do i call panasonic for this?

Kitty:
Yes it is actually that bad. I tried out a S75 and I thought it was joke. Lots of members have a lot of say about the all-in-one chipset but they may describe how bad it is more agressively. I do recommend you to get a Faroudja based unit to see what Panasonic 2002 players can really do.

You could give the disc a try for the update if you like but I'm not sure if people already tried it since I'm assuming they are on the Faroudja based 62s. If not, you could order the disc which is in the screen shot which definately has support for it.
--

Strpyw:
Yes you do and you're going to have to spend about 97 dollars - This disc is very flat which makes it special to perform the adjustments accurately.

Forgot to add, you need a 5/64 allen wrench.

I do have this disc at home and calibrated all except my very first RP82 because it's never been opened before and the readings are pretty good even thou I could make them better.

Which model number should I be looking for on a Panasonic if it is to have a Farodja based chip? I got the 62 for 179(CDN) and I don't want to have to pay more for a DVD player. Does it have to be a Panasonic, or are there better alternatives out there? I am certainly not a Pnasonic loyalist, there cordless aren't the best, for one thing.

I would really like a player that plays SVCD, and I was assuming that most players do that - I guess I was wrong :-( Also important for me is good error correction so scatched discs play well.

RS

This is getting off the topic of the thread, but the general rule is that Chinese players (APEX, et. al.) play SVCD's while American/European players don't (without the header trick).

You can find a compatibility list at VideoHelp.Com (http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDname=&svcd=1&Submit2=Search&Search=Search&viewall=0&order=0) (put Panasonic in the search window for Panasonic models).


Joe

Kitty Burgers:

The RP56 and RP62(A in serial number) which I mentioned earlier are the ones - Which does also fit within your price range. The other models are the CP67(A in serial number), CP72, RP82, XP30/50 but they will be out of your price range. Unforunately the same applies for the alternatives.

I do advise you to look some of this information up since you did mention you are new at this. Back then in the past, I was new too. I had no idea what Faroudja is and all the technical stuff.

The first Panasonic player I gotten is the A470EN(from HK) - It doesn't have Faroudja but it's better than the all-one-chipset which Panasonic uses now(S97 doesn't count). Then I gotten RP56 - I thought it was OK but that was because it doesn't have a coaxial which my 470EN has. At the time I have no knowledge about Faroudja or other things. That soon changed after a friend of mine who worked at Video Only encouraged me to get the RP82 when he was emphasising it has Faroudja(I was still clueless) when I happen to be at the store to look at the RP82. He gave me a good deal and when I took it home, wow I was amazed at the video reproduction. That's where I started to look the information up reguarding the players.

Also you should look at this shootout (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=5) which gives you an idea why Panasonic 2002 line players are good.
---

Reguarding the cordless phones is a completedly different matter. I do agree they had problems with their previous line of phones(I did have) and they did fix up their act with their current line(I do own the 2370S now). They do have a serious issue with their batteries for their phones due to the short live which I just brought the Energizers which solved it.

Originally posted by Sam Scamardo
Here's my observations (or lack thereof):

RP91K V259-> V262: Can't say there's much going on here. Possibly better bad edit detection in Auto3, but on film concerts, edited on video, you can still see some combing at the scene change. I did verify that V262 doesn't really change the MP3 audio peformance. As before, the RP91K can play 128Mb, 320Mb, and CBR encoded MP3s. No WMA or anything else. I think the change from V259-V262 is like going from V250-V259, i.e. small if any.


There was a huge change with mp3 playback from 250->259, high bitrate VBR mp3s ecoded with LAME now play correctly (this is like my entire collection) so, it was a nice surprise fix.

Hi Sango
This is from a post earlier describing tangential and tilt adjustment for a RP 91. Is this the same for the XP50?

"I bought the service manuial for my RP-91 back when it went on the fritz and I decided to replace the optical pickup assembly myself just for fun (and it fixed it too). There is one tweak that anyone with some free time on their hands can do for fun -- optimize the jitter.

You can get a jitter readout by pressing Pause+Open on the player plus #5 on the remote while playing a disc (CD or DVD). The 3 numbers in the readout are: jitter, errors, and laser power.

You can adjust the pickup assembly's tilt and tangential tilt to optimize for minimum jitter w/o opening the unit. If you look on the bottom of the RP-91, there are 3 pairs of holes labelled A & B each. If you shine a flashlight on them, you'll see one of each of those pairs extends up into the chassis. They allow access to hex nuts underneath each end of the optical pickup's guide rails. You start w/the one closest to the front panel and use a 5/64 hex wrench to turn it left or right while playing the 1st (ie. inner-most) track of a DVD. You adjust for the lower jitter number.

Then you play the outermost track of a DVD and do the same for the other two holes. With a dual-layer DVD playing, you can find the outermost track by just advancing chapters until you see the laser power readout jump out. Then you know you've hit the 2nd layer on the outer most track. The service manual doesn't give any reference numbers for the jitter reading -- just says adjust for the lowest possible number. I found every DVD and CD is different, with DVD's being 60 - 70 and CD's being 50 - 60 range. I couldn't get it any lower.

Try playing several DVD's to conclude an average jitter number. I fiddled w/it for quite a while and was really only able to get the average jitter number down by 4 or 5 from where it started. But w/o any reference I don't know if my final readout value is "good" or not. Let me know what you get.

Steve



POST #508"
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2937667&highlight=tangential#post2937667

The adjustments are the same for all units.

You do need require the test disc to perform this accurate as in the quote of the orignal poster, he's doing it without the disc which isn't good.

Sango

I was the original poster of that jitter adjusting blurb. I agree w/Sango that this is best done w/the specific test disc manufactured for this purpose. It would allow you to find the best possible jitter reduction.

Without, I think you can at least make a relative improvement in jitter using the procedure above if you use sample set of 5 or so DVD's and 5 or so CD's, by measuring the jitter of the inner and outer tracks of all 10 discs both before and after making any adjustments. If afterwards, the jitter is the same or less for all 10 sample discs, then you can safely say you've made an improvement.

The special test discs, as I understand it, has both DVD and CD layers and tracks, so you can just use one disc for both. I've also seen mentioned that it's "super-flat" or something (which is what you need for accurate jitter adjustments), but don't really understand that -- aren't all discs super-flat when pressed? Doesn't warping occur as the disc travells all around eventually making it into your hands?

Steve

Hi Stephen:

The jitter wouldn't be exactly the same for each disc since not all stampings would be the same and flatness. The numbers will jump a bit different for every disc which isn't recommended.

Yes, the test disc's data surface is precisiononly very flat to provide an accurate reading. When it's being used, the jitter numbers change a few numbers up/down. Also the when testing the inner and outer tracks, the optical pick up moves to a specific location to perform the jitter test. This is something that the DVD/CDs cannot do since you have to estimate the position where the laser needs to be to test which isn't acurrate.

Typically the DVD/CDs are supposely flat but if you use a device to look deeply into them, they are not flat enough, and the numbers will jump rapidly when using the jitter test, which is why you could mess up the player with the wrong adjustments.

I've also verified this myself by enabling the jitter function to see what numbers I get using other discs then comparing back to the test disc, so it really speaks for itself.

Sango

Right, every disc (aside from the service disc) will have a different jitter readout, so the best you can hope for w/o the service disc is a relative improvement (ie. after adjustment you find that the jitter readout is lower for all of the discs in your sample set).

But I agree with you that without the special service disc it's best to just not mess with the adjustments as you have no way of knowing for absolute certain that you've made things better and not worse. I only did it because I replaced the optical pickup assembly in my unit and one of the last steps in the service manual was to check and adjust for minimal jitter.

Steve

(thread edited a bit)
oh ok I see.

Well if you can purchase the test disc, that would be a good idea, since I do strongly recommend it. Actaully, when I changed my spindle motor assembly out, I purposely made the adjustments to test the worse case scanario and what happened is that the optical pick up could not read the disc because the jitter value was like 32+ lol!! The best optimum value I can get on all my players is 7.8(min) to 8.2(max) using the test disc.

Sango

So now the experts Sango and Steve both agree that a test disc should be used for the tangential and tilt adjustment.
Where do i order this from?
For my xp 50, it only cause problems with library dvds, not much with privately purchased dvds.
So for a few warp dvd, perhaps i should just leave it alone and use my chinese dvd player to deal with this problem.
Too bad the chinese Norcent player is great with irregular dvds, but the picture is just not the same as the xp 50.

Anyone in the SJ, CA area want to lend out a service disc v2? I'm curious to try something with it (nothing that would damage it...)

strpyw:

Why not call Panasonic!! You could do your own reserach to find this stuff out without us actually trying to use the baby bird theory to assist.
-------------

Just to note to viewers asking where is the download link is.... That's just not reading so please refrain from asking because it's easy to find without any assistance. If you try to ask, members including myself are not going to answer because of it's simplicity.

Originally posted by m_jonis
I bought my panasonic RP-56 about 2 years ago from Best buy. I did the firmware check BEFORE anything. It says I have 065 firmware.

So wouldn't this "firmware update" actually downgrade my firmware? (the list says the RP56 is firmware 062)

Can you provide me with the full firmware display?

Thanks

Ok, just posted this over on DVDTalk about the Last Samurai.

My RP-91 was just upgraded to the 2.62 version and I'm curious if anyone with the new frimware can confirm my findings and maybe someone with old firmware can state if that works differently (I might just revert back to 2.59. If I can...)

My problem was with the fight scene in the fog.

My setup, RP-91 (in progressive) to a Elite-630HD RPTV and did not like that fight scene. The WIFE even asked if there was something strange with the RED and BLUE.

I agreed, it was almost like the scene was displayed with the red/blue shifting for 3D. It was really disturbing.

This scene was the only one where I noticed this, and think it might have to do with the dark objects on a bright background. Cables are good and the rest of the movie looked very good.

Anyone else notice this?

Is there also a sign or ringing in the graphics as well?

Sango, you talking to me? If so, do you have any samples of where I could check what ringing looks like to compare this? I have no experience with ringing, never looked for it, never had it described to me.

FWIW, I found no easy way to revert back to older firmware. I'm thinking it might be time to hack 2.59 to look like 2.63 to trick the player. Anyone have experience of doing anything like this to roll back?

Jeff:

Yes that's is correct, I am referring to you. I don't recall the exact context of the original member who posted it but it was something to do with the macrovision which made the graphics have a ringing(like waves) effect in the corners. It was eliminated when the macrovision was diabled.

I believe there is a way to change it back. I have yet to hear the method how to do it thou.

Sango

Sango and co, thanks for taking the time and effort to discover this, post the information, and host the files. Add me to the list of people that owes you a favor.

However, I'd like to mention that I had no success using BlindWrite 4.5.7 to write out the ISO image. I tried it 3 times, on 2 different computers and I've got 3 coasters. It would be fantastic to slightly reword the instructions to specifically mention that BW 4.5.7 should be used with the BW files only. The instructions are somewhat misleading because ISO is the first of the 3 download choices. It is also misleading, because there is so much text specifically recommending using a specific version of BW.

I eventually downloaded the BW image files which worked fine.

A quick demo with Finding Nemo and a couple scenes from Gladiator didn't appear to make an appreciable difference. Then again, I'm still on a 32" CRT over S-Video.

Hi ThisIsHiFi:

I didn't believe that would of became an issue because my audience is amed for people who know which file format best suits the program. I do know for a fact that a member brought something similar to this before(in the thread somewhere in here) but they knew what they were doing.

In this case, BW files with Blindwrite, ISO with Nero. Also the alternatives depending on the circumtances.

Personally, my preference is for using 4.57 specificly with the BW files because it has the advanced options as I mentioned which the 5 version it's been stripped of it, which I don't like(hopefully they will add it back).

I'll take that in consideration and see how I can revise the start thread a bit more clearer.
----
Reguarding the picture difference, try the component out if you can as well because most of the results are under the assumption of component output. I'm also interested, if you also tried composite output to see your input. Oh yes, don't forget to let us know, which unit your are using since it wans't mentioned.

Sango

I have recently upgraded my Panasonic RP91 (August 2001 manufacture date) with the firmware version 262 that I downloaded from here. I noticed a significant picture improvement - sharper, crisper, more saturated colours !

BUT I THINK THERE IS A BUG IN THE FIRMWARE !!

I watched Saving Private Ryan again and noticed that the scene just after the first battle in the beach about 15 minutes into the movie immediately after the Germans surrenderred, when Tom Hanks stand in the foreground and there are a few blazes of fire in the background, there seems to be a glow at the bottom of the screen upwards, the blazes seems to have a glow that stretches them up to the top of the screen. Seems like there is a light source from the bottom of the screen that shines up giving everything a glow upwards.

In the Last Castle, when the two prisoners setup the colonnel with a scene to steal the flag from his office, during the arrest of the one prisoner that was shouting out that the other guy (Jake?) was a traitor and a snitch, the 2 guards in the back has a similar glow upwards that cause them to have double images. Also, many dark scenes with the colonnel in the front of the scene in his office, the background immidately behind him seem to be blurry. But only the area immediate behind and around him. the backgound area far from him is fine.


Has anybody experienced this blurring and glowing (seems to happen on lights in the background) problem ??

How do I fix this ?

Thanks !

Originally posted by Sango
I didn't believe that would of became an issue because my audience is amed for people who know which file format best suits the program. I do know for a fact that a member brought something similar to this before(in the thread somewhere in here) but they knew what they were doing.


With all due respect, I've never tried BlindWrite before, because I use other programs such as Nero. Given your vocal support for the program, I also wanted to take BW for a spin. This has nothing to do with me "not knowing what I'm doing".

Originally posted by Sango
Reguarding the picture difference, try the component out if you can as well because most of the results are under the assumption of component output. I'm also interested, if you also tried composite output to see your input. Oh yes, don't forget to let us know, which unit your are using since it wans't mentioned.

Oops sorry. This was for a Panasonic XP30. Unfortunately, since it's already been updated I can't really do a before/after for component/composite, since I wouldn't know what I would be looking for.

Hi ThisisHiFi:

Ahh I see now. Well I guess you could of PMed me about the program clarifications since it's your first try with BW before you had the coasters. It's ok I'll update the start thread in the next few days to clean things up.

Sango

webhead,

the glowing/streaking fire was intentional by spielberg. It's not the player. I remember reading about that quite a while ago. Don't worry, I don't think it's the player.

Aetherhole,

Thanks for the info about the streaking fire.. ..whew.... that's a relief !!!

I don't remember that last time I saw the movie... but I think you are right... what the heck does the streaking fire/glowing people represent ? Anyone knows.

And about The Last Castle, I never saw this on this player before so I don't know how it should look... but I find it weird that I got double images of those guards in the scene where the prisoners stage a scene to steal the flag from the colonnel's desk. And also the blurriness of a few background scenes.

Is the glowing stuff what people call the chroma bug ?

Originally posted by webhead
I don't remember that last time I saw the movie... but I think you are right... what the heck does the streaking fire/glowing people represent ? Anyone knows.

Check this thread out - WHAT ARE THOSE FIRE STREAKS IN SAVING PRIVATE RYAN? (http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?&postid=587108#post587108).

I successfully downgraded my RP-91's firmware after upgrade a long time ago, when I too suspected maybe something was wrong. There wasn't, so I upgraded again no problem.

JeffD, have you checked that Last Samurai scene on another player? Or popped it into your computer?

I think there's just a natural inclination to suspect the firmware of affecting the output picture positively or negatively, when in fact, firmware upgrades just don't have any effect on picture quality, which is a product of the electronic components and boards inside the unit. Firmware only affects operational things imo.

Steve

Hi Steve:

Just curious, how exactly do you downgrade? I heard from Panasonic that it wasn't possible but I do know some members here can do it. Hopefully you can shed the light on this?

Thanks

Sango

I just popped in the CD I had burned for the previous firmware release. This was 2.36 and 2.50, ie. after upgrading to 2.50, I popped in the my older 2.36 CD and it was read and applied. I'm pretty sure I recall that instead of getting the "this player needs the upgrade" prompt, it said "this player does not need the upgrade" but still gave me a yes/no prompt.

Steve

Thanks Steve:

Very interesting. Unforunately I don't have the previous firmware so I cannot test this out myself. So there is a way to to the previous. I need to obtain the disc myself to test unless someone wants to host the TR006 or 3R004 and give it a shot.

Once again, thanks

Sango

Sango,

You can download all earlier versions of the RP91 software (ISO or Nero disk images) from links on the original Panasonic Firmware Update Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96646). It is well documented on that thread that you simply pop in a disk with the old firmware and tell it to update to "downgrade" to an older version.

Joe

Steve, that method doesn't work. Yes there's no message and then the machine restarts and says the upgrade was applied. But... the version is still stuck at 2.62. This is what I rememeber from trying such a thing before.

It kind of makes sense that the firmare upgrade code would check to see that the version is newer, but... there are some real reasons why not. I'm a firmware engineer, I can see both cases.

The last samurai scene I did single frame step through the sequences where it's really obvious and the frames themselves are perfectly fine. It's either a DVD player or TV problem. I have a portable I'll try it with.


Funny on webhead's Saving Private Ryan comments, as soon as I started reading I had an idea where he was going with that. I remember seeing that and was weired out by it, I didn't remember seeing it in the theater.

Originally posted by DrJoe
Sango,

You can download all earlier versions of the RP91 software (ISO or Nero disk images) from links on the original Panasonic Firmware Update Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96646). It is well documented on that thread that you simply pop in a disk with the old firmware and tell it to update to "downgrade" to an older version.

Joe

Dr. Joe, you try this? I have many times and never got it to work.

I have a simple test on mp3 playback that won't work with versions older than 2.59. Just in case the display reading 262 I've checked the mp3 and they work so the firmware isn't going backwards.

I've tried 227, 236, 250 and 259

Hi DrJoe:

I only have the RP56/82 and A470EN so the RP91 link wouldn't work on my unit which is why I mentioned about the two discs in particular, but thanks for attemping thou.
--

Yeah, there must be some way to go back but there is no way I can find out unless I have the right disc. For the RP91 owners, they should be able to find out the exact methods to invoke the downgrade.

Sango

I updated my XP-30 last night without any problems. I noticed a slight picture difference but I didn't notice the improved layer change that I saw some people mention. I went to spot on toy story 2 where I know the layer change is and it seemed to be about the same length of time. I still appreciate all the efforts of Sango and this form to get this update out there.

I am happy to report back that there is no picture problem after upgrading to firmware v262 on my RP91.

I tested The Last Castle again on another player and TV, and those strange blurry background scenes and double images were present. That DVD is horribly encoded. It is very strange where part of the colonnel'
s office is blurry yet the rest of that scene is clear.

So I conclude that version 262 does not cause any problems to my knowledge.

Originally posted by Jeff D
Dr. Joe, you try this? I have many times and never got it to work.

I have a simple test on mp3 playback that won't work with versions older than 2.59. Just in case the display reading 262 I've checked the mp3 and they work so the firmware isn't going backwards.

I've tried 227, 236, 250 and 259

I haven't tried this (haven't had a reason to go back), but it seems to have worked for Stephen Smith (see his response a couple of posts up). I believe others on the old RP91 thread reported the same thing.

This is what Steve said:

"I just popped in the CD I had burned for the previous firmware release. This was 2.36 and 2.50, ie. after upgrading to 2.50, I popped in the my older 2.36 CD and it was read and applied. I'm pretty sure I recall that instead of getting the "this player needs the upgrade" prompt, it said "this player does not need the upgrade" but still gave me a yes/no prompt."

It could be that 262 is different than the old versions -- the old versions were RP91 only.

Have you read over the old thread?

If I have time, I'll see if I can "downgrade" from 262 and then upgrade tonight. I'm getting ready for a family vacation -- we leave tomorrow after I get off work, and will be coming back Monday night, so I might not be able to get to do it (or report on it) until next week.

Joe

Joe, yeah I have read through the other 91 firmware thread a couple of times in the past. Each time I'm surprised just how many folks have issues with buring a CD. =) I really wish there was a way to filter out all that content, the 29 pages of responses would be more like 10 if I could filter out the buring stuff.

I'd love to know if you can get it to work. Like I said, I've got an MP3 test that didn't work up until 2.59 and reverting back to 227 (or at least trying to) results in firmware version still stating 262 and the problem mp3s play fine. So... I suspect this is still 262.

Have a good vacation!

I bet one of these more recent firmware upgrades disabled the ability to go back. It was several releases ago when I switched back and forth.

Steve

OK...

This is NOT for the faint of heart.

I have 4 versions of the firmware for the RP91:

1)v.262
2)v.259
3)v.250
4)v.236

I do not have (and after this will probably download from the original RP91 firmware thread) v.227.

This is what happened:

I popped in v.259 and v.250. In both cases they played and went to a screen that said "Completed. Please Eject the Disc." Nothing happened otherwise.

V.236, however, brought up the "This player needs update. Do you Want to Update? Yes No" screen.

"No" was highlighted. I moved it to "Yes" and hit enter.

It updated (down-dated?), finally going to blank screen with the display reading "read". This made me nervous -- I expected the "Completed. Please Eject the Disc" screen. When I didn't get anything after 5 minutes, and with some trepidation, I shut down the RP91 and powered it up again. It turned on (whew!) so I popped in a DVD. The down-grade set the region number to zero (press Pause+Open on player, #6 on remote; first digit on display is the region number) -- I had to initialize the player to get it back to region 1. (Hit Pause, BWD Skip, and Open on the player until it says "initializing" then let go of pause and hit stop to get it to display "reset".) The DVD played fine and the region said it was 236 (pause+open, #7)

I then upgraded back to v.262. I had to reinitialize the player again -- it then said it was 262.

I decide to repeat the process for verification -- The 250 and 259 discs still don't work, the 236 disc brings up the "yes/no" update screen. I down-graded back to v236. This second time it went to the "Completed. Please Eject Disc" screen. I didn't have to reinitialize this time (it stayed region 1). It is updating back to v.262 as we type. After I finish I'll re-run the Service Disc 2 hacks just to be safe.

Anyways, my player has been able to go up and down -- but only down to v.236. You can upgrade from v.236 to v.250 or v.259. I don't know why this worked for me but not for you (you tried this you said, didn't you, Jeff?)

Good luck,

Joe

Very intresting findings Joe:

Hmm I wonder if someone is going to take a shot at using the RP91 firmware and just flash it on the RP82 unit in tricking it to downgrade and see if the unit still works.

Originally posted by Jeff D
Joe, yeah I have read through the other 91 firmware thread a couple of times in the past. Each time I'm surprised just how many folks have issues with buring a CD. =) I really wish there was a way to filter out all that content, the 29 pages of responses would be more like 10 if I could filter out the buring stuff.

Just caught your comment -- LOL!

Same here on this thread... I blows my mind how many people are unable to follow directions -- and unable to read the first few pages of a long thread..

Actually, for personal use, you can view the thread by clicking "show printable version" then "show all posts"; copy it all to word, then delete the garbage and save it to disk. After you do this, email me a copy! *grin*

Try downgrading to v.236 and let me know what happens...

Joe

hehehe! Well I did reramp the start thread a couple of times already to make it easier and still and some obvious typical questions keep comming up that there isn't need to answer until they can read.

I need to get an RP91 to test firmware lol! =P

Is there any difference between the JVB firmware update disk, and Sango's? My dial-up connection is only 20 kbps, it will take forever to make Sango's! I have the RP56 with original firmware.

PJresearcher:

The JVB version is used for the units which have the JVB mod kit inside the unit. However, you can ask JVB for the non-modified one, and then you will get the firmware in like a 9 meg file because it's only for the one particular unit while mine is for a bunch which explains the large file size.

Hope this helps

Sango

Great, thanks.

Last I looked, JVB was charging $15 for the non-modified firmware plus shipping.

They didn't charge before but now they are. This is why you download from here right? =)

An update on the RP91 and Last Samurai problem I see. I'm not so sure what's the problem. It's either the firmware, the cables or the TV. So, I tried two sets of cables, one my DIY cables and the monster component cables (normally connected). The problem was less obvious with my cables than the moster cables. This kind of makes sense if the red/blue offset was because of a timing difference between the three cables, odd, but... maybe.

I'll be trying to revert back and see what can happen with the different versions.

I tried the iso file and my rp-91 says it's the wrong region. I downloaded all the other options. The blind write seems to be a disc coping program. from disc drive to disc drive only. How do you burn the the down loaded file? There is now a updated blind write version 5. The 4.75 version would lock my computer up and I would have to reboot.

when I burned the iso disc a few weeks ago I had to burn it on my laptop because it's the only computer with easy cd creator installed. It burned nearly automatic like it was described in this thread, so I think it's right.

I must be stupid. there are , on most of these links there are 12 or more options and there is no reference to any of them am I supposed to know these choices?

maybe someone can mail me a disc,I don't seem to have the experience to burn these files. I will pay you what ever you think is fair for your time and expense. email me thedats@yahoo.com

Datman,

When the firmware burn finishes, it sets the region number to zero -- hence your region 1 disks won't play. You need to reinitialize the player to set it back to region 1. We have posted in a number of places how to do this -- you could read the first post on this thread or even my post a few replies ago. Hit Pause, BWD Skip, and Open on the player until it says "initializing" then let go of pause and hit stop to get it to display "reset". Then it should play properly. You can check to see what version number and region setting is by following the instructions in my response a few posts ago.

If it won't play region 1 discs anymore, then your upgrade with the ISO disc went properly...

Later

Joe

Hey Joe, I can confirm that 2.36 does work for a rollback point. I just let the player sit there for 5 minutes or so. I'm going to start playing around with seeing if I can figure out how to get the other versions to do the same (I think it's possible) I was also playing around with trying to use that disc as the foundation for a playable mpeg CD. that didn't work. =(

After rolling back to 2.36 I checked Last Samurai and it didn't look bad. I then upgraded to 2.62 and sure enough the same scene looks worse than with 2.36. NOW, this is 100% totally subjective and very tough to tell if it's me or what. I'm not convinced it's the player but nor am I convinced it's not the player.

I'm trying to figure out if I can generate any test clips. Fast moving dark objects on a light white/grey background.... anyone have ideas on other movies like this? (I've got more than 900 dvds, good chance I'll have any suggested titles)

Where exactly is this scene in Last Samurai time-wise? I just got the disc from Netflix so I can check it out too...

Also, Sango: is the special service disc that disables regions and macrovision the same disc specifed by Panasonic to use for jitter adjustment?

Steve

Hi Steve:

Two of the tests on the SVC Disc #2 are the same on the test disc but it doesn't seem doesn't seem to be a disc for jittering because it doesn't have the option to test inner and outter on SVC Disc #2 when compared to the test disc.

Sango

ATTENTION German Users. Please don´t flash the Firmware Upgrade on your PAL Panasonic DVD Player. This is a NTSC Version.Your Player is no more usable.I write this Text now in german for users they don´t understanding english.

Achtung, Bitte benutzt dieses Firmwareupdate nicht auf eurem PAL Panasonic DVD Player.Dies ist eine NTSC Version.Ihr könnt danach euren Player nicht mehr gebrauchen.


Sango please take this Text in your first post. Thanks

DJCoci

Sorry for my bad english

DJCoci:

I do not believe there are PAL versions of the untis which are listed in the firmware list since I never heard of them. If so, can you please list them because these units in the list are NTSC.

From the sounds of it, the firmware is being used on a model other than the ones listed in the thread.

Sango

That is not right. The RA61 is a PAL Model. And RA61 is in your list.

Ok that's strange.

The previous (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=3706844&fullpage=1) version lists it there, but it maybe targeted for the NTSC based if you look in the shot. Also notice the full firmware version display to double check against the PAL based.

Just curious, did you actually try this out? Since there supposingly another RA61, did it happen to have an extra hidden letter in the model number which isn't mentioned? (ie. RP62(Faroudja), RP62Z(non-Faroudja)).

Can anyone tell me how i downgrade my RA61 now? Or can anyone tell me where i get the PAL Version for my Player.Thanks

You're going to have to talk to the appropriate Panasonic country where your unit is from and ask for it. What is your full firmware display?

Honestly, I wouldn't know if there are two versions of the players even existed. I'm editing the thread for that.

Are you saying your unit doesn't even work or you can't see anything? You could contact JVB but I'm not sure how they can help since they too also list 262 for RA61.

Here you can see my Model:
http://www.areadvd.de/hardware/panasonicdvdra61.shtml

Here is my Firmware number:V100 S0G262

This is the number after my upgrade. I don´t know which number it was before my upgrade. I think the last three digits are 015.

Well I guess if there was an English version it would give me a better idea. I assume yours is a stock model? Also please tell me what exactly your unit is doing now. You did say it's unusable but a few members including myself who are reading at this moment currently and discussing among each other are not quite sure about the exact details.

Thanks

My english is very bad,but my Setup Menu was in German. Now it is english and french.The DVD Logo is now grey and flickering. I know this comes from the NTSC version. And now i can no DVD playing.It is Region 1.And in Germany we have Region 2. I hope you know what i mean. The DVD Player was 2001 in all German shops.I think this is not a stock model.

Hi DJCoci:

I understand your situation. I'm going to get in contact with JVB to find out if they happen to have the correct firmware for your unit to correct this issue. This will take at least a week before I find out the answer.

Sango

Steve, the fog battle I believe is chapter 9. It's pretty obvious which scene it is, the first encounter with the samurai. Where I notice it is mostly with silouettes moving quickly across the screen, either on horse back, or being thrown from horses, etc. The other scene is where there's an isolation shot on a single officer, younger japanese guy, he turns and runs away. The effect is like what you'd see with bad convergence, or the same as the red-blue shift 3-D images. Around the edges between black and white(grey) would be the areas to check.

I'm curious to hear what you see.

Many thanks for your help Sango. I wait for your answer.

DJ,

Have you tried resetting the unit?

When we upgrade the RP91 it sets the region number to 0 -- and region 1 discs won't play until you reset the unit. To reset it, we press "Pause", "Backward Skip" (double back arrows), and "Tray Open" on the player until it says 'initializing' on the dispay, and then let go of "Pause" and hit "Stop" to get it to display 'reset'.

Sango, do you suppose the RP61 is reset with the same codes as the RP91?

Later

Joe

Couldn't somebody just burn and sell (or rent) the discs to save us non-geeks the almost impossible learning curve in getting up to speed on this: finding the link (which seems to be gone), downloading the burn-in software, extracting the files from the download, figuring out the arcane settings, etc., etc., etc. At one point, I went directly to page 17 and 18 on this thread, as directed, only to find that the links were non-functional. Enough! The instructions posted on AVS for setting up an NEX XG projector -- no small thing -- are simpler!

Sheesh.

I'd be willing to pay for someone's XP50 disc -- say $20, plus shipping. And for you entrepreneurial types in need of extra cash, I daresay there are many others who won't want to waste over an hour-and-a-half going through this interminable thread (and I've skipped over dozens and dozens of the non-gemaine posts, and I'm still not done) only to be less sure now than when I started about precisely where to get what software and downloads, and exactly what to do once I have them.

Hello DrJoe,yes i have made a reset on my Panasonic RA61. It is the same way as by the RP91.

deleted

PF:

Depending on when you read it, the correct links and general information references are at the start thread when it was revised which doesn't take much time as you stated to find what you're looking for. I have removed them recently until futher notice.

There is no "geek" stuff involved. Back when I didn't know about those two burning programs exist. 1 minute of tips from a friend of mine demonstrating and I was able to do it on my own very easily because it's straight foward.

If you had questions you could of PMed me like several members have, however as I said a couple of times througout the thread, I will not answer the question retaining to where the download links are since the revision above.

Sango
================

I can also send the firmware disc myself too because a number of members have PMed by just asking and letting me know their situation.

If anyone really can't burn the CDs themselves PM me, I'll help you out. I an't going to charge you for this, as I can't and shouldn't but I'm not going to send it on my dime.

Sango,

You must be kidding me. I can't even follow the first paragraph in your response to my post above. Are the links there, or aren't they????? Talk about frustrating.

Don't get me wrong. I understand and appreciate all the work that you've done which is quite apparent. Thank you. But I'm hardly a neophyte when it comes to computers, and I'm telling you that there is nothing -- I repeat, nothing -- straightforward about this thread or the instructions contained within. None of you have careers to look forward to in the Owner's Manual writing profession, I assure you.

Now, I don't doubt that with someone looking over my shoulder giving me "tips," as you put it, I could do this, too, pretty easily. And maybe if I had a few hours to spend on it, I might even be able to figure it all out by myself. But I don't, and I'm sure many others here don't, either.

So, again, let me say that I'll be very happy to pay anyone who'd like to mail me the disk for my XP50. I'll immediately Paypal the amount and my shipping address. Send me a PM with your Paypal User ID.

PF:

The links were on the start thread for about a month before I removed them recently, check the edit date. As I said, it won't be back until further notice.

Since I'm only providing the firmware a big favor, therefore I didn't need to explain how to burn it in detail. Initially when the thread was started, the image was only supplied in BlindWrite format, no references on settings, software etc because it is expected for users to look them up. This similarly applies to how I obtained the firmware in the first place.

The programs does takes a a few minutes to understand, not hours because you just need to perform a few clicks. When programs/tips where shown to me, all I really needed to know were like selecting subcodes and DAO + PW, not the step by step instructions. Basically the key points were explained while I just watched him on-the-fly just doing it as he normally does without question because it is really easy.

I do appreciate what you say but I'll only do so much.

Sango

Search for "Panasonic DVD Firmware"

This is the zipped ISO version.

Anyone found any freeware to allow me to burn a CD-R image that will work on my RP-91 Player??

I have a freeware Windows XP Explorer plugin, and I tried that, but the player says this disc cannot be read.

Thx!!

-- Cain

Originally posted by Sango
...When programs/tips where shown to me, all I really needed to know were like selecting subcodes and DAO + PW...Sango

I rest my case.



Originally posted by Kevin T
Search for "Panasonic DVD Firmware"

This is the zipped ISO version.

KevinT,

That search didn't work. Only when I searched for "ISO" did I eventually find it.

For all you civilians, the file to download is in post No.484 on page 25 of this thread. After you download it, you have to burn it to a CDR. Then stick it into your DVD player. After the player is upgraded, make sure you unplug it and plug it back in to give it a hard re-start and reset all of your player's settings.

Why Sango couldn't have said simply that, I have no idea.

Well, it didn't work. The DVD player (XP50) can't read the CDR. Is there some special software that one needs to burn the CD other than what my computer defaults to? And where shall I get that?

What a pain. I started this at 6:30AM. It's now 8:15. So much time wasted because of unclear, disjointed, and incomplete instructions.

PF:

The links were gone from the start because changes are going to be made to it. Also the original links posted by Kevin are going to be gone because of issues which he informed me of.

I could say what you did on the last paragraph but there needs to be more info. This also applies on how to burn it as well. Nero 6 will work with ISO, not much to worry about that. BlindWrite use the BW image. For BW however, you need to know a bit more because when enabling PW, your burner has to support it(don't force it on if it isn't selectable) - this requires you to know about your own hardware.

I would imagine that Nero 5 also works with ISO - just what are people using out there? I think Nero is one of the most popular utilities for buring CDs.

I believe I recall there were issues with Nero 5 which some members brought up because it was creating faulty discs. Nero 6(using ISO format) is the solution to the problem. BlindWrite can do it as well(use BW format), but the right settings need to be on and it sort of relies on if your hardware supports the settings or not.

Originally posted by PF
Well, it didn't work. The DVD player (XP50) can't read the CDR. Is there some special software that one needs to burn the CD other than what my computer defaults to? And where shall I get that?

What a pain. I started this at 6:30AM. It's now 8:15. So much time wasted because of unclear, disjointed, and incomplete instructions.

The first CD I burned with Roxio on cheap 8X media at 8X speed was not recognized by the XP30. I'm not familiar with burning ISO's so I had just dragged and dropped the ISO file in the burner interface. Not sure if that was the correct way to handle the ISO file.

Anyway, thought I would give it another try (media was cheap after all). This time I right clicked on the ISO file and a context menu came up with the option to "Record to CD" so I chose that and burned at 4X. It worked, XP-30 recognized the disk and did the upgrade. I suppose it could have been the speed change that helped with the cheap media.

The original poster has no obligation to teach the rest of us how to burn CD's. He did a great service by providing the files and pointing us in the right direction.

Originally posted by Kitty Burgers
I would imagine that Nero 5 also works with ISO - just what are people using out there? I think Nero is one of the most popular utilities for buring CDs.

And one of the crappiest...


As Jim S pointed out, there's a lot more to burning discs than just clicking and or maybe dragging. I'd never use either of those techniques, I'd also work from within the application and look for a "create disc from image" or something like that.

Then, don't burn at 40x, just because your burner can do it doesn't be the target hardware can read it! Burn slower results in more compatible discs. Also, trusted media is also key. I'd stay away from kypro (whatever they are), GQ or others like that. I can't say I've had good luck with most of those discs. Yes we could get into a flame war over this, but I've been buring discs for almost 20 years, and I've learned a few tricks in that time.

Other options like Disc At Once (DAO) or multisession settings can also screw up your disc so it won't be readable. Don't ever make a multisession disc, make sure it's a closed disc.

Hi Jim S:

Thanks. Since I am going to reramp the start when the new links are ready, I am going to put some instructions for a better direction but not step by step since I already did provide the firmware as a big favor as I mentioned.

If I were to do it step by step, AVS is not the place to do it because this is about hometheater, not computer software. If anyone has questions, they can just PM if they are really lost.

Sango

Sango -

You've done all of us a big favor, and we appreciate it. Please don't be put off by one or two rude comments from people who won't take responsibility for acheiving the basic level of knowledge needed to use what you provided.

Thanks again.

Originally posted by acourvil
Sango -
You've done all of us a big favor, and we appreciate it. Please don't be put off by one or two rude comments from people who won't take responsibility for acheiving the basic level of knowledge needed to use what you provided.
Thanks again.
Agreed and one step further, those that won't take responsibility for achieving the basic level of knowledge of their own personal computer and its functionality really have no place in this thread.
ISO files have been around for years. nero ultra 6.0 trial is free.
http://www.nero.com/us/nero6-ultraedition.php

Sango you did a job well,
I thank you for your tireless/countless hours spent on this thread helping others.

Jeff,
I didn't see anything at all like you described in that scene in Last Samurai.

I have now revised the start thread which contains every applicable model the update applies to since I have obtained the original disc with documentation!! You'll be suprized what's in store!!

Making a new thread because the official disc which I have has lots of more stuff!!

Originally posted by Sango
I have obtained the original disc with documentation!! You'll be suprized what's in store!!
Well since it may be a day or two before a host is found, Are you willing to let the cat out of the bag within this thread?
Please elaborate more about this surprise...
If not my PM is always on ;)

I updated the start thread here and made the new thread. If you look there, that's what's different now.

A lot more models supported!

Sango,
Yes I did find that thread prior to my last comments.
Maybe it was just me, but I was hoping that maybe you found
a way to disable both macro/region.
Just my thoughts running away
I guess the service #2 disc is still the only way :(

In case anyone wants it, I'm in the process of uploading the firmware to alt.binaries.multimedia.utilities as I did back in March. The files should be there in a couple of hours. Look for the title "Panasonic DVD player firmware".

Originally posted by Omen
In case anyone wants it, I'm in the process of uploading the firmware to alt.binaries.multimedia.utilities as I did back in March. The files should be there in a couple of hours. Look for the title "Panasonic DVD player firmware". Files are already there and complete on the Road Runner server. Are these the same as the earlier files with just the updated info from page one of this thread ?? Thanks.

Originally posted by Yawny
Files are already there and complete on the Road Runner server. Is this the same as the earlier files with just the updated info from page one of the start thread ?? Thanks.

That was fast :)

They are the same files as I posted from March. I don't read this thread much anymore, since I've already updated my RP-62. I just checked in and saw that the download links were removed, so I thought I'd just upload the firmware again.

The disc I have which even has more firmwares(140M) on it is not the same as the one I released originally(94M). There wouldn't be much point having link of the previous one while I get the new firmwares up.

Reguarding disabling region/macrovision, the only thing I would say is to use SVC Disc #2 or get the JVB mod kit.

OMG, I haven't been here in a long time. I had to register again "forgot ID and PASS", BAH. I see there is a new software outthere, which i'm missing out on.

Sango, i see u are doing a great job on providing a new software update for most models for everyone to enjoy, that's great.

Even thou i feel left out since all the links are out of spec. can anyone provide me with a link to be able to download this new firmware. I've noticed that this software is larger then the 259. (I'll pay if requested)

Problem- I've noticed that with my RP91 i can't select the icons on a VCD that has slideshows and video, has anyone had this problem. It works well when when i burn it on a DVD, on a VCD i have to click on the corresponding # in order to view.

I'm assuming that we still can't play SVCD on our RP91's even with the new update.

I'ven't read the whole thread but, any info on how I can get the SVC Disc #2 aswell

I need to catch up on this Thread, need to read 1 - wow pg 35.

Lol!!
Hi Ninja:

Well I did make a new thread but but it got pushed down to the next page of the forum on my end and that's where I'll start clean there. The firmware disc isn't up fo grabs yet. We're testing several different images to assure members can burn a working copy.

There is already info on how to get SVC Disc #2, gotta search for it thou.

Sango

Originally posted by Sango
Lol!!
Hi Ninja:

Well I did make a new thread but but it got pushed down to the next page of the forum on my end and that's where I'll start clean there. The firmware disc isn't up fo grabs yet. We're testing several different images to assure members can burn a working copy.

There is already info on how to get SVC Disc #2, gotta search for it thou.

Sango

Thanks Sango, i'll be on the lookout.

I was probably one of the 1st one to buy this RP91K and it has been great ever since (a whole lot of new firmwares were introduced), i still want to keep it alive and kicking, till a decent dvd burner gets introduced into the market.

I can tell you that the the Faroudja based units, the firmware versions do remain the same as the one previously provided. This one has a lot more firmware and it may also cure some members who were unable to flash their unit for some unknown reason as it doesn't accept a correct burned disc.

Sango

Omen, thanks for posting in the newsgroup, I got your post. My friend has an RV31, does anyone know what's new/fixed, and if there's any difference between the March f/w and the 5/25 f/w for this model (it appears there is, the numbers are different?) Can someone PM me the link for the 5/25 f/w ISO, or perhaps post that to the newsgroup also? Thanks :)

How can anyone if I haven't send the firmware to anybody yet? You need to wait a bit because were making sure people will get a burning copy. Also the differences are already explained above and the new thread.

People can keep asking but that won't change when it will come out. I might just call it off if people keep asking because they didn't read.

I'll serve the files off of our corporate site if you want. Just PM me.

Doing this for two reasons:

1) Need the file
2) Have lots of gig's left on the server.

rmcgirr83,

I've PM'd you for the files.

Thanks,

Jason

Just sit tight and wait. Trying to ask other people for it won't help either because it's just me and the host that have it right now - we're not ready and no, will not release it privately if you ask through PM.

Sorry, I misunderstood the post. My bad.

I appreciate your help Sango.


Jason

Hi Jason:

It's ok. I don't prefer people asking the similar questions over and over when it's already mentioned. Well I was going to upload it to rmcgirr83 but I can't upload to corporate for corporate reasons so it will be the host who's the one.
============

If anyone wants to get mailed a copy of the firmware, PM me. $10 dollars is reasonable(shipping included) and can be paid by PalPal.

Sango

I tried...waiting patiently for the upload.

I wish I can upload to the UW campus but it's against policy for hosting anything.

Originally posted by Sango
How can anyone if I haven't send the firmware to anybody yet? You need to wait a bit because were making sure people will get a burning copy. Also the differences are already explained above and the new thread.

People can keep asking but that won't change when it will come out. I might just call it off if people keep asking because they didn't read.
Oh I see and we're all supposed to be mind readers and know that right? :D

I also searched this entire thread and found nothing suggesting what's new for the RV31. Being as you seem to know all, care to enlighten us as to where this mystical 'what's new' list is??

Basically all the units in general have some changes. Most of us have Faroudja based units and commented on it. For some reason the non-Faroudja based people didn't, which I have no idea why but the changes should be similar or you're going to have to observe to see for yourself.

I think you already know Panasonic never documents firmware changes so we all have to go by observations as you noticed in the thread. Yes people should read....!! Epseically pages 34 and 35 of the thread when I mentioned about the changes so when your post came in, you'll know what I was referring to.

Also keep an eye on the start thread itself because I do update that as well for a general reference.

Sango

Yeah the RV31 isn't Faroudja based. :)

I read the last 2 pages, didn't see much of interest.

Thanks for keeping the OP updated, appreciate it.

Omen if you get the image (when Sango is gracious enough to release it) and could post it I'm sure many would appreciate it (I'm a newsgroup hound myself, didn't even know something like this was out until Omen's post).

I guess the biggest questions are does it make any difference with SVCD's and recognizing media? I know the 31 doesn't do SVCD and it's DVD media support is spotty at best.

Oh it's ok glassvial.

Well I do wish I can see non-Faroudja based reuslts, they gotta say something! =)

Actaully I am going to release it soon, its' going to be different than expected since I'm making it more friendly - you'll see the end result! =)

I noted that the SVCD playback ability has improved from what members said who had issues with it playing back before. Since I don't have SVCD I'm unable to experience this myself but for those members who did, they can fill their comments here. DVD media support for RV31, unknown!! We need testers!

Sango

Ok I'll tell my friend to at least get the March update (which I have thanks to Omen) and try that, can always update to the May rls later. I'm sure he'll be very happy if it can play SVCD's, and even happier if it has better DVD media support.

And anything that's more user friendly is a good thing, just ask Bill Gates LOL

Originally posted by glassvial
Omen if you get the image (when Sango is gracious enough to release it) and could post it I'm sure many would appreciate it (I'm a newsgroup hound myself, didn't even know something like this was out until Omen's post).

No problem glassvial; I'll post it as soon as I get it.

The disc is really as of December of 2003 but it's loaded! =)

I think for clarity's sake you better leave it as the "May" disc ;) It would also appear that the RV31's f/w is newer on the May disc than the March disc, correct?

Yes it is true that the disc I have does have a newer RV31 firmware.

heheh!
March Disc = April
May = December

These are the correct dates of when they were documented.

Sorry guys, but the firmware has been cancelled =(

Huh?

ehehehh! =P

You damn Canadians :P

Doh you got me there! Well it's fresh in the green! come on in!

Just d/l'ed it. 144MB ISO, right? I think that's what your post said before you edited it? Pretty cool breakdown of everything on that site link.

Yeah. I liked the web version better since it's more organized so I took it off the start thread because I got a bit thrown off myself a few times reading it.

Yeah reading everything in the table/chart/whatever you want to call it is much easier. This is certainly unusual, you almost never see f/w updates for "big name" DVD players, usually just the el-cheapo chinese ones (but then those are usually hacked firmwares) ;)

I'll give my friend a call tomorrow and let him know I've got this, I'm curious to see what it does (if anything).

Thanks :)

hey, my canadian brother...:)

caught Omen's post on the NG - that's what brought me to the thread. Got a 32 and 82, the update worked great on the 32, but barfed on the 82. Only a couple months ago I brought it in to Panny here, and upgraded to 300 (wanted to get rid of the pauses on some DVD-A's, no such luck)

The upgrade screen comes up, click yes, wait, reboot's the machine, "can't read disc of this type".

1x burn (using ver 5 of the software, with the tweak to allow for 1x burning)

In 36+ pages I haven't seen a solution yet, anyone?

Great post guys, thanks so much. If panny were smart, they'd do this legit and just bloody well post it on their website.

Not sure but ver 5 of software of?

From what I know is that 1x is no longer available on current units. Your best bet is to use 4x, which is the current minimum now.

Besides, I already have a new firmware out so hopefully that may fix your problem. Plus also read the instructions there too!

My guess is version 5.x of bw.

If he means that, then I guess it's sort of wrong. Well since I have specified what programs to use for this new firmware, hopefully things will go a lot more smoothly now.

EXCELLENT

Big thanks to Sango and KevinT for this.

Downloading right now (wish I had 6 Mbps DSL but alas 1.5 will have to do).

Going to do a 1600, will let everyone know how it turns out.

Nice job guys.;)

Thanks to Sango for all his hard work.

I did the download last night at 50.6kbs while I was sleeping. Took over 4 hours for anyone else thinking about this 84 meg download (for Nero).

I'll be clearer... :)

I'd never used BW before (a cloneCD guy, I guess) so I dl'd the latest version from their site, ver. 5.x. There's no way of selecting burn speed, so I used the tweakBW to select 1x burning. My burner's a Yamaha SCSI unit that does allow for 1x burning.

On my '32 unit, the process went smoothly, but on my RP-82, it plays for a few minutes, goes through the whole process, does it's reboot, and THEN says "disc cannot be read".

Eject the disc, put it back in, and the "this player needs to be upgraded" screen comes up. There's another with the same prob about 25 pages back, but I couldn't find a resolution to their prob.

I got the version from the a.b.multimedia.utils last night, no ver. number on the release. Is there a -newer- version than that?

Besides, it's not that I didn't read the instructions, although, with this forum and many others, I can certainly see why that assumption could be made... :)

The one that was posted in the newsgroups was the "March" release the one available from the website now is the newer "May" release. I downloaded the ISO, you may want to try that one.

jeez, you guys are quick. just walked down the stairs from my laptop, re-checked the .nfo and say I was wrong, it was March not May, was about to edit the post, and BANG! there's a response.

god bless the internet... heh.

I'll try the newer ISO, what the hell.

Yeah some of us have no lives <BG>

Good luck!

...and some of us like making this thread EVEN BIGGER!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHHAAAAA!

(*cough*)

found the site OK (the link was posted -after- I started looking for it, so, well, I don't totally suck...) Burning now the NERO, 1x, DAO, blah blah.

Thanks to all for hosting it, for getting it out, etc. And, despite the fact that the NG version was old, it let me find this thread, and for that I'm grateful. (I had given up on my "RP-82 firmware update" searches on AVS, I'd just be depressed as all the '91ers would have their happy updates, and I'd be left sad... :(

heheh

Isn't that always the way?

And Omen's ng post is what led me here also. The only thing I've ever seen for Panasonic players is the mythical "service disc" that can't be copied and isn't available in the US, and those who have it let it out for a several hundred dollar deposit. While this disc obviously is quite different than that, it does raise some interesting potential possibilities!

success...:)

took two times to go through (first time once again locked on ver 300) but it's now showing f/w 302 on my RP-82.

Put in the queen disc and... well, same problem (the dvd-a layer both queen discs from DTS put pauses between tracks, almost like a layer change, while the DTS layer plays fine...go figure). Ah, well. Still, is great to have the latest and greatest fw for my baby! :)

thanks once again to all for their help...

I've just uploaded Sango's new May 2004 Panasonic firmware to alt.binaries.multimedia.utilities . The upload consists of 6 RAR's of the ISO image, an NFO file, and 7 PAR2's. In the NFO file I listed the player models supported for the new firmware, and a link to the firmwareupdate.us web page.

To find the files, search for "Panasonic DVD Firmware Update 2004-05" in that newsgroup.

groovypants... thanks once again to all that helped with this release, great to see everyone helping one another out.

Hi sharkshark:

It could be something to do with the disc, not always the player. Since I have multiple Panasonic units (4 RP82s and 2 RP56s), I usually test my discs on all units and see if they show the same consistancy, if so then I go talk to the manufacture and see what they can do.
---------------
Reguarding the service yes, yes it cannot be copied use general purpose burners. Attempting to do so and using it on your unit is guarented you're going to an authorized service center for repair. The only way to do it is using an authorized burner and media.

You don't need to pay lots of dollars because if you do some good hunting you can find a good source and you can get it for $<20 dollars which works.

Sango

Ps: This is a December 2003 disc, not May! =)

Originally posted by glassvial
Isn't that always the way?

And Omen's ng post is what led me here also. The only thing I've ever seen for Panasonic players is the mythical "service disc" that can't be copied and isn't available in the US, and those who have it let it out for a several hundred dollar deposit. While this disc obviously is quite different than that, it does raise some interesting potential possibilities!

It isn't "mythical" -- it is real. It is available in the US. I have a copy. I PM'd you information on how to get one yourself (for $15).



Joe

Sango,

I have a pioneer DVD burner that I would like to use to burn this CD-R. However, in the Blind Write screen it doesn't check either
"Support RAW pq"
or
"Support RAW pw"

When it burns the only option I have is "SAO Cooked"

What does this mean?

don't use this type of software ever, so this is all new to me.

Can you help?


Thanks,

Jason

I suppose I could use NERO to try it. Does anyone know how to get an evaluation copy of NERO?

Originally posted by J Borsh
I suppose I could use NERO to try it. Does anyone know how to get an evaluation copy of NERO?

Nero 6 Ultra Demo (http://www.nero.com/us/nero6-ultraedition.php).

Omen,

So I got the Demo (Thanks a bunch).

So I just double click the file and Nero launches and then click 4x speed and burn? Is there anything else to be mindful of?

It's just a different burning method but SAO cooked does work.
Just to note: SAW raw doesn't so don't try it even thou it's selectable because it's going to be a coaster!

Yeah just use Nero, it should be fine. Just look at the screen shot for reference.

BlindWrite is more advanced so if you're not confortable using it, then use Nero.

Sango

Originally posted by J Borsh
So I just double click the file and Nero launches and then click 4x speed and burn? Is there anything else to be mindful of?

That's all there is to it. My Nero 6 defaults to track-at-once, so I just left it at that; the disk is created fine. I also used 8x (my lowest speed available) without any problems.

Good luck!

Yup! the screen shot there and the caption does say that too! =) I should make it more explicity later on tonight since I gotta run.

Originally posted by Sango
Sango

Ps: This is a December 2003 disc, not May! =) [/B]
Dec. 2003 from Panasonic, May 2004 to the grateful masses ;)

Hmm, now how should I label this disc? Panasonic DVD firmware updates, Dec 03/May 04? :)

Originally posted by DrJoe
It isn't "mythical" -- it is real. It is available in the US. I have a copy. I PM'd you information on how to get one yourself (for $15).

Joe
Cool thanks, replied to your PM.

Hey Sango,

First of all thanks again for all your hard work getting these updates to all of us. Why Panasonic doesn't make them available is the big mystery.

Anyway I downloaded the new file in the Nero .nrg format and clicked on the icon. Nero (v6.3.1.10) opened and I put a blank CDR in my drive. But the only speed option available was 40x. Nothing slower, nothing faster, just 40x.

So I went back and downloaded the .iso (thank you Road Runner) and tried it in Nero. Same thing...only 40x is available. I took a chance and burned the disc and it came out fine.

Loaded it in my RP-91 and it came up that my player did not need the update. I knew that already because I updated it with the previous disc you provided. Just wanted to see if the disc I burned at 40x was OK.

So I ejected the disc but accidentally closed the tray and the disc loaded again. This time though it went through the usual reading process, but told me the update was completed. I checked the firmware and it still says 262 as before.

I went back and re-entered my settings and everything is fine. Also note that the macrovision I had turned off with SD2 stayed off, unlike the last time I updated from v250 to v262. Guess it doesn't touch the macrovision if the player isn't updated, just the player settings are reset back to default.

Anyway that's my experience. Thanks again and keep us posted about any new updates!

All,

Well I did complete the burn and update.

I am not sure of the actual updates that are supposed to be happening, but it does seem to give better colors through my projector.


<raising a glass to Sango>

Salute!

J Borsh

It would be nice if you listed the player that you updated.

Burned the disk and started watching LOTR ROTK last night, got an hour into it. I'll be doing the update tonight and post my impressions (Denon DVD-1600, 42" Panny plasma, ISF'ed).

After applying the update to my RP91, I now find that the player doesn't want to read my DVD-Ram disks. Has anybody else experienced this?

Keith Smith

I never knew RP91 could read RAM discs unless it was a modded unit and you flashed it. BTW: What is the previous firmware you had?

I have a Panasonic DVD recorder that records the DVD-RAM video discs that I've been playing on my RP91. I found a copy of the version 236 RP91 firmware that I've re- installed. After a little bit of playing with the settings, my DVD-RAM discs are playing again.

I had also tried version 259 of the RP91 software and wasn't getting my RP91 to read the DVD-RAM disks.

Keith Smith

Updated my friend's DVD player this afternoon. No change, SVCD's still don't play correctly and the troublesome DVD media still doesn't work either. Oh well, at least it's updated from 333 to 399, if that matters.

Well it can depend on how you burned them on the disc as well. It's hard to tell without very detailed info.

Well, some DVD-R media works, some doesn't, all burned in the same fashion. SVCD's stutter no matter what.

Please no longer PM me for info on who to get the Pansonic Service Disc #2 from. I have been told that there is only one person on the AVS Forum who has permission to do so. You need to PM him directly. He does not wish to be publicly identified as to who he is -- you are supposed to figure it out on your own.

thanks,

Joe

Originally posted by Sango
I never knew RP91 could read RAM discs unless it was a modded unit and you flashed it.

FYI,

RP91:

Playback Capabilities:
1. DVD-Video (Including DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM)
2. DVD-Audio
3. CD (Including CD-R and CD-RW)
4. MP3s encoded CD but not MP3s encoded on DVD
5. Video-CD (VCD) but not SVCD



Bill

Yup I agree too. Please specify the unit that you did =)

Originally posted by Mr. Biggles
FYI,

RP91:

Playback Capabilities:
1. DVD-Video (Including DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM)
2. DVD-Audio
3. CD (Including CD-R and CD-RW)
4. MP3s encoded CD but not MP3s encoded on DVD
5. Video-CD (VCD) but not SVCD



Bill

You should probably note that SVCD's will play if burned with the header trick (I think I verified that at one point).

Joe

Originally posted by DrJoe
You should probably note that SVCD's will play if burned with the header trick (I think I verified that at one point).

The VCD header trick for playing SVCD's works great with my RP-62, so I would expect it to work just as well on an RP-91.